bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
See me, feel me. Using physiology to validate behavioural observations of emotions of people with severe or profound intellectual disability
Authors: Vos P. , De Cock P. , Petry K. , Van Den Noortgate W. , Maes B. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundBehavioural observations are the most frequently used source of information about emotions of people with severe or profound intellectual disabilities but have not yet been validated against other measures of emotion. In this study we wanted to validate the behavioural observations of emotions using respiration (rib cage contribution, total breath duration, inspiratory time, expiratory time, tidal volume, mean inspiratory flow, minute ventilation) and heart rate variability.MethodTwenty‐seven participants were presented with four negative and four positive stimuli. During the presentation the participants' respiration and heart rate variability was measured. Each behaviour of the participant was coded as emotive or not.ResultsWe found the hypothesised higher percentage rib cage contribution, marginal lower mean inspiratory flow and lower heart rate variability when the expressed emotions became more positive.ConclusionsThese results validate the use of behavioural observations to make inferences about emotions.
Time to get rid of the ‘Modular’ in neuropsychology: A unified theory of anosognosia as aberrant predictive coding
Authors: Fotopoulou Aikaterini 
Published: March 2013

Cognitive neuroscience, being more inclusive and ambitious in scope than cognitive neuropsychology, seems to have taken the place of the latter within the modern neurosciences. Nevertheless, recent advances in the neurosciences afford neuropsychology with epistemic possibilities that simply did not exist even 15 years ago. Human lesion studies still have an important role to play in shaping such possibilities, particularly when combined with other methods of enquiry. I first outline theoretical and methodological advances within the neurosciences that can inform and shape the rebirth of a dynamic, non‐modular neuropsychology. I then use an influential computational theory of brain function, the free energy principle, to suggest an unified account of anosognosia for hemiplegia as a research example of the potential for transition from a modular, cognitive neuropsychology to a dynamic, computational and even restorative neuropsychology. These and many other adjectives that can flexibly, take the place of ‘cognitive’ next to ‘neuropsychology’ will hopefully designate the much needed rebirth and demarcation of a field, neuropsychology itself, that has somehow lost its place within the modern neurosciences and yet seems to have a unique and important role to play in the future understanding of the brain.
Weathering of ordinary chondrites from the Atacama Desert, Chile, by Mössbauer spectroscopy and synchrotron radiation X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Munayco Pablo , Munayco Jimmy , de Avillez Roberto R. , Valenzuela Millarca , Rochette Pierre , Gattacceca Jérôme , Scorzelli Rosa B. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSome terrestrial areas have climatic and geomorphologic features that favor the preservation, and therefore, accumulation of meteorites. The Atacama Desert in Chile is among the most important of such areas, known as DCA. This desert is the driest on Earth, one of the most arid, uninhabitable localities with semiarid, arid, and hyper‐arid conditions. The meteorites studied here were collected from within the DCA of San Juan and Pampa de Mejillones, located, respectively, in the Central Depression and the Coastal Range of the Atacama Desert. 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy was used for quantitative analysis of the degree of weathering of the meteorites, through the determination of the proportions of the various Fe‐bearing phases and in particular the amount of oxidized iron in terrestrial alteration products. The abundance of ferric ions in weathered chondrites can be related to specific precursor compositions and to the level of terrestrial weathering. The aim of the study was the identification, quantification, and differentiation of the weathering products in the ordinary chondrites found in the San Juan and the Pampa de Mejillones areas of the Atacama Desert. The 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy study was complemented by synchrotron radiation X‐ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The results allow a clear differentiation of the rate of weathering in meteorite samples collected from the San Juan versus the Pampa de Mejillones areas of the Atacama Desert.
Long‐range movement by Hector's dolphins provides potential genetic enhancement for critically endangered Maui's dolphin
Authors: Hamner Rebecca M. , Constantine Rochelle , Oremus Marc , Stanley Martin , Brown Phillip , Scott Baker C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractFor endangered populations with low genetic diversity, low levels of immigration could lead to genetic rescue, reducing the risk of inbreeding depression and enhancing chances of long‐term species survival. Our genetic monitoring of Maui's dolphins revealed the first contemporary dispersal of their sister subspecies, Hector's dolphin, from New Zealand's South Island into the Maui's dolphin distribution along ~300 km of the North Island's northwest coast. From 2010 to 2012, 44 individuals were sampled within the Maui's dolphin distribution, four of which were genetically identified as Hector's dolphins (two living females, one dead female, one dead male). We also report two Hector's dolphins (one dead female neonate, one living male) sampled along the North Island's southwest coast, outside the presumed range of either subspecies. Together, these records demonstrate long‐distance dispersal by Hector's dolphins (≥400 km) and the possibility of an unsampled Hector's dolphin population along the southwest coast of the North Island. Although two living Hector's dolphins were found in association with Maui's dolphins, there is currently no evidence of interbreeding between the subspecies. These results highlight the value of genetic monitoring for subspecies lacking distinctive physical appearances as such discoveries are not detected by other means, but have important conservation implications.
Use of data from the Health Survey for England in obesity policy making and monitoring
Authors: Oyebode O. , Mindell J. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryHealth data and statistics are the foundation of health policy. Over the last 20 years, numerous government documents have been commissioned and published to inform obesity strategies in the UK. The Health Survey for England, an annual cross‐sectional survey of a nationally representative random general population sample in England, collects information on health, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors, physical measurements and biological samples. Heights and weights measured by the Health Survey for England are believed to have played a major part in promoting, shaping and evaluating obesity strategies. A formal review of how these data have been used has not been conducted previously.This paper reviews government documents demonstrating the contribution of Health Survey for England examination data to every stage of the policy making process:
quantifying the obesity problem in England (e.g. Chief Medical Officer's reports);
identifying inequalities in the burden of obesity (Acheson report);
modelling potential future scenarios (Foresight);
setting and monitoring specific, measurable, attainable targets (calorie reduction challenge in manufacturers' Responsibility Deal);
developing and informing strategies and clinical guidance; and
evaluating the success of obesity strategies (Healthy Weights, Healthy Lives progress report).
Measurement data are needed and used by governments to produce evidence‐based strategies to combat obesity.
Ion gradients in xylem exudate and guttation fluid related to tissue ion levels along primary leaves of barley
Authors: NAGAI MAKIKO , OHNISHI MIWA , UEHARA TAKEO , YAMAGAMI MUTSUMI , MIURA EIKO , KAMAKURA MAI , KITAMURA AKIRA , SAKAGUCHI SHU‐ICHI , SAKAMOTO WATARU , SHIMMEN TERUO , FUKAKI HIDEHIRO , REID ROBERT J. , FURUKAWA AKIO , MIMURA TETSURO 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe concentration of ions in plant cells and tissues is an essential factor in determining physiological function. In the present study, we established that concentration gradients of mobile ions exist in both xylem exudates and tissues within a barley (Hordeum vulgare) primary leaf. For K+ and NO3−, ion concentrations generally decreased from the leaf base to the tip in both xylem exudates and tissues. Ion gradients were also found for Pi and Cl− in the xylem. The hydathode strongly absorbed Pi and re‐translocated it to the rest of the plant, whereas Cl− was extruded. The ion concentration gradients developed early during leaf growth, increased as the tissue aged and remained under both high and low transpiration conditions. Measurement of the expression profiles of Pi, K+ and NO3− transporters along the longitudinal axis of the leaf revealed that some transporters are more expressed at the hydathode, but for most transporters, there was no significant variation along the leaf. The mechanisms by which longitudinal ion gradients develop in leaves and their physiological functions are discussed.
Retrospective Quarterly Cohort Monitoring for patients with Visceral Leishmaniasis in the Indian subcontinent: outcomes of a pilot project
Authors: Ostyn Bart , Malaviya Paritosh , Hasker Epco , Uranw Surendra , Singh Rudra P. , Rijal Suman , Sundar Shyam , Dujardin Jean‐Claude , Boelaert Marleen 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate a new tool for the monitoring of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) treatment outcomes in primary healthcare (PHC) settings, adapted from the standardised Retrospective Quarterly Cohort Monitoring done in tuberculosis control.MethodsWe developed standard case definitions for early and late VL treatment outcomes, a single register allowing for one‐line entry per patient as registration tool, and quarterly reporting formats for the clinical outcomes. We pilot‐tested these tools in three Indian Primary Health Centres and two Nepalese district hospitals, as well as in a charity VL treatment centre and a university hospital.ResultsData collection for early treatment outcome was easily implemented but information on late treatment outcome was hard to obtain. Effectiveness of Miltefosine under routine care conditions was about 87% at end of treatment, and 76% at 6 months post‐treatment related to the high number of patients lost to follow up at the latter end point.ConclusionA retrospective cohort monitoring methodology is conceptually a good framework for monitoring clinical outcomes for chronic conditions as VL. The monitoring of early outcomes of VL treatment is perfectly feasible in Primary Care settings. The completeness of information on late outcomes can be improved by a number of strategies that remain to be field tested. Generally, clinical outcome monitoring should be strengthened in the VL control programmes.
Combining association mapping and transcriptomics identify HD2B histone deacetylase as a genetic factor associated with seed dormancy in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yano Ryoichi , Takebayashi Yumiko , Nambara Eiji , Kamiya Yuji , Seo Mitsunori 
Published: March 2013

SummarySeed dormancy is an important adaptive trait that enables germination at the proper time, thereby ensuring plant survival after germination. In Arabidopsis, considerable variation exists in the degree of seed dormancy among wild‐type accessions (ecotypes). In this paper, we identify a plant‐specific HD2 histone deacetylase gene, HD2B (At5g22650), as a genetic factor associated with seed dormancy. First, genome‐wide association mapping of 113 accessions was used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms that possibly explain natural variation for seed dormancy. Integration of genome‐wide association mapping and transcriptome analysis during cold‐induced dormancy cycling identified HD2B as the most plausible candidate gene, and quantitative RT‐PCR analysis demonstrated that HD2B expression was up‐regulated by cold and after‐ripening (dry storage of mature seed), treatments that are known to break seed dormancy. Interestingly, quantitative RT‐PCR analysis in 106 accessions revealed that the expression of HD2B in imbibed seeds was significantly suppressed in most of the dormant accessions compared with less‐dormant accessions, suggesting that suppression of HD2B expression may be important to maintain seed dormancy in dormant accessions. In addition, transgenic seeds of a dormant Cvi‐0 accession that carried a 2.5 kb genomic DNA fragment of HD2B cloned from a less‐dormant Col‐0 accession (ColHD2B/Cvi‐0) exhibited reduced seed dormancy accompanied by enhanced expression of HD2B when after‐ripened or cold‐imbibed. Endogenous levels of gibberellin were found to be increased in the imbibed seeds of after‐ripened ColHD2B/Cvi‐0 compared with wild‐type Cvi‐0. These results suggest that HD2B plays a role in seed dormancy and/or germinability in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Interleukin-21 Overexpression Dominates T Cell Response to Epstein-Barr Virus in a Fatal Case of X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome Type 1
Authors: Ortega Consuelo , Estévez Orlando A. , Fernández Silvia , Aguado Rocío , Rumbao José M. , Gonzalez Teresa , Pérez-Navero Juan L. , Santamaría Manuel 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTInterleukin-21 (IL-21) is a cytokine whose actions are closely related to B cell differentiation into plasma cells as well as to CD8+cytolytic T cell effector and memory generation, influencing the T lymphocyte response to different viruses. X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome type 1 (XLP-1) is a primary immunodeficiency syndrome that is characterized by a high susceptibility to Epstein-Barr virus. We observed in a pediatric patient with XLP-1 that IL-21 was expressed in nearly all peripheral blood CD4+and CD8+T cells. However, IL-21 could not be found in the lymph nodes, suggesting massive mobilization of activated cells toward the infection's target organs, where IL-21-producing cells were detected, resulting in large areas of tissue damage.
Verocytotoxin-Producing Escherichia coli O128ab:H2 Bacteremia in a 27-Year-Old Male with Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Buvens Glenn , De Rauw Klara , Roisin Sandrine , Vanfraechem Gaëlle , Denis Olivier , Jacobs Frédérique , Scheutz Flemming , Piérard Denis 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Verocytotoxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(VTEC) strains of serotype O128ab:H2 were isolated from blood and stool of a 27-year-old male presenting diarrhea-associated hemolytic-uremic syndrome complicated by bacteremia. This report once again illustrates the pathogenic potential of a non-O157 VTEC strain carrying a virulence profile previously associated with mild disease.
Important Factors in Reliable Determination of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype by Use of the 5′ Untranslated Region
Authors: Hara Koji , Rivera Maria M. , Koh Christopher , Sakiani Sasan , Hoofnagle Jay H. , Heller Theo 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT
Accurate genotyping of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is important for determining the optimal regimen, dose, and duration of antiviral therapy for chronic HCV infection, as well as for estimating the response rate. The 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of HCV RNA is used in commercial genotyping, but the probes and the lengths of the amplicons are proprietary and vary among the assays. In this study, factors involved in the reliable determination of HCV genotypes utilizing the 5′ UTR were evaluated. Serum samples from four subjects with chronic HCV infection and disparate results on commercial genotyping and four controls were analyzed. HCV RNA was extracted from serum samples, and the 5′ UTR and NS5B region were sequenced. Ten clones from each region were compared to prototype sequences and analyzed for genotype assignment using five programs. The results were compared to those from commercial assays. 5′ UTR sequences were sequentially shortened from either the 5′ end, the 3′ end, or both ends, with genotyping of the resultant fragments. Sequences were obtained for the 5′ UTR in all eight subjects and for the NS5B region in five subjects. The genotype assignments were identical between the two regions in the five subjects with complete sequencing. Genotyping by sequencing gave different results than those from the commercial assays in the four experimental samples but agreed in the four controls. Shortening of the sequences affected the results, and the results for sequences of <200 bases were inaccurate. Neither the Hamming distance nor the quasispecies affected the results. Sequencing of the HCV 5′ UTR provided reliable genotyping results and resolved discrepancies identified in commercial assays, but genotyping by sequencing was highly dependent upon sequence length.
The Spike Protein of the Emerging Betacoronavirus EMC Uses a Novel Coronavirus Receptor for Entry, Can Be Activated by TMPRSS2, and Is Targeted by Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Gierer Stefanie , Bertram Stephanie , Kaup Franziska , Wrensch Florian , Heurich Adeline , Krämer-Kühl Annika , Welsch Kathrin , Winkler Michael , Meyer Benjamin , Drosten Christian , Dittmer Ulf , von Hahn Thomas , Simmons Graham , Hofmann Heike , Pöhlmann Stefan 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT
The novel human coronavirus EMC (hCoV-EMC), which recently emerged in Saudi Arabia, is highly pathogenic and could pose a significant threat to public health. The elucidation of hCoV-EMC interactions with host cells is critical to our understanding of the pathogenesis of this virus and to the identification of targets for antiviral intervention. Here we investigated the viral and cellular determinants governing hCoV-EMC entry into host cells. We found that the spike protein of hCoV-EMC (EMC-S) is incorporated into lentiviral particles and mediates transduction of human cell lines derived from different organs, including the lungs, kidneys, and colon, as well as primary human macrophages. Expression of the known coronavirus receptors ACE2, CD13, and CEACAM1 did not facilitate EMC-S-driven transduction, suggesting that hCoV-EMC uses a novel receptor for entry. Directed protease expression and inhibition analyses revealed that TMPRSS2 and endosomal cathepsins activate EMC-S for virus-cell fusion and constitute potential targets for antiviral intervention. Finally, EMC-S-driven transduction was abrogated by serum from an hCoV-EMC-infected patient, indicating that EMC-S-specific neutralizing antibodies can be generated in patients. Collectively, our results indicate that hCoV-EMC uses a novel receptor for protease-activated entry into human cells and might be capable of extrapulmonary spread. In addition, they define TMPRSS2 and cathepsins B and L as potential targets for intervention and suggest that neutralizing antibodies contribute to the control of hCoV-EMC infection.
Regulation of Hepatitis C Virus Replication by Nuclear Translocation of Nonstructural 5A Protein and Transcriptional Activation of Host Genes
Authors: Maqbool Muhammad Ahmad , Imache Mohamed R. , Higgs Martin R. , Carmouse Sophie , Pawlotsky Jean-Michel , Lerat Hervé 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTHepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) is involved in regulating viral replication through its direct interaction with the HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. NS5A also alters infected cell metabolism through complex interactions with numerous host cell proteins. NS5A has furthermore been suggested to act as a transcriptional activator, although the impact on viral replication is unclear. To study this, HCV NS5A variants were amplified from hepatic tissue from an HCV-infected patient, and their abilities to activate gene transcription were analyzed in a single-hybrid yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) model. Different variants isolated from the same patient displayed different transactivational activities. When these variants were inserted into the HCV subgenomic replicon system, they demonstrated various levels of RNA replication, which correlated with their transactivational activities. We showed that the C-terminal fragment of NS5A was localized to the nucleus and that a functional NS5A nuclear localization signal and cellular caspase activity were required for this process. Furthermore, nuclear localization of NS5A was necessary for viral replication. Finally, we demonstrate that nuclear NS5A binds to host cell promoters of several genes previously identified as important for efficient HCV RNA replication, inducing their transcription. Taken together, these results demonstrate a new mechanism by which HCV modulates its cellular environment, thereby enhancing viral replication.
SUMOylation Affects the Interferon Blocking Activity of the Influenza A Nonstructural Protein NS1 without Affecting Its Stability or Cellular Localization
Authors: Santos Andres , Pal Sangita , Chacón Jason , Meraz Katherine , Gonzalez Jeanette , Prieto Karla , Rosas-Acosta Germán 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Our pioneering studies on the interplay between the
s
mall
u
biquitin-like
mo
difier (SUMO) and influenza A virus identified the nonstructural protein NS1 as the first known SUMO target of influenza virus and one of the most abundantly SUMOylated influenza virus proteins. Here, we further characterize the role of SUMOylation for the A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (PR8) NS1 protein, demonstrating that NS1 is SUMOylated not only by SUMO1 but also by SUMO2/3 and mapping the main SUMOylation sites in NS1 to residues K219 and K70. Furthermore, by using SUMOylatable and non-SUMOylatable forms of NS1 and an NS1-specific artificial SUMO ligase (ASL) that increases NS1 SUMOylation ∼4-fold, we demonstrate that SUMOylation does not affect the stability or cellular localization of PR8 NS1. However, NS1's ability to be SUMOylated appears to affect virus multiplication, as indicated by the delayed growth of a virus expressing the non-SUMOylatable form of NS1 in the interferon (IFN)-competent MDCK cell line. Remarkably, while a non-SUMOylatable form of NS1 exhibited a substantially diminished ability to neutralize IFN production, increasing NS1 SUMOylation beyond its normal levels also exerted a negative effect on its IFN-blocking function. This observation indicates the existence of an optimal level of NS1 SUMOylation that allows NS1 to achieve maximal activity and suggests that the limited amount of SUMOylation normally observed for most SUMO targets may correspond to an optimal level that maximizes the contribution of SUMOylation to protein function. Finally, protein cross-linking data suggest that SUMOylation may affect NS1 function by regulating the abundance of NS1 dimers and trimers in the cell.