bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrophoresis and Blotting of
DNA
Authors: Sedivy‐Haley Katharine , Tamber Sandeep , Hancock Robert EW 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
electrophoresis and blotting are techniques commonly used to visualise DNA. Both techniques use simple, inexpensive protocols that rely on fundamental properties of DNA, and these protocols have changed little since they were introduced. Electrophoresis relies on the negative electrical charge of DNA to draw these molecules through a gel, separating DNA molecules on the basis of size. Southern blotting makes use of sequence complementarity to identify specific DNA fragments on the basis of their sequences. Despite the introduction of more powerful methods such as polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing, electrophoresis and blotting techniques are still widely used to identify DNA fragments of interest, including the identification of unusual structures within DNA and the analysis of larger fragments which are not easily analysed by other methods.

Key Concepts:

DNA electrophoresis and blotting are fundamental methods of molecular biology.

Basic physical and chemical properties of DNA are used to analyse unknown sequences.

Gel electrophoresis uses an electrical current to separate DNA by size.

Southern blotting locates a specific DNA sequence on a gel using a probe sequence that is its chemical match.

Minor variations on these procedures can improve results for specific experiments.

These techniques are still used to analyse unknown DNA molecules and identify DNA fragments of interest.

The principles behind electrophoresis and blotting can also be seen in newer methods.
Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Reventos Jaume , Colas Eva , Martínez Elena , Campoy Irene , Devis Laura , Rigau Marina , Olivan Mireia , Cabrera Silvia , Gil‐Moreno Antonio , Garcia Angel , Doll Andreas , Castellvi Josep , Díaz‐Feijoo Berta 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract in the US. Immunohistochemistry and genomic studies have led to key insights into the pathogenesis of endometrial carcinoma and have provided a genetic basis for the current dualistic classification of this common malignancy. This classification has been challenged by the recent The Cancer Genome Atlas study, which has pursued a molecular classification that permits classification of all endometrial cancer tumours.

Key Concepts:

Dualistic classification is the most valid tool to categorise endometrial carcinomas since 1983.

Type‐I endometrial cancers are mostly oestrogen dependent. They are low‐grade and low‐stage tumours and present slow evolution and better prognosis than type‐II tumours.

Type‐II endometrial cancers are not dependent on hormones. They are high‐grade and aggressive tumours.

Type‐I is composed of endometrioid tumours, whereas type‐II is mostly composed of serous histologies and other minor subtypes.

Precursor lesions of type‐I and type‐II carcinomas are hyperplasia and intraepithelial carcinoma, respectively.

The most common alterations identified in type‐I carcinomas include
PTEN
,
PIK3CA
,
CTNNB1
,
KRAS
,
FGFR2
and
SPRY‐2
mutations and microsatellite instability.

The mutated genes identified in type‐II carcinomas include
TP53
,
PIK3CA
,
PPP2R1A
,
Her2/neu
,
E‐cadherin
,
CCNE1
and
BRCA1
, among others.

High‐grade tumours and tumours with mix histologies are difficult to allocate in the dualistic model as they present overlapping or combined morphologic and molecular characteristics from both types.

TCGA molecular classification permits the categorisation of all endometrial tumours into 4 categories:
POLE
ultramutated, MSI hypermutated, copy number low and copy number high.

More studies are needed in order to validate the usefulness of the recent molecular classification.
Bidirectional Gene Pairs in the Human Genome
Authors: Koyanagi Kanako O , Imanishi Tadashi , Gojobori Takashi 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Bidirectional gene pairs, also called head‐to‐head gene pairs, are defined as two genes on different strands with adjacent 5′‐ends. They are transcribed divergently in a variety of coordinated fashion. The region between a bidirectional gene pair is designated as a putative bidirectional promoter, which is suggested to coordinately regulate the expression of the pair. The closely located bidirectional gene pairs and their bidirectional promoters were recently found to be enriched in the human genome. Despite substantial interests in these gene pairs and their expression regulation through bidirectional promoters, their biological significance is not well understood. Furthermore, it is of particular interest to know when and how the bidirectional gene arrangement evolved. Here the current understanding of these pairs is reviewed: bidirectional gene pairs may have great biological significance, and the bidirectional gene arrangement has evolved during the evolution of vertebrates leading to mammals by relocation of existing genes.

Key Concepts:

Closely located bidirectional gene pairs are enriched in the human genome.

Bidirectional gene pairs show correlated expression pattern.

Bidirectional gene pairs tend to have basic function in cells such as DNA repair.

Bidirectional promoters lack TATA boxes and are enriched in CpG islands.

Specific transcription factors are overrepresented in bidirectional promoters.

Bidirectional genes pairs tend to transcribe actively.

Bidirectional gene arrangement has evolved during the evolution of vertebrates leading to mammals by relocation of existing genes.

Detailed mechanisms of bidirectional transcription and the evolutionary forces that shaped the bidirectional arrangement in the human genome remain to be elucidated.
Pharmacogenetics of Pain
Authors: Smith Maree T , Muralidharan Arjun 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMarked interindividual variability in pain severity ratings and the analgesic dosing requirements of patients with apparently similar pain states is underpinned by genetic and environmental factors, and their interactions. Over the past decade, rodent heritability studies, familial aggregation and twin studies in humans have provided insight into the genetic factors contributing to interindividual variability in pain sensitivity. Concurrently, a large number of genetic association studies using the candidate gene paradigm have investigated the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms in numerous genes encoding receptors, ion channels, enzymes and transporters, on pain sensitivity. Despite initial promise, most genetic association studies have either failed to replicate or have been only partially replicated by independent investigators; the underlying issues are addressed herein. Apart from deficiencies in study design and execution and inappropriate choice of statistical methods, subtle between‐study differences in interacting environmental factors that affect pain phenotypes (epigenetics), are a likely explanation.Key Concepts:Pain severity ratings and analgesic dosing requirements differ considerably between individuals with apparently similar pain states.Factors contributing to interindividual variability in human pain sensitivity include genetic factors, environmental factors and their interaction.More than 350 candidate pain genes have been identified as potentially contributing to heritable differences in pain sensitivity.The findings of genetic association studies using a candidate gene approach have failed to replicate or have been only partially replicated by independent investigators.Future research aimed at elucidating genetic influences on pain phenotypes and analgesic responsiveness need to utilise strategies other than the candidate gene approach.
The Appearance‐Change Instruction Does Not Improve Line‐up Identification Accuracy
Authors: Porter Devon , Moss Alexa , Reisberg Daniel 
Published: December 2013

SummaryIn many jurisdictions, police instruct a witness, before presenting a photo line‐up, that the suspect's appearance may be different in the photo than it was at the time of the crime. The experiments reported here examine the impact of this ‘appearance‐change instruction’ (ACI), exploring its effects with different crimes, perpetrators, line‐ups, and different phrasings of the ACI. The data indicate that the ACI increases witnesses' willingness to make a choice from a line‐up but does not increase accuracy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of Doctor‐Diagnosed Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: An Analysis of Swedish Health Care
Authors: Wolf Jennifer Moriatis , Turkiewicz Aleksandra , Atroshi Isam , Englund Martin 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveWhile the prevalence of radiographic thumb carpometacarpal (CMC1) osteoarthritis (OA) is well‐described, little is known about clinically symptomatic disease presenting to physicians for care. We sought to determine the prevalence of doctor‐diagnosed CMC1 OA.MethodsUsing health care data from Skåne in southern Sweden (population 1.24 million), we identified all adults ages ≥20 years who consulted a physician at least once and received a diagnosis for CMC1 OA (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, code M18). Data from the 15‐year period 1998–2012 were analyzed. Using cross‐referencing with the Swedish population register to exclude subjects who were deceased or had relocated, we obtained point estimates of the proportion of the population consulting for CMC1 OA.ResultsThe prevalence of doctor‐diagnosed CMC1 OA in adults was estimated at 1.4% (2.2% in women and 0.62% in men). The mean ± SD age in the prevalent CMC1 cohort (n = 11,111) was 67.7 ± 11.4 years; 78.5% of diagnoses were in women. Prevalence peaked in women ages 70–74 years with an estimate of 5.3% and in men ages 80–84 years with an estimate of 1.7%. Age at initial diagnosis also differed, with women presenting between ages 60–69 years and men presenting between ages 70–79 years.ConclusionThe clinically important prevalence of CMC1 OA is 3 to 4 times higher in women than men. By the end of 2012, more than 1 in 20 elderly women had consulted a physician for CMC1 OA over the last 15 years. The high prevalence of this subset of hand OA is a concern in an aging population.
In situ biaxial stretching for the platelet formation of an ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer through multistage stretching extrusion and its effect on the gas‐barrier properties of polyethylene
Authors: Zhu Jiaming , Shen Jiabin , Guo Shaoyun 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThe morphological evolution of ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) and its effect on the gas‐barrier properties of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) were investigated. HDPE/EVOH blends were prepared through a multistage stretching extrusion, which combined an assembly of force‐assembling elements (FAEs) with an extruder. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that with an increasing number of FAEs, the biaxial‐stretching field existing in each FAE transformed the dispersed EVOH phase into well‐defined platelets along the flowing plane. Dynamic rheological results further revealed that the formation of the platelets enlarged the interfaces between the dispersed barrier phase and the matrix; this not only led to the decline of the complex viscosity but also created more tortuous paths for the diffusion of gas molecules. Compared with that of the non‐FAE specimen blended with 25 wt % EVOH, the oxygen permeability coefficient decreased more than one order of magnitude when one FAE was applied. The structural model for permeability indicated that the enhanced barrier resulted from the increased tortuosity of the diffusion pathway, which was provided by the aligned high‐aspect‐ratio platelets. Compared with the previous biaxial‐stretching method, multistage stretching extrusion provided a simple and economical way to generate a laminar structure of the dispersed phase in the matrix phase without the application of an external stretching force. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40221.
A thiol‐ene clickable hyperbranched polyester via a simple single‐step melt trans‐esterification process
Authors: Shree Varaprasad N. S. , Venkhatesh Prasanna , Ramakrishnan S. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTSelf‐condensation of AB2 type monomers (containing one A‐type and two B‐type functional groups) generates hyperbranched (HB) polymers that carry numerous B‐type end‐groups at their molecular periphery; thus, development of synthetic methods that directly provide quantitatively transformable peripheral B groups would be of immense value as this would provide easy access to multiply functionalized HB systems. A readily accessible AB2 monomer, namely diallyl, 5‐(4‐hydroxybutoxy)isophthalate was synthesized, which on polymerization under standard melt‐transesterfication conditions yielded a peripherally clickable HB polyester in a single step; the allyl groups were quantitatively reacted with a variety of thiols using the facile photoinitiated “thiol‐ene” reaction to generate a wide range of derivatives, with varying solubility and thermal properties. Furthermore, it is shown that the peripheral allyl double bonds can also be readily epoxidized using meta‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid to yield interesting HB systems, which could potentially serve as a multifunctional cross‐linking agent in epoxy formulations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40248.
Determinants of tax evasion and compliance
Authors: Wentworth Diane Keyser , Rickel Annette Urso 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe problem of tax evasion and subsequent revenue loss is an important one for our nation. Noncompliance with tax laws causes multibillion dollar annual losses for the U.S. treasury. An investigation of psychological variables is suggested as the most promising route to increase tax compliance. Hence, a review of the legal, economic, sociological, and psychological literature concerning the motivation and causes of noncompliance with tax laws is presented. Theoretical models and empirical studies addressing the issue of tax evasion are reviewed. An individual's feelings of equity and sense of norm commitment may be the crucial factors in the decision to comply or evade legally mandated taxes, superseding the notion of sanctions as the most effective deterrent. A legal reasoning model is one suggested alternative in the search for a causal explanation of noncompliance.
A Synthetic Oligonucleotide Model for Evaluating the Oxidation and Crosslinking Propensities of Natural Furan‐Modified DNA
Authors: Carrette Lieselot L. G. , Madder Annemieke 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe have previously developed a crosslinking methodology for oligonucleotides based on the incorporation of furan moieties, which can be selectively oxidised to reactive intermediates that will quickly react with the opposite bases in DNA, forming toxic interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). Furan moieties also occur in natural DNA, as a result of oxidative stress. Moreover, the furan‐containing degradation product of this modified DNA—kinetin—has been found to display beneficial anti‐ageing effects. To investigate the apparent discrepancy between the effects of the synthetic and the natural furan modifications in DNA, a quick and easy postsynthetic method providing access to the natural modification in short synthetic oligonucleotides was developed. On checking for potential crosslinking propensity, we found that the furan moiety does indeed undergo oxidation, in this way functioning as an important scavenger for oxidative stress. The reactive intermediate, however, was shown to degrade without producing toxic crosslinked products.
Projection neurons of the vestibulo‐sympathetic reflex pathway
Authors: Holstein Gay R. , Friedrich Victor L. , Martinelli Giorgio P. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractChanges in head position and posture are detected by the vestibular system and are normally followed by rapid modifications in blood pressure. These compensatory adjustments, which allow humans to stand up without fainting, are mediated by integration of vestibular system pathways with blood pressure control centers in the ventrolateral medulla. Orthostatic hypotension can reflect altered activity of this neural circuitry. Vestibular sensory input to the vestibulo‐sympathetic pathway terminates on cells in the vestibular nuclear complex, which in turn project to brainstem sites involved in the regulation of cardiovascular activity, including the rostral and caudal ventrolateral medullary regions (RVLM and CVLM, respectively). In the present study, sinusoidal galvanic vestibular stimulation was used to activate this pathway, and activated neurons were identified through detection of c‐Fos protein. The retrograde tracer Fluoro‐Gold was injected into the RVLM or CVLM of these animals, and immunofluorescence studies of vestibular neurons were conducted to visualize c‐Fos protein and Fluoro‐Gold concomitantly. We observed activated projection neurons of the vestibulo‐sympathetic reflex pathway in the caudal half of the spinal, medial, and parvocellular medial vestibular nuclei. Approximately two‐thirds of the cells were ipsilateral to Fluoro‐Gold injection sites in both the RVLM and CVLM, and the remainder were contralateral. As a group, cells projecting to the RVLM were located slightly rostral to those with terminals in the CVLM. Individual activated projection neurons were multipolar, globular, or fusiform in shape. This study provides the first direct demonstration of the central vestibular neurons that mediate the vestibulo‐sympathetic reflex. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2053–2074, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The RNA binding protein RBPMS is a selective marker of ganglion cells in the mammalian retina
Authors: Rodriguez Allen R. , de Sevilla Müller Luis Pérez , Brecha Nicholas C. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThere are few neurochemical markers that reliably identify retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which are a heterogeneous population of cells that integrate and transmit the visual signal from the retina to the central visual nuclei. We have developed and characterized a new set of affinity‐purified guinea pig and rabbit antibodies against RNA‐binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS). On western blots these antibodies recognize a single band at 〜24 kDa, corresponding to RBPMS, and they strongly label RGC and displaced RGC (dRGC) somata in mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, and monkey retina. RBPMS‐immunoreactive cells and RGCs identified by other techniques have a similar range of somal diameters and areas. The density of RBPMS cells in mouse and rat retina is comparable to earlier semiquantitative estimates of RGCs. RBPMS is mainly expressed in medium and large DAPI‐, DRAQ5‐, NeuroTrace‐ and NeuN‐stained cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL), and RBPMS is not expressed in syntaxin (HPC‐1)‐immunoreactive cells in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and GCL, consistent with their identity as RGCs, and not displaced amacrine cells. In mouse and rat retina, most RBPMS cells are lost following optic nerve crush or transection at 3 weeks, and all Brn3a‐, SMI‐32‐, and melanopsin‐immunoreactive RGCs also express RBPMS immunoreactivity. RBPMS immunoreactivity is localized to cyan fluorescent protein (CFP)‐fluorescent RGCs in the B6.Cg‐Tg(Thy1‐CFP)23Jrs/J mouse line. These findings show that antibodies against RBPMS are robust reagents that exclusively identify RGCs and dRGCs in multiple mammalian species, and they will be especially useful for quantification of RGCs. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:1411–1443, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Engineering the TiO2–Graphene Interface to Enhance Photocatalytic H2 Production
Authors: Liu Lichen , Liu Zhe , Liu Annai , Gu Xianrui , Ge Chengyan , Gao Fei , Dong Lin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn this work, TiO2–graphene nanocomposites are synthesized with tunable TiO2 crystal facets ({100}, {101}, and {001} facets) through an anion‐assisted method. These three TiO2–graphene nanocomposites have similar particle sizes and surface areas; the only difference between them is the crystal facet exposed in TiO2 nanocrystals. UV/Vis spectra show that band structures of TiO2 nanocrystals and TiO2–graphene nanocomposites are dependent on the crystal facets. Time‐resolved photoluminescence spectra suggest that the charge‐transfer rate between {100} facets and graphene is approximately 1.4 times of that between {001} facets and graphene. Photoelectrochemical measurements also confirm that the charge‐separation efficiency between TiO2 and graphene is greatly dependent on the crystal facets. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that TiC bonds are formed between {100} facets and graphene, while {101} facets and {001} facets are connected with graphene mainly through TiOC bonds. With TiC bonds between TiO2 and graphene, TiO2‐100‐G shows the fastest charge‐transfer rate, leading to higher activity in photocatalytic H2 production from methanol solution. TiO2‐101‐G with more reductive electrons and medium interfacial charge‐transfer rate also shows good H2 evolution rate. As a result of its disadvantageous electronic structure and interfacial connections, TiO2‐001‐G shows the lowest H2 evolution rate. These results suggest that engineering the structures of the TiO2–graphene interface can be an effective strategy to achieve excellent photocatalytic performances.
Higher Education's Role in Educating for Personal and Social Responsibility: A Review of Existing Literature
Authors: Reason Robert D. , Ryder Andrew J. , Kee Chad 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis chapter examines the existing literature in two major areas. A review of literature related to higher education's mission to educate for personal and social responsibility provides a rationale to refocus our collective attention on this important area of student learning and development. The chapter also reviews the current understanding on how well colleges and universities are currently doing in educating for personal and social responsibility.
Measuring Campus Climate for Personal and Social Responsibility
Authors: Ryder Andrew J. , Mitchell Joshua J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractUnderstanding institutional climate enhances decision‐making capacity when planning new programs and improving learning environments on college campuses. This chapter defines climate, discusses the purpose and advantages of climate assessment, and identifies important factors to consider in planning and conducting a personal and social responsibility climate assessment, using the Personal and Social Responsibility Inventory as an example.