bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression and evolutionary divergence of the non-conventional olfactory receptor in four species of fig wasp associated with one species of fig
Authors: Lu Bin , Wang Nina , Xiao Jinhua , Xu Yongyu , Murphy Robert W , Huang Dawei 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe interactions of fig wasps and their host figs provide a model for investigating co-evolution. Fig wasps have specialized morphological characters and lifestyles thought to be adaptations to living in the fig's syconium. Although these aspects of natural history are well documented, the genetic mechanism(s) underlying these changes remain(s) unknown. Fig wasp olfaction is the key to host-specificity. TheOr83bgene class, an unusual member of olfactory receptor family, plays a critical role in enabling the function of conventional olfactory receptors. FourOr83borthologous genes from one pollinator (PFW) (Ceratosolen solmsi) and three non-pollinator fig wasps (NPFWs) (Apocrypta bakeri, Philotrypesis pilosaandPhilotrypesissp.) associated with one species of fig (Ficus hispida) can be used to better understand the molecular mechanism underlying the fig wasp's adaptation to its host. We made a comparison of spatial tissue-specific expression patterns and substitution rates of one orthologous gene in these fig wasps and sought evidence for selection pressures.ResultsA newly identifiedOr83borthologous gene was namedOr2. Expressions ofOr2were restricted to the heads of all wingless male fig wasps, which usually live in the dark cavity of a fig throughout their life cycle. However, expressions were widely detected in the antennae, legs and abdomens of all female fig wasps that fly from one fig to another for oviposition, and secondarily pollination. Weak expression was also observed in the thorax of PFWs. Compared with NPFWs, theOr2gene inC. solmsihad an elevated rate of substitutions and lower codon usage. Analyses using Tajima'sD, Fu and Li'sD*andF*tests indicated a non-neutral pattern of nucleotide variation in all fig wasps. Unlike in NPFWs, this non-neutral pattern was also observed for synonymous sites ofOr2within PFWs.ConclusionThe sex- and species-specific expression patterns ofOr2genes detected beyond the known primary olfactory tissues indicates the location of cryptic olfactory inputs. The specialized ecological niche of these wasps explains the unique habits and adaptive evolution ofOr2genes. TheOr2gene inC. solmsiis evolving very rapidly. Negative deviation from the neutral model of evolution reflects possible selection pressures acting onOr2sequences of fig wasp, particularly on PFWs who are more host-specific to figs.
Impact of an informed choice invitation on uptake of screening for diabetes in primary care (DICISION): trial protocol
Authors: Mann Eleanor , Prevost A Toby , Griffin Simon , Kellar Ian , Sutton Stephen , Parker Michael , Sanderson Simon , Kinmonth Ann Louise , Marteau Theresa M 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Screening invitations have traditionally been brief, providing information only about population benefits. Presenting information about the limited individual benefits and potential harms of screening to inform choice may reduce attendance, particularly in the more socially deprived. At the same time, amongst those who attend, it might increase motivation to change behavior to reduce risks. This trial assesses the impact on attendance and motivation to change behavior of an invitation that facilitates informed choices about participating in diabetes screening in general practice. Three hypotheses are tested:
1. Attendance at screening for diabetes is lower following an informed choice compared with a standard invitation.
2. There is an interaction between the type of invitation and social deprivation: attendance following an informed choice compared with a standard invitation is lower in those who are more rather than less socially deprived.
3. Amongst those who attend for screening, intentions to change behavior to reduce risks of complications in those subsequently diagnosed with diabetes are stronger following an informed choice invitation compared with a standard invitation.

Method/Design
1500 people aged 40–69 years without known diabetes but at high risk are identified from four general practice registers in the east of England. 1200 participants are randomized by households to receive one of two invitations to attend for diabetes screening at their general practices. The intervention invitation is designed to facilitate informed choices, and comprises detailed information and a decision aid. A comparison invitation is based on those currently in use. Screening involves a finger-prick blood glucose test. The primary outcome is attendance for diabetes screening. The secondary outcome is intention to change health related behaviors in those attenders diagnosed with diabetes. A sample size of 1200 ensures 90% power to detect a 10% difference in attendance between arms, and in an estimated 780 attenders, 80% power to detect a 0.2 sd difference in intention between arms.

Discussion
The DICISION trial is a rigorous pragmatic denominator based clinical trial of an informed choice invitation to diabetes screening, which addresses some key limitations of previous trials.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN73125647
Feasibility investigation of allogeneic endometrial regenerative cells
Authors: Zhong Zhaohui , Patel Amit N , Ichim Thomas E , Riordan Neil H , Wang Hao , Min Wei-Ping , Woods Erik J , Reid Michael , Mansilla Eduardo , Marin Gustavo H , Drago Hugo , Murphy Michael P , Minev Boris 
Published: February 2009

AbstractEndometrial Regenerative Cells (ERC) are a population of mesenchymal-like stem cells having pluripotent differentiation activity and ability to induce neoangiogenesis. In vitro and animal studies suggest ERC are immune privileged and in certain situations actively suppress ongoing immune responses. In this paper we describe the production of clinical grade ERC and initial safety experiences in 4 patients with multiple sclerosis treated intravenously and intrathecally. The case with the longest follow up, of more than one year, revealed no immunological reactions or treatment associated adverse effects. These preliminary data suggest feasibility of clinical ERC administration and support further studies with this novel stem cell type.
Incidence of hospital referred head injuries in Norway: A population based survey from the Stavanger region
Authors: Heskestad Ben , Baardsen Roald , Helseth Eirik , Romner Bertil , Waterloo Knut , Ingebrigtsen Tor 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
In three previous Norwegian studies conducted between 1974 and 1993, the annual incidence rates of hospital admitted head injuries were 236, 200 and 169 per 100,000 population. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of head injury in the Stavanger region and to compare it with previous Norwegian studies.

Methods
All head injured patients referred to Stavanger University Hospital during a one-year period (2003) were registered in a partly prospective and partly retrospective study. The catchment area for the hospital is strictly defined to a local population of 283,317 inhabitants (2003).

Results
The annual incidence rate was 207/100,000 population for hospital referred head injury and 157/100,000 population for hospital admitted head injury. High age- and sex specific incidence rates were observed among the oldest, and the highest rate (882/100,000) among men above 90 years. More than 50% of the injuries were caused by falls.

Conclusion
Comparison with previous Norwegian studies indicates decreasing annual incidence rates for hospital admitted head injury during the last 30 years.
Central sympatholytics prolong survival in experimental sepsis
Authors: Hofer Stefan , Steppan Jochen , Wagner Tanja , Funke Benjamin , Lichtenstern Christoph , Martin Eike , Graf Bernhard M , Bierhaus Angelika , Weigand Markus A 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Introduction
One of the main causes of death in European and US intensive care units is sepsis. It involves a network of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. Furthermore, there is an up regulation of transcription factors such as nuclear factor (NF) κB. It has previously been shown that clonidine is able to significantly reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines in surgical patients. We therefore hypothesise that the clinically used central alpha-2 agonist clonidine has the ability to improve survival in experimental sepsis by inhibiting the sympathetic tone and consequently inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokine release.

Methods
To investigate this therapeutic potential of clonidine in a prospective randomised laboratory investigation we used a murine model of caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) induced sepsis. Animals receiving pre-emptive injections were treated with either clonidine (5 μg/kg) or dexmedetomidine (40 μg/kg) 12 and 1 hours before the operation, as well as 1, 6 and 12 hours afterwards. Another group of animals only received clonidine (5 μg/kg) 1, 6 and 12 hours after the operation, while the pre-emptive injections were normal saline. The control groups received solvent injections at the respective time points.

Results
Pre-emptive administration of a central sympatholytic significantly reduced mortality (clonidine: p = 0.015; dexmedetomidine: p = 0.029), although postoperative administration of clonidine failed to significantly prolong survival. Furthermore pre-emptive administration of clonidine significantly attenuated the cytokine response after CLP-induced sepsis (mIL-1beta: p = 0.017; mIL-6: p < 0.0001; mTNF-α: p < 0.0001), preserved blood pressure control (p = 0.024) and down-regulated the binding activity of NF-κB. There were no changes in the pro-inflammatory cytokine response when peripheral blood was incubated with lipopolysaccharide alone compared with incubation with clonidine (10-4 M) plus LPS (p > 0.05).

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that the pre-emptive administration of either clonidine or dexmedetomidine have the ability to successfully improve survival in experimental sepsis. Furthermore, there seems to be a connection between the central muscarinic network and the vagal cholinergic response. By down-regulating pro-inflammatory mediators sympatholytics may be a useful adjunct sedative in patients with a high risk for developing sepsis.
Murine dendritic cell antigen-presenting cell function is not altered by burn injury
Authors: Fujimi Satoshi , Lapchak Peter H , Zang Yan , MacConmara Malcolm P , Maung Adrian A , Delisle Adam J , Mannick John A , Lederer James A 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSevere injury disrupts normal immune regulation causing a transient hyperinflammatory reaction and suppressed adaptive immune function. This report addresses the potential contribution of dendritic cells (DC) to changes in adaptive immune function after injury by specifically measuring injury-induced changes in splenic DC numbers and subsets, cell-surface markers, TLR responses, and APC function. Using a mouse burn injury model, we found that injury did not markedly alter the relative percentage of lymphoid, myeloid, or plasmacytoid DC in the spleens of burn-injured mice. Moreover, we did not observe a significant reduction in cell-surface expression of several major costimulatory molecules, CD40, CD80, CD86, programmed death 1 ligand, ICOS ligand, and B7-H3, on DC. Instead, we observed increased cell-surface expression of CD86 at 1 day after injury with no significant changes in costimulatory molecule expression at 7 days after injury, suggesting that burn injury causes an early activation of DC. In addition, injury did not suppress DC reactivity to TLR2, TLR4, or TLR9 agonists. Most important, DC prepared from injured mice were able to present peptide antigen to naïve OTII TCR transgenic CD4+ T cells as efficiently and effectively as DC from sham-injured mice. We also found that CD4 T cells stimulated with antigen presented by DC from sham or burn mice showed similar levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-13 production. Taken together, these findings support the conclusion that DC do not acquire a suppressive phenotype following severe injury in mice.
Endogenous suppression of mast cell development and survival by IL-4 and IL-10
Authors: Speiran Kelly , Bailey Daniel P , Fernando Josephine , Macey Matthew , Barnstein Brian , Kolawole Motunrayo , Curley Dana , Watowich Stephanie S , Murray Peter J , Oskeritzian Carole , Ryan John J 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMast cell development is an important component of atopic and chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis. In this study, we found that IL-4 and IL-10 were produced constitutively in cultures of developing mast cells, correlating with mast cell purity. Deletion of either gene increased mast cell numbers and FcεRI expression during culture in IL-3 + stem cell factor (SCF). By adding exogenous IL-4 and IL-10 to bone marrow (BM) cultures containing IL-3 + SCF, we found that IL-4 + IL-10 suppressed mast cell development through mechanisms not used by either cytokine alone. IL-4 + IL-10 elicited a rapid cell death coincidental with reduced Kit receptor expression and signaling and enhanced mitochondrial damage and caspase activation. IL-4 or IL-10 costimulation, unlike either cytokine alone, altered mast cell ontogeny to yield predominantly macrophages in cultures that typically produce mast cells. This effect was observed consistently with unseparated BM cells, purified mouse BM stem cells, and erythrocyte-depleted human umbilical cord blood cells. These experiments demonstrated a major role for Stat6 and Stat3, but not the Stat3-induced transcriptional repressor Ets variant gene 3. Genetic background was also a critical factor, as BALB/c-derived BM cells were completely resistant to IL-10-mediated killing and expressed lower levels of IL-10R. Collectively, these results support the theory that IL-4 and IL-10 function as endogenous regulators of mast cell progenitor development, consistent with a role in immune homeostasis. Loss of this homeostasis, perhaps via genetic polymorphism, could contribute to the etiology of mast cell-associated disease.
Regulation of Gap Junctions in Porcine Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes: Contributions of Granulosa Cell Contact, Gonadotropins, and Lipid Rafts
Authors: Sasseville Maxime , Gagnon Marie-Claude , Guillemette Christine , Sullivan Robert , Gilchrist Robert B. , Richard François J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractGap-junctional communication (GJC) plays a central role in oocyte growth. However, little is known about the regulation of connexin 43 (Cx43)-based gap-junction channels in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) during in vitro maturation. We show that rupture of COCs from mural granulosa cells up-regulates Cx43-mediated GJC and that gonadotropins signal GJC breakdown by recruiting Cx43 to lipid rafts when oocyte meiosis resumes. Oocyte calcein uptake through gap junctions increases during early in vitro oocyte maturation and remains high until 18 h, when it falls simultaneously with the oocyte germinal vesicle breakdown. Immunodetection of Cx43 and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assays revealed that the increase of GJC is independent of gonadotropins but requires RNA transcription, RNA polyadenylation, and translation. GJC rupture, in contrast, is achieved by a gonadotropin-dependent mechanism involving recruitment of Cx43 to clustered lipid rafts. These results show that GJC up-regulation in COCs in in vitro culture is independent of gonadotropins and transcriptionally regulated. However, GJC breakdown is gonadotropin dependent and mediated by the clustering of Cx43 in lipid raft microdomains. In conclusion, this study supports a functional role of lipid raft clustering of Cx43 in GJC breakdown in the COCs during in vitro maturation.
Iterating between lessons on concepts and procedures can improve mathematics knowledge
Authors: Rittle‐Johnson Bethany , Koedinger Kenneth 
Published: February 2009

Background Knowledge of concepts and procedures seems to develop in an iterative fashion, with increases in one type of knowledge leading to increases in the other type of knowledge. This suggests that iterating between lessons on concepts and procedures may improve learning.Aims The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the instructional benefits of an iterative lesson sequence compared to a concepts‐before‐procedures sequence for students learning decimal place‐value concepts and arithmetic procedures.Samples In two classroom experiments, sixth‐grade students from two schools participated (N = 77 and 26).Method Students completed six decimal lessons on an intelligent‐tutoring systems. In the iterative condition, lessons cycled between concept and procedure lessons. In the concepts‐first condition, all concept lessons were presented before introducing the procedure lessons.Results In both experiments, students in the iterative condition gained more knowledge of arithmetic procedures, including ability to transfer the procedures to problems with novel features. Knowledge of concepts was fairly comparable across conditions. Finally, pre‐test knowledge of one type predicted gains in knowledge of the other type across experiments.Conclusions An iterative sequencing of lessons seems to facilitate learning and transfer, particularly of mathematical procedures. The findings support an iterative perspective for the development of knowledge of concepts and procedures.
Reference intervals in evaluation of maternal thyroid function during the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Springer Drahomira , Zima Tomas , Limanova Zdena 
Published: February 2009

BackgroundInsufficient function of the thyroid gland can cause low concentrations of thyroid gland hormones which are necessary for the proper development of the foetus brain, especially during the beginning of pregnancy. We determined the reference interval for TSH in the first trimester of pregnancy and the decision point for anti-TPO antibodies' positivity.MethodsWe tested 5520 women from the central part of the Czech Republic during the first trimester of pregnancy for serum TSH, anti-TPO and FT4 by chemiluminometric immunoanalysis on an ADVIA Centaur system (Siemens). The reference interval for TSH during the first trimester of pregnancy was determined using the log transformation, and then summarized as the geometrical mean (95% CI); following which, a suitable decision point for anti-TPO positivity was set.ResultsThe reference interval for TSH was determined to be 0.06–3.67 mU/l. The suppression of TSH was found in 2.93% of the women; a raised concentration of TSH had been found in 4.48% of the women. For anti-TPO, the cut-off was established at 143 kU/l; 11.2% of the pregnant women were found to be anti-TPO positive.ConclusionDetermination of the reference interval for TSH during early pregnancy is one of the basic requirements when implementing a general examination of the thyroid gland at the beginning of pregnancy. The decision level for positivity of anti-TPO is more than double the manufacturer's reference interval.
Neutron Transmutation Doping and Radiation Hardness for Solution-Grown Bulk and Nano-Structured ZnO
Authors: Flitsiyan Elena S. , Swartz Casey M. , Peale Robert E. , Lupan Oleg , Chernyak Leonid , Chow Lee , Vernetson William G. , Dashevsky Zinovi 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIt is shown that solution-grown ZnO nanostructures exhibit enhanced radiation hardness against neutron irradiation as compared to bulk material. The decrease of the cathodoluminescence intensity after irradiation at a neutron dose of 6 × 1016 cm−2 in ZnO nanostructure is nearly identical to that induced by a dose of 1.5 × 1014 cm−2 in bulk material. The damage introduced by irradiation is shown to change the nature of electronic transitions responsible for luminescence. The change of excitonic luminescence to the luminescence related to the tailing of the density of states caused by potential fluctuations occurs at an irradiation dose around 6×1016 cm−2 and 5×1014 cm−2 in nanostructured and bulk materials, respectively.Hall measurements before and after annealing determined the effect of dose on resistance, mobility, and carrier concentration. Annealing decreased the sheet resistance, increased the mobility, and increased carrier concentration for all doses. While the concentration of carriers in the control sample increased 200-fold after annealing, the increase was ∼1000-fold for the irradiated samples. Annealed irradiated samples showed a maximum carrier concentration increase of about 60x over the unirradiated sample. Interestingly, neutron irradiation increased the mobility even in the un-annealed samples.
The Effects of Partial Crystallinity on the Hydrogen Permeation Properties in Amorphous Metallic Systems
Authors: Brinkman Kyle S. , Fox Elise B , Korinko Paul , Adams Thad , Jurgensen Arthur 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIt is recognized that hydrogen separation membranes are a key component of the emerging hydrogen economy. A potentially exciting material for membrane separations are bulk metallic glass materials due to their low cost, high elastic toughness and resistance to hydrogen ‘embrittlement’ as compared to crystalline Pd-based membrane systems. However, at elevated temperatures and extended operation times structural changes including partial crystallinity may appear in these amorphous metallic systems. A systematic evaluation of the impact of partial crystallinity/devitrification on the diffusion and solubility behavior in multi-component Metallic Glass materials would provide great insight into the potential of these materials for hydrogen applications. This study will report on the development of time and temperature crystallization mapping and their use for interpretation of ‘in-situ’ hydrogen permeation at elevated temperatures.
Effect of Cr Addition on the Multiphase Equilibria in the Nb-rich Nb-Si-Ti System - Thermodynamic Modeling and Designed Experiments
Authors: Yang Ying , Bewlay Bernard P , chen Shuanglin , Jackson M R , Chang Y. A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRefractory Metal Intermetallic Composites (RMICs) based on the Nb-Si system are considered as candidates of next-generation high temperature materials (i.e. >1200°C). Ti and Cr have been shown to have beneficial effects on the oxidation resistance and mechanical properties of Nb-Si alloys. Phase equilibria in the Nb-Si-Ti system have been studied in detail. The present study has investigated multiphase equilibria in the Nb-Si-Ti alloys with Cr additions via an approach of integrating thermodynamic modeling with designed experiments. The alloying effects of Cr on the microstructure of the Nb-Si-Ti alloys are described using both phase equilibria and solidification paths that were calculated from the thermodynamic description of the Nb-Cr-Si-Ti system developed in the present study.