bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary history of c‐myc in teleosts and characterization of the duplicated c‐myca genes in goldfish embryos
Authors: Marandel Lucie , Labbe Catherine , Bobe Julien , Le Bail Pierre‐Yves 
Published: November 2011

Abstractc‐Myc plays an important role during embryogenesis in mammals, but little is known about its function during embryonic development in teleosts. In addition, the evolutionary history of c‐myc gene in teleosts remains unclear, and depending on the species, a variable number of gene duplicates exist in teleosts. To gain new insight into c‐myc genes in teleosts, the present study was designed to clarify the evolutionary history of c‐myc gene(s) in teleosts and to subsequently characterize DNA methylation and early embryonic expression patterns in a cyprinid fish. Our results show that a duplication of c‐myc gene occurred before or around the teleost radiation, as a result of the teleost‐specific whole genome duplication giving rise to c‐myca and c‐mycb in teleosts and was followed by a loss of the c‐mycb gene in the Gasterosteiforms and Tetraodontiforms. Our data also demonstrate that both c‐myc genes previously identified in carp and goldfish are co‐orthologs of the zebrafish c‐myca. These results indicate the presence of additional c‐myca duplication in Cyprininae. We were able to identify differences between the expression patterns of the two goldfish c‐myca genes in oocytes and early embryos. These differences suggest a partial sub‐functionalization of c‐myca genes after duplication. Despite differences in transcription patterns, both of the c‐myca genes displayed similar DNA methylation patterns during early development and in gametes. Together, our results clarify the evolutionary history of the c‐myc gene in teleosts and provide new insight into the involvement of c‐myc in early embryonic development in cyprinids. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79:85–96, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genes involved in the immediate early response and epithelial–mesenchymal transition are regulated by adipocytokines in the female reproductive tract
Authors: Yang Zhufeng , Norwood Kristin A. , Smith Jacqueline E. , Kerl Jill G. , Wood Jennifer R. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObesity increases the risk of female reproductive tract cancers, but the underlying mechanistic link between the two is ill‐defined. Thus, the objective of the current study was to identify obesity‐dependent changes in the expression of immediate early (IE) genes that contribute to cell proliferation and differentiation, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes that promote cell migration. When HeLa cells were treated for 0–48 hr with IGF‐1, leptin, TNFα, or IL‐6, each individual adipocytokine altered the abundance of IE (cJUN, cFOS, and cMYC) and EMT (SNAI1, SNAI2, and TWIST1) mRNA abundance. For example, IGF‐1 increased cJUN and cFOS and decreased cMYC; leptin increased cFOS; IL‐6 increased cFOS and cMYC; and TNFα increased cJUN and cFOS mRNA abundance. Likewise, EMT gene expression was altered by IGF‐1, TNFα, and IL‐6. SNAI1 was increased by IGF‐1 and IL‐6; SNAI2 was increased by IGF‐1 and TNFα; and TWIST1 was increased by TNFα and IL‐6. Chronic exposure to adipocytokines also altered EMT gene expression in the whole uterus of obese compared to normal‐weight mice. Specifically, there was no difference in cJun, cFos, or cMyc mRNA abundance between normal‐weight and obese animals. Snai1, Snai2, and Twist1 mRNA abundance, however, was increased in the uterus of obese females and correlated with increased circulating IGF‐1 levels. These data indicate that obesity‐dependent alterations in adipocytokine levels regulate the expression of genes associated with cell proliferation and migration, and therefore may provide a plausible mechanism for obesity‐dependent increases in cancers of the female reproductive tract. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79:128–137, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Agreement between clinical screening procedures for neuropathy in the feet
Authors: Wang Yi , Goodrich Jaclyn M. , Werner Robert , Gillespie Brenda , Basu Niladri , Franzblau Alfred 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIntroduction: The correlation between monofilament testing, symptom surveys, and electrodiagnostic studies for the diagnosis of axonal polyneuropathy has not been well studied. This investigation was done to assess the agreement between these procedures in a non‐random sample of volunteers. Methods: The procedures evaluated included electrodiagnostic tests of the sural nerve, monofilament testing of the great toe, a symptom survey, and a body diagram. Kappa coefficients and sensitivity and specificity, using nerve conduction as a “gold standard,” were used to determine the agreement between various combinations of procedures. Results: Poor agreement (kappa values −0.12–0.44) and sensitivity (sensitivity <30%) were found for all combinations of symptoms and monofilament results in comparison with sural peak latency and amplitude. Conclusions: Overall, the results demonstrated a low discriminatory power for the screening procedures for identifying persons with impaired sural nerve function. The results highlight the need for further development and evaluation of screening methods for distal neuropathy in population‐based studies. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Muscle magnetic resonance imaging sensitivity does not decrease in chronic, mild, or proximal lower limb neuropathies
Authors: Deroide Nicolas , Bousson Valérie , Daguet Edouard , Dumurgier Julien , Tin Sophie Ng Wing , Hannouche Didier , Richette Pascal , Beaudreuil Johann , Lioté Frédéric , Lévy Bernard , Vicaut Eric , Laredo Jean Denis , Kubis Nathalie 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an innovative tool for exploring focal neuropathies. However, its usefulness in mild, proximal, or chronic lesions, when electromyography (EMG), the current “gold standard” sensitivity is inadequate, has yet to be studied. Methods: Clinical, MRI, and EMG examinations were performed in 113 muscles of 17 consecutive patients with clinically diagnosed lower limb focal neuropathies. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI and EMG were evaluated in relation to disease duration, severity, and anatomical location. Results: Muscle MRI was highly sensitive for the detection of denervated muscle, and, unlike EMG, its sensitivity did not decrease regardless of the anatomical location, duration, or severity of the neuropathy. Five MRI false positives were noted, including three in the thigh muscles. Conclusions: Muscle MRI is an alternative tool to EMG in proximal, mild, or chronic clinical diagnoses of lower limb focal neuropathies. However, it also seems prone to false‐positive results, particularly in proximal muscles. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Myosin heavy chain isoform expression in human extraocular muscles: Longitudinal variation and patterns of expression in global and orbital layers
Authors: Park Kyung‐Ah , Lim Jeonghee , Sohn Seongsoo , Oh Sei Yeul 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIntroduction: We investigated the distribution of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms along the length of the global and orbital layers of human extraocular muscles (EOMs). Methods: Whole muscle tissue extracts of human EOMs were cross‐sectioned consecutively and separated into orbital and global layers. The extracts from these layers were subjected to electrophoretic analysis, followed by quantification with scanning densitometry. Results: MyHC isoforms displayed different distributions along the lengths of EOMs. In the orbital and global layers of all EOMs except for the superior oblique muscle, MyHCeom was enriched in the central regions. MyHCIIa and MyHCI were most abundant in the proximal and distal ends. Conclusions: A variation in MyHC isoform expression was apparent along the lengths of human EOMs. These results provide a basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional diversity of EOMs. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Quality of life and measures of quality of life in patients with neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Burns Ted M. , Graham Christopher D. , Rose Michael R. , Simmons Zachary 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIn this review we present an overview of quality of life (QOL) and QOL measures in neuromuscular disorders. We discuss the characteristics of QOL measures used in neuromuscular research, highlighting differences between generic versus disease‐specific and global versus health‐related QOL instruments. The phenomenon of response shift is reviewed. Commonly used QOL instruments are reviewed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscle diseases, myasthenia gravis, and polyneuropathy. We also review some of what is known about QOL for patients with these neuromuscular disorders. Muscle Nerve 46: 9–25, 2012
Modeling of the three‐dimensional subsidence diffusion–convection problem above a trapdoor
Authors: Vairaktaris E. , Stavropoulou M. 
Published: November 2011

SUMMARYIn a series of previous works, the plane strain and the axisymmetric cases of the so‐called active trapdoor problem have been modeled by virtue of Litwiniszyn's theory of deep subsidence. However, in reality, there exist trapdoor base geometries—in plan view—which can be very well approximated by an elliptical boundary. Following the elliptical shape of the trapdoor, the contour lines of subsidence also appear to be similar ellipses. In this work, an elliptic model of deep subsidence is presented, the mentioned hypothesis of the self‐similar subsidence contour lines is validated, and finally a simplified model is presented. For completeness of the present three‐dimensional model analysis, a rectangular model is also considered. Results are finally presented and compared with those of plane strain and axisymmetric problems. Some suggestions that have been proposed in previous similar works are also evaluated and compared with the results of the present study. Finally, some estimates are proposed for different trapdoor base geometries. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variance‐constrained robust estimation for uncertain systems with multiple packet dropouts
Authors: Wang Baofeng , Guo Ge , Yue Wei 
Published: November 2011

SUMMARYThis paper deals with variance‐constrained filtering problem in networked control systems (NCSs) with multiple packet dropouts. The system is subject to time‐invariant norm‐bounded parameter uncertainties in both the state and measurement matrices. Based on a model of multiple packet dropouts, the consecutive packet losses rate is transformed into a stochastic parameter in the system representation. The problem addressed is to design a linear filter such that, for all admissible parameter uncertainties and consecutive packet dropouts, the error state of the filtering process is mean square bounded, and the steady‐state variance of the estimation error for each state is not more than the individual prescribed upper bound. The conditions for the existence of a desired filter are obtained in terms of the solutions of two algebraic matrix inequalities, based on which an explicit expression of the robust filter is derived. Finally, an algorithm for solving the coupling inequalities, which is not optimal but practical, is provided and applied to some numerical examples. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absolute lymphocyte counts refine minimal residual disease‐based risk stratification in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Rabin Karen R. , Gramatges M. Monica , Borowitz Michael J. , Palla Shana L. , Shi Xiaodong , Margolin Judith F. , Zweidler‐McKay Patrick A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have demonstrated the prognostic utility of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) during therapy for a range of malignancies, with low ALC associated with adverse outcome. Here we investigated whether ALC retained independent prognostic significance with respect to minimal residual disease (MRD) status in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).ProcedureWe reviewed 171 cases of pediatric ALL treated on the Children's Oncology Group P9900 series of treatment trials. Variables analyzed included ALC at several time points during Induction, age at diagnosis, cytogenetics, initial white blood cell count, and MRD status at Day 29 of Induction (MRD‐29).ResultsWe found high ALC at Induction Day 29 (ALC‐29) to be an independent, clinically significant predictor of improved relapse‐free and overall survival (OS). Patients with ALC‐29 >1,500 cells/µl had a superior 6‐year relapse‐free survival (80 ± 4% vs. 62 ± 8%, P = 0.018) and overall survival (96 ± 2% vs. 74 ± 8%, P = 0.001). Moreover, ALC‐29 identified distinct prognostic subgroups within cases stratified by MRD‐29. In subjects with >0.01% MRD, ALC‐29 > or <1,500 cells/µl had a significant 51% difference in 6‐year OS (92 ± 7% vs. 41 ± 16%, P = 0.0001).ConclusionsALC, a readily obtainable test, constitutes a significant and independent prognostic factor in childhood ALL that may refine current MRD‐based risk stratification algorithms and provide key prognostic information in settings where MRD determination is not feasible. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:468–474. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antifungal prophylaxis in pediatric hematology/oncology: New choices & new data
Authors: Dvorak Christopher C. , Fisher Brian T. , Sung Lillian , Steinbach William J. , Nieder Michael , Alexander Sarah , Zaoutis Theoklis E. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractA severe complication of the treatment of pediatric cancers is the development of an invasive fungal infection (IFI). The data to support antifungal prophylaxis in pediatric oncology patients derive primarily from adult patients, and thus the optimal agent to utilize is not clear. Fluconazole has been a standard option, but agents with antimold activity are now available, each with limitations. Pediatric dosing for voriconazole and posaconazole is uncertain and multiple drug interactions exist. The echinocandins are well‐tolerated, but only available in intravenous form. Ultimately, studies demonstrating biologic risk factors for the development of IFI may lead to personalized prophylactic strategies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 21–26. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevention of bacterial infection in pediatric oncology: What do we know, what can we learn?
Authors: Alexander Sarah , Nieder Michael , Zerr Danielle M. , Fisher Brian T. , Dvorak Christopher C. , Sung Lillian 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBacterial sepsis continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and toxic death in children receiving intensive therapy for cancer. Empiric therapy for suspected infections and treatment of documented infections are well‐established standards of care. The routine use of prophylactic strategies is much less common in pediatric oncology. This paper will review the current literature on the use and risks of antimicrobial prophylaxis as well as non‐pharmacological methods for infection prevention and will address areas in need of further research. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 16–20. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A sustainable model for pediatric oncology nursing education in low‐income countries
Authors: Day Sara W. , Garcia Jose , Antillon Federico , Wilimas Judith A. , McKeon Leslie M. , Carty Rita M. , de Alarcon Pedro , Pui Ching‐Hon , Ribeiro Raul C. , Howard Scott C. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractEffectiveness of a nurse educator in the pediatric oncology unit in Guatemala was assessed by measuring completion of an education course, chemotherapy and central line competency, continuing education, and cost. All newly hired nurses completed the education course. Of the nurses employed, 86% participated in the chemotherapy course, and 93% achieved competency; 57% participated in the central line course, and 79% achieved competency. The nurses completed a mean of 26 hours continuing education yearly. The annual direct cost of the educator ($244/nurse) was markedly less than other models. This is an effective and sustainable means to educate nurses in low‐income countries. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 163–166. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study of alternating current impedance analysis and dielectric properties of carbon nanotube‐based polysulfone nanocomposites
Authors: Nayak L. , Khastgir D. , Chaki T.K. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPolysulfone (PSU)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites containing 0.5–3 wt% of MWCNTs were prepared by solution casting technique. To understand the dispersion behavior of MWCNTs inPSU matrix, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used. Electrical properties of nanocomposites were investigated by analyzing alternating current (AC) impedance spectra. The real part of complex impedance was decreased with increasing carbon nanotubes loading in the PSU matrix, which may be due to increase in conductive networks in the nanocomposite. The complex impedance Nyquist plots for PSU/MWCNTs nanocomposites were characterized by the appearance of a single semicircular arc, whose radii of curvature decreases with increasing MWCNTs loading. The polarization mechanism and the AC conduction mechanism were studied by designing equivalent circuit from impedance data. The dielectric response of PSU/MWCNTs nanocomposite was investigated over a wide range of frequency from 10 Hz to 10−6 Hz. Dielectric constant of PSU/MWCNTs nanocomposite was enhanced significantly from 2 to 6 × 1010 at 10 Hz when the addition of MWCNTs was increased from 0 to 3 wt%. The enhancement of dielectric property might be due to the interfacial polarization between carbon nanotubes and polysulfone. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study of oxygen permeability and flame retardancy properties of biodegradable polymethylmethacrylate/starch composites
Authors: Kisku Sudhir K. , Swain Sarat K. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPolymethylmethacrylate/starch (PMMA/starch) composites were prepared by emulsion polymerization method using potassium persulphate (KPS) as the radical initiator. The interaction of starch with polymethylmethacrylate was evidenced by ultraviolet–visible (UV–visible) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The structure of PMMA/starch composite was studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) study and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The thermal properties of starch, PMMA/starch composites were compared with the virgin PMMA sample. The PMMA/starch composites were found to be flame retardant material from the measurement of limiting oxygen index (LOI) of samples. The biodegradability of the PMMA/starch composites were studied by active sludge water and it was found that degradability of composites increases with increasing time interval. The oxygen permeability of PMMA/starch composites was substantially decreased as compared to virgin PMMA. The reduction of oxygen permeability of the PMMA/starch composites may enable the materials applicable in packaging industries. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reference values of nocturnal oxygenation for use in outpatient oxygen weaning protocols in premature infants
Authors: Rhein Lawrence , Simoneau Tregony , Davis Jaclyn , Correia Catherine , Ferrari Dan , Monuteaux Michael , Gregory MaryLucia 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo define reference ranges for oxygen saturation (SpO2) values in healthy full‐term infants in the first days of life and in preterm infants off supplemental oxygen as they approach neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge.MethodsFrom April 2009 to March 2010, we enrolled convenience samples of full‐term infants from the newborn nursery and former preterm infants who did not require supplemental oxygen at the time of discharge from the NICU. Overnight SpO2 and signal quality recordings were obtained and analyzed for duration of artifact‐free recording time (AFRT), time (s) with SpO2 less than several different target saturations (90–95%), and number of falls in SpO2 by ≥4% and ≥10%.ResultsWe studied 102 full‐term infants and 52 preterm infants. Preterm and full‐term infants spent similar amounts of time less than 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, and 95% although preterm infants had more falls in SpO2 by ≥4% per hour of AFRT. Over 67% of term and preterm infants spent less than 6% of their time below 93%.ConclusionThese data represent reference SpO2 ranges for both preterm infants not requiring supplemental oxygen at NICU discharge and full‐term infants in the first days of life. As we currently lack guidelines dictating the optimal target oxygen saturations for infants and the acceptable maximal time that they can safely spend below set target saturations, our data may serve as a guide to interpreting SpO2 recordings of premature outpatient infants who are weaning from supplemental oxygen. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:453–459. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using layers of protection analysis to evaluate fire and gas systems
Authors: Baybutt Paul 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAn International society of automation (ISA) technical report provides guidance on evaluating the effectiveness of fire and gas systems (FGSs) in reducing risks in processes using an event tree risk model in preference to layers of protection analysis (LOPA) which was viewed as too limited for application to FGSs. This article shows that LOPA can be used instead of event trees to produce equivalent results and that LOPA is preferred for both technical and practical reasons. One of the examples from the ISA technical report is analyzed using LOPA to show how this is accomplished. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012
Determination of famoxadone, fenamidone, fenhexamid and iprodione residues in greenhouse tomatoes
Authors: Angioni Alberto , Porcu Luciano , Dedola Fabrizio 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Greenhouse tomato production is intended exclusively for fresh consumption. Typical greenhouse conditions provide a conducive environment for the development of different fungi, principally late blight and grey mould, that can destroy plants and fruits. For this reason, different fungicides with different sites of action are used in integrated pest management strategies. Famoxadone, fenamidone, fenhexamid and iprodione (fig. 1) are fungicides of difference classes with different actions that could be used to control tomato pests.RESULTS: The QuEChERS method showed good recoveries, and the analytical method allowed good separation of the fungicides selected. Good results were obtained in terms of repeatability and intermediate precision, with a coefficient of variation of < 9.8%. The limits of determination and quantification of the method were far below the maximum residual levels (MRLs) set by the EU for these fungicides in tomatoes. The analysis of fungicide residues showed that cv. Shiren accounted for higher residue levels than cv. Caramba. The dissipation curves were similar in the two cultivars, indicating that the decrease in pesticides was not related to the tomato type.CONCLUSIONS: Care should be taken when using pesticides in greenhouse conditions, because degradation mainly affects fruit growth. The size of the tomato, in particular its surface/weight ratio, is very important for defining pesticide residues. All fungicides used showed residue levels below the MRLs at the preharvest interval. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry