bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitation of alpha-linolenic acid elongation to eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid as affected by the ratio of n6/n3 fatty acids
Authors: Harnack Kerstin , Andersen Gaby , Somoza Veronika 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Conversion of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to their higher chain homologues in humans depends on the ratio of ingested n6 and n3 fatty acids.

Design and methods
In order to determine the most effective ratio with regard to the conversion of ALA to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), human hepatoma cells were incubated with varying ratios of [13C] labeled linoleic acid ([13C]LA)- and alpha-linolenic acid ([13C]ALA)-methylesters. Regulative cellular signal transduction pathways involved were studied by determinations of transcript levels of the genes encoding delta-5 desaturase (D5D) and delta-6 desaturase (D6D), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c). Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1) were also examined.

Results
Maximum conversion was observed in cells incubated with the mixture of [13C]LA/[13C]ALA at a ratio of 1:1, where 0.7% and 17% of the recovered [13C]ALA was converted to DHA and EPA, respectively. Furthermore, differential regulation of enzymes involved in the conversion at the transcript level, dependent on the ratio of administered n6 to n3 fatty acids in human hepatocytes was demonstrated.

Conclusion
Formation of EPA and DHA was highest at an administered LA/ALA ratio of 1:1, although gene expression of PPARα, SREBP-1c and D5D involved in ALA elongation were higher in the presence of ALA solely. Also, our findings suggest that a diet-induced enhancement of the cell membrane content of highly unsaturated fatty acids is only possible up to a certain level.
Correlational Analysis for Identifying Genes whose Regulation Contributes to Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Persson Anna-Karin , Gebauer Mathias , Jordan Suzana , Metz-Weidmann Christiane , Schulte Anke M , Schneider Hans-Christoph , Ding-Pfennigdorff Danping , Thun Jonas , Xu Xiao-Jun , Wiesenfeld-Hallin Zsuzsanna , Darvasi Ariel , Fried Kaj , Devor Marshall 
Published: February 2009

Background Nerve injury-triggered hyperexcitability in primary sensory neurons is considered a major source of chronic neuropathic pain. The hyperexcitability, in turn, is thought to be related to transcriptional switching in afferent cell somata. Analysis using expression microarrays has revealed that many genes are regulated in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) following axotomy. But which contribute to pain phenotype versus other nerve injury-evoked processes such as nerve regeneration? Using the L5 spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathy we examined differential changes in gene expression in the L5 (and L4) DRGs in five mouse strains with contrasting susceptibility to neuropathic pain. We sought genes for which the degree of regulation correlates with strain-specific pain phenotype. Results In an initial experiment six candidate genes previously identified as important in pain physiology were selected for in situ hybridization to DRG sections. Among these, regulation of the Na+ channel α subunit Scn11a correlated with levels of spontaneous pain behavior, and regulation of the cool receptor Trpm8 correlated with heat hypersensibility. In a larger scale experiment, mRNA extracted from individual mouse DRGs was processed on Affymetrix whole-genome expression microarrays. Overall, 2552 ± 477 transcripts were significantly regulated in the axotomized L5DRG 3 days postoperatively. However, in only a small fraction of these was the degree of regulation correlated with pain behavior across strains. Very few genes in the “uninjured” L4DRG showed altered expression (24 ± 28). Conclusion Correlational analysis based on in situ hybridization provided evidence that differential regulation of Scn11a and Trpm8 contributes to across-strain variability in pain phenotype. This does not, of course, constitute evidence that the others are unrelated to pain. Correlational analysis based on microarray data yielded a larger “look-up table” of genes whose regulation likely contributes to pain variability. While this list is enriched in genes of potential importance for pain physiology, and is relatively free of the bias inherent in the candidate gene approach, additional steps are required to clarify which transcripts on the list are in fact of functional importance.
Ten years of major equestrian injury: are we addressing functional outcomes?
Authors: Ball Jill E , Ball Chad G , Mulloy Robert H , Datta Indraneel , Kirkpatrick Andrew W 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Horseback riding is considered more dangerous than motorcycle riding, skiing, automobile racing, football and rugby. The integral role of rehabilitation therapy in the recovery of patients who have sustained a major horse-related injury is previously not described. The goals of this paper were to (1) define the incidence and pattern of severe equestrian trauma, (2) identify the current level of in-patient rehabilitation services, (3) describe functional outcomes for patients, and (4) discuss methods for increasing rehabilitation therapy in this unique population.

Methods and results
A retrospective review of the trauma registry at a level 1 center (1995–2005) was completed in conjunction with a patient survey outlining formal in-hospital therapy. Forty-nine percent of patients underwent in-patient rehabilitation therapy. Injuries predictive of receiving therapy included musculoskeletal and spinal cord trauma. Previous injury while horseback riding was predictive of not receiving therapy. The majority (55%) of respondents had chronic physical difficulties following their accident.

Conclusion
Rehabilitation therapy is significantly underutilized following severe equestrian trauma. Increased therapy services should target patients with brain, neck and skull injuries. Improvements in the initial provision, and follow-up of rehabilitation therapy could enhance functional outcomes in the treatment resistant Western equestrian population.
A pilot study on acute inflammation and cancer: a new balance between IFN-γ and TGF-β in melanoma
Authors: Ma Yue-mei , Sun Tao , Liu Yi-xin , Zhao Nan , Gu Qiang , Zhang Dan-fang , Qie Shuo , Ni Chun-sheng , Liu Yi , Sun Bao-cun 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRecent data have redefined the concept of inflammation as a critical component of tumor progression. However, there has been little development on cases where inflammation on or near a wound and a tumor exist simultaneously. Therefore, this pilot study aims to observe the impact of a wound on a tumor, to build a new mouse tumor model with a manufactured surgical wound representing acute inflammation, and to evaluate the relationship between acute inflammation or wound healing and the process of tumor growth. We focus on the two phases that are present when acute inflammation influences tumor. In the early phase, inhibitory effects are present. The process that produces these effects is the functional reaction of IFN-γ secretions from a wound inflammation. In the latter phase, the inhibited tumor is made resistant to IFN-γ through the release of TGF-β to balance the inflammatory factor effect on the tumor cells. A pair of cytokines IFN-γ/TGF-β established a new balance to protect the tumor from the interference effect of the inflammation. The tumor was made resistant to IFN-γ through the release of TGF-β to balance the inflammatory effect on the tumor cells. This balance mechanism that occurred in the tumor cells increased proliferation and invasion.In vitroandin vivoexperiments have confirmed a new view of clinical surgery that will provide more detailed information on the evaluation of tumors after surgery. This study also provides a better understanding of the relationship between tumor and inflammation, as well as tumor cell attacks on inflammatory factors.
Prognostic impact of human epidermal growth factor-like receptor 2 and hormone receptor status in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): analysis of 2,014 IBC patient cases from the California Cancer Registry
Authors: Zell Jason A , Tsang Walter Y , Taylor Thomas H , Mehta Rita S , Anton-Culver Hoda 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer associated with overexpression of Her2/Neu (human epidermal growth factor-like receptor 2 (HER2)) and poor survival. We investigated survival differences for IBC patient cases based on hormone receptor status and HER2 receptor status using data from the California Cancer Registry, as contrasted with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC), metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and non-T4 breast cancer.

Methods
A case-only analysis of 80,099 incident female breast cancer patient cases in the California Cancer Registry during 1999 to 2003 was performed, with follow-up through March 2007. Overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BC-SS) were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards ratios.

Results
A total of 2,014 IBC, 1,268 LABC, 3,059 MBC, and 73,758 non-T4 breast cancer patient cases were identified. HER2+ was associated with advanced tumor stage (P < 0.0001). IBC patient cases were more likely to be HER2+ (40%) and less likely to be hormone receptor-positive (HmR+) (59%) compared with LABC (35% and 69%, respectively), MBC (35% and 74%), and non-T4 patient cases (22% and 82%). HmR+ status was associated with improved OS and BC-SS for each breast cancer subtype after adjustment for clinically relevant factors. In multivariate analysis, HER2+ (versus HER2-) status was associated with poor BC-SS for non-T4 patient cases (hazards ratio = 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.28) and had a borderline significant association with improved BC-SS for IBC (hazards ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval = 0.68 to 0.99).

Conclusions
Despite an association with advanced tumor stage, HER2+ status is not an independent adverse prognostic factor for survival among IBC patient cases.
Histopathologic Analysis of Sixteen Autopsy Cases of Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and Comparison With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/Usual Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Akashi Takumi , Takemura Tamiko , Ando Noboru , Eishi Yoshinobu , Kitagawa Masanobu , Takizawa Touichirou , Koike Morio , Ohtani Yoshio , Miyazaki Yasunari , Inase Naohiko , Yoshizawa Yasuyuki 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of organic substances and certain inorganic chemicals. The histopathologic features of chronic HP (CHP) have not been studied extensively. We examined the pathologic characteristics of 16 autopsy cases of clinically confirmed CHP and compared them with 11 cases of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/usual interstitial pneumonia (IPF/UIP). To clarify the exact intralobular location of the fibrotic lesions, we conducted 3-dimensional reconstruction of fibrosis of CHP and IPF/UIP. Granuloma was not detected in any CHP case. Similar to IPF/UIP, honeycombing lesions were found dominantly in the lower lobes in most CHP cases; upper lobe dominance and asymmetrical distribution of honeycomb lesions were more frequent in CHP than in IPF/UIP. In all lungs affected by CHP, centrilobular fibrosis was outstanding, often connecting to the perilobular areas in the appearance of “bridging fibrosis,” which was clearly demonstrated by 3-dimensional imaging. Centrilobular and bridging fibrosis were significantly more conspicuous in CHP than IPF/UIP; however, considerable overlap was found. It is important to thoroughly explore the possibility of antigen exposure in cases of lungs with UIP with centrilobular fibrosis to discriminate CHP from IPF/UIP.
The role of perceived parental socialization practices in school adjustment among Norwegian upper secondary school students
Authors: Studsrød Ingunn , Bru Edvin 
Published: February 2009

Background Lack of adjustment or school failure is a concern to educators, educational and school psychologists as well as parents, but few studies have focused on school adjustment during late adolescence. Moreover, studies have yet to explore associations between parenting and school adjustment among upper secondary school students.Aim The primary objective of this study is to explore the relative and unique influence of parental support, behavioural control and psychological control (overprotection and autonomy granting) in school adjustment among upper secondary school students.Sample The sample consisted of 564 students (15–18 years of age) in vocational and general educational courses from one upper secondary school in western Norway.Method The study was conducted as a survey. All data were based on adolescent reports, except for absence data, which were provided by the school.Results The results showed that perceived parental practices accounted for moderate, but statistically significant amounts of variance in different aspects of school adjustment.Conclusions The findings indicate that perceived parental socialization practices are only moderately associated with school adjustment among upper secondary school students. This probably reflects the fact that the influence of specific parenting practices declines as children and young adolescents mature into late adolescent students.
Two instructional designs for dialogic citizenship education: An effect study
Authors: Schuitema Jaap , Veugelers Wiel , Rijlaarsdam Gert , ten Dam Geert 
Published: February 2009

Background Despite the renewed interest in citizenship education, relatively little is known about effective ways to realize citizenship education in the classroom. In the literature on citizenship education, dialogue is considered to be a crucial element. However, there is very little, if any, empirical research into the different ways to stimulate dialogue.Aim The main aim of this study is to arrive at an understanding of how citizenship education can be integrated in history classes. The focus is on the effect of a dialogic approach to citizenship education on students' ability to justify an opinion on moral issues.Sample Four hundred and eighty‐two students in the eighth grade of secondary education.Methods Two curriculum units for dialogic citizenship education were developed and implemented. The two curriculum units differed in the balance between group work and whole‐class teaching. Students' ability to justify an opinion was assessed by means of short essays written by students on a moral issue. The effectiveness of both curriculum units was compared with regular history classes.Results Students who participated in the lessons for dialogic citizenship education were able to justify their opinion better than students who participated in regular history lessons. The results further show a positive effect of the amount of group work involved.Conclusion The results of this study indicate that a dialogic approach to citizenship education as an integral part of history classes helps students to form a more profound opinion about moral issues in the subject matter. In addition, group work seems to be a more effective method to implement dialogue in the classroom than whole‐class teaching.
An Improved Rotating Cylinder Test Design for Laboratory Measurement of Erosion in Clayey Soils
Authors: Lim Seok San , Khalili Nasser 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
An improved Rotating Cylinder Test (RCT) device is designed and manufactured for laboratory measurement of erosion in clay soils. The improved device provides for a rapid and practical procedure for sample assembly and allows testing cylindrical samples 100 mm in height and 100 mm in diameter. It also provides the ability for direct and accurate measurement of hydraulic shear stress and erosion rate. The improved RCT apparatus has been calibrated using dummy samples to isolate the torque applied to the soil surface. A control program has been developed to operate the RCT and record test data for analysis. Sample preparation for compacted clay soils has been discussed for both saturated and unsaturated states. Typical erosion test results are presented for a clay soil.
Experimental Studies on Coupled Treatment of Chromite Ore Processing Residue
Authors: Chrysochoou Maria , Dermatas Dimitris , Christodoulatos Christos 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
A study was performed to investigate the combined treatment of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and heaving in Chromite Ore Processing Residue (COPR). Treatment of heaving focused on the intentional exhaustion of the mineral brownmillerite, the hydration of which is considered responsible for volume expansion in COPR deposition sites in New Jersey. The addition of sufficient amounts of sulfate under different conditions of temperature, acidity, and particle size aimed in the quick transformation of brownmillerite to ettringite, a phenomenon observed during a COPR pilot scale study. Simultaneously, the reductive treatment of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in COPR was pursued using calcium polysulfide (CPS) and ferrous sulfate (FS). X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy (XANES) analyses showed that neither reductant was able to reduce Cr(VI) below 1,000 mg/kg after three months (FS) and six months (CPS) of treatment. However, competitive sulfide oxidation by oxygen was much slower compared to ferrous iron oxidation, as evidenced by chemical analyses. Quantitative X-ray diffraction analyses showed that brownmillerite dissolved to form ettringite only in a sample treated with FS at 50°C; neither acidity or temperature alone were able to trigger brownmillerite dissolution and ettringite formation. Particle size reduction to &lt;150 μm had also no apparent effect in the rate of brownmillerite dissolution. Thus, CPS is deemed a more appropriate reductant for Cr(VI) treatment, while the exhaustion of brownmillerite appears to be a challenging engineering task.
Dose Reconstruction: The Use of Dose Reconstruction in the Determination of Human Exposure
Authors: Behling Alison R. , Anderson Kim E. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Dose reconstruction is a scientifically acceptable means to perform a retrograde or retrospective analysis of the preceding dose or for numerous exposures of an individual. It is used in a wide range of scientific applications, especially when contemporaneous or near contemporaneous exposure measurements from the time of interest or consideration are undefined. Dose reconstruction is used to attempt to consider numerous individual exposures. It accommodates for fluctuations in the intensity of the exposures and totaling the exposures into an estimated dose over a definitive time period or duration. This paper reviews a method to perform dose reconstruction when limited information is provided concerning the relevant exposure parameters. This methodology is not intended to replace the use of other dose reconstruction models that are available when definitive exposure parameter values are available. We show through the scientific literature and several examples using maximal or near maximal parameter values in calculating the dose that “dose reconstruction” is a valid method to determine retrospective exposure assessments. These retrospective exposure assessments may be used for the purposes of determining the maximal risk or a safety assessment, risk comparison, or toxicological relatedness or risk. The application of such a methodology is at times challenging in the authors’ work due to the limitations in the facts that are provided to them which describe the exposure parameters of an individual. These methods to perform the dose reconstructions are based on sound scientific foundation and are extremely versatile models which can be used in a variety of situations.
Impacts of insect herbivory on cactus population dynamics: experimental demography across an environmental gradient
Authors: Miller Tom E. X. , Louda Svata M. , Rose Karen A. , Eckberg James O. 
Published: February 2009

Understanding the role of consumers in plant population dynamics is important, both conceptually and practically. Yet, while the negative effects of herbivory on plant performance have been well documented, we know much less about how individual‐level damage translates to impacts on population growth or whether spatial variation in herbivory affects patterns of plant distribution. We studied the role of insect herbivory in the dynamics and distribution of the tree cholla cactus (Opuntia imbricata), a long‐lived perennial plant, across an elevational gradient in central New Mexico, USA, from low‐elevation grassland (1670 m) to a grassland–mountain transition zone (1720 m) to the rocky slopes of the Los Pinos Mountains (1790 m). Tree cholla density increased significantly with elevation, while abundance of and damage by a suite of native, cactus‐feeding insects decreased. We combined field experiments and demographic models to test the hypothesis that systematic spatial variation in chronic insect herbivory limits the tree cholla distribution to a subset of suitable habitat across the gradient. Our results support this hypothesis.We found that key demographic functions (survival, growth, fecundity) and the responses of these functions to experimental reductions in insect herbivory varied across the gradient. The effects of insect exclusion on plant growth and seed production were strongest in the low‐elevation grassland and decreased in magnitude with increasing elevation. We used the experimental data to parameterize integral projection models (IPM), which predict the asymptotic rate of population increase (λ). The modeling results showed that insect herbivory depressed λ and that the magnitude of this effect was context‐dependent. The effect of insect herbivory on population growth was strongest at low elevation (Δλlow = 0.095), intermediate at mid elevation (Δλmid = 0.046), and weakest at high elevation (Δλhigh = −0.0089). The total effect of insects on λ was due to a combination of reductions in growth and in fecundity and their combination; the relative contribution of each of these effects varied spatially. Our results, generated by experimental demography across a heterogeneous landscape, provide new insights into the role of native consumers in the population dynamics and distribution of abundance of long‐lived native plants.
Biogeography and the molecular dating game: a futile revival of phenetics?
Authors: Nelson Gareth , Ladiges Pauline Y. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
In molecular dating, branch lengths are considered parameters that may be estimated by counting similarities and differences in DNA sequences. Long and short branches imply long and short time spans, which might appear informative additions when imposed on a tree that is otherwise cladistic. Recent attempts to apply molecular dating to southern hemisphere biogeography (Nothofagus, Adansonia) seem only another “excursion into futility,” as was the fate of phenetic systematics [H.H. Ross, 1964]. Some conceptual matters are clarified with reference to the experimental approach of Claude Bernard (1813–1878).