bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic, Transcriptomic, and Epigenomic Approaches to Recovery After Acquired Brain Injury
Authors: Conley Yvette P. , Alexander Sheila 
Published: June 2011

AbstractGenomics and its related fields have expanded rapidly, primarily because of the potential utility for clinical decision making and improving our understanding of the pathophysiology of complex conditions. The state of the science and technology associated with this field is such that current and future health care providers, when consulting with new patients about their acquired brain injury and options for rehabilitation, will use genetic information as a routine part of the process, which may include information received from a laboratory report that uses transcriptomic data, informs regarding patient prognosis, and makes recommendations for individualized therapeutic approaches to optimize recovery. This may sound like science fiction, but, in the field of oncology, it is the norm for breast cancer and, more recently, for colon cancer, with expansion to other types of cancer on the horizon as research data continue to contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of these conditions. Something similar for rehabilitation after acquired brain injury is much further off on the horizon. However, it is a possibility that will never be realized if the community of scientists and health care providers who work with these patients do not have the knowledge or expertise to embrace genomics and related approaches. This article discusses these approaches, some practical considerations for using such approaches, and what is currently published in this area with regard to brain injury.
Doubts About Autonomy
Authors: Kekes John 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMost of us are more or less dissatisfied with some aspect of our present self and want to change it to a better future self. This makes us divided beings. The beliefs, emotions, and motives of our present self prompt us to act in one way and our desired future and better self often prompts us to act in another way. This makes us ambivalent. One of the shibboleths of the present age is that the key to overcoming our ambivalence is to cultivate autonomy. This Kantian ideal is defended, developed, and somewhat revised by Christine Korsgaard, who constructs an ideal theory of self-constitution. This theory is untenable. Its very nature makes it incapable of addressing the concrete problems ambivalence presents to us in our very different individual circumstances. It unreasonably claims that either we meet arbitrary, unrealistic, and mind-bogglingly complex requirements, or disqualify ourselves from being rational and moral agents. And it optimistically assumes that by becoming more autonomous, we become more rational and moral, rather than merely continue to act in the ways we have been acting before. The failure of this latest ideal theory does not show that there is something wrong with autonomy. It shows that the extravagant claims Korsgaard makes for autonomy are groundless. The way to cope with our ambivalence is not to follow a theory, but to think better and harder about what we – individuals in individual circumstances – are, and want to be.
Why Do Colours Look the Way They Do?
Authors: Unwin Nicholas 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA major part of the mind–body problem is to explain why a given set of physical processes should give rise to perceptual qualities of one sort rather than another. Colour hues are the usual example considered here, and there is a lively debate as to whether the results of colour vision science can provide convincing explanations of why colours actually look the way they do. The internal phenomenological structure of colours is considered here in some detail, and a comparison is drawn with sounds and their synthesis. This paper examines the type of explanation that is needed, and it is concluded that it does not have to be reductive to be effective. What needs to be explained more than anything is why invertedhuescenarios are more intuitive than other sensory inversions: and the issue of physicalism versus dualism is argued to be of only marginal relevance.
The relationship between maghāzī and ḥadīth in early Islamic scholarship
Authors: Görke Andreas 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe relationship between the traditional biographical material on Muḥammad (maghāzī- or sīra-material) and the narrations of his words and deeds (ḥadīth-material) has long been debated in Islamic studies. While some scholars have argued that the biographical material is fundamentally ḥadīth material arranged chronologically, others have argued the opposite: that ḥadīth material originally consists of narrative reports about the life of Muḥammad which were later deprived of their historical context to produce normative texts. This article argues that both views are untenable and that maghāzī and ḥadīth emerged as separate fields; each influenced the other but they preserved their distinctive features. While traditions that originated and were shaped in one field were sometimes transferred to the other, the transfer of traditions from one field to the other apparently did not as a rule involve any deliberate changes to the text.
The public role ofDhimmīsduring ʿAbbāsid times
Authors: Sirry Mun'im 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis article examines how and why non-Muslimdhimmīswere employed in a variety of important posts during the ʿAbbāsid period, notably as viziers (wuzarā') and secretaries (kuttāb). One of the aims is to show that Jews and Christians were employed in the state administration to the extent that some of them were able to achieve the second highest office after the caliph: the vizier. It is argued that, despite certain legal restrictions outlined by Muslim jurists,dhimmīemployment in the government had long been an established policy. The first section discusses the juristic debate on whether non-Muslims could be appointed to public office. The second examines examples of non-Muslim viziers and the nature of their political power. The final section offers possible explanations as to why non-Muslims were needed to help the caliphs administer this governmental office. The article concludes with a brief reflection on the significance of this study for the discussion of the nature of state–religion relations in early Islam.
Hearts, desires and behavioural patterns: Debating human nature in ancient China
Authors: Gassmann Robert H. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThinkers in the Zhànguó period of Chinese history debated intensely whether men were by nature “good” or “bad”. This debate has for many years been an important focus of sinological interest, but usually these properties were not attributed to men, but rather to so-called “human nature” (xìng 性) – thus, in effect, mirroring well-known (and problematic) “European” positions and discussions. The aim of this paper is, on the one hand, to redirect attention to the original Zhànguó positions and to explore the reasons for their variance by offering novel and close historical readings of relevant passages, and on the other, to propose a viable historical reconstruction of the common anthropological assumptions underlying these positions by blending it with the traces of a dominant cognitive image present in the texts. This calls for a systematic rethinking of the role of hearts (in the plural), desires, and behavioural patterns in their interplay and as elements of a concept of the psychological build of human beings current in early China.
Balancing Act: Competition and Cooperation in US Asia-Pacific Regionalism
Authors: BOUTIN J. D. KENNETH 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWhile the United States is an important Asia-Pacific actor, its engagement with the region is complex and often difficult. Not only must US regionalism balance the diverse requirements of an ambitious policy agenda, but also US policy norms and priorities often clash with those of other regional actors. This has important implications for the capacity of the United States to provide regional leadership. Recent years have seen growing policy convergence between the United States and other Asia-Pacific actors, particularly in economic terms, but US regionalism continues to feature competition alongside collaboration.
Evolution of C4 Photosynthesis in the GenusFlaveria: How Many and Which Genes Does It Take to Make C4?
Authors: Gowik Udo , Bräutigam Andrea , Weber Katrin L. , Weber Andreas P.M. , Westhoff Peter 
Published: June 2011

AbstractSelective pressure exerted by a massive decline in atmospheric CO2 levels 55 to 40 million years ago promoted the evolution of a novel, highly efficient mode of photosynthetic carbon assimilation known as C4 photosynthesis. C4 species have concurrently evolved multiple times in a broad range of plant families, and this multiple and parallel evolution of the complex C4 trait indicates a common underlying evolutionary mechanism that might be elucidated by comparative analyses of related C3 and C4 species. Here, we use mRNA-Seq analysis of five species within the genus Flaveria, ranging from C3 to C3-C4 intermediate to C4 species, to quantify the differences in the transcriptomes of closely related plant species with varying degrees of C4-associated characteristics. Single gene analysis defines the C4 cycle enzymes and transporters more precisely and provides new candidates for yet unknown functions as well as identifies C4 associated pathways. Molecular evidence for a photorespiratory CO2 pump prior to the establishment of the C4 cycle-based CO2 pump is provided. Cluster analysis defines the upper limit of C4-related gene expression changes in mature leaves of Flaveria as 3582 alterations.
Comparison of transgene expression in Aedes aegypti generated by mariner Mos1 transposition and ΦC31 site‐directed recombination
Authors: Franz A. W. E. , Jasinskiene N. , Sanchez‐Vargas I. , Isaacs A. T. , Smith M. R. , Khoo C. C. H. , Heersink M. S. , James A. A. , Olson K. E. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractTransgenic mosquitoes generated by transposable elements (TEs) often poorly express transgenes owing to position effects. To avoid these effects, the ΦC31 site‐directed recombination system was used to insert transgenes into a locus favourable for gene expression in Aedes aegypti. We describe phenotypes of mariner Mos1 TE and ΦC31 transgenic mosquitoes expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter in midguts of blood‐fed females. Mosquitoes of nine TE‐generated lines [estimated transformation frequency (TF): 9.3%] clearly expressed the eye‐specific selection marker but only 2/9 lines robustly expressed the EGFP reporter. The piggyBac TE‐generated ΦC31 docking strain, attP26, supported recombination with attB site containing donors at an estimated TF of 1.7–4.9%. Using a codon‐optimized ΦC31 integrase mutant instead of the ‘wild‐type’ enzyme did not affect TF. Site‐directed recombination of line attP26 with an attB‐containing donor expressing EGFP from the Ae. aegypti carboxypeptidase promoter produced one transgenic line with blood‐fed females expressing the reporter in midgut tissue. Docking strain attP26 also supported robust expression of Flock House virus B2 from the Ae. aegypti polyubiquitin promoter. Our data confirm that eye‐specific selection marker expression alone is not a reliable indicator for robust gene‐of‐interest expression in Ae. aegypti and that the ΦC31 system can ensure predictable transgene expression in this mosquito species.
Optimization of the Gal4‐UAS system in an Anopheles gambiae cell line
Authors: Lynd A. , Lycett G. J. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe development of the bipartite Gal4‐UAS system in Anopheles gambiae would improve the functional characterization of genes in this important malaria vector. Towards this aim, we used Gal4 driver plasmids to successfully activate expression of the reporter gene, luciferase, from UAS responder plasmids when cotransfected into an An. gambiae cell line. To optimize Gal4‐regulated gene expression in mosquitoes, we compared the efficiency of a series of alternative Gal4 transactivators to drive reporter gene expression from responder plasmids incorporating different numbers of tandemly arrayed Gal4 binding sites or upstream activation sequences (UAS). The results indicated that the native Gal4 is only weakly active in these cells. Modified forms of Gal4, including those carrying minimal VP16 activation domains, as well as a deleted form of Gal4, give up to 20‐fold greater activity than the native protein, when used in conjunction with a responder plasmid having 14 UAS repeats. The identification of Gal4‐UAS vectors that are efficiently expressed in a mosquito cell line should facilitate the transfer of this versatile expression system to An. gambiae, and potentially to other insects of medical importance.
From transcription to activation: how group A streptococcus, the flesh‐eating pathogen, regulates SpeB cysteine protease production
Authors: Carroll Ronan K. , Musser James M. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryStreptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB) is a protease secreted by group A streptococci and known to degrade a wide range of host and GAS proteins in vitro. Although the role of SpeB in GAS infection is debated, recent evidence has conclusively demonstrated that SpeB is critical for the pathogenesis of severe invasive disease caused by GAS. Genetic inactivation of the speB gene results in significantly decreased virulence in a necrotizing fasciitis model of infection. Production of fully active SpeB by GAS is extremely complex. Following transcription and translation the SpeB protein is secreted as an inactive zymogen, which is autocatalytically processed through a series of intermediates to form an active protease. Each step from transcription to protease activation is tightly controlled and regulated by the bacterial cell reflecting the critical role played by this virulence factor in GAS infection. Here we review the molecular aspects of SpeB production by GAS from transcription to activation and the multiple layers of control involved.
Clinical features of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis in 646 subjects and association with other aspects of photoaging
Authors: Shin Min‐Kung , Jeong Ki‐Heon , Oh In‐Hwan , Choe Bong‐Keun , Lee Mu‐Hyoung 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground  The lesions of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) are commonly seen in elderly persons, although this is an often unrecognized skin disease with an obscure etiopathogenesis. The prevalence and clinical features of IGH have not yet been well studied.Objectives  The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of IGH in different age groups and to determine the association of IGH with other dermatoses related to photoaging.Methods  A total of 1174 subjects were examined for IGH. A detailed history was taken and general, systemic, and cutaneous examinations were carried out on the basis of clinical features. Woods lamp examination, KOH wet mounting, and/or histopathologic examination were conducted as required.Results  Of 1174 subjects, 646 showed signs of IGH. The prevalence of IGH in the group of patients aged ≥40 years was 87%. This prevalence increased with advancing age. The prevalence of IGH was 54% (n = 307) among males and 56% (n = 339) among females. Sites of frequent involvement included the distal part of the lower extremity in 93% (n = 598) of cases, the distal part of the upper extremity in 91% (n = 585), the proximal part of the upper extremity in 73% (n = 474), and the proximal part of the lower extremity in 58% (n = 376). Thirty‐nine (6%) subjects also developed IGH on the face. Frequency of dermatoses related to aging was found to be significantly associated with IGH, including numerous solar lentigo [odds ratio (OR) = 5.95] and xerosis (OR = 2.40). In addition, the subjects who used “body scrubbers” were significantly more likely to have IGH lesions (OR = 1.64).Conclusions  It is very likely that IGH is a phenomenon associated with the skin’s normal aging process and repeated microtrauma to skin.
Autoimmune diseases in patients with pemphigus and their first‐degree relatives
Authors: Leshem Yael A. , Katzenelson Varda , Yosipovitch Gil , David Michael , Mimouni Daniel 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground  Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease affecting the skin and mucosa, which mostly in anecdotal reports has been associated with several autoimmune diseases.Objective  The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of autoimmune diseases in a large group of patients with pemphigus and their first‐degree relatives.Methods  One hundred and ten patients with pemphigus were interviewed for the existence of various autoimmune diseases. Patients’ sera were examined for the presence of several autoantibodies. The existence of autoimmune diseases in 969 first‐degree relatives of the patients was assessed via questionnaires.Results  Seven of 110 (6.3%) patients with pemphigus had concurrent autoimmune diseases, including four (3.6%) with autoimmune thyroid disease and three (2.7%) with rheumatoid arthritis. Ten of 969 (1.03%) first‐degree relatives of patients with pemphigus had autoimmune thyroid disease, three (0.31%) had rheumatoid arthritis, and three (0.31%) had type 1 diabetes mellitus. The patient’s group had a statistically significant higher prevalence of thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis than their first‐degree relatives (P = 0.046 and 0.016 respectively).Conclusions  Patients with pemphigus seem to have a higher rate of autoimmune thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis than both the general population and their own first‐degree relatives. Further studies comparing patients with pemphigus with healthy controls are needed to stratify their risk factors for developing other autoimmune diseases and to define guidelines regarding diagnosis and treatment of coexistent autoimmune disorders.
Pattern of skin diseases in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: El‐Khateeb Ekramy A. , Imam Adel A. , Sallam Mohammed A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground  Information on patterns of skin diseases in Egypt is scanty.Methods  The medical records of patients attending dermatology outpatient clinics at Ain Shams University Hospitals from January 2001 to December 2001 were retrieved. Valid data of 7528 patients were included in the study. Demographic data (age and sex) and diagnoses of skin disease were extracted, coded, and analyzed.Results  Patients’ attendance revealed mean age of 23.5 ± 15.6 years and female predominance in a female to male ratio of 1.6:1. Most patients presented in summer (40.7%). Infections constituted most of the dermatoses (45.4%), and scabies was the most common disease (9.26%). Hypersensitivity diseases came after (22%) and, interestingly, the dermatitis subgroup (12.94%) followed fungal infections (15.83%) immediately, preceding other infection subgroups. Females predominated in most dermatoses. Urticaria predominated in infants, bacterial infections in preschool stage, fungal infections in school and young adult stages, and dermatitis in old adult and geriatric stages. Fungal infections predominated in all seasons. The peak presentation of all diseases was in summer except urticaria that was represented more in spring.Conclusion  Dermatitis preceded many infectious diseases as an index of the development and urbanization of a community. However, infections still represent the most common dermatoses. Fortunately, they are potentially controllable and, therefore, healthcare strategies that target infections may represent the key for an efficient national healthcare program.
Physiologic changes and dermatoses of pregnancy
Authors: Geraghty Laurel Naversen , Pomeranz Miriam Keltz 
Published: June 2011

AbstractLike all organ systems, the skin undergoes significant changes during pregnancy. The majority of physiologic skin conditions related to gestation resolve after childbirth. However, they may cause significant concern or cosmetic distress or be mistaken for one of the specific dermatoses of pregnancy. Dermatoses unique to pregnancy are rare but important to recognize because they may be intensely pruritic or painful to the mother, and they may pose significant risks to the patient, her fetus, or both. Clinicians familiar with the cutaneous manifestations of pregnancy can most effectively treat and counsel patients, guide expectations, and avoid unnecessary diagnostic tests and therapies. This review summarizes physiologic skin changes in the gravid patient and the specific dermatoses of pregnancy.
Actinomycetoma of the scalp after a car accident
Authors: Welsh Oliverio , Morales‐Toquero Amelia , Cabrera‐Vera Lucio , Vazquez‐Martinez Osvaldo , Gómez‐Flores Minerva , Ocampo‐Candiani Jorge 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground  Actinomycetoma is the most frequent type of mycetoma in Mexico. Localization on the scalp is very rare. Because of this topography and potential spread to the brain, the present case became a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.Materials and methods  We report the case of a 44‐year‐old woman with a 6 × 5 cm red, friable, granulomatous, vascular neoformation on the scalp and eye diagnosed as Nocardia brasiliensis actinomycetoma.Results  A combination of amikacin and oral trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (SXT) was successfully administered with an excellent outcome and no side effects.Conclusions This is a rare presentation of mycetoma of the scalp that was cured in 12 weeks with a combination of amikacin and SXT.
Is beta‐trace protein an alternative marker of glomerular filtration rate in liver transplant recipients?
Authors: Gerhardt Thomas , Pöge Uwe , Stoffel‐Wagner Birgit , Palmedo Holger , Sauerbruch Tilman , Woitas Rainer P. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Background: Renal insufficiency is common after liver transplantation (LT). The use of creatinine (Crea) as a marker of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is limited in patients after LT. Beta‐trace protein (BTP), an alternative marker of GFR, is independent of muscle mass and has not been evaluated in LT recipients.
Aim: To evaluate BTP as an alternative tool to monitor renal function in LT recipients.
Methods: We determined the diagnostic performance of BTP in comparison to Crea and cystatin C (CysC) in 52 patients, who concomitantly underwent 99mTc‐DTPA‐clearance measurements. Furthermore, we evaluated bias, precision and accuracy of five recently developed BTP‐based equations to estimate GFR.
Results: The average measured GFR was 51 (46.1; 56.0) ml/min/1.73 m2. Using a cut‐off of 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 the area under the curve (AUC) was nearly identical for all markers. At a decision point of 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 BTP showed only a trend towards a higher AUC compared with Crea and CysC (0.806 vs. 0.754 and 0.760, respectively; P>0.2). In comparison to the modification of diet in renal disease‐formula (MDRD) only one of five BTP‐based equations displayed a significantly higher accuracy within 30% of the measured GFR (84.6 vs. 59.6%; P=0.006). None of these equations showed a significant improvement compared with MDRD with respect to bias and precision.
Conclusions: Beta‐trace protein can be used as an alternative diagnostic tool to detect moderate or severe GFR reduction in patients after LT. Furthermore BTP‐based equations are able to estimate GFR in LT recipients. However, these equations fail to perform constantly better than the MDRD formula.