bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EMG-based simultaneous and proportional estimation of wrist/hand kinematics in uni-lateral trans-radial amputees
Authors: Jiang Ning , Vest-Nielsen Johnny LG , Muceli Silvia , Farina Dario 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Abstract
We propose a method for estimating wrist kinematics during dynamic wrist contractions from multi-channel surface electromyography (EMG). The algorithm extracts features from the surface EMG and uses dedicated multi-layer perceptron networks to estimate individual joint angles of the 3 degrees of freedom (DoFs) of the wrist. The method was designed with the aim of proportional and simultaneous control of multiple DoFs of active prostheses by unilateral amputees. Therefore, the proposed approach was tested in both unilateral transradial amputees and in intact-limbed control subjects. It was shown that the joint angles at the 3 DoFs of amputees can be estimated from surface EMG recordings , during mirrored bi-lateral contractions that simultaneously and proportionally articulated the 3 DoFs. The estimation accuracies of amputee subjects with long stumps were 62.5% ± 8.50% across all 3 DoFs, while accuracies of the intact-limbed control subjects were 72.0% ± 8.29%. The estimation results from intact-limbed subjects were consistent with earlier studies. The results from the current study demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed myoelectric control approach to provide a more intuitive myoelectric control strategy for unilateral transradial amputees.
Gastrointestinal lymphomas in a North American population: clinicopathologic features from one major Central-Midwestern United States tertiary care medical center
Authors: Warrick Joshua , Luo Jingqin , Robirds Diane , Branson Julie , Frater John L , Kreisel Friederike , Hassan Anjum , Nguyen TuDung T 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Gastrointestinal (GI) lymphomas are very common types of extranodal lymphomas, and we hypothesize there are regional differences in subtype, distribution in the GI tract, and epidemiological features among the different populations.

Methods
We retrospectively evaluated the clinical, molecular and histologic features of North American primary and secondary GI lymphomas diagnosed from 2000–2009 seen at our institution. We utilized immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization to further evaluate a subset of the gastric lymphomas.

Results
Extranodal marginal zone lymphomas of mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALTs) and diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) were the most common subtypes of GI lymphomas. Select gastric DLBCLs (N = 6) and MALTs (N = 13) were further examined for API2-MALT1 and IGH translocations, and P16 and P53 protein expression. Gastric MALTs showed frequent API2-MALT1 (38%) but not IGH translocations (0%), and the DLBCLs showed neither translocation. Expression of P16 and P53 proteins and the proliferative index were compared between high grade gastric lymphomas (gastric DLBCLs) and low grade gastric lymphomas (gastric MALTs). P53 overexpression (P = 0.008) and a high proliferation index [Ki-67] (P = 0.00042) were significantly associated with gastric DLBCL, but no statistically significant difference was observed in P16 expression (p = 0.108) between gastric DLBCL and gastric MALT.

Conclusion
Our study revealed that GI lymphomas from a Central-Midwestern North American population showed differences and similarities to non-North American cohorts. In addition, API2-MALT1, P16 and P53 abnormalities occurred frequently in gastric lymphomas from this North American population.

Virtual slides
The virtual slides for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1415505838687793
Integrated pathway modules using time-course metabolic profiles and EST data from Milnesium tardigradum
Authors: Beisser Daniela , Grohme Markus A , Kopka Joachim , Frohme Marcus , Schill Ralph O , Hengherr Steffen , Dandekar Thomas , Klau Gunnar W , Dittrich Marcus , Müller Tobias 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Tardigrades are multicellular organisms, resistant to extreme environmental changes such as heat, drought, radiation and freezing. They outlast these conditions in an inactive form (tun) to escape damage to cellular structures and cell death. Tardigrades are apparently able to prevent or repair such damage and are therefore a crucial model organism for stress tolerance. Cultures of the tardigrade Milnesium tardigradum were dehydrated by removing the surrounding water to induce tun formation. During this process and the subsequent rehydration, metabolites were measured in a time series by GC-MS. Additionally expressed sequence tags are available, especially libraries generated from the active and inactive state. The aim of this integrated analysis is to trace changes in tardigrade metabolism and identify pathways responsible for their extreme resistance against physical stress.

Results
In this study we propose a novel integrative approach for the analysis of metabolic networks to identify modules of joint shifts on the transcriptomic and metabolic levels. We derive a tardigrade-specific metabolic network represented as an undirected graph with 3,658 nodes (metabolites) and 4,378 edges (reactions). Time course metabolite profiles are used to score the network nodes showing a significant change over time. The edges are scored according to information on enzymes from the EST data. Using this combined information, we identify a key subnetwork (functional module) of concerted changes in metabolic pathways, specific for de- and rehydration. The module is enriched in reactions showing significant changes in metabolite levels and enzyme abundance during the transition. It resembles the cessation of a measurable metabolism (e.g. glycolysis and amino acid anabolism) during the tun formation, the production of storage metabolites and bioprotectants, such as DNA stabilizers, and the generation of amino acids and cellular components from monosaccharides as carbon and energy source during rehydration.

Conclusions
The functional module identifies relationships among changed metabolites (e.g. spermidine) and reactions and provides first insights into important altered metabolic pathways. With sparse and diverse data available, the presented integrated metabolite network approach is suitable to integrate all existing data and analyse it in a combined manner.
Thrombocytopenia and absent radii (TAR) syndrome associated with bilateral congenital cataract: a case report
Authors: Omran Ahmed , Sahmoud Shaimaa , Peng Jing , Ashhab Usman , Yin Fei 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Thrombocytopenia with absent radii is a rare congenital defect with hypomegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia and bilateral radial aplasia that may have additional anomalies. We report the case of a girl baby with thrombocytopenia and absent radii syndrome and bilateral congenital cataract. This anomaly has not been previously reported in the children of a non- consanguineous marriage.

Case presentation
This case report describes a two-day-old girl baby of Arab origin with thrombocytopenia and absent radii syndrome and bilateral congenital cataract.

Conclusions
This report describes a finding of bilateral congenital cataract associated with thrombocytopenia and absent radii syndrome that has been reported only once before in the literature. This case report highlights a new ocular manifestation in one of the bone marrow failure syndromes.
The computational-based structure of Dwarf14 provides evidence for its role as potential strigolactone receptor in plants
Authors: Gaiji Noura , Cardinale Francesca , Prandi Cristina , Bonfante Paola , Ranghino Graziella 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Strigolactones (SLs) are recently identified plant hormones modulating root and shoot branching. Besides their endogenous role within the producing organism, SLs are also key molecules in the communication of plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and parasitic weeds. In fact SLs are exuded into the rhizosphere where they act as a host-derived signal, stimulating the germination of the seeds of parasitic plants which would not survive in the absence of a host root to colonize. Similarly, their perception by AM fungi causes extensive hyphal branching; this is a prerequisite for effective root colonization, since it increases the number of potential contact points with the host surface. In spite of the crucial and multifaceted biological role of SLs, there is no information on the receptor(s) which bind(s) such active molecules, neither in the producing plants, or in parasitic weeds or AM fungi.

Results
In this work, we applied homology modelling techniques to investigate the structure of the protein encoded by the gene Dwarf14, which was first identified in rice as conferring SLs insensitivity when mutated. The best sequence identity was with bacterial RsbQ. Both proteins belong to the superfamily of alpha/beta-fold hydrolases, some members of which play a role in the metabolism or signalling of plant hormones. The Dwarf14 (D14) structure was refined by means of molecular dynamics simulations. In order to support the hypothesis that D14 could be an endogenous SLs receptor, we performed docking experiments with a natural ligand.

Conclusions
It is suggested that D14 interacts with and thereby may act as a receptor for SLs in plants. This hypothesis offers a starting point to experimentally study the mechanism of its activity in vivo by means of structural, molecular and genetic approaches. Lastly, knowledge of the putative receptor structure will boost the research on analogues of the natural substrates as required for agricultural applications.
Blastocystis sp.: waterborne zoonotic organism, a possibility?
Authors: Lee Li Ii , Chye Tan Tian , Karmacharya Biraj Man , Govind Suresh Kumar 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background

Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal parasite found in faecal sample surveys. Several studies have implicated human-to-human, zoonotic and waterborne transmissions by Blastocystis sp. However, there has been no study providing evidence interlinking these three transmissions in a community. We have previously shown a high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 amongst village dwellers in Bahunipati, Nepal, and the present study extends the observation to assess if the same subtype of Blastocystis sp. occurs in animals they rear and rivers they frequent.

Methods
Faecal samples were collected from 65 animals. Four river water samples were collected from two rivers. Faecal samples were examined using in vitro cultivation. Blastocystis sp. from animal faecal and river samples were genotyped using seven subtype-specific sequence tagged site (STS) primer-polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Blastocystis sp. infected 15.4% animals with subtype 4 being the predominant genotype (40.0%). Both rivers were contaminated with Blastocystis sp. subtype 1 and subtype 4, which were also detected in humans living in the same village in our previous study. Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 that was detected in buffalo and pigs was also found in the respective family members that reared these animals.

Conclusions
This unusually high prevalence of Blastocystis subtype 4 found in village dwellers was also found to be pervasive in the animals they reared and the rivers they frequented implying a strong possibility of waterborne zoonosis for Blastocystis sp.
Inter‐assessor reliability of practice based biomechanical assessment of the foot and ankle
Authors: Jarvis Hannah L , Nester Christopher J , Jones Richard K , Williams Anita , Bowden Peter D 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere is no consensus on which protocols should be used to assess foot and lower limb biomechanics in clinical practice. The reliability of many assessments has been questioned by previous research. The aim of this investigation was to (i) identify (through consensus) what biomechanical examinations are used in clinical practice and (ii) evaluate the inter‐assessor reliability of some of these examinations.MethodsPart1: Using a modified Delphi technique 12 podiatrists derived consensus on the biomechanical examinations used in clinical practice. Part 2: Eleven podiatrists assessed 6 participants using a subset of the assessment protocol derived in Part 1. Examinations were compared between assessors.ResultsClinicians choose to estimate rather than quantitatively measure foot position and motion. Poor inter‐assessor reliability was recorded for all examinations. Intra‐class correlation coefficient values (ICC) for relaxed calcaneal stance position were less than 0.23 and were less than 0.14 for neutral calcaneal stance position. For the examination of ankle joint dorsiflexion, ICC values suggest moderate reliability (less than 0.61). The results of a random effects ANOVA highlight that participant (up to 5.7°), assessor (up to 5.8°) and random (up to 5.7°) error all contribute to the total error (up to 9.5° for relaxed calcaneal stance position, up to 10.7° for the examination of ankle joint dorsiflexion). Kappa Fleiss values for categorisation of first ray position and mobility were less than 0.05 and for limb length assessment less than 0.02, indicating slight agreement.ConclusionStatic biomechanical assessment of the foot, leg and lower limb is an important protocol in clinical practice, but the key examinations used to make inferences about dynamic foot function and to determine orthotic prescription are unreliable.
Carbon monoxide poisoning: Novel magnetic resonance imaging pattern in the acute setting
Authors: Stephen Ryan A , Donal Sheehan W , Siobhain O’Neill B , Michael Clarkson R , Daniel Costello J 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The presentation of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is non-specific and highly variable. The diagnosis is made when a compatible history and examination occur in a patient with elevated carboxyhaemoglobin levels. The severity of intoxication is difficult to assess accurately based on laboratory markers alone. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to have superior sensitivity to computed tomography for the detection of abnormalities post CO poisoning. We report a novel imaging pattern on MRI undertaken in the acute setting in a patient with CO intoxication. We also discuss the management and follow up of patients with CO poisoning.
Enhanced saccharification of rice straw by overexpression of rice exo-glucanase
Authors: Nigorikawa Mutsumi , Watanabe Aiko , Furukawa Kayoko , Sonoki Tomonori , Ito Yukihiro 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Efficient production of carbon-neutral biofuels is key to resolving global warming and exhaustion of fossil fuels. Cellulose, which is the most abundant biomass, is physically strong and biochemically stable, and these characteristics lead to difficulty of efficient saccharification of cellulosic compounds for production of fermentable glucose and other sugars.

Results
We transformed rice with overexpressing constructs of rice genes encoding each of three classes of cellulases. The exo-glucanase overexpressing plants showed various abnormalities in leaf such as division of leaf blade, crack on leaf surface, excess lacunae in midrib structure and necrotic colour change. The overexpressing plants also showed sterility. Noticeably, these plants showed enhanced saccharification of stems after maturation. These results indicate that overexpression of the exo-glucanase gene brought about various developmental defects associated with modification of cell wall and enhanced saccharification in rice. On the other hand, endo-glucanase-overexpressing plants could not be obtained, and overexpression of β-glucosidase brought about no effect on plant growth and development.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that genetic engineering of cellulosic biomass plants by overexpressing cellulase genes will be one of the approaches to confer enhanced saccharification ability for efficient production of cellulosic biofuels such as ethanol.
Influence of the American ODAC Statement on Austrian Bevacizumab Prescribing Practice for Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Preusser Matthias , Fülöp Gerhard , Berghoff Anna Sophie , Heinzl Harald , Steger Guenther G. , Greil Richard , Zielinski Christoph C. , Bartsch Rupert 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background.
Results of trial E2100 led to the accelerated approval of bevacizumab as first-line therapy for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in the U.S. in February 2008. Based on results from subsequent trials, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) issued a statement proposing to withdraw the license for bevacizumab in July 2010, whereas bevacizumab approval for MBC was not withdrawn in Europe.
In this nationwide survey, we investigated the influence of the discrepancy between the ODAC and European Medicines Agency (EMA) positions on the prescription practice of bevacizumab for MBC in Austria during the period January 2006 to June 2011.

Methods.
The absolute number of bevacizumab administrations for MBC patients per month in all Austrian hospitals within the mentioned time frame was retrieved from a comprehensive national database. Bevacizumab prescription numbers for other malignancies were retrieved in order to rule out that a change in bevacizumab prescribing practice might reflect general changes in Austrian health care policy.

Results.
A steady increase in bevacizumab use was seen from January 2006 to June 2010 (42 versus 1,357 administrations per month) for MBC. Thereafter, a significant decline in bevacizumab prescriptions for MBC became evident, with numbers dropping to 842 in March 2011 and 662 in June 2011. Bevacizumab prescriptions showed only minor variations in control cohorts.

Conclusions.
The Austrian bevacizumab prescribing practice in MBC patients was significantly influenced by the ODAC statement issued in July 2010, whereas the EMA position was accepted to a lesser degree.
Changes in the body composition of Velvet Scoters (Melanitta fusca) wintering in the Gulf of Gdańsk
Authors: Meissner Włodzimierz , Fischer Izabela , Bzoma Szymon 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Body mass and body composition of 27 adult Velvet Scoters (Melanitta fusca) were studied. These birds were collected from January to March in the Gulf of Gdańsk, Poland. Body mass, fat, and protein contents of both males and females decreased significantly between mid and late winter, possibly because of a physiological process or a result of worsening environmental conditions. In mid-winter, the mean body mass of males and females did not differ significantly, whereas in late winter the difference in body mass between sexes became prominent. There was no difference in fat mass between the sexes, but females had higher lipid indexes despite their smaller size. The lack of expected fat mass increase in late winter may be due to the spring migration strategy of Velvet Scoters, which apparently opt to fly short distances rather than make long non-stop flights after departure from the Gulf of Gdańsk. Body mass was the best predictor of fat mass accumulated by Velvet Scoters wintering in the Gulf of Gdańsk.
Long-term changes in the phytoplankton of Lake Charzykowskie
Authors: Wiśniewska Marzena , Luścińska Marta 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The research on phytoplankton communities in Lake Charzykowskie was carried out at intervals since the 1940s till the beginning of the 21 century. Long-term observations, initially of the species composition and in the following years also of the biomass and the concentration of chlorophyll-a in relation to habitat conditions, allowed to assess the impact of the catchment area on changes in the trophic status of the lake for over 50 years. And thus, based on the results of physicochemical analysis and studies on the phytoplankton structure in the 1940s, the lake was classified as ß-mesotrophic (Cabejszek 1950), between the 1960s and the1990s as eutrophic (Szulkowska-Wojaczek 1968, 1976; Wiśniewska 1994, 2000), in 2004 as hypertrophic (Wiśniewska 2005), and in 2008 and 2009 as meso-eutrophic.
Nematodes found in the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), a rare visitor to the Baltic Sea
Authors: Kulikowski Marek , Rolbiecki Leszek , Skóra Krzysztof , Rokicki Jerzy 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758), enters the Baltic Sea only occasionally. Little is known about the parasites that inhabit this fish in the northern part of its natural range (north-eastern Atlantic). This study is based on 32 anchovies sampled in autumn 2006 from a substantial bycatch accompanying sprat in the Gulf of Gdańsk (southern Baltic Sea).
The fish were examined using standard parasitological procedures, and yielded 10 L3 larvae of the nematode Hysterothylacium aduncum (Rudolphi, 1802). The prevalence and the intensity (mean and range) were 21.9%, 1.4, and 1–4, respectively.
Multi‐method geophysical mapping of quick clay
Authors: Donohue Shane , Long Michael , O‐Connor Peter , Eide Helle Tonje , Aspmo Pfaffhuber Andreas , Rømoen Magnus 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTMarine clay deposits in coastal, post‐submarine areas of Scandinavia and North America may be subjected to quick clay landslides and hence significant efforts are being taken to map their occurrence and extent. The purpose of this paper is to assess the use of a number of geophysical techniques for identifying quick clay. The investigated area, Smørgrav, located in southern Norway has a history of quick clay sliding, the most recent event occurring in 1984. Geophysical techniques that are used include electromagnetic conductivity mapping, electrical resistivity tomography, seismic refraction and multichannel analysis of surface waves. These results are compared to geotechnical data from bore samples, rotary pressure soundings and cone penetration testing. A number of these approaches have proved promising for identifying quick clay, in particular electrical resistivity tomography and electromagnetics, which delineated a zone of quick clay that had previously been confirmed by rotary pressure soundings and sampling. Seismic refraction was useful for determining the sediment distribution as well as for indicating the presence of shallow bedrock whereas the multichannel analysis of surface‐waves approach suggested differences between the intact stiffness of quick and unleached clay. It is observed that quick clay investigations using discrete rotary pressure soundings can be significantly enhanced by using, in particular, electrical resistivity tomography profiles to link together the information between test locations, perhaps significantly reducing the need for large numbers of soundings.