bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The thorax of Mantophasmatodea, the morphology of flightlessness, and the evolution of the neopteran insects
Authors: Wipfler Benjamin , Klug Rebecca , Ge Si‐Qin , Bai Ming , Göbbels Jürgen , Yang Xing‐Ke , Hörnschemeyer Thomas 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMantophasmatodea was described as a new insect order in 2002. Since then, this small group of wingless insects has developed into one of the best investigated insect taxa. Nevertheless, many aspects of mantophasmatodean morphology as well as their evolutionary relationships remain ambiguous. To determine the phylogenetic relationships of Mantophasmatodea based on an extended character set and to elucidate possible morphological adaptions towards flightlessness, we investigated the thoracic morphology of two species,Austrophasma caledonensisandMantophasmasp. The morphological similarity between these two species is striking and no differences in musculature were found. The mantophasmatodean thorax strongly resembles that of ice crawlers (Grylloblattodea), especially with respect to the presence of pleural processes in the meso‐ and metathorax, branched furcae in all segments, and similar muscle equipment. In a cladistic analysis containing all major lineages of Neoptera, the monophyly of Polyneoptera is supported by the presence of an anal fan and several modifications of the wing joint. Within Polyneoptera, a sister‐group relationship between stoneflies and the remaining Polyneoptera is supported. A clade comprising Mantophasmatodea and the Grylloblattodea gains strong support from thoracic morphology and can be considered assured. Potential thoracic apomorphies include prothoracic paracoxal invaginations, pterothoracic pleural arms that originate from the epimeron, and a unique metathoracic sterno‐coxal musculature. The monophyly of Orthoptera and Dictyoptera is further supported while the deeper polyneopteran nodes remain unresolved. Among the wingless taxa investigated we found few general morphological adaptations whereas, in other aspects, especially in the musculature, strong differences could be observed. However, much more research on the strongly neglected topic of flightlessness is required to make reliable statements.
A National Strategy to Develop Pragmatic Clinical Trials Infrastructure
Authors: Concannon Thomas W. , Guise Jeanne‐Marie , Dolor Rowena J. , Meissner Paul , Tunis Sean , Krishnan Jerry A. , Pace Wilson D. , Saltz Joel , Hersh William R. , Michener Lloyd , Carey Timothy S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAn important challenge in comparative effectiveness research is the lack of infrastructure to support pragmatic clinical trials, which compare interventions in usual practice settings and subjects. These trials present challenges that differ from those of classical efficacy trials, which are conducted under ideal circumstances, in patients selected for their suitability, and with highly controlled protocols. In 2012, we launched a 1‐year learning network to identify high‐priority pragmatic clinical trials and to deploy research infrastructure through the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Awards Consortium that could be used to launch and sustain them. The network and infrastructure were initiated as a learning ground and shared resource for investigators and communities interested in developing pragmatic clinical trials. We followed a three‐stage process of developing the network, prioritizing proposed trials, and implementing learning exercises that culminated in a 1‐day network meeting at the end of the year. The year‐long project resulted in five recommendations related to developing the network, enhancing community engagement, addressing regulatory challenges, advancing information technology, and developing research methods. The recommendations can be implemented within 24 months and are designed to lead toward a sustained national infrastructure for pragmatic trials.
Interleukin 10 and clustering of metabolic syndrome components in pediatrics
Authors: Chang Jung‐Su , Bai Chyi‐Huey , Huang Zu‐Chieh , Owaga Eddy , Chao Kuo‐Ching , Chang Chun‐Chao , Chiou Hung‐Yi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundInterleukin 10 (IL‐10) has multifaceted anti‐inflammatory properties that are known to regulate insulin sensitivity and atherosclerotic development. However, studies in children are limited and have yielded conflicting results. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether changes in this circulating anti‐inflammatory cytokine is a marker for metabolic syndrome.Materials and methodsThis cross‐sectional study involved children and young adolescents from eight elementary schools and two junior high schools located in Taipei and New Taipei City. A total of 553 children ages 8, 11 and 13 years old were included in the analysis. Parameters for obesity, anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and metabolic risk profiles were evaluated.ResultsOverweight/obese children had lower serum IL‐10 concentrations compared with normal weight children in the same age group (all P < 0·001). IL‐10 quartiles were negatively associated with body mass index (BMI) and percentage (%) body fat (all P < 0·05). Multivariate regression analysis showed significant inverse relationship between IL‐10 concentrations and % body fat (β = −0·009, P < 0·0001), and total cholesterol (β = −0·726, P = 0·003), and a small positive correlation between IL‐10 and systolic blood pressure (β = 0·980, P = 0·027). In normal weight children, IL‐10 concentrations were independently associated with fasting plasma insulin (β = 0·2912, P = 0·001) and waist circumference (β = 0·0069, P = 0·022). By contrast, % body fat (β = −0·016, P = 0·0009) was independently associated with IL‐10 concentrations in overweight and obese children. Association between IL‐10 and fasting plasma insulin concentrations was weaker in overweight/obese children compared with normal weight (β = 0·283, P = 0·011 vs. β = 0·2912, P = 0·001).ConclusionOur data indicate that changes in circulating IL‐10 concentrations are marker of metabolic risk in children.
Where Are the Global Rankings Leading Us? An Analysis of Recent Methodological Changes and New Developments
Authors: Rauhvargers Andrejs 
Published: January 2014

This article is based on the analysis of the changes in global university rankings and the new ‘products’ based on rankings data in the period since mid‐2011. It is a summary and continuation of the European University Association (EUA)‐commissioned report ‘Global University Rankings Their Impact, Report II’ which was launched in April 2013. It covers the changes in the ranking methodologies which have been the most visible in the CWTS Leiden Ranking and Webometrics and which have replaced some indicators with newly designed ones. Changes have been made in other rankings as well, but they are less visible. A new U21 ranking was launched in 2012. It is an attempt to rank national higher education systems rather than individual universities. New rankings by conventional ranking providers have demonstrated that in reputation rankings or reputation indicators the scores drop even more sharply than in the most élitist rankings and therefore can be used for even narrower groups of universities.Several ranking providers have started their own data collections and combine ranking data with the data from the newly established data collections and use them for several multi‐indicator classifications or profiling tools. QS has been most productive and has added not only classification and profiling tools, but has also launched a ranking of student cities, and ‘stars’ that universities can obtain.Generally, the rankings’ impact is growing. Let us see where it will bring us.At the same time, some rankings providers have changed language and explain the biases, flaws and misunderstandings created through misuse of rankings or using ranking indicators without proper knowledge.
Differential role of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor‐mediated glutamate transmission in the nucleus accumbens shell and core in nicotine seeking in rats
Authors: D'Souza Manoranjan S. , Markou Athina 
Published: January 2014

AbstractNicotine, a major psychoactive component of tobacco smoke, increases glutamate transmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). However, the role of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA)‐mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission in the NAcc shell and core subdivisions in nicotine‐dependent behaviors has not been studied. The present study evaluated, in rats, the effects of bilateral administration of the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist LY235959 (0, 0.1, 1, and 10 ng/0.5 μL/side) into the NAcc shell or core on intravenous nicotine (fixed‐ and progressive‐ratio schedules) and food (fixed‐ratio schedule) self‐administration, and cue‐induced reinstatement of nicotine‐seeking behavior. In addition, the effects of LY235959 injections in the NAcc shell were evaluated on nicotine‐induced conditioned taste aversion, a procedure that assesses the aversive effects of nicotine. LY235959 injections into the NAcc shell significantly increased nicotine self‐administration under both fixed‐ and progressive‐ratio schedules, and decreased food self‐administration, but had no effect on nicotine‐induced conditioned taste aversion or cue‐induced nicotine seeking. Furthermore, injections of LY235959 in the lateral septal nucleus, originally intended as an anatomical control site for the NAcc shell, increased nicotine self‐administration and decreased food self‐administration under the fixed‐ratio schedule. In contrast, LY235959 injections into the NAcc core increased the cue‐induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking and decreased food self‐administration, but had no effect on nicotine self‐administration. The present data suggest that NMDA receptor‐mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission in the NAcc shell and core differentially regulates food‐ and nicotine‐maintained responding. Importantly, the data suggest an inhibitory role for NMDA‐mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission in the NAcc shell and core in nicotine self‐administration and the cue‐induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking, respectively.
Apolipoprotein E polymorphisms and ischaemic stroke: a two‐center Greek study
Authors: Chatzistefanidis D. , Giannopoulos S. , Spengos K. , Vassilopoulou S. , Vemmos K. , Dova L. , Vartholomatos G. , Kyritsis A. P. , Georgiou I. , Markoula S. 
Published: January 2014

Background and purposeApolipropotein E(apoE) is a plasma protein exhibiting three common isoforms (E2, E3, E4). Its involvement in lipoprotein metabolism may have an impact on stroke occurrence. As results in the literature are inconclusive further studies are needed to elucidate its role. Our objective was to study the role of apoE isoforms and the interplay with environmental risk factors in patients with first ischaemic stroke occurrence in the Greek population.MethodsThree hundred and twenty‐nine patients with first‐ever ischaemic stroke were included in our study. Strokes of cardioembolic origin and patients with autoimmune or prothrombotic syndromes were excluded. A control group of 361 subjects with no stroke history were also included in our study. Risk factors (hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking) were assessed. ApoE alleles were determined in all subjects participating in the study.ResultsGenotype ε3/ε3 was found to have a protective role against stroke occurrence compared with other genotypes (odds ratio 0.674, 95% confidence interval 0.480–0.946) especially in the female patient subgroup. In multivariate analysis after adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking, the role of genotype was limited and outweighed by risk factors in both genders. No association between apoE alleles and BMI, cholesterol, triglycerides or high‐density lipoprotein plasma levels was noted.ConclusionsOur study was indicative of a protective role of the ε3/ε3 genotype, especially in female patients. However, risk factors such as age, BMI, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking have a strong impact on stroke occurrence and outweigh the protective role of the ε3/ε3 genotype.
Huntingtin gene CAG repeat numbers in Chinese patients with Huntington's disease and controls
Authors: Jiang H. , Sun Y. M. , Hao Y. , Yan Y. P. , Chen K. , Xin S. H. , Tang Y. P. , Li X. H. , Jun T. , Chen Y. Y. , Liu Z. J. , Wang C. R. , Li H. , Pei Z. , Shang H. F. , Zhang B. R. , Gu W. H. , Wu Z. Y. , Tang B. S. , Burgunder J.‐M. ,   The Chinese HD Network
Published: January 2014

Background and purposeHuntington's disease is due to a CAG triplet repeat elongation in the huntingtin gene. Boundaries in CAG numbers have been found between healthy people with and without risk to pass the disorder to the next generation, and between people without, with a mild, or with a fully penetrant phenotype. These data have been generated in western populations and it is not clear whether they are also valid amongst Chinese.MethodsIn order to establish normative data in the huntingtin gene for Chinese people, 966 chromosomes from normal controls were tested. Further, the range of CAG repeats was examined in a cohort from six centres and a total of 368 patients with the disease were included.ResultsThe CAG triplet repeat range in normal controls was between 9 and 35 (mean 18.9, SD 2.57). Triplets in the range between 26 and 35 were found in 2.5%. In the patient cohort, triplet repeats in the shorter allele were between 8 and 37 (mean 17.7, SD 1.6). In the longer allele, a range between 36 and 120 was found. There was a negative correlation (−0.65, r = 0.42) between age at onset and the number of triplet repeats in the larger allele. The mean age at onset was 38 years, with a range between 2 and 70 years. In 23 patients (6%) a childhood or juvenile onset was noted.ConclusionThese data show comparable ranges of huntingtin gene CAG triplet repeats in normal people and in patients with Huntington's disease as in western populations.
An immunomodulatory role for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis region of difference 1 locus proteins PE35 (Rv3872) and PPE68 (Rv3873)
Authors: Tiwari Bhavana , Soory Amarendranath , Raghunand Tirumalai R. 
Published: January 2014

The pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis involves the coordinate action of multiple bacillary components that modulate host immune responses to ensure its survival. One such group of factors is the multigenic PE_PPE protein family, several members of which have been implicated in host immune evasion. Here we investigate the function of the PE–PPE gene pair PE35 (Rv3872)–PPE68 (Rv3873), located in the region of difference 1, encoding a specialized mycobacterial secretion system that is deleted in all vaccine strains of Mycobacterium bovis BCG. We report that this gene pair is co‐operonic in M. tuberculosis, and demonstrate that its gene products interact with each other. Stimulation of THP‐1 macrophages with recombinant PE35 and PPE68, singly or in combination, led to a dose‐dependent increase in levels of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐10 and the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and caused a reciprocal decrease in levels of the proinflammatory cytokine IL‐12. PE35/PPE68‐stimulated production of IL‐10 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 was observed to be dependent on toll‐like receptor 2, as receptor blockade caused a significant reduction in their levels. Pharmacological inhibition indicated that this induction involved activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling axis. In a transwell migration assay, culture supernatants from PE35/PPE68‐treated THP‐1 cells were observed to stimulate the migration of monocytes. Our findings suggest that the PE35–PPE68 gene pair plays an important immunomodulatory role in regulating the pathophysiology of M. tuberculosis.Structured digital abstract

TLR2 physically interacts with PPE68 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

PE35 binds to PPE68 by pull down (View interaction)

PE35 physically interacts with PPE68 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

TLR2 physically interacts with PE35 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

PPE68 and PE35 physically interact by dihydrofolate reductase reconstruction (View interaction)
Crystal structure of mouse mu‐crystallin complexed with NADPH and the T3 thyroid hormone
Authors: Borel Franck , Hachi Isma , Palencia Andres , Gaillard Marie‐Claude , Ferrer Jean‐Luc 
Published: January 2014

Mu‐crystallin (CRYM), first described as a structural component of the eye lens in marsupials, has been characterized as an NADPH‐dependent cytosolic T3 thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine) binding protein. More recently, CRYM has also been associated with ketimine reductase activity. Here, we report three crystal structures: mouse CRYM (mCRYM) in its apo form, in a form complexed with NADPH, and in a form with both NADPH and triiodothyronine bound. Comparison of the apo and NADPH forms reveals a rearrangement of the protein upon NADPH binding that reduces the degrees of freedom of several residues and traps the conformation of the binding pocket in a more T3 competent state. These findings are in agreement with the cooperative mechanism identified using isothermal titration calorimetry. Our structure with T3 reveals for the first time the location of the hormone binding site and shows its detailed interactions. T3 binding involves mainly hydrophobic interactions. Only five residues, either directly or through bridging water molecules, are hydrogen bonded to the hormone. Using in silico docking analysis, a series of ring‐containing hydrophobic molecules were identified as potential mCRYM ligands, suggesting that the specificity for the recognition of the hydrophobic part of the hormone might be low. This is in agreement with the ketimine reductase activity that has been identified for ovine CRYM, as it demonstrates how a protein known as a thyroid hormone transporter can accommodate the ringed molecules required for its ketimine reductase activity. In the light of our results, a putative role of CRYM in thyroid hormone metabolism is also discussed.Structured digital abstract

CRYM and CRYM bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)
Study Abroad in Central Spain: The Development of Regional Phonological Features
Authors: George Angela 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis study investigated the development of two regional pronunciation features by 25 Spanish major or minors from a variety of universities in the United States who studied abroad for one semester in central Spain. Data were collected at the beginning, middle, and end of the semester using three tasks that ranged from reading a formal passage aloud to informal spontaneous speech. All tasks elicited the interdental and the uvular fricative, both salient phonological features of Castilian Spanish. Several linguistic and extralinguistic factors may account for the increase in use of the features throughout the semester by a small percentage of students.
Change in French Second Language Writing in Study Abroad and Domestic Contexts
Authors: Godfrey LeeAnne , Treacy Corbin , Tarone Elaine 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis descriptive case study examines the writing of eight university learners of French—four during study abroad and four in on‐campus courses—over the course of a semester. The study abroad students all improved their ACTFL writing proficiency scores, while the domestic students' writing proficiency levels tended to stay the same or even decreased. But what specific features of students' writing changed over the semester? This study applied fine‐grained measures focused on the complexity, accuracy, fluency, and form‐function relationships of writing samples collected at the beginning and end of the semester. Results showed that students' writing developed in both study abroad and domestic contexts, although in different ways. Given the complexity of writing development, multiple measures should be used to assess second language writing across learning contexts.
Elementary School Foreign Language Teaching: Lessons Learned Over Three Decades (1980–2010)
Authors: Rhodes Nancy C. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this research was to investigate the major successes and challenges of elementary school language teaching from 1980 to 2010 through the voices of some of the individuals who were instrumental in the development of the field. The author conducted interviews with 16 leaders in the field of early language education to elicit their views on such topics as program models, instructional approaches, proficiency assessment, and advocacy. Ten lessons learned are presented in the form of recommendations for the expansion of proficiency‐based language programs in elementary schools. These recommendations will help the field learn from past successes and failures, develop the highest possible levels of language proficiency, and build on the methodologies (e.g., immersion and content‐based instruction) that have been demonstrated to be best practices.
Focal adhesion protein expression in human diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Bosch Rosa , Dieguez‐Gonzalez Rebeca , Moreno María José , Gallardo Alberto , Novelli Silvana , Espinosa Iñigo , Céspedes María Virtudes , Pavón Miguel Ángel , Briones Javier , Grañena Albert , Sierra Jorge , Mangues Ramon , Casanova Isolda 
Published: January 2014

AimsFocal adhesions have been associated with poor prognosis in multiple cancer types, but their prognostic value in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression patterns and the prognostic value of the focal adhesion proteins FAK, Pyk2, p130Cas and HEF1 in DLBCL.Methods and resultsFocal adhesion protein expression was examined using immunohistochemistry in normal lymphoid tissues and in 60 DLBCL patient samples. Kaplan–Meier survival and Cox regression analysis were performed to evaluate the correlation of focal adhesion protein expression with patient prognosis. FAK, Pyk2, p130Cas and HEF1 expression was mostly found in the germinal centres of normal human lymphoid tissues. When assessed in DLBCL samples, FAK, Pyk2, p130Cas and HEF1 were highly expressed in 45%, 34%, 42% and 45% of the samples, respectively. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that decreased FAK expression was a significant independent predictor of poorer disease outcome.ConclusionsFAK expression is an independent prognostic factor in DLBCL. Our results suggest that the addition of FAK immunostaining to the current immunohistochemical algorithms may facilitate risk stratification of DLBCL patients.