bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution, expansion and expression of the Kunitz/BPTI gene family associated with long-term blood feeding in Ixodes Scapularis
Authors: Dai Shao-Xing , Zhang Ai-Di , Huang Jing-Fei 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Recent studies of the tick saliva transcriptome have revealed the profound role of salivary proteins in blood feeding. Kunitz/BPTI proteins are abundant in the salivary glands of ticks and perform multiple functions in blood feeding, such as inhibiting blood coagulation, regulating host blood supply and disrupting host angiogenesis. However, Kunitz/BPTI proteins in soft and hard ticks have different functions and molecular mechanisms. How these differences emerged and whether they are associated with the evolution of long-term blood feeding in hard ticks remain unknown.

Results
In this study, the evolution, expansion and expression of Kunitz/BPTI family in Ixodes scapularis were investigated. Single- and multi-domain Kunitz/BPTI proteins have similar gene structures. Single-domain proteins were classified into three groups (groups I, II and III) based on their cysteine patterns. Group I represents the ancestral branch of the Kunitz/BPTI family, and members of this group function as serine protease inhibitors. The group I domain was used as a module to create multi-domain proteins in hard ticks after the split between hard and soft ticks. However, groups II and III, which evolved from group I, are only present and expanded in the genus Ixodes. These lineage-specific expanded genes exhibit significantly higher expression during long-term blood feeding in Ixodes scapularis. Interestingly, functional site analysis suggested that group II proteins lost the ability to inhibit serine proteases and evolved a new function of modulating ion channels. Finally, evolutionary analyses revealed that the expansion and diversification of the Kunitz/BPTI family in the genus Ixodes were driven by positive selection.

Conclusions
These results suggest that the differences in the Kunitz/BPTI family between soft and hard ticks may be linked to the evolution of long-term blood feeding in hard ticks. In Ixodes, the lineage-specific expanded genes (Group II and III) lost the ancient function of inhibiting serine proteases and evolved new functions to adapt to long-term blood feeding. Therefore, these genes may play a profound role in the long-term blood feeding of hard ticks. Based our analysis, we propose that the six genes identified in our study may be candidate target genes for tick control.
Transvaginal ultrasound ovarian diathermy: sheep as an experimental model
Authors: Pimentel Anita M , Kobayashi Danielle , Kliemann Lucia M , Franjdlich Renato , Capp Edison , Corleta Helena VE 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Some techniques of transvaginal ovarian drilling have been previously described. Nevertheless a monopolar transvaginal ovarian cauterization, that use the expertise and safety of transvaginal puncture for oocyte captation seems to be an easier and feasible approach. The aim of this study was to develop a minimally invasive ovarian cauterization technique under transvaginal ultrasound control, and to evaluate the safety of the transvaginal ovarian monopolar cauterization, female sheep at reproductive age were used as an experimental model.

Findings
An experimental study was performed in a university research center. Seventeen female sheep (15 Corriedale e 2 Suffolk) in reproductive age were submitted to transvaginal ovarian cauterization with a monopolar Valleylab Force 2 electrocautery. Macroscopic and microscopic lesions were assessed. Ovarian size were 1.31 cm2 ± 0,43 (Corriedale) and 3.41 cm2 ± 0,64 (Suffolk). From 30 ovaries from Corriedale sheep punctured, only 3 were cauterized, presenting macroscopic and typical microscopic lesion. In the Suffolk sheep group, only one ovary was cauterized. No lesion could be found in the needle path.

Conclusions
This is the first experimental animal model described for ovarian cauterization needle guided by transvaginal ultrasound. The sheep does not seem to be the ideal animal model to study this technique. Another animal model, whose ovaries are better identified by transvaginal ultrasound should be sought for this technique, theoretically less invasive, before it could be offered safely to women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
How Influences on Teenage Smoking Reflect Gender and Society in Mali, West Africa
Authors: Kirk Anna 
Published: January 2012

Objectives To provide further understanding and discussion on the influences on smoking in young people in Mali. Design A generic qualitative methodological approach was used following Caelli's generic principles. Six focus group discussions were conducted with a total of 31 participants followed by two semi-structured interviews. A reflexive account was kept to record development in the researcher's theoretical position Setting The setting was recreational areas of Bamako, capital city of Mali, West Africa. Participants Participants aged 13–15 years were recruited opportunistically in a recreational area of Bamako. Mainoutcome measures To develop further understanding of the influences of teenage smoking in Mali, West Africa. Results Five main categories that explained influences on youth smoking emerged: knowledge and awareness of smoking; associations with smoking; influential people; key messages in Malian society; and access to tobacco. The results showed that influences were complex and interwoven, notable gender differences were revealed, and the role of elder members of the community proved decisive in participants’ smoking experiences. Participants described vague knowledge of the impact on health of smoking and reported trying smoking from an early age. Often contact with smoking was through elders and being sent to buy and sometimes light cigarettes for them. Associations with smoking were influenced by gender with smoking more desirable for boys than girls. Conclusions Any approach to preventing smoking initiation in young people requires an understanding of the social influences and pressures on young people. A tobacco control strategy is required to look at all areas of influence on smoking behaviours. Different needs should also account for the differing characteristics and perceptions of specific population groups.
A Transaction-Level Analysis of Spatial Arbitrage: The Role of Habit, Attention, and Electronic Trading
Authors: Overby Eric , Clarke Jonathan 
Published: January 2012

Despite the central role of arbitrage in finance and economic theory, there is limited evidence of the factors that create and eliminate arbitrage opportunities, how often arbitrage occurs, and how profitable it is. We address these gaps via a transaction-level analysis of spatial arbitrage in the wholesale automotive market. We investigate why arbitrage opportunities are created by analyzing how sellers choose where to sell vehicles. We find that the attention sellers pay to the distribution of a vehicle is negatively related to the probability that it is arbitraged. Arbitrage occurs in approximately 1% of transactions, although electronic trading is making arbitrage less prevalent by improving buyer/seller matching across locations. Arbitrage yields a 5.6% return on average, although arbitrageurs take a loss 14% of the time. Our results contribute to the literature on arbitrage, the effect of attention allocation on market outcomes, and the effect of information technology on market efficiency. This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, Teck Ho, and Terrance Odean, special issue editors.
Influences of hydrogen passivation on NIR photodetection of n-type β-FeSi2/p-type Si heterojunction photodiodes fabricated by facing-targets direct-current sputtering
Authors: Yamashita Kyohei , Promros Nathaporn , Iwasaki Ryūhei , Izumi Shota , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTHydrogen passivation was applied to the initial epitaxial growth of n-type β-FeSi2 thin films on p-type Si(111) substrates by facing-targets direct-current sputtering (FTDCS) in order to reduced the formation of interface states and terminate dangling bonds in the β-FeSi2 films, and the passivation effects were studied on basis of the electrical evaluation results of the formed n-type β-FeSi2/p-type Si heterojunction photodiodes. The initial growth was made at different gas inflow H2/Ar ratios ranging from 0 to 0.2. The photodetection performance of the photodiode fabricated at the ratio of 0.2 was markedly improved as compared to those of the other samples. The quantum efficiency and detectivity were 2.08 % and 1.75 × 1010 cm√Hz/W, respectively. The sample exhibited the minimum junction capacitance density of 9.2 nF/cm2. The enhanced photodetective performance should be mainly because dangling bonds that act as trap centers for photocarriers are effectively inactivated by the passivation.
Sensitivity of skeletal muscle to pro-apoptotic factors
Authors: Otrocka-Domagała I. 
Published: January 2012

Sensitivity of skeletal muscle to pro-apoptotic factors
In mononuclear cells, apoptosis leads to DNA fragmentation and cell destruction, regardless of the activated pathway. As regards multinuclear cells, e.g. skeletal muscle fibers, apoptosis rarely induces the death of the entire cell, and it generally affects single nuclei. This process, referred to as nuclear apoptosis, has a negative effect on the expression of genes in the myonuclear domain. Apoptosis may be initiated in muscle cells by external stimuli which activate cell membrane death receptors as well as by internal stimuli which stimulate the mitochondrial release of pro-apoptotic proteins. Reactive oxygen species also play an important role in the initiation of apoptosis. In muscle cells, ROS are produced in response to extracellular reactions or by cell mitochondria. It is, therefore, believed that mitochondria play a central role in apoptosis within skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscles have a well-developed system that protects them against oxidative damage. Myogenic stem cells are an integral part of multinucleated myofibers, and they are critically important for the maintenance of normal muscle mass, muscle growth, regeneration and hypertrophy. The latest research results indicate that myogenic cells are more sensitive to oxidative stress and pro-apoptotic factors than well-differentiated cells, such as myotubes. The complex structure and activity of skeletal muscle prompted research into the role of apoptosis and its intensity under various physiological and pathological conditions. This review summarizes the results of research investigating control mechanisms and the apoptosis process in skeletal muscle fibers, and indicates unresearched areas where further work is required.
Effectiveness of Teriparatide in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis and Glucocorticoid Use: 3-Year Results from the EFOS Study
Authors: KARRAS DIMITRIOS , STOYKOV IVAYLO , LEMS WILLEM F. , LANGDAHL BENTE L. , LJUNGGREN ÖSTEN , BARRETT ANNABEL , WALSH J. BERNARD , FAHRLEITNER-PAMMER ASTRID , RAJZBAUM GERALD , JAKOB FRANZ , MARIN FERNANDO 
Published: January 2012

Objective.To describe clinical fracture rates, back pain, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who are receiving glucocorticoids (GC), during a 36-month study of teriparatide treatment for up to 18 months, with an additional 18-month followup period when patients were receiving other osteoporosis medications.Methods.A prospective, multinational, observational study. Data for clinical fractures, back pain (by visual analog scale; VAS) and HRQOL (by EQ-5D) were collected over 36 months. Fracture data were summarized in 6-month segments and analyzed using logistic regression with repeated measures. Changes from baseline in back pain VAS and EQ-VAS were analyzed.Results.Of 1581 enrolled women with followup data, 294 (18.6%) had antecedents of GC use. Of these, 49 (16.7%) patients sustained a total of 69 fractures during the 36-month study period. Adjusted odds of fracture were significantly decreased during the last year of followup compared with the first 6 months of teriparatide treatment: an 81% decrease in the 24 to < 30-month period (p < 0.05), and an 89% decrease in the 30 to < 36-month period (p < 0.05). There were significant reductions in back pain and improvements in HRQOL in both groups of GC users and nonusers.Conclusion.Postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis receiving GC, who were treated with teriparatide for up to 18 months, showed a reduced incidence of clinical fractures during the third year while receiving sequential osteoporosis treatments compared with the first 6 months, together with reduced back pain and improved HRQOL. Our results should be interpreted in the context of an uncontrolled observational study in a routine clinical setting.
Sri Lanka’s Aruwakkalu fossil deposit dates to the Burdigalian Age
Authors: Epa Ranjeev , Perera Nilmani , Manamendra-Arachchi Kelum , Meegaskumbara Madhava 
Published: January 2012

Aruwakkalu fossil bed is a part of Sri Lanka’s Jaffna limestone, which underlies the whole of Jaffna Peninsula and extends southwards mostly along the west coast. Previous authors have suggested that Aruwakkalu contains a rich assemblage of vertebrate and invertebrate fossils. We sought to confirm the Burdigalian age of this northwestern Miocene deposit at Aruwakkalu on the basis of the foraminifer Pseudotaberina malabarica, an index fossil of the Burdigalian stage. General and timeline collections were made at seven selected sites and the fossils collected were identified. The study sites contained six sedimentary layers of which, third and sixth from top were fossiliferous. The sixth (deepest) layer was dominated by gastropod fossils while the third was dominated by fossils of giant oysters. Fossils of P. malabarica were recovered both from timeline and general collections. In the timeline collection, samples of this index fossil were recovered only from the gastropod layer, suggesting that P. malabarica existed during the time the gastropod layer was being laid down, thus confirming a Burdigalian age for the latter, and helping to date a substantial portion of the Sri Lankan fossil fauna with confidence. Key words: Pseudotaberina malabarica; foraminifera; index fossil; Miocene; gastropod layer; oyster layer DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v40i2.3933 CJSBS 2011; 40(2): 163-174
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sustainability in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Aderogba Kofo A 
Published: January 2012

Abstract The enhancement of the greenhouse effect in driving increases in temperature and many other changes associated with climate have become great concern to research. The objective of this paper is to estimate the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere in Lagos Metropolis. Literatures on road and air travels were read; and also journal articles on pollution and greenhouse gases, global warming and climate change. Newspaper cuttings, magazines, and electronic media sources of data and information were used. Trends in the growth and development of railway locomotives, marine activities, vehicular movements and air travels in the metropolis were studied and correlated with the estimated greenhouse gases emitted. There is positive correlation. Vehicular movements and air travels have increased by over 50% in the last twenty years. Greenhouse gases are increasing by the day. There must be deliberate checks on gas emission from automobiles, plants and machineries and in the aviation industry. The world is not at rest to arrest the effects of climate change and global warming. Nigeria and Nigerians and particularly Lagosian, the government and research institutions should be parts of the efforts. Key words: Greenhouse Gas, Emissions, Predicaments, Economic Value, Lagos Metropolis.
Effect of silicone dioxide and poly(ethylene glycol) on the conductivity and relaxation dynamics of poly(ethylene oxide)–silver triflate solid polymer electrolyte
Authors: Gondaliya Nirali , Kanchan D. K. , Sharma Poonam , Joge Prajakta 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe conducting and relaxation dynamics of Ag+ ions in poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)–silver triflate (AgCF3SO3) solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) containing nanosize SiO2 filler and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a plasticizer were studied in the frequency range 10 Hz to 10 MHz and in the temperature range 303–328 K. The comparatively lower conductivity of the plasticized (PEG) PEO–AgCF3SO3–SiO2 nanocomposite electrolyte system was examined by analysis of the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and conductivity data. The electric modulus (M″) properties of the SPE systems were investigated. A shift of the M″ peak spectra with frequency was found to depend on the translation ion dynamics and the conductivity relaxation of the mobile ions. The value of the conductivity relaxation time was observed to be lower for the PEO–AgCF3SO3 system only with nanofiller SiO2. The scaling behavior of the M″ spectra showed that the dynamical relaxation processes was temperature‐independent in the PEO–AgCF3SO3 and PEO–AgCF3SO3–SiO2–PEG polymer systems, whereas they were temperature‐dependent for the PEO–AgCF3SO3–SiO2 system. However, the relaxation processes of all of theses systems were found to be dependent on their respective compositions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Formation and characterization of polyamide composite electrospun nanofibrous membranes for salt separation
Authors: Kaur Satinderpal , Sundarrajan Subramanian , Gopal Renuga , Ramakrishna Seeram 
Published: January 2012

AbstractCurrently, electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs) are classified in the microfiltration range. In this study, we explored the applicability of using ENMs for nanofiltration (NF) applications through a surface modification approach. A polyamide layer was formed on the surface of the ENMs through interfacial polymerization with two different approaches. In the first approach (approach A), ENMs were soaked in an aqueous phase followed by an organic phase; in the second approach (approach B), we reversed this sequence. This resulted in different surface morphologies over the ENM surface. The best approach B allowed the separation of 80.7% of 2000‐ppm MgSO4 and 67.0% of 2000‐ppm NaCl at a pressure of 70 psig under a dead‐end filtration setup. The fluxes attained were 0.51 and 0.52 L m−2 h−1, respectively. In addition, the effect of the pore size on the formation of a polyamide film was investigated. It was realized that bubble points of 1.8 and 3.4 μm were both able to support the polymer film on its surface, but their separation efficiency differed slightly. These findings suggest that ENMs could be used beyond their current microfiltration stage, and hence, their use could be widened to NF membranes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Polymer‐Supported Enantioselective Bifunctional Catalysts for Nitro‐Michael Addition of Ketones and Aldehydes
Authors: Tuchman‐Shukron Lital , Miller Scott J. , Portnoy Moshe 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntroduction of an L‐amino acid as a spacer and a urea‐forming moiety in a polymer‐supported bifunctional urea–primary amine catalyst, based on (1R, 2R)‐(+)‐1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine, significantly improves the catalyst’s activity and stereoselectivity in the asymmetric addition of ketones and aldehydes to nitroolefins. Yields and enantioselectivities, unprecedented for immobilized catalysts, were obtained with such challenging donors as acetone, cyclopentanone, and α,α‐disubstituted aldehydes, which usually perform inadequately in this reaction (particularly when a secondary‐amine‐based catalyst is used). Remarkably, though in the examined catalysts the D‐amino acids as spacers were significantly inferior to the L isomers, for the chosen configuration of the diamine (match–mismatch pairs) the size of the side chain of the amino acid hardly influenced the enantioselectivity of the catalyst. These results, combined with the reactivity profile of the catalysts with substrates bearing two electron‐withdrawing groups and the behavior of the catalysts’ analogues based on tertiary (rather than primary) amine, suggest an enamine‐involving addition mechanism and a particular ordered CC bond‐forming transition state as being responsible for the catalytic reactions with high enantioselectivity.
Lattice Effects on the Spin‐Crossover Profile of a Mononuclear Manganese(III) Cation
Authors: Pandurangan Komala , Gildea Brendan , Murray Caroline , Harding Charles J. , Müller‐Bunz Helge , Morgan Grace G. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSix solvated salts of a mononuclear manganese(III) complex with a chelating hexadentate Schiff base ligand are reported. One member of the series, [MnL]PF6.0.5 CH3OH (1), shows a rare low‐spin (LS) electronic configuration between 10–300 K. The remaining five salts, [MnL]NO3⋅ C2H5OH (2), [MnL]BF4⋅C2H5OH (3), [MnL]CF3SO3⋅C2H5OH (4), [MnL]ClO4⋅C2H5OH (5) and [MnL]ClO4⋅0.5 CH3CN (6), all show gradual incomplete spin‐crossover (SCO) behaviour. The structures of all were determined at 100 K, and also at 293 K in the case of 3–6. The LS salt [MnL]PF6.0.5 CH3OH is the only member of the series that does not exhibit strong hydrogen bonding. At 100 K two of the four SCO complexes (2 and 4) assemble into 1D hydrogen‐bonded chains, which weaken or rupture on warming. The remaining SCO complexes 3, 5 and 6 do not form 1D hydrogen‐bonded chains, but instead exhibit discrete hydrogen bonding between cation/counterion, cation/solvent or counterion/solvent and show no significant change on warming.
Fe‐Catalyzed Multicomponent Reactions: The Regioselective Alkoxy Allylation of Activated Olefins and its Application in Sequential Fe Catalysis
Authors: Dieskau André P. , Holzwarth Michael S. , Plietker Bernd 
Published: January 2012

AbstractWe present herein a versatile and broadly applicable Fe‐catalyzed regioselective alkoxy allylation of activated double bonds. Substituted allylic carbonates are converted into the corresponding σ‐enyl Fe complexes by reaction with Bu4N[Fe(CO)3(NO)] (TBAFe) at 30 °C. The liberated alkoxide adds to an activated double bond with the generation of a C‐nucleophile, which is trapped by the σ‐enyl Fe complex in a regioselective manner. Alternatively, the alkoxide acts as a base in deprotonating an external pronucleophile, which undergoes Michael addition. The method is characterized by a broad functional group tolerance, mild reaction conditions, low catalyst loadings, and high regioselectivities in favor of the ipso‐substitution product.
Photochemical Studies on 5‐Methylbicyclo[1.1.1]pentane Derivatives: p‐Orbital Overlap Controlled Enantioselectivity
Authors: Ma Manling , Yang Chao , Li Bing , Shao Yutian , Zhao Guolei , Xia Wujiong 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe first example of the p‐orbital overlap controlled enantioselectivity of Norrish type II photocyclization reaction was described. Irradiation of 5‐methyl bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanyl ketone with UV in the solid state as well as in the acetonitrile solution afforded the Norrish/Yang photocyclization compound as the sole product. Solid‐state asymmetric photochemical studies using ionic chiral auxiliary technique led to the enantioselectivity as high as 60%. The results were rationalized by X‐ray single crystal structure.
DFT Studies of Ag‐Loading Intrinsic and Functionalized Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Zhuxia , Hao Yaxian , Wang Liping , Dong Minghui , Hou Wensheng , Han Peide , Liu Xuguang , Xu Bingshe 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe first principles study was performed on the stability of Ag adsorbed on the internal walls of single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and loaded on acid modified SWCNT. The calculation results show that Ag can be adsorbed stably on the internal walls of SWCNT. With the increase of SWCNT diameter, the adsorption energy increases in a certain range. Ag can also be loaded on the modified SWCNT surface in the form of COOAg and OAg groups, and COOAg group is more stable than OAg group. For either the adsorption on the inner SWCNT or the load on the modified SWCNT surface, only a small proportion of the Ag ions can be stably bonded to the walls of SWCNT.