bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silicone and scleroderma revisited
Authors: Lidar M , Agmon-Levin N , Langevitz P , Shoenfeld Y
Published: January 2012

Silicone, a synthetic polymer considered to be a biologically inert substance, is used in a multitude of medical products, the most publicly recognized of which are breast implants. Silicone breast implants have been in use since the early 1960s for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes, and reports of autoimmune disease-like syndromes began appearing in the medical literature soon thereafter. Over the previous year, silicone implants have been suggested as playing a role in a new syndrome that encompasses a wide array of immune-related manifestations, termed ASIA (‘Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvant’). Scleroderma, a relatively rare connective tissue disease with skin manifestations and systemic effects, has also been described in association with silicone implantation and rupture. However, epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have failed to corroborate the clinical impression of silicone-induced scleroderma. The following review describes the mechanisms by which silicone may mediate autoimmunity in general, as well as the evidence for causal associations with more specific autoimmune syndromes in general, and scleroderma in particular.
Some common errors of experimental design, interpretation and inference in agreement studies
Authors: Erdmann TP , De Mast J , Warrens MJ
Published: January 2012

We signal and discuss common methodological errors in agreement studies and the use of kappa indices, as found in publications in the medical and behavioural sciences. Our analysis is based on a proposed statistical model that is in line with the typical models employed in metrology and measurement theory. A first cluster of errors is related to nonrandom sampling, which results in a potentially substantial bias in the estimated agreement. Second, when class prevalences are strongly nonuniform, the use of the kappa index becomes precarious, as its large partial derivatives result in typically large standard errors of the estimates. In addition, the index reflects rather one-sidedly in such cases the consistency of the most prevalent class, or the class prevalences themselves. A final cluster of errors concerns interpretation pitfalls, which may lead to incorrect conclusions based on agreement studies. These interpretation issues are clarified on the basis of the proposed statistical modelling. The signalled errors are illustrated from actual studies published in prestigious journals. The analysis results in a number of guidelines and recommendations for agreement studies, including the recommendation to use alternatives to the kappa index in certain situations.
Watched by the Games: Surveillance and security at the Olympics
Authors: Sugden John
Published: January 2012

Every four years the Summer Olympic Games fires the imagination of the largest and most diverse sport spectatorship and entices them in their hundreds of thousands to some of the First World’s most iconic and crowded cities. In addition, the ideological symbolism associated with the Olympic Games is rooted in Western, liberal democratic values and traditions. For those who do not share these ideals the Olympics represent something to stand against and, in extremity, disrupt and violate. In short, in a post-9/11 world, the Olympics provide a mouth-watering target for terrorists. Using themes of surveillance drawn form from Bentham and Foucault, this article analyses the nature of the terrorist threat and scale of the security operation designed to ensure the safety of the London 2012 Olympic Games. It concludes by considering the consequences of these measures on the city of London, particularly in terms of the civil liberties of its citizenry.
Survivors of self-inflicted stab wounds
Authors: Gerard Andrew , de Moore Gregory , Nielssen Olav , Large Matthew
Published: January 2012

Objective: There are a number of studies describing the survivors of self-incised wounds, but few studies have described the psychiatric condition of survivors of self-inflicted stab wounds. We aimed to describe the characteristics of a complete series of patients treated for self-inflicted stab wounds in a major hospital, and to compare the characteristics of patients with psychotic illness to those with other conditions.

Methods: A review of the files of all patients who had a psychiatric evaluation after presenting for treatment following deliberate self-harm. Stab wounds were defined as wounds made by a sharp instrument in which the width was less than the depth.

Results: There were 41 survivors of self-inflicted stab wounds among 2119 patients assessed after deliberate self-harm. Of these, 15 were diagnosed with a psychotic illness and the remainder had other conditions, including depression, personality disorder and substance use disorder. There was little difference in the demographic features, clinical variables and in the proportion who were intoxicated between patients diagnosed with psychotic illness and those with other disorders. The patients with psychosis were more likely to have inflicted multiple stab wounds, to have stabbed their chest or abdomen and to have reported the intention of committing suicide.

Conclusions: The results suggest that a significant proportion of patients who present for treatment after stabbing themselves suffer from a psychotic illness. However, there were few differences in the characteristics of the patients who had a diagnosis of psychosis and those with other disorders.
Prediction of damage zone in hot forging die and suggesting proper heat treatment for improving die service life
Authors: Tahmasebi M , Emadoddin E
Published: January 2012

In the present research, using MSC Super Forge simulation software and analysis of stress, strain, contact pressure, and temperature distribution in different points of hot forging operation of a work piece and also by considering the interaction between the work piece and die, the zones of die which are prone to early failure and damage have been predicted. The results of simulation have been compared with experimental results of die service. Simulation outputs show a good agreement with practical conditions. In the next step, after studying the effect of heat treatment on the die performance, a proper heat treatment procedure is introduced to improve die service life. Finally, capability of this solution to overcome die damages would be verified with practical behavior of dies.
Effects of fiber cracking on elastoplastic-damage behavior of fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites
Authors: Ko YF , Ju JW
Published: January 2012

A micromechanical multi-level elastoplastic evolutionary damage framework is proposed to predict the overall transverse mechanical behavior and damage evolutions of cylindrical fiber-reinforced ductile composites. Progressively cracked fibers are modeled using the double-inclusion theory. The effective elastic moduli of three-phase composites, consisting of a matrix, randomly located yet monotonically aligned cylindrical uncracked fibers and cracked fibers, are derived by using a micromechanical formulation. In order to characterize the homogenized elastoplastic behavior, a micromechanical effective yield criterion is derived based on the ensemble-area averaging process and the first-order effects of eigenstrains. The resulting effective yield criterion, together with the overall associative plastic flow rule and the hardening law, constitutes the analytical framework for the estimation of effective transverse elastoplastic-damage responses of ductile composites containing both uncracked and cracked fibers. An evolutionary fiber cracking process, governed by the internal stresses and the fracture strength of fibers, is incorporated into the proposed work. The Weibull’s probabilistic distribution is employed to describe the varying probability of fiber cracking. Further, systematic numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the potential of the proposed methodology.
The Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System for myelofibrosis predicts outcomes after hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Scott Bart L. , Gooley Ted A. , Sorror Mohamed L. , Rezvani Andrew R. , Linenberger Michael L. , Grim Jonathan , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Myerson David , Chauncey Thomas R. , Storb Rainer , Buxhofer-Ausch Veronika , Radich Jerald P. , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Deeg H. Joachim
Published: January 2012

Studies by the International Working Group showed that the prognosis of myelofibrosis patients is predicted by the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS) risk categorization, which includes patient age, constitutional symptoms, hemoglobin, leukocyte count, and circulating blasts. We evaluated the prognostic usefulness of the DIPSS in 170 patients with myelofibrosis, 12 to 78 years of age (median, 51.5 years of age), who received hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) between 1990 and 2009 from related (n = 86) or unrelated donors (n = 84). By DIPSS, 21 patients had low-risk disease, 48 had intermediate-1, 50 had intermediate-2, and 51 had high-risk disease. Five-year incidence of relapse, relapse-free survival, overall survival, and nonrelapse mortality for all patients were 10%, 57%, 57%, and 34%, respectively. Among patients with DIPSS high-risk disease, the hazard ratio for post-HCT mortality was 4.11 (95% CI, 1.44-11.78; P = .008), and for nonrelapse mortality was 3.41 (95% CI, 1.15-10.09; P = .03) compared with low-risk patients. After a median follow-up of 5.9 years, the median survivals have not been reached for DIPSS risk groups low and intermediate-1, and were 7 and 2.5 years for intermediate-2 and high-risk patients, respectively. Thus, HCT was curative for a large proportion of patients with myelofibrosis, and post-HCT success was dependent on pre-HCT DIPSS classification.
A refinement of Sándor-Tóth's inequality
Authors: Minculete Nicuşor , Pozna Claudiu , Precup Radu-Emil
Published: January 2012

The objective of this article is to show a refinement of Sándor-Tóth's inequality related to the arithmetic functions which use unitary divisors. A new estimate of the average order of the arithmetic function given by Sándor-Tóth's inequality is suggested.
MetRxn: a knowledgebase of metabolites and reactions spanning metabolic models and databases
Authors: Kumar Akhil , Suthers Patrick F , Maranas Costas D
Published: January 2012

Background

Increasingly, metabolite and reaction information is organized in the form of genome-scale metabolic reconstructions that describe the reaction stoichiometry, directionality, and gene to protein to reaction associations. A key bottleneck in the pace of reconstruction of new, high-quality metabolic models is the inability to directly make use of metabolite/reaction information from biological databases or other models due to incompatibilities in content representation (i.e., metabolites with multiple names across databases and models), stoichiometric errors such as elemental or charge imbalances, and incomplete atomistic detail (e.g., use of generic R-group or non-explicit specification of stereo-specificity).

Description

MetRxn is a knowledgebase that includes standardized metabolite and reaction descriptions by integrating information from BRENDA, KEGG, MetaCyc, Reactome.org and 44 metabolic models into a single unified data set. All metabolite entries have matched synonyms, resolved protonation states, and are linked to unique structures. All reaction entries are elementally and charge balanced. This is accomplished through the use of a workflow of lexicographic, phonetic, and structural comparison algorithms. MetRxn allows for the download of standardized versions of existing genome-scale metabolic models and the use of metabolic information for the rapid reconstruction of new ones.

Conclusions

The standardization in description allows for the direct comparison of the metabolite and reaction content between metabolic models and databases and the exhaustive prospecting of pathways for biotechnological production. This ever-growing dataset currently consists of over 76,000 metabolites participating in more than 72,000 reactions (including unresolved entries). MetRxn is hosted on a web-based platform that uses relational database models (MySQL).
Transcriptome changes during fruit development and ripening of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
Authors: Yu Keqin , Xu Qiang , Da Xinlei , Guo Fei , Ding Yuduan , Deng Xiuxin
Published: January 2012

Background

The transcriptome of the fruit pulp of the sweet orange variety Anliu (WT) and that of its red fleshed mutant Hong Anliu (MT) were compared to understand the dynamics and differential expression of genes expressed during fruit development and ripening.

Results

The transcriptomes of WT and MT were sampled at four developmental stages using an Illumina sequencing platform. A total of 19,440 and 18,829 genes were detected in MT and WT, respectively. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed 24 expression patterns for the set of all genes detected, of which 20 were in common between MT and WT. Over 89% of the genes showed differential expression during fruit development and ripening in the WT. Functional categorization of the differentially expressed genes revealed that cell wall biosynthesis, carbohydrate and citric acid metabolism, carotenoid metabolism, and the response to stress were the most differentially regulated processes occurring during fruit development and ripening.

Conclusion

A description of the transcriptomic changes occurring during fruit development and ripening was obtained in sweet orange, along with a dynamic view of the gene expression differences between the wild type and a red fleshed mutant.
Differential expression patterns of conserved miRNAs and isomiRs during Atlantic halibut development
Authors: Bizuayehu Teshome T , Lanes Carlos FC , Furmanek Tomasz , Karlsen Bård O , Fernandes Jorge MO , Johansen Steinar D , Babiak Igor
Published: January 2012

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a major role in animal ontogenesis. Size variants of miRNAs, isomiRs, are observed along with the main miRNA types, but their origin and possible biological role are uncovered yet. Developmental profiles of miRNAs have been reported in few fish species only and, to our knowledge, differential expressions of isomiRs have not yet been shown during fish development. Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus L., undergoes dramatic metamorphosis during early development from symmetrical pelagic larval stage to unsymmetrical flatfish. No data exist on role of miRNAs in halibut metamorphosis.

Results

miRNA profiling using SOLiD deep sequencing technology revealed a total of 199 conserved, one novel antisense, and one miRNA* mature form. Digital expression profiles of selected miRNAs were validated using reverse transcription quantitative PCR. We found developmental transition-specific miRNA expression. Expression of some miRNA* exceeded the guide strand miRNA. We revealed that nucleotide truncations and/or additions at the 3' end of mature miRNAs resulted in size variants showing differential expression patterns during the development in a number of miRNA families. We confirmed the presence of isomiRs by cloning and Sanger sequencing. Also, we found inverse relationship between expression levels of sense/antisense miRNAs during halibut development.

Conclusion

Developmental transitions during early development of Atlantic halibut are associated with expression of certain miRNA types. IsomiRs are abundant and often show differential expression during the development.
A novel expression system for production of soluble prion proteins in E. coli
Authors: Abskharon Romany NN , Ramboarina Stephanie , El Hassan Hassan , Gad Wael , Apostol Marcin I , Giachin Gabriele , Legname Giuseppe , Steyaert Jan , Messens Joris , Soror Sameh H , Wohlkonig Alexandre
Published: January 2012

Expression of eukaryotic proteins in Escherichia coli is challenging, especially when they contain disulfide bonds. Since the discovery of the prion protein (PrP) and its role in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, the need to obtain large quantities of the recombinant protein for research purposes has been essential. Currently, production of recombinant PrP is achieved by refolding protocols. Here, we show that the co-expression of two different PrP with the human Quiescin Sulfhydryl OXidase (QSOX), a human chaperone with thiol/disulfide oxidase activity, in the cytoplasm of E. coli produces soluble recombinant PrP. The structural integrity of the soluble PrP has been confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, demonstrating that properly folded PrP can be easily expressed in bacteria. Furthermore, the soluble recombinant PrP produced with this method can be used for functional and structural studies.
A review of malaria vaccine clinical projects based on the WHO rainbow table
Authors: Schwartz Lauren , Brown Graham V , Genton Blaise , Moorthy Vasee S
Published: January 2012

Development and Phase 3 testing of the most advanced malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, indicates that malaria vaccine R&D is moving into a new phase. Field trials of several research malaria vaccines have also confirmed that it is possible to impact the host-parasite relationship through vaccine-induced immune responses to multiple antigenic targets using different platforms. Other approaches have been appropriately tested but turned out to be disappointing after clinical evaluation.

As the malaria community considers the potential role of a first-generation malaria vaccine in malaria control efforts, it is an apposite time to carefully document terminated and ongoing malaria vaccine research projects so that lessons learned can be applied to increase the chances of success for second-generation malaria vaccines over the next 10 years.

The most comprehensive resource of malaria vaccine projects is a spreadsheet compiled by WHO thanks to the input from funding agencies, sponsors and investigators worldwide. This spreadsheet, available from WHO's website, is known as "the rainbow table". By summarizing the published and some unpublished information available for each project on the rainbow table, the most comprehensive review of malaria vaccine projects to be published in the last several years is provided below.
Understanding the population genetics of Plasmodium vivax is essential for malaria control and elimination
Authors: Arnott Alicia , Barry Alyssa E , Reeder John C
Published: January 2012

Traditionally, infection with Plasmodium vivax was thought to be benign and self-limiting, however, recent evidence has demonstrated that infection with P. vivax can also result in severe illness and death. Research into P. vivax has been relatively neglected and much remains unknown regarding the biology, pathogenesis and epidemiology of this parasite. One of the fundamental factors governing transmission and immunity is parasite diversity. An understanding of parasite population genetic structure is necessary to understand the epidemiology, diversity, distribution and dynamics of natural P. vivax populations. In addition, studying the population structure of genes under immune selection also enables investigation of the dynamic interplay between transmission and immunity, which is crucial for vaccine development. A lack of knowledge regarding the transmission and spread of P. vivax has been particularly highlighted in areas where malaria control and elimination programmes have made progress in reducing the burden of Plasmodium falciparum, yet P. vivax remains as a substantial obstacle. With malaria elimination back on the global agenda, mapping of global and local P. vivax population structure is essential prior to establishing goals for elimination and the roll-out of interventions. A detailed knowledge of the spatial distribution, transmission and clinical burden of P. vivax is required to act as a benchmark against which control targets can be set and measured. This paper presents an overview of what is known and what is yet to be fully understood regarding P. vivax population genetics, as well as the importance and application of P. vivax population genetics studies.
Evaluation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia by oligonucleotide-based microarray analysis uncovers novel aberrations not detected by FISH or cytogenetic analysis
Authors: Kolquist Kathryn A , Schultz Roger A , Slovak Marilyn L , McDaniel Lisa D , Brown Theresa C , Tubbs Raymond R , Cook James R , Theil Karl S , Cawich Victoria , Valentin Caitlin , Minier Sara , Neill Nicholas J , Byerly Steve , Morton S Annie , Sahoo Trilochan , Ballif Blake C , Shaffer Lisa G
Published: January 2012

Background

Cytogenetic evaluation is a key component of the diagnosis and prognosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We performed oligonucleotide-based comparative genomic hybridization microarray analysis on 34 samples with CLL and known abnormal karyotypes previously determined by cytogenetics and/or fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH).

Results

Using a custom designed microarray that targets >1800 genes involved in hematologic disease and other malignancies, we identified additional cryptic aberrations and novel findings in 59% of cases. These included gains and losses of genes associated with cell cycle regulation, apoptosis and susceptibility loci on 3p21.31, 5q35.2q35.3, 10q23.31q23.33, 11q22.3, and 22q11.23.

Conclusions

Our results show that microarray analysis will detect known aberrations, including microscopic and cryptic alterations. In addition, novel genomic changes will be uncovered that may become important prognostic predictors or treatment targets for CLL in the future.
Isolation of nuclear proteins from flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seed coats for gene expression regulation studies
Authors: Renouard Sullivan , Cyrielle Corbin , Lopez Tatiana , Lamblin Frédéric , Lainé Eric , Hano Christophe
Published: January 2012

Background

While seed biology is well characterized and numerous studies have focused on this subject over the past years, the regulation of seed coat development and metabolism is for the most part still non-elucidated. It is well known that the seed coat has an essential role in seed development and its features are associated with important agronomical traits. It also constitutes a rich source of valuable compounds such as pharmaceuticals. Most of the cell genetic material is contained in the nucleus; therefore nuclear proteins constitute a major actor for gene expression regulation. Isolation of nuclear proteins responsible for specific seed coat expression is an important prerequisite for understanding seed coat metabolism and development. The extraction of nuclear proteins may be problematic due to the presence of specific components that can interfere with the extraction process. The seed coat is a rich source of mucilage and phenolics, which are good examples of these hindering compounds.

Findings

In the present study, we propose an optimized nuclear protein extraction protocol able to provide nuclear proteins from flax seed coat without contaminants and sufficient yield and quality for their use in transcriptional gene expression regulation by gel shift experiments.

Conclusions

Routinely, around 250 μg of nuclear proteins per gram of fresh weight were extracted from immature flax seed coats. The isolation protocol described hereafter may serve as an effective tool for gene expression regulation and seed coat-focused proteomics studies.
Surface wave attenuation of seismic records with the co-core trace transform filter
Authors: Wu Ning , Li Yue , Yang Baojun
Published: January 2012

To remove surface waves from seismic records while preserving other seismic events of interest, we introduced a transform and a filter based on recent developments in image processing. The transform can be seen as a weighted Radon transform, in particular along linear trajectories. The weights in the transform are data dependent and designed to introduce large amplitude differences between surface waves and other events such that surface waves could be separated by a simple amplitude threshold. This is a key property of the filter and distinguishes this approach from others, such as conventional ones that use information on moveout ranges to apply a mask in the transform domain. Initial experiments with synthetic records and field data have demonstrated that, with the appropriate parameters, the proposed trace transform filter performs better both in terms of surface wave attenuation and reflected signal preservation than the conventional methods. Further experiments on larger data sets are needed to fully assess the method.
Bone Scan Index: A Quantitative Treatment Response Biomarker for Castration-Resistant Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dennis Elizabeth R. , Jia Xiaoyu , Mezheritskiy Irina S. , Stephenson Ryan D. , Schoder Heiko , Fox Josef J. , Heller Glenn , Scher Howard I. , Larson Steven M. , Morris Michael J.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

There is currently no imaging biomarker for metastatic prostate cancer. The bone scan index (BSI) is a promising candidate, being a reproducible, quantitative expression of tumor burden seen on bone scintigraphy. Prior studies have shown the prognostic value of a baseline BSI. This study tested whether treatment-related changes in BSI are prognostic for survival and compared BSI to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as an outcome measure.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively examined serial bone scans from patients with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer (CRMPC) enrolled in four clinical trials. We calculated BSI at baseline and at 3 and 6 months on treatment and performed univariate and bivariate analyses of PSA, BSI, and survival.

Results

Eighty-eight patients were scanned, 81 of whom have died. In the univariate analysis, the log percent change in BSI from baseline to 3 and 6 months on treatment prognosticated for survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.44; P = .0089 and HR, 2.54; P < .001, respectively). A doubling in BSI resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in risk of death. Log percent change in PSA at 6 months on treatment was also associated with survival (HR, 1.298; P = .013). In the bivariate analysis, change in BSI while adjusting for PSA was prognostic at 3 and 6 months on treatment (HR, 2.368; P = .012 and HR, 2.226; P = .002, respectively), but while adjusting for BSI, PSA was not prognostic.

Conclusion

These data furnish early evidence that on-treatment changes in BSI are a response indicator and support further exploration of bone scintigraphy as an imaging biomarker in CRMPC.
Institutional Influences on Information Systems Security Innovations
Authors: Hsu Carol , Lee Jae-Nam , Straub Detmar W.
Published: January 2012

This research investigates information security management as an administrative innovation. Although a number of institutional theories deal with information systems (IS) innovation in organizations, most of these institutional-centered frameworks overlook external economic efficiency and internal organizational capability in the presence of pressures of institutional conformity. Using Korea as the institutional setting, our research model posits that economic-based consideration will moderate the institutional conformity pressure on information security adoption while organization capability will influence the institutional confirmation of information security assimilation. The model is empirically tested using two-stage survey data from a field study of 140 organizations in Korea. The results indicate that in addition to institutional influences, our six proposed economic-based and organizational capability moderating variables all have significant influences on the degree of the adoption and assimilation of information security management. We conclude with implications for research in the area of organizational theory and the information security management literature, and for practices regarding how managers can factor into their information security planning the key implementation variables discovered in this study. The robust setting of the study in Korean firms allows us to generalize the theory to a new context and across cultures.
Increase in the specific radioactivity of tritium-labeled compounds obtained by tritium thermal activation method
Authors: Badun G. A. , Chernysheva M. G. , Ksenofontov A. L.
Published: January 2012

A method of tritium introduction into different types of organic molecules that is based on the interaction of atomic tritium with solid organic target is described. Tritium atoms are formed on the hot W-wire, which is heated by the electric current. Such an approach is called “tritium thermal activation method”. Here we summarize the results of labeling globular proteins (lysozyme, human and bovine serum albumins); derivatives of pantothenic acid and amino acids; ionic surfactants (sodium dodecylsulfate and alkyltrimethylammonium bromides) and nonionic high-molecular weight surfactants – pluronics. For the first time it is observed that if the target-compound is fixed and its radicals are stable the specific radioactivity of the labeled product can be drastically increased (up to 400 times) when the target temperature is ca. 295 K compared with the results obtained at 77 K. The influence of labeling parameters as tritium gas pressure, exposure time and W-wire temperature was tested for each target temperature that results in the optimum labeling conditions with high specific radioactivity and chemical yield of the resulting compound.
Firms, Regulatory Uncertainty, and the Natural Environment
Authors: Marcus Alfred , Aragon-Correa J. Alberto , Pinkse Jonatan
Published: January 2012

This introduction presents a framework managers can use to deal with regulatory uncertainty and also introduces and summarizes how the papers in this special issue address what managers can expect, do, and gain from regulatory uncertainty.
Ovarian VEGF165b expression regulates follicular development, corpus luteum function and fertility
Authors: Qiu Y , Seager M , Osman A , Castle-Miller J , Bevan H , Tortonese D J , Murphy D , Harper S J , Fraser H M , Donaldson L F , Bates D O
Published: January 2012

Angiogenesis and vascular regression are critical for the female ovulatory cycle. They enable progression and regression of follicular development, and corpora lutea formation and regression. Angiogenesis in the ovary occurs under the control of the vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) family of proteins, which are generated as both pro-(VEGF165) and anti(VEGF165b)-angiogenic isoforms by alternative splicing. To determine the role of the VEGF165b isoforms in the ovulatory cycle, we measured VEGF165b expression in marmoset ovaries by immunohistochemistry and ELISA, and used transgenic mice over-expressing VEGF165b in the ovary. VEGF165b was expressed in the marmoset ovaries in granulosa cells and theca, and the balance of VEGF165b:VEGF165 was regulated during luteogenesis. Mice over-expressing VEGF165b in the ovary were less fertile than wild-type littermates, had reduced secondary and tertiary follicles after mating, increased atretic follicles, fewer corpora lutea and generated fewer embryos in the oviduct after mating, and these were more likely not to retain the corona radiata. These results indicate that the balance of VEGFA isoforms controls follicle progression and luteogenesis, and that control of isoform expression may regulate fertility in mammals, including in primates.
Strain Variation in the Transcriptome of the Dengue Fever Vector,Aedes aegypti
Authors: Bonizzoni Mariangela , Dunn W Augustine , Campbell Corey L , Olson Ken E , Marinotti Osvaldo , James Anthony A
Published: January 2012

Studies of transcriptome dynamics provide a basis for understanding functional elements of the genome and the complexity of gene regulation. The dengue vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti, exhibits great adaptability to diverse ecological conditions, is phenotypically polymorphic, and shows variation in vectorial capacity to arboviruses. Previous genome sequencing showed richness in repetitive DNA and transposable elements that can contribute to genome plasticity. Population genetic studies revealed a varying degree of worldwide genetic polymorphism. However, the extent of functional genetic polymorphism across strains is unknown. The transcriptomes of three Ae. aegypti strains, Chetumal (CTM), Rexville D-Puerto Rico (Rex-D) and Liverpool (LVP), were compared. CTM is more susceptible than Rex- D to infection by dengue virus serotype 2. A total of 4188 transcripts exhibit either no or small variation (<2-fold) among sugar-fed samples of the three strains and between sugar- and blood-fed samples within each strain, corresponding most likely to genes encoding products necessary for vital functions. Transcripts enriched in blood-fed mosquitoes encode proteins associated with catalytic activities, molecular transport, metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and amino acids, and functions related to blood digestion and the progression of the gonotropic cycle. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences were found in individual transcripts among strains including differential representation of paralogous gene products. The majority of immunity-associated transcripts decreased in accumulation after a bloodmeal and the results are discussed in relation to the different susceptibility of CTM and Rex-D mosquitoes to DENV2 infection.
A High-Density Simple Sequence Repeat and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genetic Map of the Tetraploid Cotton Genome
Authors: Yu John Z , Kohel Russell J , Fang David D , Cho Jaemin , Van Deynze Allen , Ulloa Mauricio , Hoffman Steven M , Pepper Alan E , Stelly David M , Jenkins Johnie N , Saha Sukumar , Kumpatla Siva P , Shah Manali R , Hugie William V , Percy Richard G
Published: January 2012

Genetic linkage maps play fundamental roles in understanding genome structure, explaining genome formation events during evolution, and discovering the genetic bases of important traits. A high-density cotton (Gossypium spp.) genetic map was developed using representative sets of simple sequence repeat (SSR) and the first public set of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to genotype 186 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from an interspecific cross between Gossypium hirsutum L. (TM-1) and G. barbadense L. (3-79). The genetic map comprised 2072 loci (1825 SSRs and 247 SNPs) and covered 3380 centiMorgan (cM) of the cotton genome (AD) with an average marker interval of 1.63 cM. The allotetraploid cotton genome produced equivalent recombination frequencies in its two subgenomes (At and Dt). Of the 2072 loci, 1138 (54.9%) were mapped to 13 At-subgenome chromosomes, covering 1726.8 cM (51.1%), and 934 (45.1%) mapped to 13 Dt-subgenome chromosomes, covering 1653.1 cM (48.9%). The genetically smallest homeologous chromosome pair was Chr. 04 (A04) and 22 (D04), and the largest was Chr. 05 (A05) and 19 (D05). Duplicate loci between and within homeologous chromosomes were identified that facilitate investigations of chromosome translocations. The map augments evidence of reciprocal rearrangement between ancestral forms of Chr. 02 and 03 versus segmental homeologs 14 and 17 as centromeric regions show homeologous between Chr. 02 (A02) and 17 (D02), as well as between Chr. 03 (A03) and 14 (D03). This research represents an important foundation for studies on polyploid cottons, including germplasm characterization, gene discovery, and genome sequence assembly.
Genetic Analysis inDrosophilaReveals a Role for the Mitochondrial Protein P32 in Synaptic Transmission
Authors: Lutas Andrew , Wahlmark Christopher J , Acharjee Shaona , Kawasaki Fumiko
Published: January 2012

Mitochondria located within neuronal presynaptic terminals have been shown to play important roles in the release of chemical neurotransmitters. In the present study, a genetic screen for synaptic transmission mutants of Drosophila has identified the first mutation in a Drosophila homolog of the mitochondrial protein P32. Although P32 is highly conserved and has been studied extensively, its physiological role in mitochondria remains unknown and it has not previously been implicated in neural function. The Drosophila P32 mutant, referred to as dp32EC1, exhibited a temperature-sensitive (TS) paralytic behavioral phenotype. Moreover, electrophysiological analysis at adult neuromuscular synapses revealed a TS reduction in the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSC) and indicated that dP32 functions in neurotransmitter release. These studies are the first to address P32 function in Drosophila and expand our knowledge of mitochondrial proteins contributing to synaptic transmission.
The Diet Factor in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Millichap J. Gordon , Yee Michelle M.
Published: January 2012

This article is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of dietary methods for treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when pharmacotherapy has proven unsatisfactory or unacceptable. Results of recent research and controlled studies, based on a PubMed search, are emphasized and compared with earlier reports. The recent increase of interest in this form of therapy for ADHD, and especially in the use of omega supplements, significance of iron deficiency, and the avoidance of the “Western pattern” diet, make the discussion timely.

Diets to reduce symptoms associated with ADHD include sugar-restricted, additive/preservative-free, oligoantigenic/elimination, and fatty acid supplements. Omega−3 supplement is the latest dietary treatment with positive reports of efficacy, and interest in the additive-free diet of the 1970s is occasionally revived. A provocative report draws attention to the ADHD-associated “Western-style” diet, high in fat and refined sugars, and the ADHD-free “healthy” diet, containing fiber, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids.

The literature on diets and ADHD, listed by PubMed, is reviewed with emphasis on recent controlled studies. Recommendations for the use of diets are based on current opinion of published reports and our practice experience. Indications for dietary therapy include medication failure, parental or patient preference, iron deficiency, and, when appropriate, change from an ADHD-linked Western diet to an ADHD-free healthy diet. Foods associated with ADHD to be avoided and those not linked with ADHD and preferred are listed.

In practice, additive-free and oligoantigenic/elimination diets are time-consuming and disruptive to the household; they are indicated only in selected patients. Iron and zinc are supplemented in patients with known deficiencies; they may also enhance the effectiveness of stimulant therapy. In patients failing to respond or with parents opposed to medication, omega-3 supplements may warrant a trial. A greater attention to the education of parents and children in a healthy dietary pattern, omitting items shown to predispose to ADHD, is perhaps the most promising and practical complementary or alternative treatment of ADHD.
Collaboration between researchers from academic and non-academic organisations
Authors: Inzelt A. , Schubert A.
Published: January 2012

Throughout the reform process of the European university system, the importance of collaboration between actors at the academy and other areas of the economy and society are ever increasing, as evidenced by a growing number of co-authored articles and the number of citations to such works.This article analyses the characteristics of publications co-authored by Hungarian university researchers with non-academic partners. Scientometric indicators are used as primary methodological tools. Our sample was the publication output of 12 universities, which covers 90% of the university sphere’s publications, between 2001 and 2005 and was taken from the publications of Hungarian institutions of higher education appearing in the Web of Science database. The authors employed a new, important aspect in the cooperation activity of Hungarian universities: their connection with the non-academic partners. The selection and the institutional location of the co-authors resulted in an important database for further analysis. Based on the empirical analysis of the publication and citation performance data of 12 such universities the authors concluded that the proportion of citations to publications co-authored with either academic or non-academic partners is significantly higher for international partners than it is for Hungarian ones. For one publication, the proportion of citations to articles co-authored with foreign non-academic partners, such as firms or health care institutions, was five times higher than the number relating to papers co-authored with Hungarian firms or health care institutions. Higher citedness of the joint articles with the foreign country institutes than domestic partners are in harmony with observation in other countries. Generally the rate of the co-authored articles with non-academic partners is rather low. However it scatters to a great extent concerning the different universities. The presence or absence of medicine in the profile of the universities seems an important factor of that difference.
Effect of Pd/Mn Substitution on Characteristics of Amorphous Zr-Ni-Ti-V Alloy Hydride Electrodes
Authors: Miyamura Hiroshi , Fujita Yoshihisa , Jeyadevan Balachandran
Published: January 2012

Hydrogenation properties of some amorphous Zr-Ni-Ti-V based alloys were investigated. Pressure-composition(P-C) isotherms and hydrogen storage capacities at room temperatures were measured and effects of elemental substitution of the components with Pd or Mn were studied. The alloy electrodes were prepared by using amorphous (Zr-Ni-Ti-V)-(Pd,Mn) alloys prepared by the melt spinning method. The amorphous alloys in the electrode kept their amorphous structures during cycles of charge and discharge. The electrochemical hydrogen storage capacities were strongly affected by the substitution amounts of Pd or Mn. Even a small amount of substitution, changed the equilibrium dissociation pressures of the alloy. In the present study, the rechargeable capacity was optimized up to H/M=0.5 for the alloy electrode with the composition of (Zr45Ni30Ti25)-3at%Pd. The slope in the P-C isotherm suggested that the maximum H/M of the alloy would exceed 1.0 at higher hydrogen pressure than 1.0 MPa, however, the wide distribution of hydrogen site energy in the amorphous hydride resulted in extremely large slope in P-C isotherms, and consequently restricted the rechargeable capacities of the electrodes.
Solid Electrolyte Interfaces and Interphases in Lithium Batteries: In Situ Studies Using Nonlinear Optical Probes
Authors: Mukherjee Prabuddha , Lagutchev Alexei , Dlott Dana D
Published: January 2012

Solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) regions play a critical role in stabilizing lithium batteries, but little is known about the detailed mechanism of growth and formation. We have developed a novel method for in situ study of the interfacial regions of SEI layers, using an interface-selective nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy method termed femtosecond broadband multiplex vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy (SFG) and a lithium battery electrochemical cell with optical access. SFG has high sensitivity and high selectivity needed to study vibrational transitions of molecular species during the SEI growth. SFG is most sensitive to interfacial regions, so with SFG we ignore the bulk electrolyte and focus on interface regions just a few molecules thick. During SEI growth there are two such interfaces, the electrode-SEI interface and the electrolyte SEI interface. We will present results obtained using a lithium battery and model materials relevant to Li batteries, where during successive cycles of charge and discharge we selectively probe the structural evolution of these two interfaces on Au, Cu and carbon.
Processo da retrolavagem em filtros de areia usados na irrigação localizada
Authors: Salcedo Juan C , Testezlaf Roberto , Mesquita Márcio
Published: January 2012

O processo da retrolavagem consiste na passagem da água através do filtro em sentido contrário ao fluxo de filtragem com o objetivo de remover partículas orgânicas e inorgânicas retidas no meio filtrante. O projeto de filtros de areia com configurações ineficientes e a ocorrência de condições operacionais inadequadas contribuem para limitar o desempenho desse processo, causando deficiências na limpeza dos meios filtrantes e comprometendo o funcionamento dos sistemas de irrigação localizada. O objetivo do presente trabalho é proporcionar uma revisão sobre os conceitos associados ao processo da retrolavagem nos filtros de areia, relacionando informações existentes na literatura com experiências de laboratório. Foi gerado um texto básico com informações técnico-científicas sobre o tema, visando a criar um momento de reflexão sobre o processo de retrolavagem e a contribuir para a melhoria do desempenho desses equipamentos na irrigação localizada.
As biografias como um dos caminhos na construção da identidade do profissional da enfermagem
Authors: Padilha Maria Itayra , Nelson Sioban , Borenstein Miriam Susskind
Published: January 2012

Analisa a importância das biografias na constituição da identidade do profissional de enfermagem, valorizando sua utilização como ferramenta de ensino da história dessa disciplina nos cursos de graduação e pós-graduação. Apresenta um levantamento de biografias de mulheres que contribuíram para o desenvolvimento da enfermagem e cujo legado vem inspirando profissionais dessa área. Conclui que o uso de biografias na educação desses profissionais pode subsidiar a construção de suas identidades, por transmitir aos educandos alguns dos valores da profissão.
Fauna de hidroides (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) da região de Bombinhas, Santa Catarina, Brasil
Authors: Miranda Thaís Pires , Haddad Maria Angélica , Shimabukuro Vanessa , Dubiaski-Silva Janete , Marques Antonio Carlos
Published: January 2012

A fauna de hidroides bentônicos do infralitoral raso, de seis locais do município de Bombinhas (Santa Catarina, Brasil), foi pesquisada e analisada com base na morfologia. O cnidoma foi examinado quando necessário para a identificação específica. Foram encontradas 25 espécies, das quais cinco (20%) são registradas pela primeira vez para o estado de Santa Catarina e três (12%) são registradas pela primeira vez para a região sul do Brasil. Houve um acréscimo de 12% e 5,5% nos registros de espécies de hidroides para Santa Catarina e litoral sul brasileiro, respectivamente.
Chave de identificação para caprelídeos (Crustacea, Amphipoda) do litoral dos Estados do Paraná e de Santa Catarina
Authors: Lacerda Mariana Baptista , Masunari Setuko
Published: January 2012

Uma chave de identificação foi elaborada para as espécies de caprelídeos registradas no litoral dos estados do Paraná e de Santa Catarina. Os exemplares examinados fazem parte do acervo de coleções científicas ou são provenientes de coletas realizadas nestes estados. Nove espécies pertencentes à família Caprellidae, das quais oito Caprellinae - Caprella danilevskii, Caprella dilatata, Caprella equilibra, Caprella penantis, Caprella scaura, Mayerella sp., Paracaprella pusilla e Pseudaeginella montoucheti - e uma Phtisicinae - Phtisica marina - foram tratadas no presente estudo.
New records of Tindariopsis (Pelecypoda, Protobranchia) from Brazil - Campos Basin (off Rio de Janeiro)
Authors: Benaim Natalia Pereira , Absalão Ricardo Silva
Published: January 2012

As a part of the Environmental Characterization of the Campos Basin project, we obtained samples from the continental slope benthos. As a consequence, specimens of Tindariopsis aeolata (Dall, 1889) and Tindariopsis agathida (Dall, 1889) were found. These species show prodissoconch surface sculpture patterns that were never seen for species of Tindariopsis. The presence of this kind of sculpture in the type species of the genus, T. agathida, adds diagnostic characters to the genus. T. agathida and T. aeolata are typical from the Caribbean Realm (Guyana and Tobago). This is the first record of T. aeolata in the southernmost area of the Atlantic Ocean, and also the shallowest record (1000 m) for this species. With this finding of specimens from the Bacia de Campos, the distribution of T. agathida can now be extended in the Brazilian coast from 7º to 22º S.