bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systems analysis of the prostate tumor suppressor NKX3.1 supports roles in DNA repair and luminal cell differentiation
Authors: Yang Chih-Cheng , Chung Alicia , Ku Chia-Yu , Brill Laurence M. , Williams Roy , Wolf Dieter A.
Published: June 2014

NKX3.1 is a homeobox transcription factor whose function as a prostate tumor suppressor remains insufficiently understood because neither the transcriptional program governed by NKX3.1, nor its interacting proteins have been fully revealed. Using affinity purification and mass spectrometry, we have established an extensive NKX3.1 interactome which contains the DNA repair proteins Ku70, Ku80, and PARP, thus providing a molecular underpinning to previous reports implicating NKX3.1 in DNA repair. Transcriptomic profiling of NKX3.1-negative prostate epithelial cells acutely expressing NKX3.1 revealed a rapid and complex response that is a near mirror image of the gene expression signature of human prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). Pathway and network analyses suggested that NKX3.1 actuates a cellular reprogramming toward luminal cell differentiation characterized by suppression of pro-oncogenic c-MYC and interferon-STAT signaling and activation of tumor suppressor pathways. Consistently, ectopic expression of NKX3.1 conferred a growth arrest depending on TNFα and JNK signaling. We propose that the tumor suppressor function of NKX3.1 entails a transcriptional program that maintains the differentiation state of secretory luminal cells and that disruption of NKX3.1 contributes to prostate tumorigenesis by permitting luminal cell de-differentiation potentially augmented by defects in DNA repair.
Abnormal hemostatic function one year after orthotopic liver transplantation can be fully attributed to endothelial cell activation
Authors: Arshad Freeha , Adelmeijer Jelle , Blokzijl Hans , van den Berg Aad , Porte Robert , Lisman Ton
Published: June 2014

Background: The long-term risk of thrombotic and vascular complications is elevated in liver transplant recipients compared to the general population. Patients with cirrhosis are in a hypercoagulable status during and directly after orthotopic liver transplantation, but it is unclear whether this hypercoagulability persists over time.

Aim: We aimed to investigate the hemostatic status of liver transplant recipients one year after transplantation.

Methods: We prospectively collected blood samples of 15 patients with a functioning graft one year after orthotopic liver transplantation and compared the hemostatic status of these patients with that of 30 healthy individuals.

Results: Patients one year after liver transplantation had significantly elevated plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Thrombin generation, as assessed by the endogenous thrombin potential, was decreased in patients, which was associated with increased plasma levels of the natural anticoagulants antithrombin and tissue factor pathway inhibitor.  Plasma fibrinolytic potential was significantly decreased in patients and correlated inversely with levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.

Conclusion: One year after liver transplantation, liver graft recipients have a dysregulated hemostatic system characterised by elevation of plasma levels of endothelial-derived proteins. Increased levels of von Willebrand factor and decreased fibrinolytic potential may (in part) be responsible for the increased risk for vascular disease seen in liver transplant recipients.
Exercise-induced arterial hypertension - an independent factor for hypertrophy and a ticking clock for cardiac fatigue or atrial fibrillation in athletes?
Authors: Leischik Roman , Spelsberg Norman , Niggemann Hiltrud , Dworrak Birgit , Tiroch Klaus
Published: June 2014

Background:Exercise-induced arterial hypertension (EIAH) leads to myocardial hypertrophy and is associated with a poor prognosis. EIAH might be related to the “cardiac fatigue” caused by endurance training. The goal of this study was to examine whether there is any relationship between EIAH and left ventricular hypertrophy in Ironman-triathletes.

Methods:We used echocardiography and spiroergometry to determine the left ventricular mass (LVM), the aerobic/anaerobic thresholds and the steady-state blood pressure of 51 healthy male triathletes. The main inclusion criterion was the participation in at least one middle or long distance triathlon.

Results: When comparing triathletes with LVM <220g  and athletes with LVM >220g there was a significant difference between blood pressure values (BP) at the anaerobic threshold (185.2± 21.5 mmHgvs.198.8 ±22.3 mmHg, p=0.037). The spiroergometric results were: maximum oxygen uptake (relative VO2max) 57.3 ±7.5ml/min/kgvs. 59.8±9.5ml/min/kg (p=ns). Cut-point analysis for the relationship of BP >170 mmHg at the aerobic threshold and the probability of LVM >220g showed a sensitivity of 95.8%, a specificity of 33.3%, with a positive predictive value of 56.8 %, a good negative predictive value of 90%. The probability of LVM >220g increased with higher BP during exercise (OR: 1.027, 95% CI 1.002-1.052, p= 0.034) or with higher training volume (OR: 1.23, 95% CI 1.04 -1.47, p = 0.019). Echocardiography showed predominantly concentric remodelling, followed by concentric hypertrophy.

Conclusion: Significant left ventricular hypertrophy with LVM >220g is associated with higher arterial blood pressure at the aerobic or anaerobic threshold. The endurance athletes with EIAH may require a therapeutic intervention to at least prevent extensive stiffening of the heart muscle and exercise-induced cardiac fatigue.
Are All Independent Directors Equally Informed? Evidence Based on Their Trading Returns and Social Networks
Authors: Cao Ying , Dhaliwal Dan , Li Zengquan , Yang Yong George
Published: June 2014

We study the impact of social networks on the ability of independent directors to obtain private information from their firms' executives. We find that independent directors socially connected to their firms' senior executives earn significantly higher returns than unconnected independent directors in stock sales transactions. The network effect on independent directors' trading profitability is stronger in firms with higher information asymmetry and with more powerful executives. In addition, the trading returns of independent directors previously unconnected with firm executives increase after the arrival of a connected executive and drop after the connected executive leaves the firm. Moreover, the net stock sales by connected directors predict future negative news for up to three quarters. As a comparison, the trading returns of connected and unconnected independent directors do not differ significantly in stock purchases. Taken together, our results suggest that social connections help independent directors gain access to private bad news information from firms' senior executives.

This paper was accepted by Mary Barth, accounting.
To ID or Not to ID? Changes in Classification Rates of Intellectual Disability Using DSM-5
Authors: Papazoglou Aimilia , Jacobson Lisa A. , McCabe Marie , Kaufmann Walter , Zabel T. Andrew
Published: June 2014

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for intellectual disability (ID) include a change to the definition of adaptive impairment. New criteria require impairment in one adaptive domain rather than two or more skill areas. The authors examined the diagnostic implications of using a popular adaptive skill inventory, the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System–Second Edition, with 884 clinically referred children (ages 6–16). One hundred sixty-six children met DSM-IV-TR criteria for ID; significantly fewer (n  =  151, p  =  .001) met ID criteria under DSM-5 (9% decrease). Implementation of DSM-5 criteria for ID may substantively change the rate of ID diagnosis. These findings highlight the need for a combination of psychometric assessment and clinical judgment when implementing the adaptive deficits component of the DSM-5 criteria for ID diagnosis.
Isolation and Characterization of Corncob Cellulose Fibers using Microwave-Assisted Chemical Treatments
Authors: Li Meng , Cheng Yan-Ling , Fu Nan , Li Dong , Adhikari Benu , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: June 2014

Cellulose fibers were obtained from corncob by using microwave-assisted chemical treatments (microwave-assisted alkaline pretreatment and microwave-assisted bleaching). These treatments efficiently removed the hemicellulose and lignin from the original corncob and increased the cellulose fiber content. The morphology, chemical structure, degree of crystallinity and thermal degradation characteristics of the resultant cellulose fibers were studied by using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. These microwave-assisted chemical treatments decreased the diameter of the cellulose fibers from 25–125 µm to 10–20 µm. The crystallinity of the corncob cellulose fibers increased from 32.7% to 73% due to the chemical treatments. The degradation temperature of the cellulose fibers was >260°C. The cellulose fibers obtained from these treatments can be used as biocomposites in reinforced polymer manufacturing.
Use of the angle of progression on ultrasonography to predict spontaneous onset of labor within 7 days
Authors: Cho Geum Joon , Hong Hye-Ri , Seol Hyun-Joo , Koo Bo Hae , Hong Soon-Cheol , Oh Min-Jeong , Kim Hai-Joong
Published: June 2014

Objective: To investigate the relationship between angle of progression (AoP) on ultrasonography at 37–40 weeks’ gestation and delivery within 7 days.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted between January 2013 and May 2013 at Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea. Nulliparous women between 37/0 and 40/3 weeks’ gestation with a singleton fetus, intact membrane, and cephalic presentation from January 2013 to May 2013 were enrolled. To evaluate the cervical parameters of cervical length and AoP, transvaginal and transperineal ultrasonography were performed, respectively. We then assessed the relationship between cervical parameters and onset of labor within 7 days by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results: Women who underwent spontaneous onset of labor within 7 days had a significantly shorter cervical length and AoP than those who underwent labor after 7 days. Logistic regression analysis showed that a larger AoP was an independent predictor of spontaneous labor within 7 days.

Conclusions: A larger AoP was significantly associated with spontaneous onset of labor within 7 days. These findings may be useful for counseling patients regarding the management of term pregnancies.
Degradation of basalt FRP bars in alkaline environment
Authors: Wu Gang , Wang Xin , Wu Zhishen , Dong Zhiqiang , Xie Qiong
Published: June 2014

This paper investigates the degradation of basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars used for concrete construction in an alkaline environment. The relationships between tensile strength, elastic modulus, shear strength and moisture absorption rate over time are analyzed using a tension test, short-beam test and moisture absorption weighting. The tensile strength degradation of BFRP bars was further compared with that of Glass FRP (GFRP) bars in the literature. The results indicated that BFRP bars exhibit relatively good resistance to alkaline corrosion, maintaining more than 60% of their original strength after 9 weeks at 55°C in an alkaline solution. The moisture absorption of BFRP bars conforms to Fick’s law, which shows that the degradation mechanism is controlled by matrix and related interface degradation. This finding is supported by comparison with the shear strength degradation trend. Compared to GFRP bars under similar alkaline conditions, BFRP bars exhibit a similar degradation rate during the initial phase, but maintain higher tensile strength and strength retention over time.
Development of microRNA therapeutics is coming of age
Authors: van Rooij Eva , Kauppinen Sakari
Published: June 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key regulatory roles in diverse biological processes and are frequently dysregulated in human diseases. Thus, miRNAs have emerged as a class of promising targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, we describe the current strategies for therapeutic modulation of miRNAs and provide an update on the development of miRNA‐based therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Firearm Homicide and Other Causes of Death in Delinquents: A 16-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Teplin Linda A. , Jakubowski Jessica A. , Abram Karen M. , Olson Nichole D. , Stokes Marquita L. , Welty Leah J.
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND:

Delinquent youth are at risk for early violent death after release from detention. However, few studies have examined risk factors for mortality. Previous investigations studied only serious offenders (a fraction of the juvenile justice population) and provided little data on females.

METHODS:

The Northwestern Juvenile Project is a prospective longitudinal study of health needs and outcomes of a stratified random sample of 1829 youth (657 females, 1172 males; 524 Hispanic, 1005 African American, 296 non-Hispanic white, 4 other race/ethnicity) detained between 1995 and 1998. Data on risk factors were drawn from interviews; death records were obtained up to 16 years after detention. We compared all-cause mortality rates and causes of death with those of the general population. Survival analyses were used to examine risk factors for mortality after youth leave detention.

RESULTS:

Delinquent youth have higher mortality rates than the general population to age 29 years (P < .05), irrespective of gender or race/ethnicity. Females died at nearly 5 times the general population rate (P < .05); Hispanic males and females died at 5 and 9 times the general population rates, respectively (P < .05). Compared with the general population, significantly more delinquent youth died of homicide and its subcategory, homicide by firearm (P < .05). Among delinquent youth, racial/ethnic minorities were at increased risk of homicide compared with non-Hispanic whites (P < .05). Significant risk factors for external-cause mortality and homicide included drug dealing (up to 9 years later), alcohol use disorder, and gang membership (up to a decade later).

CONCLUSIONS:

Delinquent youth are an identifiable target population to reduce disparities in early violent death.
Epicardial adipose tissue thickness and its association with adiponectin in metabolic syndrome patients from Mérida, Venezuela
Authors: Lima-Martínez Marcos M. , López-Mendez Gabriel , Odreman Rodolfo , Donis José H. , Paoli Mariela
Published: June 2014

Objective: To study the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness and plasma levels of adiponectin in Venezuelan patients. Subjects and methods: Thirty-one patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (study group) and 27 controls were selected and tested for glycemia, lipids, and adiponectin. EAT thickness, ejection fraction, diastolic function, left ventricular mass (LVM), and left atrial volume (LAV) were determined by transthoracic echocardiography. Results: EAT thickness was greater in metabolic syndrome patients (5.69 ± 1.12 vs. 3.52 ± 0.80 mm; p = 0.0001), correlating positively with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.661; p = 0.0001); waist circumference (WC) (r = 0.664; p = 0.0001); systolic (SBP) (r = 0.607; p = 0.0001), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.447; p = 0.0001); insulin (r = 0.505; p = 0.0001); Tg/HDL-C ratio (r = 0.447; p = 0.0001), non-HDL-C (r = 0.353; p = 0.007); LAV (r = 0.432; p = 0.001), and LVM (r = 0.469; p = 0.0001). EAT thickness correlated negatively with adiponectin (r = -0.499; p = 0.0001). Conclusion: A significant association exists between EAT thickness and both metabolic syndrome components and adiponectin concentration, a link that might be used as a biomarker for this disease.
Validation of a spatial–temporal soil water movement and plant water uptake model
Authors: HEPPELL J. , PAYVANDI S. , ZYGALAKIS K.C. , SMETHURST J. , FLIEGE J. , ROOSE T.
Published: June 2014

Management and irrigation of plants increasingly relies on accurate mathematical models for the movement of water within unsaturated soils. Current models often use values for water content and soil parameters that are averaged over the soil profile. However, many applications require models to more accurately represent the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum, in particular, water movement and saturation within specific parts of the soil profile. In this paper a mathematical model for water uptake by a plant root system from unsaturated soil is presented. The model provides an estimate of the water content level within the soil at different depths, and the uptake of water by the root system. The model was validated using field data, which include hourly water content values at five different soil depths under a grass/herb cover over 1 year, to obtain a fully calibrated system for plant water uptake with respect to climate conditions. When compared quantitatively to a simple water balance model, the proposed model achieves a better fit to the experimental data due to its ability to vary water content with depth. To accurately model the water content in the soil profile, the soil water retention curve and saturated hydraulic conductivity needed to vary with depth.
Facile Solvothermal Synthesis and Gas Sensitivity of Graphene/WO3 Nanocomposites
Authors: Gui Yanghai , Yuan Junhua , Wang Weiming , Zhao Jianbo , Tian Junfeng , Xie Bing
Published: June 2014

Graphene has attracted enormous attention owing to its extraordinary properties, while graphene-based nanocomposites hold promise for many applications. In this paper, we present a two-step exploitation method for preparation of graphene oxides and a facile solvothermal route for preparation of few-layer graphene nanosheets and graphene/WO3 nanocomposites in an ethanol-distilled water medium. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and gas-sensing test. The resistivity of the thick-film gas sensors based on sandwich-like graphene/WO3 nanocomposites can be controlled by varying the amount of graphene in the composites. Graphene/WO3 nanocomposites with graphene content higher than 1% show fast response, high selectivity and fine sensitivity to NOx.
Influence of Temperature and Preserving Agents on the Stability of Cornelian Cherries Anthocyanins
Authors: Moldovan Bianca , David Luminiţa
Published: June 2014

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits are known for their significant amounts of anthocyanins which can be used as natural food colorants. The storage stability of anthocyanins from these fruit extracts, at different temperatures (2 °C, 25 °C and 75 °C), pH 3.02, in the presence of two of the most widely employed food preserving agents (sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate) was investigated. The highest stability was exhibited by the anthocyanin extract stored at 2 °C without any added preservative, with half-life and constant rate values of 1443.8 h and 0.48 × 10−3 h−1, respectively. The highest value of the degradation rate constant (82.76 × 10−3/h) was obtained in the case of anthocyanin extract stored at 75 °C without any added preservative. Experimental results indicate that the storage degradation of anthocyanins followed first-order reaction kinetics under each of the investigated conditions. In aqueous solution, the food preservatives used were found to have a slight influence on the anthocyanins’ stability.
Calibration and Verification of Remote Sensing Instruments and Observations
Authors: Müller Richard
Published: June 2014

Satellite instruments are nowadays a very important source of information. The physical quantities (essential variables) derived from satellites are utilized in a wide field of applications, in particular in atmospheric physics and geoscience. In contrast to ground measurements the physical quantities are not directly measured, but have to be retrieved from satellite observations. Satellites observe hereby the reflection or emission of radiation by the Earth's surface or atmosphere, which enables the retrieval of respective physical quantities (essential variables). The physical basis for the retrieval is the interaction of the radiation with the Earth’s atmosphere and surface. This interaction is defined by radiative transfer, which favors the use of radiances and their respective units within retrieval methods. [...]
Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol and Phenol Derivatives Using a Nano-TiO2 Catalyst: Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Factors Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Choquette-Labbé Marissa , Shewa Wudneh , Lalman Jerald , Shanmugam Saravanan
Published: June 2014

Due to the toxicity effects and endocrine disrupting properties of phenolic compounds, their removal from water and wastewater has gained widespread global attention. In this study, the photocatalytic degradation of phenolic compounds in the presence of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nano-particles and UV light was investigated. A full factorial design consisting of three factors at three levels was used to examine the effect of particle size, temperature and reactant type on the apparent degradation rate constant. The individual effect of TiO2 particle size (5, 10 and 32 nm), temperature (23, 30 and 37 °C) and reactant type (phenol, o-cresol and m-cresol) on the apparent degradation rate constant was determined. A regression model was developed to relate the apparent degradation constant to the various factors. The largest photocatalytic activity was observed at an optimum TiO2 particle size of 10 nm for all reactants. The apparent degradation rate constant trend was as follows: o-cresol > m-cresol > phenol. The ANOVA data indicated no significant interaction between the experimental factors. The lowest activation energy was observed for o-cresol degradation using 5-nm TiO2 particles. A maximum degradation rate constant of 0.0138 min−1 was recorded for o-cresol at 37 °C and a TiO2 particle size of 13 nm at a D-optimality value of approximately 0.98. The response model adequately related the apparent degradation rate constant to the factors within the range of factors under consideration.
Effect of Selected Plant Extracts and D- and L-Lysine on the Cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Lürling Miquel , Van Oosterhout Frank
Published: June 2014

We tested extracts from Fructus mume, Salvia miltiorrhiza and Moringa oleifera as well as L-lysine and D-Lysine as curative measures to rapidly suppress the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa NIVA-CYA 43. We tested these compounds under similar conditions to facilitate comparisons. We hypothesized that for each compound, relatively low concentrations—i.e., 5–50 mg L−1, would reduce M. aeruginosa biomass. At these low concentrations, only L-lysine caused a decline in M. aeruginosa biomass at ≥4.3 mg L−1. F. mume extract was effective to do so at high concentrations, i.e., at ≥240 mg L−1, but the others were virtually non-effective. Low pH caused by organic acids is a probable explanation for the effect of F. mume extract. No complete wipe-outs of the experimental population were achieved as Photosystem II efficiency showed a recovery after six days. L-lysine may be effective at low concentrations—meaning low material costs. However, the effect of L-lysine seems relatively short-lived. Overall, the results of our study did not support the use of the tested plant extracts and amino-acid as promising candidates for curative application in M. aeruginosa bloom control.
Étalonnages du taux de croissance du PIB français sur la base des enquêtes de conjoncture
Authors: Bessec Marie
Published: June 2014

Cet article développe des nouveaux étalonnages du taux de croissance du PIB français destinés à produire des prévisions de court terme de l’activité . Ils sont construits à partir de données d’enquête de l’Insee, dans l’industrie mais également dans les services et le bâtiment. Nous examinons deux stratégies de réduction de l information, l’une fondée sur l’algorithme de sélection automatique GETS par blocs de Hendry et Krolzig (2005), l’autre sur la méthode de combinaison popularisée par Stock et Watson (2004). Ces deux méthodes sont évaluées en-échantillon et hors-échantillon au travers de régressions récursives et roulantes. Nous montrons la supériorité des étalonnages construits avec GETS et l’intérêt de considérer d’autres enquêtes que celle dans l’industrie dans les stratégies de modélisation et de prévision.
One Compared with Two Cycles of Mitomycin C in Chemoradiotherapy for Anal Cancer: Analysis of Outcomes and Toxicity
Authors: Yeung R. , McConnell Y. , Roxin G. , Banerjee R. , Urgoiti G.B. Roldán , MacLean A.R. , Buie W.D. , Mulder K.E. , Vickers M.M. , Joseph K.J. , Doll C.M.
Published: June 2014

(1) Background: Concurrent chemoradiation with fluorouracil (5fu) and mitomycin C (mmc) is standard treatment for anal canal carcinoma (acc). The current protocol in Alberta is administration of 5fu and mmc during weeks 1 and 5 of radiation. However, administration of the second bolus of mmc has been based largely on centre preference. Given limited published data on outcomes with different mmc regimens, our objective was to compare the efficacy and toxicity of 1 compared with 2 cycles of mmc in acc treatment. (2) Methods: Our retrospective study evaluated 169 acc patients treated with radical chemoradiotherapy between 2000 and 2010 at two tertiary cancer centres. All patients were treated with 2 cycles of 5fu and with 1 cycle (mmc1) or 2 cycles (mmc2) of mmc. Acute toxicities, disease-free (dfs) and overall survival (os) were analyzed. (3) Results: Baseline demographics, performance status, and stage were similar in the groups of patients who received mmc1 (52%) and mmc2 (48%). Before treatment, median hematologic parameters were comparable, except for white blood cell count, which was higher in the mmc2 group, but within normal range. The 5-year os and dfs were similar (75.1% and 54.2% for mmc1 vs. 70.7% and 44.2% for mmc2, p = 0.98 and p = 0.63 respectively). On multivariate analysis, mmc2 was the factor most strongly associated with specific acute toxicities: grade 3+ leukopenia (hazard ratio: 4.82; p < 0.01), grade 3+ skin toxicity (hazard ratio: 4.76; p < 0.001), and hospitalizations secondary to febrile neutropenia (hazard ratio: 9.91; p = 0.001). (4) Conclusions: In definitive chemoradiotherapy for acc, 1 cycle of mmc appears to offer outcomes similar to those achieved with 2 cycles, with significantly less acute toxicity.
Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma without Evidence of a Primary Renal Tumour
Authors: Kumar R.M. , Aziz T. , Jamshaid H. , Gill J. , Kapoor A.
Published: June 2014

Although metastases are common in patients with renal cell carcinoma (rcc), it is extremely rare for patients to present with metastatic rcc (mrcc) without evidence of a primary mass in the kidney. Two cases of mrcc with no detectable primary renal mass are reported here. Both patients had bilateral native kidneys in situ and no significant prior urologic history. The first patient presented with a hip fracture and was found to have multiple radiologic bony and lung metastases. Biopsy of a mass involving the pubic bone demonstrated clear cell mrcc. Multiple scans by computed tomography (ct) and confirmatory imaging by magnetic resonance demonstrated no renal mass. This first patient had disease stabilization for 18 months on sunitinib and was still alive at last follow-up. The second patient was diagnosed with clear-cell mrcc after thickened synovium was discovered and biopsied during a knee arthroplasty. Multiple scans by ct in this second patient demonstrated no primary renal mass. Sunitinib and radiotherapy to the knee lesion were initiated, but unfortunately, the patient deteriorated clinically and passed away from disease progression shortly after diagnosis. Because of the rare nature of these cases, a standardized course of action has not yet been established. However, we hypothesize that it is reasonable to manage metastases in these patients by following established mrcc protocols.
Un estudio de caso: Rehabilitación singular de edificios de viviendas en la barriada del Parque Alcosa, análisis de daños constructivos comunes y propuesta de intervención
Authors: Cano-Marín R. D. , Jaramillo-Morilla A. , Bernal-Serrano F. J. , Moreno-Rangel D.
Published: June 2014

La barriada del Parque Alcosa se localiza en el noroeste del núcleo urbano de Sevilla, y está formada por un conjunto de 10.640 viviendas de promoción pública construida durante los años 69-72 por el constructor valenciano Alfredo Corral. Existen tres modelos de edificación diferentes que responden a fases de construcción, siendo objeto de estudio en este artículo la correspondiente a la primera fase, comprendidas por las calles Ciudad de Játiva, Gandía, Sueca, Onteniente, Carcagente, Burjasot, Godella, Alfafar, Buñol, Paterna y Oliva. El presente trabajo expone el análisis de las patologías constructivas comunes existentes en la fase 1 del Parque Alcosa, relacionadas con el carácter potencialmente expansivo de los terrenos donde se ubica. Así mismo se desarrollan las soluciones constructivas de la intervención proyectada, llevado a cabo mediante el programa de Rehabilitación Singular de Edificios de la Empresa Pública del Suelo de Andalucía.
gp49B-Mediated Negative Regulation of Antibody Production by Memory and Marginal Zone B Cells
Authors: Fukao Saori , Haniuda Kei , Nojima Takuya , Takai Toshiyuki , Kitamura Daisuke
Published: June 2014

The rapid Ab responses observed after primary and secondary immunizations are mainly derived from marginal zone (MZ) and memory B cells, respectively, but it is largely unknown how these responses are negatively regulated. Several inhibitory receptors have been identified and their roles have been studied, but mainly on follicular B cells and much less so on MZ B, and never on memory B cells. gp49B is an Ig superfamily member that contains two ITIMs in its cytoplasmic tail, and it has been shown to negatively regulate mast cell, macrophage, and NK cell responses. In this study, we demonstrate that gp49B is preferentially expressed on memory and MZ B cells. We show that gp49B−/− mice produce more IgM after a primary immunization and more IgM and IgG1 after a secondary immunization than gp49B+/+ mice in T cell–dependent immune responses. Memory and MZ B cells from gp49B−/− mice also produce more Abs upon in vitro stimulation with CD40 than those from gp49B+/+ mice. The in vitro IgM production by MZ B cells from gp49B+/+, but not gp49B−/−, mice is suppressed by interaction with a putative gp49B ligand, the integrin αvβ3 heterodimer. In addition, gp49B−/− mice exhibited exaggerated IgE production in the memory recall response. These results suggest that plasma cell development from memory and MZ B cells, as well as subsequent Ab production, are suppressed via gp49B. In memory B cells, this suppression also prevents excessive IgE production, thus curtailing allergic diseases.
Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 2 Regulates the Expansion of Germinal Centers by Protecting against Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase–Independent DNA Damage in B Cells
Authors: Guikema Jeroen E. J. , Linehan Erin K. , Esa Nada , Tsuchimoto Daisuke , Nakabeppu Yusaku , Woodland Robert T. , Schrader Carol E.
Published: June 2014

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) initiates a process generating DNA mutations and breaks in germinal center (GC) B cells that are necessary for somatic hypermutation and class-switch recombination. GC B cells can “tolerate” DNA damage while rapidly proliferating because of partial suppression of the DNA damage response by BCL6. In this study, we develop a model to study the response of mouse GC B cells to endogenous DNA damage. We show that the base excision repair protein apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE) 2 protects activated B cells from oxidative damage in vitro. APE2-deficient mice have smaller GCs and reduced Ab responses compared with wild-type mice. DNA double-strand breaks are increased in the rapidly dividing GC centroblasts of APE2-deficient mice, which activate a p53-independent cell cycle checkpoint and a p53-dependent apoptotic response. Proliferative and/or oxidative damage and AID-dependent damage are additive stresses that correlate inversely with GC size in wild-type, AID-, and APE2-deficient mice. Excessive double-strand breaks lead to decreased expression of BCL6, which would enable DNA repair pathways but limit GC cell numbers. These results describe a nonredundant role for APE2 in the protection of GC cells from AID-independent damage, and although GC cells uniquely tolerate DNA damage, we find that the DNA damage response can still regulate GC size through pathways that involve p53 and BCL6.
Molecular Determinants of Agonist and Antagonist Signaling through the IL-36 Receptor
Authors: Günther Sebastian , Sundberg Eric J.
Published: June 2014

The IL-1 family consists of 11 cytokines that control a complex network of proinflammatory signals critical for regulating immune responses to infections. They also play a central role in numerous chronic inflammatory disorders. Accordingly, inhibiting the activities of these cytokines is an important therapeutic strategy for treating autoimmune diseases and lymphomas. Agonist cytokines in the IL-1 family activate signaling by binding their cognate receptor and then recruiting a receptor accessory protein. Conversely, antagonist cytokines bind their cognate receptor but prohibit recruitment of receptor accessory protein, which precludes functional signaling complexes. The IL-36 subfamily of cytokines is the most diverse, including three agonists and at least one antagonist, and is the least well-characterized group within this family. Signaling through the IL-36 receptor directly stimulates dendritic cells and primes naive CD4 T cells for Th1 responses. Appropriately balanced IL-36 signaling is a critical determinant of skin and lung health. IL-36 signaling has been presumed to function analogously to IL-1 signaling. In this study, we have defined molecular determinants of agonist and antagonist signaling through the IL-36 receptor. We present the crystal structure of IL-36γ, which, to our knowledge, is the first reported structure of an IL-36 agonist. Using this structure as a guide, we designed a comprehensive series of IL-36 agonist/antagonist chimeric proteins for which we measured binding to the IL-36 receptor/IL-1 receptor accessory protein complex and functional activation and inhibition of signaling. Our data reveal how the fine specificity of IL-36 signaling is distinct from that of IL-1.
Human NKG2E Is Expressed and Forms an Intracytoplasmic Complex with CD94 and DAP12
Authors: Orbelyan Gerasim A. , Tang Fangming , Sally Benjamin , Solus Jason , Meresse Bertrand , Ciszewski Cezary , Grenier Jean-Christophe , Barreiro Luis B. , Lanier Lewis L. , Jabri Bana
Published: June 2014

The NKG2 family of NK receptors includes activating and inhibitory members. With the exception of the homodimer-forming NKG2D, NKG2 receptors recognize the nonclassical MHC class I molecule HLA-E, and they can be subdivided into two groups: those that associate with and signal through DAP12 to activate cells, and those that contain an ITIM motif to promote inhibition. The function of NKG2 family member NKG2E is unclear in humans, and its surface expression has never been conclusively established, largely because there is no Ab that binds specifically to NKG2E. Seeking to determine a role for this molecule, we chose to investigate its expression and ability to form complexes with intracellular signaling molecules. We found that NKG2E was capable of associating with CD94 and DAP12 but that the complex was retained intracellularly at the endoplasmic reticulum instead of being expressed on cell surfaces, and that this localization was dependent on a sequence of hydrophobic amino acids in the extracellular domain of NKG2E. Because this particular sequence has emerged and been conserved selectively among higher order primates evolutionarily, this observation raises the intriguing possibility that NKG2E may function as an intracellular protein.
Liver Function Test Abnormalities in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Hospital-based Survey
Authors: Cappello Maria , Randazzo Claudia , Bravatà Ivana , Licata Anna , Peralta Sergio , Craxì Antonio , Almasio Piero Luigi
Published: June 2014

Background and Aims

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are frequently associated with altered liver function tests (LFTs). The causal relationship between abnormal LFTs and IBD is unclear. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence and etiology of LFTs abnormalities and their association with clinical variables in a cohort of IBD patients followed up in a single center.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken of all consecutive IBD in- and outpatients routinely followed up at a single referral center. Clinical and demographic parameters were recorded. Subjects were excluded if they had a previous diagnosis of chronic liver disease. LFT abnormality was defined as an increase in aspartate aminotransferase, (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), or total bilirubin.

Results

A cohort of 335 patients (179 males, mean age 46.0 ± 15.6 years) was analyzed. Abnormal LFTs were detected in 70 patients (20.9%). In most cases, the alterations were mild and spontaneously returned to normal values in about 60% of patients. Patients with abnormal LFTs were less frequently on treatment with aminosalicylates (22.8 vs. 36.6%, P = 0.04). The most frequent cause for transient abnormal LFTs was drug-induced cholestasis (34.1%), whereas fatty liver was the most frequent cause of persistent liver damage (65.4%). A cholestatic pattern was found in 60.0% of patients and was mainly related to older age, longer duration of disease, and hypertension.

Conclusions

The prevalence of LFT abnormalities is relatively high in IBD patients, but the development of severe liver injury is exceptional. Moreover, most alterations of LFTs are mild and spontaneously return to normal values. Drug-induced hepatotoxicity and fatty liver are the most relevant causes of abnormal LFTs in patients with IBD.
Mirror mode structures near Venus and Comet P/Halley
Authors: Schmid D. , Volwerk M. , Plaschke F. , Vörös Z. , Zhang T. L. , Baumjohann W. , Narita Y.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. In this paper, we study where mirror mode structures are generated near unmagnetized solar system bodies (Venus and comet P/Halley measured in situ by Venus Express and Giotto). To estimate the location of the mirror mode source region at Venus, we apply a turbulent diffusion model of mirror mode structures, which has already been successfully tested in planetary magnetosheaths (Earth, Jupiter, Saturn). It enables us to estimate the distance between the measured location of the mirror mode and the origin of the mirror mode structure through the mirror mode size. We find that the scenario of mirror mode excitation at the bow shock with subsequent convection and diffusion downstream to the magnetopause is valid for Venus. In the cometary case, however, we find that the size of the mirror mode structure is comparable to the gyroradius of water group ions. This suggests local production of mirror mode structures in the cometary magnetosheath, most likely through fresh ion pickup, as opposed to the convection and diffusion mechanism at Venus.
Origin of lipid biomarkers in mud volcanoes from the Alboran Sea, western Mediterranean
Authors: López-Rodríguez C. , Stadnitskaia A. , De Lange G. J. , Martínez-Ruíz F. , Comas M. , Sinninghe Damsté J. S.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Mud volcanoes (MVs) are the most prominent indicators of active methane/hydrocarbon venting at the seafloor on both passive and active continental margins. Their occurrence in the western Mediterranean is patent at the West Alboran Basin, where numerous MVs develop overlaying a major sedimentary depocentre containing overpressured shales. Although some of these MVs have been studied, the detailed biogeochemistry of expelled mud so far has not been examined in detail. This work provides the first results on the composition and origin of organic matter, anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) processes and general characteristics on MV dynamics using lipid biomarkers as the main tool. Lipid biomarker analysis was performed on MV expelled material (mud breccias) and interbedded hemipelagic sediments from Perejil, Kalinin and Schneider's Heart MVs located in the northwest margin of the Alboran Sea. The n alkane distributions and n alkane-derived indices (CPI and ACL), in combination with the epimerization degree of hopanes (22S/(22S+22R)) indicate that all studied mud breccia have a similar biomarker composition consisting of mainly thermally immature organic matter with an admixture of petroleum-derived compounds. This concordant composition indicates that common source strata must feed all three studied MVs. The past or present AOM activity was established using lipid biomarkers specific for anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (irregular isoprenoids and dialkyl glycerol diethers) and the depleted carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of crocetane/phytane. The presence of these lipid biomarkers, together with the low amounts of detected glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers, is consistent with the dominance of anaerobic methanotrophs of the ANME-2 over ANME-1, at least in mud breccia from Perejil MVs. In contrast, the scarce presence or lack of these AOM-related lipid biomarkers in sediments from Kalinin and Schneider's Heart MVs, suggests that no recent active methane seepage has occurred at these sites. Moreover, the observed methane concentrations support the current activity of Perejil MV, and the very low methane seepage activity in Kalinin and Schneider's Heart MVs.
Typhoons exert significant but differential impact on net carbon ecosystem exchange of subtropical mangrove ecosystems in China
Authors: Chen H. , Lu W. , Yan G. , Yang S. , Lin G.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Typhoons are very unpredictable natural disturbances to subtropical mangrove forests in Asian countries, but litter information is available on how these disturbances affect ecosystem level carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange of mangrove wetlands. In this study, we examined short-term effect of frequent strong typhoons on defoliation and net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) of subtropical mangroves, and also synthesized 19 typhoons during a 4-year period between 2009 and 2012 to further investigate the regulation mechanisms of typhoons on ecosystem carbon and water fluxes following typhoon disturbances. Strong wind and intensive rainfall caused defoliation and local cooling effect during typhoon season. Daily total NEE values were decreased by 26–50% following some typhoons (e.g. W28-Nockten, W35-Molave and W35-Lio-Fan), but were significantly increased (43–131%) following typhoon W23-Babj and W38-Megi. The magnitudes and trends of daily NEE responses were highly variable following different typhoons, which were determined by the balance between the variances of gross ecosystem production (GEP) and ecosystem respiration (RE). Furthermore, results from our synthesis indicated that the landfall time of typhoon, wind speed and rainfall were the most important factors controlling the CO2 fluxes following typhoon events. These findings not only indicate that mangrove ecosystems have strong resilience to the frequent typhoon disturbances, but also demonstrate the damage of increasing typhoon intensity and frequency on subtropical mangrove ecosystems under future global climate change scenarios.
Path dependence of climate and carbon cycle response over a broad range of cumulative carbon emissions
Authors: Herrington T. , Zickfeld K.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Recent studies have demonstrated the proportional relationship between global warming and cumulative carbon emissions, yet the robustness of this relationship has not been tested over a broad range of cumulative emissions and emission rates. This study explores the path dependence of the climate and carbon cycle response using an Earth System model of intermediate complexity forced with 24 idealized emissions scenarios across five cumulative emission groups (1275–5275 GtC) with varying rates of emission. We find the century-scale climate and carbon cycle response after cessation of emissions to be approximately independent of emission pathway for all cumulative emission levels considered. The ratio of global mean temperature change to cumulative emissions – referred to as the transient climate response to cumulative emissions (TCRE) – is found to be constant for cumulative emissions lower than ~1500 GtC, but to decline with higher cumulative emissions. The TCRE is also found to decrease with increasing emission rate. The response of Arctic sea ice is found to be approximately proportional to cumulative emissions, while the response of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) does not scale linearly with cumulative emissions, as its peak response is strongly dependent on emission rate. Ocean carbon uptake weakens with increasing cumulative emissions, while land carbon uptake displays non-monotonic behavior, increasing up to a cumulative emission threshold of ~2000 GtC and then declining.
A simple parameterization of the short-wave aerosol optical properties for surface direct and diffuse irradiances assessment in a numerical weather model
Authors: Ruiz-Arias J. A. , Dudhia J. , Gueymard C. A.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Broadband short-wave (SW) surface direct and diffuse irradiances are not typically within the set of output variables produced by numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. However, they are frequently requested for solar energy applications. In order to compute them, a detailed representation of the aerosol optical properties is important. Nonetheless, NWP models typically oversimplify aerosol representation or even neglect their effect. In this work, a flexible method to account for the SW aerosol optical properties in the computation of broadband SW surface direct and diffuse irradiances is presented. It only requires aerosol optical depth at 0.55 μm and knowledge of the type of predominant aerosol. Other parameters needed to consider spectral aerosol extinction, namely, Angström exponent, aerosol single-scattering albedo and aerosol asymmetry factor, are parameterized. The parameterization has been tested using the Rapid Radiative Transfer Model for climate and weather models (RRTMG) SW scheme of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) NWP model for data over the continental US. In principle, it can be adapted to any other SW radiative transfer band model. It has been verified against a control experiment and using data from five radiometric stations in the contiguous US. The control experiment consisted of a clear-sky evaluation of the RRTMG solar radiation estimates obtained in WRF when RRTMG is driven with ground-observed aerosol optical properties. Overall, the verification has shown satisfactory results for both broadband SW surface direct and diffuse irradiances. The parameterization has proven effective in significantly reducing the prediction error and constraining the seasonal bias in clear-sky conditions to within the typical observational error expected in well maintained radiometers.