bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Papillomavirus Antibodies and Future Risk of Anogenital Cancer: A Nested Case-Control Study in the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition Study
Authors: Kreimer Aimée R. , Brennan Paul , Lang Kuhs Krystle A. , Waterboer Tim , Clifford Gary , Franceschi Silvia , Michel Angelika , Willhauck-Fleckenstein Martina , Riboli Elio , Castellsagué Xavier , Hildesheim Allan , Fortner Renée Turzanski , Kaaks Rudolf , Palli Domenico , Ljuslinder Ingrid , Panico Salvatore , Clavel-Chapelon Françoise , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Mesrine Sylvie , Trichopoulou Antonia , Lagiou Pagona , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Peeters Petra H. , Cross Amanda J. , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , Vineis Paolo , Larrañaga Nerea , Pala Valeria , Sánchez María-José , Navarro Carmen , Barricarte Aurelio , Tumino Rosario , Khaw Kay-Tee , Wareham Nicholas , Boeing Heiner , Steffen Annika , Travis Ruth C. , Quirós J. Ramón , Weiderpass Elisabete , Pawlita Michael , Johansson Mattias
Published: February 2015

Purpose

Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 (HPV16) causes cancer at several anatomic sites. In the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition study, HPV16 E6 seropositivity was present more than 10 years before oropharyngeal cancer diagnosis and was nearly absent in controls. The current study sought to evaluate the extent to which HPV16 E6 antibodies are present before diagnosis of anogenital cancers within the same cohort.

Methods

Four hundred incident anogenital cancers (273 cervical, 24 anal, 67 vulvar, 12 vaginal, and 24 penile cancers) with prediagnostic blood samples (collected on average 3 and 8 years before diagnosis for cervix and noncervix cancers, respectively) and 718 matched controls were included. Plasma was analyzed for antibodies against HPV16 E6 and multiple other HPV proteins and genotypes and evaluated in relation to risk using unconditional logistic regression.

Results

HPV16 E6 seropositivity was present in 29.2% of individuals (seven of 24 individuals) who later developed anal cancer compared with 0.6% of controls (four of 718 controls) who remained cancer free (odds ratio [OR], 75.9; 95% CI, 17.9 to 321). HPV16 E6 seropositivity was less common for cancers of the cervix (3.3%), vagina (8.3%), vulva (1.5%), and penis (8.3%). No associations were seen for non–type 16 HPV E6 antibodies, apart from anti-HPV58 E6 and anal cancer (OR, 6.8; 95% CI, 1.4 to 33.1). HPV16 E6 seropositivity tended to increase in blood samples drawn closer in time to cancer diagnosis.

Conclusion

HPV16 E6 seropositivity is relatively common before diagnosis of anal cancer but rare for other HPV-related anogenital cancers.
Molecular Profiling and Targeted Therapy for Advanced Thoracic Malignancies: A Biomarker-Derived, Multiarm, Multihistology Phase II Basket Trial
Authors: Lopez-Chavez Ariel , Thomas Anish , Rajan Arun , Raffeld Mark , Morrow Betsy , Kelly Ronan , Carter Corey Allan , Guha Udayan , Killian Keith , Lau Christopher C. , Abdullaev Zied , Xi Liqiang , Pack Svetlana , Meltzer Paul S. , Corless Christopher L. , Sandler Alan , Beadling Carol , Warrick Andrea , Liewehr David J. , Steinberg Seth M. , Berman Arlene , Doyle Austin , Szabo Eva , Wang Yisong , Giaccone Giuseppe
Published: February 2015

Purpose

We conducted a basket clinical trial to assess the feasibility of such a design strategy and to independently evaluate the effects of multiple targeted agents against specific molecular aberrations in multiple histologic subtypes concurrently.

Patients and Methods

We enrolled patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small-cell lung cancer, and thymic malignancies who underwent genomic characterization of oncogenic drivers. Patients were enrolled onto a not-otherwise-specified arm and treated with standard-of-care therapies or one of the following five biomarker-matched treatment groups: erlotinib for EGFR mutations; selumetinib for KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, or BRAF mutations; MK2206 for PIK3CA, AKT, or PTEN mutations; lapatinib for ERBB2 mutations or amplifications; and sunitinib for KIT or PDGFRA mutations or amplification.

Results

Six hundred forty-seven patients were enrolled, and 88% had their tumors tested for at least one gene. EGFR mutation frequency was 22.1% in NSCLC, and erlotinib achieved a response rate of 60% (95% CI, 32.3% to 83.7%). KRAS mutation frequency was 24.9% in NSCLC, and selumetinib failed to achieve its primary end point, with a response rate of 11% (95% CI, 0% to 48%). Completion of accrual to all other arms was not feasible. In NSCLC, patients with EGFR mutations had the longest median survival (3.51 years; 95% CI, 2.89 to 5.5 years), followed by those with ALK rearrangements (2.94 years; 95% CI, 1.66 to 4.61 years), those with KRAS mutations (2.3 years; 95% CI, 2.3 to 2.17 years), those with other genetic abnormalities (2.17 years; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.74 years), and those without an actionable mutation (1.85 years; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.13 years).

Conclusion

This basket trial design was not feasible for many of the arms with rare mutations, but it allowed the study of the genetics of less common malignancies.
Crizotinib Therapy for Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma and a ROS1 Rearrangement: Results From the EUROS1 Cohort
Authors: Mazières Julien , Zalcman Gérard , Crinò Lucio , Biondani Pamela , Barlesi Fabrice , Filleron Thomas , Dingemans Anne-Marie C. , Léna Hervé , Monnet Isabelle , Rothschild Sacha I. , Cappuzzo Federico , Besse Benjamin , Thiberville Luc , Rouvière Damien , Dziadziuszko Rafal , Smit Egbert F. , Wolf Jurgen , Spirig Christian , Pecuchet Nicolas , Leenders Frauke , Heuckmann Johannes M. , Diebold Joachim , Milia Julie D. , Thomas Roman K. , Gautschi Oliver
Published: February 2015

Purpose

Approximately 1% of lung adenocarcinomas are driven by oncogenic ROS1 rearrangement. Crizotinib is a potent inhibitor of both ROS1 and ALK kinase domains.

Patients and Methods

In the absence of a prospective clinical trial in Europe, we conducted a retrospective study in centers that tested for ROS1 rearrangement. Eligible patients had stage IV lung adenocarcinoma, had ROS1 rearrangement according to fluorescent in situ hybridization, and had received crizotinib therapy through an individual off-label use. Best response was assessed locally using RECIST (version 1.1). All other data were analyzed centrally.

Results

We identified 32 eligible patients. One patient was excluded because next-generation sequencing was negative for ROS1 fusion. Median age was 50.5 years, 64.5% of patients were women, and 67.7% were never-smokers. Thirty patients were evaluable for progression-free survival (PFS), and 29 patients were evaluable for best response. We observed four patients with disease progression, two patients with stable disease, and objective response in 24 patients, including five complete responses (overall response rate, 80%; disease control rate, 86.7%). Median PFS was 9.1 months, and the PFS rate at 12 months was 44%. No unexpected adverse effects were observed. Twenty-six patients received pemetrexed (either alone or in combination with platinum and either before or after crizotinib) and had a response rate of 57.7% and a median PFS of 7.2 months.

Conclusion

Crizotinib was highly active at treating lung cancer in patients with a ROS1 rearrangement, suggesting that patients with lung adenocarcinomas should be tested for ROS1. Prospective clinical trials with crizotinib and other ROS1 inhibitors are ongoing or planned.
BRAF Mutation and CDKN2A Deletion Define a Clinically Distinct Subgroup of Childhood Secondary High-Grade Glioma
Authors: Mistry Matthew , Zhukova Nataliya , Merico Daniele , Rakopoulos Patricia , Krishnatry Rahul , Shago Mary , Stavropoulos James , Alon Noa , Pole Jason D. , Ray Peter N. , Navickiene Vilma , Mangerel Joshua , Remke Marc , Buczkowicz Pawel , Ramaswamy Vijay , Guerreiro Stucklin Ana , Li Martin , Young Edwin J. , Zhang Cindy , Castelo-Branco Pedro , Bakry Doua , Laughlin Suzanne , Shlien Adam , Chan Jennifer , Ligon Keith L. , Rutka James T. , Dirks Peter B. , Taylor Michael D. , Greenberg Mark , Malkin David , Huang Annie , Bouffet Eric , Hawkins Cynthia E. , Tabori Uri
Published: February 2015

Purpose

To uncover the genetic events leading to transformation of pediatric low-grade glioma (PLGG) to secondary high-grade glioma (sHGG).

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively identified patients with sHGG from a population-based cohort of 886 patients with PLGG with long clinical follow-up. Exome sequencing and array CGH were performed on available samples followed by detailed genetic analysis of the entire sHGG cohort. Clinical and outcome data of genetically distinct subgroups were obtained.

Results

sHGG was observed in 2.9% of PLGGs (26 of 886 patients). Patients with sHGG had a high frequency of nonsilent somatic mutations compared with patients with primary pediatric high-grade glioma (HGG; median, 25 mutations per exome; P = .0042). Alterations in chromatin-modifying genes and telomere-maintenance pathways were commonly observed, whereas no sHGG harbored the BRAF-KIAA1549 fusion. The most recurrent alterations were BRAF V600E and CDKN2A deletion in 39% and 57% of sHGGs, respectively. Importantly, all BRAF V600E and 80% of CDKN2A alterations could be traced back to their PLGG counterparts. BRAF V600E distinguished sHGG from primary HGG (P = .0023), whereas BRAF and CDKN2A alterations were less commonly observed in PLGG that did not transform (P < .001 and P < .001 respectively). PLGGs with BRAF mutations had longer latency to transformation than wild-type PLGG (median, 6.65 years [range, 3.5 to 20.3 years] v 1.59 years [range, 0.32 to 15.9 years], respectively; P = .0389). Furthermore, 5-year overall survival was 75% ± 15% and 29% ± 12% for children with BRAF mutant and wild-type tumors, respectively (P = .024).

Conclusion

BRAF V600E mutations and CDKN2A deletions constitute a clinically distinct subtype of sHGG. The prolonged course to transformation for BRAF V600E PLGGs provides an opportunity for surgical interventions, surveillance, and targeted therapies to mitigate the outcome of sHGG.
Significant Reduction of Late Toxicities in Patients With Extremity Sarcoma Treated With Image-Guided Radiation Therapy to a Reduced Target Volume: Results of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group RTOG-0630 Trial
Authors: Wang Dian , Zhang Qiang , Eisenberg Burton L. , Kane John M. , Li X. Allen , Lucas David , Petersen Ivy A. , DeLaney Thomas F. , Freeman Carolyn R. , Finkelstein Steven E. , Hitchcock Ying J. , Bedi Manpreet , Singh Anurag K. , Dundas George , Kirsch David G.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

We performed a multi-institutional prospective phase II trial to assess late toxicities in patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS) treated with preoperative image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) to a reduced target volume.

Patients and Methods

Patients with extremity STS received IGRT with (cohort A) or without (cohort B) chemotherapy followed by limb-sparing resection. Daily pretreatment images were coregistered with digitally reconstructed radiographs so that the patient position could be adjusted before each treatment. All patients received IGRT to reduced tumor volumes according to strict protocol guidelines. Late toxicities were assessed at 2 years.

Results

In all, 98 patients were accrued (cohort A, 12; cohort B, 86). Cohort A was closed prematurely because of poor accrual and is not reported. Seventy-nine eligible patients from cohort B form the basis of this report. At a median follow-up of 3.6 years, five patients did not have surgery because of disease progression. There were five local treatment failures, all of which were in field. Of the 57 patients assessed for late toxicities at 2 years, 10.5% experienced at least one grade ≥ 2 toxicity as compared with 37% of patients in the National Cancer Institute of Canada SR2 (CAN-NCIC-SR2: Phase III Randomized Study of Pre- vs Postoperative Radiotherapy in Curable Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma) trial receiving preoperative radiation therapy without IGRT (P < .001).

Conclusion

The significant reduction of late toxicities in patients with extremity STS who were treated with preoperative IGRT and absence of marginal-field recurrences suggest that the target volumes used in the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group RTOG-0630 (A Phase II Trial of Image-Guided Preoperative Radiotherapy for Primary Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Extremity) study are appropriate for preoperative IGRT for extremity STS.
GATA4 Is a Key Regulator of Steroidogenesis and Glycolysis in Mouse Leydig Cells
Authors: Schrade Anja , Kyrönlahti Antti , Akinrinade Oyediran , Pihlajoki Marjut , Häkkinen Merja , Fischer Simon , Alastalo Tero-Pekka , Velagapudi Vidya , Toppari Jorma , Wilson David B. , Heikinheimo Markku
Published: February 2015

Transcription factor GATA4 is expressed in somatic cells of the mammalian testis. Gene targeting studies in mice have shown that GATA4 is essential for proper differentiation and function of Sertoli cells. The role of GATA4 in Leydig cell development, however, remains controversial, because targeted mutagenesis experiments in mice have not shown a consistent phenotype, possibly due to context-dependent effects or compensatory responses. We therefore undertook a reductionist approach to study the function of GATA4 in Leydig cells. Using microarray analysis and quantitative RT-PCR, we identified a set of genes that are down-regulated or up-regulated after small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of Gata4 in the murine Leydig tumor cell line mLTC-1. These same genes were dysregulated when primary cultures of Gata4flox/flox adult Leydig cells were subjected to adenovirus-mediated cre-lox recombination in vitro. Among the down-regulated genes were enzymes of the androgen biosynthetic pathway (Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1, and Srd5a). Silencing of Gata4 expression in mLTC-1 cells was accompanied by reduced production of sex steroid precursors, as documented by mass spectrometric analysis. Comprehensive metabolomic analysis of GATA4-deficient mLTC-1 cells showed alteration of other metabolic pathways, notably glycolysis. GATA4-depleted mLTC-1 cells had reduced expression of glycolytic genes (Hk1, Gpi1, Pfkp, and Pgam1), lower intracellular levels of ATP, and increased extracellular levels of glucose. Our findings suggest that GATA4 plays a pivotal role in Leydig cell function and provide novel insights into metabolic regulation in this cell type.
The melanocyte lineage in development and disease
Authors: Mort Richard L. , Jackson Ian J. , Patton E. Elizabeth
Published: February 2015

Melanocyte development provides an excellent model for studying more complex developmental processes. Melanocytes have an apparently simple aetiology, differentiating from the neural crest and migrating through the developing embryo to specific locations within the skin and hair follicles, and to other sites in the body. The study of pigmentation mutations in the mouse provided the initial key to identifying the genes and proteins involved in melanocyte development. In addition, work on chicken has provided important embryological and molecular insights, whereas studies in zebrafish have allowed live imaging as well as genetic and transgenic approaches. This cross-species approach is powerful and, as we review here, has resulted in a detailed understanding of melanocyte development and differentiation, melanocyte stem cells and the role of the melanocyte lineage in diseases such as melanoma.
Enteroendocrine cells are generated from stem cells through a distinct progenitor in the adult Drosophila posterior midgut
Authors: Zeng Xiankun , Hou Steven X.
Published: February 2015

Functional mature cells are continually replenished by stem cells to maintain tissue homoeostasis. In the adult Drosophila posterior midgut, both terminally differentiated enterocyte (EC) and enteroendocrine (EE) cells are generated from an intestinal stem cell (ISC). However, it is not clear how the two differentiated cells are generated from the ISC. In this study, we found that only ECs are generated through the Su(H)GBE+ immature progenitor enteroblasts (EBs), whereas EEs are generated from ISCs through a distinct progenitor pre-EE by a novel lineage-tracing system. EEs can be generated from ISCs in three ways: an ISC becoming an EE, an ISC becoming a new ISC and an EE through asymmetric division, or an ISC becoming two EEs through symmetric division. We further identified that the transcriptional factor Prospero (Pros) regulates ISC commitment to EEs. Our data provide direct evidence that different differentiated cells are generated by different modes of stem cell lineage specification within the same tissues.
Zebrafish foxc1a drives appendage-specific neural circuit development
Authors: Banerjee Santanu , Hayer Katharina , Hogenesch John B. , Granato Michael
Published: February 2015

Neural connectivity between the spinal cord and paired appendages is key to the superior locomotion of tetrapods and aquatic vertebrates. In contrast to nerves that innervate axial muscles, those innervating appendages converge at a specialized structure, the plexus, where they topographically reorganize before navigating towards their muscle targets. Despite its importance for providing appendage mobility, the genetic program that drives nerve convergence at the plexus, as well as the functional role of this convergence, are not well understood. Here, we show that in zebrafish the transcription factor foxc1a is dispensable for trunk motor nerve guidance but is required to guide spinal nerves innervating the pectoral fins, equivalent to the tetrapod forelimbs. In foxc1a null mutants, instead of converging with other nerves at the plexus, pectoral fin nerves frequently bypass the plexus. We demonstrate that foxc1a expression in muscle cells delineating the nerve path between the spinal cord and the plexus region restores convergence at the plexus. By labeling individual fin nerves, we show that mutant nerves bypassing the plexus enter the fin at ectopic positions, yet innervate their designated target areas, suggesting that motor axons can select their appropriate fin target area independently of their migration through the plexus. Although foxc1a mutants display topographically correct fin innervation, mutant fin muscles exhibit a reduction in the levels of pre- and postsynaptic structures, concomitant with reduced pectoral fin function. Combined, our results reveal foxc1a as a key player in the development of connectivity between the spinal cord and paired appendages, which is crucial for appendage mobility.
Scleraxis and osterix antagonistically regulate tensile force-responsive remodeling of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone
Authors: Takimoto Aki , Kawatsu Masayoshi , Yoshimoto Yuki , Kawamoto Tadafumi , Seiryu Masahiro , Takano-Yamamoto Teruko , Hiraki Yuji , Shukunami Chisa
Published: February 2015

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a mechanosensitive noncalcified fibrous tissue connecting the cementum of the tooth and the alveolar bone. Here, we report that scleraxis (Scx) and osterix (Osx) antagonistically regulate tensile force-responsive PDL fibrogenesis and osteogenesis. In the developing PDL, Scx was induced during tooth eruption and co-expressed with Osx. Scx was highly expressed in elongated fibroblastic cells aligned along collagen fibers, whereas Osx was highly expressed in the perialveolar/apical osteogenic cells. In an experimental model of tooth movement, Scx and Osx expression was significantly upregulated in parallel with the activation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling on the tension side, in which bone formation compensates for the widened PDL space away from the bone under tensile force by tooth movement. Scx was strongly expressed in Scx+/Osx+ and Scx+/Osx− fibroblastic cells of the PDL that does not calcify; however, Scx−/Osx+ osteogenic cells were dominant in the perialveolar osteogenic region. Upon BMP6-driven osteoinduction, osteocalcin, a marker for bone formation was downregulated and upregulated by Scx overexpression and knockdown of endogenous Scx in PDL cells, respectively. In addition, mineralization by osteoinduction was significantly inhibited by Scx overexpression in PDL cells without affecting Osx upregulation, suggesting that Scx counteracts the osteogenic activity regulated by Osx in the PDL. Thus, Scx+/Osx−, Scx+/Osx+ and Scx−/Osx+ cell populations participate in the regulation of tensile force-induced remodeling of periodontal tissues in a position-specific manner.
Force production and mechanical accommodation during convergent extension
Authors: Zhou Jian , Pal Siladitya , Maiti Spandan , Davidson Lance A.
Published: February 2015

Forces generated within the embryo during convergent extension (CE) must overcome mechanical resistance to push the head away from the rear. As mechanical resistance increases more than eightfold during CE and can vary twofold from individual to individual, we have proposed that developmental programs must include mechanical accommodation in order to maintain robust morphogenesis. To test this idea and investigate the processes that generate forces within early embryos, we developed a novel gel-based sensor to report force production as a tissue changes shape; we find that the mean stress produced by CE is 5.0±1.6 Pascal (Pa). Experiments with the gel-based force sensor resulted in three findings. (1) Force production and mechanical resistance can be coupled through myosin contractility. The coupling of these processes can be hidden unless affected tissues are challenged by physical constraints. (2) CE is mechanically adaptive; dorsal tissues can increase force production up to threefold to overcome a stiffer microenvironment. These findings demonstrate that mechanical accommodation can ensure robust morphogenetic movements against environmental and genetic variation that might otherwise perturb development and growth. (3) Force production is distributed between neural and mesodermal tissues in the dorsal isolate, and the notochord, a central structure involved in patterning vertebrate morphogenesis, is not required for force production during late gastrulation and early neurulation. Our findings suggest that genetic factors that coordinately alter force production and mechanical resistance are common during morphogenesis, and that their cryptic roles can be revealed when tissues are challenged by controlled biophysical constraints.
α5 and αv integrins cooperate to regulate vascular smooth muscle and neural crest functions in vivo
Authors: Turner Christopher J. , Badu-Nkansah Kwabena , Crowley Denise , van der Flier Arjan , Hynes Richard O.
Published: February 2015

The RGD-binding α5 and αv integrins have been shown to be key regulators of vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) function in vitro. However, their role on vSMCs during vascular development in vivo remains unclear. To address this issue, we have generated mice that lack α5, αv or both α5 and αv integrins on their vSMCs, using the SM22α-Cre transgenic mouse line. To our surprise, neither α5 nor αv mutants displayed any obvious vascular defects during embryonic development. By contrast, mice lacking both α5 and αv integrins developed interrupted aortic arches, large brachiocephalic/carotid artery aneurysms and cardiac septation defects, but developed extensive and apparently normal vasculature in the skin. Cardiovascular defects were also found, along with cleft palates and ectopically located thymi, in Wnt1-Cre α5/αv mutants, suggesting that α5 and αv cooperate on neural crest-derived cells to control the remodelling of the pharyngeal arches and the septation of the heart and outflow tract. Analysis of cultured α5/αv-deficient vSMCs suggests that this is achieved, at least in part, through proper assembly of RGD-containing extracellular matrix proteins and the correct incorporation and activation of latent TGF-β.
How do we improve peer review for manuscripts from culturally divergent origins?
Authors: Dart Anthony
Published: February 2015

Objective and informed peer review is critically important to the progress of science. These standards can sometimes be at risk in the evaluation of manuscripts from less culturally familiar places and such evaluations therefore require particular vigilance. Alternative publication strategies may be particularly helpful in these circumstances.
Developing a wintering waterfowl community baseline for environmental monitoring of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
Authors: Kreakie Betty J. , Winiarski Kristopher , McKinney Richard
Published: February 2015

In 2004, the Atlantic Ecology Division of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development began an annual winter waterfowl survey of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay.   Herein, we explore the survey data gathered from 2004 to 2011 in order to establish a benchmark understanding of the Narragansett Bay’s waterfowl communities and to establish a statistical framework for future environmental monitoring.  Abundance and diversity of Narragansett Bay’s wintering waterfowl were relatively stable during the initial years of this survey, except in 2010 when there was a large spike in abundance and a reciprocal fall in diversity.  There was no significant change in ranked abundance of most waterfowl species, with only Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) and Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucllatus) showing a slight yet significant upward trend during the course of our survey period.  Nonmetric multidimensional scaling was used to examine the community structure of wintering waterfowl in Narragansett Bay.  The results of the Nonmetric multidimensional scaling indicate that there is a spatial structure to the waterfowl communities of Narragansett Bay and this structure has remained relatively stable since the survey began.  Our Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis helps to solidify what is known anecdotally about Narragansett Bay’s waterfowl ecology, and provides a formalized benchmark for long-term monitoring of Narragansett Bay’s waterfowl communities.  Birds, including waterfowl, are preferred bioindicators and we propose using our multivariate approach to monitor the future health of Narragansett Bay.
“I’m bringing back a dead art”: continuity and change in the lives of young fathers
Authors: Shirani Fiona
Published: February 2015

Debates about continuity and change in fathering often involve discussion of financial providing and caring involvement. Whilst there remains a lack of consensus about the extent to which these issues are actually new, they are widely recognised as important aspects of cultural constructions of good fatherhood. One group of men who face particular challenges in being seen as good fathers are young fathers, who have different resources to negotiate the demands of earning and caring. This analysis elucidates understandings of continuity and change in the lives of young fathers by exploring how they relate to conceptions of involvement and breadwinning. By drawing on two case examples from a qualitative longitudinal dataset, young fathers’ relationships to earning and caring over time are explored. This methodological approach serves to illustrate the dynamic nature of young fathers’ lives, capturing changes and continuities in their accounts through time.
Transnationalism and transculturalism as seen in Congolese music videograms
Authors: Tsambu Léon
Published: February 2015

This study focuses on Congolese music videograms that are considered here as transnational and transcultural products with respect to the pathway they take through the production process, but also with respect to the interference within this process of patrons and sponsors who, in search of symbolic or economic power, show up unannounced in the content of these musical works (software) and/or the packaging of them as products (hardware). Although these works are made up of local ideas, they end up paraphrasing and re-mediatizing globalized scenarios such as an advertisement for Dior’s J’adore perfume, which appears on TV and on the Internet. In addition, certain video clips and music videos appear as advertising slots for the group of high-living bon vivant Congolese immigrants to Europe known as mikilistes, or the high fashion group known as sapeurs. The album covers and the content promote diamond merchants or cottage industries (small shops, hair salons and transport companies) that help immigrants to get by. Furthermore, these music videograms are very often produced in Europe, and yet they end up validating both a cultural melting pot and a symbolic gap by joining the rhetoric of local texts to the globalized rhetoric of the background scenery.
‘Underground’ rap performance, informality and cultural production in Dar es Salaam
Authors: Kerr David
Published: February 2015

Hip hop is part of a global economy of music, images and signs. Since the 1990s, hip hop has become an increasingly mainstream part of the African musical landscape. In Tanzania, as hip hop has become progressively more popular, the practice of rapping has also become more widespread. In recent years, Dar es Salaam has seen a growth in andagraundi or ‘underground’ rappers. It is, in part, through the consumption of transnational styles and signs that underground rappers are able to fashion themselves. Through popular cultural practice, rappers embody the transnational persona of a rapper. These transnational ideas and symbols are, however, imbued with meanings embedded in local discourses. The distinction frequently made between the local and the global is collapsed by the rappers as they come to embody the local in the global and vice versa.
Media and mobility in South African House music
Authors: Simmert Tom
Published: February 2015

This article addresses the process of cultural globalization by examining local variations of a global music genre. It provides a case study of a South African House music scene, located in Johannesburg’s eastern outskirts and examines the role of mobility, digital media and technology as key factors for the development of this local scene. The article argues that various aspects of cultural production and performance within this scene are shaped by its transnational background and continuous remediation. It therefore focuses on the mobility of some particular agents and the digitalization of music production technology, showing their impact on the development of South African House music.
A Tisífone de Sílio Itálico: Púnicas 2.526-52
Authors: Natividade Everton da Silva
Published: February 2015

Este artigo se concentra na primeira aparição de Tisífone no poema Púnicas de Sílio Itálico (2.526-52) e considera o retrato da divindade infernal. Inserindo Sílio no seu período de produção e analisando o excerto, delineia-se como o séquito de Tisífone, as alterações geográficas causadas pela sua presença e suas ações funcionam como instrumentos caracterizadores em tais versos, além de examinar a descrição apresentada da Eumênide, tanto nas palavras do poeta como nas de Juno. Por último, investiga-se a relação entre a Fúria e sua mandante olímpica, Juno, e argumenta-se que a Tisífone siliana é o resultado de um diálogo com a Juno virgiliana da Eneida.
Study on Control of Inclusion Compositions in Tire Cord Steel by Low Basicity Top Slag
Authors: Xin Cai-ping , Yue Feng , Jiang Chen-xu , Wu Qi-fan
Published: February 2015

Top slag melting experiment was conducted in a silicon molybdenum furnace with tire cord steel billet. The influence of top slag composition on the plasticity of CaO–Al2O3–SiO2–MgO inclusion and inclusion plasticization conditions was calculated by thermodynamic software FactSage. Use the thermodynamic calculation to guide the laboratory experiments to study slag compositions influence inclusions composition. Then industrial experiments were conducted based on the theoretical calculation and results of laboratory experiments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to determine the morphology and composition of inclusions in steel. All studies show that in the CaO–Al2O3–SiO2–10% MgO diagram, when CaO = 8–48%, SiO2 = 35–75%, Al2O3 = 0–32%, inclusions are in the plastic area. When basicity of top slag is certain, Al2O3 content in inclusions increases with the increase of Al2O3 content in the slag, and the distribution of inclusions becomes scattered with the increase of Al2O3 content in slag. Inclusion plasticization can be achieved when the binary basicities of top slag are 0.6, 0.8–1.2, 1.4 and corresponding w(Al2O3)s are 2–15%, 2–10%, <2%. According to industrial experimental results, when top slag basicity decreases from 1.5 to 0.67–0.9 and Al2O3 content decreases below 10 wt%, the inclusion falls into plastic area. It is feasible in practice to control the CaO–Al2O3–SiO2–MgO inclusions plastic through adjusting Al2O3 content in slag.
Conditional Transformation Models for Survivor Function Estimation
Authors: Möst Lisa , Hothorn Torsten
Published: February 2015

In survival analysis, the estimation of patient-specific survivor functions that are conditional on a set of patient characteristics is of special interest. In general, knowledge of the conditional survival probabilities of a patient at all relevant time points allows better assessment of the patient’s risk than summary statistics, such as median survival time. Nevertheless, standard methods for analysing survival data seldom estimate the survivor function directly. Therefore, we propose the application of conditional transformation models (CTMs) for the estimation of the conditional distribution function of survival times given a set of patient characteristics. We used the inverse probability of censoring weighting approach to account for right-censored observations. Our proposed modelling approach allows the prediction of patient-specific survivor functions. In addition, CTMs constitute a flexible model class that is able to deal with proportional as well as non-proportional hazards. The well-known Cox model is included in the class of CTMs as a special case. We investigated the performance of CTMs in survival data analysis in a simulation that included proportional and non-proportional hazard settings and different scenarios of explanatory variables. Furthermore, we re-analysed the survival times of patients suffering from chronic myelogenous leukaemia and studied the impact of the proportional hazards assumption on previously published results.
Mechanical and Sensory Evaluation of Noodles Incorporated with Betel Leaf Extract
Authors: Nouri Leila , Nafchi Abdorreza Mohammadi , Karim A. A.
Published: February 2015

Noodles promote health as a source of essential nutrients and fiber. This study evaluated the effects of incorporating various levels of betel leaf extract on the quality and sensory acceptability of Hokkien noodles. Hokkien noodles incorporated with betel leaf extract (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% based on flour weight) were prepared from wheat flour with a moisture content of 14%. The hardness, elongation, adhesiveness, color, and sensory evaluation of the noodles were then determined. Results clearly show that the incorporation of betel leaf extract at various levels led to the structural modification of the noodles and to a soft product compare to the control. However, the product scores in all sensory attributes were higher than the control scores. The sample was incorporated 15% betel leaf extract had the best acceptance quality wherein the beneficial effects of betel leaf polyphenols can be utilized.
Effect of Drum Drying on Physico-chemical Characteristics of Dragon Fruit Peel (Hylocereus polyrhizus)
Authors: Chia S.L. , Chong G.H.
Published: February 2015

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel is high in antioxidants and fiber; however, it is discarded during processing. In this study, changes in physico-chemical properties of dragon fruit peel after drum drying were determined. Ground dragon fruit peel was drum dried at 1 rpm with 2 bar steam pressure, then analyzed for physical, chemical and functional properties. The betacyanin content was twofold higher in drum-dried powder (41.55 mg/g dm) than in a fresh sample (80.21 mg/g dm), yet up to 98.62% of the total phenolic content was retained with a 3.328 mg trolox/g dm reduction in the radical scavenging activity. The density of the powder was 0.1315 g/mL with 51.44% soluble in water. The functional properties determined included water holding capacity (2.523 g water/g sample), oil holding capacity (3.565 g oil/g sample) and swelling capacity (6.233 mL/g). The results of this study indicate that drum-dried dragon fruit peel can be considered to contain potentially functional ingredients.
Influence of Blanching Pretreatment on the Drying Characteristics of Cherry Tomato and Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Cheng Li-Shuang , Fang Sheng , Ruan Mao-Lin
Published: February 2015

The hot air drying with blanching pretreatment may provide a practical method for the production of dried cherry tomatoes. The influences of drying temperature (50°C, 60°C, 70°C and 80°C) and blanching on the drying kinetics of cherry tomatoes were studied. Nine mathematical models were evaluated and the determination of coefficient (R
2), chi-square (χ
2) and root mean square errors (RMSE) were compared. The Logarithmic model gave best results with R
2 of 0.9992 and 0.9995 for fresh and blanched cherry tomatoes, respectively. The values of effective moisture diffusivity coefficient D
eff varied in the range of 1.7281 × 10−9 to 4.6306 × 10−9 m2 s−1 for the fresh cherry tomatoes, while 2.1034 × 10−9 to 6.6487 × 10−9 m2 s−1 for the blanched samples. The values of activation energy were 31.99 and 36.21 kJ mol−1 for the raw and blanched cherry tomatoes, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of temperature and blanching on color change of cherry tomatoes was measured.
Conditioning on Post-treatment Variables
Authors: Pearl Judea
Published: February 2015

In this issue of the Causal, Casual, and Curious column, I compare several ways of extracting information from post-treatment variables and call attention to some peculiar relationships among them. In particular, I contrast do-calculus conditioning with counterfactual conditioning and discuss their interpretations and scopes of applications. These relationships have come up in conversations with readers, students and curious colleagues, so I will present them in a question–answers format.
Is Manipur a linguistic area?
Authors: Chelliah Shobhana L.
Published: February 2015

We expect linguistic areas in geographically delimited regions because, as has been seen universally, languages tend to influence each other when in contact. In linguistic areas we expect to see shared distinctive traits between some of the languages in the area. This paper reflects on why it is that Manipur (Northeast India), which hosts within its 22,347 square kilometers approximately 29 languages, does not exhibit a greater sharing of linguistic traits. This article discusses some distinctive key features between four representative languages of Manipur: Lamkang, Meitei, Tangkhul, and Thadou. Cross-language influence is limited due to dissimilar religious and socio-economic factors.
A Matlab-based Monte Carlo algorithm for transport of gamma-rays in matter
Authors: Sharifzadeh Mohsen , Afarideh Hosein , Khalafi Hosein , Gholipour Reza
Published: February 2015

Transport of gamma photons in many fields such as radiation detection, dosimetry, and treatment planning is used. The transport of 1 MeV and 5 MeV photons in a water phantom was simulated by using the Monte Carlo algorithm in Matlab work space. The result of KERMA calculation showed good agreement with Arqueros and Montesinos [American Journal of Physics 71 (2003), no. 1, 38–45], and MCNP4C. The proposed algorithm has ability to read out from different cross section libraries. As the future work, it also can be extend for the electron and visible photon transport.
Raman spectroscopy for the discrimination of cancerous and normal skin
Authors: Schleusener Johannes , Reble Carina , Meinke Martina C. , Helfmann Jürgen
Published: February 2015

Various studies have shown promising results in using Raman spectroscopy (RS) for the detection of skin cancers.
Folate receptor: a potential target in ovarian cancer
Authors: Bartouskova Marie , Melichar Bohuslav , Mohelnikova-Duchonova Beatrice
Published: February 2015

Ovarian cancer is the most frequent cause of gynecological cancer-related death. Unfortunately, many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and have a poor prognosis. The standard treatment for advanced disease involves maximal cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy based on platinum compounds and taxanes. Patients presenting at an advanced stage have a higher risk of recurrence. The development of drug resistance currently represents a major obstacle in the systematic treatment and, therefore, the discovery of new anticancer agents and approaches should improve the poor prognosis of these patients. Folate receptor α is overexpressed in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), but has limited expression in nonmalignant human tissues. The degree of folate receptor expression corresponds with the stage and grade of the disease. Because of this, folate receptor α seems to be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Currently, several approaches have been studied to target this protein in ovarian cancer treatment. This review summarizes current knowledge about the potential usage of folate receptors as prognostic and predictive biomarkers as well as their role in the management and targeted therapy of ovarian cancer.
Some Investigations Performed for the Bridge Over Jiu at Aninoasa
Authors: Răcănel Ionuţ Radu , Daraban Marian , Stănescu Răzvan
Published: February 2015

The carrying structure of the bridge over the Jiu River at Aninoasa consists in two parallel concrete arches with variable height of the cross section, sustaining a concrete deck through vertical concrete hangers. In the time period passed since the bridge was erected, some structural elements shown damages. In order to establish the technical state of the bridge, a technical appraisement was performed and according to this, the most exposed elements to the risk of failure are the hangers.

The purpose of this paper is to present briefly both, the method used to test the actual bridge carrying capacity in situ and the finite element model developed for the static and dynamic analysis of the structure.

In order to estimate the state of the structural elements, two ways were followed. In the first stage, a test project was carried out and in the second stage, a complete 3D finite element model was developed to analyze the bridge structure.

The test project has foreseen the loading of the bridge by heavy unloaded trucks, disposed in some positions on the deck and the measurements of the deck and arches displacements. The positions of the trucks were established in order to obtain the maximum values both for arches transverse displacements and vertical displacements of the deck. Using electro-resistive transducers the hangers elongations and strains values on their cross section were also measured. These measured values were compared with those obtained from the numerical calculations performed by using the complete finite element model. By means of the finite element model, also the response of the structure following the dynamic action of vehicles was investigated.
Microfibre Reinforced Hot Mix Asphalt
Authors: Zak Josef , Vavricka Jiri
Published: February 2015

Cracks are common disturbances in pavement structure. The ability of hot mix asphalt to withstand tensile stresses is limited. This paper presents influence of different microfiber reinforcement types ITERFIBRA to hot mix asphalt behaviour in its chosen properties. Bulk density of hot mix asphalt, stiffness , resistance to the permanent deformation and resistance to the crack propagation are taken into consideration.
The Analysis of Low Noise Protection Barriers Influence on Tram Traffic Noise Levels
Authors: Ahac Maja , Lakušić Stjepan , Ahac Saša , Dragčević Vesna
Published: February 2015

The paper describes the analysis of tram traffic noise situation in residential areas in the vicinity of Drzic Avenue, one of the major routes between the northern and southern part of the Croatian capital city Zagreb, and the effect of low barriers placed by the tracks on tram noise mitigation. In order to evaluate the effect of planned protection measure, noise models were produced and verified with short-term field measurements. Calculations were conducted by means of noise prediction software, using European interim noise prediction method and 3D model of analyzed area. Finally, the results of noise calculations for existing tram traffic situation and planned measure of protection are presented on noise maps.
The Quality of Mixing in Mixers with Bars and Radial and Longitudinal Scrapers
Authors: Andrievschi Serghei , Lungu Valeriu , Carcea Ala , Lozan Alexandru
Published: February 2015

The process of division - combining of streams in mixers with bars and radial and longitudinal scrapers was studied. The number of unique streams that are formed after passing each row of longitudinal bars and the total amount of them were determined. This is demonstrated by migration of the particles along the mixer from left to right and vice versa, from the center of the drum towards the periphery and vice versa. In the process of mixing the particles in the center gain normal distribution and the ones on the side - sectioned normal distribution. The sum of normal distribution with the sectioned normal distribution leads to an equable distribution along the drum and transverse planes and to a homogeneous mixing of the components. The quality of mixing had been investigated and an optimal mixing regime for the mixer with radial and longitudinal bars and scrapers was proposed.
Performance-Based Asphalt Mix and Pavement Design
Authors: Blab Ronald
Published: February 2015

Prediction and optimization of in-service performance of road pavements during their live time is one of the main objectives of pavement research these days. For flexible pavements the key performance characteristics are fatigue and low-temperature, as well as permanent deformation behavior at elevated temperatures. The problem facing pavement designers is the need to fully characterize the complex thermo-rheological properties of hot mix asphalt (HMA) over a wide temperature range on the one hand, while on the other also providing a realistic simulation of the traffic- and climate-induced stresses to which pavements are exposed over their design lives of 20 to 30 years. Where heavily trafficked roads are concerned, there is therefore an urgent need for more comprehensive test methods combined with better numerical forecast procedures to improve the economics and extend the service lives of flexible pavements under repair and maintenance programs.

This papers therefore focus on performance-based test methods on the basis of existing European standards that address effective mechanical characteristics of bituminous materials and which may be introduced into national requirements within the framework of European HMA specifications. These test methods comprise low temperature tests, i.e. the tensile stress restrained specimen test or the uniaxial tensile strength test, stiffness and fatigue tests, i.e. the four point bending beam test or the uniaxial tension compression test, as well as methods to determine permanent deformation behavior by means of dynamic triaxial tests.

These tests are used for the performance-based mix design and subsequently implemented in numerical pavement models for a reliable prediction of in-service performance, which, in combination with performance-based tests, enables a simulation of load-induced stresses and mechanogenic effects on the road structure and thus improved forecasts of the in-service performance of flexible pavements over their entire service lives.