bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Is a Potent Stimulator of GnRH and Kisspeptin Cells and May Contribute to Negative Energy Balance-induced Reproductive Inhibition in Females
Authors: True Cadence , Verma Saurabh , Grove Kevin L. , Smith M. Susan 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide implicated in both metabolic and reproductive regulation, raising the possibility that CART plays a role in reproductive inhibition during negative metabolic conditions. The current study characterized CART's regulatory influence on GnRH and kisspeptin (Kiss1) cells and determined the sensitivity of different CART populations to negative energy balance. CART fibers made close appositions to 60% of GnRH cells, with the majority of the fibers (&gt;80%) originating from the arcuate nucleus (ARH) CART/pro-opiomelanocortin population. Electrophysiological recordings in GnRH-green fluorescent protein rats demonstrated that CART postsynaptically depolarizes GnRH cells. CART fibers from the ARH were also observed in close contact with Kiss1 cells in the ARH and anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). Recordings in Kiss1-GFP mice demonstrated CART also postsynaptically depolarizes ARH Kiss1 cells, suggesting CART may act directly and indirectly, via Kiss1 populations, to stimulate GnRH neurons. CART protein and mRNA levels were analyzed in 2 models of negative energy balance: caloric restriction (CR) and lactation. Both CART mRNA levels and the number of CART-immunoreactive cells were suppressed in the ARH during CR but not during lactation. AVPV CART mRNA was suppressed during CR, but not during lactation when there was a dramatic increase in CART-immunoreactive cells. These data suggest differing regulatory signals of CART between the models. In conclusion, both morphological and electrophysiological methods identify CART as a novel and potent stimulator of Kiss1 and GnRH neurons and suppression of CART expression during negative metabolic conditions could contribute to inhibition of the reproductive axis.
Hummingbird feather sounds are produced by aeroelastic flutter, not vortex-induced vibration
Authors: Clark Christopher J. , Elias Damian O. , Prum Richard O. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryMales in the 'bee' hummingbird clade produce distinctive, species-specific sounds with fluttering tail feathers during courtship displays. Flutter may be the result of vortex shedding, or aero-elastic interactions. We investigated the underlying mechanics of flutter and sound production of a series of different feathers in a wind tunnel. All feathers tested were capable of fluttering at frequencies varying from 0.3 to 10 kHz. At low airspeeds (Uair) feather flutter was highly damped, but at a threshold airspeed (U*) the feathers abruptly entered a limit-cycle vibration and produced sound. Loudness increased with airspeed in most but not all feathers. Reduced frequency of flutter varied by an order of magnitude, and declined with increasing Uair in all feathers. This, along with the presence of strong harmonics, multiple modes of flutter, and several other nonlinear effects indicates that flutter is not simply a vortex-induced vibration, and that the accompanying sounds are not vortex whistles. Flutter is instead aeroelastic, in which structural (inertial/elastic) properties of the feather interact variably with aerodynamic forces, producing diverse acoustic results.
Precision of archerfish C-starts is fully temperature-compensated
Authors: Krupczynski Philipp , Schuster Stefan 
Published: June 2013

SummaryHunting archerfish precisely adapt their predictive C-starts to the initial movement of dislodged prey so that turn angle and initial speed are matched to the place and time of the later point of catch. The high accuracy and the known target point of the starts allow a sensitive straightforward assay of how temperature affects the underlying circuits. Furthermore, archerfish face rapid temperature fluctuations in their mangrove biotopes which could compromise performance. Here we show that after a brief acclimation period the function of the C-starts is fully maintained over a range of operating temperatures: (i) Full responsiveness was maintained at all temperatures, (ii) at all temperatures the fish selected accurate turns and were able to do so over the full angular range, (iii) at all temperatures speed attained immediately after the end of the C-start was matched - with equal accuracy - to 'virtual speed', i.e. the ratio of remaining distance to the future landing point and remaining time. While precision was fully compensated, C-start latency was not and increased by about 4 ms per 1°C cooling. Also kinematic aspects of the C-start were only partly compensated. Above 26°C the duration of the two major phases of the C-start were temperature-compensated. At lower temperatures, however, durations increased similarly as latency. Given the accessibility of the underlying networks, the archerfish predictive start should be an excellent model to assay the degree of plasticity and functional stability of C-start motor patterns.
Synthesis of Novel C2 and C1 Symmetric CHIRAPHOS Derivatives and Their Application in Palladium-catalyzed Miyaura–Michael Reaction
Authors: Jin Masayoshi , Nakamura Masaharu 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
A new method for the synthesis of C2 and C1 symmetric CHIRAPHOS derivatives and their application in Pd-catalyzed 1,4-addition reaction of an aryl boron compound to an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound (Miyaura–Michael reaction) are described. Six CHIRAPHOS congeners are prepared by substitution reactions of (2R,3R)-butane-2,3-diyl ditosylate with metalated phosphine–borane adducts and subsequent deprotection of the resulting borane-protected bisphosphines. In the asymmetric Miyaura–Michael reaction, the CHIRAPHOS derivative containing 4-tolyl groups showed a higher enantioselectivity than the others including parent CHIRAPHOS.
Direct Introduction of Detachable Fluorescent Tag into Oligosaccharides
Authors: Yoshida Naoki , Fujieda Tsukasa , Kobayashi Atsushi , Ishihara Masaki , Noguchi Masato , Shoda Shin-ichiro 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
A novel oligosaccharide-labeling method involving the use of a detachable fluorescent tag has been developed based on the direct introduction of 4-methyl-7-thioumbelliferyl (MUS) group to the anomeric center of unprotected sugars. The resulting MUS-labeled sugars showed high sensitivity for fluorescence detection and could be used for quantification of oligosaccharides mixture. The unprotected sugars could be successfully recovered by a selective oxidative cleavage of the thioglycosidic bond under mild reaction conditions.
Helmholtz Energy Change between Neutral and Zwitterionic Forms of Glycine in Aqueous Solution Using Ab Initio Expanded QM/MM-MC with QM Solvent
Authors: Miyamoto Hidenori , Aida Misako 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
We present an extended methodology of the quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical framework with Metropolis Monte Carlo method (QM/MM-MC), in which close surrounding solvent molecules are included in QM subsystem to evaluate quantitatively the solvation free energy change. The neutral (N) and zwitterionic (Z) structures of glycine in aqueous solution were optimized in the combination procedure of simulated annealing with MC at MM level and QM/MM-vib geometry optimization. Helmholtz energy change between N and Z forms of glycine in aqueous solution was calculated stepwise with expanded QM/MM-MC method, and the computational result was in good agreement with the experimental value.
High-resolution InGaAs sensor pushing biomedical infrared optical coherence tomography
Authors: Vandersmissen Raf , Merken Patrick 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a spectroscopy technique, has been used in biomedical applications for about 20 years. It has evolved to a standard non-invasive examination procedure yielding detail-rich cross-sectional images of living tissue. With longer wavelengths in the IR spectrum and the availability of InGaAs detectors and cameras, OCT scanners now penetrate even deeper into the human tissue. This article presents technical improvements on an IR line-scan camera, which specifically benefits OCT applications.
Sequences of Mn-sod gene from Pyropia haitanensis (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) and its expression under heat shock
Authors: Yang Rui , Liu Wei , Zhang Xiao-Long , Shen Mei-Li , Sun Xue , Chen Hai-Min 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) is an essential enzyme involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen by dismutation of the superoxide radical anion. In this study, full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) and genomic DNA of Mn-sod genes were cloned from Pyropia haitanensis (phsod), and its expression was monitored using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Scavenging of reactive oxygen species under heat shock was analyzed as well. The full-length cDNA of the phsod gene consists of 935 bp (GenBank accession number: EU715988) with an open reading frame of 675 bp, which encodes 224 amino acids. The length of the genomic sequence is 1416 bp and includes four exons and three introns. A highly conserved Mn-SOD signature (DVWEHAYY) was found. The transit peptide in the N-terminal helps protein targeting to the mitochondria. Results showed that the expression levels of phsod increased 3.4 times compared to controls and then suddenly decreased under a heat shock of 35°C for 30 min. After heat shock exposure and return to normal cultivation temperature, the expression levels of phsod decreased within 1 h of release from the heat shock and then increased within 3 h. SOD activity correlated with the expression of the phsod gene and, as expected, the concentration of ·O2- showed negative correlations with SOD activity.
Folic acid supplementation does not reduce intracellular homocysteine, and may disturb intracellular one-carbon metabolism
Authors: Smith Desirée E.C. , Hornstra Jacqueline M. , Kok Robert M. , Blom Henk J. , Smulders Yvo M. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background: In randomized trails, folic acid (FA) lowered plasma homocysteine, but failed to reduce cardiovascular risk. We hypothesize this is due to a discrepancy between plasma and intracellular effects of FA.

Methods: In a double-blind trial, 50 volunteers were randomized to received 500 µg FA daily for 8 weeks, or placebo. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) concentrations of homocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine, methionine, cystathionine and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (bioactive folate) were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). PBMCs were used as a cellular model since they display the full spectrum of one-carbon (1C) enzymes and reactions.

Results: At baseline, plasma concentrations were a poor reflection of intracellular concentrations for most 1C metabolites, except 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (R=0.33, p=0.02), homocysteine (Hcy) (R=0.35, p=0.01), and cystathionine (R=0.45, p=0.001). FA significantly lowered plasma homocysteine (p=0.00), but failed to lower intracellular homocysteine or change the concentrations of any of the other PBMC 1C metabolites. At baseline, PBMC homocysteine concentrations correlated to PBMC SAM. After FA supplementation, PBMC homocysteine no longer correlated with PBMC SAM, suggesting a loss of SAM’s regulatory function. In vitro experiments in lymphoblasts confirmed that at higher folate substrate concentrations, physiological concentrations of SAM no longer effectively inhibit the key regulatory enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR).

Conclusions: FA supplementation does not reduce intracellular concentrations of Hcy or any of its closely related substances. Rather, FA may disturb physiological regulation of intracellular 1C metabolism by interfering with SAM’s inhibitory effect on MTHFR activity.
Current and future use of “dried blood spot” analyses in clinical chemistry
Authors: Lehmann Sylvain , Delaby Constance , Vialaret Jérôme , Ducos Jacques , Hirtz Christophe 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The analysis of blood spotted and dried on a matrix (i.e., “dried blood spot” or DBS) has been used since the 1960s in clinical chemistry; mostly for neonatal screening. Since then, many clinical analytes, including nucleic acids, small molecules and lipids, have been successfully measured using DBS. Although this pre-analytical approach represents an interesting alternative to classical venous blood sampling, its routine use is limited. Here, we review the application of DBS technology in clinical chemistry, and evaluate its future role supported by new analytical methods such as mass spectrometry.
Finite Weyl groupoids
Authors: Cuntz Michael , Heckenberger István 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Using previous results concerning the rank two and rank three cases, all
connected simply connected Cartan schemes for which the real roots form a
finite irreducible root system of arbitrary rank are determined. As a consequence one obtains the list of all crystallographic arrangements,
a large subclass of the class of simplicial hyperplane arrangements. Supposing that the rank is at least three, the classification yields Cartan
schemes of type A and B, an infinite family of series involving the types C and D,
and 74 sporadic examples.
AIDS and Conflict: Micro Evidence from Burundi1)
Authors: Rieger Matthias 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
This paper studies the relationship between civil war and HIV/AIDS in Burundi at the micro level. The case of Burundi provides interesting grounds of analysis, as seroprevalence rates are heterogeneous across the country, the serological and conflict data for Burundi are of good quality and conclusions can inform HIV/AIDS policies in Burundi and other fragile states. Ordinary least squares and instrumental variable results indicate that there is no empirical relationship between seroprevalence at the general population level and three measures of local conflict intensity within provinces. This evidence could imply that areas that are relatively more conflict affected do not need to be prioritized over others in terms of HIV/AIDS policies. Further research should focus on individual rather than geographical exposure to conflict. There are likely certain groups and individuals at risk in the general population that need special attention after conflict. Furthermore, violence changes societies, in particular gender relations, thereby indirectly feeding and possibly fueling the dynamics of the epidemic.
Interleukin-6 and interleukin-11: same same but different
Authors: Garbers Christoph , Scheller Jürgen 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The pleiotropic physiological functions of interleukin (IL-)6 type cytokines range from embryonic development and tissue homoeostasis to neuronal development and T cell differentiation. In contrast, imbalance of the well-controlled cytokine signaling network leads to chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. IL-6 and IL-11 both signal through a homodimer of the ubiquitously expressed β-receptor glycoprotein 130 (gp130). Specificity is gained through an individual IL-6/IL-11 α-receptor, which does not directly participate in signal transduction, although the initial cytokine binding event to the α-receptor leads to the final complex formation with the β-receptors. Both cytokines activate the same downstream signaling pathways, which are predominantly the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-cascade and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (Jak/STAT) pathway. However, recent studies have highlighted divergent roles of the two related cytokines. Here, we will discuss how the biochemical similarities are translated into unique and non-redundant functions of IL-6 and IL-11 in vivo and illustrate strategies for cytokine-specific therapeutic intervention.
Patterns of adaptive performance by individuals with autism spectrum disorders on the Behavior Assessment System for Children II (BASC-2)
Authors: DeVries Lindsey , Bundy Myra Beth , Gore Jonathan S. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAlthough there are several assessments that directly measure adaptive behavior, other comprehensive measures include adaptive behavior scales, including the Behavioral Assessment System for Children-Second Edition Parent Rating Scale (BASC-2-PRS).BASC-2-PRS data from 19 individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders were analyzed to determine score discrepancies between diagnoses [autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome (AS), and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)] on the adaptive behavior profiles on this measure. Differences were hypothesized to correlate with diagnostic intensity (autistic disorder, including the most intense characteristics, followed by AS, and then PDD-NOS). Communication sub-scores of the adaptive behavior scale were expected to be significantly lower for the group with autism than the two other groups.Results indicated significant differences between diagnoses on the adaptability subscale. Differences in cluster score patterns in relation to diagnosis were also observed in the areas of Social Skills and Communication. Interestingly, ratings of the ability to engage in activities of daily living were more often the highest subscale for those with autistic disorder than those with AS or PDD-NOS.The utility of the BASC-2 adaptive behavior scale is discussed in this context.
Post-course subjective outcome evaluation of a course promoting leadership and intrapersonal development in university students in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Sun Rachel C.F. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Two studies were conducted to examine the psychometric properties of the 37-item Subjective Outcome Evaluation Scale (SOES) developed to evaluate the subject, instructor, and benefits of a course on leadership and intrapersonal development at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Consistent with the conceptual framework, factor analyses in both studies (n=268 and n=195, respectively) showed that three factors (course, instructor, and benefits) were abstracted from the scale. In study 2, the SOES was found to be internally consistent and the different subscales were significantly correlated among themselves. Both perceived qualities of the program and instructor were significant predictors of the perceived effectiveness of the program. Consistent with study 1, results in study 2 showed that the students generally had positive perceptions of the program and implementers, with more than 90% of the participants indicating that they were satisfied with the program.
Process evaluation of a leadership and intrapersonal development subject for university students
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Sun Rachel C.F. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Under the New Undergraduate Curriculum, a subject entitled “Tomorrow’s Leaders” was developed to enable students to fulfill the requirement in the area of Leadership and Intrapersonal Development at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In the second piloting exercise, process evaluation was carried out for 19 lectures, with each lecture observed by two independent observers. Results showed that inter-rater reliability was generally high. Regarding program implementation, findings showed that the program adherence and implementation quality of the subject were high. Classroom management, time management, and achievement of teaching unit’s objectives were found to be significant predictors of overall quality and success of the program. The present study reinforced the conclusion that the implementation quality of “Tomorrow’s Leaders” was high.
A General Algorithm for Deciding Transportability of Experimental Results
Authors: Bareinboim Elias , Pearl Judea 
Published: June 2013

AbstractGeneralizing empirical findings to new environments, settings, or populations is essential in most scientific explorations. This article treats a particular problem of generalizability, called “transportability”, defined as a license to transfer information learned in experimental studies to a different population, on which only observational studies can be conducted. Given a set of assumptions concerning commonalities and differences between the two populations, Pearl and Bareinboim [1] derived sufficient conditions that permit such transfer to take place. This article summarizes their findings and supplements them with an effective procedure for deciding when and how transportability is feasible. It establishes a necessary and sufficient condition for deciding when causal effects in the target population are estimable from both the statistical information available and the causal information transferred from the experiments. The article further provides a complete algorithm for computing the transport formula, that is, a way of combining observational and experimental information to synthesize bias-free estimate of the desired causal relation. Finally, the article examines the differences between transportability and other variants of generalizability.
Robust Inferences from a Before-and-After Study with Multiple Unaffected Control Groups
Authors: Wang Pengyuan , Traskin Mikhail , Small Dylan S. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe before-and-after study with multiple unaffected control groups is widely applied to study treatment effects. The current methods usually assume that the control groups’ differences between the before and after periods, i.e. the group time effects, follow a normal distribution. However, there is usually no strong a priori evidence for the normality assumption, and there are not enough control groups to check the assumption. We propose to use a flexible skew-tdistribution family to model group time effects, and consider a range of plausible skew-tdistributions. Based on the skew-tdistribution assumption, we propose a robust-tmethod to guarantee nominal significance level under a wide range of skew-tdistributions, and hence make the inference robust to misspecification of the distribution of group time effects. We also propose a two-stage approach, which has lower power compared to the robust-tmethod, but provides an opportunity to conduct sensitivity analysis. Hence, the overall method of analysis is to use the robust-tmethod to test for the overall hypothesized range of shapes of group variation; if the test fails to reject, use the two-stage method to conduct a sensitivity analysis to see if there is a subset of group variation parameters for which we can be confident that there is a treatment effect. We apply the proposed methods to two datasets. One dataset is from the Current Population Survey (CPS) to study the impact of the Mariel Boatlift on Miami unemployment rates between 1979 and 1982.The other dataset contains the student enrollment and grade repeating data in West Germany in the 1960s with which we study the impact of the short school year in 1966–1967 on grade repeating rates.
A Genetic Algorithm for Generating Radar Transmit Codes to Minimize the Target Profile Estimation Error
Authors: Smith-Martinez Brien , Agah Arvin , Stiles James M. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis article presents the design and development of a genetic algorithm (GA) to generate long-range transmit codes with low autocorrelation side lobes for radar to minimize target profile estimation error. The GA described in this work has a parallel processing design and has been used to generate codes with multiple constellations for various code lengths with low estimated error of a radar target profile.