bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-level modelling of the factors that influence the participation of disabled rural individuals in social medical insurance in China
Authors: Huang Ju , Pan Xi-Long , Li Ang 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The Second China National Sample Survey on Disability in 2006 showed that the participation rate of disabled Chinese rural individuals in social medical insurance participation was less than 30%. However, there has been limited number of studies on the influencing factors, especially contextual factors, affecting their participation in social medical insurance. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the participation of disabled rural individuals in social medical insurance, including contextual factors.

Methods
Based on data derived from the Second China National Sample Survey on Disability, chi-square test and two-level logistic regression model were used to analyze the influencing factors.

Results
The results showed that the disabled rural individuals in the New Rural Cooperative Medical System pilot counties who lived in communities with rehabilitation stations or with higher per capita income of villagers were more likely to participate in the social medical insurance. Meanwhile, those employed, with less severe disability degree or with less severe barriers in participation in society were more likely to participate in the social medical insurance.

Conclusions
Contextual factors including economic and policy contexts were important factors influencing their participation in social medical insurance before 2006 in China. Unemployment, severer disability degree and social isolation might also prevent them from gaining equal access to social medical insurance.
Molecular cloning and expression analyses of porcine MAP1LC3A in the granulosa cells of normal and miniature pig
Authors: Kim Sang H , Hwang Sue Y , Min Kwan S , Yoon Jong T 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The members of the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain (MAP1LC) family, especially those of the LC3 family (MAP1LC3A, B, C), are known to induce autophagy upon localization onto the autophagosomal membrane. In this regard, LC3 can be utilized as a marker for the formation of autophagosomes during the process of autophagy. The aims of this study are to clone porcine MAP1LC3A, and analyze the pattern of its expression in the ovarian tissues of normal and miniature pig ovary in an attempt to understand the distinct mode of apoptosis between two strains.

Methods
Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) were used to obtain the 5′ and 3′ ends of the porcine MAP1LC3A full length cDNA. Reverse-transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR), real-time PCR, and western blot analysis were performed to examine the expression of porcine MAP1LC3A. The localization of MAP1LC3A in the ovary was determined by In situ Hybridization and Immunohistochemical staining.

Results
We cloned the full-length cDNA of porcine MAP1LC3A and identified an open reading frame of 980 bp encoding 121 amino acids. Based on its homology to known mammalian proteins (98%) this novel cDNA was designated as porcine MAP1LC3A and registered to the GenBank (Accession No. GU272221). We compared the expression of MAP1LC3A in the Graafian follicles of normal and miniature pigs by in situ hybridization at day 15 of the estrus cycle. While normal pigs showed a stronger expression of MAP1LC3A mRNA than miniature pigs in the theca cell area, the expression was lower in the granulosa cells. Immunofluorescence analysis of the MAP1LC3A fusion reporter protein showed the subcellular localization of porcine MAP1LC3A and ATG5 as a punctate pattern in the cytoplasm of porcine granulosa cells under stress conditions. In addition, the expressions of MAP1LC3A and ATG5 were higher in normal pigs than in miniature pigs both in the presence and absence of rapamycin.

Conclusions
The newly cloned porcine MAP1LC3A provides a novel autophagosomal marker in both normal and miniature pig. We demonstrated that the expression of MAP1LC3A in graafian follicle is distinct in normal and miniature pig, which may explain the unique folliculogenesis of miniature pigs.
Coronary artery involvement in pediatric Takayasu’s arteritis: Case report and literature review
Authors: Mohan Shaun , Poff Sarah , Torok Kathryn S 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Takayasu’s arteritis (TA) is a form of chronic vasculitis that typically occurs in young adult Asian females, but it can also present in younger patients not fitting this classic profile. In these cases, the sequelae are generally similar to those found in adults. The disease predominantly affects the aorta and its primary branches. However, the coronary arteries are also affected in up to 20% of cases, which may precipitate myocardial infarction. Imaging of the coronary arteries therefore becomes critically important in the evaluation of a patient with possible Takayasu’s arteritis. We present a case of a pediatric patient with TA who had no symptoms of angina but who was found to have significant coronary artery involvement on diagnostic imaging. This necessitated tailoring of traditional management.
Biogenic synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles by Escherichia coli K12 and its heterogeneous catalysis in degradation of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Srivastava Sarvesh Kumar , Yamada Ryosuke , Ogino Chiaki , Kondo Akihiko 
Published: February 2013

AbstractRoom-temperature extracellular biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) was achieved usingEscherichia coliK12 cells without the addition of growth media, pH adjustments or inclusion of electron donors/stabilizing agents. The resulting nanoparticles were analysed by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometry, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Highly dispersed gold nanoplates were achieved in the order of around 50 nm. Further, the underlying mechanism was found to be controlled by certain extracellular membrane-bound proteins, which was confirmed by Fourier transformation-infrared spectroscopy and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We observed that certain membrane-bound peptides are responsible for reduction and subsequent stabilization of Au NPs (confirmed by zeta potential analysis). Upon de-activation of these proteins, no nanoparticle formation was observed. Also, we prepared a novel biocatalyst with Au NPs attached to the membrane-bound fraction ofE. coliK12 cells serving as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in complete reduction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH4which was studied with UV–vis spectroscopy. This is the first report on bacterial membrane-Au NP nanobiocomposite serving as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in complete reduction of nitroaromatic pollutant in water.
High-density sub-100-nm peptide-gold nanoparticle complexes improve vaccine presentation by dendritic cells in vitro
Authors: Lin Adam Yuh , Lunsford Jessica , Bear Adham Sean , Young Joseph Keith , Eckels Phillip , Luo Laureen , Foster Aaron Edward , Drezek Rebekah Anna 
Published: February 2013

AbstractNanocarriers have been explored to improve the delivery of tumor antigens to dendritic cells (DCs). Gold nanoparticles are attractive nanocarriers because they are inert, non-toxic, and can be readily endocytosed by DCs. Here, we designed novel gold-based nanovaccines (AuNVs) using a simple self-assembling bottom-up conjugation method to generate high-peptide density delivery and effective immune responses with limited toxicity. AuNVs were synthesized using a self-assembling conjugation method and optimized using DC-to-splenocyte interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assays. The AuNV design has shown successful peptide conjugation with approximately 90% yield while remaining smaller than 80 nm in diameter. DCs uptake AuNVs with minimal toxicity and are able to process the vaccine peptides on the particles to stimulate cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). These high-peptide density AuNVs can stimulate CTLs better than free peptides and have great potential as carriers for various vaccine types.
Description of plant tRNA-derived RNA fragments (tRFs) associated with argonaute and identification of their putative targets
Authors: Loss-Morais Guilherme , Waterhouse Peter M , Margis Rogerio 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
tRNA-derived RNA fragments (tRFs) are 19mer small RNAs that associate with Argonaute (AGO) proteins in humans. However, in plants, it is unknown if tRFs bind with AGO proteins. Here, using public deep sequencing libraries of immunoprecipitated Argonaute proteins (AGO-IP) and bioinformatics approaches, we identified the Arabidopsis thaliana AGO-IP tRFs. Moreover, using three degradome deep sequencing libraries, we identified four putative tRF targets. The expression pattern of tRFs, based on deep sequencing data, was also analyzed under abiotic and biotic stresses. The results obtained here represent a useful starting point for future studies on tRFs in plants.
Combined analysis of circulating β-endorphin with gene polymorphisms in OPRM1, CACNAD2 and ABCB1 reveals correlation with pain, opioid sensitivity and opioid-related side effects
Authors: Rhodin Annica , Grönbladh Alfhild , Ginya Harumi , Nilsson Kent W , Rosenblad Andreas , Zhou Qin , Enlund Mats , Hallberg Mathias , Gordh Torsten , Nyberg Fred 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundOpioids are associated with wide inter-individual variability in the analgesic response and a narrow therapeutic index. This may be partly explained by the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding molecular entities involved in opioid metabolism and receptor activation. This paper describes the investigation of SNPs in three genes that have a functional impact on the opioid response: OPRM1, which codes for the μ-opioid receptor; ABCB1 for the ATP-binding cassette B1 transporter enzyme; and the calcium channel complex subunit CACNA2D2. The genotyping was combined with an analysis of plasma levels of the opioid peptide β-endorphin in 80 well-defined patients with chronic low back pain scheduled for spinal fusion surgery, and with differential sensitivity to the opioid analgesic remifentanil. This patient group was compared with 56 healthy controls.ResultsThe plasma β-endorphin levels were significantly higher in controls than in pain patients.A higher incidence of opioid-related side effects and sex differences was found in patients with the minor allele of the ABCB1 gene. Further, a correlation between increased opioid sensitivity and the major CACNA2D2 allele was confirmed. A tendency of a relationship between opioid sensitivity and the minor allele of OPRM1 was also found.ConclusionsAlthough the sample cohort in this study was limited to 80 patients it appears that it was possible to observe significant correlations between polymorphism in relevant genes and various items related to pain sensitivity and opioid response. Of particular interest is the new finding of a correlation between increased opioid sensitivity and the major CACNA2D2 allele. These observations may open for improved strategies in the clinical treatment of chronic pain with opioids.
Systems chemistry: using thermodynamically controlled networks to assess molecular similarity
Authors: Saggiomo Vittorio , Hristova Yana R , Ludlow R Frederick , Otto Sijbren 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The assessment of molecular similarity is a key step in the drug discovery process that has thus far relied almost exclusively on computational approaches. We now report an experimental method for similarity assessment based on dynamic combinatorial chemistry.

Results
In order to assess molecular similarity directly in solution, a dynamic molecular network was used in a two-step process. First, a clustering analysis was employed to determine the network’s innate discriminatory ability. A classification algorithm was then trained to enable the classification of unknowns. The dynamic molecular network used in this work was able to identify thin amines and ammonium ions in a set of 25 different, closely related molecules. After training, it was also able to classify unknown molecules based on the presence or absence of an ethylamine group.

Conclusions
This is the first step in the development of molecular networks capable of predicting bioactivity based on an assessment of molecular similarity.
Using infrared eye-tracking to explore ordinal numerical processing in toddlers with Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Owen Emily R , Baumgartner Heidi A , Rivera Susan M 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability and non-idiopathic autism. Individuals with FXS present with a behavioral phenotype of specific and selective deficits in an array of cognitive skills. Disruption of number processing and arithmetic abilities in higher-functioning adults and female adolescents with FXS has been well established. Still, both numerical skills and developmentally antecedent cognitive processes have just begun to be investigated in toddlers with FXS. The goal of the current study was to assess how very young children with FXS respond to ordinal relationships among numerical magnitudes.

Methods
Infrared eye-tracking was used to explore infants’ novelty recognition during passive viewing of ordinal numerical sequences; t-tests were used to analyze group differences in looking time.

Results
Ordinal recognition of numerical magnitudes is significantly impaired in young toddlers with FXS.

Conclusions
This study is the first to experimentally evaluate early number sense and ordinal recognition in toddlers with FXS, and our findings reveal that ordinal recognition of numerical magnitudes is significantly impaired in young toddlers with FXS, suggesting that later arithmetic impairments associated with FXS may have their origins in a developmental impairment of this more basic aspect of numerical cognition.
Hybrid phenylthiazole and 1,3,5-triazine target cytosolic leucyl-tRNA synthetase for antifungal action as revealed by molecular docking studies
Authors: Singh Udaya Pratap , Bhat Hans Raj , Gahtori Prashant , Singh Ramendra K 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Background
Leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) is one of the essential enzymes belonging to the family of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), which executes the translation of genetic code by catalyzing the specific attachment of amino acids to their cognate tRNAs. This process is very crucial for survival of micro-organism and thus the inhibition of LeuRS offered a novel and lucrative target for developing new antimicrobials.

Findings
Docking studies using hybrid phenylthiazole-1,3,5-triazine derivatives revealed that these molecules acted as probable inhibitors of candida albicans cytosolic leucyl-tRNA synthetase

Conclusion
The conjugates of phenylthiazole and 1,3,5-triazine can act as lead molecules towards the development of potential leucyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitors on the basis of molecular docking runs, which contribute to the possible mechanism of antifungal activity of these analogues.
Modified extraperitoneal Caesarean section: clinical experience
Authors: Shinde Ganesh , Pawar Anita , Jadhav Balaji , Rathod Kunal 
Published: February 2013

Summary The objective of the study was to study postoperative progress of modified extraperitoneal Caesarean section (MECS) technique (group A) and its comparison with standard transperitoneal Caesarean section (TCS) (group B). It is a prospective observational study with sample sizes of 93 and 105 for groups A and B, respectively, in the settings of Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai, India, which see over 10,000 deliveries per annum. Five parameters were studied. Postoperative febrile morbidity was significantly lower in group A than in group B (6.5% versus 21%; P = 0.004). Gastrointestinal function recovery occurred earlier in group A than B (6 h versus 18.5 h; P < 0.01). Although the difference between skin incision to baby delivery time was significant (6.0 min versus 3.1 min; P < 0.01), there was no significant difference in Apgar score at 1 min ( P = 0.3). There was no difference in intraoperative complications in two groups. MECS is associated with less febrile morbidity and early postoperative recovery than TCS.
Unique Cartan decomposition for II
1
factors
arising from arbitrary actions of hyperbolic groups
Authors: Popa Sorin , Vaes Stefaan 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

We prove that for any free ergodic probability measure preserving action

Γ
→
(
X
,
μ
)

$\Gamma \rightarrow (X,\mu )$

of a non-elementary hyperbolic group, or a lattice in a rank one simple Lie group, the associated group measure space II
1
factor

L

∞

(
X
)

⋊
Γ

${\mathord {\text{\rm L}}^\infty (X) \rtimes \Gamma }$

has

L

∞

(
X
)

${\mathord {\text{\rm L}}^\infty (X)}$

as its unique Cartan subalgebra, up to unitary conjugacy.
Betulinic acid suppresses NGAL-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in melanoma
Authors: Gheorgheosu Dorina , Jung Michaela , Ören Bilge , Schmid Tobias , Dehelean Cristina , Muntean Danina , Brüne Bernhard 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Betulinic acid (BA) exhibits antitumoral activity by blocking proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. However, the impact of BA on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a hallmark of cancer metastasis induced among others by neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), remains unknown. The present study aimed at determining the effect of BA on NGAL-induced EMT. In A375 melanoma cells, BA downregulated mesenchymal markers, increased epithelial markers, and inhibited cytoskeletal reorganization. In addition, BA limited endogenous NGAL production and further suppressed EMT induced by exogenously added NGAL and the corresponding invasive cellular phenotype. In conclusion, BA interferes with EMT-associated changes, a mechanism to antagonize invasive melanoma cells.
Molecular Characterization of Sexual Diversity in a Population of Serpula lacrymans, a Tetrapolar Basidiomycete
Authors: Skrede Inger , Maurice Sundy , Kauserud Håvard 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Different mating systems have evolved in the fungal kingdom, including a tetrapolar multiallelic mating system in many basidiomycetes. In tetrapolar species, the presence of different alleles at two mating loci (MAT A and MAT B) is necessary for mating to occur. The tetrapolar fungus Serpula lacrymans causes wood-decay in buildings in temperate regions worldwide and is present in Europe with a genetically homogeneous founder population. Using genome sequence data, we annotated the two mating type loci for S. lacrymans and found the expected synteny with other basidiomycetes, except for a retrotransposon being present in one locus (MAT A). We developed markers linked to the MAT A and MAT B regions and used these to investigate the mating type diversity in the European population. Moreover, we found a good match between the genetic markers and functional mating types as revealed by segregation and mating studies. A low diversity of mating types is present in the European S. lacrymans population caused by the founder event where a limited number of genotypes were introduced. This finding contrasts the situation in natural fungal populations where a high diversity of mating types is normally present. Although S. lacrymans has a large and viable population in Europe, we argue that the low mating type diversity restrains the dispersal and establishment of the fungus.
How to Design a Genetic Mating Scheme: A Basic Training Package for Drosophila Genetics
Authors: Roote John , Prokop Andreas 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful model organism for biological research. The essential and common instrument of fly research is genetics, the art of applying Mendelian rules in the specific context of Drosophila with its unique classical genetic tools and the breadth of modern genetic tools and strategies brought in by molecular biology, transgenic technologies and the use of recombinases. Training newcomers to fly genetics is a complex and time-consuming task but too important to be left to chance. Surprisingly, suitable training resources for beginners currently are not available. Here we provide a training package for basic Drosophila genetics, designed to ensure that basic knowledge on all key areas is covered while reducing the time invested by trainers. First, a manual introduces to fly history, rationale for mating schemes, fly handling, Mendelian rules in fly, markers and balancers, mating scheme design, and transgenic technologies. Its self-study is followed by a practical training session on gender and marker selection, introducing real flies under the dissecting microscope. Next, through self-study of a PowerPoint presentation, trainees are guided step-by-step through a mating scheme. Finally, to consolidate knowledge, trainees are asked to design similar mating schemes reflecting routine tasks in a fly laboratory. This exercise requires individual feedback but also provides unique opportunities for trainers to spot weaknesses and strengths of each trainee and take remedial action. This training package is being successfully applied at the Manchester fly facility and may serve as a model for further training resources covering other aspects of fly research.
Accuracy of Across-Environment Genome-Wide Prediction in Maize Nested Association Mapping Populations
Authors: Guo Zhigang , Tucker Dominic M , Wang Daolong , Basten Christopher J , Ersoz Elhan , Briggs William H , Lu Jianwei , Li Min , Gay Gilles 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Most of previous empirical studies with genome-wide prediction were focused on within-environment prediction based on a single-environment (SE) model. In this study, we evaluated accuracy improvements of across-environment prediction by using genetic and residual covariance across correlated environments. Predictions with a multienvironment (ME) model were evaluated for two corn polygenic leaf structure traits, leaf length and leaf width, based on within-population (WP) and across-population (AP) experiments using a large maize nested association mapping data set consisting of 25 populations of recombinant inbred-lines. To make our study more applicable to plant breeding, two cross-validation schemes were used by evaluating accuracies of (CV1) predicting unobserved phenotypes of untested lines and (CV2) predicting unobserved phenotypes of lines that have been evaluated in some environments but not others. We concluded that (1) genome-wide prediction provided greater prediction accuracies than traditional quantitative trait loci-based prediction in both WP and AP and provided more advantages over quantitative trait loci -based prediction for WP than for AP. (2) Prediction accuracy with ME was significantly greater than that attained by SE in CV1 and CV2, and gains with ME over SE were greater in CV2 than in CV1. These gains were also greater in WP than in AP in both CV1 and CV2. (3) Gains with ME over SE attributed to genetic correlation between environments, with little effect from residual correlation. Impacts of marker density on predictions also were investigated in this study.