bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Bioinformatic Strategies to Rapidly Characterize Retroviral Integration Sites of Gene Therapy Vectors
Authors: Giordano F. A. , Hotz-Wagenblatt A. , Lauterborn D. , Appelt J.-U. , Fellenberg K. , Nagy K. Z. , Zeller W. J. , Suhai S. , Fruehauf S. , Laufs S. 
Published: September 2007

Summary

Objective:
Increasing use of retroviral vector-mediated gene transfer created intense interest to characterize vector integrations on the genomic level. Techniques to determine insertion sites, mainly based on time-consuming manual data processing, are commonly applied. Since a high variability in processing methods hampers further data comparison, there is an urgent need to systematically process the data arising from such analysis.

Methods:
To allow large-scale and standardized comparison of insertion sites of viral vectors we developed two programs, IntegrationSeqand IntegrationMap. IntegrationSeq can trim sequences, and valid integration sequences get further processed with IntegrationMap for automatic genomic mapping. IntegrationMap retrieves detailed information about whether integrations are located in or close to genes, the name of the gene, the exact localization in the transcriptional units, and further parameters like the distance from the transcription start site to the integration.

Results:
We validated the method using 259 files originating from integration site analysis (LM-PCR). Sequences processed by IntegrationSeq led to an increased yield of valid integration sequence detection, which were shown to be more sensitive than conventional analysis and 15 times faster, while the specificities are equal. Output files generated by IntegrationMap were found to be 99.8% identical with results retrieved by much slower conventional mapping with the ENSEMBL alignment tool.

Conclusion:
Using IntegrationSeq and IntegrationMap, a validated, fast and standardized high-throughput analysis of insertion sites can be achieved for the first time.
Towards New Scopes: Sensor-enhanced Regional Health Information Systems
Authors: Marschollek M. , Wolf K.-H. , Haux R. , Bott O. J. 
Published: September 2007

Summary

Objectives:
To analyze utilization of sensor technology in telemonitoring and home care and to discuss concepts and challenges of sensor-enhanced regional health information systems (rHIS).

Methods:
The study is based upon experience in sensor-based telemedicine and rHIS projects, and on an analysis of HIS-related journal publications from 2003 to 2005 conducted in the context of publishing the IMIA Yearbook of Medical Informatics.

Results:
Health-related parameters that are subject to sensor-based measurement in home care and tele-monitoring are identified. Publications related to tele-monitoring, home care and smart houses are analyzed concerning scope and utilization of sensor technology. Current approaches for integrating sensor technology in rHIS based on a corresponding eHealth infrastructure are identified. Based on a coarse architecture of home care and telemonitoring systems ten challenges for sensor-enhanced rHIS are identified and discussed: integration of home and health telematic platforms towards a sensor-enhanced telematic platform, transmission rate guarantees, ad hoc connectivity, cascading data analysis, remote configuration, message and alert logistic, sophisticated user interfaces, unobtrusiveness, data safety and security, and electronic health record integration.

Conclusions:
Utilization of sensor technology in health care is an active field of research. Currently few research projects and standardization initiatives focus on general architectural considerations towards suitable telematic platforms for establishing sensor-enhanced rHIS. Further research finalized by corresponding standardization is needed. Part 2 of this paperwill present experiences with a research prototype for a sensor-enhanced rHIS telematic platform.
Expanding the Scope of Health Information Systems
Authors: Giuse D. A. , Lapão L. , Wurst S. H. R. , Kuhn K. A. 
Published: September 2007

Summary

Objectives:
To identify current developments, obstacles, and opportunities for health information systems.

Methods:
International reports werediscussed during an IMIA HIS Working Conference with a focus on architectural design, project goals and drivers, obstacles, and opportunities.

Results:
Technology and standards are available to build regional and national health IT networks, and successful implementations are currently being realized. There is, however, little consensus and communication concerning goals, benefits and risks of large-scale health IT initiatives. Complexity tends to be underestimated, and the public needs to be more involved in the decision-making process.

Conclusion:
On all levels and across borders, a climate of exchange of ideas, experiences – both successes and failures-, policies, standards, systems, and information should be created.
Attributable Mortality due to Nosocomial Infections
Authors: Wangler M. , Wolkewitz M. , Beyersmann J. , Schumacher M. 
Published: September 2007

Summary

Objectives:
Nosocomial infections constitute a major medical problem leading to increased morbidity and mortality of patients. Besides prolongation of length of hospital stay, hospital mortality attributable to those infections is often the quantity of interest when describing their impact and consequences. Since occurrence of nosocomial infections is a time-dynamic process, estimation of this quantity might be hampered by that fact. A general frameworkshall be developed for defining and estimating attributable mortality that in addition is taking discharge of patients as competing risk and potential censoring of observation time into account.

Methods:
Since the term “attributable mortality” is used in a variety of meanings we first review basic definitions; the quantities of interest are then derived in terms of transition probabilities arising in a suitably defined multistate model that allows straightforward estimation and interpretation. Bootstrap resampling is used to calculate corresponding standard errors and confidence intervals.

Results:
The methodology is applied to the data of the SIR-3 study, a prospective cohort study on the incidence of nosocomial infections in intensive care unit patients. Occurrence of nosocomial pneumonia is shown to be associated with increased mortality; the population-attributable fraction is estimated as 7.7% (95% confidence interval: 2.6-12.8%) for an observation period of 120 days.

Conclusion:
Attributable mortality is an important risk measure in epidemiology. If risk exposure is time-dependent, multistate models provide an easily understandable framework to define and estimate attributable mortality. The approach is capable of handling competing events, which are omnipresent in clinical research and censoring.
Characterization of the equine 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) and ribonuclease L (RNASEL) innate immunity genes
Authors: Rios Jonathan J , Perelygin Andrey A , Long Maureen T , Lear Teri L , Zharkikh Andrey A , Brinton Margo A , Adelson David L 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
The mammalian OAS/RNASEL pathway plays an important role in antiviral host defense. A premature stop-codon within the murine Oas1b gene results in the increased susceptibility of mice to a number of flaviviruses, including West Nile virus (WNV). Mutations in either the OAS1 or RNASEL genes may also modulate the outcome of WNV-induced disease or other viral infections in horses. Polymorphisms in the human OAS gene cluster have been previously utilized for case-control analysis of virus-induced disease in humans. No polymorphisms have yet been identified in either the equine OAS1 or RNASEL genes for use in similar case-control studies.

Results
Genomic sequence for equine OAS1 was obtained from a contig assembly generated from a shotgun subclone library of CHORI-241 BAC 100I10. Specific amplification of regions of the OAS1 gene from 13 horses of various breeds identified 33 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and two microsatellites. RNASEL cDNA sequences were determined for 8 mammals and utilized in a phylogenetic analysis. The chromosomal location of the RNASEL gene was assigned by FISH to ECA5p17-p16 using two selected CHORI-241 BAC clones. The horse genomic RNASEL sequence was assembled. Specific amplification of regions of the RNASEL gene from 13 horses identified 31 SNPs.

Conclusion
In this report, two dinucleotide microsatellites and 64 single nucleotide polymorphisms within the equine OAS1 and RNASEL genes were identified. These polymorphisms are the first to be reported for these genes and will facilitate future case-control studies of horse susceptibility to infectious diseases.
End-sequencing and characterization of silkworm (Bombyx mori) bacterial artificial chromosome libraries
Authors: Suetsugu Yoshitaka , Minami Hiroshi , Shimomura Michihiko , Sasanuma Shun-ichi , Narukawa Junko , Mita Kazuei , Yamamoto Kimiko 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
We performed large-scale bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) end-sequencing of two BAC libraries (an Eco RI- and a Bam HI-digested library) and conducted an in silico analysis to characterize the obtained sequence data, to make them a useful resource for genomic research on the silkworm (Bombyx mori).

Results
More than 94000 BAC end sequences (BESs), comprising more than 55 Mbp and covering about 10.4% of the silkworm genome, were sequenced. Repeat-sequence analysis with known repeat sequences indicated that the long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) were abundant in Bam HI BESs, whereas DNA-type elements were abundant in Eco RI BESs. Repeat-sequence analysis revealed that the abundance of LINEs might be due to a GC bias of the restriction sites and that the GC content of silkworm LINEs was higher than that of mammalian LINEs. In a BLAST-based sequence analysis of the BESs against two available whole-genome shotgun sequence data sets, more than 70% of the BESs had a BLAST hit with an identity of ≥ 99%. About 14% of Eco RI BESs and about 8% of Bam HI BESs were paired-end clones with unique sequences at both ends. Cluster analysis of the BESs clarified the proportion of BESs containing protein-coding regions.

Conclusion
As a result of this characterization, the identified BESs will be a valuable resource for genomic research on Bombyx mori, for example, as a base for construction of a BAC-based physical map. The use of multiple complementary BAC libraries constructed with different restriction enzymes also makes the BESs a more valuable genomic resource. The GenBank accession numbers of the obtained end sequences are DE283657–DE378560.
p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Is Critical for Synergistic Induction of the FSHβ Gene by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Activin through Augmentation of c-Fos Induction and Smad Phosphorylation
Authors: Coss Djurdjica , Hand Cameron M. , Yaphockun Karen K. J. , Ely Heather A. , Mellon Pamela L. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
GnRH and activin independently and synergistically activate transcription of the FSH β-subunit gene, the subunit that provides specificity and is the limiting factor in the synthesis of the mature hormone. This synergistic interaction, as determined by two-way ANOVA, is specific for FSHβ and may, therefore, contribute to differential expression of the two gonadotropin hormones, which is critical for the reproductive cycle. We find that the cross-talk between the GnRH and activin signaling pathways occurs at the level of p38 MAPK, because the synergy is dependent on p38 MAPK activity, which is activated by GnRH, and activin cotreatment augments p38 activation by GnRH. Both the Smad and activator protein-1 binding sites on the FSHβ promoter are necessary and sufficient for synergy. After cotreatment, Smad 3 proteins are more highly phosphorylated on the activin-receptor signaling-dependent residues on the C terminus than with activin treatment alone, and c-Fos is more highly expressed than with GnRH treatment alone. Inhibition of p38 by either of two different inhibitors or a dominant-negative p38 kinase abrogates synergy on FSHβ expression, reduces c-Fos induction by GnRH, and prevents the further increase in c-Fos levels that occurs with cotreatment. Additionally, p38 is necessary for maximal Smad 3 C-terminal phosphorylation by activin treatment alone and for the further increase caused by cotreatment. Thus, p38 is the pivotal signaling molecule that integrates GnRH and activin interaction on the FSHβ promoter through higher induction of c-Fos and elevated Smad phosphorylation.
High-performance n-Type Organic Field-effect Transistors Based on Co-oligomers Containing a Trifluoromethylphenylthiazolyl Group and a Biphenylene Core
Authors: Kojima Takahiro , Nishida Jun-ichi , Tokito Shizuo , Yamashita Yoshiro 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
New co-oligomers containing trifluoromethylphenylthiazolyl and phenylene units were prepared. The derivative with thiazolyl and biphenyl units showed high-performance n-type FET behavior.
Psychological Distress in International University Students: An Australian Study
Authors: Khawaja Nigar Gohar , Dempsey Jenny 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAustralia is a much sought-after destination of study for many thousands of international university students. However, tertiary study brings with it many challenges that may potentially precipitate psychological distress in international students. Psychological distress may be experienced in various ways. The aim of this study was to investigate the manner in which psychological distress is manifested in international students and the factors that contribute to their psychological distress. The participants consisted of 86 international students enrolled at a Queensland university who completed a battery of 9 self-report questionnaires. Results showed that obsessive–compulsiveness reflected by worry, ruminations and perfectionist tendencies was the most common symptom of psychological distress in international students. Dysfunctional coping was the only factor contributing to psychological distress. These findings have important implications for the international students with reference to the assessment of their mental health issues and the designing of suitable intervention programs.
Antecedents to Women's Fear of Rape
Authors: O'Donovan Analise , Devilly Grant J. , Rapee Ronald M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis study assessed the relative merits of sociodemographic variables and psychological variables in understanding women's fear of rape. A comprehensive understanding of the factors involved in women's fear of rape may allow for more effective interventions with women. Four hundred and eleven women, aged 18 years or older participated in the study, which surveyed their fear of rape and experience of rape. In agreement with previous findings, sociodemographic variables contributed significantly but relatively little (13%) to the variance in women's fear of rape. In contrast, psychological factors (perceived likelihood of being raped and perceived severity of consequences) predicted an additional 29% of the variance to this fear. Greater perceived likelihood of being raped functioned as a partial mediating variable between sociodemographic factors of age and relationship status and women's fear of rape. These results are encouraging as psychological models provide more avenues for restructuring such fear and modifying concordant, dysfunctional behaviours. Consequently, these results provide direction to intervention and education programs aimed at reducing women's fear of rape.
Persistence of Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms: Similarities and Contrasts with Symptoms of Depression in a Turkish Sample
Authors: Altın Müjgan , Gençöz Tülin 
Published: September 2007

AbstractContemporary cognitive theories of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) propose that certain types of dysfunctional beliefs and assumptions play a salient role in the genesis and persistence of OCD (e.g., Clark, 2004; Rachman, 1993, 1997; Salkovskis, 1985). The present study aimed to examine whether the three proposed dysfunctional beliefs — inflated sense of responsibility, thought suppression, and thought-action fusion — play a significant role particularly on the persistence of obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptoms, as compared to other emotional disorders, such as symptoms of depression. The participants of the present study were 109 undergraduate university students, who completed a set of questionnaires, including The Responsibility Attitude Scale (RAS), The Thought Action Fusion Scale (TAF), The White Bear Suppression Inventory (WBSI), The Maudsley Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory (MOCI), and The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). After a 4-week interval, participants were again asked to complete the MOCI and BDI. Two separate hierarchical regression equations were formulated to examine the factors significantly accounting for the residual changes from Time 1 to Time 2 assessments of OC and depressive symptomatologies. Results of these analyses indicated that while thought suppression (WBSI scores) played a significant role on the persistence of both OC and depressive symptoms across time, the role of inflated sense of responsibility (RAS scores) was specific to the persistence of OC symptoms.
A Cognitive Behavioural Coaching Intervention for the Treatment of Perfectionism and Self-Handicapping in a Nonclinical Population
Authors: Kearns Hugh , Forbes Angus , Gardiner Maria 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis study examined the efficacy of a modified form of cognitive behavioural therapy, known as cognitive behavioural coaching, in reducing levels of perfectionism and self-handicapping in a non-clinical population. Twenty-eight research higher degree students participated in an intensive workshop series held over 6 weeks. Perfectionism and self-handicapping were measured at the commencement and conclusion of the workshop series, and again 4 weeks later. Levels of perfectionism fell during the workshop series and this reduction was sustained at follow-up. Levels of self-handicapping did not fall during the workshop series but had fallen significantly by follow-up. Participants' level of satisfaction with their candidature progress also improved. This study demonstrates how the principles of CBT can be successfully modified and used with a nonclinical population.
Satisfaction With Pharmacy Services Among Older Adults in New Zealand
Authors: Paddison Charlotte A. M. , Pachana Nancy A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectives: This study aimed to: (a) ascertain levels of satisfaction with pharmacy services, and (b) identify possible barriers to pharmacy services utilisation among older adults in New Zealand. Method: Data was collected using a mailed questionnaire. Participants were older adults randomly selected from the general electoral roll (N= 180). Results: While satisfaction with pharmacy services was found to be generally high among older adults, considerable dissatisfaction was evident in relation to the cost of medication. Conclusions: While dissatisfaction was expressed with the cost of prescriptions, at present this does not appear linked to a failure to uplift medication. Physical access to pharmacy services may be compromised by disabling health problems, particularly among those living alone.
Strengthening Social Support: Health Professionals' Views of the Health Care Needs of Adolescent Mothers
Authors: Breheny Mary , Stephens Christine 
Published: September 2007

AbstractHealth care and health outcomes for adolescent mothers and their children may be a result of a complex interaction between socioeconomic, psychological, and familial factors. To examine a health professional perspective on the important issues in providing health care for adolescent mothers, transcripts of seventeen interviews with health professionals were analysed. Social support was considered an important aspect influencing the health of adolescent mothers and their children. This included family support, peer support and organisational support. Opportunities for health professionals to promote good social support for young mothers include role modelling supportive care and supporting adolescents' decision making, providing referrals to peer support groups, and understanding barriers to accessing organisational support. The best outcome for adolescent mothers is when their role as mother is supported by the family and wider support network.
Kinetics and mechanism of the plutonium catalysed nitric acid oxidation of U(IV) ions in 30% tributyl phosphate solution
Authors: Koltunov V. S. , Zhuravleva G.I. , Marchenko V. I. , Dvoeglazov K. N. , Savilova O. A. , Koltunov G. V. , Taylor Robin J. , Bankhead M. 
Published: September 2007

The oxidation of U(IV) ions in the diluted solvent phase, 30% TBP/n-dodecane, has been investigated in the presence of plutonium ions, which can act as catalysts for U(IV) oxidation. The reaction was shown to follow the cycle below, with the first and third stages being rate determining.U4++ 2Pu4++ 2H2O → UO22++ 2Pu3++4H+2Pu3++ HNO3+ 2H+→ 2Pu4++ HNO2+ H2OPu3++ HNO2+ H+→ Pu4++ NO + H2O2NO + HNO3+ H2O ⇔ 3HNO2The overall reaction stoichiometry is the same as for the oxidation of U(IV) by HNO3in TBP:U(NO3)4·2TBP + HNO3·TBP + H2O·TBP + TBP ⇔ UO2(NO3)2·2TBP + HNO2·TBP + 2HNO3·TBPThe rate equations of both these rate limiting steps have been determined, with that for the U(IV)-Pu(IV) reaction (5) being given by the equation below, wherek1=74.4±6 M-1.2min-1at 25.2 °C and the activation energy is 72±11 kJ mol-1(in 0.5 M HNO3).The rate of the second slow stage, the Pu(III)-HNO2reaction, is given by the equation below, where the rate constant isk2=627±28 M-1min-1at 25.2 °C and the activation energy is 87.2±1.4 kJmol-1(in 0.5 M HNO3).Mechanistically, it was shown that the U(IV)-Pu(IV) reaction may proceedviathe interaction of the hydrolysed actinide ions U(OH)22+and PuOH3+and the Pu(III)-HNO2reaction was found to most probably involve oxidation of Pu(III) ions by nitrinium nitrate (NONO3) ions in its rate determining step.
Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule Polysialylation Enhances the Sensitivity of Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neural Precursors to Migration Guidance Cues
Authors: Glaser Tamara , Brose Claudia , Franceschini Isabelle , Hamann Katja , Smorodchenko Alina , Zipp Frauke , Dubois-Dalcq Monique , Brüstle Oliver 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe development of stem cell-based neural repair strategies requires detailed knowledge on the interaction of migrating donor cells with the host brain environment. Here we report that overexpression of polysialic acid (PSA), a carbohydrate polymer attached to the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), in embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived glial precursors (ESGPs) strikingly modifies their migration behavior in response to guidance cues. ESGPs transduced with a retrovirus encoding the polysialyltransferase STX exhibit enhanced migration in monolayer cultures and an increased penetration of organotypic slice cultures. Chemotaxis assays show that overexpression of PSA results in an enhanced chemotactic migration toward gradients of a variety of chemoattractants, including fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), platelet-derived growth factor, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and that this effect is mediated via the phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3K) pathway. Moreover, PSA-overexpressing ESGPs also exhibit an enhanced chemotactic response to tissue explants derived from different brain regions. The effect of polysialylation on directional migration is preserved in vivo. Upon transplantation into the adult striatum, PSA-overexpressing but not control cells display a targeted migration toward the subventricular zone. On the basis of these data, we propose that PSA plays a crucial role in modulating the ability of migrating precursor cells to respond to regional guidance cues within the brain tissue.Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.