bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outpatient management of severe early OHSS by administration of GnRH antagonist in the luteal phase: an observational cohort study
Authors: Lainas George T , Kolibianakis Efstratios M , Sfontouris Ioannis A , Zorzovilis Ioannis Z , Petsas George K , Tarlatzi Theoni B , Tarlatzis Basil C , Lainas Trifon G 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Management of established severe OHSS requires prolonged hospitalization, occasionally in intensive care units, accompanied by multiple ascites punctures, correction of intravascular fluid volume and electrolyte imbalance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether it is feasible to manage women with severe OHSS as outpatients by treating them with GnRH antagonists in the luteal phase.

Methods
This is a single-centre, prospective, observational, cohort study. Forty patients diagnosed with severe OHSS, five days post oocyte retrieval, were managed as outpatients after administration of GnRH antagonist (0.25 mg) daily from days 5 to 8 post oocyte retrieval, combined with cryopreservation of all embryos. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients with severe OHSS, in whom outpatient management was not feasible.

Results
11.3% (95% CI 8.3%-15.0%) of patients (40/353) developed severe early OHSS. None of the 40 patients required hospitalization following luteal antagonist administration and embryo cryopreservation. Ovarian volume, ascites, hematocrit, WBC, serum oestradiol and progesterone decreased significantly (P < 0.001) by the end of the monitoring period, indicating rapid resolution of severe OHSS.

Conclusions
The current study suggests, for the first time, that successful outpatient management of severe OHSS with antagonist treatment in the luteal phase is feasible and is associated with rapid regression of the syndrome, challenging the dogma of inpatient management. The proposed management is a flexible approach that minimizes unnecessary embryo transfer cancellations in the majority (88.7%) of high risk for OHSS patients.
Prognostic relevance of melanoma antigen D1 expression in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Zeng Zhao-lei , Wu Wen-jing , Yang Jing , Tang Zhen-jie , Chen Dong-liang , Qiu Miao-zhen , Luo Hui-yan , Wang Zhi-qiang , Jin Ying , Wang De-shen , Xu Rui-hua 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Melanoma antigen D1 (MAGED1) is a member of the type II melanoma antigen (MAGE) family. The down-regulation of MAGED1 expression has been shown in breast carcinoma cell lines and in glioma stem cells and may play an important role in apoptosis and anti-tumorigenesis. However, there is no report on its clinical role in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods
We examined the expression of MAGED1 by qPCR in colorectal cancer tissues and their adjacent non-tumorous tissues taken from 6 cases and performed Western blotting and IHC analyses. In addition, we analyzed MAGED1 expression in 285 clinicopathologically characterized colorectal cancer patients.

Results
MAGED1 expression was significantly down-regulated in colorectal cancer tissues compared with adjacent non-tumorous tissues and was associated with clinical stage (p < 0.001), T classification (p = 0.001), N classification (p < 0.001), M classification (p < 0.001) and pathologic differentiation (p = 0.002). Patients with lower MAGED1 expression had a shorter survival time than those with higher MAGED1 expression. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that MAGED1 expression was an independent prognostic factors (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
MAGED1 may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker of human colorectal cancer.
Can misfit dislocations be located above the interface of InAs/GaAs (001) epitaxial quantum dots?
Authors: Chen Zi-Bin , Lei Wen , Chen Bin , Wang Yan-Bo , Liao Xiao-Zhou , Tan Hoe H , Zou Jin , Ringer Simon P , Jagadish Chennupati 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
InAs/GaAs(001) quantum dots grown by droplet epitaxy were investigated using electron microscopy. Misfit dislocations in relaxed InAs/GaAs(001) islands were found to be located approximately 2 nm above the crystalline sample surface, which provides an impression that the misfit dislocations did not form at the island/substrate interface. However, detailed microscopy data analysis indicates that the observation is in fact an artefact caused by the surface oxidation of the material that resulted in substrate surface moving down about 2 nm. As such, caution is needed in explaining the observed interfacial structure.
Common fixed points and best proximity points of two cyclic self-mappings
Authors: De la Sen M , Agarwal RP 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis paper discusses three contractive conditions for two 2-cyclic self-mappings defined on the union of two nonempty subsets of a metric space to itself. Such self-mappings are not assumed to commute. The properties of convergence of distances to the distance between such sets are investigated. The presence and uniqueness of common fixed points for the two self-mappings and the composite mapping are discussed for the case when such sets are nonempty and intersect. If the space is uniformly convex and the subsets are nonempty, closed and convex, then the iterates of points obtained through the self-mapping converge to unique best proximity points in each of the subsets. Those best proximity points coincide with the fixed point if such sets intersect.
Efficient shift-variant image restoration using deformable filtering (Part II): PSF field estimation
Authors: Miraut David , Ballé Johannes , Portilla Javier 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Abstract
We present a two-step technique for estimating the point spread function (PSF) field from a single star field image affected by shift-variant (SV) blur. The first step estimates the best-fitting PSF for each block of an overlapping block grid. We propose a local image model consisting of a pattern (the PSF) being replicated at arbitrary locations and with arbitrary weights. We follow an efficient alternate marginal optimization approach for estimating (1) the most likely pattern, and (2) the locations where it appears in the block, with sub-pixel accuracy. The second step uses linear dimensionality reduction and nonlinear spatial filtering for estimating the entire PSF field from the grid of local PSF estimates. We simulate SV blur on realistic synthetic star fields to assess the accuracy of the method for this kind of images, for different blurs, star densities, and Poisson counts. The results indicate a moderately low error and very robust behavior against noise and artifacts. We also apply our method to real astronomical images, and demonstrate that the method provides relevant information about the underlying structure of the actual telescope and atmosphere PSF fields. We use a variant of the method proposed in Part I to compensate for the observed blur.
IL-7Rα and L-selectin, but not CD103 or CD34, are required for murine peanut-induced anaphylaxis
Authors: Maltby Steven , DeBruin Erin J , Bennett Jami , Gold Matthew J , Tunis Matthew C , Jian Zhiqi , Marshall Jean S , McNagny Kelly M 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundAllergy to peanuts results in severe anaphylactic responses in affected individuals, and has dramatic effects on society and public policy. Despite the health impacts of peanut-induced anaphylaxis (PIA), relatively little is known about immune mechanisms underlying the disease. Using a mouse model of PIA, we evaluated mice with deletions in four distinct immune molecules (IL7Rα, L-selectin, CD34, CD103), for perturbed responses.MethodsPIA was induced by intragastric sensitization with peanut antigen and cholera toxin adjuvant, followed by intraperitoneal challenge with crude peanut extract (CPE). Disease outcome was assessed by monitoring body temperature, clinical symptoms, and serum histamine levels. Resistant mice were evaluated for total and antigen specific serum IgE, as well as susceptibility to passive systemic anaphylaxis.ResultsPIA responses were dramatically reduced in IL7Rα−/−and L-selectin−/−mice, despite normal peanut-specific IgE production and susceptibility to passive systemic anaphylaxis. In contrast, CD34−/−and CD103−/−mice exhibited robust PIA responses, indistinguishable from wild type controls.ConclusionsLoss of L-selectin or IL7Rα function is sufficient to impair PIA, while CD34 or CD103 ablation has no effect on disease severity. More broadly, our findings suggest that future food allergy interventions should focus on disrupting sensitization to food allergens and limiting antigen-specific late-phase responses. Conversely, therapies targeting immune cell migration following antigen challenge are unlikely to have significant benefits, particularly considering the rapid kinetics of PIA.
Reproduction in porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) seropositive gilts inseminated with PCV2b spiked semen
Authors: Sarli Giuseppe , Morandi Federico , Panarese Serena , Bacci Barbara , Ferrara Domenico , Bianco Carlo , Fusaro Laura , Bacci Maria Laura , Galeati Giovanna , Dottori Michele , Bonilauri Paolo , Lelli Davide , Leotti Giorgio , Vila Thais , Joisel Francois , Allan Gordon , Benazzi Cinzia , Ostanello Fabio 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Since 1999, field evidence of transplacental infection by porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and reproductive failure has been reported in pigs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and pathological consequences of PCV2 infection in conventional PCV2-seropositive gilts by insemination with PCV2b-spiked semen.

Results
Six PCV2 seropositive gilts were inseminated with PCV2b-supplemented semen (infected) and three animals with semen and cell culture medium (controls). Only three out of the six infected animals were pregnant by ultrasonography on day 29 after insemination, while two out of the three controls were pregnant. One control gilt aborted on day 23 after insemination but not due to PVC2. Viraemia was demonstrated in four out of six infected and in one control gilt that became infected with PCV2a. Anti-PCV2 antibody titres showed dynamic variations in the infected group throughout the study. Among infected gilts, the animal with the lowest anti-PCV2 titre (1/100) at the beginning of the experiment and another that reached a similar low value during the experiment showed evident seroconversion over time and had also PCV2 positive foetuses. One placenta displayed mild focal necrosis of the chorionic epithelium positively stained by immunohistochemistry for PCV2 antigen.

Conclusions
PCV2-seropositive gilts can be infected with PCV2 after intrauterine exposure and low maternal antibody titre may increase the probability of a foetal infection.
Integrated network analysis reveals a novel role for the cell cycle in 2009 pandemic influenza virus-induced inflammation in macaque lungs
Authors: Shoemaker Jason E , Fukuyama Satoshi , Eisfeld Amie J , Muramoto Yukiko , Watanabe Shinji , Watanabe Tokiko , Matsuoka Yukiko , Kitano Hiroaki , Kawaoka Yoshihiro 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundAnnually, influenza A viruses circulate the world causing wide-spread sickness, economic loss, and death. One way to better defend against influenza virus-induced disease may be to develop novel host-based therapies, targeted at mitigating viral pathogenesis through the management of virus-dysregulated host functions. However, mechanisms that govern aberrant host responses to influenza virus infection remain incompletely understood. We previously showed that the pandemic H1N1 virus influenza A/California/04/2009 (H1N1; CA04) has enhanced pathogenicity in the lungs of cynomolgus macaques relative to a seasonal influenza virus isolate (A/Kawasaki/UTK-4/2009 (H1N1; KUTK4)).ResultsHere, we used microarrays to identify host gene sequences that were highly differentially expressed (DE) in CA04-infected macaque lungs, and we employed a novel strategy – combining functional and pathway enrichment analyses, transcription factor binding site enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction data – to create a CA04 differentially regulated host response network. This network describes enhanced viral RNA sensing, immune cell signaling and cell cycle arrest in CA04-infected lungs, and highlights a novel, putative role for the MYC-associated zinc finger (MAZ) transcription factor in regulating these processes.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the enhanced pathology is the result of a prolonged immune response, despite successful virus clearance. Most interesting, we identify a mechanism which normally suppresses immune cell signaling and inflammation is ineffective in the pH1N1 virus infection; a dyregulatory event also associated with arthritis. This dysregulation offers several opportunities for developing strain-independent, immunomodulatory therapies to protect against future pandemics.
Mar, a MITE family of hAT transposons in Drosophila
Authors: Deprá Maríndia , Ludwig Adriana , Valente Vera LS , Loreto Elgion LS 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) are short, nonautonomous DNA elements flanked by subterminal or terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) with no coding capacity. MITEs were originally recognized as important components of plant genomes, where they can attain extremely high copy numbers, and are also found in several animal genomes, including mosquitoes, fish and humans. So far, few MITEs have been described in Drosophila.

Results
Herein we describe the distribution and evolution of Mar, a MITE family of hAT transposons, in Drosophilidae species. In silico searches and PCR screening showed that Mar distribution is restricted to the willistoni subgroup of the Drosophila species, and a phylogenetic analysis of Mar indicates that this element may have originated prior to the diversification of these species. Most of the Mar copies in D. willistoni present conserved target site duplications and TIRs, indicating recent mobilization of these sequences. We also identified relic copies of potentially full-length Mar transposon in D. tropicalis and D. willistoni. The phylogenetic relationship among transposases from the putative full-length Mar and other hAT superfamily elements revealed that Mar is placed into the recently determined Buster group of hAT transposons.

Conclusion
On the basis of the obtained data, we can suggest that the origin of these Mar MITEs occurred before the subgroup willistoni speciation, which started about 5.7 Mya. The Mar relic transposase existence indicates that these MITEs originated by internal deletions and suggests that the full-length transposon was recently functional in D. willistoni, promoting Mar MITEs mobilization.
An in planta, Agrobacterium-mediated transient gene expression method for inducing gene silencing in rice (Oryza sativa L.) leaves
Authors: Andrieu Aurélie , Breitler Jean Christophe , Siré Christelle , Meynard Donaldo , Gantet Pascal , Guiderdoni Emmanuel 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Localized introduction and transient expression of T-DNA constructs mediated by agro-infiltration of leaf tissues has been largely used in dicot plants for analyzing the transitivity and the cell-to cell movement of the RNAi signal. In cereals, however, the morphology of the leaf and particularly the structure of the leaf epidermis, prevent infiltration of a bacterial suspension in cells by simple pressure, a method otherwise successful in dicots leaves. This study aimed at establishing a rapid method for the functional analysis of rice genes based on the triggering of RNA interference (RNAi) following Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation of leaves.

Results
Using an agro-infection protocol combining a wound treatment and a surfactant, we were able to obtain in a reliable manner transient expression of a T-DNA-borne uidA gene in leaf cells of japonica and indica rice cultivars. Using this protocol to transiently inhibit gene expression in leaf cells, we introduced hairpin RNA (hpRNA) T-DNA constructs containing gene specific tags of the phytoene desaturase (OsPDS) and of the SLENDER 1 (OsSLR1) genes previously proven to trigger RNAi of target genes in stable transformants. SiRNA accumulation was observed in the agro-infected leaf area for both constructs indicating successful triggering of the silencing signal. Accumulation of secondary siRNA was observed in both stably and transiently transformed leaf tissues expressing the HpRNA OsSLR1 construct. Gene silencing signalling was investigated in monitoring the parallel time course of OsPDS-derived mRNA and siRNA accumulation in the agro-infiltrated leaf area and adjacent systemic sectors. The sensitive RT-Q-PCR method evidenced a consistent, parallel decrease of OsPDS transcripts in both the agroinfiltred and adjacent tissues, with a time lag for the latter.

Conclusions
These results indicate that the method is efficient at inducing gene silencing in the agro-infected leaf area. The transfer of low amounts of siRNA, probably occurring passively through the symplastic pathway from the agro-infected area, seemed sufficient to trigger degradation of target transcripts in the adjacent tissues. This method is therefore well suited to study the cell-to-cell movement of the silencing signal in a monocot plant and further test the functionality of natural and artificial miRNA expression constructs.
Review of underground coal gasification technologies and carbon capture
Authors: Self Stuart J , Reddy Bale V , Rosen Marc A 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
It is thought that the world coal reserve is close to 150 years, which only includes recoverable reserves using conventional techniques. Mining is the typical method of extracting coal, but it has been estimated that only 15% to 20% of the total coal resources can be recovered in this manner. If unrecoverable coal is considered in the reserves, the lifetime of this resource would be greatly extended, by perhaps a couple hundred years. Mining involves a large amount of time, resources, and personnel and contains many challenges such as drastic changes in landscapes, high machinery costs, elevated risk to personnel, and post-extraction transport. A new type of coal extraction method, known as underground coal gasification (UCG), that addresses most of the problems of coal mining is being investigated and implemented globally. UCG is a gasification process applied to in situ coal seams. UCG is very similar to aboveground gasification where syngas is produced through the same chemical reactions that occur in surface gasifiers. UCG has a large potential for providing a clean energy source through carbon capture and storage techniques and offers a unique option for CO2 storage. This paper reviews key concepts and technologies of underground coal gasification, providing insights into this developing coal conversion method.
Solid waste as renewable source of energy: current and future possibility in Algeria
Authors: Eddine Boukelia Taqiy , Salah Mecibah Med 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Algeria has created a green momentum by launching an ambitious program to develop renewable energies and promote energy efficiency. Solid waste is one of most important sources of biomass potential in Algeria, which can be used as renewable energy sources.
With economic development and the evolution of population, the quantity of solid waste is increasing rapidly in Algeria; according to the National Cadastre for Solid Waste Generation, the overall generation of municipal solid waste was more than 10.3 million tons per year, and the amount of industrial solid waste, including non-hazardous and inert industrial waste was 2,547,000 tons per year, with a stock quantity of 4,483,500 tons. The hazardous waste generated amounts to 325,100 tons per year; the quantities of waste in stock and awaiting a disposal solution amount to 2,008,500 tons. Healthcare waste reaches to 125,000 tons per year.
The management of solid waste and its valorization is based on the understanding of solid waste composition by its categories and physicochemical characteristics. Elimination is the solution applied to 97% of waste produced in Algeria. Wastes are disposed in the following ways: open dumps (57%), burned in the open air in public dumps or municipal uncontrolled ones (30%), and controlled dumps and landfill (10%). On the other side, the quantities destined for recovery are too low: only 2% for recycling and 1% for composting.
Waste to energy is very attractive option for elimination solid waste with energy recovery. In this paper, we give an overview for this technology, including its conversion options and its useful products (such as electricity, heat and transportation fuel), and waste to energy-related environmental issues and its challenges.
The in vivo function of mammalian cell and tissue polarity regulators – how to shape and maintain the epidermal barrier
Authors: Niessen Michaela T. , Iden Sandra , Niessen Carien M. 
Published: August 2012

Summary
The establishment and maintenance of cell and tissue polarity is crucial for a range of biological processes, such as oriented division, migration, adhesion and barrier function. The molecular pathways that regulate cell and tissue polarity have been extensively studied in lower organisms as well as in mammalian cell culture. By contrast, relatively little is still known about how polarization regulates the in vivo formation and homeostasis of mammalian tissues. Several recent papers have identified crucial roles for mammalian polarity proteins in a range of in vivo processes, including stem cell behavior, cell fate determination, junction formation and maintenance and organ development. Using the epidermis of the skin as a model system, this Commentary aims to discuss the in vivo significance of cell and tissue polarity in the regulation of mammalian tissue morphogenesis, homeostasis and disease. Specifically, we discuss the mechanisms by which the molecular players previously identified to determine polarity in vitro and/or in lower organisms regulate epidermal stratification; orient cell division to drive cell fate determination within the epidermal lineage; and orient hair follicles. We also describe how altered polarity signaling contributes to skin cancer.
Structure and function of endosomes in plant cells
Authors: Contento Anthony L. , Bassham Diane C. 
Published: August 2012

Summary
Endosomes are a heterogeneous collection of organelles that function in the sorting and delivery of internalized material from the cell surface and the transport of materials from the Golgi to the lysosome or vacuole. Plant endosomes have some unique features, with an organization distinct from that of yeast or animal cells. Two clearly defined endosomal compartments have been studied in plant cells, the trans-Golgi network (equivalent to the early endosome) and the multivesicular body (equivalent to the late endosome), with additional endosome types (recycling endosome, late prevacuolar compartment) also a possibility. A model has been proposed in which the trans-Golgi network matures into a multivesicular body, which then fuses with the vacuole to release its cargo. In addition to basic trafficking functions, endosomes in plant cells are known to function in maintenance of cell polarity by polar localization of hormone transporters and in signaling pathways after internalization of ligand-bound receptors. These signaling functions are exemplified by the BRI1 brassinosteroid hormone receptor and by receptors for pathogen elicitors that activate defense responses. After endocytosis of these receptors from the plasma membrane, endosomes act as a signaling platform, thus playing an essential role in plant growth, development and defense responses. Here we describe the key features of plant endosomes and their differences from those of other organisms and discuss the role of these organelles in cell polarity and signaling pathways.