bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Framework for Parameterizing Eddy Potential Vorticity Fluxes
Authors: Marshall David P. , Maddison James R. , Berloff Pavel S. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractA framework for parameterizing eddy potential vorticity fluxes is developed that is consistent with conservation of energy and momentum while retaining the symmetries of the original eddy flux. The framework involves rewriting the residual-mean eddy force, or equivalently the eddy potential vorticity flux, as the divergence of an eddy stress tensor. A norm of this tensor is bounded by the eddy energy, allowing the components of the stress tensor to be rewritten in terms of the eddy energy and nondimensional parameters describing the mean shape and orientation of the eddies. If a prognostic equation is solved for the eddy energy, the remaining unknowns are nondimensional and bounded in magnitude by unity. Moreover, these nondimensional geometric parameters have strong connections with classical stability theory. When applied to the Eady problem, it is shown that the new framework preserves the functional form of the Eady growth rate for linear instability. Moreover, in the limit in which Reynolds stresses are neglected, the framework reduces to a Gent and McWilliams type of eddy closure where the eddy diffusivity can be interpreted as the form proposed by Visbeck et al. Simulations of three-layer wind-driven gyres are used to diagnose the eddy shape and orientations in fully developed geostrophic turbulence. These fields are found to have large-scale structure that appears related to the structure of the mean flow. The eddy energy sets the magnitude of the eddy stress tensor and hence the eddy potential vorticity fluxes. Possible extensions of the framework to ensure potential vorticity is mixed on average are discussed.
Promoting Colorectal Cancer Screening in Public Health Outreach Campaigns
Authors: Schneider Tamera R. , Feufel Markus A. , Berkel Hans J. 
Published: November 2011

Objective: Research on public outreach campaigns is presented. Background: One study examines the effects of instruction design on adherence to cancer self-screening instructions. A second study examines the effect of persuasive announcements on increasing screening campaign participation. Method: The first study examined adherence to screening (operationalized as returning results for evaluation) given standard instructions, or one of three other versions: persuasive, human factored, or a combination of the two. The second study investigated combining persuasion with a campaign announcement to increase participation (operationalized as picking up a test kit). Results: The first study found that among first-time participants, the persuasive and human-factored instructions evoked higher result return rates than did the standard. The second study found that participation was significantly increased by adding persuasion to the campaign announcement. Conclusion: Enhancing motivation and reducing cognitive barriers increase adherence to test instructions and increase participation. Application: These are simple, cost-effective strategies that increase adherence to cancer screening in public outreach campaigns, which may reduce cancer-specific mortality.
Evolutionary relationships and diversification of barhl genes within retinal cell lineages
Authors: Schuhmacher Laura-Nadine , Albadri Shahad , Ramialison Mirana , Poggi Lucia 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Basic helix-loop-helix and homeodomain transcription factors have been shown to specify all different neuronal cell subtypes composing the vertebrate retina. The appearance of gene paralogs of such retina-specific transcription factors in lower vertebrates, with differently evolved function and/or conserved non-coding elements, might provide an important source for the generation of neuronal diversity within the vertebrate retinal architecture. In line with this hypothesis, we investigated the evolution of the homeobox Barhl family of transcription factors, barhl1 and barhl2, in the teleost and tetrapod lineages. In tetrapod barhl2, but not barhl1, is expressed in the retina and is important for amacrine cell specification. Zebrafish has three barhl paralogs: barhl1.1, barhl1.2 and barhl2, but their precise spatio-temporal retinal expression, as well as their function is yet unknown.

Results
Here we performed a meticulous expression pattern comparison of all known barhl fish paralogs and described a novel barhl paralog in medaka. Our detailed analysis of zebrafish barhl gene expression in wild type and mutant retinas revealed that only barhl1.2 and barhl2 are present in the retina. We also showed that these two paralogs are expressed in distinct neuronal lineages and are differently regulated by Atoh7, a key retinal-specific transcription factor. Finally, we found that the two retained medaka fish barhl paralogs, barhl1 and barhl2, are both expressed in the retina, in a pattern reminiscent of zebrafish barhl1.2 and barhl2 respectively. By performing phylogenetic and synteny analysis, we provide evidence that barhl retinal expression domain is an ancestral feature, probably lost in tetrapods due to functional redundancy.

Conclusions
Functional differences among retained paralogs of key retina-specific transcription factors between teleosts and tetrapods might provide important clues for understanding their potential impact on the generation of retinal neuronal diversity. Intriguingly, within teleosts, retention of zebrafish barhl1.2 and its medaka ortholog barhl1 appears to correlate with the acquisition of distinct signalling mechanisms by the two genes within distinct retinal cell lineages. Our findings provide a starting point for the study of barhl gene evolution in relation to the generation of cell diversity in the vertebrate retina.
Folate network genetic variation, plasma homocysteine, and global genomic methylation content: a genetic association study
Authors: Wernimont Susan M , Clark Andrew G , Stover Patrick J , Wells Martin T , Litonjua Augusto A , Weiss Scott T , Gaziano J Michael , Tucker Katherine L , Baccarelli Andrea , Schwartz Joel , Bollati Valentina , Cassano Patricia A 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundSequence variants in genes functioning in folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism are hypothesized to lead to changes in levels of homocysteine and DNA methylation, which, in turn, are associated with risk of cardiovascular disease.Methods330 SNPs in 52 genes were studied in relation to plasma homocysteine and global genomic DNA methylation. SNPs were selected based on functional effects and gene coverage, and assays were completed on the Illumina Goldengate platform. Age-, smoking-, and nutrient-adjusted genotype--phenotype associations were estimated in regression models.ResultsUsing a nominal P ≤ 0.005 threshold for statistical significance, 20 SNPs were associated with plasma homocysteine, 8 with Alu methylation, and 1 with LINE-1 methylation. Using a more stringent false discovery rate threshold, SNPs inFTCD,SLC19A1, andSLC19A3genes remained associated with plasma homocysteine. Gene by vitamin B-6 interactions were identified for both Alu and LINE-1 methylation, and epistatic interactions with theMTHFRrs1801133 SNP were identified for the plasma homocysteine phenotype. Pleiotropy involving theMTHFD1LandSARDHgenes for both plasma homocysteine and Alu methylation phenotypes was identified.ConclusionsNo single gene was associated with all three phenotypes, and the set of the most statistically significant SNPs predictive of homocysteine or Alu or LINE-1 methylation was unique to each phenotype. Genetic variation in folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism, other than the well-known effects of theMTHFRc.665C>T (known as c.677 C>T, rs1801133, p.Ala222Val), is predictive of cardiovascular disease biomarkers.
Characterization of a novel PTEN mutation in MDA-MB-453 breast carcinoma cell line
Authors: Singh Gobind , Odriozola Leticia , Guan Hong , Kennedy Colin R , Chan Andrew M 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Cowden Syndrome (CS) patients with germ line point mutations in the PTEN gene are at high risk for developing breast cancer. It is believed that cells harboring these mutant PTEN alleles are predisposed to malignant conversion. This article will characterize the biochemical and biological properties of a mutant PTEN protein found in a commonly used metastatic breast cancer cell line.

Methods
The expression of PTEN in human breast carcinoma cell lines was evaluated by Western blotting analysis. Cell line MDA-MB-453 was selected for further analysis. Mutation analysis of the PTEN gene was carried out using DNA isolated from MDA-MB-453. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate a PTEN E307K mutant cDNA and ectopic expressed in PC3, U87MG, MCF7 and Pten
-/- mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFS). Histidine (His)-tagged PTEN fusion protein was generated in Sf9 baculovirus expression system. Lipid phosphatase and ubiquitination assays were carried out to characterize the biochemical properties of PTEN E307K mutant. The intracellular localization of PTEN E307K was determined by subcellular fractionation experiments. The ability of PTEN E307K to alter cell growth, migration and apoptosis was analyzed in multiple PTEN-null cell lines.

Results
We found a mutation in the PTEN gene at codon 307 in MDA-MB-453 cell line. The glutamate (E) to lysine (K) substitution rendered the mutant protein to migrate with a faster mobility on SDS-PAGE gels. Biochemically, the PTEN E307K mutant displayed similar lipid phosphatase and growth suppressing activities when compared to wild-type (WT) protein. However, the PTEN E307K mutant was present at higher levels in the membrane fraction and suppressed Akt activation to a greater extent than the WT protein. Additionally, the PTEN E307K mutant was polyubiquitinated to a greater extent by NEDD4-1 and displayed reduced nuclear localization. Finally, the PTEN E307K mutant failed to confer chemosensitivity to cisplatinum when re-expressed in Pten
-/- MEFS.

Conclusions
Mutation at codon 307 in PTEN C2 loop alters its subcellular distribution with greater membrane localization while being excluded from the cell nucleus. This mutation may predispose breast epithelial cells to malignant transformation. Also, tumor cells harboring this mutation may be less susceptible to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutics.
A web-based appointment system to reduce waiting for outpatients: A retrospective study
Authors: Cao Wenjun , Wan Yi , Tu Haibo , Shang Fujun , Liu Danhong , Tan Zhijun , Sun Caihong , Ye Qing , Xu Yongyong 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundLong waiting times for registration to see a doctor is problematic in China, especially in tertiary hospitals. To address this issue, a web-based appointment system was developed for the Xijing hospital. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the web-based appointment system in the registration service for outpatients.MethodsData from the web-based appointment system in Xijing hospital from January to December 2010 were collected using a stratified random sampling method, from which participants were randomly selected for a telephone interview asking for detailed information on using the system. Patients who registered through registration windows were randomly selected as a comparison group, and completed a questionnaire on-site.ResultsA total of 5641 patients using the online booking service were available for data analysis. Of them, 500 were randomly selected, and 369 (73.8%) completed a telephone interview. Of the 500 patients using the usual queuing method who were randomly selected for inclusion in the study, responses were obtained from 463, a response rate of 92.6%. Between the two registration methods, there were significant differences in age, degree of satisfaction, and total waiting time (P< 0.001). However, gender, urban residence, and valid waiting time showed no significant differences (P> 0.05). Being ignorant of online registration, not trusting the internet, and a lack of ability to use a computer were three main reasons given for not using the web-based appointment system. The overall proportion of non-attendance was 14.4% for those using the web-based appointment system, and the non-attendance rate was significantly different among different hospital departments, day of the week, and time of the day (P< 0.001).ConclusionCompared to the usual queuing method, the web-based appointment system could significantly increase patient's satisfaction with registration and reduce total waiting time effectively. However, further improvements are needed for broad use of the system.
Protection against Fas-induced fulminant hepatic failure in liver specific integrin linked kinase knockout mice
Authors: Donthamsetty Shashikiran , Mars Wendy M , Orr Anne , Wu Chuanyue , Michalopoulos George K 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Programmed cell death or apoptosis is an essential process for tissue homeostasis. Hepatocyte apoptosis is a common mechanism to many forms of liver disease. This study was undertaken to test the role of ILK in hepatocyte survival and response to injury using a Jo-2-induced apoptosis model.

Methods
For survival experiments, ILK KO and WT mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of the agonistic anti-Fas monoclonal antibody Jo-2 at the lethal dose (0.4 μg/g body weight) or sublethal dose (0.16 μg/g body weight). For further mechanistic studies sublethal dose of Fas monoclonal antibody was chosen.

Results
There was 100% mortality in the WT mice as compared to 50% in the KO mice. We also found that hepatocyte specific ILK KO mice (integrin linked kinase) died much later than WT mice after challenge with a lethal dose of Fas agonist Jo-2. At sublethal dose of Jo-2, there was 20% mortality in KO mice with minimal apoptosis whereas WT mice developed extensive apoptosis and liver injury leading to 70% mortality due to liver failure at 12 h. Proteins known to be associated with cell survival/death were differentially expressed in the 2 groups. In ILK KO mice there was downregulation of proapoptotic genes and upregulation of antiapoptotic genes.

Conclusions
Mechanistic insights revealed that pro-survival pathways such as Akt, ERK1/2, and NFkB signaling were upregulated in the ILK KO mice. Inhibition of only NFkB and ERK1/2 signaling led to an increase in the susceptibility of ILK KO hepatocytes to Jo-2-induced apoptosis. These studies suggest that ILK elimination from hepatocytes protects against Jo-2 induced apoptosis by upregulating survival pathways. FAK decrease may also play a role in this process. The results presented show that the signaling effects of ILK related to these functions are mediated in part mediated through NFkB and ERK1/2 signaling.
The effect of exercise training on left ventricular function in young elite athletes
Authors: De Luca Alessio , Stefani Laura , Pedrizzetti Gianni , Pedri Stefano , Galanti Giorgio 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Regular training, in particular endurance exercise, induces structural myocardial adaptation, so-called "athlete's heart". In addition to the 2D standard echo parameters, assessment of myocardial function is currently possible by deformation parameters (strain, rotation and twist). Aim of study is to assess the role of rotation and twist parameters for better characterize the heart performance in trained elite young athletes from different kind of sports. Eventually, verify early on any possible impact due to the regular sport activity not revealed by the standard parameters.

Methods
50 young athletes (16 cyclists, 17 soccer players, 17 basket players) regularly trained at least three times a week for at least 9 months a year and 10 young controls (mean age 18.5 ± 0.5 years) were evaluated either by to 2D echocardiography or by a Speckle Tracking (ST) multi-layer approach to calculate Left Ventricle (LV) endocardial and epicardial rotation, twist, circumferential strain (CS) and longitudinal strain (LS). Data were compared by ANOVA test.

Results
All the found values were within the normal range. Left Ventricle Diastolic Diameter (LVDD 51.7 ± 2.6 mm), Cardiac Mass index (CMi 114.5 ± 18.5 g/m2), epi-CS, epi-LS, epicardial apex rotation and the Endo/Epi twist were significantly higher only in cyclists. In all the groups, a physiological difference of the Endo/Epi basal circumferential strain and twist values have been found. A weak but not significant relationship between the Endo and twist values and LVDD (r2 = 0.44, p = .005) and CMi was also reported in cyclists.

Conclusions
Progressive increase of apical LV twist may represent an important component of myocardial remodelling. This aspect is particularly evident in the young cyclists group where the CMi and the LVDD are higher. ST multilayer approach completes the LV performance evaluation in young trained athletes showing values similar to adults.
Mass spectrometry based on a coupled Cooper-pair box and nanomechanical resonator system
Authors: Jiang Cheng , Chen Bin , Li Jin-Jin , Zhu Ka-Di 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Nanomechanical resonators (NRs) with very high frequency have a great potential formass sensing with unprecedented sensitivity. In this study, we propose a scheme formass sensing based on the NR capacitively coupled to a Cooper-pair box (CPB) drivenby two microwave currents. The accreted mass landing on the resonator can be measuredconveniently by tracking the resonance frequency shifts because of mass changes inthe signal absorption spectrum. We demonstrate that frequency shifts induced byadsorption of ten 1587 bp DNA molecules can be well resolved in the absorptionspectrum. Integration with the CPB enables capacitive readout of the mechanicalresonance directly on the chip.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among horses in Tunisia
Authors: Boughattas Sonia , Bergaoui Ramzi , Essid Rym , Aoun Karim , Bouratbine Aida 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe present study was conducted to investigate the serological survey ofToxoplasmaantibodies in local.horses from three major regions: a neighbourhood of a city in the North (Sidi Thabet), a neighbourhood of a city on the coast (Monastir) and a neighbourhood of a city in the middle (Battan) of Tunisia (North of Africa).MethodsA total of 158 serum samples were obtained from clinically healthy horses which consisted of 111 (32 female, 79 male) 2-10 years old and 47 (11 female, 36 male) older than 10 years. All of the horses were tested for antibodies toT. gondiiusing the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT).ResultsAccording to MAT results, antibodies toT. gondiiwere found in 28 (17.7%) of 158 sera with the titers of 1:20 in 20 horses, 1:40 in 1 horse, 1:80 in 2 horses, 1:160 in 2 horses, 1:320 in 1 horse and ≥1:640 in 2 horses. Anti-T. gondiiantibodies were found in 18 (16.2%) of 111 horses (2-10 years old) and 10 (21.2%) of 47 horses (older than 10 years old). Six (13.9%) out of 43 female had anti-toxoplasma antibodies and 22 (19.1%) from 115 males remained positive.ConclusionStatistically significant differences in age groups and genders were observed between the seropositive and seronegative horses using the Chi square X(2) test. Other statistical correlation was also reported concerning horse breed.
Effects of cyclin-dependent kinase 8 specific siRNA on the proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells
Authors: He Song-Bing , Yuan Yin , Wang Lei , Yu Min-Jing , Zhu Yi-Bei , Zhu Xing-Guo 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
To investigate the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) and β-catenin in colon cancer and evaluate the role of CDK8 in the proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression of colon cancer cells, especially in HCT116 cell line.

Methods
Colon cancer cell line HCT116 was transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting on CDK8. After CDK8-siRNA transfection, mRNA and protein expression levels of CDK8 and β-catenin were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot assay in HCT116 cells. Cell proliferation was measured by 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide Methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry analysis (FACS). CDK8 and β-catenin protein levels were also examined by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in colon cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues.

Results
After CDK8 specific siRNA transfection, mRNA and protein expression levels of CDK8 and β-catenin in HCT116 cells were noticeably decreased (P < 0.05). CDK8 specific siRNA transfection inhibited HCT116 cells' proliferation and facilitated their apoptosis significantly (P < 0.05). In addition, the proportion of HCT116 cells in the G0/G1 phase was remarkably increased after CDK8-siRNA transfection (P < 0.05). The expression levels of CDK8 and β-catenin in adjacent normal tissues were lower than in tumor tissues (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of CDK8 was correlated with the expression of β-catenin in both tumor and adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
CDK8 and β-catenin were expressed in colon cancer at a high frequency. CDK8 specific siRNA transfection down-regulated the expression of CDK8 in colon cancer cells, which was also associated with a decrease in the expression of β-catenin Moreover, CDK8 specific siRNA inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer cells, promoted their apoptosis and arrested these cells in the G0/G1 phase. Interference of CDK8 might be an effective strategy through β-catenin regulation of colon cancer.
Estimation of stature from the foot and its segments in a sub‐adult female population of North India
Authors: Krishan Kewal , Kanchan Tanuj , Passi Neelam 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundEstablishing personal identity is one of the main concerns in forensic investigations. Estimation of stature forms a basic domain of the investigation process in unknown and co‐mingled human remains in forensic anthropology case work. The objective of the present study was to set up standards for estimation of stature from the foot and its segments in a sub‐adult female population.MethodsThe sample for the study constituted 149 young females from the Northern part of India. The participants were aged between 13 and 18 years. Besides stature, seven anthropometric measurements that included length of the foot from each toe (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 respectively), foot breadth at ball (BBAL) and foot breadth at heel (BHEL) were measured on both feet in each participant using standard methods and techniques.ResultsThe results indicated that statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between left and right feet occur in both the foot breadth measurements (BBAL and BHEL). Foot length measurements (T1 to T5 lengths) did not show any statistically significant bilateral asymmetry. The correlation between stature and all the foot measurements was found to be positive and statistically significant (p‐value < 0.001). Linear regression models and multiple regression models were derived for estimation of stature from the measurements of the foot. The present study indicates that anthropometric measurements of foot and its segments are valuable in the estimation of stature. Foot length measurements estimate stature with greater accuracy when compared to foot breadth measurements.ConclusionsThe present study concluded that foot measurements have a strong relationship with stature in the sub‐adult female population of North India. Hence, the stature of an individual can be successfully estimated from the foot and its segments using different regression models derived in the study. The regression models derived in the study may be applied successfully for the estimation of stature in sub‐adult females, whenever foot remains are brought for forensic examination. Stepwise multiple regression models tend to estimate stature more accurately than linear regression models in female sub‐adults.