bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between psychological factors and the development of complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS1) — A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Beerthuizenl Annemerle , Stronksl Dirk L. , Huygenl Frank J.P.M. , Passchierl Jan , Kleinl Jan , van't Spijkerl Adriaan 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the association between psychological factors and complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS1). A prospective multicenter cohort study was performed involving the emergency room of three hospitals, and patients age 18 years or older, with a single fracture, were included in the study. At baseline (T0), participants completed a questionnaire covering demographic, psychological (Symptom Checklist‐90), and medical variables. At plaster removal (T1) and at T2, the participants completed a questionnaire addressing symptoms of CRPS1. Psychological factors that were analysed were agoraphobia, depression, somatization, insufficiency, (interpersonal) sensitivity, insomnia, and life events. In total, 596 consecutive patients were included in the study, and 7.0% were diagnosed with CRPS1. None of the psychological factors predicted the development of CRPS1. The scores on the Symptom Checklist‐90 subscales fell into the range of the general population and were, in most cases, average or below average when compared with those of pain patients or psychiatric patients. No empirical evidence supports a diagnosis of CRPS1 patients as psychologically different, and the current results indicate that there is no association between psychological factors and CRPS1.
Effects of birth asphyxia on neonatal hippocampal structure and function in the spiny mouse
Authors: Fleiss B. , Coleman H.A. , Castillo‐Melendez M. , Ireland Z. , Walker D.W. , Parkington H.C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractStudies of human neonates, and in animal experiments, suggest that birth asphyxia results in functional compromise of the hippocampus, even when structural damage is not observable or resolves in early postnatal life. The aim of this study was to determine if changes in hippocampal function occur in a model of birth asphyxia in the precocial spiny mouse where it is reported there is no major lesion or infarct. Further, to assess if, as in human infants, this functional deficit has a sex‐dependent component. At 37 days gestation (term = 39 days) spiny mice fetuses were either delivered immediately by caesarean section (control group) or exposed to 7.5 min of in utero asphyxia causing systemic acidosis and hypoxia. At 5 days of age hippocampal function was assessed ex vivo in brain slices, or brains were collected for examination of structure or protein expression. This model of birth asphyxia did not cause infarct or cystic lesion in the postnatal day 5 (P5) hippocampus, and the number of proliferating or pyknotic cells in the hippocampus was unchanged, although neuronal density in the CA1 and CA3 was increased. Protein expression of synaptophysin, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the inositol trisphosphate receptor 1 (IP3R1) were all significantly increased after birth asphyxia, while long‐term potentiation (LTP), paired pulse facilitation (PPF), and post‐tetanic potentiation (PTP) were all reduced at P5 by birth asphyxia. In control P5 pups, PPF and synaptic fatigue were greater in female compared to male pups, and after birth asphyxia PPF and synaptic fatigue were reduced to a greater extent in female vs. male pups. In contrast, the asphyxia‐induced increase in synaptophysin expression and neuronal density were greater in male pups. Thus, birth asphyxia in this precocial species causes functional deficits without major structural damage, and there is a sex‐dependent effect on the hippocampus. This may be a clinically relevant model for assessing treatments delivered either before or after birth to protect this vulnerable region of the developing brain.
Mode of delivery and neonatal respiratory morbidity among HIV‐exposed newborns in Latin America and the Caribbean: NISDI Perinatal–LILAC Studies
Authors: Kreitchmann Regis , Cohen Rachel A. , Stoszek Sonia K. , Pinto Jorge A. , Losso Marcelo , Pierre Russell , Alarcon Jorge , Succi Regina , Szyld Edgardo , Abreu Thalita , Read Jennifer S. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate respiratory morbidity (RM) in HIV‐exposed newborns according to mode of delivery.MethodsThe NISDI Perinatal/LILAC prospective cohort studies enrolled HIV‐infected pregnant women and their newborns in Latin America and the Caribbean. Associations between RM and delivery mode or other characteristics were evaluated.ResultsBetween September 2002 and December 2009, 1630 women were enrolled, and 1443 mother–infant pairs met the inclusion criteria. There were 561 vaginal (VD), 269 cesarean before labor and membrane rupture (SCS) for preventing mother‐to‐child transmission (SCS–PMTCT), 248 other SCS, and 365 cesarean after labor and/or ruptured membranes (NSCS) deliveries. In total, 108 (7.5%) newborns had RM: 49 had respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), 39 had transient tachypnea (TTN), and 28 had other events (7 newborns had > 1 RM event). Delivery mode was associated with RDS (P < 0.005) and TTN (P < 0.001). The proportion with RDS and TTN was lowest for VD (1.6% and 0.5%, respectively), highest for NSCS (4.9% and 4.7%), and intermediate for SCS–PMTCT (3.0% and 2.6%). Newborns with RDS or TTN were hospitalized longer (median + 1 day) than those without. A minority required ventilatory support (RDS, 24.5%–28.6%; TTN, 2.6%–15.4%).ConclusionsSCS–PMTCT is relatively safe for newborns of HIV‐infected women.
History of sex trafficking, recent experiences of violence, and HIV vulnerability among female sex workers in coastal Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Gupta Jhumka , Reed Elizabeth , Kershaw Trace , Blankenship Kim M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of sex trafficking as a mode of entry into sex work, and to examine associations between sex trafficking and recent violence experiences and HIV vulnerability among female sex workers (FSWs).MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study in 2006 in coastal Andhra Pradesh, India, 812 FSWs were recruited via respondent‐driven sampling to take part in an oral survey of their experiences in sex work.ResultsOne in 5 (19.3%) FSWs met the UN definition of sex trafficking. Women trafficked into sex work were more likely than other FSWs to report recent violence experiences (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32–2.81), more clients per week (AOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.11–2.41), and more days of sex work per week (AOR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.18–2.63), and were less likely to report use of FSW‐focused services (AOR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.42–0.86). No significant differences emerged regarding HIV knowledge or consistent condom use.ConclusionThere was a high prevalence of sex trafficking. A history of sex trafficking was associated with a greater vulnerability to recent violence and HIV risk behaviors, underscoring the need for increased attention to the public health needs of trafficked populations.
A NOTE ON EDGE-CONNECTIVITY OF THE CARTESIAN PRODUCT OF GRAPHS
Authors: FITINA LAKOA , LENARD C. T. , MILLS T. M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe main aim of this paper is to establish conditions that are necessary and sufficient for the edge-connectivity of the Cartesian product of two graphs to equal the sum of the edge-connectivities of the factors. The paper also clarifies an issue that has arisen in the literature on Cartesian products of graphs.
Effect of wheat dwarfing genes on nitrogen-use efficiency
Authors: GOODING M. J. , ADDISU M. , UPPAL R. K. , SNAPE J. W. , JONES H. E. 
Published: June 2011

SUMMARYNear isogenic lines (NILs) varying for alleles for reduced height (Rht) and photoperiod insensitivity (Ppd-D1a) in a cvar Mercia background (rht (tall), Rht-B1b, Rht-D1b, Rht-B1c, Rht8c+Ppd-D1a, Rht-D1c, Rht12) were compared at a field site in Berkshire, UK, but within different systems (‘organic’, O, in 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08 growing seasons v. ‘conventional’, C, in 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08 and 2008/09). In 2007 and 2008, further NILs (rht (tall), Rht-B1b, Rht-D1b, Rht-B1c, Rht-B1b+Rht-D1b, Rht-D1b+Rht-B1c) in both Maris Huntsman and Maris Widgeon backgrounds were added. The contrasting systems allowed NILs to be tested in diverse rotational and agronomic, but commercially relevant, contexts, particularly with regard to the assumed temporal distribution of nitrogen availability, and competition from weeds.For grain, nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE; grain dry matter (DM) yield/available N; where available N=fertilizer N+soil mineral N), recovery of N in the grain (grain N yield/available N), N utilization efficiency to produce grain (NUtEg; grain DM yield/above-ground crop N yield), N harvest index (grain N yield/above-ground crop N yield) and dry matter harvest index (DMHI; grain DM yield/above-ground crop DM yield) all peaked at final crop heights of 800–950 mm. Maximum NUE occurred at greater crop heights in the organic system than in the conventional system, such that even adding just a semi-dwarfing allele (Rht-D1b) to the shortest background, Mercia, reduced NUE in the organic system. The mechanism of dwarfing (gibberellin sensitive or insensitive) made little difference to the relationship between NUE and its components with crop height.For above-ground biomass: dwarfing alleles had a greater effect on DM accumulation compared with N accumulation such that all dwarfing alleles could reduce nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE; crop DM yield/crop N yield). This was particularly evident at anthesis in the conventional system when there was no significant penalty for severe dwarfism for N accumulation, despite a 3-tonne (t)/ha reduction in biomass compared to the tallest lines. Differences between genotypes for recovery of N in the grain were thus mostly a function of net N uptake after anthesis rather than of remobilized N. This effect was compounded as dwarfing, except when coupled with Ppd-D1a, was associated with delayed anthesis. In the organic experiments there was greater reliance on N accumulated before anthesis, and genotype effects on NUE were confounded with effects on N accumulated by weeds, which was negatively associated with crop height. Optimum height for maximizing wheat NUE and its components, as manipulated by Rht alleles, thus depend on growing system, and crop utilization (i.e. biomass or grain production).
Corporate Lobbying and Fraud Detection
Authors: Yu Frank , Yu Xiaoyun 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis paper examines the relation between corporate lobbying and fraud detection. Using data on corporate lobbying expenses between 1998 and 2004, and a sample of large frauds detected during the same period, we find that firms’ lobbying activities make a significant difference in fraud detection: Compared to nonlobbying firms, on average, firms that lobby have a significantly lower hazard rate of being detected for fraud, evade fraud detection 117 days longer, and are 38% less likely to be detected by regulators. In addition, fraudulent firms on average spend 77% more on lobbying than nonfraudulent firms, and they spend 29% more on lobbying during their fraudulent periods than during nonfraudulent periods. The delay in detection leads to a greater distortion in resource allocation during fraudulent periods. It also allows managers to sell more of their shares.
Fruit and vegetable intakes in relation to plasma nutrient concentrations in women in Shanghai, China
Authors: Frankenfeld Cara L , Lampe Johanna W , Shannon Jackilen , Gao Dao L , Li Wenjin , Ray Roberta M , Chen Chu , King Irena B , Thomas David B 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the validity of fruit and vegetable intakes as it relates to plasma carotenoid and vitamin C concentrations in Chinese women, using three classification schemes.DesignIntakes were calculated using an interviewer-administered FFQ. Fruits and vegetables, botanical groups and high-nutrient groups were evaluated. These three classification schemes were compared with plasma carotenoid and vitamin C concentrations from blood samples collected within 1 week of questionnaire completion.SettingShanghai, China.SubjectsParticipants (n 2031) comprised women who had participated in a case–control study of diet and breast-related diseases nested within a randomized trial of breast self-examination among textile workers (n 266 064)ResultsFruit intake was significantly (P < 0·05) and positively associated with plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, α-carotene, β-carotene, retinyl palmitate and vitamin C. Fruit intake was inversely associated with γ-tocopherol and lutein + zeaxanthin concentrations. Vegetable consumption was significantly and positively associated with γ-tocopherol and β-cryptoxanthin concentrations. Each botanical and high-nutrient group was also significantly associated with particular plasma nutrient concentrations. Fruit and vegetable intakes and most plasma nutrient concentrations were significantly associated with season of interview.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the manner in which fruits and vegetables are grouped leads to different plasma nutrient exposure information, which may be an important consideration when testing and generating hypotheses regarding disease risk in relation to diet. Interview season should be considered when evaluating the associations of reported intake and plasma nutrients with disease outcomes.
Fast-food outlets and walkability in school neighbourhoods predict fatness in boys and height in girls: a Taiwanese population study
Authors: Chiang Po-Huang , Wahlqvist Mark L , Lee Meei-Shyuan , Huang Lin-Yuan , Chen Hui-Hsin , Huang Susana Tzy-Ying 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectiveThere is increasing evidence that the school food environment contributes to childhood obesity and health in various locations. We investigated the influence of fast-food stores and convenience food stores (FS and CS, respectively) on growth and body composition in a range of residential densities for North-east Asian food culture.DesignAnthropometrics and birth weight of schoolchildren were obtained. Geocoded mapping of schools and food outlets was conducted. Multivariable linear regression models, adjusted for father's ethnicity and education, as well as for household income, pocket money, birth weight, physical activity, television watching, food quality and region, were used to predict body composition from school food environments.SettingElementary schools and school neighbourhoods in 359 townships/districts of Taiwan.SubjectsA total of 2283 schoolchildren aged 6–13 years from the Elementary School Children's Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan conducted in 2001–2002.ResultsRemote and socially disadvantaged locations had the highest prevalence of lower weight, BMI, waist circumference and triceps skinfold thickness. Food store densities, FS and CS, were highest in urban Taiwan and lowest in remote Taiwan. In the fully adjusted models, FS densities predicted weight and BMI in boys; there was a similar association for waist circumference, except when adjusted for region. FS densities also predicted height for girls. Except for weight and BMI in boys, CS did not have effects evident with FS for either boys or girls.ConclusionsA high FS density, more than CS density, in Taiwan increased the risk of general (BMI) and abdominal (waist circumference) obesity in boys and stature in girls. These findings have long-term implications for chronic disease in adulthood.
Identification and correction of systematic error in high-throughput sequence data
Authors: Meacham Frazer , Boffelli Dario , Dhahbi Joseph , Martin David , Singer Meromit , Pachter Lior 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA feature common to all DNA sequencing technologies is the presence of base-call errors in the sequenced reads. The implications of such errors are application specific, ranging from minor informatics nuisances to major problems affecting biological inferences. Recently developed “next-gen” sequencing technologies have greatly reduced the cost of sequencing, but have been shown to be more error prone than previous technologies. Both position specific (depending on the location in the read) and sequence specific (depending on the sequence in the read) errors have been identified in Illumina and Life Technology sequencing platforms. We describe a new type of systematic error that manifests as statistically unlikely accumulations of errors at specific genome (or transcriptome) locations. We characterize and describe systematic errors using overlapping paired reads form high-coverage data. We show that such errors occur in approximately 1 in 1000 base pairs, and that quality scores at systematic error sites do not account for the extent of errors. We identify motifs that are frequent at systematic error sites, and describe a classifier that distinguishes heterozygous sites from systematic error. Our classifier is designed to accommodate data from experiments in which the allele frequencies at heterozygous sites are not necessarily 0.5 (such as in the case of RNA-Seq). Systematic errors can easily be mistaken for heterozygous sites in individuals, or for SNPs in population analyses. Systematic errors are particularly problematic in low coverage experiments, or in estimates of allele-specific expression from RNA-Seq data. Our characterization of systematic error has allowed us to develop a program, called SysCall, for identifying and correcting such errors. We conclude that correction of systematic errors is important to consider in the design and interpretation of high-throughput sequencing experiments.
Site-Specific Modification Of Proteins Mediated By Transglutaminase
Authors: Satwekar Abhijeet 
Published: June 2011

AbstractTransglutaminase (TGase) catalyzes an acyl transfer reaction between the [gamma]-carboxamide group of glutamine (Gln) and the [epsilon]-amino group of lysine (Lys) residues to form a stable amide bond. The TGase reaction can be used for bioconjugation of an amino-derivative of poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) to protein drugs, leading to PEGylated proteins that display increased bioactivity and stability. The procedure was shown to lead to site-specific bioconjugation of few proteins, thus offering a valid alternative to the chemical methods of PEGylation in current use (1). Moreover, TGase can be used for site-specifically labeling proteins with fluorescent groups at the level of Gln or Lys for diagnostic applications. The TGase attack is not entirely dependent on a specific consensus sequence around the Gln or Lys residues. However, a correlation between the TGase-mediated sites of PEGylation and the chain flexibility has been observed (2). Our study was focused to elucidate the molecular features favoring the TGase mediated site-specific reactions on two extensively studied model proteins, i.e. apomyoglobin (apoMb) and lysozyme. Besides amino-PEG, we used dansyl-cadaverine as an acyl acceptor and N-carbobenzoxy-Gln-Gly-OH as acyl donor for the TGase reactions. The sites of protein modification were determined by fingerprinting and ESI mass spectrometry. Myoglobin in its holo form is not susceptible to TGase reactions due to its rigid conformation,but the apo form was conjugated with PEG and fluorescent labels at the level of helix F (chain segment 82–99). The NMR study on apoMb had earlier demonstrated increased flexibility of the helix F (3) and, moreover, several proteases cleave the 153-residue chain of apoMb at the level of helix F only (4). Therefore, the chain region attacked by both TGase and proteases is a flexible or unfolded site(s). Lysozyme in its disulfide crosslinked native state is highly resistant to proteases and TGase attack. However, the more dynamic three-disulphide derivative of lysozyme, lacking the Cys6–Cys127 disulfide bridge, is susceptible to TGase-mediated reactions, as well as limited proteolysis. These results indicate that the sites of TGase reactions and the sites of limited proteolysis have a clear analogy for their presence in flexible/disordered regions of protein substrates. Overall, our studies clearly demonstrate that TGase-mediated reactions occur only at disordered chain regions, as evidenced by the correlation between sites of the TGase reaction and sites of enhanced chain flexibility, the latter deduced from the crystallographic Bfactor.
Escherichia coli EHEC Germany outbreak preliminary functional annotation using BG7 system
Authors: Manrique Marina , Pareja-Tobes Pablo , Pareja-Tobes Eduardo , Pareja Eduardo , Tobes Raquel 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe have annotated the European outbreak E. coli EHEC genome sequenced by BGI (6-2-2011) and assembled with MIRA by Nick Loman (6-2-2011 ). Our system BG7, Bacterial Genome annotation of Era7 Bioinformatics, predicts ORFs and annotates them based on fragments of similarity with Uniprot proteins. We have predicted 6327 genes, 6156 encoding proteins y 171 corresponding to ribosomal and tRNA. Based on the preliminary results of our semi-automated method of annotation we have selected some predicted proteins with potential implications in pathogenicity and virulence.There are 33 predicted genes annotated as toxins and we have found three putative hemolysins: Hemolysin E, a putative hemolysin expression modulating protein and a channel protein, hemolysin III family. We have found 31 predicted genes that could be related to specific antibiotic resistance: beta-lactamic, aminoglycoside, macrolide, polymyxin, tetracycline, fosfomycin and deoxycholate, novobiocin, chloramphenicol, bicyclomycin, norfloxacin and enoxacin and 6-mercaptopurine. This strain is rich in adhesion, secretion systems, pathogenicity and virulence related proteins. It seems to have a restriction-modification system, many proteins involved in Fe transport and utilization (siderophores as aerobactin and enterobactin), lysozyme, one inhibitor of pancreatic serine proteases, proteins involved in anaerobic respiration, antimicrobial peptides, and proteins involved in quorum sensing and biofilm formation that could confer competitive advantage to this strain.
The Issue of Uncertainty for the River Watershed: Data Analysis of Scaled Space and Time Variability
Authors: Shmagin Boris 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe issue of uncertainty is the basis for any application of knowledge ("Uncertainty is an attribute of information." From L. Zadeh, 2005) and has to be one of the main tasks in Earth's systems study. Knowledge about natural systems may be only obtained by the analysis of the empirical (instrumental) data. Uncertainty starts from unveiling of the research task by the researcher. The main source of uncertainty comes from the natural system "extraction" (unit's boundaries) for modeling and limitations of data representing both time and space variability.The consideration of uncertainty is placed in context of time and space with use of the U.S. part of the Great Lakes watershed as an example. All possible empirical (instrumental) data were used for this research. Data analysis was completed for river discharge, precipitation and air temperatures.
Results
of data analysis provide a base for regionalization, a multi-scaled description of the structure of river watersheds and their interaction with climate characteristics, and uncertainty of the obtained knowledge. The consideration of uncertainty in research helps practical applications like water balance estimations for conservation and/or management of water resources of different scales, and educating the public/communities about environmental issues.