bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of a novelNeospora caninumimmune mapped protein 1
Authors: CUI X. , LEI T. , YANG D. Y. , HAO P. , LIU Q. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYImmune mapped protein 1 (IMP1) is a newly discovered protein inEimeria maxima.It is recognized as a potential vaccine candidate againstE. maximaand a highly conserved protein in apicomplexan parasites. Although theNeospora caninumIMP1 (NcIMP1) orthologue ofE. maximaIMP1 was predicted in theN. caninumgenome, it was still not identified and characterized. In this study, cDNA sequence encoding NcIMP1 was cloned by RT-PCR from RNA isolated from Nc1 tachyzoites. NcIMP1 was encoded by an open reading frame of 1182 bp, which encoded a protein of 393 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 42·9 kDa. Sequence analysis showed that there was neither a signal peptide nor a transmembrane region present in the NcIMP1 amino acid sequence. However, several kinds of functional protein motifs, including an N-myristoylation site and a palmitoylation site were predicted. Recombinant NcIMP1 (rNcIMP1) was expressed inEscherichia coliand then purified rNcIMP1 was used to prepare specific antisera in mice. Mouse polyclonal antibodies raised against the rNcIMP1 recognized an approximate 43 kDa native IMP1 protein. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that NcIMP1 was localized on the membrane ofN. caninumtachyzoites. The N-myristoylation site and the palmitoylation site were found to contribute to the localization of NcIMP1. Furthermore, the rNcIMP1-specific antibodies could inhibit cell invasion byN. caninumtachyzoitesin vitro. All the results indicate that NcIMP1 is likely to be a membrane protein ofN. caninumand may be involved in parasite invasion.
Natural distribution and co-infection patterns of microsporidia parasites in theDaphnia longispinacomplex
Authors: WEIGL S. , KÖRNER H. , PETRUSEK A. , SEDA J. , WOLINSKA J. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYMicrosporidia are intracellular parasites, frequently infecting the planktonic crustaceanDaphnia.Questioning the ability to detect and identify microsporidia with conventional microscopic techniques, we applied molecular methods in order to investigate the distribution and co-infection patterns of this parasite among 8 communities of theDaphnia longispinahybrid complex. Eight microsporidian taxa were detected, including 3 that previously had not been characterized genetically. Microsporidian communities from nearby lakes were found to be more similar to each other, apparently due to short distance dispersal via secondary hosts. Moreover, we detected seasonal (but not interannual) changes in microsporidian community structure. With some microsporidia being host-specific, these changes might have resulted from seasonal changes in host taxon and clonal composition. The 2 dominant and closely related parasite species were found mainly in single infections, whereas another pair of related microsporidians was found predominantly in co-infections; suggesting species-level differences in the ability to colonize infected hosts. By applying molecular methods, we were not only able to unambiguously identify parasite taxa but also to reveal multiple infections that otherwise would have remained undetected. Given the increased level of accuracy and sensitivity, we highly recommend molecular approaches in future parasite surveys ofDaphniainfections.
Brain activation during fear conditioning in humans depends on genetic variations related to functioning of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis: first evidence from two independent subsamples
Authors: Ridder S. , Treutlein J. , Nees F. , Lang S. , Diener S. , Wessa M. , Kroll A. , Pohlack S. , Cacciaglia R. , Gass P. , Schütz G. , Schumann G. , Flor H. 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundEnhanced acquisition and delayed extinction of fear conditioning are viewed as major determinants of anxiety disorders, which are often characterized by a dysfunctional hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis.MethodIn this study we employed cued fear conditioning in two independent samples of healthy subjects (sample 1:n=60, sample 2:n=52). Two graphical shapes served as conditioned stimuli and painful electrical stimulation as the unconditioned stimulus. In addition, guided by findings from published animal studies on HPA axis-related genes in fear conditioning, we examined variants of the glucocorticoid receptor and corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 genes.ResultsVariation in these genes showed enhanced amygdala activation during the acquisition and reduced prefrontal activation during the extinction of fear as well as altered amygdala–prefrontal connectivity.ConclusionsThis is the first demonstration of the involvement of genes related to the HPA axis in human fear conditioning.
Relativistic acceleration of micro-foils with prospects for fast ignition
Authors: Eliezer Shalom 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn this work, it is suggested that the ponderomotive force, induced by a multi-petawatt laser on the interface of a vacuum with solid target, can accelerate a micro-foil to relativistic velocities. The extremely high velocities of the micro-foil can be achieved due to the very short time duration (about a picosecond) of the laser pulse. This accelerated micro-foil is used to ignite a pre-compressed cylindrical shell containing the deuterium tritium fuel. The fast ignition is induced by a heat wave produced during the collision of the accelerated foil with the pre-compressed target. This approach has the advantage of separating geometrically the nanoseconds lasers that compress the target with the picosecond laser that accelerates the foil.
TelOpTrak: Heuristics-enhanced Indoor Location Tracking for Tele-operated Robots
Authors: Borenstein Johann , Miller Russ , Borrell Adam 
Published: March 2012

With most tele-operated robots the operator's only feedback is the view from an onboard camera. Live video lets the operator observe the robot's immediate surroundings but does not establish the orientation or whereabouts of the robot in its environment. An additional plot of the robot's trajectory would be helpful for the operator and is sometimes provided, based on GPS. However, indoors where GPS is unavailable, tracking has to rely on dead-reckoning, which is too inaccurate to be useful. Our proposed TelOpTrak method corrects dead-reckoning errors even when only odometry and a low-cost (and thus, high-drift) MEMS-class gyro are available on the robot. TelOpTrak corrects gyro drift by exploiting the structured nature of most buildings, but without having to directly sense building features. This paper explains the TelOpTrak method and provides comprehensive experimental results.Earlier versions of this paper (Borenstein et al., 2010a), (Borenstein et al., 2010b) were presented at two conferences. The main difference between the earlier conference papers and the present manuscript is that the latter is more comprehensive, more up-to-date, and it presents an entirely new set of experimental results, including results of a live demonstration at the 2010 Robotics Rodeo event at Ft. Benning, USA.
Existing medications among non-pregnancy-related listeriosis patients in England, 2007–2009
Authors: MOOK P. , JENKINS J. M. , O'BRIEN S. J. , GILLESPIE I. A. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYTo identify which medications were most commonly taken by non-pregnancy-related listeriosis patients prior to illness, we compared the medications reported by 512 cases identified via national surveillance in England between 2007 and 2009 with national prescription data, using British National Formulary (BNF) coding. Relative risks and corresponding confidence intervals were calculated, as appropriate, for BNF chapters and sections. Among listeriosis cases, the rates for cytotoxic drugs, drugs affecting the immune response and corticosteroids were significantly higher than for other medications. However, interactions between medications and how medications might confound or be confounded by concurrent medical conditions need to be investigated further. Nevertheless our findings suggest that targeting food-safety advice to prevent this foodborne disease in certain treatment groups is warranted.
Conceptualizing Treatment Nonadherence in Patients with Bipolar Disorder and PTSD
Authors: Rakofsky Jeffrey J. , Levy Steven T. , Dunlop Boadie W. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTreatment nonadherence is a concern among patients with bipolar disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is common among patients with bipolar disorder and those with this comorbidity often have a more severe course of illness. While many factors have been associated with nonadherence in bipolar disorder patients and in PTSD patients, almost no research has focused on the factors associated with non-adherence in bipolar disorder patients with comorbid PTSD. Studies in primary bipolar disorder samples reveal patient, illness, drug and clinician characteristics associated with nonadherence while studies in primary PTSD samples reveal a significantly shorter list of patient, illness and drug characteristics. Shared risk factors between these two populations and the characteristics that predict noncompliance in only one population but often present in the other, suggest a high likelihood of nonadherence in the bipolar disorder-PTSD population. For bipolar disorder-PTSD patients with early childhood trauma, noncompliance may be related to the trauma-related meanings attributed to interactions with their physicians and their prescribed medications. Given the high side effect burden of bipolar disorder treatments and the importance of lifelong adherence, clinicians should vigilantly monitor for nonadherence in their bipolar disorder-PTSD patients and be particularly aware of patient-physician psychodynamics that might contribute to this behavior.
A G-band cryogenic MMIC heterodyne receiver module for astronomical applications
Authors: Voll Patricia , Samoska Lorene , Church Sarah , Lau Judy M. , Sieth Matthew , Gaier Todd , Kangaslahti Pekka , Soria Mary , Tantawi Sami , Van Winkle Dan 
Published: March 2012

We report cryogenic noise temperature and gain measurements of a prototype heterodyne receiver module designed to operate in the atmospheric window centered on 150 GHz. The module utilizes monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) InP high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) amplifiers, a second harmonic mixer, and bandpass filters. Swept local oscillator (LO) measurements show an average gain of 22 dB and an average noise temperature of 87 K over a 40 GHz band from 140 to 180 GHz when the module is cooled to 22 K. A spot noise temperature of 58 K was measured at 166 GHz and is a record for cryogenic noise from HEMT amplifiers at this frequency. Intermediate frequency (IF) sweep measurements show a 20 GHz IF band with less than 94 K receiver noise temperature for a fixed LO of 83 GHz. The compact housing features a split-block design that facilitates quick assembly and a condensed arrangement of the MMIC components and bias circuitry. DC feedthroughs and nano-miniature connectors also contribute to the compact design, so that the dimensions of the moduleare approximately 2.5 cm per side.
Textured Nd2Fe14B flakes with enhanced coercivity
Authors: Cui B. Z. , Zheng L. Y. , Marinescu M. , Liu J. F. , Hadjipanayis G. C. 
Published: March 2012

Morphology, structure, and magnetic properties of the [001] textured Nd2Fe14B nanocrystalline flakes prepared by surfactant-assisted high energy ball milling (HEBM) and subsequent annealing were studied. These flakes have a thickness of 80–200 nm, a length of 0.5–10 μm, and an average grain size of 10–14 nm. The addition of some amount of Dy, Nd70Cu30 alloy, and an appropriate post annealing increased the coercivity iHc of the Nd2Fe14B flakes. iHc was 3.7, 4.3, and 5.7 kOe for the Nd15.5Fe78.5B6, Nd14Dy1.5Fe78.5B6 and 83.3 wt.% Nd14Dy1.5Fe78.5B6 + 16.7 wt.% Nd70Cu30 flakes prepared by HEBM for 5 h in heptane with 20 wt.% oleylamine, respectively. After annealing at 450 °C for 0.5 h, their iHc increased to 5.1, 6.2, and 7.0 kOe, respectively. Anisotropic magnetic behavior was found in all of the as-milled and annealed flakes. Both, the thickening of Nd-rich phase at grain boundaries via diffusion of Nd70Cu30 and the surface modification of the Nd2Fe14B flake could be the main reasons for the coercivity enhancement in the as-milled and annealed Nd70Cu30-added Nd2Fe14B flakes.
Occupancy and Detection of Larval Pacific Lampreys and Lampetra spp. in a Large River: the Lower Willamette River
Authors: Jolley Jeffrey C. , Silver Gregory S. , Whitesel Timothy A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPacific lampreys Entosphenus tridentatus (formerly Lampetra tridentata) are declining in the Columbia River basin, and the use of large, main‐stem river habitats by larvae of this species is unknown. We used a deepwater electrofisher to explore occupancy, detection, and habitat use of larval Pacific lampreys and larval Lampetra spp. in the lower Willamette River, Oregon. We used a generalized random tessellation stratified approach to select sampling quadrats (30 × 30 m) in a random, spatially balanced order. Pacific lampreys, Lampetra spp., and unidentified lampreys were found in the Willamette River; larvae were detected in all areas except the Multnomah Channel. We calculated reach‐ and quadrat‐specific detection probabilities and the amount of sampling effort required for 80% confidence that larval lampreys were in fact absent when they were not detected. Lampreys were detected in a variety of areas (although relatively low numbers were collected), including shallow, nearshore areas; midchannel areas (depth up to 16 m); and anthropogenically affected areas. Detection probabilities (i.e., in occupied areas) were 0.07 (reach) and 0.23 (quadrat). The sampling effort required for 80% confidence that lampreys were absent when undetected was 20 quadrats (in the lower Willamette River reach) and 6 subquadrats (within a quadrat). Differences in lamprey detection by depth were not observed. A variety of sizes was collected (20–144 mm total length), indicating the likely occurrence of multiple ages of larvae. Our study identifies how the occurrence of larval Pacific lampreys can be quantified with statistical rigor in a large river (i.e., larger than fourth order [1:100,000 scale]). The effect of channel management activities on larval lampreys should be considered in efforts to conserve these important species.
Investigation of Fishing and Climate Effects on the Community Size Spectra of Eastern Bering Sea Fish
Authors: Boldt Jennifer L. , Bartkiw Shannon C. , Livingston Pat A. , Hoff Gerald R. , Walters Gary E. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe eastern Bering Sea (EBS) is a highly productive subarctic marine ecosystem that is exposed to considerable climate variability and is noted for conservative management of its fishery resources. The community size spectrum (CSS; relationship between animal abundance and size) of fish captured in EBS shelf bottom trawl surveys was examined for evidence of change over time and fishing and climate effects. The slope (indicative of fish size) and height (indicative of ecosystem productivity, or essentially fish abundance) of the CSS can change due to changes in fishing intensity and climate variability. Linear trends were not observed in EBS groundfish size or abundance during 1982–2006. The abundance of large‐sized fish increased in 2001–2006 relative to 1982–2000. Observed changes in CSS height partially corroborated evidence for decreased productivity of the main fishery target species since the late 1990s, which may have been due to changes in relative species composition. In addition, abundance and size composition of nontarget fish decreased during 1982–2006, possibly related to changes in water temperature. In contrast, however, the size and productivity of fish that were primarily bycatch species increased during 1982–2006. Unlike in other ecosystems, changes in CSS slopes and heights for the EBS were not related to exploitation rates. Changes in the abundance of fish in areas that were normally occupied by cold bottom water (northwest inner and middle shelf) may have been related to the effects of temperature on fish distribution.
Multiphysics modelling and simulation of dry laser cleaning of micro-slots with particle contaminants
Authors: Yue Liyang , Wang Zengbo , Li Lin 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Light could interact differently with thin-film contaminants and particle contaminates because of their different surface morphologies. In the case of dry laser cleaning of small transparent particles, it is well known that particles could function like mini-lenses, causing a localized near-field hot spot effect on the cleaning process. This paper looks into a special, yet important, phenomenon of dry laser cleaning of particles trapped in micro-sized slots. The effects of slot size, particle size and particle aggregate states in the cleaning process have been theoretically investigated, based on a coupled electromagnetic-thermal-mechanical multiphysics modelling and simulation approach. The study is important for the development and optimization of laser cleaning processes for contamination removal from cracks and slots.
An investigation into the causes of unexpected intra‐operative transoesophageal echocardiography findings*
Authors: Skinner H. J. , Mahmoud A. , Uddin A. , Mathew T. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThere is uncertainty regarding echocardiography before cardiac surgery, especially with regard to timing and disease progression as well as potential errors. We investigated the causes of unexpected intra‐operative transoesophageal echocardiography findings by performing a 33‐month audit. We found that there were 50/797 (6%) unexpected findings that led to an alteration in surgical strategy in 34 (4%) patients. Of the unexpected findings, 25 (50%) were unrelated to pre‐operative pathology. After reviewing pre‐operative studies and reports, unexpected findings were found to be due to: reporting errors in 20 patients (44%); limitations in transthoracic compared to transoesophageal echocardiography in 14 patients (30%); disease progression in 10 patients (22%); and inter‐observer variability in two patients (4%). We identified six reports out of 797 (0.8%) that contained potentially serious errors. Surgical management changed in 18/20 (90%) patients in whom the unexpected change was due to reporting error, compared to 16/30 (53%) patients whose pre‐operative echocardiogram was correctly reported (p = 0.006). Our study suggests that pre‐operative echocardiography reporting errors are common and important.
Evaluation of the porcine ACSL4 gene as a candidate gene for meat quality traits in pigs
Authors: Corominas J. , Ramayo‐Caldas Y. , Castelló A. , Muñoz M. , Ibáñez‐Escriche N. , Folch J. M. , Ballester M. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryLong‐chain acyl‐CoA synthetase (ACSL) family members catalyse the formation of long‐chain acyl‐CoA from fatty acid, ATP and CoA, thus playing an important role in both de novo lipid synthesis and fatty acid catabolism. Previous studies in our group evaluated ACSL4 as a positional candidate gene for quantitative trait loci located on chromosome X in an Iberian × Landrace cross. A DQ144454:c.2645G>A SNP located in the 3′ untranslated region of the ACSL4 gene was associated with the percentages of oleic and monounsaturated fatty acids. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the functional implication of this genetic variant. An expression analysis was performed for 120 individuals with different genotypes for the DQ144454:c.2645G>A polymorphism using real‐time quantitative PCR. Differences between genotypes were identified in liver, with the ACSL4 mRNA expression levels higher in animals with the G allele than in animals with the A allele. A SNP genome‐wide association study with ACSL4 relative expression levels showed significant positions on chromosomes 6 and 12. Description of positional candidate genes for ACSL4 regulation on chromosomes 6 and 12 is provided.
Association between circulating cytokine levels, diabetes and insulin resistance in a population‐based sample (CoLaus study)
Authors: Marques‐Vidal Pedro , Bastardot François , von Känel Roland , Paccaud Fred , Preisig Martin , Waeber Gérard , Vollenweider Peter 
Published: March 2012

SummaryObjectiveThe associations between inflammation, diabetes and insulin resistance remain controversial. Hence, we assessed the associations between diabetes, insulin resistance (using HOMA‐IR) and metabolic syndrome with the inflammatory markers high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α).DesignCross‐sectional study.ParticipantsTwo thousand eight hundred and eighty‐four men and 3201 women, aged 35–75, participated in this study.MethodsC‐reactive protein was assessed by immunoassay and cytokines by multiplexed flow cytometric assay. In a subgroup of 532 participants, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to screen for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).ResultsIL‐6, TNF‐α and hs‐CRP were significantly and positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin and HOMA‐IR. Participants with diabetes had higher IL‐6, TNF‐α and hs‐CRP levels than participants without diabetes; this difference persisted for hs‐CRP after multivariate adjustment. Participants with metabolic syndrome had increased IL‐6, TNF‐α and hs‐CRP levels; these differences persisted after multivariate adjustment. Participants in the highest quartile of HOMA‐IR had increased IL‐6, TNF‐α and hs‐CRP levels; these differences persisted for TNF‐α and hs‐CRP after multivariate adjustment. No association was found between IL‐1β levels and all diabetes and insulin resistance markers studied. Finally, participants with IGT had higher hs‐CRP levels than participants with a normal OGTT, but this difference disappeared after controlling for body mass index (BMI).ConclusionWe found that subjects with diabetes, metabolic syndrome and increased insulin resistance had increased levels of IL6, TNF‐α and hs‐CRP, while no association was found with IL‐1β. The increased inflammatory state of subjects with IGT is partially explained by increased BMI.
Dental pain in Brazilian schoolchildren: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: De LACERDA JOSIMARI T. , De BEM PEREIRA MARIANA , TRAEBERT JEFFERSON 
Published: March 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2013; 23: 131–137
Aim.  To estimate the prevalence, intensity and associated factors of dental pain in 7‐ and 8‐year‐old schoolchildren in a Southern Brazilian city.Design.  A cross‐sectional study was carried out involving a representative sample (n = 401) of schoolchildren of Tubarão, Brazil. The data were obtained through oral examinations, following WHO criteria. Dental pain was analysed using a specific questionnaire developed to measure it. Prevalence and intensity of spontaneous pain and pain caused by cold and hot food and liquids were analysed. Association studies were carried out using chi‐square test followed by nonconditional multiple logistic regression analysis to test for independence of association between outcomes and explanatory variables.Results.  The prevalence of spontaneous dental pain and dental pain caused by cold and hot food and liquids was 31.7 and 28.1%, respectively. Females and schoolchildren who had visited the dentist at least once showed statistically higher prevalence of spontaneous pain and pain caused by cold and hot food and liquids. Eight‐year‐old schoolchildren and those presenting cavities in the primary dentition also showed higher prevalence of spontaneous dental pain.Conclusions.  The prevalence and intensity of dental pain were considered high. The prevalence showed to be associated with female gender, higher age, the presence of cavities in the primary dentition and dental visit.