bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with voice therapy outcomes in the treatment of presbyphonia
Authors: Mau Ted , Jacobson Barbara H. , Garrett C. Gaelyn 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Age, vocal fold atrophy, glottic closure pattern, and the burden of medical problems are associated with voice therapy outcomes for presbyphonia.Study Design:Retrospective.Methods:Records of patients seen over a 3‐year period at a voice center were screened. Inclusion criteria consisted of age over 55 years, primary complaint of hoarseness, presence of vocal fold atrophy on examination, and absence of laryngeal or neurological pathology. Videostroboscopic examinations on initial presentation were reviewed. Voice therapy outcomes were assessed with the American Speech‐Language‐Hearing Association National Outcomes Measurement System scale. Statistical analysis was performed with Spearman rank correlation and χ2 tests.Results:Sixty‐seven patients were included in the study. Of the patients, 85% demonstrated improvement with voice therapy. The most common type of glottic closure consisted of a slit gap. Gender or age had no effect on voice therapy outcomes. Larger glottic gaps on initial stroboscopy examination and more pronounced vocal fold atrophy were weakly correlated with less improvement from voice therapy. A weak correlation was also found between the number of chronic medical conditions and poorer outcomes from voice therapy.Conclusions:The degree of clinician‐determined improvement in vocal function from voice therapy is independent of patient age but is influenced by the degree of vocal fold atrophy, glottic closure pattern, and the patient's burden of medical problems. Laryngoscope, 2010
Static and dynamic characteristics of short wavy journal bearings
Authors: Meena Leela , Gautam Satyam Shivam , Ghosh Mihir Kumar 
Published: April 2010

AbstractA general analysis has been done to investigate the static and dynamic performance of short wavy journal bearing. Reynolds equation is solved for both steady‐ and unsteady‐state operations. The steady‐state analysis has been done and compared with circular bearing with respect to their load capacity, flow rate, pressure distribution and friction factor. The unsteady‐state analysis has been used to determine the rotor dynamic coefficients for various eccentricity ratios. These coefficients are used to determine the stability parameters, such as critical mass and whirl ratio, and prove that wave bearing has not only better load carrying capacity but also provides better stability at high speed than circular bearing. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication and tribological properties of HSS‐based self‐lubrication composites with an interpenetrating network
Authors: Wang Yanjun , Liu Zuomin , Wang Shouren , Yang Liying 
Published: April 2010

AbstractA new range of high‐speed steel (HSS)‐based self‐lubrication composites, with an interpenetrating network, were fabricated by infiltrating Pb‐Sn‐Ag ternary solid lubricants into TiC‐reinforced HSS pre‐forms. The microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated before and after infiltration. The tribological behaviour of the composites was investigated using a pin‐on‐disk, high temperature wear testing machine at different temperature (up to 800°C). Analysis indicated that Pb‐Sn‐Ag solid lubricants were well dispersed and embedded in the TiC‐HSS matrix where both solid lubricant phase and matrix phase interpenetrating throughout the microstructure. The friction coefficient and specific wear rate of the composites decreased with the increase of the volume fraction of Pb‐Sn‐Ag solid lubricants up to 15 vol%. With further increases in Pb‐Sn‐Ag volume fraction, the friction coefficient decreased slightly while the wear rate increased rapidly. The reason is that a large degradation of mechanical properties occurred in samples with high Pb‐Sn‐Ag contents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical strategies for discriminating archeological fatty substances from animal origin
Authors: Regert M. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractMass spectrometry (MS) is an essential tool in the field of biomolecular archeology to characterize amorphous organic residues preserved in ancient ceramic vessels. Animal fats of various nature and origin, namely subcutaneous fats of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and also of dairy products, are those most commonly identified in organic residues in archeological pottery. Fats and oils of marine origin have also been revealed. Since the first applications of MS coupled with gas chromatography (GC) in archeology at the end of 1980s, several developments have occurred, including isotopic determinations by GC coupled to isotope ratio MS and identification of triacylglycerols (TAGs) structure by soft ionization techniques (ESI and APCI). The combination of these methods provides invaluable insights into the strategies of exploitation of animal products in prehistory. In this review, I focus on the analytical strategies based upon MS that allow elucidation of the structure of biomolecular constituents and determination of their isotopic values to identify the nature of animal fat components preserved in highly complex and degraded archeological matrices. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 30:177–220, 2011
Metabolic changes detected in vivo by 1H MRS in the MPTP‐intoxicated mouse
Authors: Chassain Carine , Bielicki Guy , Keller Cécile , Renou Jean‐Pierre , Durif Franck 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe used in vivo proton (1H) Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) to measure the levels of the main excitatory amino acid, glutamate (Glu) and also glutamine (Gln) and GABA in the striatum and cerebral cortex in the MPTP‐intoxicated mouse, a model of dopaminergic denervation, before and after dopamine (DA) replacement. The study was performed at 9.4T on control mice (n = 8) and MPTP‐intoxicated mice (n = 8). In vivo spectra were acquired in a voxel (8 µL) centered in the striatum, and in the cortex (4.6 µL). Three days after basal MRS acquisitions new spectra were acquired in the striatum and cortex, after levodopa (200 mg.kg−1). Glu, Gln and GABA concentrations obtained in the basal state were significantly increased in the striatum of MPTP‐lesioned mice (Glu: 20.2 ± 0.8 vs 11.4 ± 0.9 mM, p < 0.001; Gln: 5.4 ± 1.6 vs 2.0 ± 0.6 mM, p < 0.05; GABA: 3.6 ± 0.8 vs 1.6 ± 0.2 mM, p < 0.05). Levodopa lowered metabolites concentrations in the striatum of MPTP‐lesioned mice (Glu: 20.2 ± 0.8 vs 11.2 ± 0.4 mM (+ Ldopa), p < 0.001; Gln: 5.4 ± 1.6 vs 1.6 ± 0.4 mM (+ Ldopa), p < 0.05; GABA: 3.6 ± 0.8 vs 1.7 ± 0.4 mM (+ Ldopa), p < 0.01). Metabolite levels in the striatum of MPTP‐intoxicated mice + levodopa were not significantly different from those in the striatum of controls. No change was found in the cortex after DA denervation and after DA replacement between the two animals groups. These results strongly support a predominant change in striatal Glu synaptic activity in the cortico‐striatal pathway. Acute levodopa administration reverses the increase of metabolites in the striatum. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of combined ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of fetal anomalies
Authors: Santos Xiomara M. , Papanna Ramesha , Johnson Anthony , Cass Darrell L. , Olutoye Oluyinka O. , Moise Kenneth J. , Belleza‐Bascon Bella , Cassady Christopher I. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the referral diagnosis based on prenatal ultrasound to diagnoses made following combined ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation at the Texas Children's Fetal Center (TCFC) and postnatal diagnosis.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients referred to the TCFC between September 2001 and July 2007 with a fetal structural malformation. Data were abstracted to compare the referral diagnosis to TCFC imaging diagnoses and both were compared to postnatal diagnosis.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty‐four patients were referred who had a fetal US and MRI at TCFC. The most frequent indications were for abnormalities of the central nervous system (38%) and lung/thoracic cavity (34%), with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) the single most common referral diagnosis (n = 39; 17%). In 99 cases (42.7%) the referral diagnosis was concordant with the post‐referral diagnosis, however, in 68 cases (29.3%) the post‐referral diagnosis changed completely, and in 65 cases (28%) additional findings were discovered. Prenatal diagnoses following imaging at TCFC were concordant with postnatal diagnoses in 94.9% of cases.ConclusionsCombined ultrasound and MRI provides additional diagnostic information or a corrected diagnosis in 57% of cases over the referral ultrasound diagnosis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The NTplus method of screening for Down syndrome: achieving the 2010 targets?
Authors: Habayeb Osama , Goodburn Sandy , Chudleigh Trish , Brockelsby Jeremy , Missfelder‐Lobos Hannah , Hackett Gerald , Lees Christoph 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIntroductionThe performance of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) as a first trimester trisomy 21 marker is hypothesized to improve below 11 weeks, whereas β‐human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is better after 14 weeks. We audited a model combining early PAPP‐A (9–10 weeks) with NT (11–13 weeks and 6 days) and early triple test (>14 weeks).MethodsA total of 1507 women with viable ongoing pregnancies were screened during 2007–2008. First‐stage ‘screen‐positive’ risk was based on combined PAPP‐A and NT cut‐off ≥1 : 100. Where first‐stage risk was <1 : 100 or invasive testing declined, triple test was performed and a combined second‐stage risk given with cut‐off ≥1 : 250 being screen positive.ResultsMedian age of women was 35.4 years. Sixty‐four (4.2%) were ‘screen positive’. Of these, 11 had a fetus with trisomy 21. Twelve pregnancies were affected with trisomy 21, giving a detection rate of 11/12 (92%) with a false‐positive rate (FPR) of 3.2%. The screen‐positive rate (SPR) and FPR were 1.93 and 1.44%, respectively, standardized to median maternal age 29.ConclusionsEarly PAPP‐A, NT and later triple testing offers comparable detection for trisomy 21 to published data for first trimester combined testing but feasibly achieve the national target for 2010 of 90% detection of trisomy 21 for < 2% SPR. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ozarelix, a fourth generation GnRH antagonist, induces apoptosis in hormone refractory androgen receptor negative prostate cancer cells modulating expression and activity of death receptors
Authors: Festuccia Claudio , Dondi Donatella , Piccolella Margherita , Locatelli Alessia , Gravina Giovanni Luca , Tombolini Vincenzo , Motta Marcella 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND AND AIMSAntagonistic or agonistic analogues of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone are extensively used for the treatment of advanced hormone‐dependent prostate cancer. However, the majority of recurrent prostate tumors is androgen independent. This study explored the in vitro effects on DU145 and PC3 cell lines, two models of androgen‐independent prostate cancer, of a fourth generation GnRH antagonist (Ozarelix).METHODSOzarelix was added to cultures and toxicity, cell cycle modifications, cell viability and caspase activity were investigated.RESULTSOzarelix showed antiproliferative effects and produced an accumulation of cells in G2/M cell cycle phase. Apoptosis was related with caspase‐8‐dependent caspase 3 activation with down‐regulation of c‐FLIP (L) and a sensitization to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis linked also to increased expression and activity of death receptors DR4/5 and Fas.CONCLUSIONSTRAIL‐resistant cancer cells can be sensitized to TRAIL by Ozarelix. This effect may be achieved by the activation of apoptotic pathway improving the therapeutic effects in androgen independent tumor cell lines. However, a better understanding of molecular mechanisms by which GnRH antagonists may act in androgen independent models is necessary. Prostate 70:1340–1349, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Allosteric effects of the antipsychotic drug trifluoperazine on the energetics of calcium binding by calmodulin
Authors: Feldkamp Michael D. , O'Donnell Susan E. , Yu Liping , Shea Madeline A. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractTrifluoperazine (TFP; Stelazine™) is an antagonist of calmodulin (CaM), an essential regulator of calcium‐dependent signal transduction. Reports differ regarding whether, or where, TFP binds to apo CaM. Three crystallographic structures (1CTR, 1A29, and 1LIN) show TFP bound to (Ca2+)4‐CaM in ratios of 1, 2, or 4 TFP per CaM. In all of these, CaM domains adopt the “open” conformation seen in CaM‐kinase complexes having increased calcium affinity. Most reports suggest TFP also increases calcium affinity of CaM. To compare TFP binding to apo CaM and (Ca2+)4‐CaM and explore differential effects on the N‐ and C‐domains of CaM, stoichiometric TFP titrations of CaM were monitored by15N‐HSQC NMR. Two TFP bound to apo CaM, whereas four bound to (Ca2+)4‐CaM. In both cases, the preferred site was in the C‐domain. During the titrations, biphasic responses for some resonances suggested intersite interactions. TFP‐binding sites in apo CaM appeared distinct from those in (Ca2+)4‐CaM. In equilibrium calcium titrations at defined ratios of TFP:CaM, TFP reduced calcium affinity at most levels tested; this is similar to the effect of many IQ‐motifs on CaM. However, at the highest level tested, TFP raised the calcium affinity of the N‐domain of CaM. A model of conformational switching is proposed to explain how TFP can exert opposing allosteric effects on calcium affinity by binding to different sites in the “closed,” “semi‐open,” and “open” domains of CaM. In physiological processes, apo CaM, as well as (Ca2+)4‐CaM, needs to be considered a potential target of drug action. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving the coordination efficiency of limited‐communication multi–autonomus underwater vehicle operations using a multiagent architecture
Authors: Sotzing Christopher C. , Lane David M. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis research addresses the problem of coordinating multiple autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operations. An intelligent mission executive has been created that uses multiagent technology to control and coordinate multiple AUVs in communication‐deficient environments. By incorporating real‐time vehicle prediction, blackboard‐based hierarchical mission plans, mission optimization, and a distributed multiagent–based paradigm in conjunction with a simple broadcast communication system, this research aims to handle the limitations inherent in underwater operations, namely poor communication, and intelligently control multiple vehicles. In this research, efficiency is evaluated and then compared to the current state of the art in multiple AUV control. The research is then validated in real AUV coordination trials. Results will show that compared to the state of the art, the control system developed and implemented in this research coordinates multiple vehicles more efficiently and is able to function in a range of poor communication environments. These findings are supported by in‐water validation trials with heterogeneous AUVs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Managerial decision making and firm performance under a resource‐based paradigm
Authors: Kunc Martin H. , Morecroft John D. W. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractA framework is presented that connects managerial decision making to resource building and firm performance. The framework takes a behavioral view of decision making and distinguishes two distinct decision‐making processes. First there is the creative conceptualization of new resource configurations that are intended to deliver competitive advantage. Then there is the painstaking development of resources required to implement strategy. We argue that heterogeneity in the resources of rival firms arises from the interplay of these two processes: resource conceptualization and resource development. Heterogeneity spawns performance differences that can be explained ex ante from characteristics of managerial decision‐making processes. We illustrate the approach in a simulated decision‐making environment representing a highly competitive and dynamically complex industry. Results from repeated simulation experiments conducted with executive and MBA students show vast differences in performance among firms, even when they started with identical resource positions. In a departure from traditional resource‐based literature, we explain how these differences stem from path dependent accumulation of resources and spontaneous variety in the way rivals conceptualize resources. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The captive husbandry and reproduction of the pink‐eared turtle (Emydura victoriae) at Perth Zoo
Authors: Gaikhorst G.S. , Clarke B.R. , McPharlin M. , Larkin B. , McLaughlin J. , Mayes J. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn 1997, Perth Zoo acquired six pink‐eared turtles (Emydura victoriae) from the wild for display in the reptile facility. There is very little documented information on pink‐eared turtles in captivity. This article looks at the reproductive biology, ecology, behavior, diet, and captive husbandry of the species. Eight clutches of eggs were documented over a 2‐year period with an average clutch size of 10 eggs. Egg size was recorded with three clutches incubated to hatching. Ten hatchlings were maintained for a growth and development study. Measurements of weight, carapace length, width, height, and plastron length were recorded weekly for about 12 months, and then monthly for approximately 2 years. The data were analyzed and showed positive growth curves in all animals. Sexual dimorphism was observed after 20 weeks and sexual maturity in males observed after 2 years. Zoo Biol 30:79–94, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanical and Abrasive Wear Studies on Biobased Jatropha Oil Cake Incorporated Glass–Epoxy Composites
Authors: Satheesh Kumar M. N. , Yaakob Z. , Mohan N. , Siddaramaiah  , Kumaresh Babu S. P. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAn investigation was made to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of jatropha oil cake (JOC) alone and in combination with silicon carbide (SiC) on the mechanical and tribological wear behaviour of glass fabric–epoxy (GE) composites. A vacuum‐assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM) technique was employed to obtain a series of GE composites containing different fillers viz., silicon carbide, jatropha oil cake and a mixture of SiC and JOC. The effect of different loads (22 and 32 N) and abrading distances from 135 to 540 m on the performance of the wear resistance of the composites were measured. The mechanical properties such as tensile behaviour and hardness of the composites were evaluated. A linear relationship was found between the wear volume loss and the abrading distances. The JOC filled GE composite exhibited a lower specific wear rate by 6 and 10% at 540 m abrading distance for a load of 22 and 32 N, respectively, as compared to that of unfilled GE composites. The worn surface features of unfilled and filled GE composites were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Identification of Specific DNA Binding Residues in the TCP Family of Transcription Factors in Arabidopsis
Authors: Aggarwal Pooja , Das Gupta Mainak , Joseph Agnel Praveen , Chatterjee Nirmalya , Srinivasan N. , Nath Utpal 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
The TCP transcription factors control multiple developmental traits in diverse plant species. Members of this family share an ∼60-residue-long TCP domain that binds to DNA. The TCP domain is predicted to form a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) structure but shares little sequence similarity with canonical bHLH domain. This classifies the TCP domain as a novel class of DNA binding domain specific to the plant kingdom. Little is known about how the TCP domain interacts with its target DNA. We report biochemical characterization and DNA binding properties of a TCP member in Arabidopsis thaliana, TCP4. We have shown that the 58-residue domain of TCP4 is essential and sufficient for binding to DNA and possesses DNA binding parameters comparable to canonical bHLH proteins. Using a yeast-based random mutagenesis screen and site-directed mutants, we identified the residues important for DNA binding and dimer formation. Mutants defective in binding and dimerization failed to rescue the phenotype of an Arabidopsis line lacking the endogenous TCP4 activity. By combining structure prediction, functional characterization of the mutants, and molecular modeling, we suggest a possible DNA binding mechanism for this class of transcription factors.
miR390,Arabidopsis TAS3tasiRNAs, and TheirAUXIN RESPONSE FACTORTargets Define an Autoregulatory Network Quantitatively Regulating Lateral Root Growth
Authors: Marin Elena , Jouannet Virginie , Herz Aurélie , Lokerse Annemarie S. , Weijers Dolf , Vaucheret Herve , Nussaume Laurent , Crespi Martin D. , Maizel Alexis 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPlants adapt to different environmental conditions by constantly forming new organs in response to morphogenetic signals. Lateral roots branch from the main root in response to local auxin maxima. How a local auxin maximum translates into a robust pattern of gene activation ensuring the proper growth of the newly formed lateral root is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that miR390, TAS3-derived trans-acting short-interfering RNAs (tasiRNAs), and AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORS (ARFs) form an auxin-responsive regulatory network controlling lateral root growth. Spatial expression analysis using reporter gene fusions, tasi/miRNA sensors, and mutant analysis showed that miR390 is specifically expressed at the sites of lateral root initiation where it triggers the biogenesis of tasiRNAs. These tasiRNAs inhibit ARF2, ARF3, and ARF4, thus releasing repression of lateral root growth. In addition, ARF2, ARF3, and ARF4 affect auxin-induced miR390 accumulation. Positive and negative feedback regulation of miR390 by ARF2, ARF3, and ARF4 thus ensures the proper definition of the miR390 expression pattern. This regulatory network maintains ARF expression in a concentration range optimal for specifying the timing of lateral root growth, a function similar to its activity during leaf development. These results also show how small regulatory RNAs integrate with auxin signaling to quantitatively regulate organ growth during development.
Malaria: looking for selection signatures in the human PKLR gene region
Authors: Machado Patrícia , Pereira Rui , Rocha Ana Mafalda , Manco Licínio , Fernandes Natércia , Miranda Juliana , Ribeiro Letícia , Do Rosário Virgílio E. , Amorim António , Gusmão Leonor , Arez Ana Paula 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe genetic component of susceptibility to malaria is both complex and multigenic and the better‐known protective polymorphisms are those involving erythrocyte‐specific structural proteins and enzymes. In vivo and in vitro data have suggested that pyruvate kinase deficiency, which causes a nonspherocytic haemolytic anaemia, could be protective against malaria severity in humans, but this hypothesis remains to be tested. In the present study, we conducted a combined analysis of Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the pyruvate kinase‐encoding gene (PKLR) and adjacent regions (chromosome 1q21) to look for malaria selective signatures in two sub‐Saharan African populations from Angola and Mozambique, in several groups with different malaria infection outcome. A European population from Portugal, including a control and a pyruvate kinase‐deficient group, was used for comparison. Data from STR and SNP loci spread along the PKLR gene region showed a considerably higher differentiation between African and Portuguese populations than that usually found for neutral markers. In addition, a wider region showing strong linkage disequilibrium was found in an uncomplicated malaria group, and a haplotype was found to be associated with this clinical group. Altogether, this data suggests that malaria selective pressure is acting in this genomic region.