bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promoting radiation therapy research: understanding perspectives, transforming culture
Authors: Turner A. , D'Alimonte L. , Fitch M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPurpose: To identify the challenges and opportunities that prevent Radiation Therapist (RT) led research at our clinic. Insight gained from this process may lead to strategies which can encourage and support RT research. In this way we can ensure evidence-based practises are promoted by RTs as well as enhancing the professional profile of RTs in the research domain.Methods: A qualitative approach was chosen for this study. Five focus group sessions were conducted to discuss issues related to research participation within our department. Sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis occurred whereby overarching themes were identified, content categories were developed, and summaries were written from these categories. Pre-dominant themes were later presented to the entire radiation therapy department for member checking. Answers to a series of questions were obtained anonymously through the use of iClickersTM (MacMillan MPS, Gordonsville, VA). Further, an open group discussion followed focusing on three key areas (departmental, personal and professional). Initiatives or opportunities that could be implemented to increase research activities were discussed and recorded by a designated note-taker.Results: Nineteen RTs participated in five focus group sessions. The over-arching themes identified were definition of research, involvement in research and the barriers to conducting research. Member checking confirmed these major themes.Conclusion: We identified the challenges faced by RTs in the areas of research and development at our centre. This information has given us a greater understanding of the culture of our department and the attitudes to research activities from all groups within it. We aim to use these insights to set-up a framework of support to facilitate increased initiatives. Alongside this support RTs will have a clear understanding of their responsibilities to the organisation that facilitates their research. We anticipate these developments will lead to greater job satisfaction for RTs, increased staff morale and most importantly, the improvement of the overall quality of services we deliver to our patients.
GPS total electron content variations associated with poleward moving Sun‐aligned arcs
Authors: Jayachandran P. T. , Hosokawa K. , Shiokawa K. , Otsuka Y. , Watson C. , Mushini S. C. , MacDougall J. W. , Prikryl P. , Chadwick R. , Kelly T. D. 
Published: April 2012

GPS total electron content (TEC) has shown quasiperiodic oscillations of varying amplitude associated with poleward moving Sun‐aligned arcs. The amplitude of TEC variations showed a maximum of ∼3 TECU and seemed to decrease as the arcs moved poleward from the source/generation region. Simultaneous DMSP data showed that fluctuations in TEC and optical intensification were caused by precipitation of high‐energy (>500 eV) particles. Concurrent ionosonde observations also exhibited quasiperiodic variations (within limit of the resolution of the data) in peak ionospheric electron density of the ionosphere. Bottom height of the ionospheric layers produced by precipitating particles varied between 130 km (upper E region) and 300 km (F region), indicating variable particle precipitation energy. Frequency analysis of high‐resolution TEC data showed a broad range of discrete frequency components from 1.60 mHz to 22.80 mHz present in the TEC oscillations, which may provide insight into the energization/modulation of precipitating particles by these oscillations. A broad distribution of equivalent vertical thickness of arcs was calculated using GPS TEC and ionosonde measurements of peak electron density. This distribution showed a minimum thickness of 21 km, a maximum of 84 km, and an average of 49 km. The equivalent vertical thickness also showed a linear relationship with bottomside height of the ionospheric layer (auroral arc). The relationship showed an increase in the vertical thickness with an increase in bottomside height of the layer. This relationship is a consequence of variations in the energy of the precipitating particles causing different ionospheric production profiles.
On the origin of the mitochondrial genetic code: Towards a unified mathematical framework for the management of genetic information
Authors: Gonzalez Diego Luis , Giannerini Simone , Rosa Rodolfo 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe origin of the genetic code represents one of the most challenging problems in molecular evolution. The genetic code is an important universal feature of extant organisms and indicates a common ancestry of different forms of life on earth. Known variants of the genetic code can be mainly divided in mitochondrial and nuclear classes. Here we provide a new insight on the origin of the mitochondrial genetic code: we found that its degeneracy distribution can be explained by using a mathematical approach recently developed for the description of the Euplotes nuclear variant of the genetic code. The results point to a primeval mitochondrial genetic code composed of four base codons, which we call tesserae, that, among other features, exhibit outstanding error detection capabilities. The theoretical description suggests also a formulation of a plausible biological theory about the origin of protein coding. Such theory is based on the symmetry properties of hypothetical primeval chemical adaptors between nucleic acids and amino acids (ancient tRNA’s). Our paper provides a unified mathematical framework for different hypotheses on the origin of genetic coding. Also, it contributes to revisit our present view about the evolutionary steps that led to extant genetic codes by giving a new first-principles perspective on the difficult problem of the origin of the genetic code, and consequently, on the origin of life on earth.
Speech Disfluency in School-Age Children’s Conversational and Narrative Discourse
Authors: Byrd Courtney T. , Logan Kenneth J. , Gillam Ronald B. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis study was designed to (a) compare the speech fluency of school-age children who do and do not stutter (CWS and CWNS, respectively) within 2 standard diagnostic speaking contexts (conversation and narration) while also controlling for speaking topic, and (b) examine the extent to which children’s performance on such discourse tasks is affected by age.MethodParticipants were 44 school-age children who were divided evenly into four groups, depending on their age (older, younger) and fluency status (CWS, CWNS). Children conversed with an examiner about a series of pictures and then told a story about the same pictures.ResultsSchool-age CWS produced more instances of atypical (stuttering-like) disfluencies in the narrative context than in the conversational context. Younger school-age children produced more instances of typical (nonstuttering-like) disfluencies in the conversational sample than did older school-age children. Age did not affect the frequency of children’s stuttering-like disfluencies in either the conversational or the narrative contexts.Clinical ImplicationsThese findings suggest that narration may offer a relatively efficient way of eliciting stuttering-like disfluencies during the assessment of stuttering. Thus, when assessing children to determine if they do or do not stutter, this type of sample should be considered in addition to the standard conversational sample.
The Effect of Test Presentation on Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Neurotypical Peers
Authors: Alt Mary , Humphrey Moreno Melanie 
Published: April 2012

Purpose
The purpose of this experiment was to determine if there is alternate forms reliability for paper- and computer-administered standardized vocabulary tests. Another purpose was to determine whether the behavioral ratings of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) would improve during the computer-administered testing sessions secondary to a decreased need for social interaction.

Method
Thirty-six school-age children (half with ASDs, half neurotypical [NT]) took 2 versions (i.e., paper vs. computer) of the Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test (EOWPVT–2000; Brownell, 2000a) and the Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test (ROWPVT–2000; Brownell, 2000b). Order of presentation was counterbalanced across participants. Test sessions were videotaped, and randomly selected 1-min intervals were rated for behaviors. Standardized test scores and behavior ratings were compared for equivalence across the test presentation methods.

Results
Standard scores for both versions of the tests were not significantly different for both groups of participants. There were no differences in behavioral ratings between the two methods of test presentation.

Conclusion
Alternate forms reliability was found, thus expanding the options for testing for school-age populations. The use of computers had no effect on the behaviors of the children with ASDs. The ramifications of this finding for assessment and intervention for children with ASDs are discussed.
The Narrative Language Performance of Three Types of At-Risk First-Grade Readers
Authors: Allen Melissa M. , Ukrainetz Teresa A. , Carswell Alisa L. 
Published: April 2012

Purpose
This study investigated the narrative language performance of 3 types of readers who had been identified as being at risk through code-based response-to-intervention (RTI) procedures.

Method

In a retrospective group comparison, 32 at-risk 1st-grade readers were identified: children who resolved without intervention (early resolvers,
n
= 11), children who met criterion following 4 weeks of intervention (good responders,
n
= 8), and children who failed to meet criterion following 4 weeks of intervention (poor responders,
n
= 13). A narrative retell and a norm-referenced language test were obtained before intervention.

Results
There were no significant differences between the 3 learner types on the language test. However, the narratives of the good responders were significantly higher than the narratives of the other 2 groups on total number of words, number of different words, and number of communication units. The narratives of early resolvers and good responders differed significantly on the productivity index, number of coordinating conjunctions, and number of episodic elements. There were no other significant differences.

Conclusion
Types of learners distinguished by a code-based RTI model showed differences in their narrative language. First graders who responded well to code-based reading intervention retold stories that contained more language and better story grammar than first graders who did not respond well to intervention. These results indicate the need to evaluate narrative language performance within RTI, especially for early resolvers.
Cognitive, Environmental, and Linguistic Predictors of Syntax in Fragile X Syndrome and Down Syndrome
Authors: Estigarribia Bruno , Martin Gary E. , Roberts Joanne E. 
Published: April 2012

Purpose
To examine which cognitive, environmental, and speech-language variables predict expressive syntax in boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS), boys with Down syndrome (DS), and typically developing (TD) boys, and whether predictive relationships differed by group.

Method
We obtained Index of Productive Syntax (Scarborough, 1990) scores for 18 boys with FXS only, 20 boys with both FXS and an autism spectrum disorder, 27 boys with DS, and 25 younger TD boys of similar nonverbal mental age. Predictors included group (diagnosis), nonverbal cognition, phonological working memory (PWM), maternal education, speech intelligibility, and expressive vocabulary. The research questions were addressed via hierarchical linear regression.

Results
Diagnostic group, nonverbal cognition, and PWM predicted 56% of the variance in syntactic ability, with approximately three-fourths of the predicted variance explained by group membership alone. The other factors did not contribute any additional significant variance in this final model. There was no evidence that predictor effects differed by group.

Conclusions
Nonverbal cognition and PWM have an effect on expressive syntax beyond that of diagnostic group. These effects are estimated to be the same in boys with FXS, boys with DS, and TD boys. Explanations for residual variance and the relative role of different predictors are discussed.
Gaseous Chlorine Dioxide as an Alternative for Bedbug Control
Authors: Gibbs Shawn G. , Lowe John J. , Smith Philip W. , Hewlett Angela L. 
Published: April 2012

Objective.This study evaluated the efficacy of gaseous chlorine dioxide (ClO2) for extermination of bedbugs (Cimex lectularius and Citnex hemipterus).Background.Bedbugs have received attention because of recent outbreaks. Bedbug eradication is difficult and often requires a time-consuming multifaceted approach.Setting.Laboratory and hospital room.Methods.Bedbugs were exposed to concentrations of ClO2 of 362, 724, and 1,086 parts per million (ppm) in an exposure chamber. Bedbug mortality was then evaluated. The ability of ClO2 to penetrate various spaces in a hospital room was evaluated using Bacillus atropheus as a surrogate organism.Results.Concentrations of 1,086 and 724 ppm of ClO2 yielded 100% bedbug mortality assessed immediately after exposure. Live young were not observed for any eggs exposed to ClO2 gas. ClO2 at a concentration of 362 ppm for 1,029 parts per million hours (ppm-hours) achieved 100% mortality 6 hours after exposure. A ClO2 concentration of 362 ppm for 519 ppm-hours had 100% mortality 18 hours after exposure. Up to a 6-log reduction in B. atropheus spores was achieved using similar concentrations of ClO2 in a hospital room, indicating that the concentrations needed to kill bedbugs can be achieved throughout a hospital room.Conclusions.ClO2 is effective at killing bedbugs in the laboratory, and similar concentrations of ClO2 gas can be achieved in a hospital room. ClO2 can be removed from the room without residuals.
HMGB1 conveys immunosuppressive characteristics on regulatory and conventional T cells
Authors: Wild Clarissa Anni , Bergmann Christoph , Fritz Günter , Schuler Patrick , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Lotfi Ramin , Westendorf Astrid , Brandau Sven , Lang Stephan 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Objective: The high-mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1) serves as the prototypic damage-associated molecular pattern molecule, interacting with a variety of defined pattern recognition receptors in the microenvironment of damaged or necrotic tissue. As regulatory T cells (T reg ) play a crucial role in autoimmune diseases and tumor immune escape, the previously unexamined role of HMGB1 on the function of T reg is of great interest. Methods: Human CD4 + CD25 + CD127 − T reg and CD4 + CD25 − CD127 + conventional T cells (T con ) were phenotypically analyzed for their constitutive as well as HMGB1-modulated expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR) and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Furthermore, the influence of recombinant and complexed HMGB1 from necrotic cell supernatant on the function of T reg and T con was investigated. Results: T reg express significantly higher levels of RAGE on the cell surface than T con , while levels of TLR4 are similar. HMGB1 modulates T reg biology by inducing migration and prolonging survival. Furthermore, HMGB1 enhances IL-10 release and T reg suppressive capacity in a RAGE-dependent manner. In addition, HMGB1 directly suppresses IFNγ release of T con and inhibits their proliferation via TLR4. Conclusion: HMGB1 directly enhances immune inhibitory functions of T reg via RAGE-mediated mechanisms and limits the number and activity of T con . HMGB1 effects on T reg may alter immune reactivity in the setting of chronic inflammatory states such as cancer.
First Report of Passiflora virus Y Infecting Macroptilium atropurpureum in Taiwan
Authors: Chiang C.-H. , Fan Y.-T. , Yu T.-A. , Cheng Y.-H. , Chen Y.-K. 
Published: April 2012

Macroptilium atropurpureum (siratro plants) is a perennial wild legume plant introduced to Taiwan as a forage crop in 1961 (3) and has become a naturalized weed found all over the island. In 2010, siratro plants with virus-like symptoms of mosaic and leaf deformation were observed on the campus of Da-Yeh University in central Taiwan. Flexuous virus-like particles about 750 × 12 nm were observed in the crude sap extracted from symptomatic leaves with a transmission electron microscope. Crude sap was mechanically inoculated to Chenopodium quinoa and local lesions can be observed on inoculated leaves 4 to 5 days after inoculation. Virus was purified from the leaves of inoculated C. quinoa with modified protocols of Gonsalves and Ishii (2). The virus coat protein (CP) consisted of a single major peptide with relative molecular weight of approximately 33 kDa when analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Viral RNA extracted from the purified virus was used as a template and was primed with several primer sets corresponding to potyviruses and carlaviruses in reverse transcription-PCR to amplify possible corresponding cDNA fragments. After several attempts, a cDNA fragment of about 1,300 bp could be amplified with the degenerated primer set of BCMNV-F (5′CCDTGGACDGTWGGVATGAC3′) and BCMNV-R (5′CACCAHACCATRAARCCATTCAT3′), which were designed on the basis of the conserved region of the nuclear inclusion b (NIb) and CP genes of some potyviruses including Bean common mosaic necrosis virus, Soybean mosaic virus, Blackeye cowpea mosaic virus, East Asian passiflora virus, and Passion fruit woodiness virus. BLAST analyses showed the amplicon was highly homologous to that of Passiflora virus Y (PaVY). Together with oligo dT, a specific primer (5′GATGACACTCAAATGGCTG3′) corresponding to PaVY CP was used to amplify the cDNA fragment of the most 3′ region of the viral RNA (about 800 bp). The assembled cDNA fragment of 1,958 bp (Accession No. AB679294) contains a partial NIb gene (877 nt), a complete CP gene (819 nt), and the 3′ noncoding region (262 nt). The CP gene shared sequence identities of 89.4 to 98.9% and 92.7 to 98.9% in nucleotide and amino acid, respectively, to that of documented PaVY isolates. PaVY has also been found to be infecting Vigna trilobata, Rhynchosia minima, Clitoria ternatea, and Passiflora foetida in Australia (1). Here we present the first report to our knowledge of PaVY and its infection of siratro (M. atropurpureum) in Taiwan. Additional work is needed to investigate the spread of PaVY and its interaction with other legume plants in Taiwan. References: (1) B. A. Coutts et al. Arch. Virol. 156:1757, 2011. (2) D. Gonsalves and M. Ishii. Phytopathology 70:1028, 1980. (3) Y. Y. Lai et al. J. Taiwan Livestock Res. 42:19, 2009.
Genetic aspects of adrenocortical tumours and hyperplasias
Authors: Mazzuco Tânia L. , Durand Julien , Chapman Audrey , Crespigio Jefferson , Bourdeau Isabelle 
Published: April 2012

SummaryAdrenocortical tumours (ACT), which include adenomas, carcinomas and adrenal hyperplasia, may be associated with genetic syndromes, such as Li–Fraumeni syndrome, Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, familial adenomatous polyposis and Carney complex. Genetic defects have been found to be responsible for the disease in most of these syndromes, allowing genetic counselling to affected patients and family members. Here, we summarize the clinical criteria of these hereditary syndromes and briefly describe the genetic alterations related to them. In addition, we discuss the involvement of various genetic defects in the development of sporadic adrenocortical tumours.
Overexpression of G protein‐coupled receptor 5D in the bone marrow is associated with poor prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Atamaniuk Johanna , Gleiss Andreas , Porpaczy Edit , Kainz Birgit , Grunt Thomas W. , Raderer Markus , Hilgarth Bernadette , Drach Johannes , Ludwig Heinz , Gisslinger Heinz , Jaeger Ulrich , Gaiger Alexander 
Published: April 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (9): 953–960AbstractBackground  G protein‐coupled receptor 5D (GPRC5D) is a novel surface receptor. As this new subtype of G protein‐coupled receptors was discovered, little is known about the role of this gene.Materials and methods  In this retrospective study, we investigated GPRC5D mRNA expression by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in bone marrow (BM) of 48 patients with multiple myeloma (MM).Results  Highly variable levels of GPRC5D (median, 288; quartiles, 17–928) were detected in patients with MM, whereas only low expression was detected in normal tissues (median, 1; quartiles, 1–23). High mRNA expression of GPRC5D correlated positively with high plasma cell count in bone marrow (r = 0·64, P < 0·001), high β2‐microglobulin (r = 0·42, P = 0·003) and poor‐risk cytogenetics: deletion 13q14 (rb‐1), P = 0·003; and 14q32 translocation t(4;14)(p16;q32), P = 0·029. GPRC5D mRNA expression showed a significant correlation with overall survival (P = 0·031). The estimated overall survival of patients expressing GPRC5D above or below the median of 288 was 43·9% vs. 70·2% at 48 months. Here, we report, for the first time, the association of GPRC5D expression and cancer.Conclusions  Overexpression in poor‐risk myeloma, low expression in normal tissues and cell surface expression identify GPRC5D as a potential novel cancer antigen. Our data demonstrate that GPRC5D is a prognostic factor in MM correlating with other major risk factors.
HER‐2/neu gene amplification in carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma in relation to progression and prognosis: a chromogenic in‐situ hybridization study
Authors: Hashimoto Kazuki , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Shiratsuchi Hideki , Nakashima Torahiko , Tamiya Sadafumi , Nishiyama Ken‐ichi , Higaki Yuichiro , Komune Shizuo , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi , Oda Yoshinao 
Published: April 2012

Hashimoto K, Yamamoto H, Shiratsuchi H, Nakashima T, Tamiya S, Nishiyama K, Higaki Y, Komune S, Tsuneyoshi M & Oda Y(2012) Histopathology 60, E131–E142
neu gene amplification in carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma in relation to progression and prognosis: a chromogenic in‐situ hybridization studyAims:  The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of HER‐2/neu in the stepwise progression of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) and to evaluate its prognostic significance in CXPA.Methods and results:  We examined HER2 overexpression and HER2 amplification by immunohistochemistry and chromogenic in‐situ hybridization in 31 cases of CXPA with ductal differentiation (eight intraductal, five intracapsular, and 18 extracapsular) and seven cases of atypical pleomorphic adenoma (PA). HER2 overexpression and HER2 amplification were found in 17 (54.8%) and 12 (38.7%) of the 31 CXPA cases, respectively. HER2 amplification was more prevalent in extracapsular CXPAs (9/18 cases; 50%) than intracapsular CXPAs (1/5 cases; 20%), intraductal CXPAs (2/8 cases; 25%), or atypical PAs (0/7 case; 0%). The status of HER2 amplification was essentially retained from the intraductal to the extracapsular component in individual extracapsular CXPAs. In addition, HER2 amplification was significantly associated with a worse prognosis (shorter disease‐free survival time and shorter overall survival time) among extracapsular CXPAs (each P < 0.05).Conclusions:  These results suggest that HER2 may play an important role in the progression of CXPA, and that HER2 amplification may be an additional prognostic indicator of CXPA.