bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy and the Environment: The Devil and the EPA
Authors: Lesser Jonathan A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe late comedian Flip Wilson had a wildly popular television show back in the 1970s, and one of his most famous characters was “Geraldine Jones” (really, Wilson dressed in drag). Geraldine, an oft‐misbehaving young “lady,” had a famous catchphrase, “The devil made me do it!”
Differential translation of the α‐1 isoforms of L‐type calcium channel in rat brain and other tissues
Authors: Khan Islam , Ahmad Suhail , Thomas Nancy 
Published: November 2013

AbstractL‐Type voltage operated calcium channel plays an important role in the contraction‐relaxation of muscle cells. The α‐1 subunit of this pentameric protein performs catalytic functions. Multiple mRNA isoforms of this subunit are generated by alternative splicing. For example, an exon encoding 11 amino acids (aa) between the third and fourth transmembrane domains produces two mRNA isoforms in gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The corresponding exon in brain encodes 15 aa. Whether the α‐1 mRNA isoforms are translated into the corresponding isozymes remain unknown. To address this issue and to characterize the exon in brain, isozymes specific anti‐peptide polyclonal antibodies were raised. Both the antibodies reacted with a protein of Mr 180 kDa in the heart and GI‐tract, while no reaction was obtained in the kidney or liver. Brain expressed the isoform containing the same exon encoding 11 amino acids present in GI‐tract, but the corresponding isozymes were of Mr 145–150 kDa. These findings suggest a tissue‐specific translation of the α‐1 isozymes.
Rapd profile variation amongst provenances of neem
Authors: Farooqui Nuzhat , Ranade S.A. , Sane P.V. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNeem, described as a tree for solving global problems, is an evergreen, long‐lived, multipurpose tree of the tropics with a wide distribution range in India. It is believed to be highly cross‐pollinated. Inter‐provenance variations have been reported in neem in case of morphological and physiological characters. Yet no reports about the genetic determinism for these variations are available to our knowledge. In order to have an idea about the extent and/or nature of genetic (DNA) variation in neem, the powerful RAPD technique has been employed. RAPD profiles of 34 accessions/provenances of neem were generated with 200 decamer random primers, of which the data from the 49 primers, that resulted in reproducible amplification products, were considered for analysis. Based on the presence/absence of bands, a similarity matrix was computed. Dendrogram was constructed by UPGMA method based on the pairwise similarities amongst the RAPD profiles. The similarities in RAPD profiles amongst the different DNAs was more than that expected due to the cross‐pollinated nature of the tree and furthermore, these more‐than‐expected similarities were not due to random chance. These results suggest that neem may have a narrow genetic base.
Inactivation of creatine kinase is due to the conformational changes of the active sites during thermal denaturation
Authors: Bai Ji‐Hong , Zheng Si‐Yang , Zhou Hai‐Meng 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe conformational changes of the active site of creatine kinase (ATP: creatine N‐phosphotransferase EC 2.7.3.2.) during thermal denaturation was followed by changes in fluorescence at the active site of the enzyme labeled by o‐phthalaldehyde. Conformational changes of the active site occurred at the same time as inactivation of the enzyme. The active site changes occurred before the denaturation of the enzyme molecule as a whole was detected. The above results showed that the thermal inactivation of the creatine kinase was due to the conformational changes of its active sites.
Modelling cortical cataractogenesis XXIX. Calpain proteolysis of lens fodrin in cataract
Authors: Kilic Fusun , Trevithick John R. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe relation between cataract and calpain proteolysis of lens fodrin was studied in two systems: elevated glucose (55.6 mM, diabetic model), and cytochalasin D (CD, 10‐2mM, actin depolymerization‐induced opacity model). Glucose treatment (48 h) caused a visible opaque layer and enzyme leakage, with a concomitant accumulation of ([Ca2+]i) around the lens equatorial cortex. CD caused both earlier and greater opacity and enzyme leakage than glucose. Lens fodrin digestion occurred in parallel with the timing and extent of calcium elevation. A calpain inhibitor peptide (CIP, 10‐2 mM) reduced the proteolysis of fodrin, opacity, and enzyme leakage in glucose‐treated lenses but only partially retarded them in CD‐treated lenses. These results suggest a mechanism in which calpain proteolysis of fodrin is a critical event in lens damage during opacification of cortical cataract.
Molecular organization of the gene encoding Xenopus Laevis transforming growth factor‐β5
Authors: Vempati Uma Devi , Kondaiah Paturu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTransforming growth factor‐βs (TGF‐βs) are multifunctional polypeptides, known to influence proliferation and differentiation of many cell types. TGF‐β5 cDNA was cloned from Xenopus laevis and this isoform is unique to the amphibians. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of the TGF‐β5 genomic clones to determine the structure of TGF‐β5 gene. The gene consists of seven exons and all intron‐exon boundaries follow the GT‐AG consensus. The organization of TGF‐β5 gene was identical to that of the mammalian TGF‐β5 isoforms, with the exception of position of the first splice junction. We determined the size of TGF‐β5 gene to be approximately 20 kb.
Modulation of HPV16 E7 translation by tRNAs in eukaryotic cell‐free translation systems
Authors: de Pasquale Claudia , Kanduc Darja 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTranslational regulation of HPV 16 E7 mRNA is of particular interest since the viral E7 protein has oncogenic activity. Here we report that additional supplementation of cell‐free reticulocyte/wheat‐germ translation systems with rat liver tRNA pool favors the expression of the viral oncoprotein E7 which otherwise is scarcely translatable. The translational activation is explained by the positive correlation between the frequency of the glutamic and aspartic codons in E7 mRNA, and the increased concentration of the corresponding tRNAs following tRNA supplementation. The present in vitro data suggest a link between E7 expression and cell conditions conducive to tRNA changes such as development, cell proliferation and aging.
Physico‐chemical properties of copper‐oxidized very low density lipoproteins
Authors: Dousset N. , Taus M. , Ferretti G. , Dousset J.C. , Curatola G. , Valdiguié P. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe aim of our study was to investigate the effect of Cu2+ catalyzed oxidation on VLDL physico‐chemical properties and secondary structure of apo B‐100. Incubation of very low density lipoproteins with copper ions resulted in a decrease in tryptophan and lysine residues parallel to lipid peroxidation products, conjugated dienes and TBARS. Fluorescence polarization showed an increase in the molecular order at the lipoprotein surface of VLDL, as demonstrated by the increase in Pf values of DPH. The secondary structure of apo B‐100 was investigated by infrared spectroscopy. Increased order and structural changes, as observed after oxidative stress on VLDL, could be of relevance in the abnormal interactions between lipoproteins and cell membranes.
O2‐binding to fully reduced cytochrome aa3 reexamined using SVD analysis of simulated and real data
Authors: Hendler Richard W. , Shrager Richard I. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractUsing new time‐resolved multichannel experimental and simulated data, analyzed by SVD, it is concluded that the second order binding rate constant for O2‐binding to fully reduced mammalian cytochrome aa3 is approximately five times higher than the currently accepted value of ˜1.5 × 108 M‐1 s‐1.
Immunological detection of ECTO‐atpase in chicken and rat tissues: Characterization, distribution, and a cautionary note
Authors: Smith Thomas M. , Carl Stephanie Ann Lewis , Kirley Terence L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe have generated a polyclonal antibody (CKG2) against native chicken gizzard ecto‐ATPase for immunolocalization and immunoprecipitation. Active ecto‐ATPase is immunoprecipitated from solubilized chicken and rat membranes and shown to be localized to the plasma membrane of the chicken smooth muscle cells. This antibody is specific for the ecto‐ATPases, since the more abundant chicken stomach ecto‐apyrase is not recognized in immunoprecipitation, western blot or immunolocalization analyses. The CKG2 antibody cross‐reacts with mammalian (rat) ecto‐ATPase in western blots, with testis being the most abundant source. Interestingly, when the same rat membranes are analyzed by western blot under non‐reducing conditions, the 66 kDa ecto‐ATPase is not recognized, instead a 200 kDa protein is detected, previously postulated to be an oligomer of ecto‐ATPase. However, this 200 kDa cross‐reacting protein is not related to the ecto‐ATPases, but is instead an immunoglobulin binding protein, comprised of 50 kDa subunits.
THE REAL ORIGIN OF GLOBAL FINANCIAL IMBALANCES
Authors: Wang Xiaobing , Walters Bernard 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThere is an evident global imbalance puzzle: debt levels in developed countries are continuing to expand despite their huge size whereas the size of foreign exchange reserves held by developing countries continues to grow. This paper argues that this pattern of global imbalances is a consequence of an asymmetric international system, the roots of which lie in the differences in labour structures between the developed and developing countries. It suggests that this global imbalance is likely to continue and is beneficial for both developed and developing countries. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical and analytical relevance of NNRTIs minority mutations on viral failure in HIV‐1 infected patients
Authors: Mohamed Sofiane , Ravet Sophie , Camus Claire , Khiri Hacène , Olive Daniel , Halfon Philippe 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the analytical and clinical relevance of minority variants using a new pyrosequencing (PSQ) assay and to detect minor variants with frequencies below the current 20% clinical setting limit. A PSQ approach for detecting and quantifying mutations was developed for the analysis of 14 codons of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reverse transcriptase (RT) gene below the limit of conventional sequencing. Ten patients who experienced virological failure (VF) after a first‐line regimen of lamivudine, tenofovir, and either efavirenz, nevirapine, or etravirine, as well as 10 controls patients without VF, were included in this retrospective study. Baseline plasma and plasma from the time of VF were assessed using Sanger sequencing and PSQ methods. The analytical sensitivity for the detection of minor sequence variants is 5%. At baseline, no minority variant was detected in 10/10 patient controls using both the Sanger sequencing and PSQ assays, whereas, two patients who failed therapy had baseline non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) mutations that were not detected by the standard genotyping. At the time of VF, standard genotyping detected mutations in four out of the 10 VF patients, whereas, PSQ detected mutations in five out of the 10 VF patients. Clinically, minority mutations at a 10% level of detection can be assessed efficiently by pyrosequencing and used as a suitable predictor of the evolution of viral populations. These traits allow for a better interpretation of data analysis, which can help clinicians in providing a suitable treatment for HIV. J. Med. Virol. 86:394–403, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinicopathological aspects of adenocarcinoma of the large bowel in a low incidence population
Authors: Dakubo Jonathan C.B. , Naaeder Simon S.B. , Gyasi Richard K. 
Published: November 2013

Background and ObjectivesThe presentation of the different histopathologic subtypes of adenocarcinoma of the large bowel vary within the colorectum and appears to impact on treatment. This study evaluated the relationships between the clinical features of adenocarcinoma of the large bowel, the histopathologic subtypes, and treatment.MethodsPatients with adenocarcinoma of the large bowel presenting to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital from January 1997 to December 2011 were studied.ResultsThe study involved 579 patients: 310 (53.5%) males and 269 (46.5%) females, median age 58 years. Right colon cancers were 170 (29.4%), left colon 128 (22.1%), and rectum 281 (48.5%). Well‐differentiated cancers were 254 (43.3%), moderately differentiated 178 (30.3%), mucinous 90 (14.8%), anaplastic 44 (7.5%), and signet‐ring cell cancer 13 (2.2%). The mean ages across the histologic types were unequal, F‐test 8.34, P‐value 0.0005, with patients with mucinous and signet‐ring cancers much younger. Mucinous cancers were predominantly in the right colon while signet‐ring cell cancers were mostly in the rectum. Well‐ and moderately differentiated cancers presented at early stage than anaplastic and signet‐ring cell cancers, P ∼ 0.01 and P < 0.03, respectively. The overall resection rate was 346 (59.8%) with rectal cancer having very low resection rate of 81 (28.8%).ConclusionAdenocarcinoma of the large bowel was predominantly in the rectum and in patients who were 50 years and older and were mostly well or moderately differentiated cancers. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:245–249. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemosaturation with percutaneous hepatic perfusion for unresectable metastatic melanoma or sarcoma to the liver: A single institution experience
Authors: Forster Meghan R. , Rashid Omar M. , Perez Matthew C. , Choi Junsung , Chaudhry Tariq , Zager Jonathan S. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundPatients with unresectable melanoma or sarcoma hepatic metastasis have a poor prognosis with few therapeutic options. Percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP), isolating and perfusing the liver with chemotherapy, provides a promising minimally invasive management option. We reviewed our institutional experience with PHP.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients with unresectable melanoma or sarcoma hepatic metastasis treated with PHP from 2008 to 2013 and evaluated therapeutic response, morbidity, hepatic progression free survival (hPFS), and overall survival (OS).ResultsTen patients were treated with 27 PHPs (median 3). Diagnoses were ocular melanoma (n = 5), cutaneous melanoma (n = 3), unknown primary melanoma (n = 1), and sarcoma (n = 1). Median hPFS was 240 days, 9 of 10 patients (90%) demonstrated stable disease or partial response to treatment. At a median follow up of 11.5 months, 4 of 10 (40%) remain alive. There were no perioperative mortalities. Myelosuppresion was the most common morbidity, managed on an outpatient basis with growth factors. The median hospital stay was 3 days.ConclusionsPatients with metastatic melanoma and sarcoma to the liver have limited treatment options. Our experience with PHP demonstrates promising results with minimal morbidity and should be considered (pending FDA approval) as a management option for unresectable melanoma or sarcoma hepatic metastasis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:434–439. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Black bear population reduction and recovery in western Interior Alaska
Authors: Keech Mark A. , Taras Brian D. , Boudreau Toby A. , Boertje Rodney D. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTWe documented the temporal and demographic recovery of a black bear (Ursus americanus) population following a 2‐year translocation program that substantially reduced both male and female bears. We estimated black bear population abundance prior to (2003), during (2004), and following (2007 and 2010) translocations in a 1,368‐km2 study area in western Interior Alaska, USA. We estimated population size of independent black bears using removal models during 2003 and 2004 and mark–resight techniques during 2007 and 2010. The pre‐translocation 2003 estimate of 83–109 (95% CI) independent bears was reduced by 96% to 0–13 (95% CI) independent bears by late spring 2004, when translocation efforts ceased. By 2007 the population of independent bears increased to 56–84 (95% CI), and by 2010 the population recovered to ≥ pre‐translocation levels (96–162 [95% CI]). The proportion of male and female bears in the post‐translocation population was similar during 2007 (50% F) and 2010 (59% F), indicating both sexes rapidly reoccupied the study area. We concluded that Interior Alaska black bear populations can recover in 4–6 years from substantial numerical reductions and recovery in our study area was likely facilitated by its relative small size, high‐quality habitat, and large surrounding environment consisting of a lightly harvested bear population. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Transition near the edge of a rotating disk
Authors: Pier Benoît 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe rotating-disk boundary layer is generally considered as an example of a flow that displays a robust transition from laminar to turbulent régimes. By taking into account disks of finite radius, Healey (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 663, 2010, pp. 148–159) has predicted a stabilizing effect of the boundary condition, but Imayamaet al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 716, 2013, pp. 638–657) were unable to confirm this prediction experimentally. Following these contradictory results, the present experimental investigation revisits the rotating-disk boundary layer, without any artificially imposed excitation, and studies in further detail the dynamics prevailing in the region closely surrounding the edge of the disk, as well as the flow beyond the disk. Azimuthal mean velocities and fluctuation amplitudes are recorded with small steps in radial and axial directions for a wide range of disk sizes. An objective criterion is used to define the onset of fluctuations consistently over a large data set. Two distinct mechanisms for the onset of fluctuations are identified. In particular, it is found that the flow over the edge of the disk acts as a strong source of fluctuations. Explanations and suggestions for a possible reconciliation of previous studies are given.
Coblation-assisted Lewis and MacKay operation (CobLAMO): new technique for tongue reduction in sleep apnoea surgery
Authors: MacKay S G , Jefferson N , Grundy L , Lewis R 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground:Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common condition that is unfortunately associated with a high rate of patient non-compliance regarding device use. Newer surgical interventions have focused on procedures at the palate level, using variants of palatoplasty and transpalatal advancement. However, the extent of tongue reduction surgery required remains controversial. The authors propose an in-between variant that combines midline glossectomy resection (with minimal mucosal sacrifice) and lateral coblation tongue channelling.Method:Four patients underwent a coblation-assisted Lewis and MacKay operation, which is a new technique for tongue reduction. This involved a midline glossectomy combined with lateral coblation channelling of the tongue, alone or as part of major airway reconstruction. Demographic, polysomnographic and quality of life questionnaire data were collected prospectively and analysed.Results and conclusion:No significant complications were noted in the four patients. (Results of the post-surgical outcomes are presented in another paper.) The coblation-assisted Lewis and MacKay operation reduced the potential complications of aggressive tongue surgery. The contours of the tongue were maintained, but significant reduction was still achieved.
Does inundation risk affect leaf-cutting ant distribution? A study along a topographic gradient of a Costa Rican tropical wet forest
Authors: Sendoya Sebastian F. , Silva Paulo S. D. , Farji-Brener Alejandro G. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract:Successional state of forest and availability of pioneer plants are recognized factors affecting densities of leaf-cutting ants. However little is known about how abiotic factors can shape nest distributions. We investigated the effect of topography, soil, forest successional state and inundation risk on nest density and size of Atta cephalotes colonies along streams in a tropical wet forest in Costa Rica. In each forest type, we surveyed 12 sites, each site comprising five transects (10 × 100 m) varying in topography and proximity to streambeds. We found no difference regarding nest size or density between forest types or soil consociation. Nest density varied with topographic environment, with significantly higher nest density on slope tops (farther from streambeds) and without colonies in valley bottoms (closer to streambeds). Nests found in areas affected by the last great inundation before our study were scarcer and smaller than nests in non-flooded areas. We showed that inundation events favour an accumulation of Atta colonies towards higher sites, where they are also allowed to become larger and may survive longer. Inundation risk may be a strong force shaping the distribution of leaf-cutting ant nests in tropical floodplain forests, even concealing the relevance of successional state of forest.
Reforming Rural Education in China: Understanding Teacher Expectations for Rural Youth
Authors: Yiu Lisa , Adams Jennifer 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe Chinese state's commitment to improve teaching quality in rural regions is a key component of national efforts to close the rural–urban education gap. In this paper, we investigate an understudied but critical dimension of quality teaching: teacher expectations. We employ longitudinal data gathered in Gansu Province in 2000 and 2007 to first examine whether teacher expectations for rural youth are conditioned by students’ social origin and teacher background characteristics. Next, we determine the predictive accuracy of their expectations. Our results highlight the ways in which teacher expectations condition the sorting of rural children among different schooling tracks with distinct life trajectories. Significantly, teachers are more likely to hold lower expectations for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, non-local teachers hold lower expectations for rural children compared to local teachers. Finally, a low percentage of teachers expect students to enrol in post-compulsory vocational education. We consider the implications of these results for both educational policy and social inequality.
Integration of Emergency Medical Services and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Teams: The Emergence of the Tactically Trained Medic
Authors: McArdle David Q. , Rasumoff David , Kolman John 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe emphasis of training for paramedics that function in the civilian sector in the United States has focused on the management of blunt trauma. The personal risks they face generally are the result of accidents or public health threats. The management of penetrating trauma under the threat of intentional personal harm is a different matter.Law enforcement agencies have responded to the threat of apprehending heavily armed felons by forming special units highly trained in military-style, small-unit tactics. To provide care in this special environment, and support a special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team in fulfilling its mission, there is a requirment for a unique body of knowledge and special skills. (Prehospital care providers with at least emergency medical technician [EMT] skills and SWAT training will be referred to as tactical medics.)