bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuropathogenesis of a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H7N1) in experimentally infected chickens
Authors: Chaves Aida J , Busquets Núria , Valle Rosa , Rivas Raquel , Vergara-Alert Júlia , Dolz Roser , Ramis Antonio , Darji Ayub , Majó Natàlia 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
In order to understand the mechanism of neuroinvasion of a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) into the central nervous system (CNS) of chickens, specific pathogen free chickens were inoculated with a H7N1 HPAIV. Blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), nasal cavity and brain tissue samples were obtained from 1 to 4 days post-inoculation (dpi) of infected and control chickens. Viral antigen topographical distribution, presence of influenza A virus receptors in the brain, as well as, the role of the olfactory route in virus CNS invasion were studied using different immunohistochemistry techniques. Besides, viral RNA load in CSF and blood was quantified by means of a quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Viral antigen was observed widely distributed in the CNS, showing bilateral and symmetrical distribution in the nuclei of the diencephalon, mesencephalon and rhombencephalon. Viral RNA was detected in blood and CSF at one dpi, indicating that the virus crosses the blood-CSF-barrier early during infection. This early dissemination is possibly favoured by the presence of Siaα2,3 Gal and Siaα2,6 Gal receptors in brain vascular endothelial cells, and Siaα2,3 Gal receptors in ependymal and choroid plexus cells. No viral antigen was observed in olfactory sensory neurons, while the olfactory bulb showed only weak staining, suggesting that the virus did not use this pathway to enter into the brain. The sequence of virus appearance and the topographical distribution of this H7N1 HPAIV indicate that the viral entry occurs via the haematogenous route, with early and generalized spreading through the CSF.
Constructing a robust protein-protein interaction network by integrating multiple public databases
Authors: Martha Venkata-Swamy , Liu Zhichao , Guo Li , Su Zhenqiang , Ye Yanbin , Fang Hong , Ding Don , Tong Weida , Xu Xiaowei 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are a critical component for many underlying biological processes. A PPI network can provide insight into the mechanisms of these processes, as well as the relationships among different proteins and toxicants that are potentially involved in the processes. There are many PPI databases publicly available, each with a specific focus. The challenge is how to effectively combine their contents to generate a robust and biologically relevant PPI network.

Methods
In this study, seven public PPI databases, BioGRID, DIP, HPRD, IntAct, MINT, REACTOME, and SPIKE, were used to explore a powerful approach to combine multiple PPI databases for an integrated PPI network. We developed a novel method called k-votes to create seven different integrated networks by using values of k ranging from 1-7. Functional modules were mined by using SCAN, a Structural Clustering Algorithm for Networks. Overall module qualities were evaluated for each integrated network using the following statistical and biological measures: (1) modularity, (2) similarity-based modularity, (3) clustering score, and (4) enrichment.

Results
Each integrated human PPI network was constructed based on the number of votes (k) for a particular interaction from the committee of the original seven PPI databases. The performance of functional modules obtained by SCAN from each integrated network was evaluated. The optimal value for k was determined by the functional module analysis. Our results demonstrate that the k-votes method outperforms the traditional union approach in terms of both statistical significance and biological meaning. The best network is achieved at k=2, which is composed of interactions that are confirmed in at least two PPI databases. In contrast, the traditional union approach yields an integrated network that consists of all interactions of seven PPI databases, which might be subject to high false positives.

Conclusions
We determined that the k-votes method for constructing a robust PPI network by integrating multiple public databases outperforms previously reported approaches and that a value of k=2 provides the best results. The developed strategies for combining databases show promise in the advancement of network construction and modeling.
Calcium-stores mediate adaptation in axon terminals of Olfactory Receptor Neurons in Drosophila
Authors: Murmu Meena S , Stinnakre Jacques , Réal Eléonore , Martin Jean-René 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
In vertebrates and invertebrates, sensory neurons adapt to variable ambient conditions, such as the duration or repetition of a stimulus, a physiological mechanism considered as a simple form of non-associative learning and neuronal plasticity. Although various signaling pathways, as cAMP, cGMP, and the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (InsP3R) play a role in adaptation, their precise mechanisms of action at the cellular level remain incompletely understood. Recently, in Drosophila, we reported that odor-induced Ca2+-response in axon terminals of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) is related to odor duration. In particular, a relatively long odor stimulus (such as 5 s) triggers the induction of a second component involving intracellular Ca2+-stores.

Results
We used a recently developed in-vivo bioluminescence imaging approach to quantify the odor-induced Ca2+-activity in the axon terminals of ORNs. Using either a genetic approach to target specific RNAs, or a pharmacological approach, we show that the second component, relying on the intracellular Ca2+-stores, is responsible for the adaptation to repetitive stimuli. In the antennal lobes (a region analogous to the vertebrate olfactory bulb) ORNs make synaptic contacts with second-order neurons, the projection neurons (PNs). These synapses are modulated by GABA, through either GABAergic local interneurons (LNs) and/or some GABAergic PNs. Application of GABAergic receptor antagonists, both GABAA or GABAB, abolishes the adaptation, while RNAi targeting the GABABR (a metabotropic receptor) within the ORNs, blocks the Ca2+-store dependent component, and consequently disrupts the adaptation. These results indicate that GABA exerts a feedback control. Finally, at the behavioral level, using an olfactory test, genetically impairing the GABABR or its signaling pathway specifically in the ORNs disrupts olfactory adapted behavior.

Conclusion
Taken together, our results indicate that a relatively long lasting form of adaptation occurs within the axon terminals of the ORNs in the antennal lobes, which depends on intracellular Ca2+-stores, attributable to a positive feedback through the GABAergic synapses.
The effect of testosterone and a nutritional supplement on hospital admissions in under-nourished, older people
Authors: Piantadosi Cynthia , Visvanathan Renuka , Naganathan Vasi , Hunter Peter , Cameron Ian D , Lange Kylie , Karnon Jonathan , Chapman Ian M 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Weight loss and under-nutrition are relatively common in older people, and are associated with poor outcomes including increased rates of hospital admissions and death. In a pilot study of 49 undernourished older, community dwelling people we found that daily treatment for one year with a combination of testosterone tablets and a nutritional supplement produced a significant reduction in hospitalizations. We propose a larger, multicentre study to explore and hopefully confirm this exciting, potentially important finding (NHMRC project grant number 627178).

Methods/Design
One year randomized control trial where subjects are allocated to either oral testosterone undecanoate and high calorie oral nutritional supplement or placebo medication and low calorie oral nutritional supplementation. 200 older community-dwelling, undernourished people [Mini Nutritional Assessment score <24 and either: a) low body weight (body mass index, in kg/m2: <22) or b) recent weight loss (>7.5% over 3 months)]. Hospital admissions, quality-adjusted life years, functional status, nutritional health, muscle strength, body composition and other variables will be assessed.

Discussion
The pilot study showed that combined treatment with an oral testosterone and a supplement drink was well tolerated and safe, and reduced the number of people hospitalised and duration of hospital admissions in undernourished, community dwelling older people. This is an exciting finding, as it identifies a treatment which may be of substantial benefit to many older people in our community. We now propose to conduct a multi-centre study to test these findings in a substantially larger subject group, and to determine the cost effectiveness of this treatment.

Trial registration
Australian Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN 12610000356066
Modality and negation in the history of Low German
Authors: Breitbarth Anne 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The aim of the present paper is to study and account for the scopal interaction between modal verbs and sentential negation in historical Low German. A number of proposals concerning the scope of negation in clauses with modal verbs for other languages (mainly English) will be evaluated against the empirical findings from historical Low German. It will be argued that syntactic accounts of this interaction are not empirically adequate, and that a lexical account will have to be complemented by a pragmatic one in order to account for the behaviour and development of some modal verbs.
Estimating the Probability of Neonatal Early-Onset Infection on the Basis of Maternal Risk Factors
Authors: Puopolo Karen M. , Draper David , Wi Soora , Newman Thomas B. , Zupancic John , Lieberman Ellice , Smith Myesha , Escobar Gabriel J. 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:
To develop a quantitative model to estimate the probability of neonatal early-onset bacterial infection on the basis of maternal intrapartum risk factors.

METHODS:
This was a nested case-control study of infants born at ≥34 weeks' gestation at 14 California and Massachusetts hospitals from 1993 to 2007. Case-subjects had culture-confirmed bacterial infection at &lt;72 hours; controls were randomly selected, frequency-matched 3:1 according to year and birth hospital. We performed multivariate analyses and split validation to define a predictive model based only on information available in the immediate perinatal period.

RESULTS:
We identified 350 case-subjects from a cohort of 608 014 live births. Highest intrapartum maternal temperature revealed a linear relationship with risk of infection below 100.5°F, above which the risk rose rapidly. Duration of rupture of membranes revealed a steadily increasing relationship with infection risk. Increased risk was associated with both late-preterm and postterm delivery. Risk associated with maternal group B Streptococcus colonization is diminished in the era of group B Streptococcus prophylaxis. Any form of intrapartum antibiotic given &gt;4 hours before delivery was associated with decreased risk. Our model showed good discrimination and calibration (c statistic = 0.800 and Hosmer-Lemeshow P = .142 in the entire data set).

CONCLUSIONS:
A predictive model based on information available in the immediate perinatal period performs better than algorithms based on risk-factor threshold values. This model establishes a prior probability for newborn sepsis, which could be combined with neonatal physical examination and laboratory values to establish a posterior probability to guide treatment decisions.
Randomized Trial Comparing 3 Approaches to the Initial Respiratory Management of Preterm Neonates
Authors: Dunn Michael S. , Kaempf Joseph , de Klerk Alan , de Klerk Rose , Reilly Maureen , Howard Diantha , Ferrelli Karla , O'Conor Jeanette , Soll Roger F. ,   for the Vermont Oxford Network DRM Study Group
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:We designed a multicenter randomized trial to compare 3 approaches to the initial respiratory management of preterm neonates: prophylactic surfactant followed by a period of mechanical ventilation (prophylactic surfactant [PS]); prophylactic surfactant with rapid extubation to bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure (intubate-surfactant-extubate [ISX]) or initial management with bubble continuous positive airway pressure and selective surfactant treatment (nCPAP).DESIGN/METHODS:Neonates born at 2607 to 2967 weeks' gestation were enrolled at participating Vermont Oxford Network centers and randomly assigned to PS, ISX, or nCPAP groups before delivery. Primary outcome was the incidence of death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age.RESULTS:648 infants enrolled at 27 centers. The study was halted before the desired sample size was reached because of declining enrollment. When compared with the PS group, the relative risk of BPD or death was 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.59–1.03) for the ISX group and 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.64–1.09) for the nCPAP group. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality or other complications of prematurity. In the nCPAP group, 48% were managed without intubation and ventilation, and 54% without surfactant treatment.CONCLUSIONS:Preterm neonates were initially managed with either nCPAP or PS with rapid extubation to nCPAP had similar clinical outcomes to those treated with PS followed by a period of mechanical ventilation. An approach that uses early nCPAP leads to a reduction in the number of infants who are intubated and given surfactant.
Safety and Efficacy of 24-h Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery in Well-Controlled Pregnant Women With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Murphy Helen R. , Kumareswaran Kavita , Elleri Daniela , Allen Janet M. , Caldwell Karen , Biagioni Martina , Simmons David , Dunger David B. , Nodale Marianna , Wilinska Malgorzata E. , Amiel Stephanie A. , Hovorka Roman 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of closed-loop insulin delivery in well-controlled pregnant women with type 1 diabetes treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 12 women with type 1 diabetes (aged 32.9 years, diabetes duration 17.6 years, BMI 27.1 kg/m2, and HbA1c 6.4%) were randomly allocated to closed-loop or conventional CSII. They performed normal daily activities (standardized meals, snacks, and exercise) for 24 h on two occasions at 19 and 23 weeks’ gestation. Plasma glucose time in target (63–140 mg/dL) and time spent hypoglycemic were calculated.

RESULTS
Plasma glucose time in target was comparable for closed-loop and conventional CSII (median [interquartile range]: 81 [59–87] vs. 81% [54–90]; P = 0.75). Less time was spent hypoglycemic (&lt;45 mg/dL [0.0 vs. 0.3%]; P = 0.04), with a lower low blood glucose index (2.4 [0.9–3.5] vs. 3.3 [1.9–5.1]; P = 0.03), during closed-loop insulin delivery.

CONCLUSIONS
Closed-loop insulin delivery was as effective as conventional CSII, with less time spent in extreme hypoglycemia.
Scenarios for Evaluating a Semantic Project Management Approach
Authors: Dippelreiter Birgit , Püttler Michael 
Published: October 2011

Scenarios for Evaluating a Semantic Project Management ApproachKnowledge regarding closed projects is not sufficiently reused while planning new projects to improve the quality of project management processes. The reason is that current project management systems mainly support the ongoing project phase and do not explicitly consider the initiating and closing phase of a project management life cycle. By implementing semantic technologies within an existing open source project management system, these weaknesses can be improved. This system incorporates and links historical project knowledge that contributes to a more effective setup of upcoming projects. To design, develop and implement such a system we conducted interviews with IT companies regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the project management systems in use. On the basis of the interviews we identified three scenarios, which deal with the most common problems of project management, such as consistent data storage and how to retrieve information. These scenarios, described in this paper, are used as requirements and to evaluate the designed prototype.
Towards E-Learning Capability Maturity Model
Authors: Penicina Ludmila 
Published: October 2011

Towards E-Learning Capability Maturity ModelIn the software development Capability Maturity Model (CMM) is a methodology for constantly optimizing organization's software development processes in order to meet project deadlines and customers' satisfaction in more efficient way. Nowadays e-learning becomes a valuable business tool not only for reducing costs and improving employees' competences in specific business areas but also for creating considerable Return on Investment (ROI) for the businesses. More and more companies choose an e-learning environment over classic classroom learning. When more companies are implementing e-learning it is time to create a common workplace e-learning CMM which defines the framework and best practices for e-learning business processes that can be used as standard and guidelines for companies which are starting e-learning projects as well as companies practicing e-learning. The paper proposes e-learning implementation and maintenance business processes incorporated in the classic PDCA cycle consisting of four e-learning project phases - e-learning project planning, e-learning system implementation, e-learning monitoring and e-learning optimization.
Spherical Spline Application to Radio Occultation Data
Authors: Blick Ch. , Freeden W. 
Published: October 2011

Spherical Spline Application to Radio Occultation DataIn recent years, the importance of the Radio Occultation Method (ROM), an observation procedure of atmospheric quantities such as temperature, density, pressure, and water vapor, increased in value. Based on the global distribution and the high accuracy of the measurements between the Earth's surface up to 35km altitude, ROM offers new perspectives for climate monitoring. In order to compare the measurements, the data have to be visualized. This paper gives the basic definitions and theorems of spline approximation on the sphere. Via its adjustable smoothing parameters, ROM can be suitably adapted to approximate the given data. Further on, it demonstrates, splines as approximation structures realizing a minimal bending energy of their graphs provide a good approximation of the data at hand. Our results demonstrate that spherical spline approximation is an appropriate method to visualize the change over time of a given layer and to illustrate the vertical composition of the Earth's atmosphere. Moreover, ROM enables us to compare the layers of the atmosphere at different points in time as well as the approximation of parameters between the measurements on arbitrary points on the Earth.
Changes in the quality of meat from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) bucks during cold storage under vacuum and modified atmosphere
Authors: Daszkiewicz T. , Kondratowicz J. , Koba-Kowalczyk M. 
Published: October 2011

Changes in the quality of meat from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) bucks during cold storage under vacuum and modified atmosphere
This paper analyses changes in the quality of meat (M. longissimus dorsi) of roe deer bucks during 21 days of cold storage (2°C) under vacuum and modified atmosphere (MA) conditions (40% CO2/60% N2 and 60% CO2/40% N2). After 21 days of storage, meat packaged in a MA with 40% CO2 had higher (P ≤ 0.05) L*, a*, b* and C* values in comparison with meat stored under vacuum and MA with 60% CO2. The mean pH and TBARS values of meat packaged under vacuum and a MA with 40% CO2 were increasing for the first 7 days of storage, and then they decreased (P ≤ 0.05). Following storage, the colour of meat became lighter (L*) and more yellow (b*). The meat stored under vacuum was characterised by increased (P ≤ 0.05) cooking loss. During meat storage, a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in total microbial counts and psychrotrophic bacteria was observed.
An Example of Easy Synthesis of Active Filter and Oscillator using Signal Flowgraph Modification and Controllable Current Conveyors
Authors: Šotner Roman , Hruboš Zdeněk , Ševčík Břetislav , Slezák Josef , Petržela Jiří , Dostál Tomáš 
Published: October 2011

An Example of Easy Synthesis of Active Filter and Oscillator using Signal Flowgraph Modification and Controllable Current Conveyors
The paper deals with synthesis of active frequency filters and oscillators for applications in the video band. The synthesis is based on the modified signal flow graph design approach in the current mode. The commercially available high frequency current conveyors and second order structures are used. Basic structure is employing loss-less and lossy current mode integrators in two distributed feedback loops. Some of the used active elements allow to control current gain which is very useful in applications. High frequency multi-functional filter and electronically adjustable quadrature oscillator configurations are discussed. Most of the used passive elements (mainly capacitors) are grounded which is suitable for IC implementation. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate function and features very well.
Feasibility Investigations of the Possibility of Measurements, of the Ultrasonic Transducer Power Output at Ultrasonic-Therapy-Devices, with Piezoceramic Sensors
Authors: Lekscha Thomas , Ďuračková Daniela 
Published: October 2011

Feasibility Investigations of the Possibility of Measurements, of the Ultrasonic Transducer Power Output at Ultrasonic-Therapy-Devices, with Piezoceramic SensorsThe paper shows the essential results for the investigation of a new ultrasonic power measuring method, in articular for measuring the sonic pressure of ultrasonic therapy devices, by using piezoceramic sensors. The aim of this work is to develop a new measuring instrument for the fast performance measurement at ultrasonic-therapy-devices.
Petrographic analysis of carbonate rocks for alkali-aggregate reactivity
Authors: Tamrakar Naresh Kazi , Paudel Lalu Prasad 
Published: October 2011

Quality of aggregate is of extreme concern when it is to be used for infrastructures. Besides, many physical and mechanicalproperties of the aggregate, presence or absence of deleterious constituents and alkali-silica reactivity are especially importantwhen aggregates are to be used in concrete structures. High potential of alkali-silica reactivity or alkali-carbonate reactivity andpresence of deleterious constituents may impair the infrastructures.A ledge rock sample from the heap to be taken for crushing was petrographically analysed for alkali-silica reactivity. Inoverall, two rock clans (dolosparstone and dolomicrosparstone) with three sub clans (rock type X, Y and Z) from the sample 2 areidentified. Rock type X (dolosparstone) constitutes 82.94% of the whole sample, and shows notable amount of quartz and calciteveins, and carbonaceous material and hematite on the mosaic of dolospars. Rock types Y (dolosparstone) and Z (dolomicrosparstone)contain trace amount of microquartz, mega quartz (>15 mm) and carbonaceous opaques. The rock type Z is dominantly composedof dolomicrospars. Major portions of all the rock types are characterised by mosaics of dolomite in association with variableamounts of muscovite, quartz, and calcite. Calcite often replaces the mosaics of dolomite and bands of quartz, forming a veinnetworks in rock types X and Y. Silica is represented by a low-temperature mega quartz either in ground or in veins, a trace amountof microquartz in rock types Y and Z. There is no other reactive silica components, thus showing a low potential to alkali-silicareactivity. However, the sample shows potential of alkali-carbonate reactivity as significant proportion of rock type havingdolomicrospars are found.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bdg.v14i0.5433Bulletin of the Department of Geology Vol.14 2011, pp.15-20