bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low Usutu virusseroprevalence in four zoological gardens in central Europe
Authors: Buchebner Nicola , Zenker Wolfgang , Wenker Christian , Steinmetz Hanspeter W , Sós Endre , Lussy Helga , Nowotny Norbert 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background

Usutu virus (USUV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus of the Japanese encephalitis virus antigenic group, caused bird die-offs in Austria, Hungary and Switzerland between 2001 and 2009. While the zoological gardens of Vienna and Zurich recorded USUV-associated mortality in different species of birds during this period, incidences in Budapest were limited to areas outside the zoo, and in the greater Basel area avian mortality due to USUV infection was not observed at all. The objectives of this investigation were to gain insight into USUV infection dynamics in captive birds in zoos with varying degrees of virus exposure and to study differences in susceptibility to USUV of different species of birds.

Results
372 bird sera were collected between October 2006 and August 2007. The samples were tested in parallel by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and 90% plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT-90). 8.75%, 5.3% and 6.59% of birds in the zoos of Vienna, Zurich and Basel, respectively, showed USUV-specific antibodies by PRNT-90. No antibodies to USUV were detected in birds of the Budapest zoo. The order Strigiformes (owls) exhibited the highest USUV-seroprevalence, compared to other orders of birds.

Conclusions
USUV seems not to pose an imminent threat to zoo bird populations in central Europe at the moment. Depending on a variety of especially environmental factors, however, this may change at any time in the (near) future, as experienced with West Nile virus (WNV). It is therefore strongly suggested to continue with combined WNV and USUV surveillance activities in affected areas.
Hydrothermal synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using rice as soft biotemplate
Authors: Ramimoghadam Donya , Bin Hussein Mohd Zobir , Taufiq-Yap Yun Hin 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Rice as a renewable, abundant bio-resource with unique characteristics can be used as a bio-template to synthesize various functional nanomaterials. Therefore, the effect of uncooked rice flour as bio-template on physico-chemical properties, especially the morphology of zinc oxide nanostructures was investigated in this study.
The ZnO particles were synthesized through hydrothermal-biotemplate method using zinc acetate-sodium hydroxide and uncooked rice flour at various ratios as precursors at 120°C for 18 hours.

Results
The results indicate that rice as a bio-template can be used to modify the shape and size of zinc oxide particles. Different morphologies, namely flake-, flower-, rose-, star- and rod-like structures were obtained with particle size at micro- and nanometer range. Pore size and texture of the resulting zinc oxide particles were found to be template-dependent and the resulting specific surface area enhanced compared to the zinc oxide synthesized without rice under the same conditions. However, optical property particularly the band gap energy is generally quite similar.

Conclusion
Pure zinc oxide crystals were successfully synthesized using rice flour as biotemplate at various ratios of zinc salt to rice. The size- and shape-controlled capability of rice to assemble the ZnO particles can be employed for further useful practical applications.
The effective application of a discrete transition model to explore cell-cycle regulation in yeast
Authors: Rubinstein Amir , Hazan Ofir , Chor Benny , Pinter Ron Y , Kassir Yona 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Bench biologists often do not take part in the development of computational models for their systems, and therefore, they frequently employ them as “black-boxes”. Our aim was to construct and test a model that does not depend on the availability of quantitative data, and can be directly used without a need for intensive computational background.

Results
We present a discrete transition model. We used cell-cycle in budding yeast as a paradigm for a complex network, demonstrating phenomena such as sequential protein expression and activity, and cell-cycle oscillation. The structure of the network was validated by its response to computational perturbations such as mutations, and its response to mating-pheromone or nitrogen depletion. The model has a strong predicative capability, demonstrating how the activity of a specific transcription factor, Hcm1, is regulated, and what determines commitment of cells to enter and complete the cell-cycle.

Conclusion
The model presented herein is intuitive, yet is expressive enough to elucidate the intrinsic structure and qualitative behavior of large and complex regulatory networks. Moreover our model allowed us to examine multiple hypotheses in a simple and intuitive manner, giving rise to testable predictions. This methodology can be easily integrated as a useful approach for the study of networks, enriching experimental biology with computational insights.
Selection and validation of reference genes for quantitative gene expression studies by real-time PCR in eggplant (Solanum melongena L)
Authors: Gantasala Nagavara Prasad , Papolu Pradeep Kumar , Thakur Prasoon Kumar , Kamaraju Divya , Sreevathsa Rohini , Rao Uma 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Analysis of gene expression patterns leads to functional understanding of biological processes. Quantitative real-time PCR has become the most commonly used technique for in-depth studies of gene expression. To quantify variation in specific gene expression, accurate and reliable normalization across different samples and tissues is necessary. This can be achieved by selecting one or more suitable reference genes to compare the target mRNA transcript levels. In the present work, we illustrate the first evaluation of potential internal control or reference genes across different developmental stages of eggplant for reliable quantification of transcripts by real-time PCR.

Results
We have evaluated the stability in expression of six candidate reference genes (18s rRNA, APRT, GAPDH, Cyclophilin, Actin, and RuBP) in a set of tissues representing six developmental stages of eggplant. The candidate genes were cloned from cDNA and analysed by real-time PCR. The expression data analyzed by three statistical methods (geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper) identified 18s rRNA, Cyclophilin and APRT as the most stable and suitable reference genes in eggplant. This was further confirmed in four different varieties, two representative lines of transgenic eggplant as well as in nematode infected eggplant.

Conclusion

18s rRNA, Cyclophilin and APRT have been found to be appropriate for the normalization of real-time PCR data for gene expression studies in eggplant.
Identification of an age-dependent biomarker signature in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Ramsey Jordan M , Guest Paul C , Broek Jantine AC , Glennon Jeffrey C , Rommelse Nanda , Franke Barbara , Rahmoune Hassan , Buitelaar Jan K , Bahn Sabine 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental conditions with symptoms manifesting before the age of 3, generally persisting throughout life and affecting social development and communication. Here, we have investigated changes in protein biomarkers in blood during childhood and adolescent development.

Methods
We carried out a multiplex immunoassay profiling analysis of serum samples from 37 individuals with a diagnosis of ASD and their matched, non-affected siblings, aged between 4 and 18 years, to identify molecular pathways affected over the course of ASDs.

Results
This analysis revealed age-dependent differences in the levels of 12 proteins involved in inflammation, growth and hormonal signaling.

Conclusions
These deviations in age-related molecular trajectories provide further insight into the progression and pathophysiology of the disorder and, if replicated, may contribute to better classification of ASD individuals, as well as to improved treatment and prognosis. The results also underline the importance of stratifying and analyzing samples by age, especially in ASD and potentially other developmental disorders.
Fully integrated, fully automated generation of short tandem repeat profiles
Authors: Tan Eugene , Turingan Rosemary S , Hogan Catherine , Vasantgadkar Sameer , Palombo Luke , Schumm James W , Selden Richard F 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
The generation of short tandem repeat profiles, also referred to as ‘DNA typing,’ is not currently performed outside the laboratory because the process requires highly skilled technical operators and a controlled laboratory environment and infrastructure with several specialized instruments. The goal of this work was to develop a fully integrated system for the automated generation of short tandem repeat profiles from buccal swab samples, to improve forensic laboratory process flow as well as to enable short tandem repeat profile generation to be performed in police stations and in field-forward military, intelligence, and homeland security settings.

Results
An integrated system was developed consisting of an injection-molded microfluidic BioChipSet cassette, a ruggedized instrument, and expert system software. For each of five buccal swabs, the system purifies DNA using guanidinium-based lysis and silica binding, amplifies 15 short tandem repeat loci and the amelogenin locus, electrophoretically separates the resulting amplicons, and generates a profile. No operator processing of the samples is required, and the time from swab insertion to profile generation is 84 minutes. All required reagents are contained within the BioChipSet cassette; these consist of a lyophilized polymerase chain reaction mix and liquids for purification and electrophoretic separation.
Profiles obtained from fully automated runs demonstrate that the integrated system generates concordant short tandem repeat profiles. The system exhibits single-base resolution from 100 to greater than 500 bases, with inter-run precision with a standard deviation of ±0.05 - 0.10 bases for most alleles. The reagents are stable for at least 6 months at 22°C, and the instrument has been designed and tested to Military Standard 810F for shock and vibration ruggedization. A nontechnical user can operate the system within or outside the laboratory.

Conclusions
The integrated system represents the first generation of a turnkey approach to short tandem repeat profiling and has the potential for use in both the field (for example, police booking stations, the battlefield, borders and ports) and the forensic laboratory.
CSF Presenilin-1 complexes are increased in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: García-Ayllón María-Salud , Campanari María-Letizia , Brinkmalm Gunnar , Rábano Alberto , Alom Jordi , Saura Carlos A , Andreasen Niels , Blennow Kaj , Sáez-Valero Javier 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Presenilin-1 (PS1) is the active component of the amyloid precursor protein cleaving γ-secretase complex. PS1 protein is a transmembrane protein containing multiple hydrophobic regions which presence in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has not been measured to date. This study assesses whether PS1 and other components of the γ-secretase complex are present in CSF.

Results
Here, we show that PS1 is present in ventricular post-mortem and lumbar ante-mortem CSF, and plasma as 100–150-kDa hetero-complexes containing both the N- and C-terminal fragments (NTF and CTF) of the protein. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting with different antibodies confirmed the identity of the PS1 species. The γ-secretase components, APH-1 (anterior pharynx-defective 1) and PEN-2 (presenilin enhancer 2), as well as presenilin-2 (PS2) fragments, co-exist within these CSF complexes, while nicastrin is not detected. These CSF-PS1 complexes differ from active γ-secretase membrane-complexes, and may represent nonspecific aggregation of the PS1 protein. Levels of PS1 complexes are increased in CSF samples from autopsy-confirmed Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases and were found to be more stable than complexes in CSF from control subjects. Despite similar levels of total PS1 in CSF from probable AD patients and cognitively normal subjects, an increased proportion of highly stable PS1 complexes were observed in AD CSF.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that fragments of the PS1 protein present in CSF as complexes may be useful as a biomarker for AD.
FDG kinetic modeling in small rodent brain PET: optimization of data acquisition and analysis
Authors: Alf Malte F , Martić-Kehl Marianne I , Schibli Roger , Krämer Stefanie D 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Kinetic modeling of brain glucose metabolism in small rodents from positron emission tomography (PET) data using 2-deoxy-2-[18 F]fluoro-d-glucose (FDG) has been highly inconsistent, due to different modeling parameter settings and underestimation of the impact of methodological flaws in experimentation. This article aims to contribute toward improved experimental standards. As solutions for arterial input function (IF) acquisition of satisfactory quality are becoming available for small rodents, reliable two-tissue compartment modeling and the determination of transport and phosphorylation rate constants of FDG in rodent brain are within reach.

Methods
Data from mouse brain FDG PET with IFs determined with a coincidence counter on an arterio-venous shunt were analyzed with the two-tissue compartment model. We assessed the influence of several factors on the modeling results: the value for the fractional blood volume in tissue, precision of timing and calibration, smoothing of data, correction for blood cell uptake of FDG, and protocol for FDG administration. Kinetic modeling with experimental and simulated data was performed under systematic variation of these parameters.

Results
Blood volume fitting was unreliable and affected the estimation of rate constants. Even small sample timing errors of a few seconds lead to significant deviations of the fit parameters. Data smoothing did not increase model fit precision. Accurate correction for the kinetics of blood cell uptake of FDG rather than constant scaling of the blood time-activity curve is mandatory for kinetic modeling. FDG infusion over 4 to 5 min instead of bolus injection revealed well-defined experimental input functions and allowed for longer blood sampling intervals at similar fit precisions in simulations.

Conclusions
FDG infusion over a few minutes instead of bolus injection allows for longer blood sampling intervals in kinetic modeling with the two-tissue compartment model at a similar precision of fit parameters. The fractional blood volume in the tissue of interest should be entered as a fixed value and kinetics of blood cell uptake of FDG should be included in the model. Data smoothing does not improve the results, and timing errors should be avoided by precise temporal matching of blood and tissue time-activity curves and by replacing manual with automated blood sampling.
Facile and efficient one-pot synthesis of benzimidazoles using lanthanum chloride
Authors: Venkateswarlu Yekkirala , Kumar Sudhagani Ramesh , Leelavathi Panuganti 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundWe report the synthesis of benzimidazoles using lanthanum chloride as an efficient catalyst. One-pot synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazole derivatives fromo-phenylenediamine and a variety of aldehydes were developed under mild reaction conditions.ResultsWe have examined the effect of different solvents using the same reaction conditions. The yield of the product varied with the nature of the solvents, and better conversion and easy isolation of products were found with acetonitrile. In a similar manner, the reaction witho-phenylenediamine and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde was carried out without any solvents. The observation shows that the reaction was not brought into completion, even after starting for a period of 9 h, and the reaction mixture showed a number of spots in thin-layer chromatography.ConclusionsIn conclusion, lanthanum chloride has been employed as a novel and efficient catalyst for the synthesis of benzimidazoles in good yields fromo-phenylenediamine and a wide variety of aldehydes. All of the reactions were carried out in the presence of lanthanum chloride (10 mol%) in acetonitrile at room temperature.
Why did unemployment respond so differently to the global financial crisis across countries? Insights from Okun’s Law
Authors: Cazes Sandrine , Verick Sher , Al Hussami Fares 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe global financial crisis deeply impacted labour markets around the globe. In the case of the United States, some commentators have argued that the subsequent rise in unemployment exceeded previous estimates of the elasticity of the unemployment rate with respect to output growth, a statistical relationship known as Okun’s law. In contrast, others find a stable, long-term estimate of Okun’s coefficient implying that the deviation in unemployment during the crisis resulted from a larger output gap (not a structural shift in the trend). Ultimately, estimates of this relationship will depend on the methodology and data period utilized. Focusing more on short-term fluctuations, changes in unemployment are decomposed to identify the association with other channels of labour market adjustment (hours, productivity and labour force). Results presented in this paper confirm the cross-country variation in the responsiveness of unemployment in the wake of the Great Recession. In the United States, Canada, Spain and other severely affected economies, estimates of Okun’s coefficient increased sharply, departing from pre-crisis levels. In other countries, where unemployment has remained subdued, such as Germany and the Netherlands, the coefficient has fallen dramatically over the short-term. While other factors can explain the heterogeneous impact of the global financial crisis on labour markets in OECD countries, this paper focuses on the contribution of labour market institutions (employment protection legislation) in explaining cross-country differences and shifts in the estimated Okun’s coefficient. In this regard, empirical evidence confirms that the responsiveness in the unemployment rate during the global downturn was lower in countries where workers are afforded greater employment protection such as Germany.JEL codesE24, J64, G01
The working hours of immigrants in Germany: temporary versus permanent
Authors: Kahanec Martin , Shields Michael P 
Published: August 2013

AbstractMigration is often viewed as an investment decision. Temporary migrants can be expected to invest less in accumulating human capital specific to the host country. Instead, they work more hours in order to accumulate savings and invest in financial capital that can be transferred back to their country of origin upon return. In this paper, using German panel data, we explore how temporary migrants differ from permanent migrants in their labor supply decisions and behavior. After correcting for endogeneity bias, male temporary migrants are found to work more hours than permanent ones. The effect for females is statistically insignificant.Jel codesJ22, J61, F22
Metformin Use and All-Cause and Prostate Cancer–Specific Mortality Among Men With Diabetes
Authors: Margel David , Urbach David R. , Lipscombe Lorraine L. , Bell Chaim M. , Kulkarni Girish , Austin Peter C. , Fleshner Neil 
Published: August 2013

PurposeTo evaluate the association between cumulative duration of metformin use after prostate cancer (PC) diagnosis and all-cause and PC-specific mortality among patients with diabetes.Patients and MethodsWe used a population-based retrospective cohort design. Data were obtained from several Ontario health care administrative databases. Within a cohort of men older than age 66 years with incident diabetes who subsequently developed PC, we examined the effect of duration of antidiabetic medication exposure after PC diagnosis on all-cause and PC-specific mortality. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated by using a time-varying Cox proportional hazard model to estimate effects.ResultsThe cohort consisted of 3,837 patients. Median age at diagnosis of PC was 75 years (interquartile range [IQR], 72 to 79 years). During a median follow-up of 4.64 years (IQR, 2.7 to 7.1 years), 1,343 (35%) died, and 291 patients (7.6%) died as a result of PC. Cumulative duration of metformin treatment after PC diagnosis was associated with a significant decreased risk of PC-specific and all-cause mortality in a dose-dependent fashion. Adjusted HR for PC-specific mortality was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.89) for each additional 6 months of metformin use. The association with all-cause mortality was also significant but declined over time from an HR of 0.76 in the first 6 months to 0.93 between 24 and 30 months. There was no relationship between cumulative use of other antidiabetic drugs and either outcome.ConclusionIncreased cumulative duration of metformin exposure after PC diagnosis was associated with decreases in both all-cause and PC-specific mortality among diabetic men.
Surgical Treatment of 127 Anterior Choroidal Artery Aneurysms A Cohort Study of Resultant Ischemic Complications
Authors: Bohnstedt Bradley N. , Kemp William J. , Li Yiping , Payner Troy D. , Horner Terry G. , Leipzig Thomas J. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
The anterior choroidal artery (AChA) supplies important areas of the nervous system, particularly the posterior limb of the internal capsule and optic radiation. Treatment of AChA aneurysms poses particular challenges because of the complex anatomy of the aneurysm associated with the relatively small diameter of AChAs, making preservation of the parent vessel during clip ligation or endosaccular coiling challenging.

OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the incidence and features of ischemia in treatment of AChA aneurysms.

METHODS:
A prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent treatment of aneurysms from 1985 to 2011 was queried to find patients with AChA aneurysms. Age, sex, Hunt and Hess grade, treatment modality, and complications were analyzed by use of the unpaired Student t test and Fisher exact test.

RESULTS:
One hundred twenty-two patients harbored 127 AChA aneurysms, and 67% (82 of 122) had multiple aneurysms. Treatment included 112 microsurgical clip ligations, 8 endosaccular coil embolizations, 5 aneurysmal wrappings, and 2 surgical explorations. Complications developed in 53% (67 of 127) of AChA aneurysms. Postoperative ischemia occurred in 12% (15 of 127) of treated aneurysms. The number of temporary clip applications was most closely associated with postoperative ischemia. Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 4 or 5 were obtained by 78% at discharge, 89% at 6 months, and 85% at 1 year.

CONCLUSION:
The ischemic complication rate from surgical treatment of AChA aneurysms is most closely associated with higher frequency of temporary clip applications for proximal control and may be lower than previously reported. Supplementary intraoperative tools and limitation of vessel manipulation should be used to improve outcomes.
Synaesthesia as Phenomenon of Consciousness: Psychological and Philosophic Analysis
Authors: Медова  , Medova Anastasia 
Published: August 2013

The modal version of consciousness organization presuming
the interpretation of all its functions and elements as moods, i.e. projections of one and the same ability or entity, is considered in this paper. As evidence in favor of this version, demonstrations of synaesthesia or intermodal translation are analyzed. Synaesthesia is interpreted as phenomenon indicating the primary premodal matrix of perception or amodal semantic code that not differentiated onto aural, visual, tactile, or other modalities.