bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs overexpressed in ovarian ALDH1-positive cells are associated with chemoresistance
Authors: Park Young Tae , Jeong Ju-yeon , Lee Mi-jung , Kim Kwang-il , Kim Tae-Heon , Kwon Young-do , Lee Chan , Kim Ok Jun , An Hee-Jung
Published: March 2013

Background

Ovarian carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide among gynecological malignancies, and the majority of cases are related with recurrence and chemoresistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to be one of the causes of recurrent or chemoresistant ovarian cancer, and microRNAs are regulatory molecules newly implicated to control a variety of cellular processes, including CSCs. Therefore, we identified ovarian CSC-specific microRNAs and investigated their clinicopathological implication in ovarian carcinomas.

Methods

We isolated ALDH1 (+) cell population using the Aldefluor assay, and examined the differential expression pattern of miRNAs between ALDH1 (+) and ALDH1 (−) cells using a high-throughput microRNA microarray. We further investigated the expression patterns of differentially expressed miRNAs in human ovarian cancer samples using the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and analyzed their clinical impact in patients with ovarian cancer.

Results

We found that high ALDH1 expression was associated with chemoresistance in in vitro and ex vivo samples (p = 0.024). We identified six miRNAs, including miR-23b, miR-27a, miR-27b, miR-346, miR-424, and miR-503, overexpressed in ALDH1 (+) cells, and they were significantly upregulated in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells (1.4 ~ 3.5-fold) and tumor samples (2.8 ~ 5.5-fold) compared with chemosensitive group. Upregulation of ALDH1 (p = 0.019) and miR-503 (p = 0.033) correlated with high clinical stage, and upregulation of miR-27a was related with distant metastasis (p = 0.046) in patients with ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that ALDH1 is a useful marker for enriching ovarian CSCs, and high expression of ALDH1 and its related miRNAs, particularly miR-23b, miR-27b, miR-424, and miR-503, are significantly implicated in chemoresistance and tumor progression in ovarian cancer.
CD8 down-regulation and functional impairment of SIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in lymphoid and mucosal tissues during SIV infection
Authors: Xu Huanbin , Wang Xiaolei , Lackner Andrew A , Veazey Ronald S
Published: March 2013

Biphasic and progressive downregulation of CD8 occurs on virus-specific T cells in SIV infection, which correlates with decreased cell function.

Functional impairment of virus-specific T cells is a hallmark of HIV/SIV infection, but the underlying mechanisms of this dysfunction are not well understood. To address this, we simultaneously analyzed the expression and intensity of CD8 and inhibitory PD-1 on CTL in blood and lymphoid tissues in SIV-infected rhesus macaques. The intensity (mean channel fluorescence) of CD8 expression was transiently down-regulated in early SIV infection (10–14 dpi), despite an increase in CD8+ T cell proliferation. In chronic infection, CD8 expression was maintained at low levels on CD8+ T cells in all tissues. Interestingly, Gag-specific CTLs were clearly divided into CD8high- and CD8low-expressing populations in SIV-infected macaques, and CD8low Gag-specific cells increased with disease progression, especially in lymphoid tissues when compared with peripheral blood or in Gag-vaccinated controls. Moreover, the CD8low CTL population secreted lower levels of cytokines upon SIV antigen stimulation and exhibited lower proliferative capacity during infection compared with the CD8high CTL population. Meanwhile, intensity of PD-1 expression on Gag-specific CTL in chronic infection was significantly higher than in acute SIV infection, although the frequencies of PD-1+ Gag-specific cells were similar in acute and chronic stages. In summary, down-regulation of CD8 expression and higher expression of PD-1 on SIV-specific CTLs could coordinately attenuate SIV-specific CTL responses and their ability to recognize virus-infected target cells, especially in lymphoid tissues, resulting in failure to contain viremia, and continued persistence and replication of HIV in lymphoid tissue reservoirs.
Group-based cognitive–behavioural anger management for people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities: cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Willner Paul , Rose John , Jahoda Andrew , Kroese Biza Stenfert , Felce David , Cohen David , MacMahon Pamela , Stimpson Aimee , Rose Nicola , Gillespie David , Shead Jennifer , Lammie Claire , Woodgate Christopher , Townson Julia , Nuttall Jacqueline , Hood Kerenza
Published: March 2013

Background

Many people with intellectual disabilities find it hard to control their anger and this often leads to aggression which can have serious consequences, such as exclusion from mainstream services and the need for potentially more expensive emergency placements.

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention for anger management in people with intellectual disabilities.

Method

A cluster-randomised trial of group-based 12-week CBT, which took place in day services for people with intellectual disabilities and was delivered by care staff using a treatment manual. Participants were 179 service users identified as having problems with anger control randomly assigned to either anger management or treatment as usual. Assessments were conducted before the intervention, and at 16 weeks and 10 months after randomisation (trial registration: ISRCTN37509773).

Results

The intervention had only a small, and non-significant, effect on participants' reports of anger on the Provocation Index, the primary outcome measure (mean difference 2.8, 95% Cl −1.7 to 7.4 at 10 months). However, keyworker Provocation Index ratings were significantly lower in both follow-up assessments, as were service-user ratings on another self-report anger measure based on personally salient triggers. Both service users and their keyworkers reported greater usage of anger coping skills at both follow-up assessments and keyworkers and home carers reported lower levels of challenging behaviour.

Conclusions

The intervention was effective in improving anger control by people with intellectual disabilities. It provides evidence of the effectiveness of a CBT intervention for this client group and demonstrates that the staff who work with them can be trained and supervised to deliver such an intervention with reasonable fidelity.
An Essential Role for Insulin and IGF1 Receptors in Regulating Sertoli Cell Proliferation, Testis Size, and FSH Action in Mice
Authors: Pitetti Jean-Luc , Calvel Pierre , Zimmermann Céline , Conne Béatrice , Papaioannou Marilena D. , Aubry Florence , Cederroth Christopher R. , Urner Françoise , Fumel Betty , Crausaz Michel , Docquier Mylène , Herrera Pedro Luis , Pralong François , Germond Marc , Guillou Florian , Jégou Bernard , Nef Serge
Published: March 2013

Testis size and sperm production are directly correlated to the total number of adult Sertoli cells (SCs). Although the establishment of an adequate number of SCs is crucial for future male fertility, the identification and characterization of the factors regulating SC survival, proliferation, and maturation remain incomplete. To investigate whether the IGF system is required for germ cell (GC) and SC development and function, we inactivated the insulin receptor (Insr), the IGF1 receptor (Igf1r), or both receptors specifically in the GC lineage or in SCs. Whereas ablation of insulin/IGF signaling appears dispensable for GCs and spermatogenesis, adult testes of mice lacking both Insr and Igf1r in SCs (SC-Insr;Igf1r) displayed a 75% reduction in testis size and daily sperm production as a result of a reduced proliferation rate of immature SCs during the late fetal and early neonatal testicular period. In addition, in vivo analyses revealed that FSH requires the insulin/IGF signaling pathway to mediate its proliferative effects on immature SCs. Collectively, these results emphasize the essential role played by growth factors of the insulin family in regulating the final number of SCs, testis size, and daily sperm output. They also indicate that the insulin/IGF signaling pathway is required for FSH-mediated SC proliferation.
A Truncated Progesterone Receptor (PR-M) Localizes to the Mitochondrion and Controls Cellular Respiration
Authors: Dai Qunsheng , Shah Anish A. , Garde Rachana V. , Yonish Bryan A. , Zhang Li , Medvitz Neil A. , Miller Sara E. , Hansen Elizabeth L. , Dunn Carrie N. , Price Thomas M.
Published: March 2013

The cDNA for a novel truncated progesterone receptor (PR-M) was previously cloned from human adipose and aortic cDNA libraries. The predicted protein sequence contains 16 unique N-terminal amino acids, encoded by a sequence in the distal third intron of the progesterone receptor PR gene, followed by the same amino acid sequence encoded by exons 4 through 8 of the nuclear PR. Thus, PR-M lacks the N terminus A/B domains and the C domain for DNA binding, whereas containing the hinge and hormone-binding domains. In this report, we have localized PR-M to mitochondria using immunofluorescent localization of a PR-M-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein and in Western blot analyses of purified human heart mitochondrial protein. Removal of the putative N-terminal mitochondrial localization signal obviated association of PR-M with mitochondria, whereas addition of the mitochondrial localization signal to green fluorescent protein resulted in mitochondrial localization. Immunoelectron microscopy and Western blot analysis after mitochondrial fractionation identified PR-M in the outer mitochondrial membrane. Antibody specificity was shown by mass spectrometry identification of a PR peptide in a mitochondrial membrane protein isolation. Cell models of overexpression and gene silencing of PR-M demonstrated a progestin-induced increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in oxygen consumption consistent with an increase in cellular respiration. This is the first example of a truncated steroid receptor, lacking a DNA-binding domain that localizes to the mitochondrion and initiates direct non-nuclear progesterone action. We hypothesize that progesterone may directly affect cellular energy production to meet the increased metabolic demands of pregnancy.
Novel Formation of Oxazepino[4,5-a]quinolines by Tandem 1,3-Dipolar and Insertion Reaction of Quinoline N-Oxides with Arynes
Authors: Okuma Kentaro , Hirano Koki , Shioga Chisato , Nagahora Noriyoshi , Shioji Kosei
Published: March 2013

By combination of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and N–O single bond insertion, tandem synthesis of dibenzo[1,4]oxazepino[4,5-a]quinolines was accomplished. Reaction of quinoline N-oxides with arynes afforded 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)quinolines and 7-membered pentacyclic oxazepino[4,5-a]quinolines.
Alkylhydrazide Derivatives as New Organogelators and Their Potential Ability to Gel Electrolytes
Authors: Ohsedo Yutaka , Miyamoto Misao , Watanabe Hisayuki , Oono Masashi , Tanaka Akihiro
Published: March 2013

We found that alkylhydrazides, which are commercially available reagents, formed organogels in various organic solvents having dielectric constants ranging from 2 to 66. We also found that gel electrolytes consisting of alkylhydrazide, PC, and LiClO4 showed good ionic conductivities, which were comparable to those of the corresponding liquid electrolytes.
C–F Bond Breaking through Aromatic Nucleophilic Substitution with a Hydroxo Ligand Mediated via Water Bifunctional Activation
Authors: Dub Pavel A , Wang Hui , Matsunami Asuka , Gridnev Ilya D , Kuwata Shigeki , Ikariya Takao
Published: March 2013

Transformation of C–F to C–O bond mediated by bifunctional ruthenium and iridium complexes is described. This reaction proceeds through water O–H bond cleavage via metal–ligand cooperation in the newly developed 16e bifunctional ruthenium and iridium complexes bearing chiral (S,S)-C6F5SO2-dpen ligand. The 16e Ru amido complex, [Ru{(S,S)-Pfbsdpen}(η6-hmb)] (1a), readily reacted with water at room temperature producing oxometallacyclic compound, (R)-[Ru{κ3(N,N′,O)-(S,S)-OC6F4SO2dpen}(η6-hmb)] (3aR), as a result of bifunctional water activation followed by ortho-oxometallation via SNAr. Complex 3aR can be prepared either from 1a or, more conveniently from its 18e chlorido precursor, complex (R)-[RuCl{(S,S)-Pfbsdpen}(η6-hmb)]. On the contrary, the 16e Ir amido complex, [Cp*Ir{(S,S)-Pfbsdpen}] (2), is kinetically stable toward water at room temperature. Oxometallacyclic compound (R)-[Cp*Ir{κ3(N,N′,O)-(S,S)-OC6F4SO2dpen}] (4R) was prepared in high yield by the reaction of [Cp*IrCl2]2 with 2 equiv of (S,S)-Pfbsdpen in the presence of KOH under reflux in THF. In either case 3R or 4R is obtained as a single diastereomer, the structure of which has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies in solid state and NMR-analysis in solution. Reaction mechanism was studied by NMR spectroscopy combined with continuum solvent reaction-field density functional theory (DFT) analysis. Experimental studies showed that diastereoselective oxocyclometallation 1a → 3aR proceeds at temperatures >0 °C in a stepwise manner through the detectable intermediate, hydroxo complex (R)-[Ru(OH){(S,S)-Pfbsdpen}(η6-hmb)] (6aR), which exists in equilibrium with less-populated diastereomer (S)-[Ru(OH){(S,S)-Pfbsdpen}(η6-hmb)] (6aS) in 10:1 ratio at −80 °C in CD2Cl2. Computational analysis essentially explains the diastereoselectivity in this reaction via a significant difference in the stabilities of the corresponding transition states: although diastereomers 6aR and 6aS are in equilibrium via complex 1a, only 6aR is transformed into 3aR via rate-determining Meisenheimer-type transition state.
Why do proteins aggregate? “Intrinsically insoluble proteins” and “dark mediators” revealed by studies on “insoluble proteins” solubilized in pure water
Authors: Song Jianxing
Published: March 2013

In 2008, I reviewed and proposed a model for our discovery in 2005 that unrefoldable and insoluble proteins could in fact be solubilized in unsalted water. Since then, this discovery has offered us and other groups a powerful tool to characterize insoluble proteins, and we have further addressed several fundamental and disease-relevant issues associated with this discovery. Here I review these results, which are conceptualized into several novel scenarios. 1) Unlike 'misfolded proteins', which still retain the capacity to fold into well-defined structures but are misled to 'off-pathway' aggregation, unrefoldable and insoluble proteins completely lack this ability and will unavoidably aggregate in vivo with ~150 mM ions, thus designated as 'intrinsically insoluble proteins (IIPs)' here. IIPs may largely account for the 'wastefully synthesized' DRiPs identified in human cells. 2) The fact that IIPs including membrane proteins are all soluble in unsalted water, but get aggregated upon being exposed to ions, logically suggests that ions existing in the background play a central role in mediating protein aggregation, thus acting as 'dark mediators'. Our study with 14 salts confirms that IIPs lack the capacity to fold into any well-defined structures. We uncover that salts modulate protein dynamics and anions bind proteins with high selectivity and affinity, which is surprisingly masked by pre-existing ions. Accordingly, I modified my previous model. 3) Insoluble proteins interact with lipids to different degrees. Remarkably, an ALS-causing P56S mutation transforms the β-sandwich MSP domain into a helical integral membrane protein. Consequently, the number of membrane-interacting proteins might be much larger than currently recognized. To attack biological membranes may represent a common mechanism by which aggregated proteins initiate human diseases. 4) Our discovery also implies a solution to the 'chicken-and-egg paradox' for the origin of primitive membranes embedded with integral membrane proteins, if proteins originally emerged in unsalted prebiotic media.
Interdependencies in IT Infrastructure Services: Analyzing Service Processes for Optimal Incentive Design
Authors: Sen Sagnika , Raghu T. S.
Published: March 2013

Information technology (IT) infrastructure outsourcing arrangements involve multiple services and processes that are interdependent. The interdependencies pose significant challenges in designing appropriate incentives to influence a provider's effort-allocation decisions. By integrating process modeling fundamentals with multitask agency theory, we enumerate the base set of possible interrelationships among different IT service processes and derive corresponding optimal incentives. Our results demonstrate the impacts of risk profile, random noise, value-cost ratio, and process structure on optimal incentive rates. We find that the current practice of treating IT services as essentially independent is optimal only in limited settings where both the service provider and customer are risk neutral. Interestingly, incongruent performance measures require optimal incentive rates to respond in complex ways to the strength of coupling between services and the complementarity and substitutability of services. We also analyze more complex process scenarios using different combinations of the base set. The results demonstrate that, while the findings from the base set largely hold, the value-cost ratio of the services and the performance measure congruity can pose unique challenges in determining incentive rates.
Can Commonality Relieve Cannibalization in Product Line Design?
Authors: Kim Kilsun , Chhajed Dilip , Liu Yunchuan
Published: March 2013

The predominant perception on commonality strategy in product line design is that it entails a trade-off decision for a firm between cost savings and product differentiation. Adopting the commonality strategy may lower a firm's manufacturing costs, but it blurs the distinction between products targeting different consumer segments and makes consumer switching between products more likely such that cannibalization is always intensified. We show that this view in the literature is based on a crucial assumption that the quality valuation of one consumer segment is greater than that of another segment for all product attributes; i.e., one segment's preference structure dominates the other segment's preference structure. In this paper we consider the case of a nondominating preference structure where each segment has an attribute it values more than the other segment does. Interestingly, we show that the effect of commonality strategy is more diverse in this nondominating preference structure and that commonality can actually relieve cannibalization in the product line design. This finding gives rise to a previously unrecognized opportunity for firms to redesign their product lines to improve profits.
Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: Swerdlow Steven H. , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Willemze Rein , Kinney Marsha C.
Published: March 2013

The diagnosis and classification of the cutaneous B-cell lymphomas can be quite a challenge, with a definitive diagnosis sometimes being elusive, even when an extensive workup has been performed. Distinction of benign from neoplastic disorders can be difficult, with some hyperplasias mimicking lymphomas and vice versa. There are only a limited number of skin-specific B-cell lymphomas, including primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma and primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type. Cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas have distinctive features but are classified with the other mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas. It is important, however, to also remember that many other B-cell lymphomas/ plasma cell neoplasms can primarily, or more often secondarily, involve the skin. Some may mimic one of the skin-specific lymphomas but have very different clinical implications. Iatrogenic and senescent immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders that are often Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive can also primarily involve the skin, including cases also known as EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer.
Applicability of the Accelerated Mortar Bar Test for Alkali-Silica Reactivity of Recycled Concrete Aggregates
Authors: Adams Matthew P. , Jones Angela , Beauchemin Sean , Johnson Robert , Fournier Benoit , Shehata Medhat , Tanner Jennifer E. , Ideker Jason H.
Published: March 2013

Using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as a replacement for natural aggregate in new concrete is a promising way to increase the overall sustainability of new concrete. This has been hindered, however, by a general perception that RCA is a sub-standard material because of the lack of technical guidance, specifically related to long-term durability, on incorporating RCA into new concrete. The goal of this research was to determine whether current testing methods (namely, ASTM C1260) for assessing natural aggregate susceptibility to alkali-silica reactivity could be used to assess the potential reactivity of concrete incorporating RCA. Seven different RCA sources were investigated. It was determined that ASTM C1260 was effective in detecting reactivity, but expansion varied based on RCA processing. Depending on the aggregate type and the extent of processing, up to a 100 % increase in expansion was observed. Replicate testing was performed at four university laboratories to evaluate the repeatability and consistency of results. The authors recommend modifications to the mixing and aggregate preparation procedures when testing the reactivity of RCA using ASTM C1260.
Promoting the Well-Being of Children Whose Parents Are Gay or Lesbian
Authors: Perrin Ellen C. , Siegel Benjamin S. ,   the COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH, Pawelski James G. , Siegel Benjamin S. , Dobbins Mary I. , Lavin Arthur , Mattson Gerri , Pascoe John , Yogman Michael
Published: March 2013

This Technical Report was reaffirmed September 2022.

Extensive data available from more than 30 years of research reveal that children raised by gay and lesbian parents have demonstrated resilience with regard to social, psychological, and sexual health despite economic and legal disparities and social stigma. Many studies have demonstrated that children's well-being is affected much more by their relationships with their parents, their parents' sense of competence and security, and the presence of social and economic support for the family than by the gender or the sexual orientation of their parents. Lack of opportunity for same-gender couples to marry adds to families’ stress, which affects the health and welfare of all household members. Because marriage strengthens families and, in so doing, benefits children’s development, children should not be deprived of the opportunity for their parents to be married. Paths to parenthood that include assisted reproductive techniques, adoption, and foster parenting should focus on competency of the parents rather than their sexual orientation.
Risk-based approaches to sustainability in civil engineering
Authors: MacAskill Kristen , Guthrie Peter
Published: March 2013

Infrastructure project sustainability assessment typically entails the use of specialised assessment tools to measure and rate project performance against a set of criteria. This paper looks beyond the prevailing approaches to sustainability assessments and explores sustainability principles in terms of project risks and opportunities. Taking a risk management approach to applying sustainability concepts to projects has the potential to reconceptualise decision structures for sustainability from bespoke assessments to becoming a standard part of the project decision-making process. By integrating issues of sustainability into project risk management for project planning, design and construction, sustainability is considered within a more traditional business and engineering language. Currently, there is no widely practised approach for objectively considering the environmental and social context of projects alongside the more traditional project risk assessments of time, cost and quality. A risk-based approach would not solve all the issues associated with existing sustainability assessments but it would place sustainability concerns alongside other key risks and opportunities, integrating sustainability with other project decisions.
Indicators and stakeholder engagement: a Dublin case study
Authors: Siddall Emma , Grey Tom , Dyer Mark
Published: March 2013

Sustainable development indicators are an important tool in the management of cities and regions, whose use allows the baselining of current performance, the setting of targets and the measurement of progress over time. Large numbers of sustainable development indicator suites are used internationally and further suites have been developed at the individual city and region scale. This can lead to confusion over what measurements should be prioritised. Stakeholder participation in sustainable development practice is well established; however, in order to be successful there is a need to develop a structured process of participation that results in tangible outputs. This work presents a case study of stakeholder engagement aimed at developing a shared vision of sustainable development for the Dublin region. Interviews and workshops were used to develop a sense of co-ownership of the project and integrated top-down indicators suites with bottom-up measures. A set of 38 headline sustainable development indicators was identified that examine all aspects of the city region's development and include all stakeholders in the coordinated movement towards the vision of a more sustainable Dublin. A number of issues were identified throughout the process such as data gaps and a lack of established indicators to measure specific issues relevant at a regional scale. The indicators identified have been integrated into the Dublin region Sustainability Report and will inform future development plans for the region. While this method was tested in the Dublin region, it could easily be utilised by other city regions to identify their own suite of indicators.
Automation in Drilling: Future Evolution and Lessons From Aviation
Authors: Thorogood J.L.. L.
Published: March 2013

Automation of the drilling process has been gathering pace over the last 10 years, with progress made on many fronts: from choke control in managed-pressure-drilling (MPD) operations through a new generation of autodrillers to intelligent systems that prevent the driller from exceeding parameters that might cause downhole problems.

Given the current state of automation in drilling, it is clear that in the case of MPD, automation has resulted in closer and more stable control of a process than can be achieved by a manual system. Autodrillers combined with downhole rotary-steerable systems have resulted in improved progress rates compared with manual systems. By contrast, modern rigs with highly mechanized pipe-handling systems are still controlled manually with a crewing arrangement that has changed little, although the technology has evolved dramatically. These developments pose a number of questions: In what direction is automation likely to evolve in the future, and why? Can the drilling community avoid the mistakes of other industries, and how?

This paper reviews developments of automation in aviation and describes some of the problems that have arisen. It then outlines the analogous efforts in drilling and identifies lessons that could be learned. This paper presents a rationale on which further automation initiatives might be based and some of the related changes that might be necessary as a result.
Equilibrium Inclinations of Straight Boreholes
Authors: Perneder Luc , Detournay Emmanuel
Published: March 2013

This paper describes a directional drilling model for calculating the equilibrium inclination of straight boreholes, considering a bottomhole assembly (BHA) with a “push-the-bit” rotary steerable system (RSS). The model yields closed-form expressions for the magnitude and orientation of the RSS pad force, which is required to maintain the inclination of the borehole. The explicit dependence of the RSS force on the positions of the stabilizers and the RSS, on the mechanical properties of the BHA, on the characteristics of the bit, and on the weight on bit enables the identification of particular cases of practical significance.
Wide‐Scale Population Sampling Identifies Three Phylogeographic Races of Basin Wildrye and Low‐Level Genetic Admixture with Creeping Wildrye
Authors: Culumber C. Mae , Larson Steven R. , Jones Thomas A. , Jensen Kevin B.
Published: March 2013

Basin wildrye [Leymus cinereus (Scribn. & Merr.) Á. Löve] and creeping wildrye [Leymus triticoides (Buckley) Pilg.] are outcrossing perennial grasses native to western North America. These divergent species are generally adapted to different habitats but can form fertile hybrids. Cultivars of both species are used in agriculture and conservation, but little is known about genetic diversity and gene flow among these species. Therefore, multilocus amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) genotypes and chloroplast DNA sequences were evaluated from 536 L. cinereus and 43 L. triticoides plants from 224 locations of western United States and Canada. Bayesian‐cluster analysis detected three L. cinereus races corresponding to the Columbia, Rocky Mountain, and Great Basin regions. Possible admixture between species was detected in specific areas, but only 2.2% of the plants showed more than 10% introgression. The Columbia and Great Basin races were predominantly octoploid whereas most of the Rocky Mountain accessions were tetraploid. Approximately 36 and 7% of the AFLP variation was apportioned among species and races, respectively, but no discrete marker differences were detected among these groups. Although species can be distinguished using a relatively small set of AFLP markers showing divergent allele frequencies, at least 30 markers were needed to classify plants by race. Approximately 8 and 11% of the chloroplast DNA sequence variation was apportioned among species and races, but these markers were not practically useful for species or race identification.
Sugarcane Leaf Photosynthesis and Growth Characters during Development of Water‐Deficit Stress
Authors: Zhao Duli , Glaz Barry , Comstock Jack C.
Published: March 2013

Yield and profitability of sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) grown on sand soils are much lower than on organic soils in Florida owing to biotic and abiotic stresses. A greenhouse study was conducted using a sand soil to identify effects of water deficit stress (WS) during sugarcane early growth on leaf photosynthetic components, plant growth, and dry matter accumulation. Treatments included two sugarcane genotypes (CP 01‐2390 and CP 80‐1743) and two water regimes (well watered [WW] and WS). All plants were well watered before initiating WS. Water was withheld from the WS pots when plants reached seven to eight leaves on the primary stem. During the WS treatment, plant growth and leaf photosynthetic components were measured. Final green leaf area (GLA) and shoot biomass were determined at the end of the experiment. Water stress depressed leaf relative chlorophyll level (SPAD), stomatal conductance (gs), leaf net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), transpiration use efficiency (TUE) of photosynthesis, and GLA, resulting in reduced shoot biomass. CP 01‐2390 was superior to CP 80‐1743 in most measured physiological and growth traits under the WW and WS conditions, suggesting that selection of genotypes with tolerance to WS while improving irrigation management will improve sugarcane yields on sand soils. Physiological and growth traits, such as SPAD, gs, Pn, Tr, TUE, GLA, tillering, and stalk length, may be useful for early detection of WS and for evaluation of sugarcane genotypes in the stress tolerance.
Effects of Prior Intensive Versus Conventional Therapy and History of Glycemia on Cardiac Function in Type 1 Diabetes in the DCCT/EDIC
Authors: Genuth Saul M. , Backlund Jye-Yu C. , Bayless Margaret , Bluemke David A. , Cleary Patricia A. , Crandall Jill , Lachin John M. , Lima Joao A.C. , Miao Culian , Turkbey Evrim B. ,   for the DCCT/EDIC Research Group
Published: March 2013

Intensive diabetes therapy reduces the prevalence of coronary calcification and progression of atherosclerosis and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study. The effects of intensive therapy on measures of cardiac function and structure and their association with glycemia have not been explored in type 1 diabetes (T1DM). We assess whether intensive treatment compared with conventional treatment during the DCCT led to differences in these parameters during EDIC. After 6.5 years of intensive versus conventional therapy in the DCCT, and 15 years of additional follow-up in EDIC, left ventricular (LV) indices were measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in 1,017 of the 1,371 members of the DCCT cohort. There were no differences between the DCCT intensive versus conventional treatment in end diastolic volume (EDV), end systolic volume, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), LV mass, ejection fraction, LV mass/EDV, or aortic distensibility (AD). Mean DCCT/EDIC HbA1c over time was associated with EDV, SV, CO, LV mass, LV mass/EDV, and AD. These associations persisted after adjustment for CVD risk factors. Cardiac function and remodeling in T1DM assessed by CMR in the EDIC cohort was associated with prior glycemic exposure, but there was no effect of intensive versus conventional treatment during the DCCT on cardiac parameters.
Identification of Sucrose Non-Fermenting–Related Kinase (SNRK) as a Suppressor of Adipocyte Inflammation
Authors: Li Yujie , Nie Yaohui , Helou Ynes , Ding Guoxian , Feng Bin , Xu Gang , Salomon Arthur , Xu Haiyan
Published: March 2013

In this study, the role of sucrose non-fermenting–related kinase (SNRK) in white adipocyte biology was investigated. SNRK is abundantly expressed in adipose tissue, and the expression level is decreased in obese mice. SNRK expression is repressed by inflammatory signals but increased by insulin sensitizer in cultured adipocytes. In vivo, adipose tissue SNRK expression can be decreased by lipid injection but enhanced by macrophage ablation. Knocking down SNRK in cultured adipocytes activates both JNK and IKKβ pathways as well as promotes lipolysis. Insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and glucose uptake are impaired in SNRK knockdown adipocytes. Phosphoproteomic analysis with SNRK knockdown adipocytes revealed significantly decreased phosphorylation of 49 proteins by 25% or more, which are involved in various aspects of adipocyte function with a clear indication of attenuated mTORC1 signaling. Phosphorylation of 43 proteins is significantly increased by onefold or higher, among which several proteins are known to be involved in inflammatory pathways. The inflammatory responses in SNRK knockdown adipocytes can be partially attributable to defective mTORC1 signaling, since rapamycin treatment activates IKKβ and induces lipolysis in adipocytes. In summary, SNRK may act as a suppressor of adipocyte inflammation and its presence is necessary for maintaining normal adipocyte function.
Positive Regulation of Insulin Signaling by Neuraminidase 1
Authors: Dridi Larbi , Seyrantepe Volkan , Fougerat Anne , Pan Xuefang , Bonneil Éric , Thibault Pierre , Moreau Allain , Mitchell Grant A. , Heveker Nikolaus , Cairo Christopher W. , Issad Tarik , Hinek Alexander , Pshezhetsky Alexey V.
Published: March 2013

Neuraminidases (sialidases) catalyze the removal of sialic acid residues from sialylated glycoconjugates. We now report that mammalian neuraminidase 1 (Neu1), in addition to its catabolic function in lysosomes, is transported to the cell surface where it is involved in the regulation of insulin signaling. Insulin binding to its receptor rapidly induces interaction of the receptor with Neu1, which hydrolyzes sialic acid residues in the glycan chains of the receptor and, consequently, induces its activation. Cells from sialidosis patients with a genetic deficiency of Neu1 show impairment of insulin-induced phosphorylation of downstream protein kinase AKT, and treatment of these cells with purified Neu1 restores signaling. Genetically modified mice with ∼10% of the normal Neu1 activity exposed to a high-fat diet develop hyperglycemia and insulin resistance twice as fast as their wild-type counterparts. Together, these studies identify Neu1 as a novel component of the signaling pathways of energy metabolism and glucose uptake.
Review of current evidence on the impact of pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and selected metals on attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder in children
Authors: Polańska Kinga , Jurewicz Joanna , Hanke Wojciech
Published: March 2013

The aim of this review was to investigate the association between attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or ADHD-related symptoms and industrial chemicals, such as organophosphates and organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead, mercury and manganese. Medline, PubMed and EBSCO searches were performed to identify the studies that analyzed the association of prenatal and postnatal child exposure to such toxicants and ADHD or ADHD-related symptoms. The review is restricted to human studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals since 2000. Most of the presented studies focused on pesticides, PCB and lead. The impact of mercury and manganese was investigated less frequently. The findings indicate that children’s exposure to organophosphate pesticides may cause symptoms consistent with pervasive developmental disorder, ADHD or attention problems. Exposures to organochlorine pesticides and PCBs were associated with ADHD-like behaviors such as alertness, quality of alert response, and cost of attention. The studies provided evidence that blood lead level below 10 μg/dl was associated with ADHD or ADHD-related symptoms. Information on the association between exposure to mercury and neurotoxicity is limited, and requires further confirmation in future research. Two studies indicated that exposure to manganese is related to ADHD; such exposure and its impact on children neurodevelopment need to be further investigated. Future studies should use a prospective design with multiple biological samples collected over time for better assessment of exposure and its critical windows. Additionally, inclusion of potential confounding factors and co-exposures is crucial.
Microorganisms in metalworking fluids: Current issues in research and management
Authors: Trafny Elżbieta
Published: March 2013

The microbial contamination of water miscible metalworking fluids (MWFs) is a serious problem in metal industry. A good maintenance of MWF re-circulation systems can extend the lifetime of coolants and ensure the quality of the tools produced. In MWFs, as in the other water-based environments, microorganisms usually live in the form of biofilms, the communities of bacteria and fungi attached to the surface of sumps, metal parts and also to each other. Biofilms exhibit very high resistance to biocides. The effect of biocides that are used as additives to MWFs to control the growth of the bacterial and fungal microbiomes (microorganisms characteristic to the individual coolant system) have become the subject of research only in recent years. There are also only sparse reports on the impact of biocides on microorganisms growing in biofilms in MWF installations. Fast growing mycobacteria are important members of these biofilm communities. Their presence has recently been linked with the occurrence of cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a serious respiratory disorder in the metal industry employees. The new, relatively fast and inexpensive techniques to assess the species diversity within MWF microbiomes and their population size should be developed in order to control the microorganisms’ proliferation in MWFs and to diminish the occupational exposure to harmful bioaerosols in metal industry.
Visual outcomes for surgical treatment of large and giant carotid ophthalmic segment aneurysms: a case series utilizing retrograde suction decompression (the “Dallas technique”)
Authors: Mattingly Thomas , Kole Max K. , Nicolle David , Boulton Mel , Pelz David , Lownie Stephen P.
Published: March 2013

Object

The authors report their results in a series of large or giant carotid ophthalmic segment aneurysms clipped using retrograde suction decompression.

Methods

A retrospective review of clinical data and treatment summaries was performed for 18 patients with large or giant carotid artery ophthalmic segment aneurysms managed operatively via retrograde suction decompression. Visual outcomes, Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores, and operative complications were determined. Postoperative angiography was assessed.

Results

During a 17-year period, 18 patients underwent surgery performed using retrograde suction decompression. The mean aneurysm size was 26 mm. Three patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Fourteen of 18 patients presented with visual symptoms. Eleven (79%) of these 14 patients experienced visual improvement and the remaining 3 (21%) experienced worsened vision after surgery. Of 3 patients without visual symptoms and a complete visual examination before and after surgery, 1 had visual worsening postoperatively. One aneurysm required trapping and bypass, and all others could be clipped. Postoperative angiography demonstrated complete occlusion in 9 of 17 clipped aneurysms and neck remnants in the other 8 clipped aneurysms. One (5.5%) of 18 patients experienced a stroke. Eighteen patients had a GOS score of 5 (good outcome), and 1 patient had a GOS score of 4 (moderately disabled). There were no deaths. There was no morbidity related to the second incision or decompression procedure. Prolonged improvement did occur, and even in some cases of visual worsening in 1 eye, the overall vision did improve enough to allow driving.

Conclusions

Retrograde suction decompression greatly facilitates surgical clipping for large and giant aneurysms of the ophthalmic segment. Visual preservation and improvement occur in the majority of these cases and is an important outcome measure. Developing endovascular technology must show equivalence or superiority to surgery for this specific outcome.
Radiographic evaluation of postoperative bone regrowth after microscopic bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis
Authors: Dohzono Sho , Matsumura Akira , Terai Hidetomi , Toyoda Hiromitsu , Suzuki Akinobu , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: March 2013

Object

Minimally invasive decompressive surgery using a microscope or endoscope has been widely performed for the treatment of lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS). In this study the authors aimed to assess outcomes following microscopic bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach (MBDU) in terms of postoperative bone regrowth and preservation of the facet joints in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DS) as compared with those in patients with LSS.

Methods

In the period from May 1998 to February 2007 at the authors' institution, 85 patients underwent MBDU at L4–5. Clinical outcome was evaluated before surgery and at the final follow-up using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score for low-back pain. The following radiographic parameters were assessed at the L4–5 segment before surgery and at the final follow-up: 1) percentage slip on standing lateral radiographs, 2) percentage slip on dynamic radiographs, 3) disc arc on dynamic radiographs, and 4) percentage of facet joint preservation on CT. Bone regrowth on the ventral and dorsal sides of the facet joint on CT were assessed at the final follow-up.

Results

The cases of 47 patients (23 with DS at L-4 and 24 with LSS at L4–5 without instability) who had a follow-up of at least 2 years were retrospectively reviewed. The improvement ratio in the JOA score, that is, the percentage improvement as indicated by the difference between preoperative and postoperative JOA scores, was not significantly different between patients with DS and LSS. The percentage slip had progressed at the latest follow-up in both groups (1.4% and 1.1%, respectively), and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. The percentage of facet joint preservation in the DS and LSS groups was 72.8% and 83.4%, respectively, on the approach side and 95.5% and 96.5% on the contralateral side. Facet joint preservation was significantly less on the approach side than on the contralateral side in both groups. The average amount of bone regrowth on the dorsal and ventral sides of the facet joint was 3.4 and 0.9 mm, respectively, in the DS group and 2.0 and 1.0 mm in the LSS group. The difference between the 2 groups was not significant. Facet joint preservation and bone regrowth were not correlated with clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Microscopic bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach can prevent postoperative spinal instability because of good preservation of the posterior elements including the facet joints, which is thought to be the main reason for the relatively small amount of bone regrowth after surgery.
Intramedullary hobnail hemangioendothelioma of the conus
Authors: Munson Troy A. , Valyi-Nagy Tibor , Utset Manuel , Lewis Zachary , Amin-Hanjani Sepideh
Published: March 2013

Hemangioendotheliomas have only rarely been encountered in the neuraxis. Here, the authors present a case of an intramedullary hobnail hemangioendothelioma of the spinal cord, the first case described of this particular pathological entity in the neuraxis. The authors discuss their treatment and review the pertinent literature regarding management.
Sustainable Production of Japanese Eggplants in a Piedmont Soil in Rotation with Winter Cover Crops
Authors: Ravella Ramesh , Reddy Muchha , Taylor Kurt , Elobeid Ahmed
Published: March 2013

Eggplant is a popular vegetable consumed all over the world. Cover cropping is an efficient way of recycling nutrients and reducing inorganic fertilizer requirements to maintain the sustainability of the soil without affecting productivity and profitability. Eggplants (Solanum melongena) (Japanese varieties Hansel and Kamo) were grown in a Piedmont soil with two main treatments, cover crop (CC) and no cover crop (NC), and four sub-fertilizer treatments (T1: 0-0-0, T2: 56-28-112, T3: 84-56-168, and T4: 168-112-224 N-P-K kg/ha), using four replications. The Hansel variety eggplant yield was significantly higher than the Kamo variety. Eggplant yields from CC treatments for both varieties were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the yields from NC treatments. No significant difference was observed in the yields between T1 and T2 treatments, but the yields from T3 were significantly higher than T1 and T2 and yields from T4 were significantly higher than T3 yields. N released through mineralization of cover crop mixture ranged from 13.33 g/kg at the beginning of the growing season and increased to 18.32 g/kg at the end of the growing season. These results suggest that Japanese eggplants can be successfully grown in the Piedmont area of North Carolina in rotation with cover crops for higher yields.