bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multivariate model for the assessment of risk of fetal loss in goat herds
Authors: Czopowicz M. , Kaba J. , Szaluś-Jordanow O. , Nowicki M. , Witkowski L. , Frymus T. 
Published: April 2012

Multivariate model for the assessment of risk of fetal loss in goat herdsThe observational study was carried out in a population of Polish breeding goats in 2007 to determine the prevalence of fetal loss and identify risk factors contributing to its occurrence. The multivariate model allowing to predict the risk of the occurrence of fetal loss in a herd in a study population was developed. Data on the occurrence of fetal loss, as well as of 28 hypothesized risk factors were collected from goat owners using standardized questionnaire during face-to-face reviews on farms. Moreover, data on the herd-level seroprevalence of four abortifacient infections -Chlamydophila abortus, Leptospiraspp., BVDV-1 andNeospora caninum- were included in the final analysis. Fetal loss was reported as occurring often in 12 of 49 goat herds (24.5%). The relationship between the hypothesized risk factors and the occurrence of fetal loss was verified in the multivariate logistic regression (α=0.05). Final analysis yielded four risk factors: regular veterinary supervision at least twice a year (OR 0.188; CI 95% 0.054 - 0.656), frequent occurrence of injuries and fractures (OR 3.172; CI 95% 1.081 - 9.310), frequent occurrence of respiratory signs in adult goats (OR 4.848; CI 95% 1.353 - 17.377) and presence of antibodies toC. abortusin a herd (OR 58.116; CI 95% 1.369 - 2466.438). The accuracy of the multivariate model was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve technique. Area under the curve was 0.895 (CI 95% 0.801-0.981). For optimal cut-off value of 0.20-0.35 the multivariate model had sensitivity of 75.00% and specificity of 89.19% in predicting fetal loss in a herd.
Conantokin G-induced changes in the chemical coding of dorsal root ganglion neurons supplying the porcine urinary bladder
Authors: Bossowska A. , Majewski M. 
Published: April 2012

Conantokin G-induced changes in the chemical coding of dorsal root ganglion neurons supplying the porcine urinary bladderConantokin G (CTG), isolated from the venom of the marine cone snailConus geographus, is an antagonist ofN-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), the activation of which, especially those located on the central afferent terminals and dorsal horn neurons, leads to hypersensitivity and pain. Thus, CTG blocking of NMDARs, has an antinociceptive effect, particularly in the case of neurogenic pain treatment. As many urinary bladder disorders are caused by hyperactivity of sensory bladder innervation, it seems useful to estimate the influence of CTG on the plasticity of sensory neurons supplying the organ. Retrograde tracer Fast Blue (FB) was injected into the urinary bladder wall of six juvenile female pigs. Three weeks later, intramural bladder injections of CTG (120 μg per animal) were carried out in all animals. After a week, dorsal root ganglia of interest were harvested from all animals and neurochemical characterization of FB+neurons was performed using a routine double-immunofluorescence labeling technique on 10-μm-thick cryostat sections. CTG injections led to a significant decrease in the number of FB+neurons containing substance P (SP), pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP), somatostatin (SOM), calbindin (CB) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) when compared with healthy animals (20% vs. 45%, 13% vs. 26%, 1.3% vs. 3%, 1.2 vs. 4% and 0.9% vs. 6% respectively) and to an increase in the number of cells immunolabelled for galanin (GAL, 39% vs. 6.5%). These data demonstrated that CTG changed the chemical coding of bladder sensory neurons, thus indicating that CTG could eventually be used in the therapy of selected neurogenic bladder illnesses.
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) as a tool for creating transgenic chickens
Authors: Chojnacka-Puchta L. , Kasperczyk K. , Płucienniczak G. , Sawicka D. , Bednarczyk M. 
Published: April 2012

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) as a tool for creating transgenic chickens
The transgenic chicken has great potential as a bioreactor for the production of valuable pharmaceutical proteins, notably in the oviduct/egg. Whereas conventional transgenic approaches have significant limitations in this species, an alternative approach employing primordial germ cells (PGCs), the progenitor cells to ova and spermatozoa, has now been successfully applied to the insertion of exogenous genes into birds. Recent developments in manipulating avian embryos make it possible to produce germline chimeras derived from transferred PGCs. In this review we describe the migration pathway of chicken PGCs during early development. We then summarize different methods for the isolation of PGCs and the diversity of techniques used to introduce genes into these cells. Finally, we describe an in vitro assay for testing tissue-specific vectors designed to express heterologous proteins in transgenic chickens.
Neoproterozoic pegmatite from Skoddefjellet, Wedel Jarlsberg Land, Spitsbergen: Additional evidence for c. 640 Ma tectonothermal event in the Caledonides of Svalbard
Authors: Majka Jarosław , Larionov Alexander , Gee David , Czerny Jerzy , Pršek Jaroslav 
Published: April 2012

Neoproterozoic pegmatite from Skoddefjellet, Wedel Jarlsberg Land, Spitsbergen: Additional evidence forc. 640 Ma tectonothermal event in the Caledonides of SvalbardNeoproterozoic (c. 640 Ma) amphibolite facies metamorphism and deformation have been shown recently to have affected the Isbjørnhamna and Eimfjellet Complex of Wedel Jarlsberg Land in southwestern Spitsbergen. New SHRIMP zircon U-Pb andin situelectron microprobe monazite and uraninite U-Th-total Pb ages are presented here on a pegmatite occurring within the Isbjørnhamna metasedimentary rocks. Although the dated zircons are full of inclusions, have high-U contents and are metamict and hence have experienced notable Pb-loss, the new Cryogenian ages are consistent with the age of regional metamorphism of the host metasediments, providing additional evidence for a clear distinction of the Southwestern Province from the other parts of the Svalbard Caledonides.
Changes in acanthocephalan infection of the Antarctic fish Notothenia coriiceps in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, over 29 years
Authors: Laskowski Zdzisław , Korczak-Abshire Małgorzata , Zdzitowiecki Krzysztof 
Published: April 2012

Changes in acanthocephalan infection of the Antarctic fishNotothenia coriicepsin Admiralty Bay, King George Island, over 29 yearsA comparison between the levels of infection with Acanthocephala of the fishNotothenia coriicepsin Admiralty Bay (South Shetland Islands, Antarctic) in 1978/79 and 2007/08 is presented. The same eight acanthocephalan species, three echinorhynchids maturing in fish,Aspersentis megarhynchus(dominant species),Metacanthocephalus johnstoni(subdominant species) andM. dalmori(common species), and five polymorphids maturing in mammals and birds,Corynosoma hamanni, C. pseudohamanni(both co-dominant species),C. arctocephaliandC. bullosum(both common species), andC. shackletoni(rare species), were found. Echinorhynchids were more numerous in 2007/08 (mean abundance 46.54 versus 35.35 in 1978/79), whereas polymorphids more numerous in 1978/79 (mean abundance 74.35versus36.40 in 2007/08). The overall results therefore demonstrated that echinorhynchids were more numerous than polymorphids in 2007/08 and the reverse was true in 1978/79. This situation is dependent mainly upon the decreased infections withC. hamanni, C. pseudohamanniandC. bullosum, and to a lesser degree upon the increasing of infections withM. johnstoni.The decrease of the threeCorynosomaspp. is possibly associated with the decreasing of populations of final hosts, seals, on the shore of Admiralty Bay in the vicinity ofArctowskiStation.
Transformation of Thematic Cartography Domain Ontology into Java Interfaces and Clasess / Transformace Doménové Ontologie Tematické Kartografie Na Java Rozhraní A Třídy
Authors: Peňáz Tomáš , Dostál Radek 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The article deals with the transformation of an experimental ontology, classifying selected declarative knowledge for the domain of thematic cartography, into classes and interfaces of the Java language. The reason for this transformation is to transfer the declarative knowledge from the field of thematic cartography into the form of a program code in the Java programming language. The resulting program code containing declarations of interfaces and classes will be further used for creating a software application for an intelligent system for the interactive support of thematic map creation. The upcoming pilot project of this knowledge system is designed for the users without necessary cartographic knowledge, which will allow them to create interactively thematic maps and provide them with the support. The purpose of the use of such a tool is to prevent the users from deviating from established cartographic rules and avoid the occurrence of gross errors in resulting maps.
A properly compiled knowledge ontology facilitates the design of the prepared intelligent cartographic application, as the use of cartographic knowledge is enabled based on the automated transformation into the program code in the Java language. The generated program code contains declarations of basic concepts of thematic cartography, their structuring into classes corresponding to the source structures described in the ontology. The code also contains descriptions vertical and horizontal relations between the declared classes and also the interface for access to these classes and relations. The automated transformation of ontology into the Java code is not completely lossless. The examples of a transformation of individual components of ontology (classes, individuals, and object and datatype properties) into interfaces and classes in Java show the differences occurred during the transfer of the declarative knowledge into the program code. From these examples it is clear that the elements of ontology component description are or are not transformed into the Java code in full. The article proposes recommendations how to optimize the knowledge description on the part of ontology in order to minimize possible losses of the transformation of knowledge into the Java code
U1-Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Activates the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Human Monocytes
Authors: Shin Min Sun , Kang Youna , Lee Naeun , Kim Sang Hyun , Kang Ki Soo , Lazova Rossitza , Kang Insoo 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a caspase-1–containing cytosolic protein complex that is essential for processing and secretion of IL-1β. The U1-small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (U1-snRNP) that includes U1-small nuclear RNA is a highly conserved intranuclear molecular complex involved in splicing pre-mRNA. Abs against this self nuclear molecule are characteristically found in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, suggesting a potential role of U1-snRNP in autoimmunity. Although endogenous DNA and microbial nucleic acids are known to activate the inflammasomes, it is unknown whether endogenous RNA-containing U1-snRNP could activate this molecular complex. In this study, we show that U1-snRNP activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in CD14+ human monocytes dependently of anti–U1-snRNP Abs, leading to IL-1β production. Reactive oxygen species and K+ efflux were responsible for this activation. Knocking down the NLRP3 or inhibiting caspase-1 or TLR7/8 pathway decreased IL-1β production from monocytes treated with U1-snRNP in the presence of anti–U1-snRNP Abs. Our findings indicate that endogenous RNA-containing U1-snRNP could be a signal that activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus where anti–U1-snRNP Abs are present.
The role of protein–plasticizer–clay interactions on processing and properties of thermoplastic zein bionanocomposites
Authors: Nedi I. , Di Maio E. , Iannace S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBionanocomposites (BNCs) based on thermoplastic zein (TPZ) and unmodified sodium montmorillonite (MMT), at 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 wt % loading, were prepared by using an internal mixer. The nanocomposites were characterized by using the following analytical methods: small‐angle and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric, dynamic‐mechanical and mechanical analyses. Results evidenced that the efficient dispersion of the inorganic reinforcement, as proved by X‐ray diffraction, allowed for an effective improvement of thermal and mechanical properties of the BNCs with respect to the neat TPZ. In particular, a significant increase of the storage modulus in the whole temperature range was observed in dynamic‐mechanical experiments. A dramatic increase of mechanical properties has also been observed, with Young's modulus increasing from 296 MPa for neat TPZ to 1205 MPa at 5 wt % and to 1478 at 10 wt % of MMT. The observed dependencies are explained by means of three concurring mechanisms: (i) the stiffening by exfoliated MMT platelets, (ii) the development of strong interactions between the nanoparticles and the protein macromolecules, promoted by the low‐molecular weight plasticizer, (iii) the occurrence of possible plasticizer sequestration by MMT and the corresponding reduction of plasticizing effect on the protein. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Prevalence of breast cancer treatment sequelae over 6 years of follow‐up
Authors: Schmitz Kathryn H. , Speck Rebecca M. , Rye Sheree A. , DiSipio Tracey , Hayes Sandra C. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:There is a need to better describe and understand the prevalence of breast cancer treatment‐related adverse effects amenable to physical therapy and rehabilitative exercise. Prior studies have been limited to single issues and lacked long‐term follow‐up. The Pulling Through Study provides data on prevalence of adverse effects in breast cancer survivors followed over 6 years.METHODS:A population‐based sample of Australian women (n = 287) diagnosed with invasive, unilateral breast cancer was followed for a median of 6.6 years and prospectively assessed for treatment‐related complications at 6, 12, and 18 months and 6 years after diagnosis. Assessments included postsurgical complications, skin or tissue reaction to radiation therapy, upper‐body symptoms, lymphedema, 10% weight gain, fatigue, and upper‐quadrant function. The proportion of women with positive indication for each complication and 1 or more complication was estimated using all available data at each time point. Women were only considered to have a specific complication if they reported the highest 2 levels of the Likert scale for self‐reported issues.RESULTS:At 6 years after diagnosis, more than 60% of women experienced 1 or more side effects amenable to rehabilitative intervention. The proportion of women experiencing 3 or more side effects decreased throughout follow‐up, whereas the proportion experiencing no side effects remained stable around 40% from 12 months to 6 years. Weight gain was the only complication to increase in prevalence over time.CONCLUSIONS:These data support the development of a multidisciplinary prospective surveillance approach for the purposes of managing and treating adverse effects in breast cancer survivors. Cancer 2012;118(8 suppl):. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Cancer‐related fatigue
Authors: Berger Ann M. , Gerber Lynn H. , Mayer Deborah K. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractCancer‐related fatigue (CRF) has been documented as 1 of the most distressing symptoms reported by breast cancer survivors. CRF affects functioning and impacts quality of life. Possible causal factors include physical conditions, affective and cognitive states, proinflammatory cytokines, and metabolic factors. Several common problems are associated with CRF in women with breast cancer, including treatment side effects, obesity, arm/upper quadrant symptoms, sleep disturbances, psychological effects, and comorbid conditions. In this article, the authors review the state of the knowledge regarding these issues and nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions for CRF. Physical activity and psychosocial interventions are recommended for practice. Numerous limitations of past studies need to be considered in the design of future studies. CRF is prevalent in preoperative, postoperative, and ongoing surveillance phases. Throughout the continuum of care for women with breast cancer, clinicians must screen, further assess as indicated, and treat CRF, because it is associated with emotional distress and limits function and willingness to exercise. Cancer 2012;118(8 suppl):. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Participatory approaches to environmental conflict resolution in Cyprus
Authors: Stephane Jarraud Nicolas , Lordos Alexandros 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThere are four conceptual relationships between the environment and conflict: the environment as a tool for conflict resolution, or as a source of conflict, environmental damage as a result of conflict, and the creation of de‐facto ecological havens in demilitarized zones. The focus of this article is on Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974, and where since the late 1990s the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been involved in testing different methodologies for leveraging environmental issues as entry points for conflict resolution. This has involved a growing realization that environment is at its most powerful as a peace‐building tool when it is combined with a focus on citizen participation.
The Caenorhabditis elegans DAF‐12 nuclear receptor: Structure, dynamics, and interaction with ligands
Authors: Alvarez Lautaro D. , Mañez Pau Arroyo , Estrin Darío A. , Burton Gerardo 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA structure for the ligand binding domain (LBD) of the DAF‐12 receptor from Caenorhabditis elegans was obtained from the X‐ray crystal structure of the receptor LBD from Strongyloides stercoralis bound to (25R)‐Δ7‐dafachronic acid (DA) (pdb:3GYU). The model was constructed in the presence of the ligand using a combination of Modeller, Autodock, and molecular dynamics (MD) programs, and then its dynamical behavior was studied by MD. A strong ligand binding mode (LBM) was found, with the three arginines in the ligand binding pocket (LBP) contacting the C‐26 carboxylate group of the DA. The quality of the ceDAF‐12 model was then evaluated by constructing several ligand systems for which the experimental activity is known. Thus, the dynamical behavior of the ceDAF‐12 complex with the more active (25S)‐Δ7‐DA showed two distinct binding modes, one of them being energetically more favorable compared with the 25R isomer. Then the effect of the Arg564Cys and Arg598Met mutations on the (25R)‐Δ7‐DA binding was analyzed. The MD simulations showed that in the first case the complex was unstable, consistent with the lack of transactivation activity of (25R)‐Δ7‐DA in this mutant. Instead, in the case of the Arg598Met mutant, known to produce a partial loss of activity, our model predicted smaller effects on the LBM with a more stable MD trajectory. The model also showed that removal of the C‐25 methyl does not impede the simultaneous strong interaction of the carboxylate with the three arginines, predicting that 27‐nor‐DAs are putative ceDAF‐12 ligands. Proteins 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accurate ab initio‐based double many‐body expansion adiabatic potential energy surface for the 22 A′ state of NH2 by extrapolation to the complete basis set limit
Authors: Li Yong Q. , Varandas António J. C. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAn accurate single‐sheeted double many‐body expansion potential energy surface (PES) is reported for the title system, which is suitable for dynamics and kinetics studies of the reactions N(2D) + H2(X1 Σ) ⇋ NH(b1 Σ+) + H(2S) and their isotopomeric variants. It is obtained using the aug‐cc‐pVTZ and aug‐cc‐pVQZ basis sets with extrapolation of the electron correlation energy to the complete basis set limit, plus extrapolation to the complete basis set limit of the complete‐active‐space self‐consistent field energy. A switching function formalism has been used to ensure the correct behavior at the NH(A3 Π) + H(2S) and NH(b1 Σ+) + H(2S) dissociation limits. The topographical features of the new global PES are examined in detail, and found to be in general good agreement with those calculated directly from the raw ab initio energies, as well as previous calculations from the literature. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RF transmitter using the dual‐pulse position modulation method for low‐power smart micro‐sensing chip
Authors: Gu Bon Ju , Lee Wang Hoon , Sawada Kazuaki , Ishida Makoto 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis paper presents a low‐power radio frequency (RF) transmitter using dual‐pulse position modulation (DPPM) for a smart micro‐sensing chip (SMSC) with sensors and large scale integrated circuit (LSI) on the same chip. The DPPM method is presented by a fixed pulse and a variable pulse within the same time frame. The distance between the fixed pulse and the variable pulse describes the amplitude of the input signal. A modulator and a ring oscillator were designed for the RF transmitter using the DPPM method. In the modulator, the pulse width modulation (PWM) signal is generated by the intersective method, and narrow pulses are extracted at the rising and falling positions of the generated PWM signal. The designed oscillator has the function of an oscillation controller. The RF transmitter was fabricated with sensors for an SMSC by complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The power consumption of the fabricated modulator was 4.5 mW. The power consumption of the proposed RF transmitter was measured as 7.0–7.3 mW at an input signal of 0.8–2.5 V. The RF transmitter using the DPPM method was able to reduce the power consumption by a maximum of 50.3% compared to a transmitter using the PWM method, because in the latter the dissipated power was 8.4–14.5 mW at the same input signal. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nanoformulations for molecular MRI
Authors: Tu Chuqiao , Louie Angelique Y. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractNanoscale contrast agents have shown the ability to increase the detection sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by several orders of magnitude, endowing this traditionally macroscopic modality with the ability to observe unique molecular signatures. Herein, we describe three types of nanoparticulate contrast agents: iron oxide nanoparticles, gadolinium‐based nanoparticles, and bio‐essential manganese, cobalt, nickel, and copper ion‐containing nanoformulations. Some of these agents have been approved for clinical use, but more are still under development for medical imaging. The advantages and disadvantages of each nanoformulation, in terms of intrinsic magnetism, ease of synthesis, biodistribution, etc. are discussed. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2012, 4:448–457. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1170This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices
Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging