bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population biology and diet of the puffer fish Lagocephalus laevigatus (Tetraodontiformes: Tetraodontidae) in Caraguatatuba Bay, south-eastern Brazil
Authors: Denadai M.R. , Santos F.B. , Bessa E. , Bernardes L.P. , Turra A. 
Published: October 2011

This study describes the spatio-temporal distribution, population biology, and diet of the puffer fish Lagocephalus laevigatus in Caraguatatuba Bay, south-eastern Brazil. Monthly samples were taken between August 2003 and October 2004 by trawls in two areas, south and north, at depths of 1 to 4 m. The fish were measured and their sex and reproductive stage determined. The abundance of this species was compared between areas and among months, and the items in the diet were identified and quantified. Lagocephalus laevigatus was rare in Caraguatatuba Bay, where only 199 small individuals (4.8 to 15.4 cm) were obtained in the entire study period, suggesting that this species uses the estuary as a nursery. None of the specimens of L. laevigatus captured in Caraguatatuba Bay were sexually mature. Higher densities of L. laevigatus in the bay were recorded in the south area and between October and December 2003, i.e. in the spring, suggesting that spawning may occur from late winter to spring (August through to November). The diet items consumed by L. laevigatus in Caraguatatuba Bay were, as expected from the current literature, crustaceans, mainly amphipods, and fish. However, the most-consumed item was the sea whip Leptogorgia setacea (Cnidaria). This feeding habit may be related to the presence of toxins (tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin) that are frequently found in the skin and viscera of L. laevigatus, which may be sequestered from the sea whip, which possibility still needs to be specifically evaluated.
RevisitingWidowhood in Later Life: Changes in Patterns and Profiles, Advances in Research and Understanding
Authors: Martin-Matthews Anne 
Published: October 2011

RÉSUMÉCette analyse examine les façons dont l’expérience du veuvage dans la vieillesse ainsi que la nature de la recherche sur le veuvage ont changé depuis la publication du livreLe Veuvage en fin de vieen 1991. Les modèles de la baisse du veuvage sont examinés, à la fois dans sa durée et de son incidence retardée dans la vie. La recherche sur le veuvage a connu des avancées conceptuelles au-delà de la compréhension de la perte de rôle. La perspective du cours de la vie, ainsi que les concepts de narratifs multiples et de résilience ont aussi contribué à ce domaine. De nouvelles méthodes, y compris des méthodologies prospectives et longitudinales portant sur de larges ensembles de données, ainsi que des études qualitatives détaillées, ont fait avancer notre compréhension de la complexité et des variances du veuvage. Celles-ci incluent des variantes telles que le genre, la diversité ethnoculturelle et la combinaison de facteurs tels que l’aisance matérielle, la santé et la classe sociale. L’article examine aussi l’influence de l’affiliation au marché du travail, de la politique sociale et de la nature changeante du mariage sur le façonnement du veuvage plus tard au cours de la vie.
Roscovitine in combination with calcium ionophore induces oocyte activation through reduction of M-phase promoting factor activity in mice
Authors: Iba Tomomi , Yano Yuya , Umeno Mayumi , Hinokio Kenji , Kuwahara Akira , Irahara Minoru , Yamano Shuji , Yasui Toshiyuki 
Published: October 2011

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to determine oocyte activation and change in M-phase promoting factor (MPF) activity induced by treatment with calcium ionophore and roscovitine in comparison with those induced by treatment with roscovitine alone and treatment with calcium ionophore and puromycin in mice. Freshly ovulated oocytes obtained from 6–8-week-old mice were divided into five groups (no activation treatment; 5 μM calcium ionophore A23187; 50 μM roscovitine; 5 μM calcium ionophore and 10 μg/ml puromycin; and 5 μM calcium ionophore and 50 μM roscovitine) and were incubated for 6 h. Oocyte activation, assessed by morphological changes, and changes in MPF activity in the five groups at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h of incubation were examined. Activated oocytes were defined as oocytes with at least one pronucleus. Oocytes treated with roscovitine alone were not activated during the 6-h incubation period. All of the oocytes in the calcium ionophore with puromycin group and in the calcium ionophore with roscovitine group were activated. The percentage activity of MPF in oocytes treated with roscovitine alone was decreased after 2 h and increased after 4 h of incubation. The percentage activity of MPF in oocytes treated with calcium ionophore and roscovitine was significantly decreased with suppression of MPF activity being maintained for 6 h, and this change was similar to that in oocytes treated with calcium ionophore and puromycin. Roscovitine with calcium ionophore is effective for induction of oocyte activation through suppression of MPF activity in mice.
Food sources and correlates of sodium and potassium intakes in Flemish pre-school children
Authors: Huybrechts Inge , De Keyzer Willem , Lin Yi , Vandevijvere Stefanie , Vereecken Carine , Van Oyen Herman , Tilleman Katrien , Bellemans Mia , De Maeyer Mieke , De Backer Guy , De Henauw Stefaan 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate dietary sources of Na and K intakes among Flemish pre-school children using multiple linear regression analyses.DesignThree-day estimated diet records were used to assess dietary intakes. The contribution to Na and K intakes of fifty-seven food groups was computed by summing the amount provided by the food group for all individuals divided by the total intake for all individuals.SettingA random cluster sampling design at the level of schools, stratified by province and age, was used.SubjectsA representative sample of 696 Flemish pre-school children aged 2·5–6·5 years was recruited.ResultsMean Na intake was above and mean K intake was largely below the recommendation for children. Bread (22 %) and soup (13 %) were main contributors to Na intake followed by cold meat cuts and other meat products (12 % and 11 %, respectively). Sugared milk drinks, fried potatoes, milk and fruit juices were the main K sources (13 %, 12 %, 11 % and 11 %, respectively). Although Na and K intakes were positively correlated, several food categories showed Na:K intake ratio well above one (water, cheeses, soup, butter/margarine, fast foods and light beverages) whereas others presented a ratio well below one (oil & fat, fruits & juices, potatoes, vegetables and hot beverages).ConclusionsFlemish pre-school children had too high Na and too low K intakes. The finding that main dietary sources of Na and K are clearly different indicates the feasibility of simultaneously decreasing Na and increasing K intake among children.
The Phosphorylation Status of the Chloroplast Protein Kinase STN7 of Arabidopsis Affects Its Turnover
Authors: Willig Adrian , Shapiguzov Alexey , Goldschmidt-Clermont Michel , Rochaix Jean-David 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The chloroplast serine-threonine protein kinase STN7 of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is required for the phosphorylation of the light-harvesting system of photosystem II and for state transitions, a process that allows the photosynthetic machinery to balance the light excitation energy between photosystem II and photosystem I and thereby to optimize the photosynthetic yield. Because the STN7 protein kinase of Arabidopsis is known to be phosphorylated at four serine-threonine residues, we have changed these residues by site-directed mutagenesis to alanine (STN7-4A) or aspartic acid (STN7-4D) to assess the role of these phosphorylation events. The corresponding mutants were still able to phosphorylate the light-harvesting system of photosystem II and to perform state transitions. Moreover, we noticed a marked decrease in the level of the STN7 kinase in the wild-type strain under prolonged state 1 conditions that no longer occurs in the STN7-4D mutant. The results suggest a possible role of phosphorylation of the STN7 kinase in regulating its turnover.
Smoking and other factors associated with short‐term partial remission of Type 1 diabetes in adults
Authors: Pilacinski S. , Adler A. I. , Zozulinska‐Ziolkiewicz D. A. , Gawrecki A. , Wierusz‐Wysocka B. 
Published: October 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 464–469 (2012)AbstractAims  The duration of partial remission of Type 1 diabetes is associated with the degree of initial metabolic disturbance and features of insulin resistance. Cigarette smoking decreases insulin sensitivity, but its influence on the length of remission is unknown. Therefore, this study assessed the relationship between cigarette smoking and duration of partial remission in adults with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes.Methods  We recruited 149 patients (48 women and 101 men, aged 16–35 years, median age 25 years), admitted to a teaching hospital with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes and followed them for a median period of 1 year and 9 months. We introduced intensive insulin therapy in multiple injections (basal‐bolus) in all patients. We defined partial remission as an insulin dose of ≤ 0.3 U/kg body weight/24 h, an HbA1c value < 53 mmol/mol (7.0%) and a random serum C‐peptide concentration over 0.5 ng/ml. Cigarette smoking was determined by self‐report.Results  Of 149 patients, 68 (46%) fulfilled the criteria for partial remission at 1 year after diagnosis of diabetes. Fewer patients who were in partial remission at 1 year smoked (19/68, 28%) than did patients that were not in partial remission (41/81, 51%). In logistic regression analyses, non‐smoking was associated with remission at 1 year independent of age, sex, HbA1c and presence of diabetic ketoacidosis, all measured at onset of diabetes (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.42–7.75, P = 0.005).Conclusion  Relative to individuals in this study who smoked, those who did not smoke at diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes experienced a longer duration of partial remission.
Seasonal variations of urinary albumin creatinine ratio in Japanese subjects with Type 2 diabetes and early nephropathy
Authors: Wada Y. , Hamamoto Y. , Ikeda H. , Honjo S. , Kawasaki Y. , Mori K. , Koshiyama H. 
Published: October 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 506–508 (2012)AbstractAims  It has been recognized that blood pressure shows a seasonal variation, but it remains unknown whether diabetic nephropathy shows a seasonal variation. In the present study, we investigated the change in urinary albumin/creatinine ratio in relation to the season in Japanese patients with Type 2 diabetes.Methods  A total of 430 subjects (275 male, 155 female) with Type 2 diabetes and early nephropathy (defined by UACR 30–300 mg/g creatinine) were included. One year was divided into four seasons and each season was defined as winter (December–February), spring (March–May), summer (June–August), and fall (September–November), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum creatinine levels, and the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio were examined. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was also calculated and evaluated.Results  The mean age (± SE) was 64.8 ± 0.8 years. The mean systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in winter than in summer (136 ± 0.68 vs. 133 ± 0.68 mmHg, P < 0.001). The urinary albumin/creatinine ratio showed a significantly higher value in winter than in summer (72.8 ± 4.4 vs. 54.6 ± 3.4 mg/g creatinine, P < 0.001). The curve of seasonal variation of this ratio showed a similar change to that of systolic blood pressure. No significant seasonal variation was observed in estimated glomerular filtration rate and diastolic blood pressure.Conclusions  Our results suggest that there is a hitherto unknown seasonal variation in the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, and that it may be necessary to consider this seasonal change, especially when performing an intervention study of nephropathy.
Timing versus Buy and Hold: A Model for Determining Predictive Accuracy Required for Superior Performance
Authors: Hilliard Jimmy E. , Hilliard Jitka 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIn this application, we develop a model to simulate the decisions of a trader whose subjective distribution of returns may be correlated with realized stock returns. Using empirically estimated parameters from stocks in the CRSP database, we obtain performance data on a number of measures, including mean returns, volatility, the Sharpe measure, and the probability of a correct trading decision. The model suggests that daily trading of a portfolio of 20 volatile stocks gives a Sharpe measure better than that of buying and holding the S&P 500 when timing accuracy is 53% or better.
Board Independence and Mutual Fund Manager Turnover
Authors: Fu Richard , Wedge Lei 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis paper studies the relationship between board independence and manager turnover in the mutual fund industry. Using the Lipper 2003 mutual fund board data, we find that manager turnover is more likely to happen to funds with poor prior performance and more independent boards. Consistent with previous studies such as Tufano and Sevick (1997), our research provides new evidence in support of the Securities and Exchange Commission's approach of improving fund governance by promoting board independence.
Determinants of the Method of Payment in Asset Sell‐Off Transactions
Authors: Cao Kien , Madura Jeff 
Published: October 2011

AbstractUsing a sample of asset sell‐off transactions from January 1990 to April 2010, we find that the method of payment used in asset sell‐off transactions is associated with several characteristics cited in the acquisitions research that reflect cash constraints of the bidder. Specifically, bidders facing more stringent cash constraints are more likely to use equity when purchasing assets, while sellers subjected to cash constraints prefer cash when selling assets. Second, we find that the variation in method of payment among asset sell‐off transactions also is partially explained by variables representing asymmetric information. Third, we apply our model to an expanded sample that includes non‐U.S. sellers of assets and find that an equity payment is more likely when sellers are based in countries that have relatively high country risk (more government restrictions), weak shareholder rights, and a weak legal system. Thus, it appears that bidders prefer that sellers share in the risk of the transaction under these conditions.
HSP70i is a critical component of the immune response leading to vitiligo
Authors: Mosenson Jeffrey A. , Zloza Andrew , Klarquist Jared , Barfuss Allison J. , Guevara‐Patino Jose A. , Le Poole I. Caroline 
Published: October 2011

SummaryHSP70i and other stress proteins have been used in anti‐tumor vaccines. This begs the question whether HSP70i plays a unique role in immune activation. We vaccinated inducible HSP70i (Hsp70‐1) knockout mice and wild‐type animals with optimized TRP‐1, a highly immunogenic melanosomal target molecule. We were unable to induce robust and lasting depigmentation in the Hsp70‐1 knockout mice, and in vivo cytolytic assays revealed a lack of cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte activity. Absence of T‐cell infiltration to the skin and maintenance of hair follicle melanocytes were observed. By contrast, depigmentation proceeded without interruption in mice lacking a tissue‐specific constitutive isoform of HSP70 (Hsp70‐2) vaccinated with TRP‐2. Next, we demonstrated that HSP70i was necessary and sufficient to accelerate depigmentation in vitiligo‐prone Pmel‐1 mice, accompanied by lasting phenotypic changes in dendritic cell subpopulations. In summary, these studies assign a unique function to HSP70i in vitiligo and identify HSP70i as a targetable entity for treatment.
An Old Friend in a New Light: The Role of Osteocalcin in Energy Metabolism
Authors: Sullivan Tim R. , Duque Gustavo , Keech Anthony C. , Herrmann Markus 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYAccumulating evidence suggests interactions between bone and energy metabolism, which may affect the risk of cardiovascular disease. Recent animal studies indicate that osteocalcin (OC) plays a key role in the coordinated regulation of glucose and insulin metabolism while insulin receptors on osteoblasts may regulate bone turnover and circulating OC levels. Association studies, weight loss interventions, and observational data lend some support to the existence and relevance of these mechanisms in humans. However, corroborating evidence from pharmacologic interventions in either bone or glucose metabolism is limited by the number, design, and complex pharmacological effects of the drugs used. Furthermore, such clinical trials are complicated by the alteration of metabolic feedback mechanisms in the insulin resistant state. Purpose‐designed studies are needed to further establish the existence and significance of the role of OC and its subfractions in human insulin metabolism. In this review we summarize existing animal evidence regarding the role of OC and its subfractions in bone and energy metabolism and assess current clinical trial evidence relating to the significance and consequences of this relationship in humans.
Novel One-Step Method for Detection and Isolation of Active-Toxin-Producing Clostridium difficile Strains Directly from Stool Samples
Authors: Darkoh Charles , DuPont Herbert L. , Kaplan Heidi B. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

The alarming emergence of hypervirulent strains of
Clostridium difficile
with increased toxin production, severity of disease, morbidity, and mortality emphasizes the need for a culture method that permits simultaneous isolation and detection of virulent strains. The
C. difficile
toxins A and B are critical virulence factors, and strains can either be toxin-producing (virulent) or non-toxin-producing (nonvirulent). Strains that are isolated from human infections generally produce either toxin A or toxin B or both. The methods currently available for culturing
C. difficile
do not differentiate strains that produce active toxins from strains that do not produce toxins or produce inactive toxins. As a result, the identification and isolation of toxin-producing strains from stool is currently a two-step process. First, the stool is plated on a selective medium, and then suspected colonies are analyzed for toxin production or the presence of the toxin genes. We describe here a novel selective and differential culture method, the Cdifftox plate assay, which combines in a single step the specific isolation of
C. difficile
strains and the detection of active toxin. This assay was developed based on our recent finding that the A and B toxins of
C. difficile
cleave chromogenic substrates that have stereochemical characteristics similar to their natural substrate, UDP-glucose. The Cdifftox plate assay is shown here to be extremely accurate (99.8% effective) in detecting toxin-producing strains through the analysis of 528
C. difficile
isolates selected from 50 tissue culture cytotoxicity assay-positive clinical stool samples. The Cdifftox plate assay advances and improves the culture approach such that only
C. difficile
strains will grow on this agar, and virulent strains producing active toxins can be differentiated from nonvirulent strains, which do not produce active toxins. This new method reduces the time and effort required to isolate and confirm toxin-producing
C. difficile
strains.
Original Findings Associated with Two Cases of Bovine Papular Stomatitis
Authors: Dal Pozzo F. , Martinelle L. , Gallina L. , Mast J. , Sarradin P. , Thiry E. , Scagliarini A. , Büttner M. , Saegerman C. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT
Bovine papular stomatitis virus was isolated from two calves in an animal house with biosafety level 3 confinement. The hypotheses on the origin of the infection, the interesting features of the partial amino acid sequences of the major envelope viral protein, and the importance of diagnostic tools available for animal diseases that are not listed by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) are discussed.
Novel Histone Demethylase LSD1 Inhibitors Selectively Target Cancer Cells with Pluripotent Stem Cell Properties
Authors: Wang Jing , Lu Fei , Ren Qi , Sun Hong , Xu Zhengshuang , Lan Rongfeng , Liu Yuqing , Ward David , Quan Junmin , Ye Tao , Zhang Hui 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Histone modification determines epigenetic patterns of gene expression with methylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4) often associated with active promoters. LSD1/KDM1 is a histone demethylase that suppresses gene expression by converting dimethylated H3K4 to mono- and unmethylated H3K4. LSD1 is essential for metazoan development, but its pathophysiologic functions in cancer remain mainly uncharacterized. In this study, we developed specific bioactive small inhibitors of LSD1 that enhance H3K4 methylation and derepress epigenetically suppressed genes in vivo. Strikingly, these compounds inhibited the proliferation of pluripotent cancer cells including teratocarcinoma, embryonic carcinoma, and seminoma or embryonic stem cells that express the stem cell markers Oct4 and Sox2 while displaying minimum growth-inhibitory effects on non-pluripotent cancer or normal somatic cells. RNA interference–mediated knockdown of LSD1 expression phenocopied these effects, confirming the specificity of small molecules and further establishing the high degree of sensitivity and selectivity of pluripotent cancer cells to LSD1 ablation. In support of these results, we found that LSD1 protein level is highly elevated in pluripotent cancer cells and in human testicular seminoma tissues that express Oct4. Using these novel chemical inhibitors as probes, our findings establish LSD1 and histone H3K4 methylation as essential cancer-selective epigenetic targets in cancer cells that have pluripotent stem cell properties. Cancer Res; 71(23); 7238–49. ©2011 AACR.
Circulating Markers of Interstitial Lung Disease and Subsequent Risk of Lung Cancer
Authors: Shiels Meredith S. , Chaturvedi Anil K. , Katki Hormuzd A. , Gochuico Bernadette R. , Caporaso Neil E. , Engels Eric A. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Background: Inflammation and pulmonary diseases, including interstitial lung diseases, are associated with increased lung cancer risk. Circulating levels of surfactant protein-D (SP-D) and Krebs von Lungren-6 (KL-6) are elevated in interstitial lung disease patients and may be useful markers of processes contributing to lung cancer.
Methods: We conducted a nested case–control study, including 532 lung cancer cases, 582 matched controls, and 150 additional controls with chest X-ray (CXR) evidence of pulmonary scarring, in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Serum SP-D and KL-6 levels were measured using enzyme immunoassay. Logistic regression was used to estimate the associations of SP-D and KL-6 with lung cancer and CXR scarring.
Results: Cases had higher levels than controls for SP-D (median 118.7 vs. 105.4 ng/mL, P = 0.008) and KL-6 (372.0 vs. 325.8 μg/mL, P = 0.001). Lung cancer risk increased with SP-D (Ptrend = 0.0003) and KL-6 levels (Ptrend = 0.005). Compared with the lowest quartile, lung cancer risk was elevated among those with the highest quartiles of SP-D (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.32–2.64) or KL-6 (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.11–2.25). Among controls, participants with CXR scarring were more likely than those without scarring to have elevated levels of SP-D (quartile 4 vs. quartile 1: OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.04–2.70, Ptrend = 0.05) but not of KL-6 (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.64–1.68, Ptrend = 0.99).
Conclusion: Circulating levels of SP-D and KL-6 are associated with subsequent lung cancer risk.
Impact: Our findings support a potential role for interstitial lung disease in lung cancer etiology or early detection, but additional research is needed. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(10); 2262–72. ©2011 AACR.