bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced size of sebaceous gland and altered sebum lipid composition in mice lacking fatty acid binding protein 5 gene
Authors: Sugawara Tomoko , Nemoto Kei , Adachi Yasuhiro , Yamano Nozomi , Tokuda Nobuko , Muto Masahiko , Okuyama Ryuhei , Sakai Shingo , Owada Yuji 
Published: April 2012

AbstractFatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) are capable of binding long‐chain FA and are involved in intracellular FA transport and signal transduction. In sebaceous glands, FABP5 is highly expressed in differentiated sebocytes; though, its function remains unclear. In this study, we examined the role of FABP5 in sebocytes using FABP5‐deficient mice. The size of sebaceous glands was significantly reduced, while the sebum volume was increased with altered lipid composition in FABP5‐deficient mice. However, no significant differences were discerned in the expression of proliferation or differentiation markers including Blimp1, c‐myc, Ki67 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR)γ between wild‐type and FABP5‐deficient sebaceous glands. The expression of cellular retinoic acid binding protein‐2 (CRABP2) that is a competitor of FABP5 for RA signalling was increased in FABP5‐deficient mice. These results suggest that FABP5 is involved in the regulation of sebaceous gland activity through modulation of cellular lipid signalling and/or metabolism in the sebocytes.
Etanercept restores a differentiated keratinocyte phenotype in psoriatic human skin: a morphological study
Authors: Donetti Elena , Gualerzi Alice , Ricceri Federica , Pescitelli Leonardo , Bedoni Marzia , Prignano Francesca 
Published: April 2012

AbstractTumor Necrosis Factor‐α (TNF‐α) plays a pivotal role in psoriasis, an immuno‐mediated and genetic skin disease. Anti‐TNF‐α inhibitors, such as etanercept, are widely used in clinical practice. By immunofluorescence, we investigated the expression of junctional transmembrane proteins in desmosomes (desmocollin‐1, Dsc1; desmoglein‐1, Dsg1), adherens junctions (E‐cadherin), tight junctions (occludin), biomarkers of keratinocyte differentiation (keratin‐10, K10; keratin‐14, K14; keratin‐16, K16; involucrin), epithelial proliferation and apoptosis in psoriatic skin before/after etanercept treatment (n = 5) and in control skin samples (n = 5). Occludin, K14, K16 and involucrin expressions were altered in psoriatic epidermis, while Dsc1, Dsg1, E‐cadherin and K10 localisations were comparable to controls. Etanercept promoted the restoration of the physiological condition as suggested by a more differentiated keratinocyte phenotype and a reduced epidermal proliferation rate.
Indicators for root caries in Danish persons with recently diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ellefsen Birita S. , Morse Douglas E. , Waldemar Gunhild , Holm‐Pedersen Poul 
Published: April 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00560.x

Indicators for root caries in Danish persons with recently diagnosed Alzheimer’s diseaseObjective:  To identify indicators of root caries among persons with newly diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Background:  Few studies have investigated dental caries in older adults with AD. Previously we found that persons with AD had significantly more root caries compared to persons with dementia other than AD.Methods:  Participants were recruited from two university hospital clinics in Copenhagen, Denmark. A team of neurologists/geriatricians carried out the diagnostic screening. The study included an interview, oral examination and medical records.Results:  We evaluated potential indicators of root decay across subjects with 3+ decayed surfaces vs. <3 decayed surfaces. Variables associated with increased odds of root caries were age over 80 years, 2+ decayed coronal surfaces and 5+ filled root surfaces. Among the social variables, living with someone was associated with a nearly 70% reduction in the odds of having 3+ surfaces of untreated caries.Discussion:  Root caries is highly prevalent among individuals with new AD and there is still a strong need for active assessment of and attention to oral problems in persons with AD. Our findings document that recently diagnosed AD cases with multiple coronal caries lesions are at elevated risk of having more root caries. Also persons 81+ years and those with multiple root fillings are more likely to have numerous untreated root lesions.
Pilot testing of an HIV medication adherence intervention in a public clinic in the Deep South
Authors: Konkle‐Parker Deborah J. , Erlen Judith A. , Dubbert Patricia M. , May Warran 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPurpose: Strict adherence to HIV medications is critical to ensure long‐term disease control, and adherence interventions that are possible in a clinic setting with limited resources are needed.Data sources: This randomized controlled pilot study tested an adherence intervention guided by the Information‐Motivation‐Behavioral Skills (IMB) model. The intervention included HIV education, a peer video, motivational interviewing, and attention to behavioral skills including communication with providers and adherence‐enhancing devices. Dependent variables included 3‐4 week adherence recall, medication refill rate, changes in IMB subscale scores, appointment attendance, and HIV‐associated laboratory findings. Seventy‐three individuals starting or restarting antiretroviral therapy were enrolled and 56 were randomized.Conclusions: Improvements were seen in most outcomes, with small to moderate effect sizes, but the study was not powered to show statistical significance. Threats to power included a 51% attrition rate, resulting mostly from loss to clinical care or prolonged gaps in care.Implications for practice: A telephone‐based intervention to improve HIV medication adherence shows promise. Further study is needed with greater attention to retention in care.
Reference‐free transcriptome assembly in non‐model animals from next‐generation sequencing data
Authors: CAHAIS V. , GAYRAL P. , TSAGKOGEORGA G. , MELO‐FERREIRA J. , BALLENGHIEN M. , WEINERT L. , CHIARI Y. , BELKHIR K. , RANWEZ V. , GALTIER N. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractNext‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies offer the opportunity for population genomic study of non‐model organisms sampled in the wild. The transcriptome is a convenient and popular target for such purposes. However, designing genetic markers from NGS transcriptome data requires assembling gene‐coding sequences out of short reads. This is a complex task owing to gene duplications, genetic polymorphism, alternative splicing and transcription noise. Typical assembling programmes return thousands of predicted contigs, whose connection to the species true gene content is unclear, and from which SNP definition is uneasy. Here, the transcriptomes of five diverse non‐model animal species (hare, turtle, ant, oyster and tunicate) were assembled from newly generated 454 and Illumina sequence reads. In two species for which a reference genome is available, a new procedure was introduced to annotate each predicted contig as either a full‐length cDNA, fragment, chimera, allele, paralogue, genomic sequence or other, based on the number of, and overlap between, blast hits to the appropriate reference. Analyses showed that (i) the highest quality assemblies are obtained when 454 and Illumina data are combined, (ii) typical de novo assemblies include a majority of irrelevant cDNA predictions and (iii) assemblies can be appropriately cleaned by filtering contigs based on length and coverage. We conclude that robust, reference‐free assembly of thousands of genes from transcriptomic NGS data is possible, opening promising perspectives for transcriptome‐based population genomics in animals. A Galaxy pipeline implementing our best‐performing assembling strategy is provided.
Validation of the scleroderma health assessment questionnaire and quality of life in English and Chinese‐speaking patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Ng Xinyi , Thumboo Julian , Low Andrea H. L. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAimsTo perform cross‐cultural adaptation and validation of the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (S‐HAQ) and Systemic Sclerosis Quality of Life scale (SSc‐QoL) in English and Chinese‐speaking patients with SSc.MethodsIn this Institutional Review Board approved study, patients seen at the rheumatology outpatient clinics were consecutively recruited over a 10‐month period. We evaluated: (i) test–retest reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC); (ii) known‐groups construct validity by stratifying patients according to organ involvement and symptom severity; and (iii) convergent validity using Spearman's correlation with Short Form 36 version 2 (SF36v2).ResultsForty‐nine SSc patients completed the questionnaires: 26 Chinese, 23 English; 30 self‐administered, 19 interviewer‐administered, of which 35 responded to the retest. The SSc‐QoL, HAQ Disability Index, intestinal Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), breathing VAS and overall disease severity VAS demonstrated high reliability (ICCs 0.71–0.93). The intestinal, finger ulcer and breathing S‐HAQ VASs were able to differentiate patients according to their respective organ involvement. As hypothesized, the S‐HAQ correlated better with the Physical Summary Component (PCS) than the Mental Summary Component (MCS) scores of the SF36v2. The SSc‐QoL also demonstrated good convergent validity with the SF36v2 scales.ConclusionIn this pilot study, we provided preliminary evidence to demonstrate the good test–retest reliability and reasonable construct validity of S‐HAQ and SSc‐QoL for use in English and Chinese‐speaking SSc patients. This forms the basis for future studies to assess more extensively their psychometric properties.
Development and testing of an improved dosimetry system using a backscatter shielded electronic portal imaging device
Authors: King Brian W. , Morf Daniel , Greer Peter. B. 
Published: April 2012

Purpose:To investigate the properties of a modified backscatter shielded electronic portal imaging device (BSS‐EPID) and to develop a dose model to convert BSS‐EPID images to dose in water as part of an improved system for dosimetry using EPIDs.Methods:The effectiveness of the shielding of the BSS‐EPID was studied by comparing images measured with the BSS‐EPID mounted on the support arm to images measured with the BSS‐EPID removed from the support arm. A dose model was developed and optimized to reconstruct dose in water at different depths from measured BSS‐EPID images. The accuracy of the dose model was studied using BSS‐EPID images of 28 IMRT fields to reconstruct dose in water at depths of 2, 5, 10, and 20 cm and comparing to measured dose in water from a two‐dimensional diode array at the same depths. The ability of the BSS‐EPID system to operate independently of detector position was demonstrated by comparing the dose reconstruction of a 10 × 10 cm2 field using different detector offsets to that measured by a two‐dimensional diode array.Results:The shielding of the BSS‐EPID was found to be effective, with more than 99% of pixels showing less than 0.5% change due to the presence of the support arm and at most a 0.2% effect on the central axis for 2 × 2 cm2 fields to fully open 30 × 40 cm2 images. The dose model was shown to accurately reconstruct measurements of dose in water using BSS‐EPID images with average γ pass rates (2%, 2 mm criteria) of 92.5%, 98.7%, 97.4%, and 97.2% at depths of 2, 5, 10, and 20 cm, respectively, when compared to two‐dimensional diode array measurements. When using 3%, 3 mm γ criteria, the average pass rate was greater than 97% at all depths. Reconstructed dose in water for a 10 × 10 cm2 field measured with detector offsets as large as 10 cm agreed with each other and two‐dimensional diode array measurements within 0.9%.Conclusions:The modified BSS‐EPID and associated dose model provide an improved system for dosimetry measurements using EPIDs. Several important limitations of the current hardware and software are addressed by this system.
Genetics and epigenetics of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Alagiakrishnan Kannayiram , Gill Sudeep S , Fagarasanu Andrei 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a highly prevalent condition that predominantly affects older adults. AD is a complex multifactorial disorder with a number of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors which ultimately lead to premature neuronal death. Predictive and susceptibility genes play a role in AD. Early-onset familial AD is a rare autosomal dominant disorder. Genome-wide association studies have identified many potential susceptibility genes for late-onset AD, but the clinical relevance of many of these susceptibility genes is unclear. The genetic variation by susceptibility genes plays a crucial role in determining the risk of late-onset AD, as well as the onset of the disease, the course of the AD and the therapeutic response of patients to conventional drugs for AD. The newer understanding of the epigenetics in AD has also been highlighted. Recent advances in genetics, epigenetics and pharmacogenetics of AD pose new challenges to the future management of AD.
Life, Transferable: Questioning the Commodity-Based Approach to Transplantation Ethics
Authors: Dillard-Wright David B. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Some bioethicists have proposed a legalized market in human organs as a solution to transplant waiting lists and global poverty. Solutions to organ procurement problems that are solely market-based would unfairly shift the burdens of medical procedures onto developing nations. Market advocates base their claims on the understanding of organs as property, a position that should be problematized. Instrumentalizing people in this way is part of the broader commodification of animals and the environment. Combating the market mentality requires a return to the holistic view of bioethics that led to the founding of the field.
Animal Cultures, Subjectivity, and Knowledge: Symmetrical Reflections beyond the Great Divide
Authors: Nimmo Richie 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis article reflects upon the implications for sociology of the steady accumulation of evidence in the sciences of animal behavior pointing to the existence of culture among nonhuman animals. With a particular focus on primatology, it explores how these developments challenge the notions of “culture” that continue to inform the study of human social life. The article argues that this growing challenge to the assumption of human uniqueness that has historically provided the core rationale for sociology cannot be ignored. The paper thus contributes to the overdue work of articulating a constructive response by tracing the issues involved in the encounter between these knowledges. Theoretical currents from science studies and actor-network theory are drawn upon in order to propose a reflexive and symmetrical realignment of this encounter, with significant implications for our understandings of human and animal being and subjectivity.
Welfare Effect of Productivity Shocks and Policy Implications in a Small Open Economy
Authors: Ericson Richard E. , Liu Xuan 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
We examine the welfare effect and policy implications of productivity shocks in a small open economy. With real business cycle models, productivity shocks are generally welfare improving. However, once we assign a big role to financial frictions, productivity shocks may become welfare deteriorating. These results are robust. Moreover, the policy implication hinges on preferences, policy specifications, and financial frictions.
The Traumatic Subjectivity of Ṣunʿ Allāh Ibrāhīm’s Dhāt*
Authors: Di-Capua Yoav 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
In contrast with previous readings of Ṣunʿ Allāh Ibrāhīm’s Dhāt, this article argues that the novel’s conceptual center is not simply a socio-political critique of materialism, but rather a case of psychological trauma, of which materialism is just a symptom. By examining narrative structure and temporality, this article theorizes the affects of trauma towards explaining how an entire Egyptian generation came to experience the past, or history, as a depressing process of displacement that ultimately leads to alienation from environment and self. Exploring the meaning of trauma and its ethical and psychological side effects, this article also elaborates on how gossip transforms trauma into a socially contagious disease. Reading the novel back into the standard genealogy of Arabic literature, it could be viewed as a concluding note of the 1960s generation and a precursor of the 1990s generation, and of the so-called novel of the “closed horizon.”
The Social Construction of “Religion” and Its Limits: A Critical Reading of Timothy Fitzgerald
Authors: Schilbrack Kevin 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSeveral theorists argue that the concept of “religion” is not a cultural universal but rather emerged under particular historical and political conditions in the modern post-Reformation west. “Religion,” they say, is a social construction. What are the implications of this view of the ontology of religion? My aim in this paper is to critically engage the arguments of Timothy Fitzgerald—a social constructionist about religion who combines, in my judgment, insight and confusion on the issue—in order to trace out the values and the limits of this approach.
What is Wrong with Pagan Studies?
Authors: Davidsen Markus Altena 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis review essay takes a critical look at the new field of “pagan studies” by examining theHandbook of Contemporary Paganism. It demonstrates that pagan studies is dominated by the methodological principles of essentialism, exclusivism, loyalism and supernaturalism, and shows how these principles promote normative constructions of ‘pure’ paganism, insider interpretations of the data, and theological speculations about gods, powers, and a special “magical consciousness.” It seems thus that the methodological discussions inMTSRhave little effect on pagan scholars. In the concluding discussion, I raise the questions why this is so, and how we might do better in promoting a naturalist and theoretically oriented approach to studying religion.
Evaluation and Bias Correction of Regional Climate Model Results Using Model Evaluation Measures
Authors: Schoetter Robert , Hoffmann Peter , Rechid Diana , Schlünzen K. Heinke 
Published: April 2012

AbstractFor the assessment of regional climate change the reliability of the regional climate models needs to be known. The main goal of this paper is to evaluate the quality of climate model data that are used for impact research. Temperature, precipitation, total cloud cover, relative humidity, and wind speed simulated by the regional climate models Climate Local Model (CLM) and Regional Model (REMO) are evaluated for the metropolitan region of Hamburg in northern Germany for the period 1961–2000. The same evaluation is performed for the global climate model ECHAM5 that is used to force the regional climate models. The evaluation is based on comparison of the simulated and observed climatological annual cycles and probability density functions of daily averages. Several model evaluation measures are calculated to assure an objective model evaluation. As a very selective model evaluation measure, the hit rate of the percentiles is introduced for the evaluation of daily averages. The influence of interannual climate variability is considered by determining confidence intervals for the model evaluation measures by bootstrap resampling. Evaluation shows that, with some exceptions, temperature and wind speed are well simulated by the climate models; whereas considerable biases are found for relative humidity, total cloud cover, and precipitation, although not for all models in all seasons. It is shown that model evaluation measures can be used to decide for which meteorological parameters a bias correction is reasonable.
Air–Sea Enthalpy and Momentum Exchange at Major Hurricane Wind Speeds Observed during CBLAST
Authors: Bell Michael M. , Montgomery Michael T. , Emanuel Kerry A. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Quantifying air–sea exchanges of enthalpy and momentum is important for understanding and skillfully predicting tropical cyclone intensity, but the magnitude of the corresponding wind speed–dependent bulk exchange coefficients is largely unknown at major hurricane wind speeds greater than 50 m s−1. Since direct turbulent flux measurements in these conditions are extremely difficult, the momentum and enthalpy fluxes were deduced via absolute angular momentum and total energy budgets. An error analysis of the methodology was performed to quantify and mitigate potentially significant uncertainties resulting from unresolved budget terms and observational errors. An analysis of six missions from the 2003 Coupled Boundary Layers Air–Sea Transfer (CBLAST) field program in major hurricanes Fabian and Isabel was conducted using a new variational technique. The analysis indicates a near-surface mean drag coefficient CD of 2.4 × 10−3 with a 46% standard deviation and a mean enthalpy coefficient CK of 1.0 × 10−3 with a 40% standard deviation for wind speeds between 52 and 72 m s−1. These are the first known estimates of CK and the ratio of enthalpy to drag coefficient CK/CD in major hurricanes. The results suggest that there is no significant change in the magnitude of the bulk exchange coefficients estimated at minimal hurricane wind speeds, and that the ratio CK/CD does not significantly increase for wind speeds greater than 50 m s−1.
Reconstruction of Summer Sea Level Pressure over East Asia since 1470
Authors: Wei Fengying , Hu Lei , Chen Guanjun , Li Qian , Xie Yu 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA close relationship between sea level pressure (SLP) over East Asia and precipitation indices (PIs) in eastern China was observed in the summers (June–August) of 1850–2008 using singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis. To investigate this relationship over a longer period, the SLP fields were reconstructed back to 1470 based on a mathematical model and the historical precipitation indices of eastern China. A cross-validation test of independent samples suggests that the reconstructed SLPs are statistically acceptable. According to the first three predominant SVD modes of the SLP field, three SLP index series (SLPI1–SLPI3) were developed to quantify the thermodynamic differences among the critical SLP centers of East Asia. Both SLPI1 and SLPI2 are highly correlated with the East Asian summer monsoon index, whereas SLPI3 is related to the index of Eurasian meridional atmospheric circulation. The temporal scales of SLP indices were examined during 1470–2008 using the wavelet power spectra. Results indicate that there is significant variance at a 2–5-yr band in the power spectra of the three SLP indices, suggesting SLPI1–SLPI3 have evident interannual variability. Moreover, the wavelet power spectra of SLPI1 and SLPI2 show significantly higher power at the 8–12-yr scale from 1470 to 1750 and at the 60–90-yr scale after 1750. For SLPI3, besides the interannual variability, it has additional periodical variability of 6–11 and 23–33 yr.