bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex-biased dispersal promotes adaptive parental effects
Authors: Revardel Emmanuelle , Franc Alain , Petit Rémy J 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundIn heterogeneous environments, sex-biased dispersal could lead to environmental adaptive parental effects, with offspring selected to perform in the same way as the parent dispersing least, because this parent is more likely to be locally adapted. We investigate this hypothesis by simulating varying levels of sex-biased dispersal in a patchy environment. The relative advantage of a strategy involving pure maternal (or paternal) inheritance is then compared with a strategy involving classical biparental inheritance in plants and in animals.ResultsWe find that the advantage of the uniparental strategy over the biparental strategy is maximal when dispersal is more strongly sex-biased and when dispersal distances of the least mobile sex are much lower than the size of the environmental patches. In plants, only maternal effects can be selected for, in contrast to animals where the evolution of either paternal or maternal effects can be favoured. Moreover, the conditions for environmental adaptive maternal effects to be selected for are more easily fulfilled in plants than in animals.ConclusionsThe study suggests that sex-biased dispersal can help predict the direction and magnitude of environmental adaptive parental effects. However, this depends on the scale of dispersal relative to that of the environment and on the existence of appropriate mechanisms of transmission of environmentally induced traits.
Fathead minnow steroidogenesis: in silico analyses reveals tradeoffs between nominal target efficacy and robustness to cross-talk
Authors: Shoemaker Jason E , Gayen Kalyan , Garcia-Reyero Natàlia , Perkins Edward J , Villeneuve Daniel L , Liu Li , Doyle Francis J 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundInterpreting proteomic and genomic data is a major challenge in predictive ecotoxicology that can be addressed by a systems biology approach. Mathematical modeling provides an organizational platform to consolidate protein dynamics with possible genomic regulation. Here, a model of ovarian steroidogenesis in the fathead minnow,Pimephales promelas, (FHM) is developed to evaluate possible transcriptional regulation of steroid production observed in microarray studies.ResultsThe model was developed from literature sources, integrating key signaling components (G-protein and PKA activation) with their ensuing effect on steroid production. The model properly predicted trajectory behavior of estradiol and testosterone when fish were exposed to fadrozole, a specific aromatase inhibitor, but failed to predict the steroid hormone behavior occurring one week post-exposure as well as the increase in steroid levels when the stressor was removed. In vivo microarray data implicated three modes of regulation which may account for over-production of steroids during a depuration phase (when the stressor is removed): P450 enzyme up-regulation, inhibin down-regulation, and luteinizing hormone receptor up-regulation. Simulation studies and sensitivity analysis were used to evaluate each case as possible source of compensation to endocrine stress.ConclusionsSimulation studies of the testosterone and estradiol response to regulation observed in microarray data supported the hypothesis that the FHM steroidogenesis network compensated for endocrine stress by modulating the sensitivity of the ovarian network to global cues coming from the hypothalamus and pituitary. Model predictions of luteinizing hormone receptor regulation were consistent with depuration and in vitro data. These results challenge the traditional approach to network elucidation in systems biology. Generally, the most sensitive interactions in a network are targeted for further elucidation but microarray evidence shows that homeostatic regulation of the steroidogenic network is likely maintained by a mildly sensitive interaction. We hypothesize that effective network elucidation must consider both the sensitivity of the target as well as the target's robustness to biological noise (in this case, to cross-talk) when identifying possible points of regulation.
Identification of protein-coding and non-coding RNA expression profiles in CD34+and in stromal cells in refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts
Authors: Baratti Mariana O , Moreira Yuri B , Traina Fabiola , Costa Fernando F , Verjovski-Almeida Sergio , Olalla-Saad Sara T 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of clonal hematological disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis with morphological evidence of marrow cell dysplasia resulting in peripheral blood cytopenia. Microarray technology has permitted a refined high-throughput mapping of the transcriptional activity in the human genome. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) transcribed from intronic regions of genes are involved in a number of processes related to post-transcriptional control of gene expression, and in the regulation of exon-skipping and intron retention. Characterization of ncRNAs in progenitor cells and stromal cells of MDS patients could be strategic for understanding gene expression regulation in this disease.

Methods
In this study, gene expression profiles of CD34+ cells of 4 patients with MDS of refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS) subgroup and stromal cells of 3 patients with MDS-RARS were compared with healthy individuals using 44 k combined intron-exon oligoarrays, which included probes for exons of protein-coding genes, and for non-coding RNAs transcribed from intronic regions in either the sense or antisense strands. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to confirm the expression levels of selected transcripts.

Results
In CD34+ cells of MDS-RARS patients, 216 genes were significantly differentially expressed (q-value ≤ 0.01) in comparison to healthy individuals, of which 65 (30%) were non-coding transcripts. In stromal cells of MDS-RARS, 12 genes were significantly differentially expressed (q-value ≤ 0.05) in comparison to healthy individuals, of which 3 (25%) were non-coding transcripts.

Conclusions
These results demonstrated, for the first time, the differential ncRNA expression profile between MDS-RARS and healthy individuals, in CD34+ cells and stromal cells, suggesting that ncRNAs may play an important role during the development of myelodysplastic syndromes.
The importance ofN-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in subtraction of electrosensory reafference in the dorsal nucleus of skates
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Bodznick David 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYThe dorsal nucleus of the little skate is a cerebellum-like sensory structure that adaptively filters out predictable electrosensory inputs. The filter's plasticity is mediated by anti-Hebbian associative depression at the synapses between parallel fibers and ascending efferent neurons (AENs). Changes in synaptic strength are indicated by the formation of a cancellation signal which is initiated by co-activation of parallel fibers and AENs, and can be reversed by parallel fiber activity in the absence of AEN activation. In other cerebellum-like sensory structures, the formation of the cancellation signal requires activation of postsynaptic NMDA receptors on the principal neurons. We demonstrate here by immunohistochemistry that the somas and the initial portion of both apical and basal dendrites of the AENs are labeled with antibodies raised against the NR1 subunit of NMDA receptors from a South American electric fish. In in vivo physiological experiments, we show that the formation of the cancellation signal induced by coupling an electrosensory stimulus to ventilatory movements or direct parallel fiber stimulation is blocked when either of the NMDA receptor antagonists 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) or MK801 is injected into the molecular layer above the recorded AEN. Blocking NMDA receptors prevented formation of a cancellation signal in 79% (15/19; APV) and 60% (3/5; MK801) of the AENs. This blockage was reversible in 40% (6/15) of the AENs after APV removal. Thus, in the dorsal nucleus, the activity-dependent, long-lasting but reversible change in synaptic strength of the parallel fiber–AEN synapses appears to be an NMDA receptor-dependent process.
In vivo bite and grip forces, morphology and prey-killing behavior of North American accipiters (Accipitridae) and falcons (Falconidae)
Authors: Sustaita Diego , Hertel Fritz 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARY
Raptors exhibit a diversity of strategies to procure their prey but ultimately kill using their beaks and/or talons. Thus, bite and grip forces are ecologically important variables that have direct survival implications. Whereas hawks rely primarily on their feet for killing prey, falcons tend to employ their beaks. Consequently, falcons are expected to achieve relatively greater bite forces, and hawks are expected to generate relatively greater grip forces. Force estimates predicted from musculoskeletal morphology in a previous study indicated that falcons (Falco spp.) possess greater jaw force capabilities than accipiters (Accipiter spp.) but there were no clear differences in predicted grip-force capacity outside of differences in scaling. The objective of this study was to complement those results with measurements of in vivo forces by inducing captive and wild accipiters and falcons to bite and grasp force transducers. Bite force increased isometrically in both groups whereas grip force tended toward positive allometry. After adjusting for body mass, falcons produced greater bite forces, and accipiters produced greater grip forces. Thus, previous anatomical estimates of forces predicted the expected direction and magnitude of differences in bite forces but the overall greater in vivo grip forces of accipiters deviated from the pattern obtained from biomechanical estimates. Although the scaling relationships were similar between data sets, forces generated by live birds were consistently lower than those predicted from biomechanics. Estimated and in vivo jaw and digital forces were nevertheless correlated, and therefore provide an important link between morphology and killing behavior in these raptors.
On muscle, tendon and high heels
Authors: Csapo R. , Maganaris C. N. , Seynnes O. R. , Narici M. V. 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYWearing high heels (HH) places the calf muscle–tendon unit (MTU) in a shortened position. As muscles and tendons are highly malleable tissues, chronic use of HH might induce structural and functional changes in the calf MTU. To test this hypothesis, 11 women regularly wearing HH and a control group of 9 women were recruited. Gastrocnemius medialis (GM) fascicle length, pennation angle and physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA), the Achilles' tendon (AT) length, cross-sectional area (CSA) and mechanical properties, and the plantarflexion torque–angle and torque–velocity relationships were assessed in both groups. Shorter GM fascicle lengths were observed in the HH group (49.6±5.7 mm vs 56.0±7.7 mm), resulting in greater tendon-to-fascicle length ratios. Also, because of greater AT CSA, AT stiffness was higher in the HH group (136.2±26.5 N mm–1vs 111.3±20.2 N mm–1). However, no differences in the GM PCSA to AT CSA ratio, torque–angle and torque–velocity relationships were found. We conclude that long-term use of high-heeled shoes induces shortening of the GM muscle fascicles and increases AT stiffness, reducing the ankle's active range of motion. Functionally, these two phenomena seem to counteract each other since no significant differences in static or dynamic torques were observed.
Measurement and Modeling of Second Phase Precipitation Kinetics in Zirconium Niobium Alloys
Authors: Ivermark Maria , Robson Joseph , Preuss Michael 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Commercial zirconium alloys contain second phase particles (SPPs) that are precipitated during processing. These particles not only influence mechanical properties but more crucially also have a profound influence on the corrosion performance. To understand how to control evolution and size distribution of SPPs, it is necessary to know how alloy composition and process variables influence the precipitation kinetics. In this work, a detailed study has been performed of the precipitation kinetics in binary Zr-1 wt % Nb, Zr-2.6 wt % Nb, and ternary variants with added iron and tin. A numerical model has also been developed to predict the precipitation kinetics of β-Nb in niobium containing zirconium alloys. Precipitation has been tracked by synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurement of lattice parameter change in the zirconium matrix as solute is removed into SPPs. The X-ray data has been complemented by thermoelectric power measurements. The combination of these two approaches is shown to be effective in quantifying the overall precipitation kinetics of SPPs. The results confirm previous observations that without prior deformation, precipitation kinetics is very sluggish in the binary Zr–Nb system. Deformation accelerates precipitation, and this effect is much stronger for the 1 wt % Nb alloy than for 2.6 wt % Nb, because the supersaturation is least. Ternary additions also have a profound effect on the overall precipitation kinetics. Iron accelerates the rate of niobium loss from solution, whereas tin additions appear to increase the incubation time for the onset of precipitation of niobium.
Transradial percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Komócsi András , Vorobcsuk A. , Aradi D. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Although transradial coronary intervention is widely applied for percutaneous procedures, its safety in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is controversial. The benefit of transradial approach in terms of reducing access site complications is well documented. However, higher rate of procedural failure and longer procedural times reported by some authors raise concerns regarding its applicability in STEMI. Our aim was to review the safety and efficacy of transradial coronary intervention versus transfemoral intervention in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. This review focuses on key aspects of safety and efficacy: adverse ischemic and bleeding events, reperfusion times and radiation exposure.
Neighborhood Predictors of Dating Violence Victimization and Perpetration in Young Adulthood: A Multilevel Study
Authors: Jain Sonia , Buka Stephen L. , Subramanian S. V. , Molnar Beth E. 
Published: July 2010

Objectives. We examined whether social processes of neighborhoods, such as collective efficacy, during individual's adolescent years affect the likelihood of being involved in physical dating violence during young adulthood.Methods. Using longitudinal data on 633 urban youths aged 13 to 19 years at baseline and data from their neighborhoods (collected by the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods), we ran multilevel linear regression models separately by gender to assess the association between collective efficacy and physical dating violence victimization and perpetration, controlling for individual covariates, neighborhood poverty, and perceived neighborhood violence.Results. Females were significantly more likely than were males to be perpetrators of dating violence during young adulthood (38% vs 19%). Multilevel analyses revealed some variation in dating violence at the neighborhood level, partly accounted for by collective efficacy. Collective efficacy was predictive of victimization for males but not females after control for confounders; it was marginally associated with perpetration (P = .07). The effects of collective efficacy varied by neighborhood poverty. Finally, a significant proportion (intraclass correlation = 14%–21%) of the neighborhood-level variation in male perpetration remained unexplained after modeling.Conclusions. Community-level strategies may be useful in preventing dating violence.
Epidemiology of Tuberculosis Among US- and Foreign-Born Children and Adolescents in the United States, 1994–2007
Authors: Menzies Heather J. , Winston Carla A. , Holtz Timothy H. , Cain Kevin P. , Mac Kenzie William R. 
Published: July 2010

Objectives. We examined trends in tuberculosis (TB) cases and case rates among US- and foreign-born children and adolescents and analyzed the potential effect of changes to overseas screening of applicants for immigration to the United States. Methods. We analyzed TB case data from the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System for 1994 to 2007. Results. Foreign-born children and adolescents accounted for 31% of 18 659 reported TB cases in persons younger than age 18 years from 1994 to 2007. TB rates declined 44% among foreign-born children and adolescents (20.3 per 100 00 to 11.4 per 100 000 population) and 48% (2.1 per 100 000 to 1.1 per 100 000) among those who were born in the United States. Rates were nearly 20 times as high among foreign-born as among US-born adolescents. Among foreign-born children and adolescents with known month of US entry (88%), more than 20% were diagnosed with TB within 3 months of entry. Conclusions. Marked disparities in TB morbidity persist between foreign- and US-born children and adolescents. These disparities and the high proportion of TB cases diagnosed shortly after US entry suggest a need for enhanced pre- and postimmigration screening.
Linking Improvements in Health-Related Quality of Life to Reductions in Medicaid Costs Among Students Who Use School-Based Health Centers
Authors: Wade Terrance J. , Guo Jeff Jianfei 
Published: July 2010

Objectives. We examined whether improvements in pediatric health-related quality of life (HRQOL) stemming from use of school-based health centers (SBHCs) resulted in lower Medicaid costs. Methods. We analyzed data on 290 students from a 3-year, longitudinal SBHC evaluation conducted in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2000 to 2003, including 71 with a mental health diagnosis and 31 with asthma, who had linked Ohio Medicaid records. HRQOL was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Panel regression examined whether changes in parent-reported and student self-reported HRQOL predicted changes in Medicaid costs. Results. After adjustment for gender, age, SBHC status, and Medicaid type, we found cost reductions for every 1-point increase of parent-reported total ($36.39; P < .01), physical ($35.36; P < .05), and psychosocial ($25.94; P < .01) HRQOL. Significant cost reductions were also associated with student-reported total ($8.94; P < .05) and psychosocial ($7.79; P < .05) HRQOL increases. These effects were significant among the asthma subgroup but not the mental health subgroup. Physical HRQOL ($6.12; P = .27) effects were not significant. Conclusions. Improvements in pediatric HRQOL translate into lower Medicaid costs, supporting the use of HRQOL as an outcome for evaluating SBHCs.
An Outcome Evaluation of the Sources of Strength Suicide Prevention Program Delivered by Adolescent Peer Leaders in High Schools
Authors: Wyman Peter A. , Brown C. Hendricks , LoMurray Mark , Schmeelk-Cone Karen , Petrova Mariya , Yu Qin , Walsh Erin , Tu Xin , Wang Wei 
Published: July 2010

Objectives. We examined the effectiveness of the Sources of Strength suicide prevention program in enhancing protective factors among peer leaders trained to conduct schoolwide messaging and among the full population of high school students.Methods. Eighteen high schools—6 metropolitan and 12 rural—were randomly assigned to immediate intervention or the wait-list control. Surveys were administered at baseline and 4 months after program implementation to 453 peer leaders in all schools and to 2675 students selected as representative of the 12 rural schools.Results. Training improved the peer leaders' adaptive norms regarding suicide, their connectedness to adults, and their school engagement, with the largest gains for those entering with the least adaptive norms. Trained peer leaders in larger schools were 4 times as likely as were untrained peer leaders to refer a suicidal friend to an adult. Among students, the intervention increased perceptions of adult support for suicidal youths and the acceptability of seeking help. Perception of adult support increased most in students with a history of suicidal ideation.Conclusions. Sources of Strength is the first suicide prevention program involving peer leaders to enhance protective factors associated with reducing suicide at the school population level.
Wastefree purification method for potassium brine used in industrial electrochemical processes
Authors: Pisarska Bożenna , Nowak Mariusz 
Published: July 2010

Wastefree purification method for potassium brine used in industrial electrochemical processes
A new concept is presented for purifying potassium brine (KCl solution) obtained from technical-grade potassium chloride. This concept is based on the hydroxide/carbonate method of removing ions of alkaline earth metals and on separating SO4
2- ions by means of zirconyl anion exchanger. The purification process provides the following products: purified potassium brine suitable for the manufacture of KClO3 or for further purification and subsequent manufacture of KOH, Cl2 and H2 using membrane cell technology, magnesium and potassium containing agricultural lime (chalk) suitable for neutralizing soil acidity and enriching soil with magnesium and potassium, and technical-grade potassium sulphate containing 99.0 to 99.8% K2SO4.
Spatial analysis of vegetal cover and sediment yield in Tapacurá river catchment based on remote sensing and GIS
Authors: Da Silva Richarde , Santos Celso , Montenegro Suzana , E Silva Leonardo 
Published: July 2010

Spatial analysis of vegetal cover and sediment yield in Tapacurá river catchment based on remote sensing and GIS
Mapping and assessment of erosion risk is an important tool for planning of natural resources management, allowing researchers to propose modification in land-use properly and implement more sustainable management strategies in the long-term. The Tapacurá river catchment, located in Pernambuco State, Northeastern Brazil, is one of the planning units for management of water resources of Recife Metropilitan Region (RMR), and it is divided into 12 sub-basins. The objective of this study is to evaluate the spatial variability of vegetal cover and sediment yield in this basin through remote sensing and GIS techniques. Maps of the erosivity (R), erodibility (K), topographic (LS), cover-management (C) and support practice (P) factors were derived from the digital elevation model (DEM), climate database, and soil and NDVI maps, taking into account information available in the literature. In order to validate the simulation process, Sediment Delivery Ratio (SDR) was estimated. The obtained NDVI map showed vegetation loss during the analyzed period, indicating a distinct contrast between loss and gains of vegetation index. The vegetation and sediment yield mapping showed to be a useful tool for environmental monitoring and management, which can provide satisfactory results when jointly used. The results suggest a mean SDR around 0.9 and estimate the sediment yield as 23.98 ton/ha/month.