bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drebrin A expression is altered after pilocarpine‐induced seizures: Time course of changes is consistent for a role in the integrity and stability of dendritic spines of hippocampal granule cells
Authors: Sbai Oualid , Khrestchatisky Michel , Esclapez Monique , Ferhat Lotfi 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWe used a pathophysiological model of temporal lobe epilepsy induced by pilocarpine in adult rats in order to assess the in vivo role of drebrin A (DA), one of the major regulators of F‐actin. This model displays a dynamic reorganization of the glutamatergic network including neo‐spinogenesis, morphogenesis, and neo‐synaptogenesis associated with an aberrant sprouting of granule cell axons in the dentate gyrus (DG). This reactive plasticity contributes in dentate granule‐cell hyperexcitability that could lead to the emergence of recurrent spontaneous seizures. We investigated the hippocampal DA expression changes in pilocarpine animals using immunohistochemical, Western blot, and in situ hybridization analyses. We showed that DA immunoreactivity was decreased in the inner molecular layer (IML) and in the hilus (H) of the DG, at latent stage, when spinogenesis and morphogenesis occur. Western blot analysis confirmed these overall hippocampal decreases of DA protein expression. At chronic stage, when newly formed glutamatergic synapses are being established, the levels of immunolabeling for DA in the H and the IML were similar to control rats. This recovery is likely due to the increase of DA mRNA in perikarya of hilar and granule cells. Interestingly, our data showed that the changes pattern of labeling for Bassoon, a specific marker for presynaptic active zone, in the IML of pilocarpine‐treated animals paralleled those found for DA at all time points examined. Furthermore, our double and triple immunofluorescence studies showed that the recovery in DA levels in the IML occurred within the dendritic spines involved in glutamatergic active synapses of presumed granule cells. Altogether, our results indicate that in vivo DA is not critical for spinogenesis and morphogenesis but instead is consistent with an involvement in synaptic structural integrity, stabilization, and function. Thus, DA appears as a novel modulator of reactive synaptic plasticity associated with epilepsy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential involvement of protein synthesis and actin rearrangement in the reacquisition of contextual fear conditioning
Authors: Motanis Helen , Maroun Mouna 
Published: January 2011

AbstractExtinction learning is associated with a decline of the conditioned fear response (CR). However, re‐exposure to the unconditioned stimulus (US, shock) is associated with the return of the fear response. This study aimed to study the role of protein synthesis and actin rearrangement in the CA1 hippocampal subregion and the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in acquisition and reacquisition of contextual fear conditioning. To that end, we trained rats on contextual fear conditioning and extinction, and on the last extinction training session we reconditioned the animals by re‐exposure to the US. Immediately after, rats were microinfused with the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin or the actin rearrangement inhibitor cytochalasin D into either the BLA or the CA1. The results of this study show differential involvement of anisomycin and cytochalasin D in the acquisition and reacquisition of contextual fear conditioning. Specifically, while the microinfusion of anisomycin into the BLA or the CA1 immediately after reconditioning of fear did not inhibit the return of fear, the microinfusion of cytochalsin D into either the BLA or the CA1 attenuated fear responses. Interestingly, the initial acquisition of contextual fear memory is dependent on intra‐BLA and CA1 protein synthesis and cytoskeletal rearrangement, since the microinfusion of these drugs blocked the formation of long‐term fear memory. The results suggest that the two processes of acquisition and reacquisition of fear are not identical and they engage different mechanisms. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
2010: A Small Space Odyssey with Luminescent Molecules
Authors: de Silva A. Prasanna 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe road to molecular logic and computation in Belfast, Northern Ireland started with chemical sensors in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This journey is mapped out with reference to design principles, such as those for luminescent PET (photoinduced electron transfer) sensing. Applications such as those for blood electrolyte diagnostics, “lab‐on‐a‐molecule” systems, and molecular computational identification (MCID) are also met along the way.
A structural equation model of perievent panic and posttraumatic stress disorder after a community disaster
Authors: Adams Richard E. , Boscarino Joseph A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractStudies suggest that perievent panic attacks are predictive of future posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using a population of New York City residents interviewed after the World Trade Center Disaster, the authors measured event exposure, perievent panic, potential confounding, mediating variables, and PTSD. When they estimated a structural equation model, with other stressor events, psychological resources, and Year 1 and Year 2 PTSD as latent variables and adjusted for confounders, the association between perievent panic and Year 2 PTSD was not significant. Results revealed that perievent panic was predictive of Year 1 PTSD, but not Year 2 PTSD. Year 2 stressors and Year 2 psychosocial resources were the best predictors of Year 2 PTSD.
Lard‐based fats healthier than lard: Enzymatic synthesis, physicochemical properties and applications
Authors: Cheong Ling‐Zhi , Xu Xuebing 
Published: January 2011

AbstractLard has long been deemed superior to vegetable oils for culinary purposes due to its exceptional properties such as wide plastic range and special flavor values. Nevertheless, its usage over the years has seen a marked decrease due to awareness of its negative nutritional values such as high calorific content (see below) and saturated fatty acids. This paper looks into the possibilities of producing healthier lard‐based fats through “green” biocatalysis methods with particular attention given to the technical challenges of the process and their possible solutions. Alterations in physicochemical properties and application practicability of the modified lard‐based fats are also carefully elucidated.
Immunomonitoring of nuclear factor of activated T cells-regulated gene expression
Authors: Zahn Alexandra , Schott Nadja , Hinz Ulf , Stremmel Wolfgang , Schmidt Jan , Ganten Tom , Gotthardt Daniel , Meuer Stefan , Zeier Martin , Giese Thomas , Sommerer Claudia 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Long-term calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) treatment can cause serious side effects in liver allograft recipients. An optimal risk-to-benefit ratio for CNI blood levels has not been established. Pharmacodynamic drug monitoring through the measurement of the CNI biological activity, that is, the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)-regulated genes, seems to be a promising approach. The residual gene expression (RGE) of NFAT-regulated genes 2 and 1.5 hours after cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK-506) intake was measured in 100 liver allograft recipients with 1 or more years of follow-up post-transplantation. The mean RGE in all patients was 62% ± 33%. A significant negative correlation between the CsA (P < 0.0001, r = -0.8026) and FK-506 peak levels (P < 0.0001, r = -0.6982) and the RGE of all NFAT-regulated genes was observed. Clinical reliability was proven too. In conclusion, the data presented in this pilot study reveal the applicability of the pharmacodynamic monitoring of CNI efficacy in liver allograft recipients. To confirm the advantage of individualized pharmacodynamic drug monitoring over pharmacokinetic drug monitoring with respect to clinical outcomes, controlled, prospective studies are needed.
Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Decellularized liver matrix as a carrier for the transplantation of human fetal and primary hepatocytes in mice a
Authors: Zhou Ping , Lessa Nataly , Estrada Daniel C. , Severson Ella B. , Lingala Shilpa , Zern Mark A. , Nolta Jan A. , Wu Jian 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
The transplantation of primary hepatocytes has been shown to augment the function of damaged livers and to bridge patients to liver transplantation. However, primary hepatocytes often have low levels of engraftment and survive for only a short time after transplantation. To explore the potential benefits of using decellularized liver matrix (DLM) as a carrier for hepatocyte transplantation, DLM from whole mouse livers was generated. Human fetal hepatocytes immortalized by telomerase reconstitution (FH-hTERTs) or primary human hepatocytes were infused into the DLM, which was then implanted into the omenta of immunodeficient nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient/interleukin-2 receptor γ-deficient mice or nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient/mucopolysaccharidosis type VII mice. The removal of endogenous cellular components and the preservation of the extracellular matrix proteins and vasculature were demonstrated in the resulting DLM. Bioluminescent imaging revealed that FH-hTERTs transduced with a lentiviral vector expressing firefly luciferase survived in the DLM for 8 weeks after peritoneal implantation, whereas the luciferase signal from FH-hTERTs rapidly declined in control mice 3 to 4 weeks after transplantation via splenic injection or omental implantation after Matrigel encapsulation. Furthermore, primary human hepatocytes that were reconstituted in the DLM not only survived 6 weeks after transplantation but also maintained their function, as demonstrated by messenger RNA levels of albumin and cytochrome P450 (CYP) subtypes (CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP1A1) similar to the levels in freshly isolated human primary hepatocytes (hPHs). In contrast, when hPHs were transplanted into mice via splenic injection, they failed to express CYP3A4, although they expressed albumin. In conclusion, DLM provides an excellent environment for long-term survival and maintenance of the hepatocyte phenotype after transplantation.
Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Antiglycative and neuroprotective activity of colon‐derived polyphenol catabolites
Authors: Verzelloni Elena , Pellacani Claudia , Tagliazucchi Davide , Tagliaferri Sara , Calani Luca , Costa Lucio G. , Brighenti Furio , Borges Gina , Crozier Alan , Conte Angela , Del Rio Daniele 
Published: January 2011

AbstractScope: Dietary flavonoids and allied phenolic compounds are thought to be beneficial in the control of diabetes and its complications, because of their ability to inhibit oxidative stress, protein glycation and to act as neuroprotectants. Following ingestion by humans, polyphenolic compounds entering the large intestine undergo extensive metabolism by interaction with colonic microbiota and it is metabolites and catabolites of the parent compounds that enter the circulatory system. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory activity of some colonic microbiota‐derived polyphenol catabolites against advanced glycation endproducts formation in vitro and to determine their ability, at physiological concentrations, to counteract mild oxidative stress of cultured human neuron cells.Methods and results: This study demonstrated that ellagitannin‐derived catabolites (urolithins and pyrogallol) are the most effective antiglycative agents, whereas chlorogenic acid‐derived catabolites (dihydrocaffeic acid, dihydroferulic acid and feruloylglycine) were most effective in combination in protecting neuronal cells in a conservative in vitro experimental model.Conclusion: Some polyphenolic catabolites, generated in vivo in the colon, were able in vitro to counteract two key features of diabetic complications, i.e. protein glycation and neurodegeneration. These observations could lead to a better control of these events, which are usually correlated with hyperglycemia.
Maternal cardiac function in normal twin pregnancy: a longitudinal study
Authors: Kuleva M. , Youssef A. , Maroni E. , Contro E. , Pilu G. , Rizzo N. , Pelusi G. , Ghi T. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate maternal cardiac function in a cohort of uncomplicated twin gestations assessed longitudinally.MethodsWomen with twin pregnancies were enrolled prospectively and underwent serial maternal echocardiography at 20–23 weeks, 26–29 weeks and 30–33 weeks of gestation. Patients were excluded if any of these complications occurred after recruitment: delivery < 34 weeks; pre‐eclampsia or gestational hypertension; small‐for‐gestational age neonates (birth weight of one or both twins < 5th centile for gestational age). Cardiac findings were compared with those obtained at the same gestational age periods in a group of singleton gestations.ResultsA group of 20 uncomplicated twin gestations was obtained for analysis and 10 singleton pregnancies were then selected as controls. At each visit, mean ± SD cardiac output (CO) was significantly higher in twins than in singletons (6.55 ± 0.82 vs 5.62 ± 0.82 L/min, P = 0.007 at 20–23 weeks; 7.31 ± 0.74 vs 6.39 ± 0.74 L/min, P = 0.003 at 26–29 weeks; 7.50 ± 0.89 vs 6.68 ± 0.65 L/min, P = 0.015 at 30–33 weeks), whereas total vascular resistance (TVR) was lower (1005 ± 137 vs 1179 ± 199 dynes × s/cm5, P = 0.009 at 20–23 weeks; 924 ± 100 vs 1070 ± 138 dynes × s/cm5, P = 0.003 at 26–29 weeks; 929 ± 96 vs 1031 ± 122 dynes × s/cm5, P = 0.018 at 30–33 weeks). In both twins and singletons, CO showed a significant increase while TVR decreased significantly throughout the assessed pregnancy time period.ConclusionIn twin gestation, maternal cardiac function apparently undergoes more profound changes compared with in singleton gestation, as testified by higher CO and lower TVR values at each stage of pregnancy starting from the mid‐trimester. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DFR: an efficient directional flooding‐based routing protocol in underwater sensor networks
Authors: Shin Dongseung , Hwang Daeyoup , Kim Dongkyun 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTUnlike terrestrial sensor networks, underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) have salient features such as a long propagation delay, narrow bandwidth, and high packet loss over links. Hence, path setup‐based routing protocols proposed for terrestrial sensor networks are not applicable because a large latency of the path establishment is observed, and packet delivery is not reliable in UWSNs. Even though routing protocols such as VBF (vector based forwarding) and HHVBF (hop‐by‐hop VBF) were introduced for UWSNs, their performance in terms of reliability deteriorates at high packet loss. In this paper, we therefore propose a directional flooding‐based routing protocol, called DFR, in order to achieve reliable packet delivery. DFR performs a so‐called controlled flooding, where DFR changes the number of nodes which participate in forwarding a packet according to their link quality. When a forwarding node has poor link quality to its neighbor nodes geographically advancing toward the sink, DFR allows more nodes to participate in forwarding the packet. Otherwise, a few nodes are enough to forward the packet reliably. In addition, we identify two types of void problems which can occur during the controlled flooding and introduce their corresponding solutions. Our simulation study using ns‐2 simulator proves that DFR is more suitable for UWSNs, especially when links are prone to packet loss. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Educational technology, reimagined
Authors: Eisenberg Michael 
Published: January 2011

Abstract“Educational technology” is often equated in the popular imagination with “computers in the schools.” But technology is much more than merely computers, and education is much more than mere schooling. The landscape of child‐accessible technologies is blossoming in all sorts of directions: tools for communication, for physical construction and fabrication, and for human‐computer interaction. These new systems and artifacts allow educational designers to think much more creatively about when and where learning takes place in children's lives, both within and outside the classroom.
Augmenting your own reality: Student authoring of science‐based augmented reality games
Authors: Klopfer Eric , Sheldon Josh 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAugmented Reality (AR) simulations superimpose a virtual overlay of data and interactions onto a real‐world context. The simulation engine at the heart of this technology is built to afford elements of game play that support explorations and learning in students' natural context—their own community and surroundings. In one of the more recent games, TimeLab 2100, players role‐play citizens of the early 22nd century when global climate change is out of control. Through AR, they see their community as it might be nearly one hundred years in the future. TimeLab and other similar AR games balance location specificity and portability—they are games that are tied to a location and games that are movable from place to place. Focusing students on developing their own AR games provides the best of both virtual and physical worlds: a more portable solution that deeply connects young people to their own surroundings. A series of initiatives has focused on technical and pedagogical solutions to supporting students authoring their own games.
Improving operational performance by influencing shopfloor behavior via performance management practices
Authors: de Leeuw Sander , van den Berg Jeroen P. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIt is generally believed that companies applying performance management practices outperform those that do not measure and manage their performance. Studies examining the link between performance management and performance improvement implicitly assume that performance management affects behavior of individuals in an organization, which then facilitates the achievement of organizational goals. This study takes a step towards understanding this implicit assumption. We investigate how performance management practices relate to improvement in performance by influencing behavior of individuals. We focus on operational performance management, i.e. the definition and use of performance measures on the shopfloor in production and distribution. We use a survey among 102 companies to identify the relations between performance management practices, shopfloor behavior and improvement in performance. We identified three independent clusters of operator behavior that positively correlate with performance improvement: “Understanding”, “Motivation” and “Focus on Improvement”. We show that 17 out of the 20 performance management practices found in literature have a significant and positive relation with one or more clusters of operator behavior. We furthermore found that there is a positive correlation between the number of performance management practices applied and performance improvement, suggesting that it is not only which practices are applied but also how many. Recommendations emerging from this study enable managers to identify which behavioral changes are desired to improve performance and to select those performance management practices that positively influence the desired behavior.
ENHANCING WATER PRODUCTIVITY FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION: ROLE OF CAPITALS AND INSTITUTIONS IN THE GANGA BASIN
Authors: CLEMENT FLORIANE , HAILESLASSIE AMARE , ISHAQ SABA , BLÜMMEL MICHAEL , MURTY M. V. R , SAMAD MADAR , DEY SANJIIB , DAS HIMANGSHU , KHAN M. A. 
Published: January 2011

SUMMARYThe concept of water productivity (WP) or ‘more crop per drop’ has been revived recently in international water debates. Its application has notably been extended from single crops to mixed farming systems, integrating both crops and livestock, with the wider objective of reducing poverty. Using evidence from the Ganga Basin, India, we discuss the relevance of this concept as a tool to guide interventions for livelihood improvement and poverty alleviation. We argue that WP studies would benefit from greater attention to the role of capitals, inequities and institutions. Firstly, it is crucial to acknowledge the heterogeneity of capitals and capabilities of farmers to make changes in their farming systems and practices and avoid one-fix-all interventions. Identifying pre-existing inequities in water access within and among communities will support better targeting of poor communities. WP interventions can either reinforce or reduce inter-household inequities within communities. We stress the need for assessment of institutional impacts of WP interventions on water access and development.
The future of animal production: improving productivity and sustainability
Authors: HUME D. A. , WHITELAW C. B. A. , ARCHIBALD A. L. 
Published: January 2011

SUMMARYThe challenge for the next 50 years is to increase the productivity of major livestock species to address the food needs of the world, while at the same time minimizing the environmental impact. The present review presents an optimistic view of this challenge. The completion of genome sequences, and high-density analytical tools to map genetic markers, allows for whole-genome selection programmes based on linkage disequilibrium for a wide spectrum of traits, simultaneously. In turn, it will be possible to redefine genetic prediction based on allele sharing, rather than pedigree relationships and to make breeding value predictions early in the life of the peak sire. Selection will be applied to a much wider range of traits, including those that are directed towards environmental or adaptive outcomes. In parallel, reproductive technologies will continue to advance to allow acceleration of genetic selection, probably including recombinationin vitro.Transgenesis and/or mutagenesis will be applied to introduce new genetic variation or desired phenotypes. Traditional livestock systems will continue to evolve towards more intensive integrated farming modes that control inputs and outputs to minimize the impact and improve efficiency. The challenges of the next 50 years can certainly be met, but only if governments reverse the long-term disinvestment in agricultural research.
Genetic manipulation of Neospora caninum to express the bradyzoite-specific protein NcSAG4 in tachyzoites
Authors: MARUGÁN-HERNÁNDEZ V. , ORTEGA-MORA L. M. , AGUADO-MARTÍNEZ A. , ÁLVAREZ-GARCÍA G. 
Published: January 2011

SUMMARYNeospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite and the aetiological agent of bovine neosporosis, one of the main causes of reproductive failure worldwide. We have generated 2 independent transgenic knock-in clones, Nc-1SAG4c1.1 and Nc-1SAG4c2.1, that express the bradyzoite stage-specific protein NcSAG4 in the tachyzoite stage. These clones have similar growth rates in vitro as the wild-type (WT) strain Nc-1. Studies in a cerebral mouse model of infection revealed a slightly lower rate of detection of the transgenic strains in brains during the chronic phase of infection. However, a pregnant mouse model of infection revealed a reduction in the virulence of the Nc-1SAG4c1.1 strain despite the same tachyzoite expression of NcSAG4 and a similar anti-NcSAG4 response displayed by mice inoculated with Nc-1 SAG4c1.1 or Nc-1 SAG4c2.1 parasites. This behaviour may be related to the reduced ability of the Nc-1SAG4c1.1 parasites to invade host cells, which was observed in in vitro assays. The apparent reduction in persistence and the high growth rate of the transgenic strains, together with their constitutive expression of the protein NcSAG4, may be useful features for future immunoprophylaxis trials based on a safe live attenuated vaccine.