bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiomyopathy in offspring of diabetic rats is associated with activation of the MAPK and apoptotic pathways
Authors: Reinking Benjamin E , Wedemeyer Elesa W , Weiss Robert M , Segar Jeffrey L , Scholz Thomas D 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundMaternal diabetes affects the developing fetal cardiovascular system. Newborn offspring of diabetic mothers can have a transient cardiomyopathy. We hypothesized that cardiomyopathic remodeling is associated with activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and apoptotic pathways.MethodsTo evaluate the effects of moderate and severe maternal hyperglycemia, pregnant rats were made diabetic with an injection of 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin. Moderately well controlled maternal diabetes was achieved with twice daily glucose checks and insulin injections. No insulin was given to severely diabetic dams. Offspring of moderate and severe diabetic mothers (OMDM and MSDM, respectively) were studied on postnatal days 1 (NB1) and 21 (NB21). Echocardiograms were performed to evaluate left ventricular (LV) dimensions and function. Myocardial MAPK and apoptotic protein levels were measured by Western blot.ResultsOMDM had increased cardiac mass at NB1 compared to controls that normalized at NB21. OSDM demonstrated microsomia with relative sparing of cardiac mass and a dilated cardiomyopathy at NB1. In both models, there was a persistent increase in the HW:BW and significant activation of MAPK and apoptotic pathways at NB21.ConclusionThe degree of maternal hyperglycemia determines the type of cardiomyopathy seen in the offspring, while resolution of both the hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies is associated with activation of MAPK signaling and apoptotic pathways.
Redefining the expressed prototype SICAvar gene involved in Plasmodium knowlesi antigenic variation
Authors: Lapp Stacey A , Korir Cindy C , Galinski Mary R 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
The SICAvar gene family, expressed at the surface of infected erythrocytes, is critical for antigenic variation in Plasmodium knowlesi. When this family was discovered, a prototypic SICAvar gene was characterized and defined by a 10-exon structure. The predicted 205-kDa protein lacked a convincing signal peptide, but included a series of variable cysteine-rich modules, a transmembrane domain encoded by the penultimate exon, and a cytoplasmic domain encoded by the final highly conserved exon. The 205 SICAvar gene and its family with up to 108 possible family members, was identified prior to the sequencing of the P. knowlesi genome. However, in the published P. knowlesi database this gene remains disjointed in five fragments. This study addresses a number of structural and functional questions that are critical for understanding SICAvar gene expression.

Methods
Database mining, bioinformatics, and traditional genomic and post-genomic experimental methods including proteomic technologies are used here to confirm the genomic context and expressed structure of the prototype 205 SICAvar gene.

Results

This study reveals that the 205 SICAvar gene reported previously to have a 10-exon expressed gene structure has, in fact, 12 exons, with an unusually large and repeat-laden intron separating two newly defined upstream exons and the bona fide 5'UTR from the remainder of the gene sequence. The initial exon encodes a PEXEL motif, which may function to localize the SICA protein in the infected erythrocyte membrane. This newly defined start of the 205 SICAvar sequence is positioned on chromosome 5, over 340 kb upstream from the rest of the telomerically positioned SICAvar gene sequence in the published genome assembly. This study, however, verifies the continuity of these sequences, a 9.5 kb transcript, and provides evidence that the 205 SICAvar gene is located centrally on chromosome 5.

Conclusion
The prototype 205 SICAvar gene has been redefined to have a 12-exon structure. These data are important because they 1) address questions raised in the P. knowlesi genome database regarding SICAvar gene fragments, numbers and structures, 2) show that this prototype gene encodes a PEXEL motif, 3) emphasize the need for further refinement of the P. knowlesi genome data, and 4) retrospectively, provide evidence for recombination within centrally located SICAvar sequences.
A catalytically and genetically optimized β-lactamase-matrix based assay for sensitive, specific, and higher throughput analysis of native henipavirus entry characteristics
Authors: Wolf Mike C , Wang Yao , Freiberg Alexander N , Aguilar Hector C , Holbrook Michael R , Lee Benhur 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV) are the only paramyxoviruses requiring Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) containment. Thus, study of henipavirus entry at less than BSL-4 conditions necessitates the use of cell-cell fusion or pseudotyped reporter virus assays. Yet, these surrogate assays may not fully emulate the biological properties unique to the virus being studied. Thus, we developed a henipaviral entry assay based on a β-lactamase-Nipah Matrix (βla-M) fusion protein. We first codon-optimized the bacterial βla and the NiV-M genes to ensure efficient expression in mammalian cells. The βla-M construct was able to bud and form virus-like particles (VLPs) that morphologically resembled paramyxoviruses. βla-M efficiently incorporated both NiV and HeV fusion and attachment glycoproteins. Entry of these VLPs was detected by cytosolic delivery of βla-M, resulting in enzymatic and fluorescent conversion of the pre-loaded CCF2-AM substrate. Soluble henipavirus receptors (ephrinB2) or antibodies against the F and/or G proteins blocked VLP entry. Additionally, a Y105W mutation engineered into the catalytic site of βla increased the sensitivity of our βla-M based infection assays by 2-fold. In toto, these methods will provide a more biologically relevant assay for studying henipavirus entry at less than BSL-4 conditions.
13-cis-retinoic acid re-differentiation therapy and recombinant human thyrotropin-aided radioiodine treatment of non-Functional metastatic thyroid cancer: a single-center, 53-patient phase 2 study
Authors: Handkiewicz-Junak Daria , Roskosz Jozef , Hasse-Lazar Kornelia , Szpak-Ulczok Sylwia , Puch Zbigniew , Kukulska Aleksandra , Olczyk Tomasz , Piela Andrzej , Paliczka-Cieslik Ewa , Jarzab Barbara 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
In 30–50% of patients with metastatic non-medullary thyroid cancer the metastases are not radioiodine-avid and so there is no effective treatment. Retinoids have demonstrated inhibition of thyroid tumor growth and induction of radioiodine uptake. The aim of our study was to assess benefits of the retinoic acid (RA) treatment to re-differentiate non-functional NMTC metastases.

Patients and Methods

In this prospective study, 53 patients with radioiodine non avid metastatic disease (45) or hyperthyroglobulinemia (8) were treated with 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-CRA) [1.0 mg/kg/day over 1st week and then 1.5 mg/kg] for six weeks prior to I-131 treatment performed under rhTSH stimulation. The re-differentiating effect of RA was evaluated by serum thyroglobulin (Tg) monitoring before and after cessation of RA treatment and by qualitative analysis of iodine uptake on the post-therapeutic whole body scan (rxWBS).

Results

13-CRA induced radioiodine uptake in 9 (17%) of patients. In the univariate analysis neither the patient's gender, age, tumor histopathology, uptake in thyroid bed nor time since thyroid cancer diagnosis was associated with results of rxWBS.
41 (77%) patients were evaluable for Tg response before and after to 13-CRA treatment. There was a statistically significant increase in median Tg level (60 v. 90 ng/ml, p < 0.05). There was no difference in Tg increase between scintigraphic responders and non-responders.
13-CRA and RIT was repeated at least once in 8 of 9 scintigraphic responders. None of them showed tumor regression by radiological imaging within 12 months after the first treatment, 4/9 (44%) of them had disease progression.
13-CRA treatment was well-tolerated. All but one patient complained of at least one side effect the most prevalent being lip dryness (98%). All side effects were transient and resolved within 2 weeks after 13-CRA cessation.

Conclusion

Our results show that in patients with non-functional metastases from NMTC, 13-CRA is able to exert some re-differentiation effect by induction of radioiodine uptake in <20% of patients and increase of Tg serum level in about 30% of them. Nevertheless, this does not transfer into clinical benefit as it neither induces measurable tumor response nor prevents disease progression.
Tumor necrosis factor α-induced adipose-related protein expression in experimental arthritis and in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Inoue Asuka , Matsumoto Isao , Tanaka Yoko , Iwanami Keiichi , Kanamori Akihiro , Ochiai Naoyuki , Goto Daisuke , Ito Satoshi , Sumida Takayuki 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) plays a pivotal role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, the mechanism of action of TNFα antagonists in RA is poorly defined. Immunization of DBA/1 mice with glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) induces severe acute arthritis. This arthritis can be controlled by TNFα antagonists, suggesting similar etiology to RA. In this study, we explored TNFα-related mechanisms of arthritis.

Methods
First, we performed GeneChip analysis using splenocytes of mice with GPI-induced arthritis. Expression of TNFα-induced adipose-related protein (TIARP) mRNA and protein in spleens, joints and lymph nodes was evaluated, and fluctuation of TIARP mRNA was analyzed after administration of anti-TNFα monoclonal antibody (mAb). Localization of TIARP in spleen and joints was also explored. Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate (STEAP) families of proteins, the human ortholog of TIARP gene, were also evaluated in human peripheral blood mononucleocytes and synovium.

Results
Among the arrayed TNFα-related genes, the expression of TIARP mRNA was the highest (more than 20 times the control). TIARP mRNA was detected specifically in joints and spleens of arthritic mice, and their levels in the synovia correlated with severity of joint swelling. Treatment with anti-TNF mAb significantly reduced TIARP mRNA expression in splenocytes. Among the splenocytes, CD11b+ cells were the main source of TIARP mRNA. Immunohistochemistry showed that TIARP protein was mainly localized in hyperplastic synovium. Among the STEAP family of proteins, STEAP4 was highly upregulated in joints of patients with RA and especially co-localized with CD68+ macrophages.

Conclusions
The results shed light on the new mechanism of action of TNFα antagonists in autoimmune arthritis, suggesting that TIARP plays an important role in inflammatory arthritis, through the regulation of inflammatory cytokines.
Three-Dimensional Prostate Mapping Biopsy Has a Potentially Significant Impact on Prostate Cancer Management
Authors: Onik Gary , Miessau Matthew , Bostwick David G. 
Published: August 2009

Purpose To compare a new staging, three-dimensional prostate mapping biopsy (3D-PMB) method with traditional transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy and assess its possible impact on patient management. Patients and Methods One hundred eighty patients with unilateral cancer on TRUS biopsy, who were considering conservative management, underwent restaging with 3D-PMB. The 3D-PMB was carried out transperineally using a brachytherapy grid under TRUS guidance. Biopsies were taken every 5 mm throughout the volume of the prostate, and labeling of the specimen coordinates allowed accurate reconstruction of the location and extent of a patient's cancer. Results 3D-PMB obtained a median of 50 cores (standard deviation, ± 20.61). One hundred ten patients (61.1%) were positive bilaterally, and 41 patients (22.7%) had Gleason scores increased to 7 or higher. Thirty-six patients had negative results on 3D-PMB. Complications of 3D-PMB were self-limited and included 14 patients (7.7%) who required short-term indwelling catheter drainage and two patients with hematuria, one of whom required overnight bladder irrigation. Conclusion 3D-PMB is a transperineal biopsy that can be safely used to accurately stage prostate cancer patients. At the present time, when patient management is increasingly based on the extent and characteristics of prostate cancer, 3D-PMB could have a profound effect on patient management.
Synthesis of Bicompartmental Ag/Cu Nanoparticles Using a Two-step Polyol Process
Authors: Tsuji Masaharu , Hikino Sachie , Tanabe Ryuichi , Sano Yoshiyuki 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Bicompartmental (BC) Ag/Cu nanoparticles were synthesized using a two-step polyol reduction process. Initially, Ag nanoparticles with an average diameter of 21±3 nm were prepared from AgNO3 using a microwave (MW)–polyol method. Then, Cu(OAc)2·H2O was added dropwise under MW or oil-bath heating. The formation of BC Ag/Cu nanoparticles with an average size of 29±6 nm in high yield (98%) was confirmed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDS) measurements.
In Situ Photoluminescence Spectroelectrochemistry of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes with Nine Different Chiral Indices
Authors: Tanaka Yasuhiko , Niidome Yasuro , Nakashima Naotoshi 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
In situ photoluminescence spectroelectrochemistry was carried out for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) having nine different chiral indices and their oxidation potentials have been determined based on the analysis using the Nernst equation.
Stereocontrolled Synthesis of the DEFG-ring Skeleton of Gambieric Acids
Authors: Fuwa Haruhiko , Noji Sayaka , Sasaki Makoto 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
A stereocontrolled entry to the DEFG-ring skeleton of gambieric acids, potent antifungal polycyclic ether natural products, has been developed based on the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling as the fragment assembly process and the use of an oxepane as a template for controlling the C25 stereogenic center.
Design of Lightweight Floor System for Optimized Vibration Comfort
Authors: Zegers S.F.A.J.G. 
Published: August 2009

A major trend in current building practice is to reduce the weight of structures. The main incentives for this trend are the scarcity of materials and the rising costs of labor and materials. This is one of the goals of IFD (Industrial, Flexible and Demountable) way of building which is the prevalent Dutch approach to sustainable building. One of the heaviest and most complex parts of a building is the floor. Therefore the focus of this research is to develop a lightweight floor system. However, these lightweight floor systems are sensitive to vibrations and are therefore, without taking measures, regarded less comfortable than heavier, more traditional floor systems. This paper describes structural measures to increase vibration comfort. A quality measure, based on the velocity of the vibration, is used to compare the comfort value of a structure subjected to vibrations. This quality measure includes human sensitivity for vibration that is frequency dependent. The structural measures include intelligent coupling of structural elements and support conditions. A detailed study on the effects of these structural measures and a design principle with improved vibration comfort will be presented.
Optimization of Equipment Allocation and Sound-Barriers Shape in a Multi-Noise Plant by Using Simulated Annealing
Authors: Chiu Min-Chie 
Published: August 2009

Because high noise levels in industrial plants can be injurious to workers and lead not only to psychological but also to physiological ailments, noise control in factories becomes essential. In order to overcome the noise impact emitted from a multi-noise plant, a sound barrier, a popular noise control strategy, has been used in the industrial field for a long time. Yet, the traditional method in the design of a sound barrier is time-consuming. Recently, to economically improve acoustical performance, a new strategy (flexible allocation) is applied; however, the acoustical performance is still insufficient. In order to quickly, efficiently, and economically control the noise level specified by the Environmental Protection Administration, interest in shape optimization of a sound barrier in conjunction with equipment allocation around the plant's boundary is rising. In this paper, the novel technique of simulated annealing (SA) in conjunction with the theoretical sound propagation model and the method of minimized variation square is applied in the following numerical optimizations. Before a sound barrier is optimized, the sound propagation from one single noise is tested and compared with the experimental data for the purpose of accuracy within the mathematical model. Moreover, three kinds of sound barrier systems have been fully discussed and optimally shaped by the SA. The results reveal that the sound barrier can be properly shaped. Consequently, this paper may provide an efficient and rapid methodology in the shape-optimized work for a sound barrier installed in a multi-equipment plant.
Personal and situational predictors of test anxiety of students in post‐compulsory education
Authors: Putwain David W. , Woods Kevin A. , Symes Wendy. 
Published: August 2009

BackgroundRecent models of evaluation anxiety emphasize the importance of personal knowledge and self‐regulatory processes in the development of test anxiety, but do not theorize a route for situational influences.AimTo investigate the relationship between test anxiety and personal knowledge beliefs (achievement goals and perceived academic competence), parental pressure/support, and teachers' achievement goals.SampleOne‐hundred and seventy five students at a sixth‐form college following pre‐degree courses in Psychology and Sociology.MethodSelf‐report data were collected for test anxiety, personal achievement goals, academic self‐concept, perceived test competence, teachers' achievement goals, and parental pressure/support. Relationships were examined through correlational and regression analyses.ResultsThe relationship between test anxiety and personal knowledge beliefs differed for the various components of test anxiety. A mastery‐avoidance goal was related to worry and tension, and a performance‐approach goal to bodily symptoms. Perceived academic competence was related to worry and tension. Parental pressure was associated with stronger worry and test‐irrelevant thinking components directly, and with a stronger bodily symptoms component indirectly through a performance‐approach goal. Teachers' performance‐avoidance goals were related to worry, tension, and bodily symptoms indirectly through personal performance‐avoidance goals, and in the case of bodily symptoms additionally through a performance‐approach goal.ConclusionFindings provide partial support for the self‐regulatory model of test anxiety suggesting that additional routes are required to account for the role of parental pressure and teachers' performance‐avoidance goals and a re‐examination of the relationship between test anxiety and achievement goals.
An index‐based short‐form of the WISC‐IV with accompanying analysis of the reliability and abnormality of differences
Authors: Crawford John R. , Anderson Vicki , Rankin Peter M. , MacDonald Jayne 
Published: August 2009

Objectives. To develop an Index‐based, seven subtest, short‐form of the Wechsler intelligence scale for children fourth edition (WISC‐IV) that offers the same comprehensive range of analytic methods available for the full‐length version.Design and methods. Psychometric.Results. The short‐form Indexes had high reliability and criterion validity. Scores are expressed as Index scores and as percentiles. Methods are provided that allow setting of confidence limits on scores, and analysis of the reliability and abnormality of Index score differences. The use of the short‐form is illustrated with a case example. A computer programme (that automates scoring and implements all the analytical methods) accompanies this paper and can be downloaded from the following web address: http:www.abdn.ac.uk psy086deptsf_wisc4.htm.Conclusions. The short‐form will be useful when pressure of time or client fatigue precludes use of a full‐length WISC‐IV. The accompanying computer programme scores and analyses an individual's performance on the short‐form instantaneously and minimizes the chance of clerical error.
What really is effective in interviews with suspects? A study comparing interviewing skills against interviewing outcomes
Authors: Walsh Dave , Bull Ray 
Published: August 2009

Purpose. The present study examines whether interviewing in a manner that is compatible with a recommended model of interviewing (called the ‘PEACE’ model) impacts on outcomes of the interviews examined in contrast to prior studies which have usually been concerned whether the conducted interviews were fair and not coercive or whether there had been positive effects of training upon subsequent interview performance.Methods. This study, examining in detail 142 actual suspect interviews, is set in the barely researched area of social security benefit fraud, reflecting current trends in Britain concerning increasing numbers of interviews with suspects undertaken by public sector organizations and the pluralization of policing.Results. It was found that good interviewing in each of the recommended stages that make up the PEACE model generally led to better interviews, indicating the importance that each stage contributes to overall interview quality. Further, the quality of interviews was compared against a range of interview outcomes and it was found that skilled PEACE interviewing was associated with the securing of full accounts, including confessions.Conclusion. Given the few examples of skilled interviewing found in the study it is argued that further training of investigators is necessary to improve both interviewing performance and organizational outcomes.
Jury decision‐making biases and methods to counter them
Authors: Daftary‐Kapur Tarika , Dumas Rafaele , Penrod Steven D. 
Published: August 2009

Purpose. The objective of this review was to give a broad overview of various biases associated with jury decision making. Specifically we review research on the impact of pretrial publicity, jury instructions, inadmissible evidence, and scientific evidence. This article elucidates various challenges jurors may face across systems around the world and remedies to counter these challenges.Results. After 50 years of scientific research on juries and juror decision making, there are still many gaps in understanding how factors such as pretrial publicity, inadmissible evidence, scientific evidence, and jury instructions influence juries. At the same time the field has developed a level of appreciation for these problems and is making strives toward understanding them.Conclusion. Based on this review some conclusions can be drawn regarding the areas of decision making reviewed. Jury instructions: Research shows that jurors have difficulties in understanding pattern instructions, at the same time we have developed some insights into ways instructions can be rewritten to increase comprehensibility. Inadmissible evidence: We are aware of the cognitive effort involved in attempting to disregard evidence but are at this point unclear on how to eliminate the associated problems. Scientific evidence: Research has illuminated the difficulties jurors have with comprehending scientific evidence. Better education of jurors and judges can help to address this issue. Pretrial publicity: The threats posed by pretrial publicity to the defendant's right to a fair trial are clear. At the same time (save change of venue) there is a need to develop cost‐effective remedies to help overcome media‐induced biases.