bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a set of novel meiotically-active promoters in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Junhua , Farmer Andrew D , Lindquist Ingrid E , Dukowic-Schulze Stefanie , Mudge Joann , Li Tao , Retzel Ernest F , Chen Changbin 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Homologous recombination, together with selection, laid the foundation for traditional plant breeding. The recombination process that takes place during meiotic cell division is crucial for the creation of novel variations of highly desired traits by breeders. Gaining control over this process is important for molecular breeding to achieve more precise, large-scale and quicker plant improvement. As conventional ubiquitous promoters are neither tissue-specific nor efficient in driving gene expression in meiocytes, promoters with high meiotic activities are potential candidates for manipulating the recombination process. So far, only a few meiotically-active promoters have been reported. Recently developed techniques to profile the transcriptome landscape of isolated meiocytes provided the means to discover promoters from genes that are actively expressed in meiosis.

Results
In a screen for meiotically-active promoters, we examined ten promoter sequences that are associated with novel meiotic candidate genes. Each promoter was tested by expressing a GFP reporter gene in Arabidopsis. Characterization of regulatory regions revealed that these meiotically-active promoters possessed conserved motifs and motif arrangement. Some of the promoters unite optimal properties which are invaluable for meiosis-directed studies such as delivering specific gene expression in early meiosis I and/or meiosis II. Furthermore, the examination of homologs of the corresponding genes within green plants points to a great potential of applying the information from Arabidopsis to other species, especially crop plants.

Conclusions
We identified ten novel meiotically-active promoters; which, along with their homologs, are prime candidates to specifically drive gene expression during meiosis in plants and can thus provide important tools for meiosis study and crop breeding.
A cluster randomised controlled trial of an occupational therapy intervention for residents with stroke living in UK care homes (OTCH): study protocol
Authors: Sackley Cath M , Burton Chris R , Herron-Marx Sandy , Lett Karen , Mant Jonathan , Roalfe Andrea K , Sharp Leslie J , Sheehan Bart , Stant Katie E , Walker Marion F , Watkins Caroline L , Wheatley Keith , Williams Jane , Yao Guiqing L , Feltham Max G 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
The occupational therapy (OT) in care homes study (OTCH) aims to investigate the effect of a targeted course of individual OT (with task training, provision of adaptive equipment, minor environmental adaptations and staff education) for stroke survivors living in care homes, compared to usual care.

Methods/Design
A cluster randomised controlled trial of United Kingdom (UK) care homes (n = 90) with residents (n = 900) who have suffered a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), and who are not receiving end-of-life care. Homes will be stratified by centre and by type of care provided and randomised (50:50) using computer generated blocked randomisation within strata to receive either the OT intervention (3 months intervention from an occupational therapist) or control (usual care). Staff training on facilitating independence and mobility and the use of adaptive equipment, will be delivered to every home, with control homes receiving this after the 12 month follow-up.
Allocation will be concealed from the independent assessors, but the treating therapists, and residents will not be masked to the intervention. Measurements are taken at baseline prior to randomisation and at 3, 6 and 12 months post randomisation. The primary outcome measure is independence in self-care activities of daily living (Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index). Secondary outcome measures are mobility (Rivermead Mobility Index), mood (Geriatric Depression Scale), preference based quality of life measured from EQ-5D and costs associated with each intervention group. Quality adjusted life years (QALYs) will be derived based on the EQ-5D scores. Cost effectiveness analysis will be estimated and measured by incremental cost effectiveness ratio. Adverse events will be recorded.

Discussion
This study will be the largest cluster randomised controlled trial of OT in care homes to date and will clarify the currently inconclusive literature on the efficacy of OT for stroke and TIA survivors residing in care homes.

Trial registration
ISRCTN00757750
Sesquiterpene lactones isolated from indigenous Middle Eastern plants inhibit tumor promoter-induced transformation of JB6 cells
Authors: Saikali Melody , Ghantous Akram , Halawi Racha , Talhouk Salma N , Saliba Najat A , Darwiche Nadine 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Sesquiterpene lactones (SL) are plant secondary metabolites that are known for their anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. Considering that several SL-derived drugs are currently in cancer clinical trials, we have tested two SL molecules, 3-β-methoxy-iso-seco-tanapartholide (β-tan) isolated from Achillea falcata and salograviolide A (Sal A) isolated from Centaurea ainetensis, for their anti-tumor properties. We used the mouse epidermal JB6P + cells as a model for tumor promotion and cellular transformation. Key players that are involved in cellular transformation and tumorigenesis are the AP-1 and NF-κB transcription factors; therefore, we assessed how β-tan and Sal A modulate their signaling pathways in JB6P + cells.

Methods
The effects of β-tan and Sal A on the growth of normal and neoplastic keratinocytes and on the tumor promotion-responsive JB6P + cells were determined using the MTT assay. Anchorage-independent cell growth transformation assays were used to evaluate the anti-tumor promoting properties of these SL molecules in JB6P + cells and dual luciferase reporter assays and western blot analysis were used to investigate their effects on tumor promoter-induced AP-1 and NF-κB activities and protein levels of key AP-1 and NF-кB target genes.

Results
β-tan and Sal A selectively inhibited tumor promoter-induced cell growth and transformation of JB6P + cells at concentrations that do not affect JB6P + and primary keratinocytes basal cell growth. In addition, both molecules reduced basal and tumor promoter-induced NF-κB transcriptional activities, differentially regulated basal and tumor promoter-induced AP-1 transcriptional activities, and modulated key players of the AP-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Conclusions
These results highlight the anti-tumor promoting properties of β-tan and Sal A. These SL molecules isolated from two plant species native to the Middle East may provide opportunities for complementary medicine practices.
Assessing the impact of harm reduction programs on law enforcement in Southeast Asia: a description of a regional research methodology
Authors: Thomson Nick , Moore Tim , Crofts Nick 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
For over 15 years the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) has been a leading donor for harm reduction projects in Southeast Asia. The recent AusAID-supported harm reduction projects of greatest significance have included the Asia Regional HIV/AIDS Project (AHRP), from 2002 until 2007,1 and the HIV/AIDS Asia Regional Program (HAARP), from 2007 until 2015.2 Both projects included in their design specific strategies for engaging with law enforcement agencies at country level. The main focus of these strategies has been to develop law enforcement harm reduction policy and curriculum, and the design and implementation of specific harm reduction training for law enforcement officers.
In July 2008, the Australian Development Research Awards (ADRA) funded the Nossal Institute for Global Health at the University of Melbourne to establish a research project created to assess the influence of harm reduction programs on the policy and operational practices of law enforcement agencies in Southeast Asia, known as the LEHRN Project (Law Enforcement, Harm Reduction, Nossal Institute Project). The ADRA is a unique grant research mechanism that specifically funds development research to improve the understanding and informed decision making of the implementation of Australian aid effectiveness.
While the need to engage law enforcement when establishing harm reduction programs was well documented, little was known about the impact or influence of harm reduction programs on policy and practices of law enforcement agencies. The LEHRN Project provided the opportunity to assess the impact of harm reduction programs on law enforcement in Southeast Asia, with a focus on Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR.
Harm reduction in Cambodia: a disconnect between policy and practice
Authors: Chheng Kannarath , Leang Supheap , Thomson Nick , Moore Timothy , Crofts Nick 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
In 2003 the Government of Cambodia officially began to recognise that harm reduction was an essential approach to preventing HIV among people who use drugs and their sexual partners. Several programs aiming to control and prevent HIV among drug users have been implemented in Cambodia, mostly in the capital, Phnom Penh. However, there have been ongoing tensions between law enforcement and harm reduction actors, despite several advocacy efforts targeting law enforcement. This study attempts to better understand the implementation of harm reduction in Cambodia and how the policy environment and harm reduction program implementation has intersected with the role of law enforcement officials in Cambodia.
The optimized acupuncture treatment for neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis: a study protocol of a multicentre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liang Zhao-Hui , Di Zhong , Jiang Shuo , Xu Shu-Jun , Zhu Xiao-Ping , Fu Wen-Bin , Lu Ai-Ping 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Neck pain is one of the chief symptoms of cervical spondylosis (CS). Acupuncture is a well-accepted and widely used complementary therapy for the management of neck pain caused by CS. In this paper, we present a randomized controlled trial protocol evaluating the use of acupuncture for CS neck pain, comparing the effects of the optimized acupuncture therapy in real practice compared with sham and shallow acupuncture.

Methods/Design
This trial uses a multicentre, parallel-group, randomized, sham acupuncture and shallow acupuncture, controlled single-blind design. Nine hospitals are involved as trial centres. 945 patients who meet inclusion criteria are randomly assigned to receive optimized acupuncture therapy, sham acupuncture or shallow acupuncture by a computerized central randomization system. The interventions past for 4 weeks with eight to ten treatments in total. The group allocations and interventions are concealed to patients and statisticians. The Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) is used as the primary outcome measure, and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and The Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) are applied as secondary outcome measures. The evaluation is performed at baseline, at the end of the intervention, and at the end of the first month and the third month during follow-up. The statistical analyses will include baseline data comparison and repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) for primary and secondary outcomes of group and time differences. Adverse events (AEs) will be reported if they occur.

Discussion
This trial is a multicentre randomized control trial (RCT) on the efficacy of acupuncture for CS neck pain and has a large sample size and central randomization in China. It will strictly follow the CONSORT statement and STRICTA extension guideline to report high-quality study results. By setting the control groups as sham and shallow acupuncture, this study attempts to reveal the effects of real acupuncture versus placebo or non-classic acupuncture treatment and evaluate whether classic Chinese medical acupuncture is effective on CS neck pain. This study will provide evidence for the effects of acupuncture on CS neck pain.

Trial Registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-TRC-00000184.
The strategies that peanut and nut‐allergic consumers employ to remain safe when travelling abroad
Authors: Barnett Julie , Botting Neil , Gowland M Hazel , Lucas Jane S 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundAn understanding of the management strategies used by food allergic individuals is needed as a prerequisite to improving avoidance and enhancing quality of life. Travel abroad is a high risk time for severe and fatal food allergic reactions, but there is paucity of research concerning foreign travel. This study is the first to investigate the experiences of, and strategies used by peanut and tree nut allergic individuals when travelling abroad.MethodsThirty‐two adults with a clinical history of reaction to peanuts or tree nuts consistent with IgE‐mediated allergy participated in a qualitative interview study.ResultsTravel abroad was considered difficult with inherent risks for allergic individuals. Many participants recounted difficulties with airlines or restaurants. Inconsistency in managing allergen avoidance by airlines was a particular risk and a cause of frustration to participants. Individuals used a variety of strategies to remain safe including visiting familiar environments, limiting their activities, carrying allergy information cards in the host language, preparing their own food and staying close to medical facilities.ConclusionsParticipants used a variety of allergen avoidance strategies, which were mostly extensions or modifications of the strategies that they use when eating at home or eating‐out in the UK. The extended strategies reflected their recognition of enhanced risk during travel abroad. Their risk assessments and actions were generally well informed and appropriate. A need for airline policy regarding allergy to be declared and adhered to is needed, as is more research to quantify the true risks of airborne allergens in the cabin. Recommendations arising from our study are presented.
Evaluating joint-space narrowing and cartilage loss in rheumatoid arthritis by using MRI
Authors: Peterfy Charles G , DiCarlo Julie C , Olech Ewa , Bagnard Maire-Agnes , Gabriele Annarita , Gaylis Norman 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be superior to radiography (XR) for assessing synovitis, osteitis, and bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly in clinical trials. However, relatively little has been reported on the ability of MRI to evaluate articular cartilage loss, or joint-space narrowing (JSN), in the hands and wrists. In a previous study, we adapted the nine-point Genant-modified Sharp XR-JSN score for use with MRI (MRI-JSN). In this study, we compare MRI-JSN with XR-JSN by using images from two multicenter clinical trials.

Methods
Baseline XR and 1.5-Tesla MR images of one hand and wrist from each of 47 subjects with RA enrolled in one of two multicenter clinical trials were evaluated by using the XR-JSN and MRI-JSN methods by a single radiologist experienced in the two methods. Radiographs and MR images were read independently on different occasions.

Results
In total, 575 of 611 joints were compared (one metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb and 35 proximal interphalangeal joints were outside the MRI field of view and could not be assessed). The 22 (47%) subjects showed JSN with both XR and MRI, and 25 (53%) subjects showed no JSN with either method. No subject showed JSN with only one or the other method. MRI showed high agreement with XR (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.83). Sensitivity of MRI for JSN, by using XR as the gold standard, was 0.94; specificity was 0.91; accuracy was 0.91; positive predictive value was 0.64; and negative predictive value was 0.99.

Conclusions
This validation exercise suggests that MRI JSN scoring may offer a viable alternative to XR JSN scoring in multicenter clinical trials of RA. However, the relative longitudinal sensitivity of MRI to change and the ability to discriminate therapeutic effect on JSN were not evaluated in this study.
Reflections on the Oral Traditions of the Nterapo of the Salaga Area
Authors: Okoro J. Ako 
Published: July 2012

This paper presents initial thoughts on the historical, linguistic, and archeological significance of the oral traditions of Nterapo communities in the Salaga area. As members of a minority, and a commoner group in the Gonja traditional sociopolitical system, the Nterapo have not been recognized as relevant as the Nchumuru and Nawuri, who have been highlighted in historical works as autochthones. Historians, cultural anthropologists, and archeologists on Gonja have often failed to identify the Nterapo as being critical for research.The Nterapo represent a group whose history goes beyond the time of the introduction of Gonja rule in the Volta Basin from the sixteenth century. There is reason to think that the wars of Gonja expansion in the second half of the sixteenth century were particularly brutal ones, in which well-trained cavalry were pitted against local peasantries poorly equipped to withstand the invaders (Wilks et al. 1986:15). Despite this, the Nterapo survived the invasion by accepting and adapting to the process of state formation and emergence of greater sociopolitical complexity in east Gonja. The settlement history and cultural lifeways of the Nterapo can provide insights for the production of premises, conceptual frameworks, and methodological approaches that would create a deeper understanding of human experience in the Salaga area.Historical method is a systematic body of principles for gathering, critically examining, and presenting the source material of history (Garraghan 1946:33). Written accounts and the spoken word are two important sources of historical information used for historical, anthropological, and archeological research and writing.
Are Unpublished Sources Best? Reflections on a Seventeenth-Century Dutch Source
Authors: Jones Adam 
Published: July 2012

In his excellent edition of the abortive Dutch expedition to capture Elmina Castle on the Gold Coast in 1625, Henk den Heijer has transcribed from records in the Algemeen Rijksarchief the journal by Admiral Jan Dirksz Lam and the resolutions passed by the ships' council. I was puzzled, however, by his decision not to include the anonymous 13-page pamphlet Waerachtich verhael van den gantsche reyse ghedaen by den eersamen Jan Dircksz Lam…, published in Amsterdam immediately after the fleet's return to the Netherlands in 1626. He includes a facsimile of the title page and mentions my own translation of the section dealing with Sierra Leone, but offers no explanation for not including it. Could it be that he considered the printed document somehow less “primary”—and hence less valuable—than the manuscript(s)?Without wishing to compare both texts in detail, we may look at two examples. In the section on Sierra Leone, where the fleet spent three months, the two sources record a number of things in more or less the same way, albeit in quite different wording: both mention meeting a French yacht from Dieppe, negotiating successfully with the “king” for permission to take water, firewood, limes etc.; both report on a “strange beast” (probably a chimpanzee) which was caught, teased, and eventually thrown overboard. But the pamphlet (pp. 4-8) gives us a wealth of information on the king's appearance (orange stockings, grey hat with orange plumes, etc.), his wives, the military parade he offered in honor of the Dutch, an African interpreter named Herry who had spent a long time in England, and many other topics.
Structure and temperature-dependent phase transitions of lead-free Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–Bi1/2K1/2TiO3–K0.5Na0.5NbO3piezoceramics
Authors: Anton Eva-Maria , Schmitt Ljubomira Ana , Hinterstein Manuel , Trodahl Joe , Kowalski Ben , Jo Wook , Kleebe Hans-Joachim , Rödel Jürgen , Jones Jacob L. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Friction Factor Correlation for Viscoplastic Fluid Flows through Eccentric Elliptical Annular Pipe
Authors: Alegría L. M. , Franco A. T. , Morales R. E. , Negrão C. O. , Martins A. L. , Waldmann A. T. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
In the oil industry, there are many situations where fluid flow in annular spaces ta kes place. During the oil well rotary drilling for instance, the drill bit oscillations change the well cross-section from an expected circular to an elliptic shape. In these cases, the drilling fluid flow through the annular space that is molded between the drill string and the rock formation is a matter of concern s o that the correct eva luation of pressure drop a nd shear stress distribution along the borehole is qu ite important for an appropriate well design. Despite its importance, studies related to non-Newtonian fluid flow through eccentric or even concentric elliptical annuli are not reported in the open literature. Therefore this paper presents an analytical friction factor correlation for viscoplastic fluid flow through two types of elliptical cross-sectional ducts: a concentric elliptical annulus and an eccentric one. The solution is based on the slot flow model of variable height that is validated comparing the results with the literature and with numerical results obtaine d from computational fluid dynamics. Very good agreement for the eccentric annular pipe was obtained from the comparison between the current analytical results and the numerical solutions from the literature. A promising application of the present analytical solution for the eccentric elliptical annular duct flow was found when comparing the results with computational fluid dynamics ones.
Extreme Fast Track: Combined Subsea HPHT Horizontal Production and Exploration Well
Authors: Nelemans Adriaen , Hovland Stein , Haukland Bård , Røsbak André Ivarjord 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
The last well on the Morvin subsea High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) field, located offshore Norway, was a combined production and exploration well. This well had as objective to drill through two known producing reservoirs and then continue drilling whilst dropping into two deeper and unexplored reservoirs.
Drilling conditions on Morvin are very tough due to extremely hard and abrasive sandstone formations combined with long horizontal reservoir sections with temperatures of up to 167° C. Neighbouring wells had been on production for several months causing depletion in the upper formations. This depletion had to be carefully monitored and managed to prevent any losses/well control scenarios.
In order to prove the reservoir fluid system in the exploration part of the well several operations were conducted. These consisted of, amongst others: extensive logging, coring, pressure points and a newly developed formation sampling tool. The results were used to adjust the well path and to decide whether the new formations would be completed, or cemented back.
An HPHT oil and water tracer system was developed to be installed in the completion. The specially developed tracer technology enables the localisation of any possible water or oil producing formations. In addition, blank pipe combined with openhole swell packers were installed between the different formations for zonal isolation. Wireline conveyed bridge plugs give the possibility to plug water produsing zones back.
This paper describes the strategy which was followed, together with the technology that was used, to prove the reservoir fluid system in the exploration part of the well. After assessing all data it was decided to complete both exploration formations. The well was successfully put in production 5 weeks after the exploration part was finished making this an extreme fast track project.