bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological and immunohistochemical characterisation of seminomas in Norwegian dogs
Authors: Thorvaldsen Tor Espen , Nødtvedt Ane , Grotmol Tom , Gunnes Gjermund 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundSeminomas in the dog have traditionally been assumed to resemble human spermatocytic seminomas, based on their low malignancy and high occurrence in old individuals. However, recently published studies indicate that canine seminomas can be classified as classical and spermatocytic seminomas in a similar way as in man, and that classical seminomas comprise a substantial proportion of seminomas in the dog. These two factors both contribute to increasing the potential of canine seminoma as a relevant model for human testicular cancer. The aim of the present study was to characterise seminoma in Norwegian dogs using morphology and immunohistochemistry, and determine whether these tumours are comparable with human classical seminoma.MethodsBy applying diagnostic criteria from human pathology, 45 seminomas from the Norwegian Canine Cancer Register were examined histologically with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stains. All sections were stained immunohistochemically with antibodies against human placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) and the transmembrane receptor c-KIT.ResultsAlthough two of the seminomas showed immunohistochemical staining characteristics indicative of classical seminoma (PLAP+/c-KIT+), all 45 examined seminomas were morphologically consistent with spermatocytic seminoma.ConclusionsThe value of canine seminoma as a model for SE in man remains unclear. Among the 45 investigated tumours from Norwegian dogs, none were classified as classical seminoma based on morphological criteria consistent with human seminomas. Regional or breed differences in the occurrence of classical seminoma in the dog, as well as the lack of uniform diagnostic criteria, might explain the discrepancy between the findings in the current study and the results presented by other authors.
Seismic monitoring of radioactive waste repositories
Authors: Manukyan Edgar , Maurer Hansruedi , Marelli Stefano , Greenhalgh Stewart A. , Green Alan G. 
Published: September 2012

Safe isolation of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) and spent nuclear fuel (SF) from the biosphere is an important concern for humanity. Many countries consider monitoring the evolving conditions of a HLW/SF repository over a long period noninvasively, in such a way as to not compromise the sealing of the repository. Remote active seismic methods are possible options. We performed extensive seismic measurements at the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory, located within a clay formation that is a potential host rock in the Swiss HLW/SF program. A scaled-down HLW/SF repository was simulated as a 13-m-long microtunnel of 1 m diameter. The dry sand-filled microtunnel was progressively water saturated and slightly overpressured. The monitoring system consisted of a pressure seismic source and a hydrophone cable located in two boreholes drilled perpendicular to the microtunnel and eight geophones equally distributed around the periphery of the microtunnel. Nonlinear anisotropic tomography of crosshole traveltimes allowed the gross velocity structure of the host rock to be determined, but due to the experiment geometry, the hydrophone traveltimes were inadequate for monitoring changes within the repository. In contrast, analysis of the geophone seismic traces enabled the saturation process to be characterized. An integrated interpretation of the geophone data in combination with extensive numerical modeling suggested that injection of the water resulted in significant self sealing of the microtunnel’s excavation damage/disturbed zone (EDZ) and substantial increases in the P-wave velocity of the microtunnel sand and EDZ. On the basis of our investigations, we concluded that seismic monitoring of a HLW/SF repository is feasible, as long as the sensors are installed as close to the repository as regulations allow.
Human Capital Formation and Criminal Behavior: The Role of Early Childhood Education
Authors: Dos Santos Marcelo Rodrigues 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
This paper develops an overlapping generations model of criminal behavior, which extends prior research on crime by taking into account parental decisions about their children's education and about sending them to school when they become adolescents. Additionally, it is also assumed that acquired ability in childhood and school resources interplay to determine the student's probability of leaving school before graduation. Therefore, considering that dropping out of school and criminality are endogenously determined by the quality of early childhood education, school inputs and law enforcement parameters, this paper offers a framework to study the effects of interventions in early education on criminality and human capital accumulation vis-à-vis enhancing school resources and public spending on enforcement. Numerical simulations show that stimuli to increase investments in the education of children from disadvantaged families are much more cost-effective as a crime-prevention policy than expenditures on school resources and police protection.
Characterization of angiotensin I-converting enzyme N-domain selectivity using positional-scanning combinatorial libraries of fluorescence resonance energy transfer peptides
Authors: Bersanetti Patrícia A. , Sabatini Regiane A. , Matos Beatriz S. , Douglas Ross G. , Nchinda Aloysius , Juliano Maria A. , Pesquero João Bosco , Sturrock Edward D. , Carmona Adriana K. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Somatic angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) has two homologous active sites (N and C domains) that show differences in various biochemical properties. In a previous study, we described the use of positional-scanning synthetic combinatorial (PS-SC) libraries of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) peptides to define the ACE C-domain versus N-domain substrate specificity and developed selective substrates for the C-domain (Bersanetti et al., 2004). In the present work, we used the results from the PS-SC libraries to define the N-domain preferences and designed selective substrates for this domain. The peptide Abz-GDDVAK(Dnp)-OH presented the most favorable residues for N-domain selectivity in the P3 to P1′ positions. The fluorogenic analog Abz-DVAK(Dnp)-OH (Abz=ortho-aminobenzoic acid; Dnp=2,4-dinitrophenyl) showed the highest selectivity for ACE N-domain (k

cat

/K

m
=1.76 μm
-1·s-1). Systematic reduction of the peptide length resulted in a tripeptide that was preferentially hydrolyzed by the C-domain. The binding of Abz-DVAK(Dnp)-OH to the active site of ACE N-domain was examined using a combination of conformational analysis and molecular docking. Our results indicated that the binding energies for the N-domain-substrate complexes were lower than those for the C-domain-substrate, suggesting that the former complexes are more stable.
Genetic polymorphisms in the human tissue kallikrein (KLK) locus and their implication in various malignant and non-malignant diseases
Authors: Batra Jyotsna , O’Mara Tracy , Patnala Radhika , Lose Felicity , Clements Judith A. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The Kallikrein (KLK) gene locus encodes a family of serine proteases and is the largest contiguous cluster of protease-encoding genes attributed an evolutionary age of 330 million years. The KLK locus has been implicated as a high susceptibility risk loci in numerous cancer studies through the last decade. The KLK3 gene already has established clinical relevance as a biomarker in prostate cancer prognosis through its encoded protein, prostate-specific antigen. Data mined through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and next-generation sequencing point to many important candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in KLK3 and other KLK genes. SNPs in the KLK locus have been found to be associated with several diseases including cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and atopic dermatitis. Moreover, introducing a model incorporating SNPs to improve the efficiency of prostate-specific antigen in detecting malignant states of prostate cancer has been recently suggested. Establishing the functional relevance of these newly-discovered SNPs, and their interactions with each other, through in silico investigations followed by experimental validation, can accelerate the discovery of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In this review, we discuss the various genetic association studies on the KLK loci identified either through candidate gene association studies or at the GWAS and post-GWAS front to aid researchers in streamlining their search for the most significant, relevant and therapeutically promising candidate KLK gene and/or SNP for future investigations.
Cysteine cathepsins are not critical for TRAIL- and CD95-induced apoptosis in several human cancer cell lines
Authors: Špes Aleš , Sobotič Barbara , Turk Vito , Turk Boris 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The potential role of cysteine cathepsins in tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL/Apo2L)- and CD95 (Fas/APO-1)-induced apoptosis was investigated using four different cell lines (HeLa, HuH-7, Jurkat, and U-937). All four cell lines exhibited different levels of cathepsins and responded differently to apoptosis triggering, with Jurkat cells being the most sensitive and the only ones that were sensitive to the agonistic anti-APO-1 antibody. Apoptosis was accompanied by caspase activation, loss of the mitochondria and lysosome integrity, and the release of cysteine cathepsins into the cytosol, as judged based on the hydrolysis of the cysteine cathepsin substrate benzyloxycarbonyl-Phe-Arg-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin and by the immunological detection of cathepsin B. The inhibition of caspases by the broad-spectrum inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone prevented apoptosis, including the mitochondrial and lysosomal membrane permeabilization, as well as cathepsin release into the cytosol, consistent with caspases playing a crucial role in the process. Conversely, however, although the broad-spectrum cysteine cathepsin inhibitor (2S,3S)-trans-epoxysuccinyl-leucylamido-3-methyl-butane ethyl ester and the more cathepsin B-selective inhibitor [(2S,3S)-3-propylcarbamoyloxirane-2-carbonyl]-l-isoleucyl-l-proline methyl ester completely blocked cathepsin activity, these inhibitors neither prevented apoptosis and its progression nor the mitochondrial and lysosomal membrane permeabilization associated with this type of cell death. Consequently, cathepsin release into the cytosol was also not prevented. Together, these data indicate that cysteine cathepsins are not required for the TRAIL- and CD95-mediated apoptosis in various human cancer cell lines. This does not, however, rule out that lysosomes and cysteine cathepsins are involved in the amplification, but not in the initiation, of death receptor-mediated apoptosis in certain cell lines or under different stimulation conditions than the ones employed here.
β-Barrel scaffolds for the grafting of extracellular loops from G-protein-coupled receptors
Authors: Walser Reto , Kleinschmidt Jörg H. , Skerra Arne , Zerbe Oliver 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Owing to the difficulties in production and purification of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), relatively little structural information is available about this class of receptors. Here we aim at developing small chimeric proteins, displaying the extracellular ligand-binding motifs of a human GPCR, the Y receptor. This allows the study of ligand-receptor interactions in simplified systems. We present comprehensive information on the use of transmembrane (OmpA) and soluble (Blc) β-barrel scaffolds. Whereas Blc appeared to be not fully compatible with our approach, owing to problems with refolding of the hybrid constructs, loop-grafted versions of OmpA delivered encouraging results. Previously, we described a chimeric construct based on OmpA displaying all three extracellular Y1 receptor loops in different topologies and showing moderate affinity to one of the natural ligands. Now, we present detailed data on the interaction of these constructs with several Y receptor ligands along with data on new constructs. Our findings suggest a common binding mode for all ligands, which is mediated through the C-terminal residues of the peptide ligand, supporting the functional validity of these hybrid receptors. The observed binding affinities, however, are well below those observed for the natural receptors, clearly indicating limitations in mimicking the natural systems.
Hot forming of a new steel used in stamping dies and tooling
Authors: Barea Rafael , Conejero Gerardo , Candela Nuria , Carsí Manuel 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The hot forming behavior of a new steel used in manufacturing processes at high temperatures such as hot stamping has been studied in this article. Compression and tensile tests were performed at low and high strain rates in a temperature range of 1 173–1 473 K to simulate forming processing conditions. The deformation data obtained from these experiments were correlated with the Garofalo equation with a stress exponent of 4.4 and an activation energy of 277 kJ · mol−1. This equation was used to determine the J-factor efficiency and stability of the steel. Temperatures in the range 1 423 to 1 473 K are recommended to conduct the forming process.
Natural Parks in Portugal: A Way to Become More Ecologically Responsible?
Authors: Queirós Margarida 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Beginning with the recent history of the early stages and development of the network of nationally protected lands, this paper aims to discuss the obstacles in Portuguese mainland society facing protected lands, such as Natural and National Parks. It aims further to demonstrate that there is no historical tradition of protecting special forests and lands, as a cultural and ethical behaviour pattern rooted in Portuguese society, and nor does Portugal have a significant vocal community of 'visionaries' advocating wildlife protection. This paper also discusses practices embedded in Portuguese cultural tradition, related to coping with nature and the conflict of relations between society and its ancient practices and beliefs towards protected wildlife. It argues that protected areas are always under pressure, in particular from campers, motor sports, invasive introduced species, forest fires and, on the coast, urbanisation and touristic developments. It proposes that natural parks in Portugal could be tools for increasing valuation of natural heritage, encouraging more ecological, respectful and responsible attitudes to nature, if participation in the design of protected areas and their management tools were more than a 'top-down' rhetoric.
Effects of concentrate supplementation on growth, reproduction and milk yield of Black Bengal goats (Capra hircus)
Authors: Sultana S , Khan M J , Hassan M R , Khondoker M A M Y 
Published: September 2012

Sixteen female Black Bengal goats (10 ± 0.6 months of age and 11.5 ± 1.3 kg live weight) were divided into four groups having four goats in each. In a completely randomized design, A, B, C and D were given 150, 200, 250 and 300g concentrate mixture with ad libitum green grasses. Total dry matter (DM) intake (333.6, 374.7, 416.3 and 456.5g/day in groups A, B, C and D, respectively) was significantly (P<0.01) influenced by the level of concentrate in the diet. Crude protein (CP) intake (45.2, 57.0, 66.4 and 75.7g/day) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in group D and lower in group A. Daily weight gain of kids did not differ significantly between groups. Feed and protein conversion efficiency was not significantly influenced by the concentrate level in the diet. Milk yield was significantly (P<0.01) increased (206.8, 233.4, 359.3 and 374.7 mL/day for groups A, B, C and D, respectively) with the supplementation of concentrate. It is suggested to supplement 250g of concentrate daily to female goats in addition to ad libitum roughage. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v29i1.11884 Bangl. vet. 2012. Vol. 29, No. 1, 7-16
Folate Receptor in Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung: Potential Target for Folate-Linked Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Cagle Philip T. , Zhai Qihui “Jim” , Murphy Linda , Low Philip S. 
Published: September 2012

Context.— Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in the United States and globally. The advent of targeted therapies has offered a new treatment paradigm for lung cancer, but currently validated and emerging drugs are effective in only a small minority of lung cancers, predominantly adenocarcinomas. Folate receptors can serve as targets for drugs attached to folate and are overexpressed in many cancers.Objective.— To determine the frequency of folate receptor overexpression in lung cancers of different cell types as potential targets for folate-linked therapy.Design.— High-density tissue microarrays were constructed from archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded resection specimens from 188 primary stage I or stage II adenocarcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas of the lung with three 0.1-cm cores from each tumor. Tissue microarrays were immunostained for folate receptor α with mAb343 and the results scored (0 to 1+ = weak expression, 2+ to 3+ = strong expression).Results.— Eighty-four of 117 (72%) of the adenocarcinomas were strongly positive for the folate receptor, and 36 of 71 (51%) of the squamous cell carcinomas were strongly positive for the folate receptor.Conclusions.— Our data indicate that a large percentage of lung cancers, including squamous cell carcinomas in addition to adenocarcinomas, strongly express folate receptor. This suggests that folate-linked targeted therapy can potentially be used to treat the majority of lung cancers, both adenocarcinomas and, particularly, squamous cell carcinomas, that do not respond to current targeted therapies.
Measuring foot-pad lesions in commercial broiler houses. Some aspects of methodology
Authors: de Jong IC , van Harn J , Gunnink H , Lourens A , van Riel JW 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFor monitoring purposes there is a need for a protocol to measure foot-pad dermatitis (FPD) on-farm. Therefore, we studied the effect of number of birds sampled, number of locations sampled and sampling location in a broiler house on the accuracy of measurement, in order to construct a protocol that can be applied in practice. Samples were taken from eight commercial flocks (Ross 308) at up to ten locations with up to 25 birds sampled per location. Foot-pad lesions were scored in all birds for both feet using the Swedish scoring method. No significant differences in FPD score were found between the first five birds and all birds sampled at a particular location. Although locations near the walls did not differ in FPD score from locations in the central area of a house, the severity of foot-pad lesions was unevenly distributed over the house. A model was constructed showing the inaccuracy related to the number of locations sampled in the house and the number of birds sampled per location. The model shows that in situations with at least five locations differences in inaccuracy are relatively small when a total of 100 birds or more is sampled. Inaccuracy is largest in a flock with variation in foot-pad scores, as compared to flocks with little variation. The results of this experiment can be used to determine the optimal sample size in a commercial broiler house.
Welfare outcomes assessment in laying hen farm assurance schemes
Authors: Main DCJ , Mullan S , Atkinson C , Bond A , Cooper M , Fraser A , Browne WJ 
Published: September 2012

AbstractMost farm assurance schemes in the UK at least, in part, aim to provide assurances to consumers and retailers of compliance with welfare standards. Inclusion of welfare outcome assessments into the relevant inspection procedures provides a mechanism to improve animal welfare within assurance schemes. In this study, taking laying hens as an example, we describe a process for dealing with the practical difficulties in achieving this in two UK schemes; Freedom Food and Soil Association. The key challenges arise from selecting the most appropriate measures, defining sampling strategies that are feasible and robust, ensuring assessors can deliver a consistent evaluation and establishing a mechanism to achieve positive change. After a consultation exercise and pilot study, five measures (feather cover, cleanliness, aggressive behaviour, management of sick or injured birds, and beak trimming) were included within the inspection procedures of the schemes. The chosen sampling strategy of assessing 50 birds without handling provided reasonable certainty at a scheme level but less certainty at an individual farm level. Despite the inherent limitations within a time and cost sensitive certification assessment, the approach adopted does provide a foundation for welfare improvement by being able to highlight areas of concern requiring attention, enabling schemes to promote the use of outcome scoring as a management tool, promoting the dissemination of relevant technical information in a timely manner and increasing the scrutiny of standards important for the welfare of the birds.
Les soins de santé des familles haïtiennes de Montréal face aux maux de ventre de leurs enfants
Authors: Gomez Cardona Liliana 
Published: September 2012

Cet article fait la suite à une recherche de terrain menée auprès de migrants haïtiens de Montréal et dont l’objectif était de comprendre le faible taux des familles immigrantes qui consultent le département de gastroentérologie du CHU Ste-Justine. Nous nous sommes intéressée aux immigrants haïtiens parce qu’ils sont porteurs d’une culture médicale importante et constituent une des minorités les plus nombreuses à Montréal. La démarche méthodologique adoptée a été qualitative, selon une approche anthropologique de type herméneutique. L’analyse s’est basée sur le modèle « signes, sens, actions » (Corin et Bibeau, 1995). Par le biais de treize entretiens semi-dirigés menés auprès de cinq familles haïtiennes, nous documentons les explications et les moyens de soulagement des maux de ventre chez leurs enfants. De même, nous identifions les facteurs qui amènent ces familles à effectuer ou non des démarches de recherche d’aide auprès des services cliniques, et dégageons quelques pistes de réflexion utiles aux cliniciens et intervenants qui travaillent avec cette population.
Multinuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic ImagingUpdate based on the original article by Todd Richards,Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry, © 2000, John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Authors: Richards Todd L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractMagnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) is a technique for producing spatially resolved maps or images of different chemicals that are found in the body or tissue. These chemicals may be naturally inherent or may be introduced by injection, but they must be detectable by the magnetic resonance (MR) process (i.e. they must have nuclei that have a magnetic moment, and are mobile enough to give a free‐induction decay (FID)). The MRSI technique is based on many of the same principles that are used for conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and also uses much of the same equipment as MRI. This chapter focuses on multinuclear applications of MRSI such as phosphorus‐31, carbon‐13, fluorine‐19, sodium‐23, xenon‐129, helium‐3, and boron‐11. The MRSI method is an important technique for noninvasive measurement of biochemical and physiological changes in health and disease.