bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Giving and Withholding of Information following Genomic Screening: Challenges Identified in a Study of Primary Care Physicians in Estonia
Authors: Leitsalu Liis , Hercher Laura , Metspalu Andres 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe use of predictive genomic information to improve medical care remains a contentious topic. However, it is generally agreed that the potential of genomics to improve medicine relies on medical care providers’ ability to effectively communicate and put in context the meaning of test results. As the amount of information available increasingly outstrips providers’ ability to offer qualified judgments on what the information means, consumers inevitably will be faced with test results of uncertain significance, as well as difficult questions about what they do or do not wish to know. Results of this survey of 64 primary care doctors in Estonia suggests that it may be inherently difficult for physicians to withhold genetic information obtained by genome scans or sequencing, even when they believe that having that information is not in the best interests of their patient. The descriptive data suggest introducing genomic medicine through primary care physicians, as proposed by the Estonian Genome Center of the University of Tartu, will require further genetics education as well as a carefully developed set of guidelines for determining where, when and how to use test results.
Involvement of Liver X Receptor Alpha in Histone Modifications Across the Target Fatty Acid Synthase Gene
Authors: Yu Huihong , Wu Jinfeng , Yang Mei , Guo Jinjun , Zheng Lili , Peng Mingli , Zhang Qin , Xiang Yingxia , Cao Jie , Shen Wei 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has been shown to regulate the expression of the fatty acid synthase (FAS) gene through direct interaction with the FAS promoter. However, its regulation of gene expression is not completely understood. Histone modifications and chromatin remodeling are closely linked to transcriptional activation of genes. In the present study, we examined the effect of LXRα activation or silencing on histone modifications (i.e., acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation) across the FAS gene, with the aim to investigate whether LXRα could regulate its target gene expression at the epigenetic level. The addition of LXR agonist T0901317 or ectopic expression of LXRα stimulated the FAS transcription, which was coupled with increased levels of histones H3 and H4 acetylation and H3 phosphorylation and methylation at the LXR response element (LXRE). LXR ligation or overexpression induced distinct histone modification patterns at the distal region 2,272 bp upstream from the transcription start site (TSS) and TSS of the FAS gene. Moreover, RNA interference‐mediated downregulation of LXRα impaired the histone acetylation and methylation but not phosphorylation on the FAS gene. In conclusion, we provide evidence that LXRα ligation‐mediated transcriptional activation of the FAS gene is associated with LXRα‐dependent histone acetylation and methylation rather than phosphorylation on this target gene.
Cloud management
Authors: Cook Nigel , Milojicic Dejan , Talwar Vanish 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Cloud computing offers a number of benefits, such as elasticity with the perception of unlimited resources, self-service, on-demand, automation, etc. However, these benefits create new requirements for management of cloud computing. On the back-end, economic limitations dictate careful consolidation of servers with clear sustainability analysis; managed levels of abstractions are higher (from hardware, to VMs, to services); and reliability, availability, and supportability are built into higher levels of systems and services. On the client-side, cloud services have to be easy to use/manage, perform well, and be reliable. On both sides, geographical distribution and its implications on business continuity is a rule rather than exception; scalability is built-in by design; and QoS is still being defined. In this paper, we discuss new requirements and approaches to cloud management. We present a few examples of cloud management for private, public, and HPC clouds. Based on these, we derive conclusions about manageability of current platforms and then make predictions about the research challenges of future cloud management. We expect these findings to help designers of next generation hardware and software platforms to develop more manageable systems and solutions.
Brief report: A family risk study exploring bipolar spectrum problems and cognitive biases in adolescent children of bipolar parents
Authors: Espie Jonathan , Jones Steven H. , Vance Yvonne H. , Tai Sara J. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTChildren of parents with bipolar disorder are at increased risk of bipolar spectrum diagnoses. This cross‐sectional study explores cognitive factors in the prediction of vulnerability to bipolar disorder. Adolescents at high‐risk (with a parent with bipolar disorder; n = 23) and age and gender matched adolescents (n = 24) were recruited. Parent and adolescent diagnoses were evaluated (SCID and SADS‐L). Adolescents completed self‐report measures assessing attributional style (ASQ), appraisal of hypomania‐relevant experiences (HIQ), and hypomanic personality/temperament (HPS). Despite limitations in the power of the study, significantly more adolescents at high‐risk for disorder received bipolar spectrum diagnoses. Groups did not differ in attributional style, hypomanic temperament or appraisals of hypomania‐relevant experiences. A trend in ASQ results and general implications are discussed. The current study suggests that familial risk of bipolar disorder is not inevitably associated with cognitive biases in adolescence.
Bassar: a quantified, chronologically controlled, regional approach to a traditional iron production centre in West Africa
Authors: de Barros Philip 
Published: December 2011

Opening ParagraphUntil quite recently little was known about the output of traditional ironworking centres in sub-Saharan Africa. Although some estimates were made for a few centres by colonial administrators and agents, the reliability of many of these figures is doubtful (see Pole, 1983; de Barros, 1985: 270–71) and some of the more interesting data still lie buried in colonial archives. The first serious scholarly attempt at quantification of precolonial African iron production was made by Warnier and Fowler (1979) who investigated iron production in the Iron Belt of the Cameroon grasslands, particularly that associated with the nineteenthcentury Babungo chiefdom. Since then Goucher (1981, 1984) and Pole (1983), and to a lesser extent Haaland (1980), have provided some important quantitative data regarding both large and small iron working centres in West Africa.
The Amu Legacy
Authors: Agawu Kofi 
Published: December 2011

AbstractEphraim Amu, 1899–1995, was the leading Ghanaian composer of ‘art music’ (the music of concerts, churches, schools and formal performance). This article is both a brief appreciation of the man as his ideas, personal practice and musical style developed over the years, and an account of the influence Ephraim Amu exercised over Ghanaian musical life.
The Grey seal ‘problem’ in the Outer Hebrides
Authors: Summers C. F. , Harwood J. 
Published: December 2011

SynopsisThe growth of the Hebridean Grey seal population is described and its probable causes are discussed. The status of the Hebridean assemblies, in relation to those at North Rona and Orkney is reassessed on the basis of recent evidence supporting the hypothesis that there is considerable mixing of breeding individuals throughout Scotland. Consideration of the consequences of the population growth with regard to fisheries, conservation and commercial sealing prompted an investigation of the efficacy of different management strategies which might be used to adjust the population to a level at which it can be maintained.
Environmental characterization of the Outer Hebrides
Authors: Jeffers J. N. R. 
Published: December 2011

SynopsisPreliminary stratification of the Outer Hebrides provides a basis for new surveys, and can be developed from the information held in the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology's Terrestrial Environment Information System. Characterizations of the area by environmental variables at various scales indicate several distinctive stratifications with predictive capabilities and suggest possible topics for future survey and research.
Identifying bubble collapse in a hydrothermal system using hidden Markov models
Authors: Dawson Phillip B. , Benítez M. C. , Lowenstern Jacob B. , Chouet Bernard A. 
Published: December 2011

Beginning in July 2003 and lasting through September 2003, the Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park exhibited an unusual increase in ground temperature and hydrothermal activity. Using hidden Markov model theory, we identify over five million high‐frequency (>15 Hz) seismic events observed at a temporary seismic station deployed in the basin in response to the increase in hydrothermal activity. The source of these seismic events is constrained to within ∼100 m of the station, and produced ∼3500–5500 events per hour with mean durations of ∼0.35–0.45 s. The seismic event rate, air temperature, hydrologic temperatures, and surficial water flow of the geyser basin exhibited a marked diurnal pattern that was closely associated with solar thermal radiance. We interpret the source of the seismicity to be due to the collapse of small steam bubbles in the hydrothermal system, with the rate of collapse being controlled by surficial temperatures and daytime evaporation rates.
Impact of Co-Occurring Birth Defects on the Timing of Newborn Hearing Screening and Diagnosis
Authors: Chapman Derek A. , Stampfel Caroline C. , Bodurtha Joann N. , Dodson Kelley M. , Pandya Arti , Lynch Kathleen B. , Kirby Russell S. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose
Early detection of hearing loss in all newborns and timely intervention are critical to children’s cognitive, verbal, behavioral, and social development. The initiation of appropriate early intervention services before 6 months of age can prevent or reduce negative developmental consequences. The purpose of this study was to assess, using large, population-based registries, the effect of co-occurring birth defects (CBDs) on the timing and overall rate of hearing screening and diagnosis.

Method
The authors linked statewide data from newborn hearing screenings, a birth defects registry, and birth certificates to assess the timeliness of newborn hearing screening and diagnosis of hearing loss (HL) for infants with and without CBDs in 485 children with confirmed HL.

Results
Nearly one third (31.5%) of children with HL had 1 or more CBDs. The presence of CBDs prolonged the time of the initial infant hearing screening, which contributed to further delays in the subsequent diagnosis of HL.

Conclusions
Better coordination of HL assessment into treatment plans for children with CBDs may enable earlier diagnosis of HL and provide opportunities for intervention that will affect long-term developmental outcomes for these children.
Emergency Vaccination to Control Foot‐and‐mouth Disease: Implications of its Inclusion as a U.S. Policy Option
Authors: Hagerman Amy D. , McCarl Bruce A. , Carpenter Tim E. , Ward Michael P. , O'Brien Joshua 
Published: December 2011

AbstractEmergency animal vaccination has been used in recent international foot‐and‐mouth disease outbreaks, but current USDA policy favors emergency vaccination use only if standard culling practices alone may not be enough to control spread of the disease. Using simulation modeling, we examine implications of standard culling plus emergency ring vaccination strategies on animal loss and economic welfare loss compared to a standard culling base. Additionally, breakeven risk aversion coefficient analysis is used to examine emergency vaccination as a risk management strategy. Results indicate that response enhanced with emergency vaccination is inferior to standard culling under short diagnostic delays because it causes, on average, greater animal and national economic welfare losses. We find that emergency vaccination does have merit as a risk management strategy, as it can reduce the likelihood of an “extreme” outbreak.
Effects of the long‐term administration of nebivolol on the clinical symptoms, exercise capacity, and left ventricular function of patients with diastolic dysfunction: results of the ELANDD study
Authors: Conraads Viviane M. , Metra Marco , Kamp Otto , De Keulenaer Gilles W. , Pieske Burkert , Zamorano José , Vardas Panos E. , Böhm Michael , Dei Cas Livio 
Published: December 2011

AimsWe hypothesized that nebivolol, a beta‐blocker with nitric oxide‐releasing properties, could favourably affect exercise capacity in patients with heart failure and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFPEF).Methods and resultsA total of 116 subjects with HFPEF, in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II–III, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >45%, and with echo‐Doppler signs of LV diastolic dysfunction, were randomized to 6 months treatment with nebivolol or placebo, following a double‐blind, parallel group design. The primary endpoint of the study was the change in 6 min walk test distance (6MWTD) after 6 months. Nebivolol did not improve 6MWTD (from 420 ±143 to 428 ±141 m with nebivolol vs. from 412 ±123 to 446 ±119 m with placebo, P = 0.004 for interaction) compared with placebo, and the peak oxygen uptake also remained unchanged (peakVO2; from 17.02 ±4.79 to 16.32 ±3.76 mL/kg/min with nebivolol vs. from 17.79 ±5.96 to 18.59 ±5.64 mL/kg/min with placebo, P = 0.63 for interaction). Resting and peak blood pressure and heart rate decreased with nebivolol. A significant correlation was found between the change in peak exercise heart rate and that in peakVO2 (r = 0.391; P = 0.003) for the nebivolol group. Quality of life, assessed using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure™ Questionnaire, and NYHA classification improved to a similar extent in both groups, whereas N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐pro BNP) plasma levels remained unchanged.ConclusionsCompared with placebo, 6 months treatment with nebivolol did not improve exercise capacity in patients with HFPEF. Its negative chronotropic effect may have contributed to this result.
First Report of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2 in a Hybrid Grape ‘Vidal Blanc’ in Missouri
Authors: Lunden S. , Qiu W. 
Published: December 2011

Grapevine leaf roll disease (GLRD) is one of the most prevalent viral diseases in vineyards worldwide. At least 10 Grapevine leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaV-1 to -7, and -9, -10, and -11) are associated with GLRD. GLRaV-2 has a number of distinct isolates that are associated not only with GLRD, but also with graft incompatibility, young vine decline, and rootstock stem lesions. In the United States, GLRaV-2 isolates have been reported in the states of California (4), New York (1), Oregon, and Washington (3). A survey of grapevine viruses was conducted on seven grape cultivars, Norton, Chambourcin, Chardonel, Vignoles, Vidal Blanc, Traminette, and Cayuga White, in a vineyard located at Mountain Grove, MO during the falls of 2009 and 2010 and late summer of 2011. Vines from each cultivar were assigned into three blocks. From each block, six individual vines were randomly selected. Phloem scrapings were collected for detecting viruses by ELISA and reverse-transcription (RT)-PCR. To test for GLRaV-2, a set of primers, GLRaV-2-Forward (5′-GGTGATAACCGACGCCTCTA, nt 6745 to 6764) and GLRaV-2-Reverse (5′-CCTAGCTGACGCAGATTGCT, nt 7268 to 7287), were designed from the coat protein coding region as reported previously (2). GRLaV-2 was detected only in the samples of ‘Vidal Blanc’. The detection of GLRaV-2 was further verified by ELISA using GRLaV-2-specific antisera (Bioreba AG, Reinach, Switzerland). The GLRaV-2-infected ‘Vidal Blanc’ vines did not exhibit visible symptoms. The RT-PCR amplified 543-bp cDNA fragments were isolated from agarose gel and cloned into the pCR2.1 vector (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA). Plasmid DNA was purified from three individual clones and sequenced from both directions. Comparison of the 543-bp sequences showed that the sequences shared 99% nt identity with the corresponding regions of 21 GLRaV-2 isolates, including PMC-083 isolate from Croatia (GenBank Accession No. HM185277), LN isolate from China (GenBank No. FJ786017), SE isolate from Brazil (GenBank No. EU204909), and four isolates from Washington (GenBank Nos. EU760836, 760838, 760843, and 760848). ‘Vidal Blanc’ is a white interspecific hybrid grape. Absence of visible symptoms on this cultivar emphasizes the importance of planting certified grapevines that have been indexed for viruses. Discovery of GLRaV-2 in asymptomatic white grape cultivars will warn growers on the potential damages and epidemics of GLRD in Midwest vineyards and promote planting clean grapevines. To our knowledge, this is the first report of GLRaV-2 in grapevines in Missouri. References: (1) M. Fuchs et al. Plant Dis. 93:395, 2009. (2) G. Gambino and I. Gribaudo. Phytopathology 96:1223, 2006. (3) R. R. Martin et al. Plant Dis. 89:763, 2005. (4) A. Rowhani et al. Phytopathology (Abstr.) 92:(suppl.):S71, 2002.
Silencing MPK4 in Nicotiana attenuata Enhances Photosynthesis and Seed Production But Compromises Abscisic Acid-Induced Stomatal Closure and Guard Cell-Mediated Resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000
Authors: Hettenhausen Christian , Baldwin Ian T. , Wu Jianqiang 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play pivotal roles in development and environmental interactions in eukaryotes. Here, we studied the function of a MAPK, NaMPK4, in the wild tobacco species Nicotiana attenuata. The NaMPK4-silenced N. attenuata (irNaMPK4) attained somewhat smaller stature, delayed senescence, and greatly enhanced stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate, especially during late developmental stages. All these changes were associated with highly increased seed production. Using leaf epidermal peels, we demonstrate that guard cell closure in irNaMPK4 was strongly impaired in response to abscisic acid and hydrogen peroxide, and consistently, irNaMPK4 plants transpired more water and wilted sooner than did wild-type plants when they were deprived of water. We show that NaMPK4 plays an important role in the guard cell-mediated defense against a surface-deposited bacterial pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato (Pst) DC3000; in contrast, when bacteria directly entered leaves by pressure infiltration, NaMPK4 was found to be less important in the resistance to apoplast-located Pst DC3000. Moreover, we show that salicylic acid was not involved in the defense against PstDC3000 in wild-type and irNaMPK4 plants once it had entered leaf tissue. Finally, we provide evidence that NaMPK4 functions differently from AtMPK4 and AtMPK11 in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), despite their sequence similarities, suggesting a complex functional divergence of MAPKs in different plant lineages. This work highlights the multifaceted functions of NaMPK4 in guard cells and underscores its role in mediating various ecologically important traits.
Venous access and care: harnessing pragmatics in harm reduction for people who inject drugs
Authors: Harris Magdalena , Rhodes Tim 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTAim  To explore the facilitators of long‐term hepatitis C avoidance among people who inject drugs.Design  We employed a qualitative life history design.Setting  Recruitment took place through low‐threshold drug services and drug user networks in South East and North London. Participants were interviewed at the recruitment services or in their homes.Participants  The sample comprised 35 people who inject drugs, 20 of whom were hepatitis C antibody‐negative. Participants' average injecting trajectory was 19 years (6–33), with 66% primarily injecting heroin, and 34% a crack and heroin mix. Nine (26%) of the sample were female and the average age was 39 years (23–53).Measurements  Two interviews were conducted with each participant, with the second interview incorporating reference to a computer‐constructed life history time‐line. Interview accounts were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.Findings  Hepatitis C risk awareness was recent and deprioritized by the majority of participants. The facilitation of venous access and care was an initial and enduring rationale for safe injecting practices. Difficult venous access resulted in increased contamination of injecting environments and transitions to femoral injecting. Participants expressed an unmet desire for non‐judgemental venous access information and advice.Conclusions  Harm reduction interventions which attend to the immediate priorities of people who inject drugs, such as venous access and care, have the potential to re‐engage individuals who are jaded or confused by hepatitis C prevention messages.
Patch use behaviour of Elephantulus myurus and Micaelamys namaquensis: the role of diet, foraging substrates and escape substrates
Authors: Abu Baker Mohammad A. , Brown Joel S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWe investigated the role of diet and substrate features in the coexistence and habitat affinities of the rock elephant shrew, Elephantulus myurus, and the Namaqua mouse, Micaelamys namaquensis. We measured giving‐up densities at experimental food patches that varied in foraging substrate, escape substrate surrounding the food patch and food type. In terms of food consumption, E. myurus favoured pebble (63% total harvest) over sand and sawdust, whereas M. namaquensis favoured foraging in sand (48% total harvest) over sawdust (29%) and pebbles (23%). Mealworms comprised most of E. myurus’s harvest, and M. namaquensis harvested seeds the most, followed by alfalfa and mealworms. In terms of escape substrates, M. namaquensis had significantly higher GUDs when the food patch was surrounded by tussocks of sedge (average 28.11 seeds/patch) than rock surfaces (17.41) or by bush/crevice (14.36). In conjunction with morphologic adaptations, E. myurus detects and recovers food using its snout and long tongue, and M. namaquensis digs and handles foods with its forepaws. The different foraging preferences of E. myurus and M. namaquensis suggest that the interaction of substrates with food types characterize their niches and promote coexistence. Elephantulus myurus travelled greater distances, whereas M. namaquensis was selective for microhabitats offering refuge or traction.
Molecular genetic characterization of ovine CSN1S2 variants C and D reveal further important variability within CSN1S2
Authors: Giambra I. J. , Erhardt G. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryWithin this study, the recently identified ovine CSN1S2 variants C and D were characterized at the molecular genetic level. Sequencing of the cDNA and of parts of the DNA identified several sequence differences within CSN1S2*C and D in comparison to CSN1S2*A and B. CSN1S2*C is characterized by two non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within exon 7 (c.178A>G, c.187G>T) leading to the amino acid substitutions p.Val45Ile and p.Ala48Ser. CSN1S2*D is caused by the SNP c.183G>C, leading to an amino acid replacement at position 46 (p.Arg46Ser). A very common c.527G>A‐SNP within exon 15, resulting in the amino acid substitution p.Arg161His and producing the new variant CSN1S2*G, not detectable by isoelectric focusing and previously misidentified as CSN1S2*A, was also identified. On the basis of the identified sequence differences, a new nomenclature is proposed and a possible phylogenetic pathway shown for ovine CSN1S2 variants.