bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Classification Models to Pharyngeal High-Resolution Manometry
Authors: Mielens Jason D. , Hoffman Matthew R. , Ciucci Michelle R. , McCulloch Timothy M. , Jiang Jack J. 
Published: January 2012

Purpose
The authors present 3 methods of performing pattern recognition on spatiotemporal plots produced by pharyngeal high-resolution manometry (HRM).

Method
Classification models, including the artificial neural networks (ANNs) multilayer perceptron (MLP) and learning vector quantization (LVQ), as well as support vector machines (SVM), were evaluated for their ability to identify disordered swallowing. Data were collected from 12 control subjects and 13 subjects with swallowing disorders; for this experiment, these subjects swallowed 5-ml water boluses. Following extraction of relevant parameters, a subset of the data was used to train the models, and the remaining swallows were then independently classified by the networks.

Results
All methods produced high average classification accuracies, with MLP, SVM, and LVQ achieving accuracies of 96.44%, 91.03%, and 85.39%, respectively. When evaluating the individual contributions of each parameter and groups of parameters to the classification accuracy, parameters pertaining to the upper esophageal sphincter were most valuable.

Conclusion
Classification models show high accuracy in segregating HRM data sets and represent 1 method of facilitating application of HRM to the clinical setting by eliminating the time required for some aspects of data extraction and interpretation.
Metabolic Syndrome Indicators and Target Organ Damage in Urban Active Coping African and Caucasian Men: The SABPA Study
Authors: de Kock A. , Malan L. , Potgieter J. , Steenekamp W. , van der Merwe M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPsychosocial stress relating to an urban environment or acculturation increases the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The objectives of this study were firstly to indicate and compare differences regarding appraisal of stress or active coping responses in urban African (n=88) and Caucasian (n=101) male teachers of South Africa, in accord with the prevalence of MetS indicators. And secondly to investigate the extent to which utilisation of active coping responses, together with MetS indicators, predict target organ damage, in these men. The Coping Strategy Indicator determined high and low active coping responses in male teachers from the Sympathetic Activity and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Africans (SABPA) study. SABPA inclusion and exclusion criteria were used. Additionally, diabetic medication users (n=8), and participants with renal impairment (n=2) or HIV positive (n=13), were excluded. MetS indicators included glucose, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference, independent of confounders (age, physical activity, gamma glutamyl transferase). Microalbuminuria and carotid intima-media thickness indicated target organ damage. More MetS indicators exceeded the IDF cut-off points in high active coping African men (14.71%) than in their Caucasian counterparts (3.33%), as determined from χ² analyses. Furthermore, stepwise regressions indicated that more MetS indicators predicted endothelial dysfunction, especially in the high active coping African men. High active coping African men showed more manifestation of MetS, compared to their Caucasian counterparts, and revealed progress towards endothelial dysfunction.
The Dynamics of Goal Revision: A Cybernetic Multiperiod Test-Operate-Test-Adjust-Loop (TOTAL) Model of Self-Regulation
Authors: Wang Chen , Mukhopadhyay Anirban 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
This research presents a comprehensive conceptual model of the dynamics of goal revision over multiple periods. First, based on an integrative literature review, we derive four principles that govern how individuals update their goals over time (monotonicity, diminishing sensitivity, aspiration maximization, and performance satisficing). We then integrate these principles logically as well as mathematically into a goal-discrepancy response function. Next, we advance existing cybernetic models of self-regulation by synthesizing the four principles and the response function into a Test-Operate-Test-Adjust-Loop (TOTAL) model, which captures the dynamics of goal revision in self-regulation. We report four laboratory experiments that demonstrate initial support for the postulates of our model and conclude with a discussion of limitations and future directions.
Influence via Comparison-Driven Self-Evaluation and Restoration: The Case of the Low-Status Influencer
Authors: Shalev Edith , Morwitz Vicki G. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Ample research shows that consumers accept influence from a source they identify with and reject influence from a source they wish to dissociate from. The current article moves beyond the well-established identification principle and delineates a new influence process. Influence via comparison-driven self-evaluation and restoration (CDSER) takes place when one observes a counterstereotypical product user and, as a result, questions one’s relative standing on the trait that the product symbolizes. In response to this threatening self-evaluation, the observer becomes more interested in the target product. To clearly distinguish CDSER from identification influence, the current investigation focuses on product users with a low socioeconomic status (SES). In contrast to the predictions of the identification principle, this article demonstrates that low-SES users can in some circumstances positively influence observers and increase their purchase intentions. The “low-status user effect” and the CDSER mechanism are demonstrated across multiple product categories in four studies.
The Arabidopsis TETRATRICOPEPTIDE THIOREDOXIN-LIKE Gene Family Is Required for Osmotic Stress Tolerance and Male Sporogenesis
Authors: Lakhssassi Naoufal , Doblas Verónica G. , Rosado Abel , del Valle Alicia Esteban , Posé David , Jimenez Antonio J. , Castillo Araceli G. , Valpuesta Victoriano , Borsani Omar , Botella Miguel A. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
TETRATRICOPEPTIDE THIOREDOXIN-LIKE (TTL) proteins are characterized by the presence of six tetratricopeptide repeats in conserved positions and a carboxyl-terminal region known as the thioredoxin-like domain with homology to thioredoxins. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the TTL gene family is composed by four members, and the founder member, TTL1, is required for osmotic stress tolerance. Analysis of sequenced genomes indicates that TTL genes are specific to land plants. In this study, we report the expression profiles of Arabidopsis TTL genes using data mining and promoter-reporter β-glucuronidase fusions. Our results show that TTL1, TTL3, and TTL4 display ubiquitous expression in normal growing conditions but differential expression patterns in response to osmotic and NaCl stresses. TTL2 shows a very different expression pattern, being specific to pollen grains. Consistent with the expression data, ttl1, ttl3, and ttl4 mutants show reduced root growth under osmotic stress, and the analysis of double and triple mutants indicates that TTL1, TTL3, and TTL4 have partially overlapping yet specific functions in abiotic stress tolerance while TTL2 is involved in male gametophytic transmission.
Effects of the 755‐nm Alexandrite laser on fine dark facial hair: Review of 90 cases
Authors: UYAR Belkiz , SAKLAMAZ Ali 
Published: January 2012

AbstractLaser hair removal is a relatively effective method for thick hair. Despite the risk for induction of fine hair growth, application of laser for fine dark hair is sometimes inevitable. We investigate the effects of 755‐nm Alexandrite laser on fine dark facial hair and evaluate the induction rates of fine hair growth and case satisfaction. In the present study, the thickening rate of hairs (33.33%) was found to be higher than the previously published rates. However, reduction of hair density can be obtained when the laser sessions are continued.
Mechanical stretch inhibits adipogenesis and stimulates osteogenesis of adipose stem cells
Authors: Yang X. , Cai X. , Wang J. , Tang H. , Yuan Q. , Gong P. , Lin Y. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA reciprocal relationships between osteogenesis and adipogenesis has been observed in vitro and in vivo, and mechanical stretch has been believed to be a regulating factor of osteo‐adipogenic axis differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, rat adipose stem cells (ASCs) were isolated and cultured in adipogenic or normal medium. Their exposure to cyclic mechanical stretch (2000 με, 1 Hz) in the presence of adipogenic medium decreased mRNA and protein level of PPAR‐γ, and increased Runx2 mRNA and protein levels as well as Pref‐1 mRNA level, compared to static samples. ASCs cultured in normal medium without adipogenic induction did not show any significant change in mRNA expression of PPAR‐γ, Runx2, nor Pref‐1 irrespective of mechanical loading. Stretching induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) during the induction period. It was concluded that mechanical stretch inhibited adipogenesis and stimulated osteogenesis of these ASCs in the presence of adipogenic medium and that ERK1/2 activation may be involved in the mechanical stress‐induced trans‐differentiation.
An unusual feature associated with LEE1 P1 promoters in enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC)
Authors: Jeong Jae‐Ho , Kim Hyun‐Ju , Kim Kun‐Hee , Shin Minsang , Hong Yeongjin , Rhee Joon Haeng , Schneider Thomas D. , Choy Hyon E. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryTranscription start points in bacteria are influenced by the nature of the RNA polymerase·promoter interaction. For Escherichia coli RNA polymerase holoenzyme containing σ70, it is presumed that specific sequence in one or more of the −10, extended −10 and −35 elements of the promoter guides the RNAP to select the cognate start point. Here, we investigated the promoter driving expression of the LEE1 operon in enteropathogenic E. coli and found two promoters separated by 10 bp, LEE1 P1A (+1) and LEE1 P1B (+10) using various in vitro biochemical tools. A unique feature of P1B was the presence of multiple transcription starts from five neighbouring As at the initial transcribed region. The multiple products did not arise from stuttering synthesis. Analytical software based on information theory was employed to determine promoter elements. The concentration of the NTP pool altered the preferred transcription start points, albeit the underlying mechanism is elusive. Under in vivo conditions, dominant P1B, but not P1A, was subject to regulation by IHF.
Separate structural and functional domains of Tn4430 transposase contribute to target immunity
Authors: Lambin Michaël , Nicolas Emilien , Oger Cédric A. , Nguyen Nathan , Prozzi Deborah , Hallet Bernard 
Published: January 2012

SummaryLike other transposons of the Tn3 family, Tn4430 exhibits target immunity, a process that prevents multiple insertions of the transposon into the same DNA molecule. Immunity is conferred by the terminal inverted repeats of the transposon and is specific to each element of the family, indicating that the transposase TnpA is directly involved in the process. However, the molecular mechanism whereby this protein promotes efficient transposition into permissive targets while preventing transposition into immune targets remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that both functions of TnpA can be uncoupled from each other by isolating and characterizing mutants that are proficient in transposition (T+) but impaired in immunity (I‐). The identified T+/I‐ mutations are clustered into separate structural and functional domains of TnpA, indicating that different activities of the protein contribute to immunity. Combination of separate mutations had synergistic effects on target immunity but contrasting effects on transposition. One class of mutations was found to stimulate transposition, whereas other mutations appeared to reduce TnpA activity. The data are discussed with respect to alternative models in which TnpA acts as a specific determinant to both establish and respond to immunity.
DivIVA affects secretion of virulence‐related autolysins in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Halbedel Sven , Hahn Birgit , Daniel Richard A. , Flieger Antje 
Published: January 2012

SummaryDivIVA is a well‐conserved coiled‐coil protein present in most Gram‐positive bacteria and has been implicated in division site selection, peptidoglycan biosynthesis and sporulation. DivIVA proteins bind lipid membranes and characteristically accumulate at curved membrane areas, i.e. the cell poles and the division site, to which they recruit various interaction partners. We have studied the role of this morphogen in the human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes and our results suggest a novel mechanism by which DivIVA contributes to cell division. Contrary to expectation a ΔdivIVA mutant exhibited a pronounced chaining phenotype rather than a defect in cell division which we attributed to reduced extracellular levels of the autolytic enzymes p60 and MurA. We demonstrate that this is due to a malfunction in secretion of these autolysins and phenotypic comparison of the ΔdivIVA strain with a ΔsecA2 mutant suggests that DivIVA influences the activity of the SecA2 secretion route in L. monocytogenes. Also from the phenotypic analysis it was clear that divIVA affected swarming motility, biofilm formation, invasiveness and cell‐to‐cell spread in cell culture infection models. Thus, our experiments show that DivIVA is an important factor for various listerial traits that are essential for the pathogenicity of this organism.
Characterization of the Group A Streptococcus Mga virulence regulator reveals a role for the C‐terminal region in oligomerization and transcriptional activation
Authors: Hondorp Elise R. , Hou Sherry C. , Hempstead Andrew D. , Hause Lara L. , Beckett Dorothy M. , McIver Kevin S. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a strict human pathogen that causes a broad spectrum of illnesses. One of the key regulators of virulence in GAS is the transcriptional activator Mga, which co‐ordinates the early stages of infection. Although the targets of Mga have been well characterized, basic biochemical analyses have been limited due to difficulties in obtaining purified protein. In this study, high‐level purification of soluble Mga was achieved, enabling the first detailed characterization of the protein. Fluorescence titrations coupled with filter‐binding assays indicate that Mga binds cognate DNA with nanomolar affinity. Gel filtration analyses, analytical ultracentrifugation and co‐immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that Mga forms oligomers in solution. Moreover, the ability of the protein to oligomerize in solution was found to correlate with transcriptional activation; DNA binding appears to be necessary but insufficient for full activity. Truncation analyses reveal that the uncharacterized C‐terminal region of Mga, possessing similarity to phosphotransferase system EIIB proteins, plays a critical role in oligomerization and in vivo activity. Mga from a divergent serotype was found to behave similarly, suggesting that this study describes a general mechanism for Mga regulation of target virulence genes within GAS and provides insight into related regulators in other Gram‐positive pathogens.
Influence of temperature on infection and establishment of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter americanus’ and ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ in citrus plants
Authors: Gasparoto M. C. G. , Coletta‐Filho H. D. , Bassanezi R. B. , Lopes S. A. , Lourenço S. A. , Amorim L. 
Published: January 2012

The objectives of this work were (i) to determine the influence of temperature on infection of citrus by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ and ‘Candidatus Liberibacter americanus’, the two bacterial species associated with citrus huanglongbing (HLB) in Brazil, and (ii) to determine the influence of temperature on citrus colonization by ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’, which has taken over from ‘Ca. L. americanus’ as the predominant species in Brazil since 2008. Two experiments were carried out with graft‐inoculated Valencia oranges on Rangpur lime rootstocks. Immediately after inoculation the plants were maintained for 423 days in growth chambers under the following night/day temperature conditions: 17/22, 22/27 or 27/32°C, with a dark/light photoperiod of 8/16 h. Infection and colonization of plants were determined using quantitative PCR (qPCR). ‘Candidatus Liberibacter americanus’ did not infect the plants maintained at 27/32°C; however, infection by ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ occurred at all studied temperatures. Two months after inoculation, ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ was distributed throughout the inoculated plants, with mean Ct values in the range of 30–31 for leaves and 25–28 for roots. Over time, ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ reached the highest titres in mature leaves (mean Ct value = 26·7) of citrus plants maintained at 22/27°C. ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ colonization of citrus plants was negatively affected by the daily temperature regime of 27/32°C (mean Ct value in mature leaves = 33·6).
Complement Activation and Interleukin Response in Major Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Kvarnström A. L. , Sarbinowski R. T. , Bengtson J.‐P. , Jacobsson L. M. , Bengtsson A. L. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate whether major abdominal surgery leads to complement activation and interleukin response and whether the kind of anaesthesia influence complement activation and the release of inflammatory interleukins. The study design was prospective and randomised. Fifty patients undergoing open major colorectal surgery due to cancer disease or inflammatory bowel disease were studied. Twenty‐five patients were given total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and remifentanil, and 25 patients were given inhalational anaesthesia with sevoflurane and fentanyl. To determine complement activation (C3a and SC5b‐9) and the release of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory interleukins (tumour necrosis factor‐a (TNF‐a)), interleukin‐1b (IL‐1b), IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐4 and IL‐10), blood samples were drawn preoperatively, 60 minutes after start of surgery, 30 minutes after end of surgery and 24 hours postoperatively. Complement was activated and pro‐inflammatory interleukins (IL‐6 and IL‐8) and anti‐inflammatory interleukins (IL‐10) were released during major colorectal surgery. There was no significant difference between TIVA and inhalational anaesthesia regarding complement activation and cytokine release. Major colorectal surgery leads to activation of the complement cascade and the release of both pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. There are no significant differences between total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and remifentanil and inhalational anaesthesia with sevoflurane and fentanyl regarding complement activation and the release of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory interleukins.
A Novel Mutation W388X Underlying Properdin Deficiency in a Finnish Family
Authors: Helminen M. , Seitsonen S. , Jarva H. , Meri S. , Järvelä I. E. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractProperdin deficiency is a rare immunological disorder inherited as an X‐chromosomal recessive trait. Properdin deficiency poses a significant risk for severe meningococcal infections. About 20 mutations have been reported to underlie properdin deficiency. Here we report a large Finnish family with a novel mutation in the properdin gene (CFP). Based on the total absence of properdin activity in a 14‐year‐old male patient with an infection resembling meningococcal bacteraemia, the coding region and splice sites of the gene were sequenced. The mutation is located in exon 9 and changes guanine to adenine at nucleotide 1164 (c.1164G>A) that causes tryptophan to change to a premature stop codon (W388X). The mother of the patient was shown to be a carrier of the mutation. In total, the mutation was identified in six females and three young males in the family. The mutation must be inherited from the grandfather who had died of an unknown infectious disease. This is the first mutation of the properdin gene identified in Finland.
Risk and Prognosis of Campylobacteriosis in Relation to Polymorphisms of Host Inflammatory Cytokine Genes
Authors: Nielsen H. , Steffensen R. , Ejlertsen T. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe risk of infection with Campylobacter jejuni/coli as well as complications may be related to host genetics. We assessed six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in inflammatory cytokine genes in 105 patients with Campylobacter jejuni/coli gastroenteritis. The population distribution of the genes was determined in healthy subjects. The patients responded to mailed questionnaires with regard to reactive arthritis (RA) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in 6‐month follow‐up. The genotype INFG(+ 874A/A) was less frequent in patients than in controls (20% versus 33%; P = 0.015), whereas the distribution of the other five SNPs did not differ from controls. After 6 months, RA had developed in 15 subjects and IBS in 20 subjects. RA was significant more frequent in patients with IL‐18(‐137G/G) (22%) than IL‐18(‐137C/C) (0%), P = 0.03, with INFG(+874 T/T (32%) than INFG(+874A/A) (0%), P = 0.007, and with INFG(+2197 A/A) (22%) than INFG(+2197G/G) (0%), P = 0.02. The development of IBS was not linked to gene polymorphisms. In conclusion, the risk of acquiring clinical gastroenteritis with Campylobacter jejuni/coli is related to the INFG (+ 874A>T) of intron 1. Polymorphisms in IL‐18 and INFG are linked to the risk of post‐infectious reactive arthritis, but not to irritable bowel syndrome.
Cycles of humid‐dry climate conditions around the P/E boundary: new stable isotope data from terrestrial organic matter in Vasterival section (NW France)
Authors: Storme Jean‐Yves , Dupuis Christian , Schnyder Johann , Quesnel Florence , Garel Sylvain , Iakovleva Alina I. , Iacumin Paola , Di Matteo Antonietta , Sebilo Mathieu , Yans Johan 
Published: January 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 114–122, 2012AbstractThe Palaeocene/Eocene boundary (P/EB) and the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (55.8 Ma) are defined stratigraphically based on carbon isotope ratios of various materials. Here, the position of the P/EB is refined in the terrestrial–lacustrine and swampy Vasterival section (Upper Normandy coast, France) by using carbon isotopes measured on dispersed organic matter (δ13Corg). Moreover, nitrogen isotopes on dispersed organic matter (δ15Norg) are, for the first time in the Palaeogene record, associated with carbon isotope and lithological data to constrain palaeoclimatic and environmental changes around the P/EB in a terrestrial environment. Humid‐dry fluctuations before and during this key interval in Earth history are suggested.
Stable integration of an engineered megabase repeat array into the maize genome
Authors: Zhang Han , Phan Bao H. , Wang Kai , Artelt Barbara J. , Jiang Jiming , Parrott Wayne A. , Dawe R. Kelly 
Published: January 2012

SummaryPlant genome engineering as a practical matter will require stable introduction of long and complex segments of DNA sequence into plant genomes. Here we show that it is possible to synthetically engineer and introduce centromere‐sized satellite repeat arrays into maize. We designed a synthetic repeat monomer of 156 bp that contains five DNA‐binding motifs (LacO, TetO, Gal4, LexA, and CENPB), and extended it into tandem arrays using an overlapping PCR method similar to that commonly used in gene synthesis. The PCR products were then directly transformed into maize using biolistic transformation. We identified three resulting insertion sites (arrayed binding sites), the longest of which is at least 1100 kb. The LacI DNA‐binding module is sufficient to efficiently tether YFP to the arrayed binding sites. We conclude that synthetic repeats can be delivered into plant cells by omitting passage through Escherichia coli, that they generally insert into one locus, and that great lengths may be achieved. It is anticipated that these experimental approaches will be useful for future applications in artificial chromosome design.