bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DECAY OF THE MAXWELL FIELD ON THE SCHWARZSCHILD MANIFOLD
Authors: BLUE PIETER 
Published: December 2008

We study solutions of the decoupled Maxwell equations in the exterior region of a Schwarzschild black hole. In stationary regions, where the Schwarzschild radial coordinate takes values in a bounded interval away from the event horizon, we obtain decay for all components of the Maxwell field at a rate which is bounded by the inverse of the standard time coordinate. We use vector field methods and no not require a spherical harmonic decomposition. In outgoing regions, where the Regge–Wheeler tortoise coordinate grows at least linearly with the time coordinate, we obtain decay rates for each of the null components. These rates are similar to the rates in flat space but weaker. Along the event horizon and in ingoing regions, where the Regge–Wheeler coordinate is negative and the outgoing, Eddington–Finkelstein null-coordinate is positive, all components (normalized with respect to an ingoing null basis) decay at a rate which is bounded by the inverse of the outgoing null coordinate.
Module evolution and substrate specificity of fungal nonribosomal peptide synthetases involved in siderophore biosynthesis
Authors: Bushley Kathryn E , Ripoll Daniel R , Turgeon B Gillian 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Most filamentous ascomycete fungi produce high affinity iron chelators called siderophores, biosynthesized nonribosomally by multimodular adenylating enzymes called nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs). While genes encoding the majority of NRPSs are intermittently distributed across the fungal kingdom, those encoding ferrichrome synthetase NRPSs, responsible for biosynthesis of ferrichrome siderophores, are conserved, which offers an opportunity to trace their evolution and the genesis of their multimodular domain architecture. Furthermore, since the chemistry of many ferrichromes is known, the biochemical and structural 'rules' guiding NRPS substrate choice can be addressed using protein structural modeling and evolutionary approaches.

Results
A search of forty-nine complete fungal genome sequences revealed that, with the exception of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, none of the yeast, chytrid, or zygomycete genomes contained a candidate ferrichrome synthetase. In contrast, all filamentous ascomycetes queried contained at least one, while presence and numbers in basidiomycetes varied. Genes encoding ferrichrome synthetases were monophyletic when analyzed with other NRPSs. Phylogenetic analyses provided support for an ancestral duplication event resulting in two main lineages. They also supported the proposed hypothesis that ferrichrome synthetases derive from an ancestral hexamodular gene, likely created by tandem duplication of complete NRPS modules. Recurrent losses of individual domains or complete modules from this ancestral gene best explain the diversity of extant domain architectures observed. Key residues and regions in the adenylation domain pocket involved in substrate choice and for binding the amino and carboxy termini of the substrate were identified.

Conclusion
Iron-chelating ferrichrome synthetases appear restricted to fission yeast, filamentous ascomycetes, and basidiomycetes and fall into two main lineages. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that loss of domains or modules led to evolution of iterative biosynthetic mechanisms that allow flexibility in biosynthesis of the ferrichrome product. The 10 amino acid NRPS code, proposed earlier, failed when we tried to infer substrate preference. Instead, our analyses point to several regions of the binding pocket important in substrate choice and suggest that two positions of the code are involved in substrate anchoring, not substrate choice.
Motivation and retention of health workers in developing countries: a systematic review
Authors: Willis-Shattuck Mischa , Bidwell Posy , Thomas Steve , Wyness Laura , Blaauw Duane , Ditlopo Prudence 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
A key constraint to achieving the MDGs is the absence of a properly trained and motivated workforce. Loss of clinical staff from low and middle-income countries is crippling already fragile health care systems. Health worker retention is critical for health system performance and a key problem is how best to motivate and retain health workers. The authors undertook a systematic review to consolidate existing evidence on the impact of financial and non-financial incentives on motivation and retention.

Methods
Four literature databases were searched together with Google Scholar and 'Human Resources for Health' on-line journal. Grey literature studies and informational papers were also captured. The inclusion criteria were: 1) article stated clear reasons for implementing specific motivations to improve health worker motivation and/or reduce medical migration, 2) the intervention recommended can be linked to motivation and 3) the study was conducted in a developing country and 4) the study used primary data.

Results
Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria. They consisted of a mixture of qualitative and quantitative studies. Seven major motivational themes were identified: financial rewards, career development, continuing education, hospital infrastructure, resource availability, hospital management and recognition/appreciation. There was some evidence to suggest that the use of initiatives to improve motivation had been effective in helping retention. There is less clear evidence on the differential response of different cadres.

Conclusion
While motivational factors are undoubtedly country specific, financial incentives, career development and management issues are core factors. Nevertheless, financial incentives alone are not enough to motivate health workers. It is clear that recognition is highly influential in health worker motivation and that adequate resources and appropriate infrastructure can improve morale significantly.
Variations in host genes encoding adhesion molecules and susceptibility to falciparum malaria in India
Authors: Sinha Swapnil , Qidwai Tabish , Kanchan Kanika , Anand Prerna , Jha Ganga N , Pati Sudhanshu S , Mohanty Sanjib , Mishra Saroj K , Tyagi Prajesh K , Sharma Surya K ,   Indian Genome Variation Consortium, Venkatesh Vimala , Habib Saman 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundHost adhesion molecules play a significant role in the pathogenesis ofPlasmodium falciparummalaria and changes in their structure or levels in individuals can influence the outcome of infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of SNPs of three adhesion molecule genes,ICAM1,PECAM1andCD36, with severity of falciparum malaria in a malaria-endemic and a non-endemic region of India.MethodsThe frequency distribution of seven selected SNPs ofICAM1,PECAM1andCD36was determined in 552 individuals drawn from 24 populations across India. SNP-disease association was analysed in a case-control study format. Genotyping of the population panel was performed by Sequenom mass spectroscopy and patient/control samples were genotyped by SNaPshot method. Haplotypes and linkage disequilibrium (LD) plots were generated using PHASE and Haploview, respectively. Odds-ratio (OR) for risk assessment was estimated using EpiInfo™ version 3.4.ResultsAssociation of the ICAM1 rs5498 (exon 6) G allele and the CD36 exon 1a A allele with increased risk of severe malaria was observed (severe versus control, OR = 1.91 and 2.66, P = 0.02 and 0.0012, respectively). The CD36 rs1334512 (-53) T allele as well as the TT genotype associated with protection from severe disease (severe versus control, TT versus GG, OR = 0.37, P = 0.004). Interestingly, a SNP of thePECAM1gene (rs668, exon 3, C/G) with low minor allele frequency in populations of the endemic region compared to the non-endemic region exhibited differential association with disease in these regions; the G allele was a risk factor for malaria in the endemic region, but exhibited significant association with protection from disease in the non-endemic region.ConclusionThe data highlights the significance of variations in theICAM1,PECAM1andCD36genes in the manifestation of falciparum malaria in India. ThePECAM1exon 3 SNP exhibits altered association with disease in the endemic and non-endemic region.
Sample size requirements to detect the effect of a group of genetic variants in case-control studies
Authors: Moonesinghe Ramal , Yang Quanhe , Khoury Muin J 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Background
Because common diseases are caused by complex interactions among many genetic variants along with environmental risk factors, very large sample sizes are usually needed to detect such effects in case-control studies. Nevertheless, many genetic variants act in well defined biologic systems or metabolic pathways. Therefore, a reasonable first step may be to detect the effect of a group of genetic variants before assessing specific variants.

Methods
We present a simple method for determining approximate sample sizes required to detect the average joint effect of a group of genetic variants in a case-control study for multiplicative models.

Results
For a range of reasonable numbers of genetic variants, the sample size requirements for the test statistic proposed here are generally not larger than those needed for assessing marginal effects of individual variants and actually decline with increasing number of genetic variants in many situations considered in the group.

Conclusion
When a significant effect of the group of genetic variants is detected, subsequent multiple tests could be conducted to detect which individual genetic variants and their combinations are associated with disease risk. When testing for an effect size in a group of genetic variants, one can use our global test described in this paper, because the sample size required to detect an effect size in the group is comparatively small. Our method could be viewed as a screening tool for assessing groups of genetic variants involved in pathogenesis and etiology of common complex human diseases.
Reporting of noninferiority and equivalence randomized trials for major prostaglandins: A systematic survey of the ophthalmology literature
Authors: Eyawo Oghenowede , Lee Chia-Wen , Rachlis Beth , Mills Edward J 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Standards for reporting clinical trials have improved the transparency of patient-important research. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) published an extension to address noninferiority and equivalence trials. We aimed to determine the reporting quality of prostaglandin noninferiority and equivalence trials in the treatment of glaucoma.

Methods
We searched, independently and in duplicate, 6 electronic databases for eligible trials evaluating prostaglandins. We abstracted data on reporting of methodological criteria, including reporting of per-protocol [PP] and intention-to-treat [ITT] analysis, sample size estimation with margins, type of statistical analysis conducted, efficacy summaries, and use of hyperemia measures.

Results
Trials involving the four major prostaglandin groups (latanoprost, travoprost, bimatoprost, unoprostone) were analyzed. We included 36 noninferiority and 11 equivalence trials. Seventeen out of the included 47 trials (36%, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI]: 24–51) were crossover designs. Only 3 studies (6%, 95% CI: 2–17) reported a presented results of both ITT and PP populations. Twelve studies (26%, 95% CI: 15–39) presented only ITT results but mentioned that PP population had similar results. Thirteen trials (28%, 95% CI: 17–42) presented only PP results with no mention of ITT population results while 17 studies (36%, 95% CI: 24–51) presented only ITT results with no mention of PP population results. Thirty-four (72%, 95% CI: 58–83) of studies adequately described their margin of noninferiority/equivalence. Sequence generation was reported in 22/47 trials (47%, 95% CI: 33–61). Allocation concealment was reported in only 10/47 (21%, 95% CI: 12–35) of the trials. Thirty-five studies (74%, 95% CI: 60–85) employed masking of at least two groups, 4/47 (9%, 95% CI: 3–20) masked only patients and 8/47 (17%, 95% CI: 9–30) were open label studies. Eight (17%, 95% CI: 9–30) of the 47 trials employed a combined test of noninferiority and superiority. We also found 6 differing methods of evaluating hyperemia.

Conclusion
The quality of reporting noninferiority/equivalency trials in the field of glaucoma is markedly heterogeneous. The adoption of the extended CONSORT statement by journals will potentially improve the transparency of this field.
Study Protocol: effects of acupuncture on hot flushes in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women – a multicenter randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kim Kun-Hyung , Kang Kyung-Won , Jung Hee-Jung , Park Ji-Eun , Jung So-Young , Choi Jun-Yong , Choi Sun-Mi 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Hot flushes are the most frequent climacteric symptom and a major cause of suffering among menopausal women. The condition negatively influences many aspects of women's lives. To date, conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is considered the most effective treatment for hot flushes. However, HRT is associated with a host of negative side effects. Complementary and alternative medical (CAM) approaches have been employed to relieve symptoms and to avoid these side effects. Acupuncture is one of the most strongly preferred CAM treatments for many diseases, causing few serious adverse effects, and is frequently used in Korea.
We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of Traditional Korean Acupuncture (TKA) in conjunction with usual care, compared to usual care alone, on hot flushes in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in Korea.

Methods
This study consists of a multi-center randomized controlled trial with 2 parallel arms. Participants included in the study will meet the following criteria: 1) a documented daily average hot flush score ≥ 10 for one week prior to the screening visit 2) not taking HRT and other pharmaceutical therapies which might affect hot flushes or other vasomotor symptoms.
While maintaining usual care, the treatment group will receive acupuncture 3 times a week, for a total of 12 sessions over 4 weeks. The control group will receive usual care alone during the same period. Post-treatment follow-up will be performed one month after completing 12 sessions of acupuncture.

Discussion
This trial will provide evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for hot flushes. The primary endpoint in both groups is a change in hot flush score from baseline to week 4 and/or week 8. As the secondary endpoint, we will employ the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), a health-related quality of life questionnaire. Further analysis will examine the frequency, severity and difference in symptoms for daytime vs. nighttime hot flushes, sub-domain analysis of MRS, and participants' expectations of acupuncture treatment.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN49335612
Drosophila olfactory local interneurons and projection neurons derive from a common neuroblast lineage specified by the empty spiracles gene
Authors: Das Abhijit , Sen Sonia , Lichtneckert Robert , Okada Ryuichi , Ito Kei , Rodrigues Veronica , Reichert Heinrich 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Background
Encoding of olfactory information in insects occurs in the antennal lobe where the olfactory receptor neurons interact with projection neurons and local interneurons in a complex sensory processing circuitry. While several studies have addressed the developmental mechanisms involved in specification and connectivity of olfactory receptor neurons and projection neurons in Drosophila, the local interneurons are far less well understood.

Results
In this study, we use genetic marking techniques combined with antibody labelling and neuroblast ablation to analyse lineage specific aspects of local interneuron development. We find that a large set of local interneurons labelled by the GAL4-LN1 (NP1227) and GAL4-LN2 (NP2426) lines arise from the lateral neuroblast, which has also been shown to generate uniglomerular projection neurons. Moreover, we find that a remarkable diversity of local interneuron cell types with different glomerular innervation patterns and neurotransmitter expression derives from this lineage. We analyse the birth order of these two distinct neuronal types by generating MARCM (mosaic analysis with a repressible cell marker) clones at different times during larval life. This analysis shows that local interneurons arise throughout the proliferative cycle of the lateral neuroblast beginning in the embryo, while uniglomerular projection neurons arise later during the second larval instar. The lateral neuroblast requires the function of the cephalic gap gene empty spiracles for the development of olfactory interneurons. In empty spiracles null mutant clones, most of the local interneurons and lateral projection neurons are lacking. These findings reveal similarities in the development of local interneurons and projection neurons in the olfactory system of Drosophila.

Conclusion
We find that the lateral neuroblast of the deutocerebrum gives rise to a large and remarkably diverse set of local interneurons as well as to projection neurons in the antennal lobe. Moreover, we show that specific combinations of these two neuron types are produced in specific time windows in this neuroblast lineage. The development of both these cell types in this lineage requires the function of the empty spiracles gene.
Multi-organ damage induced by anabolic steroid supplements: a case report and literature review
Authors: Samaha Ali A , Nasser-Eddine Walid , Shatila Elizabeth , Haddad John J , Wazne Jaafar , Eid Ali H 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Introduction
The use of anabolic supplements and other related drugs for body building and to enhance athletic performance is nowadays widespread and acutely pervasive all around the world. This alarming increase in the use of anabolic and amino acid supplements has been linked to a diverse array of pathologies. As previously reported, the abuse of androgenic steroids is not without severe physiological, psychiatric and physical costs. The case we report here describes multi-organ damage resulting from the abuse and uncontrolled use of anabolic steroid supplements, mainly testosterone.

Case presentation
A 24-year-old white man presented with abdominal pain concomitant with nausea and vomiting. Laboratory analysis revealed hypercalcemia, elevated liver enzymes and high levels of amylase, lipase and creatine protein kinase.

Conclusion
Amino acid as well as anabolic supplements may lead to abnormal functioning of many organs, which could be fatal in some instances. This mandates worldwide and concerted efforts to educate the public, especially the youth, about the dangers of these increasingly abused drugs.
alpha-Actinin interacts with rapsyn in agrin-stimulated AChR clustering
Authors: Dobbins G Clement , Luo Shiwen , Yang Zhihua , Xiong Wen C , Mei Lin 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
AChR is concentrated at the postjunctional membrane at the neuromuscular junction. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. We show that α-actinin, a protein known to cross-link F-actin, interacts with rapsyn, a scaffold protein essential for neuromuscular junction formation. α-Actinin, rapsyn, and surface AChR form a ternary complex. Moreover, the rapsyn-α-actinin interaction is increased by agrin, a factor known to stimulate AChR clustering. Downregulation of α-actinin expression inhibits agrin-mediated AChR clustering. Furthermore, the rapsyn-α-actinin interaction can be disrupted by inhibiting Abl and by cholinergic stimulation. Together these results indicate a role for α-actinin in AChR clustering.
Aqueous fish extract increases survival in the mouse model of cytostatic toxicity
Authors: Omerovic Elmir , Linbom Malin , Råmunddal Truls , Lindgård Ann , Undeland Ingrid , Sandberg Ann-Sofie , Soussi Bassam 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Treatment of cancer patients with anthracycline antibiotic doxorubicin (DOX) may be complicated by development of acute and chronic congestive heart failure (CHF), malignant arrhythmias and death. The aim of this study was to test whether an aqueous low molecular weight (LMW) extract from cod muscle decreases acute mortality in the mouse model of acute CHF caused by DOX.

Methods
A LMW fraction (<500 Da) of the aqueous phase of cod light muscle (AOX) was used for treatment of male BALB/c mice (~25 g, n = 70). The animals were divided into four groups, DOX + AOX (n = 20), DOX + saline (NaCl) (n = 30), NaCl + AOX (n = 10) and NaCl only (n = 10). Echocardiography was performed in the separate subgroups (DOX treated n = 6 and controls n = 6) to verify the presence and the grade of acute CHF. The cod extract was delivered by subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps over the period of 2 weeks. High-dose injection of DOX was administered to randomly selected animals. The animals received single intraperitoneal injection of DOX (25 mg/kg) and were followed over two weeks for mortality.

Results
Mortality rate was 68% lower (p < 0.05) in the mice treated with the extract. The analyses of cod extract have shown strong antioxidative effect in vitro.

Conclusion
The aqueous LMW cod muscles extract decreases mortality in the mouse model of DOX induced acute CHF. This effect may be mediated by cardioprotection through antioxidative mechanisms.
Récente amélioration en dosimétrie de surveillance des cuves dans les réacteurs en construction de l'Electricité de France
Authors: Bevilacqua A , Brillaud C , DuQuesne H , Hedin F , Lloret R 
Published: December 2008

In the vessel surveillance program of each French pressurized water reactor, four to eight in-reactor irradiation capsules are equipped with activation and fission dosimeters. Analysis of the first capsules irradiated has brought considerable data on the dosimetry process used. This experience comes from more than fifteen 900 MWe reactors of electricité de France.
In this paper, problems encountered after dismantling of the capsule are examined: activity measurements, data corrections, inconsistency in the results, etc. From these experimental results, proposals are made to improve accuracy, availability, and ease of use, for both short and long term applications. This analysis has led to better specification of the material composition with respect to impurities and, as a result, to changes in the number, design, and materials, both of the fissile dosimeter box and of the neutron filter. Moreover, niobium dosimetry has been added to the process.
Nuclear Data for the Use of Niobium as Neutron Fluence Monitor
Authors: Alberts WG , Schötzig U , Siegert H 
Published: December 2008

The 93Nb(n,ń)93Nbm reaction is frequently used for neutron fluence determination in nuclear reactors. The suitability of the niobium monitor depends very much on knowledge of the reaction cross section and the decay data of the generated isomer state 93Nbm. Results of recent developments at various institutes concerning these data are reviewed.
The reaction cross section averaged over the 252Cf fission neutron spectrum has been remeasured, resulting in a value of (145 ± 5) mb. This is compared with values measured in the NBSR 235U standard fission neutron field and with results from other experiments.