bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: Middle-age onset of heterotopic ossification from a unique missense mutation (c.974G &gt; C, p.G325A) in ACVR1
Authors: Whyte Michael P , Wenkert Deborah , Demertzis Jennifer L , DiCarlo Edward F , Westenberg Erica , Mumm Steven 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is the rare mendelian disease characterized by congenital malformation of the great toes preceding heterotopic ossification (HO) and caused by heterozygous activating mutation of the ACVR1 gene, which encodes the ALK2 receptor for bone morphogenetic proteins. Early adult life is the latest reported presentation for the HO of FOP. The patient of our report first developed HO from FOP at 47 years of age. She had congenital hallux valgus deformity but despite various traumas was previously well. HO began several months after a brief, seemingly viral, illness. Sudden and progressive pain, redness, warmth, and swelling appeared over a scapula. Computed tomography was remarkable for asymmetrical thickening of muscles and fascial planes. At first, the significance of the great toe abnormalities went unrecognized elsewhere, and biopsy for suspected inflammatory fasciitis revealed proliferating fibroblasts with scattered inflammatory cells. Prednisone improved her symptoms but, when tapered, swellings developed on her chest, posterior thorax, and flank, and FOP was diagnosed. Methylprednisolone, methotrexate, and alendronate seemed to help her symptoms, but the lesions worsened and HO appeared and rapidly progressed. Mutation analysis of the ACVR1 gene revealed heterozygosity for a unique missense defect (c.974G &gt; C, p.G325A) that predicted a conservative (mild) amino acid change within the kinase domain of ALK2. Hence, HO in FOP can be delayed until middle-age, and perhaps provoked by a viral illness. Nevertheless, progression of HO can then be rapid despite bisphosphonate and high-dose immunosuppressive therapy. Possibly, our patient's late-onset HO reflects her mild alteration of ALK2 or some protective and therapeutically useful genetic, epigenetic, or nongenetic factor. Recognition of presymptomatic individuals or late-onset HO in FOP should have these patients avoid traumas, treatments, and maybe viral illnesses that can initiate or exacerbate the HO. If the diagnosis of FOP is unclear, ACVR1 mutation analysis is available at certified laboratories. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Cyclic even cycle systems of the complete graph
Authors: Wu Shung‐Liang 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn this article, it is proved that for each even integer m⩾4 and each admissible value n with n>2m, there exists a cyclic m‐cycle system of Kn, which almost resolves the existence problem for cyclic m‐cycle systems of Kn with m even. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 20:23–39, 2012
Blind Dockings of Benzothiazoles to Multiple Receptor Conformations of Triosephosphate Isomerase from Trypanosoma cruzi and Human
Authors: Kurkcuoglu Zeynep , Ural Gulgun , Demet Akten E. , Doruker Pemra 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWe aim to uncover the binding modes of benzothiazoles, which have been reported as specific inhibitors of triosephosphate isomerase from the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (TcTIM), by performing blind dockings on both TcTIM and human TIM (hTIM). Detailed analysis of binding sites and specific interactions are carried out based on ensemble dockings to multiple receptor conformers obtained from molecular dynamics simulations. In TcTIM dimer dockings, the inhibitors preferentially bind to the tunnel‐shaped cavity formed at the interface of the subunits, whereas non‐inhibitors mostly choose other sites. In contrast, TcTIM monomer binding interface and hTIM dimer interface do not present a specific binding site for the inhibitors. These findings point to the importance of the tunnel and of the dimeric form for inhibition of TcTIM. Specific interactions of the inhibitors and their sulfonate‐free derivatives with the receptor residues indicate the significance of sulfonate group for binding affinity and positioning on the TcTIM dimer interface. One of the inhibitors also binds to the active site, which may explain its relatively higher inhibition effect on hTIM.
The ability to achieve meiotic maturation in the dog oocyte is linked to glycolysis and glutamine oxidation
Authors: Songsasen Nucharin , Wesselowski Sonya , Carpenter James W. , Wildt David E. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that meiotic competence of dog oocytes is tightly linked with donor follicle size and energy metabolism. Oocytes were recovered from small (<1 mm diameter, n = 327), medium (1–<2 mm, n = 292) or large (≥2 mm, n = 102) follicles, cultured for 0, 24, or 48 hr, and then assessed for glycolysis, glucose oxidation, pyruvate uptake, glutamine oxidation, and nuclear status. More oocytes (P < 0.05) from large follicles (37%) reached the metaphase‐II (MII) stage than from the small group (11%), with the medium‐sized class being intermediate (18%; P > 0.05). Glycolytic rate increased (P < 0.05) as oocytes progressed from the germinal vesicle (GV) to MII stage. After 48 hr of culture, oocytes completing nuclear maturation had higher (P < 0.05) glycolytic rates than those arrested at earlier stages. GV oocytes recovered from large follicle oocytes had higher (P < 0.05) metabolism than those from smaller counterparts at culture onset. MII oocytes from large follicles oxidized more (P < 0.05) glutamine than the same stage gametes recovered from smaller counterparts. In summary, larger‐sized dog follicles contain a more metabolically active oocyte with a greater chance of achieving nuclear maturation in vitro. These findings demonstrate a significant role for energy metabolism in promoting dog oocyte maturation, information that will be useful for improving culture systems for rescuing intraovarian genetic material. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 186–196, 2012. Published 2011. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Microcoil‐based MR phase imaging and manganese enhanced microscopy of glial tumor neurospheres with direct optical correlation
Authors: Baxan Nicoleta , Kahlert Ulf , Maciaczyk Jaroslaw , Nikkhah Guido , Hennig Jürgen , von Elverfeldt Dominik 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSusceptibility differences among tissues were recently used for highlighting complementary contrast in MRI different from the conventional T1, T2, or spin density contrasts. This method, based on the signal phase, previously showed improved image contrast of human or rodent neuroarchitecture in vivo, although direct MR phase imaging of cellular architecture was not available until recently. In this study, we present for the first time the ability of microcoil‐based phase MRI to resolve the structure of human glioma neurospheres at significantly improved resolutions (10 × 10 μm2) with direct optical image correlation. The manganese chloride property to function as a T1 contrast agent enabled a closer examination of cell physiology with MRI. Specifically the temporal changes of manganese chloride uptake, retention and release time within and from individual clusters were assessed. The optimal manganese chloride concentration for improved MR signal enhancement was determined while keeping the cellular viability unaffected. The presented results demonstrate the possibilities to reveal structural and functional observation of living glioblastoma human‐derived cells. This was achieved through the combination of highly sensitive microcoils, high magnetic field, and methods designed to maximize contrast to noise ratio. The presented approach may provide a powerful multimodal tool that merges structural and functional information of submilimeter biological samples. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mapping apparent eccentricity and residual ensemble anisotropy in the gray matter using angular double‐pulsed‐field‐gradient MRI
Authors: Shemesh Noam , Barazany Daniel , Sadan Ofer , Bar Leah , Zur Yuval , Barhum Yael , Sochen Nir , Offen Daniel , Assaf Yaniv , Cohen Yoram 
Published: December 2011

AbstractConventional diffusion MRI methods are mostly capable of portraying microarchitectural elements such as fiber orientation in white matter from detection of diffusion anisotropy, which arises from the coherent organization of anisotropic compartments. Double‐pulsed‐field‐gradient MR methods provide a means for obtaining microstructural information such as compartment shape and microscopic anisotropies even in scenarios where macroscopic organization is absent. Here, we apply angular double‐pulsed‐gradient‐spin‐echo MRI in the rat brain both ex vivo and in vivo for the first time. Robust angular dependencies are detected in the brain at long mixing time (tm). In many pixels, the oscillations seem to originate from residual directors in randomly oriented media, i.e., from residual ensemble anisotropy, as corroborated by quantitative simulations. We then developed an analysis scheme that enables one to map of structural indices such as apparent eccentricity (aE) and residual phase (φ) that enables characterization of the rat brain in general, and especially the rat gray matter. We conclude that double‐pulsed‐gradient‐spin‐echo MRI may in principle become important in characterizing gray matter morphological features and pathologies in both basic and applied neurosciences. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A stabilized finite element method for convection–diffusion problems
Authors: Serghini Mounim A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA stabilized finite element method (FEM) is presented for solving the convection–diffusion equation. We enrich the linear finite element space with local functions chosen according to the guidelines of the residual‐free bubble (RFB) FEM. In our approach, the bubble part of the solution (the microscales) is approximated via an adequate choice of discontinuous bubbles allowing static condensation. This leads to a streamline‐diffusion FEM with an explicit formula for the stability parameter τK that incorporates the flow direction, has the capability to deal with problems where there is substantial variation of the Péclet number, and gives the same limit as the RFB method. The method produces the same a priori error estimates that are typically obtained with streamline‐upwind Petrov/Galerkin and RFB. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2011
Stereoselective ring‐opening polymerization of D,L‐lactide, initiated by aluminum isopropoxides bearing tridentate nonchiral schiff‐base ligands
Authors: Matsubara Kouki , Terata Chihiro , Sekine Hiromichi , Yamatani Kenji , Harada Tatsuo , Eda Kiyoka , Dan Misato , Koga Yuji , Yasuniwa Munehisa 
Published: December 2011

AbstractRing‐opening polymerization of D,L‐lactide was stereoselectively achieved using newly designed aluminum alkoxide complexes as initiators. These half‐SALEN aluminum complexes bearing tridentate nonchiral Schiff‐base ligands are racemates, which provide chirality in the aluminum centers, efficiently afforded a stereoblock copolymer of D,L‐LA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Identification of suitable areas for West Nile virus outbreaks in equid populations for application in surveillance plans: the example of the Castile and Leon region of Spain
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ-PRIETO V. , MARTÍNEZ-LÓPEZ B. , MARTÍNEZ M. , MUÑOZ M. J. , SÁNCHEZ-VIZCAÍNO J. M. 
Published: December 2011

SUMMARYThe introduction and rapid spread of West Nile virus (WNV) into new areas such as the American continent, associated also with the severity of the disease in humans and equids has increased concerns regarding the need to better prevent and control future WNV incursions. WNV outbreaks in equids usually occur under specific climatic and environmental conditions and, typically, before detection of WNV cases in humans. Targeting surveillance strategies in areas and time periods identified as suitable for WNV outbreaks in equids may act as an early-warning system to prevent disease in both equids and humans. This study used a GIS-based framework to identify suitable areas and time periods for WNV outbreak occurrence in one of the most important areas of equid production in Spain, i.e. Castile and Leon. Methods and results presented here may help to improve the early detection and control of future WNV outbreaks in Spain and other regions.
A Reevaluation of Rice Mitochondrial Evolution Based on the Complete Sequence of Male-Fertile and Male-Sterile Mitochondrial Genomes
Authors: Bentolila Stéphane , Stefanov Stefan 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Plant mitochondrial genomes have features that distinguish them radically from their animal counterparts: a high rate of rearrangement, of uptake and loss of DNA sequences, and an extremely low point mutation rate. Perhaps the most unique structural feature of plant mitochondrial DNAs is the presence of large repeated sequences involved in intramolecular and intermolecular recombination. In addition, rare recombination events can occur across shorter repeats, creating rearrangements that result in aberrant phenotypes, including pollen abortion, which is known as cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). Using next-generation sequencing, we pyrosequenced two rice (Oryza sativa) mitochondrial genomes that belong to the indica subspecies. One genome is normal, while the other carries the wild abortive-CMS. We find that numerous rearrangements in the rice mitochondrial genome occur even between close cytotypes during rice evolution. Unlike maize (Zea mays), a closely related species also belonging to the grass family, integration of plastid sequences did not play a role in the sequence divergence between rice cytotypes. This study also uncovered an excellent candidate for the wild abortive-CMS-encoding gene; like most of the CMS-associated open reading frames that are known in other species, this candidate was created via a rearrangement, is chimeric in structure, possesses predicted transmembrane domains, and coopted the promoter of a genuine mitochondrial gene. Our data give new insights into rice mitochondrial evolution, correcting previous reports.
Experimental warming alters spring phenology of certain plant functional groups in an early successional forest community
Authors: Rollinson Christine R. , Kaye Margot W. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractExperimental study of the effects of projected climate change on plant phenology allows us to isolate effects of warming on life‐history events such as leaf out. We simulated a 2 °C temperature increase and 20% precipitation increase in a recently harvested temperate deciduous forest community in central Pennsylvania,USA, and observed the leaf out phenology of all species in 2009 and 2010. Over 130 plant species were monitored weekly in study plots, but due to high variability in species composition among plots, species were grouped into five functional groups: short forbs, tall forbs, shrubs, small trees, and large trees. Tall forbs and large trees, which usually emerge in the late spring, advanced leaf out 14–18 days in response to warming. Short forbs, shrubs, and small trees emerge early in spring and did not alter their phenology in response to warming or increased precipitation treatments. Earlier leaf out of tall forbs and large trees coincided with almost 3 weeks of increased community‐level leaf area index, indicating greater competition and a condensed spring green‐up period. While phenology of large trees and tall forbs appears to be strongly influenced by temperature‐based growth cues, our results suggest that photoperiod and chilling cues more strongly influence the leaf out of other functional groups. Reduced freeze events and warmer temperatures from predicted climate change will interact with nontemperature growth cues to have cascading consequences throughout the ecosystem.
Plant dispersal in the sub‐Antarctic inferred from anisotropic genetic structure
Authors: BORN CÉLINE , Le ROUX PETER C. , SPOHR COLIN , McGEOCH MELODIE A. , Van VUUREN BETTINE JANSEN 
Published: December 2011

AbstractClimatic conditions and landscape features often strongly affect species’ local distribution patterns, dispersal, reproduction and survival and may therefore have considerable impacts on species’ fine‐scale spatial genetic structure (SGS). In this study, we demonstrate the efficacy of combining fine‐scale SGS analyses with isotropic and anisotropic spatial autocorrelation techniques to infer the impact of wind patterns on plant dispersal processes. We genotyped 1304 Azorella selago (Apiaceae) specimens, a wind‐pollinated and wind‐dispersed plant, from four populations distributed across sub‐Antarctic Marion Island. SGS was variable with Sp values ranging from 0.001 to 0.014, suggesting notable variability in dispersal distance and wind velocities between sites. Nonetheless, the data supported previous hypotheses of a strong NW–SE gradient in wind strength across the island. Anisotropic autocorrelation analyses further suggested that dispersal is strongly directional, but varying between sites depending on the local prevailing winds. Despite the high frequency of gale‐force winds on Marion Island, gene dispersal distance estimates (σ) were surprisingly low (<10 m), most probably because of a low pollen dispersal efficiency. An SGS approach in association with isotropic and anisotropic analyses provides a powerful means to assess the relative influence of abiotic factors on dispersal and allow inferences that would not be possible without this combined approach.
Bacterial L‐forms on tap: an improved methodology to generate Bacillus subtilis L‐forms heralds a new era of research
Authors: Devine Kevin M. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBacterial L‐forms are cell wall‐less forms of bacteria that usually grow with a conventional cell wall. Despite being important for research, L‐forms are difficult to generate reproducibly and research in this area is challenging. Domínguez‐Cuevas et al. (2011) report a method to rapidly, quantitatively and reproducibly generate populations of L‐forms in Bacillus subtilis. Importantly, the methodology may be applicable to other bacteria heralding a new era of L‐form research. Moreover, the genetic requirements of this method provide insights into how Lipid II synthesis and autolysin expression/activity are normally balanced and the central role of the WalRK two‐component system in this process.
Predictive value of HBsAg quantification for determining the clinical course of genotype C HBeAg‐negative carriers
Authors: Park Hana , Lee Jung Min , Seo Ju Hee , Kim Hyon Suk , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Do Young , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Chon Chae Yoon , Park Jun Yong 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground/AimsHepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) quantification has been suggested to discriminate inactive carriers from hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg) negative chronic hepatitis, but it could be genotype‐dependent. We studied the predictive value of HBsAg quantification in genotype C HBeAg‐negative hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers.MethodsWe recruited 104 HBeAg‐negative HBV carriers with HBV DNA levels < 2,000 IU/ml and normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels for at least 12 months and prospectively followed them for > 36 months. Patients were classified into two groups: inactive carriers (IC) who showed HBV DNA levels < 2,000 IU/ml and persistently ALT ≤ 40 IU/ml throughout the follow‐up period and patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis (ENH).ResultsAfter follow‐up, 73 patients were categorized into the IC group and 31 patients into the ENH group. HBsAg levels were significantly lower in the IC group than in the ENH group. The diagnostic accuracy of single‐point HBsAg levels for predicting viral activation was favourable (AUROC = 0.710, P < 0.001). Diagnostic accuracy improved when HBsAg was combined with baseline HBV DNA levels (AUROC = 0.750, P < 0.001). The combination of HBsAg levels > 850 IU/ml and HBV DNA > 850 IU/ml predicted the reactivation of HBV replication with 84.6% diagnostic accuracy.ConclusionsAlthough it is inferior to other genotypes and to serum HBV DNA alone, single‐point HBsAg level has a favourable diagnostic accuracy in genotype C HBeAg‐negative HBV carriers and is expected to provide additional information for managing chronic hepatitis B.
Daily variation of oral malodour and related factors in community‐dwelling elderly Thai
Authors: Samnieng Patcharaphol , Ueno Masayuki , Shinada Kayoko , Zaitsu Takashi , Kawaguchi Yoko 
Published: December 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00593.xDaily variation of oral malodour and related factors in community‐dwelling elderly ThaiObjectives:  The purposes of this study were (i) to estimate the prevalence of oral malodour, (ii) to evaluate the daily variation of oral malodour and (iii) to assess associations of volatile sulphur compound (VSC) concentrations with socio‐demographics, health behaviours and oral health status in community‐dwelling elderly Thai.Methods:  The subjects were 428 dentate elderly people (67.6 ± 5.6 years) living in Phitsaulok, Thailand. Information on their socio‐demographics, general health and health behaviours was obtained by a questionnaire. Their dental condition, periodontal status and tongue coating were clinically examined. Their flow rates and the pH of unstimulated saliva were also assessed. Oral malodour was measured at four different times of day using an Oral Chroma™.Results:  The proportions of subjects diagnosed with oral malodour using the thresholds of H2S, CH3SH and (CH3)2S were 60.5%, 62.9% and 80.7%, respectively. Concentrations of H2S showed significant daily variation. Linear regression analysis demonstrated the following significant associations: (i) oral malodour from H2S and thickness of the tongue coating, (ii) oral malodour from CH3SH and periodontal pocket depth of 5 mm or more and the presence of gingival bleeding and (iii) oral malodour from (CH3)2S and systemic disease, medications and thickness of the tongue coating.Discussion:  Oral malodour was shown to be prevalent among the elderly. Daily variation was observed in the concentration of H2S. Tongue coating, periodontal disease, systemic diseases and medications were related to oral malodour. Therefore, these factors should be taken into consideration in oral malodour treatment and prevention programmes for the elderly.
DEBTOR: debt evaluation, bench‐marking and tracking – a water debt management tool to address UK water debt
Authors: Clarke Martin , Boden Pete , McDonald Adrian 
Published: December 2011

AbstractUK water debt has increased rapidly and has become a significant management issue for most water companies, constraining investment in necessary environmental interventions. Debt is characterised as debt penetration (percentage of customers in debt) and debt intensity (average size of debt per indebted customer). Actual debt characteristics in a water company can be plotted by intensity and penetration to demonstrate performance differences between companies, changes over time and performance relative to national norms. Using the relationships between debt and deprivation, the expected debt performance can be plotted. Using the expected position as a benchmark, the company performance can be evaluated and the remedial strategies can be targeted (if required) towards reduction of frequency and size of debt. The distance between actual and expected values is used as a metric of the requirement for additional debt management investment. Examples of these debtor plots for a range of anonymous companies are presented.