bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructure of spermiogenesis in the Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus (Squamata: Viperidae: Crotalinae)
Authors: Gribbins Kevin M. , Rheubert Justin L. , Anzalone Marla L. , Siegel Dustin S. , Sever David M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractTo date multiple studies exist that examine the morphology of spermatozoa. However, there are limited numbers of data detailing the ontogenic characters of spermiogenesis within squamates. Testicular tissues were collected from Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) and tissues from spermiogenically active months were analyzed ultrastructurally to detail the cellular changes that occur during spermiogenesis. The major events of spermiogenesis (acrosome formation, nuclear elongation/DNA condensation, and flagellar development) resemble that of other squamates; however, specific ultrastructural differences can be observed between Cottonmouths and other squamates studied to date. During acrosome formation vesicles from the Golgi apparatus fuse at the apical surface of the nuclear membrane prior to making nuclear contact. At this stage, the acrosome granule can be observed in a centralized location within the vesicle. As elongation commences the acrosome complex becomes highly compartmentalized and migrates laterally along the nucleus. Parallel and circum‐cylindrical microtubules (components of the manchette) are observed with parallel microtubules outnumbering the circum‐cylindrical microtubules. Flagella, displaying the conserved 9 + 2 microtubule arrangement, sit in nuclear fossae that have electron lucent shoulders juxtaposed on either side of the spermatids basal plates. This study aims to provide developmental characters for squamates in the subfamily Crotalinae, family Viperidae, which may be useful for histopathological studies on spermatogenesis in semi‐aquatic species exposed to pesticides. Furthermore, these data in the near future may provide morphological characters for spermiogenesis that can be added to morphological data matrices that may be used in phylogenetic analyses. J. Morphol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
α‐Synuclein abnormalities in mouse models of peroxisome biogenesis disorders
Authors: Yakunin Eugenia , Moser Ann , Loeb Virginie , Saada Ann , Faust Phyllis , Crane Denis I. , Baes Myriam , Sharon Ronit 
Published: October 2009

Abstractα‐Synuclein (αS) is a presynaptic protein implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD). Growing evidence implicates mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and αS–lipid interactions in the gradual accumulation of αS in pathogenic forms and its deposition in Lewy bodies, the pathological hallmark of PD and related synucleinopathies. The peroxisomal biogenesis disorders (PBD), with Zellweger syndrome serving as the prototype of this group, are characterized by malformed and functionally impaired peroxisomes. Here we utilized the PBD mouse models Pex2–/–, Pex5–/–, and Pex13–/– to study the potential effects of peroxisomal dysfunction on αS‐related pathogenesis. We found increased αS oligomerization and phosphorylation and its increased deposition in cytoplasmic inclusions in these PBD mouse models. Furthermore, we show that αS abnormalities correlate with the altered lipid metabolism and, specifically, with accumulation of long chain, n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids that occurs in the PBD models. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A yield criterion for isotropic and cross‐anisotropic cohesive‐frictional materials
Authors: Mortara G. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis paper proposes a yield and failure criterion for cohesive and frictional materials. The function is given by the combination of a Lode dependence for the behaviour in the deviatoric plane and a meridian function for the pressure‐dependent behaviour. A variety of shapes can be achieved with the proposed criterion including Lode dependences which are able to reproduce the behaviour of isotropic and cross‐anisotropic materials in the deviatoric plane. The criterion is validated through the comparison with experimental data based on multiaxial experimental tests on clays, sands, rocks and concrete. Finally, the convexity of the criterion is analysed and discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrete element modeling of direct shear tests for a granular material
Authors: Yan Ying , Ji Shunying 
Published: October 2009

AbstractA succinct 3D discrete element model, with clumps to resemble the real shapes of granular materials, is developed. The quaternion method is introduced to transform the motion and force of a clump between local and global coordinates. The Hertz–Mindlin elastic contact force model, incorporated with the nonlinear normal viscous force and the Mohr–Coulomb friction law, is used to describe the interactions between particles. The proposed discrete element model is used to simulate direct shear tests of the irregular limestone rubbles. The simulation results of vertical displacements and shear stresses with a mixture of clumps are compared well with that of laboratory tests. The bulk friction coefficients are calculated and discussed under different contact friction coefficients and normal stresses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dominance and gene dosage balance in health and disease: why levels matter!
Authors: Veitia Reiner A. , Birchler James A. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe classical concept of genetic dominance is a simplification of a more quantitative reality. This is clearly exemplified by aneuploid syndromes, of which the best known case is trisomy 21. Moreover, there is an increasing number of clinical conditions due to reduced dosage (haploinsufficiency) of genes encoding transcription factors and other proteins involved in signal transduction and macromolecular complexes. In such genetic diseases, a high degree of phenotypic variability is observed, which calls for an explanation. The sources of dominance are heterogeneous and difficult to cover in a brief review. Here, we will focus on the molecular bases of dosage‐sensitive syndromes from the perspective of the gene dosage balance hypothesis, which postulates that stoichiometric alterations of macromolecular complexes or cellular networks are responsible for dominant phenotypes, because of the existing non‐linear relationships between the genotypic and phenotypic values with which they are associated. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulmonary hypertension in children and young adults with sickle cell disease: Evidence for familial clustering
Authors: Dahoui Hanane A. , Hayek Munya N. , Nietert Paul J. , Arabi Mariam T. , Muwakkit Samar A. , Saab Raya H. , Bissar Abdallah N. , Jumaa Nidal M. , Farhat Fadi S. , Dabbous Ibrahim A. , Bitar Fadi F. , Abboud Miguel R. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary hypertension (PHTN) is increasingly recognized as a serious complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). Our objective was to determine the prevalence of PHTN and identify factors associated with PHTN among children and young adults with SCD in Lebanon.ProcedureFrom June 2004 to June 2008, 90 patients were studied. Correlation of TRV with LDH, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), fetal hemoglobin (HbF), hydroxyurea use, and G6PD deficiency was performed. Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography was performed during steady‐state at each patient's initial visit and yearly thereafter. PHT was defined as a tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRV) ≥2.5 m/sec.ResultsTwenty‐seven patients (31.8%) were found to have PHTN. They had significantly higher LDH levels (P = 0.008) and MCV (P = 0.024). There was a higher percentage of patients on hydroxyurea in the group with PHTN (78% vs. 50%, P = 0.015). Furthermore, five children, mean age 9.8 years (range, 6–13 years), with initially normal TRV developed PHTN while on hydroxyurea for at least 3 years, at a mean dose of 19.2 mg/kg/day (range, 14–24). PHTN clustered in families and was found in all members with SCD in 7 of the 21 families studied; they contributed 16 of the 27 patients with PHTN. None of the 21 patients with PHTN were G6PD deficient compared to 4 of 36 without PHTN.ConclusionsPHTN was common, associated with increased hemolysis but not G6PD deficiency, and clustered in families. Moreover, PHTN developed despite hydroxyurea therapy in five patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:398–402. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences between peer victimization in cyber and physical settings and associated psychosocial adjustment in early adolescence
Authors: Dempsey Allison G. , Sulkowski Michael L. , Nichols Rebecca , Storch Eric A. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe increasing use of cyberspace as a social networking forum creates a new medium for youth to become victims of peer aggression. This study used factor analysis techniques to confirm whether survey questions about frequency of cyber victimization formed a distinct latent construct from questions about relational and overt victimization information in a large (N = 1,665) sample of middle school students. A secondary goal was to relate experiences of cyber victimization to symptoms of depression and social anxiety. Results indicate that cyber victimization is separate latent factor from overt and relational victimization. Experiences of cyber victimization were weakly associated with symptoms of social anxiety, but not depression. These results signify that cyber victimization deserves future empirical and clinical attention. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Working conditions as risk or resiliency factors for teachers of students with emotional and behavioral disabilities
Authors: Albrecht Susan Fread , Johns Beverley H. , Mounsteven Joyce , Olorunda Olufunmilola 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis pilot study examined working conditions reported by special education teachers of students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) to identify factors common to teachers likely to leave their positions within the next 2 years and factors common to those likely to stay. Survey responses from an international sample of 776 teachers and related services providers indicated administrative support, availability of support personnel, access to curricula, adequate time for paperwork, years of teaching students with EBD, and behavior management approach used are significantly related to participants' intent to stay or leave. Physical injury by a student was among factors reported as not significant. This study is discussed in terms of its implications for addressing the current shortage of EBD teachers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reliability and validity evidence of scores on the Achievement Goal Tendencies Questionnaire in a sample of Spanish students of compulsory secondary education
Authors: Ingles Candido J. , Garcia‐Fernandez Jose M. , Castejon Juan L. , Valle Antonio , Delgado Beatriz , Marzo Juan C. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis study examined the reliability and validity evidence drawn from the scores of the Spanish version of the Achievement Goal Tendencies Questionnaire (AGTQ) using a sample of 2,022 (51.1% boys) Spanish students from grades 7 to 10. Confirmatory factor analysis replicated the correlated three‐factor structure of the AGTQ in this sample: Learning Goals (LG), Social Reinforcement Goals (SRG), and Performance Goals (PG). The AGTQ yields relatively reliable scores for Spanish students. Logistic regression analyses were used to provide additional validity evidence of AGTQ scores on academic success (general, Spanish, and mathematics). Results indicated that general academic success was 15% and 5% more likely every time that scores on LG and PG scales increased 1 point, respectively, although general academic success was 9% less likely every time that scores on SRG scale increased 1 point. These results were similar for Spanish and mathematics. However, the score on the LG scale did not forecast success in both subjects. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Role of Crystallinity on Polymer Interaction with Oxygen Plasma
Authors: Junkar Ita , Cvelbar Uroš , Vesel Alenka , Hauptman Nina , Mozetič Miran 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn order to study the role of polymer crystallinity, we performed oxygen plasma treatment experiments on amorphous and semicrystalline poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) polymers. The samples were treated in weakly ionized, highly dissociated RF oxygen plasma in glow region for different exposure times. We found that the degree of polymer crystallinity has an influence on the recombination probability of neutral atoms which interact with the surface. For amorphous polymers the recombination coefficient is in the range from 8.3 × 10−4 to 2.1 × 10−4 and for semicrystalline from 4 × 10−4 to 2.5 × 10−5. The degree of crystallinity in plasma processing also has influences on surface topography, formation of new functional groups, etching and hydrophobic recovery (ageing). Therefore, the polymer crystallinity should be taken into consideration when optimizing plasma treatment processes for industry as well as for accounting neutral atom recombination on polymer surfaces.magnified image
Early elevations in B‐type natriuretic peptide levels are associated with poor clinical outcomes in pediatric acute lung injury
Authors: Reel Bhupinder , Oishi Peter E. , Hsu Jong‐Hau , Gildengorin Ginny , Matthay Michael A. , Fineman Jeffrey R. , Flori Heidi 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo determine B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in infants and children with acute lung injury (ALI), and to investigate associations between BNP levels and clinical outcome.DesignProspective observational study.SubjectsAfter informed consent, plasma was collected from 48 pediatric patients on day 1 of ALI.MethodologyPlasma BNP levels were measured by immunoassay on day 1 of ALI in 48 pediatric patients. Associations between BNP levels and outcome were determined.ResultsThe mean PaO2/FiO2 at the onset of ALI was 155 (±74) and BNP values ranged from 5 to 2,060 pg/ml with a mean of 109 (±311). BNP levels were inversely correlated with ventilator‐free days (Spearman rho −0.30, P = 0.04), and positively correlated with exhaled tidal volume (Spearman rho 0.44, P = 0.02). BNP levels were higher in patients receiving inotropic support (n = 12) than patients not receiving inotropic support (n = 33, P = 0.02). BNP levels were correlated with PRISM III scores (Spearman rho 0.55, P < 0.001) and PELOD scores (Spearman rho 0.4, P = 0.006). Mortality for the cohort was 15%. BNP levels were higher in non‐survivors (n = 7) than survivors (n = 41, P = 0.055).ConclusionsBNP levels are elevated in children with ALI/ARDS early in the disease course, and increased levels are associated with worse clinical outcome. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:1118–1124. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteomic profiling of cancer of the gingivo‐buccal complex: Identification of new differentially expressed markers
Authors: Govekar Rukmini B. , D'Cruz Anil K. , Alok Pathak K. , Agarwal Jaiprakash , Dinshaw Ketayun A. , Chinoy Roshan F. , Gadewal Nikhil , Kannan Sadhana , Sirdeshmukh Ravi , Sundaram Curam S. , Malgundkar Siddhi A. , Kane Shubhada V. , Zingde Surekha M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractTobacco‐related oral cancer is the most common cancer among Indian males, gingivo‐buccal complex (GBC) being the most affected subsite due to the habit of chewing tobacco. Proteins from the lysates of microdissected normal and transformed epithelium from clinically well‐characterized tissue samples of the GBC were separated by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis to identify differentially expressed proteins. Eleven protein spots showed differential expression, which could withstand the stringency of statistical evaluation. The observations were confirmed with additional tissues. Nine of these differentiators were identified by MS as lactate dehydrogenase B, α‐enolase, prohibitin, cathepsin D, apolipoprotein A‐I, tumor protein translationally controlled‐1, an SFN family protein, 14‐3‐3σ and tropomyosin. Cluster analysis indicated that these proteins, as a coexpressed set, could distinguish normal and transformed epithelium. Functionally, these differentiator molecules are relevant to the pathways and processes that have been previously implicated in oral carcinogenesis and could therefore be investigated further as a panel of markers for management of cancer of the GBC.
Proteomic profiling reveals comprehensive insights into adrenergic receptor‐mediated hypertrophy in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes
Authors: Li Zijian , Liu Ning , Zhang Li‐Shu , Gong Kaizheng , Cai Yuanbin , Gao Wei , Liu Zhiqiang , Liu Shuying , Han Qide , Zhang Youyi 
Published: October 2009

AbstractMyocardial adrenergic receptors (ARs) play important roles in cardiac hypertrophy. However, the detailed molecular mechanism of AR‐mediated cardiac hypertrophy remains elusive to date. To gain full insight into how ARs are involved in the regulation of cardiac hypertrophy, protein expression profiling was performed with comparative proteomics approach on neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Forty‐six proteins were identified as differentially expressed in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes induced by AR stimulation. To better understand the biological significance of the obtained proteomic data, we utilized the ingenuity pathway analysis tool to construct biological networks and analyze function and pathways that might associate with AR‐mediated cardiac hypertrophy. Pathway analysis strongly suggested that ROS may be involved in the development of AR‐mediated cardiac hypertrophy, which was then confirmed by further experimentation. The results showed that a marked increase in ROS production was detected in AR‐mediated cardiac hypertrophy and blocking of ROS production significantly inhibited AR‐mediated cardiac hypertrophy. We further proved that the ROS production was through NADPH oxidase or the mitochondrial electron transport chain and this ROS accumulation resulted in activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 leading to AR‐mediated cardiac hypertrophy. These experimental results support the hypothesis, from the ingenuity pathway analysis, that AR‐mediated cardiac hypertrophy is associated with the dysregulation of a complicated oxidative stress‐regulatory network. In conclusion, our results provide a basis for understanding the detailed molecular mechanisms of AR‐mediated cardiac hypertrophy.
High‐throughput discovery and characterization of fetal protein trafficking in the blood of pregnant women
Authors: Maron Jill L. , Alterovitz Gil , Ramoni Marco , Johnson Kirby L. , Bianchi Diana W. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAlthough the measurement of fetal proteins in maternal serum is part of standard prenatal screening for aneuploidy and neural tube defects, attempts to better understand the extent of feto‐maternal protein trafficking and its clinical and biological significance have been hindered by the presence of abundant maternal proteins. The objective of this study was to circumvent maternal protein interference by using a computational predictive approach for the development of a noninvasive, comprehensive, protein network analysis of the developing fetus in maternal whole blood. From a set of 157 previously identified fetal gene transcripts, 46 were classified into known protein networks, and 222 downstream proteins were predicted. Statistically significantly over‐represented pathways were diverse and included T‐cell biology, neurodevelopment and cancer biology. Western blot analyses validated the computational predictive model and confirmed the presence of specific downstream fetal proteins in the whole blood of pregnant women and their newborns, with absence or reduced detection of the protein in the maternal postpartum samples. This work demonstrates that extensive feto‐maternal protein trafficking occurs during pregnancy, and can be predicted and verified to develop novel noninvasive biomarkers. This study raises important questions regarding the biological effects of fetal proteins on the pregnant woman.
The structure and peroxidase activity of a 33‐kDa catalase‐related protein from Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis
Authors: Pakhomova Svetlana , Gao Benlian , Boeglin William E. , Brash Alan R. , Newcomer Marcia E. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractTrue catalases are tyrosine‐liganded, usually tetrameric, hemoproteins with subunit sizes of ∼55–84 kDa. Recently characterized hemoproteins with a catalase‐related structure, yet lacking in catalatic activity, include the 40–43 kDa allene oxide synthases of marine invertebrates and cyanobacteria. Herein, we describe the 1.8 Å X‐ray crystal structure of a 33 kDa subunit hemoprotein from Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (annotated as MAP‐2744c), that retains the core elements of the catalase fold and exhibits an organic peroxide‐dependent peroxidase activity. MAP‐2744c exhibits negligible catalatic activity, weak peroxidatic activity using hydrogen peroxide (20/s) and strong peroxidase activity (∼300/s) using organic hydroperoxides as co‐substrate. Key amino acid differences significantly impact prosthetic group conformation and placement and confer a distinct activity to this prototypical member of a group of conserved bacterial “minicatalases”. Its structural features and the result of the enzyme assays support a role for MAP‐2744c and its close homologues in mitigating challenge by a variety of reactive oxygen species.
Evaluating non‐independent protection layers
Authors: Stack R.J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe overall performance of a system that shares inputs and outputs between the BPCS and SIS can be better than the performance of a BPCS system and SIS system with dedicated inputs and outputs. Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) assumes that independent protection layers (IPLs) are independent of the initiating event (IE) components and any components of any other IPL in the LOPA scenario. This paper first focuses on those situations where protection layers all have separate components but are not independent solely because they:
share common utilities such as plant air, electricity, or cooling water,
share components in instrumented loops with other instrumented IPLs or the IE,
be in the same location and share vulnerability to a common failure such as a fire, or extreme weather
Second, this paper demonstrates each of these situations using simple examples and a fault tree model of the LOPA scenarios to address the impact of sharing components or subsystems. Third, this paper, shows the difference between analyzing sharing at the order of magnitude LOPA level and using the best estimate component reliability data with fault tree models.Fourth, this paper provides examples showing the overall performance of a system that shares inputs and outputs between the IPLs or between the BPCS and SIS can be better than the performance of a BPCS system and SIS system with dedicated inputs and outputs. The maintenance and operational management issues involved with linking formerly “independent” systems can be managed to maintain the shared system performance advantage.Fifth, this paper suggests some general guidelines addressing sharing issues in LOPA. Finally, this paper discusses the potential benefits of selected sharing and the costs associated with assuring that the related complexities are controlled. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2009