bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Translating knowledge from Pakistan's second generation surveillance system to other global contexts
Authors: Adrien Alix , Thompson Laura H , Archibald Chris P , Sandstrom Paul A , Munro Michelle , Emmanuel Faran , Blanchard James F 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundFrom 2004 to 2011, a collaborative project was undertaken to enhance the capacity of the Government of Pakistan to implement an effective second-generation surveillance system for HIV/AIDS, known as the HIV/AIDS Surveillance Project (HASP). In four separate rounds, behavioural questionnaires were administered among injection drug users, and female, male and hijra (transgender) sex workers. Dried blood spots were collected for HIV testing.MethodsThrough interviews with project staff in Pakistan and Canada, we have undertaken a critical review of the role of HASP in generating, using and translating knowledge, with an emphasis on capacity building within both the donor and recipient countries. We also documented ongoing and future opportunities for the translation of knowledge produced through HASP.ResultsKnowledge translation activities have included educational workshops and consultations held in places as diverse as Colombia and Cairo, and the implementation of HASP methodologies in Asia, the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa. HASP methodologies have been incorporated in multiple WHO reports. Importantly, the donor country, Canada, has benefited in significant ways from this partnership. Operational and logistical lessons from HASP have, in turn, improved how surveillance is performed in Canada. Through this project, significant capacity was built among the staff of HASP, non-governmental organisations which were engaged as implementation partners, data coordination units which were established in each province, and in the laboratory. As is to be expected, different organisations have different agendas and priorities, requiring negotiation, at times, to ensure the success of collaborative activities. Overall, there has been considerable interest in and opportunities made for learning about the methodologies and approaches employed by HASP.ConclusionsGenerally, the recognition of the strengths of the approaches and methodologies used by HASP has ensured an appetite for opportunities of mutual learning.
Proportions du ciel d’Anaximandre
Authors: Corre Jean-François 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The doxography for Anaximander’s account of the rings of the sky gives proportions for them that are discrepant. So a widely accepted hypothesis proposes that, since the circles of the celestial bodies are compared to wheels, we should add the thickness of their ‘rims’ to the measurements for the celestial rings. This paper proposes an entirely different hypothesis which avoids this awkward expedient by suggesting that there is a ‘geometrical’ reading of the numerical data. The discrepancies can then be explained by there being two different methods for calculating the circumference of the circles.
The impact of internship in public organizations on university students’ perceptions and career choice
Authors: Ko Kilkon , Sidhu Dalvin Jit Kaur 
Published: December 2012

Although internship has substantial implications for public administration, little is known about how it affects students. This article analyzes whether internships change students’ perceptions of public organizations, and whether they ultimately affect their choice between public and private sector jobs. We surveyed 818 Singapore university students and measured their perceptions of public organizations using a masculinity index. Then, we analyzed whether those with internship experience had different perceptions from those without it. Finally, we used logistic regression to test whether perceptions of public organizations and public internship experiences explain the probability of students’ job choices. These analyses were complemented by interviews with students. The with-internship group shows significantly lower masculinity index scores than the without-internship group. The less masculine their image of public organizations, the stronger their preference for public sector jobs. Students with an unsatisfactory internship confirm or strengthen their masculine image of public organizations and avoid public sector jobs. Points for practitioners Public organizations can utilize internship programs not only to draw talent into the public service but also to improve their image. This does not happen automatically, however. Universities and public organizations should closely monitor what students actually do during an internship and why they are satisfied or dissatisfied with it. Our research shows that a negative internship experience can have a more negative impact on the image of public organizations and the decision to work in these organizations than no internship at all. This finding suggests that the government should pay more attention to the needs of interns and institutionalize a procedure to evaluate students’ satisfaction with internship programs.
Synthesis and properties of polyimides-containing benzoxazole units in the main chain
Authors: Song Guangliang , Wang Daming , Zhao Xiaogang , Dang Guodong , Zhou Hongwei , Chen Chunhai 
Published: December 2012

A series of polyimide (PI) films were prepared from a diamine-containing benzoxazole unit (5,4′-diamino-2-phenyl benzoxazole) and five dianhydrides via two-step polymerization process. The PI films showed outstanding mechanical properties with tensile modulus up to 7.3 GPa without preorientation process. According to the results of thermal analysis, the glass transition temperature of the films was up to 412°C, and the films showed good thermodimensional stability. Thermal analysis and wide-angle x-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the PIs were semicrystalline. Excellent properties of these PIs were attributed to the benzoxazole group in the main chain and accordingly to the rigid-rod structure and high level of linearity of the polymer backbones. These results correlate with each other and contribute to our overall understanding of the effects of benzoxazole moiety on the properties of the PI films.
Concentration-controlled treatment of lupus nephritis with mycophenolate mofetil
Authors: Daleboudt GMN , Reinders MEJ , Hartigh J den , Huizinga TWJ , Rabelink AJ , de Fijter JW , Berger SP 
Published: December 2012

Background: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has recently been established as a potent drug in maintenance treatment for lupus nephritis. However, there is no consensus on the optimal dosing regimen because of a high inter-individual variability of mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active metabolite of MMF. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the effect of an individualized dosing regimen through concentration-controlled treatment on MPA exposure and renal outcome in patients with lupus nephritis. Methods: Sixteen patients with lupus nephritis and treatment with low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide followed by MMF were included. MPA area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 hours (MPA-AUC0–12) was assessed within a month after MMF initiation. After determination of MPA-AUC0–12, MMF doses were titrated to achieve a target MPA-AUC0–12 of 60–90 mg*h/l. After on average six months, MPA-AUC0–12 measures were repeated to assess the effect of dose adjustment. Results: One month after introducing MMF, MPA-AUC0–12 was low and showed a high inter-individual variability. Dose adjustment with a target MPA-AUC0–12 of 60–90 mg*h/l resulted in individualized MMF dosing, significantly higher MPA-AUC0–12 levels, and a non-significant reduction in variability of MPA-AUC0–12. Adverse effects were reported by 37.5% of patients, which resulted in a switch to azathioprine in two patients. There was no significant relationship between the occurrence of adverse effects and MPA-AUC0–12. At 12 months of follow-up 87.5% of patients had achieved either partial (18.7%) or complete (68.8%) remission. Conclusion: Concentration-controlled dose adjustments with a target MPA-AUC0–12 of 60–90 mg*h/l was associated with optimized MPA exposure and an excellent renal outcome at 12 months of follow-up in a small sample of SLE patients with lupus nephritis.
Aldosterone synthase gene polymorphism and renal histopathologic changes in kidney transplant patients receiving a calcineurin inhibitor
Authors: Ruiz-Palacios Patricia C , Rodríguez-Castellanos Francisco E , Mancilla-Urrea Eduardo , Ávila-Casado María Del Carmen , Inofuentes-Rivero Mónica X , Rodriguez-Illana Francisco , Fragoso José M , Vargas-Alarcón Gilberto 
Published: December 2012

Introduction: Aldosterone participates in the pathogenesis of calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity (CIN), producing renal vasoconstriction and transforming growth factor beta (TGFß) expression. The objective of this study was to assess aldosterone polymorphisms and relationships to plasma aldosterone levels and the development of renal histological lesions in kidney transplant patients. Material and methods: Patients with kidney graft biopsy were divided according to the presence or absence of CIN. We determined aldosterone synthase (AS) -344 T/C and int 2 W/C gene polymorphisms and plasma aldosterone levels. Histological, biochemical and clinical variables were measured. Results: Calcineurin inhibitor (CI) levels were significantly higher in patients with the int 2 WW genotype than in patients with WC or CC genotypes. There was a greater degree of interstitial fibrosis in patients with int 2 CC genotype. No relationship was found between the different polymorphisms and a higher degree and/or frequency of CIN. There was also no relationship with plasma aldosterone levels. Conclusion: The frequency of the different polymorphisms studied was not related to plasma aldosterone levels or the development of CIN; however, the int 2 CC genotype was related to a greater degree of interstitial fibrosis, whereas the WW genotype was related to higher CI serum levels.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Knee
Authors: Hash Thomas W. 
Published: December 2012

Context: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) affords high-resolution visualization of the soft tissue structures (menisci, ligaments, cartilage, etc) and bone marrow of the knee. Evidence Acquisition: Pertinent clinical and research articles in the orthopaedic and radiology literature over the past 30 years using PubMed. Results: Ligament tears can be accurately assessed with MRI, but distinguishing partial tears from ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be challenging. Determining the extent of a partial tear is often extremely difficult to accurately assess. The status of the posterolateral corner structures, menisci, and cartilage can be accurately evaluated, although limitations in the evaluation of certain structures exist. Patellofemoral joint, marrow, tibiofibular joint, and synovial pathology can supplement physical examination findings and provide definitive diagnosis. Conclusions: MRI provides an accurate noninvasive assessment of knee pathology.
Down-regulation of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (Long Form) contributes to apoptosis induced by Hsp90 inhibition in human lung cancer cells
Authors: Wang Qilin , Sun Wendong , Hao Xuexi , Li Tianliang , Su Ling , Liu Xiangguo 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Cellular FLICE-Inhibitory Protein (long form, c-FLIPL) is a critical negative regulator of death receptor-mediated apoptosis. Overexpression of c-FLIPL has been reported in many cancer cell lines and is associated with chemoresistance. In contrast, down-regulation of c-FLIP may drive cancer cells into cellular apoptosis. This study aims to demonstrate that inhibition of the heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) either by inhibitors geldanamycin/17-N-Allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (GA/17-AAG) or siRNA technique in human lung cancer cells induces c-FLIPL degradation and cellular apoptosis through C-terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein (CHIP)-mediated mechanisms.

Methods
Calu-1 and H157 cell lines (including H157-c-FLIPL overexpressing c-FLIPL and control cell H157-lacZ) were treated with 17-AAG and the cell lysates were prepared to detect the given proteins by Western Blot and the cell survival was assayed by SRB assay. CHIP and Hsp90 α/β proteins were knocked down by siRNA technique. CHIP and c-FLIPL plasmids were transfected into cells and immunoprecipitation experiments were performed to testify the interactions between c-FLIPL, CHIP and Hsp90.

Results
c-FLIPL down-regulation induced by 17-AAG can be reversed with the proteasome inhibitor MG132, which suggested that c-FLIPL degradation is mediated by a ubiquitin-proteasome system. Inhibition of Hsp90α/β reduced c-FLIPL level, whereas knocking down CHIP expression with siRNA technique inhibited c-FLIPL degradation. Furthermore, c-FLIPL and CHIP were co-precipitated in the IP complexes. In addition, overexpression of c-FLIPL can rescue cancer cells from apoptosis. When 17-AAG was combined with an anti-cancer agent celecoxib(CCB), c-FLIPL level declined further and there was a higher degree of caspase activation.

Conclusion
We have elucidated c-FLIPL degradation contributes to apoptosis induced by Hsp90 inhibition, suggesting c-FLIP and Hsp90 may be the promising combined targets in human lung cancer treatment.
Two-dimensional ultrathin gold film composed of steadily linked dense nanoparticle with surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Wang Long-De , Zhang Tong , Zhu Sheng-Qing , Zhang Xiao-Yang , Wang Qi-Long , Liu Xuefeng , Li Ruo-Zhou 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Noble metallic nanoparticles have prominent optical local-field enhancement and light trapping properties in the visible light region resulting from surface plasmon resonances.

Results
We investigate the optical spectral properties and the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of two-dimensional distinctive continuous ultrathin gold nanofilms. Experimental results show that the one- or two-layer nanofilm obviously increases absorbance in PEDOT:PSS and P3HT:PCBM layers and the gold nanofilm acquires high Raman-enhancing capability.

Conclusions
The fabricated novel structure of the continuous ultrathin gold nanofilms possesses high surface plasmon resonance properties and boasts a high surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement factor, which can be a robust and cost-efficient SERS substrate. Interestingly, owing to the distinctive morphology and high light transmittance, the peculiar nanofilm can be used in multilayer photovoltaic devices to trap light without affecting the physical thickness of solar photovoltaic absorber layers and yielding new options for solar cell design.
Genomic organization, evolution, and expression of photoprotein and opsin genes in Mnemiopsis leidyi: a new view of ctenophore photocytes
Authors: Schnitzler Christine E , Pang Kevin , Powers Meghan L , Reitzel Adam M , Ryan Joseph F , Simmons David , Tada Takashi , Park Morgan , Gupta Jyoti , Brooks Shelise Y , Blakesley Robert W , Yokoyama Shozo , Haddock Steven HD , Martindale Mark Q , Baxevanis Andreas D 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundCalcium-activated photoproteins are luciferase variants found in photocyte cells of bioluminescent jellyfish (Phylum Cnidaria) and comb jellies (Phylum Ctenophora). The complete genomic sequence from the ctenophoreMnemiopsis leidyi, a representative of the earliest branch of animals that emit light, provided an opportunity to examine the genome of an organism that uses this class of luciferase for bioluminescence and to look for genes involved in light reception. To determine when photoprotein genes first arose, we examined the genomic sequence from other early-branching taxa. We combined our genomic survey with gene trees, developmental expression patterns, and functional protein assays of photoproteins and opsins to provide a comprehensive view of light production and light reception inMnemiopsis.ResultsTheMnemiopsisgenome has 10 full-length photoprotein genes situated within two genomic clusters with high sequence conservation that are maintained due to strong purifying selection and concerted evolution. Photoprotein-like genes were also identified in the genomes of the non-luminescent spongeAmphimedon queenslandicaand the non-luminescent cnidarianNematostella vectensis, and phylogenomic analysis demonstrated that photoprotein genes arose at the base of all animals. Photoprotein gene expression inMnemiopsisembryos begins during gastrulation in migrating precursors to photocytes and persists throughout development in the canals where photocytes reside. We identified three putative opsin genes in theMnemiopsisgenome and show that they do not group with well-known bilaterian opsin subfamilies. Interestingly, photoprotein transcripts are co-expressed with two of the putative opsins in developing photocytes. Opsin expression is also seen in the apical sensory organ. We present evidence that one opsin functions as a photopigmentin vitro, absorbing light at wavelengths that overlap with peak photoprotein light emission, raising the hypothesis that light production and light reception may be functionally connected in ctenophore photocytes. We also present genomic evidence of a complete ciliary phototransduction cascade inMnemiopsis.ConclusionsThis study elucidates the genomic organization, evolutionary history, and developmental expression of photoprotein and opsin genes in the ctenophoreMnemiopsis leidyi, introduces a novel dual role for ctenophore photocytes in both bioluminescence and phototransduction, and raises the possibility that light production and light reception are linked in this early-branching non-bilaterian animal.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Norwegian dairy goats
Authors: Stormoen Marit , Tharaldsen Jorun , Hopp Petter 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background

Toxoplasma gondii is a major problem for the sheep industry as it may cause reproduction problems. The importance of T. gondii in Norwegian goat herds is uncertain, but outbreaks of toxoplasmosis in dairy goat farms have been recorded. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of T. gondii infection in Norwegian dairy goats by using serology.

Findings
Goat serum originally collected as part of two nationwide surveillance and control programmes between 2002 and 2008 were examined for T. gondii antibodies by using direct agglutination test. In total, 55 of 73 herds (75%) had one or more serologically positive animals, while 377 of 2188 (17%) of the individual samples tested positive for T. gondii antibodies.

Conclusions
This is the first prevalence study of T. gondii infection in Norwegian goats. The results show that Norwegian goat herds are commonly exposed to T. gondii. Nevertheless, the majority of goat herds have a low prevalence of antibody positive animals, which make them vulnerable to infections with T. gondii during the gestation period.
RNA-seq based identification and mutant validation of gene targets related to ethanol resistance in cyanobacterial Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Wang Jiangxin , Chen Lei , Huang Siqiang , Liu Jie , Ren Xiaoyue , Tian Xiaoxu , Qiao Jianjun , Zhang Weiwen 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Fermentation production of biofuel ethanol consumes agricultural crops, which will compete directly with the food supply. As an alternative, photosynthetic cyanobacteria have been proposed as microbial factories to produce ethanol directly from solar energy and CO2. However, the ethanol productivity from photoautotrophic cyanobacteria is still very low, mostly due to the low tolerance of cyanobacterial systems to ethanol stress.

Results
To build a foundation necessary to engineer robust ethanol-producing cyanobacterial hosts, in this study we applied a quantitative transcriptomics approach with a next-generation sequencing technology, combined with quantitative reverse-transcript PCR (RT-PCR) analysis, to reveal the global metabolic responses to ethanol in model cyanobacterial Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The results showed that ethanol exposure induced genes involved in common stress responses, transporting and cell envelope modification. In addition, the cells can also utilize enhanced polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) accumulation and glyoxalase detoxication pathway as means against ethanol stress. The up-regulation of photosynthesis by ethanol was also further confirmed at transcriptional level. Finally, we used gene knockout strains to validate the potential target genes related to ethanol tolerance.

Conclusion
RNA-Seq based global transcriptomic analysis provided a comprehensive view of cellular response to ethanol exposure. The analysis provided a list of gene targets for engineering ethanol tolerance in cyanobacterium Synechocystis.
The influence of liver and pancreas surgery on the thyroid function
Authors: Wojciechowska-Durczynska Katarzyna , Zygmunt Arkadiusz , Durczynski Adam , Strzelczyk Janusz , Lewinski Andrzej 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Nowadays, the increasing number of oncologic patients with liver or pancreatic tumours are subjected to surgical treatment, as it can provide a long-term survival or sometimes cure. As a result, numerous new clinical questions regarding metabolic disturbances in these patients have been arisen. Among others, the impact of the pancreas and liver surgery extent in relation to the thyroid function remains to be elucidated.

Materials and methods
The study comprised 51 patients (25 men and 26 women, mean age ± SD 61.6 ± 10.4 yrs, mean ± SD) with pancreatic or liver tumours, qualified for abdominal operation. Serum levels of FT3, FT4 and TSH were measured on the day before (time “0”) and on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day after surgery in two (2) subgroups reflecting the extent of surgery: twenty seven (27) patients (14 men and 13 women, mean age ± SD 61.5 ± 11.8 yrs) after major surgery (Whipple’s surgery, right and left hemihepatectomy, segmentectomy of the liver, distal pancreatectomy, total duodenopancreatectomy) and twenty four (24) patients (11 men and 13 women, mean age ± SD 61.8 ± 8.9 yrs) after minor, palliative surgery (exploratory laparotomy, gastroenterostomy, triple by-pass, liver tumour embolization, hepaticojejunostomy). Additionally, the obtained results were analyzed in relation to the type of the disease (pancreatic surgery vs liver surgery).

Results
Mean serum FT3 level decreased significantly during the study in major and minor surgery subgroups (p<0.001, in both) in comparison to the baseline values, accompanied by stable serum concentrations of TSH (NS) and FT4 (NS). The above decreasing tendency in FT3 concentrations was similar in both subgroups (NS), the same as were unchanged levels of TSH (NS) and FT4 (NS). Mean FT4 concentration on the 3rd and 5th day after major surgery was lower in pancreatic tumour patients in comparison to liver tumour patients (p=0.002, p=0.032, respectively). Similarly, mean FT3 concentration on the 3rd day in minor surgery subgroup was lower in pancreatic tumour patients in comparison to liver tumour patients (p=0.015).

Discussion
Our findings have confirmed essential reduction of FT3 values after abdominal surgery, independently of surgery extent. Additionally, pancreatic tumour patients are more likely to have lower FT3 and FT4 levels after surgery when compared to liver tumour patients.