bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Two-Layer Approach to Developing Self-Adaptive Multi-Agent Systems in Open Environment
Authors: Mao Xinjun , Dong Menggao , Zhu Haibin
Published: June 2014

Development of self-adaptive systems situated in open and uncertain environments is a great challenge in the community of software engineering due to the unpredictability of environment changes and the variety of self-adaptation manners. Explicit specification of expected changes and various self-adaptations at design-time, an approach often adopted by developers, seems ineffective. This paper presents an agent-based approach that combines two-layer self-adaptation mechanisms and reinforcement learning together to support the development and running of self-adaptive systems. The approach takes self-adaptive systems as multi-agent organizations and enables the agent itself to make decisions on self-adaptation by learning at run-time and at different levels. The proposed self-adaptation mechanisms that are based on organization metaphors enable self-adaptation at two layers: fine-grain behavior level and coarse-grain organization level. Corresponding reinforcement learning algorithms on self-adaptation are designed and integrated with the two-layer self-adaptation mechanisms. This paper further details developmental technologies, based on the above approach, in establishing self-adaptive systems, including extended software architecture for self-adaptation, an implementation framework, and a development process. A case study and experiment evaluations are conducted to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Curative activity contributes to control of spotted-wing drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and blueberry maggot (Diptera: Tephritidae) in highbush blueberry
Authors: Wise J.C. , Vanderpoppen R. , Vandervoort C. , O’Donnell C. , Isaacs R.
Published: June 2014

Semi-field experiments were used to compare the curative activity of insecticides on spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae)) and blueberry maggot (Rhagoletis mendax Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae)) in blueberry fruit. The organophosphate phosmet, the spinosyn spinetoram, and neonicotinoids imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiamethoxam showed significant lethality on spotted-wing drosophila and blueberry maggot larvae and eggs, when applied topically to blueberry fruit post-infestation. The pyrethroids fenpropathrin and zeta-cypermethrin showed high levels of post-infestation activity on spotted-wing drosophila larvae or eggs, and indoxacarb showed statistically weaker activity. Curative activity is a previously unrecognised contributor to the overall means by which blueberry growers may achieve control of spotted-wing drosophila and blueberry maggot with the use of insecticides in blueberries.
Physiopathology of pain in rheumatology
Authors: Cazzola M. , Atzeni F. , Boccassini L. , Cassisi G. , Sarzi-Puttini P.
Published: June 2014

Pain is the main manifestation of many rheumatic diseases (be they overtly inflammatory such as rheumatoid arthritis or dysfunctional such as fibromyalgia) but, at least initially, the mechanisms involved in the genesis, amplification and chronicisation of the persistent pain characterising the various conditions can be very different. The main peripheral mechanism underlying acute nociceptive pain is a change in the activity of the nociceptors located in the affected anatomical structures (joints, tendons and ligaments), which makes them more sensitive to normally painful stimuli (hyperalgesia) or normally non-painful stimuli (allodynia). This physiopathological mechanism of peripheral sensitisation plays a primary role in rheumatic diseases characterised by acute inflammation, such as the arthritides due to microcrystals. In the case of chronic rheumatic diseases that do not regress spontaneously, functional and structural central nervous system changes cause a generalised reduction in the pain threshold that is not limited to the anatomical structures involved, thus leading to the appearance of hyperalgesia and allodynia in many, if not all body districts. This is the physiopathological basis of chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain.
Somatoform disorders and rheumatic diseases: from DSM-IV to DSM-V
Authors: Alciati A. , Atzeni F. , Sgiarovello P. , Sarzi-Puttini P.
Published: June 2014

Medically unexplained symptoms are considered ‘somatoform disorders’ in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). The introduction of this nosographic category has been helpful in drawing attention to a previously neglected area, but has not been successful in promoting an understanding of the disorders’ biological basis and treatment implications, probably because of a series of diagnostic shortcomings. The newly proposed DSM-V diagnostic criteria try to overcome the limitations of the DSM-IV definition, which was organised centrally around the concept of medically unexplained symptoms, by emphasising the extent to which a patient’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours concerning their somatic symptoms are disproportionate or excessive. This change is supported by a growing body of evidence showing that psychological and behavioural features play a major role in causing patient disability and maintaining high level of health care use. Pain disorders is the sub-category of DSM-IV somatoform disorders that most closely resembles fibromyalgia. Regardless of the diagnostic changes recently brought about by DSM-V, neuroimaging studies have identified important components of the mental processes associated with a DSM- IV diagnosis of pain disorder.
Indications for Surgical Removal of the Eye in Rural Areas in Cameroon
Authors: Kagmeni Giles , Noche Christelle Domngang , Nguefack-Tsague Georges , Wiedemann Peter
Published: June 2014

Objective

To determine the main clinical indications for surgical removal of the eye in rural areas in Cameroon.

Design

Retrospective non-comparative case series.

Participants

A total of 253 patients presenting to the Manna eye clinic Nkongsamba who underwent destructive eye surgery (DES) between January 2006 and December 2010 were reviewed.

Main Outcome Measure

Age, gender, occupation, prior medication, visual acuity, operation indications, and type of operation.

Results

There were 58.10% (n = 147) men and 41.90% (n = 106) women. Median age was 29 years (interquartile range: 14–69 years); age ranged from 10 to 88 years. A total of 67.19% (n = 170) of participants were farmers and lived in rural zones. In all, 79.05% (n = 200) confessed to have trying a medication before the presentation. Surgical indications included infective causes (perforated corneal ulcer 33.20% (n = 84) and endophthalmitis 18.20% (n = 46)), trauma 17.40% (n = 44), painful blind eyes 11.50% (n = 29), malignancy 10.70% (n = 27), and others 9.10% (n = 23).

Conclusion

The most common causes of DES in this series could be avoided. Therefore, preventive measures including extensive health education of the public and traditional healers on the risks linked to the use of traditional medicines in ophthalmology and the late presentation of eye disease, quality control of the campaigns that offer free cataract operations in the country.
m-embedded Subgroups and p-nilpotency of Finite Groups
Authors: Xu Yong , Zhang Xinjian
Published: June 2014

Let A be a subgroup of a finite group G and ∑ some subgroup series of G. Suppose that for each pair (K,H) such that K is a maximal subgroup of H and Gi-1 ≤ K < H ≤ Gi , for some i, either A ∩ H = A ∩ K or AH = AK. Then A is said to be ∑-embedded in G. And A is said to be m-embedded in G if G has a subnormal subgroup T and a {1 ≤ G}-embedded subgroup C in G such that G = AT and T∩A ≤ C ≤ A. In this article, some sufficient conditions for a finite group G to be p-nilpotent are given whenever all subgroups with order pk of a Sylow p-subgroup of G are m-embedded for a given positive integer k.
Infection with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum of 0 to 18-Month-Old Children Living in a Visceral Leishmaniasis-Endemic Area in Brazil
Authors: Maciel Danielle Borges , Silva Thaís Almeida M. , Gomes Luciana Inácia , de Oliveira Edward , Tibúrcio Monique Gomes Salles , de Oliveira Rafael Faria , Avelar Daniel , Barbosa José Ronaldo , Furtado Eliana , Rabello Ana , de Almeida Silva Luciana
Published: June 2014

The diagnosis of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum infection in children from birth may serve as a reference for the early identification of cases that would progress to classical visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in endemic areas. This study prospectively evaluated newborns of mothers living in the municipality of Paracatu, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The infants were followed up at 6-month intervals by clinical examination, serological tests (immunofluorescence [IIF] and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with rK39 [ELISA-rK39]) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) until they had completed 18 months of age. A total of 166 pregnant women were included to evaluate the possible transfer of antibodies or even congenital transmission. Twenty-two of the women tested positive by IIF, four by ELISA-rK39, and one by PCR. Three infants of the 25 women with some positive test results were also positive in the first test (one by IIF, one by ELISA-rK39, and the third by ELISA-rK39 and PCR). One hundred and sixty infants were included in the study; of these, 43 had at least one positive sample over time. However, agreement between tests was low. Follow-up of children with a positive result in the tests studied revealed no progression to classical disease within a period of 18 months. In contrast, two children with negative IIF, PCR, and ELISA-rK39 results developed classical VL at 9 and 12 months of age. In conclusion, a positive test result was variable and sometimes temporary and agreement between tests was low. Therefore, the early diagnosis of Leishmania infection was not associated with the early identification of cases that would progress to classical VL in the endemic area studied.
Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi Among Mothers and Children in Rural Mayan Communities and Associated Reproductive Outcomes
Authors: Gamboa-León Rubi , Ramirez-Gonzalez Claudia , Pacheco-Tucuch Freddy S. , O'Shea Matthew , Rosecrans Kathryn , Pippitt Julia , Dumonteil Eric , Buekens Pierre
Published: June 2014

Our objective was to determine the seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection among mothers and children in two rural Mayan communities in Yucatan, Mexico and examine sociodemographic characteristics and adverse reproductive outcomes associated with maternal infection. We performed household surveys in the communities of Sudzal and Teya. Mothers were interviewed, and blood samples were obtained to perform rapid tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). We surveyed 390 mothers and 685 children. The overall seroprevalence was 2.3% among mothers and 0.4% among children. In Sudzal, we found a seroprevalence of 4.4% among mothers and 0.7% in children. In Teya, we found a seroprevalence of 0.9% among mothers and 0.3% among children. Compared with uninfected mothers, seropositive mothers reported more stillbirths (relative risk = 4.7; 95% confidence interval = 2.1–10.4). T. cruzi infection is present in these communities, and infected children indicate active transmission. Seropositivity in mothers is associated with a history of adverse reproductive outcomes.
Seroepidemiological Study of Outdoor Recreationists' Exposure to Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia in Western Australia
Authors: Abdad Mohammad Y. , Cook Angus , Dyer John , Stenos John , Fenwick Stanley G.
Published: June 2014

Bushland activity has previously been linked to rickettsial exposure in eastern and central regions of Australia, whereas little is known about the risks in Western Australia. The isolation of Rickettsia gravesii sp. nov. from Amblyomma triguttatum ticks and anecdotal reports of low-grade illness among bush recreationists raised the possibility of rickettsial transmission in the State. This study investigated rickettsial seroprevalence and potential risk of exposure to the spotted fever group rickettsiae in rogainers. Our results showed that rogainers active in the bush had a significantly higher risk of seropositivity (immunofluorescence total antibody titer ≥ 128) for the spotted fever group Rickettsia (odds ratio [OR] = 14.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.38–142.07) compared with a reference population, the overall seroprevalence in the rogainer group being 23.1%.
Reversibility of Retinal Microvascular Changes in Severe Falciparum Malaria
Authors: Maude Richard J. , Kingston Hugh W. F. , Joshi Sonia , Mohanty Sanjib , Mishra Saroj K. , White Nicholas J. , Dondorp Arjen M.
Published: June 2014

Malarial retinopathy allows detailed study of central nervous system vascular pathology in living patients with severe malaria. An adult with cerebral malaria is described who had prominent retinal whitening with corresponding retinal microvascular obstruction, vessel dilatation, increased vascular tortuosity, and blood retinal barrier leakage with decreased visual acuity, all of which resolved on recovery. Additional study of these features and their potential role in elucidating the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria is warranted.
High Sensitivity and Specificity of Clinical Microscopy in Rural Health Facilities in Western Kenya Under an External Quality Assurance Program
Authors: Wafula Rebeccah , Sang Edna , Cheruiyot Olympia , Aboto Angeline , Menya Diana , O'Meara Wendy Prudhomme
Published: June 2014

Microscopic diagnosis of malaria is a well-established and inexpensive technique that has the potential to provide accurate diagnosis of malaria infection. However, it requires both training and experience. Although it is considered the gold standard in research settings, the sensitivity and specificity of routine microscopy for clinical care in the primary care setting has been reported to be unacceptably low. We established a monthly external quality assurance program to monitor the performance of clinical microscopy in 17 rural health centers in western Kenya. The average sensitivity over the 12-month period was 96% and the average specificity was 88%. We identified specific contextual factors that contributed to inadequate performance. Maintaining high-quality malaria diagnosis in high-volume, resource-constrained health facilities is possible.
The Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library
Authors: Shor Pnina , Manfredi Marcello , Bearman Greg H. , Marengo Emilio , Boydston Ken , Christens-Barry William A.
Published: June 2014

The digitization project of the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) was first conceived as yet another conservation effort to preserve the scrolls. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) set out to develop a non-invasive monitoring methodology of their physical state, based on multi-spectral images. Once the IAA realized that they were going to create the best possible images to date and since all of the scrolls have been formally published, they decided to conduct a comprehensive digitization project in addition to developing a monitoring system. The IAA would image all of the DSS, including thousands of fragments, add their metadata, and put everything online, making it available to the public and the scholarly world alike in a way never before imagined.
Finite element formulation of unilateral boundary conditions for unsaturated flow in porous continua
Authors: Abati A. , Callari C.
Published: June 2014

This paper presents the numerical resolution of unilateral boundary conditions able to effectively model several problems of unsaturated flow, as those involving rainfall infiltration and seepage faces. Besides the penalty technique, we also consider the novel regularization of these conditions by means of the more effective augmented Lagrangian method. The performance of the so‐obtained finite element method is carefully investigated in terms of accuracy and ill‐conditioning effects, including comparisons with analytical solutions and a complete identification of the analogies with the problem of frictionless contact. In this way, we provide a priori estimates of optimal and admissible ranges for the penalty coefficient as functions of permeability and spatial discretization. The proposed method and the estimated coefficient ranges are validated in further numerical examples, involving the propagation of a wetting front due to rainfall and the partial saturation of an aged concrete dam. These applications show that the proposed regularizations do not induce any detrimental effect on solution accuracy and on convergence rate of the employed Newton‐Raphson method. Hence, the present approach should be preferred to the commonly used iterative switching between the imposed‐flow and the imposed‐pressure conditions, which often leads to spurious oscillations and convergence failures.
The Arteries of Brain Base in Species of Bovini Tribe
Authors: Zdun Maciej , Frąckowiak Hieronim , Kiełtyka‐Kurc Agata , Kowalczyk Karolina , Nabzdyk Maria , Timm Anita
Published: June 2014

Studies were conducted on 78 preparations of head and brain arteries in four species of Bos genus, that is in domestic cattle (N = 59), including 22 foetuses (CRL 36.5–78.5 cm), in banteng (Bos javanicus, N = 3), yak (Bos mutus f. grunniens, N = 2), American bison (Bison bison, N = 4), and European bison (Bison bonasus, N = 10). The comparative analysis permitted to demonstrate a similar pattern of brain base arteries in the studied animals. In the studied species, blood vessels of the arterial circle of the brain were found to form by bifurcation of intracranial segments of inner carotid arteries, which protruded from the paired rostral epidural rete mirabile. In Bovidae arterial circle of the brain was supplied with blood mainly by maxillary artery through the blood vessels of the paired rostral epidural rete mirabile. The unpaired caudal epidural rete mirabile was participating in blood supply to the arterial circle of the brain from vertebral and occipital arteries. It manifested character of a taxonomic trait for species of Bos and Bison genera. Basilar artery in all the examined animals manifested a variable diameter, with preliminary portion markedly narrowed, which prevented its participation in blood supply to the arterial circle of the brain. The results and taxonomic position of the species made the authors to suggest a hypothesis that a similar arterial pattern on the brain base might be present also in other species, not included in this analysis. Anat Rec, 296:1677–1682, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging of White Matter Tracts in the Dog Brain
Authors: Jacqmot Olivier , Van Thielen Bert , Fierens Yves , Hammond Martha , Willekens Inneke , Schuerbeek Peter Van , Verhelle Filip , Goossens Peter , De Ridder Filip , Clarys Jan Pieter , Vanbinst Anne , De Mey Johan
Published: June 2014

Diffusion weighted imaging sequences are now widely available on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) of the brain is able to show white matter tracts and is now commonly used in human medicine to study brain anatomy, tumors, structural pathways,… The purpose of this study was to show the interest of DTI to reveal the white matter fibers in the dogs' brain. DTI MR Images for this study were obtained with a 3 T system of 4 dogs euthanized for other reasons than neurological disorders. Combined fractional anisotropic (FA) and directional maps were obtained in the first 2 hours after death. The heads were amputated immediately after scanning and stored in 10% formalin until preparation for dissection. An experienced anatomist tracked white matter tracts with clinical relevance using the scanner software. The selected tracts were REFVIDume rendered and correlated with gross dissection. Using DTI we were able to track relevant neurological connections, such as the corticospinal tract, the optic and the cerebellar tract. The three dimensional anatomy is better presented using modern visualization techniques. DTI seems to be a valuable tool in order to present clinically relevant white matter tracts to neurological clinicians and researchers. Anat Rec, 296:340–349, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retention of Stem Cell Plasticity in Avian Primitive Streak Cells and the Effects of Local Microenvironment
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Yu , Li Yan , Ma Zheng‐Lai , Wang Li‐Jing , Chuai Manli , Münsterberg Andrea , Geng Jian‐Guo , Yang Xuesong
Published: June 2014

Primitive streak (PS) is the first structure occurring in embryonic gastrulation, in which the epiblast cells undergo the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition to become the loose mesoderm cells subsequently. Because the mesoderm cells departing from different portions of PS are blessed with disparate migration trajectory and differentiation fate, one question is when the cell fate is determinated. To understand whether the cell fate and cell migration pattern will be alternated along with the microenvironment transformation, the traditional transplantation technology was used to replace the anterior PS cells in HH4 host embryo using posterior PS tissue labeled by green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the same stage donor embryo, and then, we tracked the migration trajectory of the GFP‐positive cells with fluorescence stereomicroscope after incubation, and eventually verified the cell contribution from the transplants with in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry. The same experimental strategy applied for posterior PS site replacement in host embryo. We found that the transplanted posterior PS cells to anterior part of streak followed the anterior PS cell migration pattern rather than kept its posterior streak cell migration trajectory, and so did vice versa. In addition, the transplants were involved in the contribution to the subsequent organogenesis as the local PS tissues affirmed by specific expression of myocardial or hematopoietic markers. Therefore, our data strongly suggest that the PS cells still keep stem cell plasticity during gastrulation and the eventual cell fate will depend on the spatial gene expression within local microenvironment along with development. Anat Rec, 296:533–543, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diabetic Basement Membrane Thickening Does Not Occur in Myocardial Capillaries of Transgenic Mice When Metallothionein is Overexpressed in Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Velic ANA , Laturnus Donna , Chhoun Jennifer , Zheng Shirong , Epstein Paul , Carlson Edward
Published: June 2014

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a clinically distinct disease characterized by impaired cardiac function as a result of reduced contractility and hypertension‐induced athero‐ or arteriosclerosis. This may be due either to generalized vascular disease, tissue‐based injury such as focal cardiomyocyte dysmorphia, or microvascular damage manifested by myocardial capillary basement membrane (CBM) thickening. Hyperglycemia‐driven increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been proposed to contribute to such damage. To address this hypothesis, we utilized light (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to demonstrate cardiomyocyte morphology and myocardial CBM thickness in the left ventricles of four mouse genotypes: FVB (background Friend virus B controls), OVE (transgenic diabetics), Mt [transgenics with targeted overexpression of the antioxidant protein metallothionein (MT) in cardiomyocytes], and OVEMt (bi‐transgenic cross of OVE and Mt) animals. Mice were prepared for morphometric analysis by vascular perfusion. Focal myocardial disorganization was identified in OVE mice but not in the remaining genotypes. Not unexpectedly, myocardial CBM thickness was increased significantly in OVE relative to FVB (P < 0.05) and Mt (P < 0.05) animals (+28% and +39.5%, respectively). Remarkably, however, OVEMt myocardial CBMs showed no increase in width; rather they were ∼3% thinner than FVB controls. Although the molecular mechanisms regulating CBM width remain elusive, it seems possible that despite a significant hyperglycemic environment, MT antioxidant activity may mitigate local oxidative stress and reduce downstream excess microvascular extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. In addition, the reduction of intra‐ and perivascular ROS may protect against incipient endothelial damage and the CBM thickening that results from such injury. Anat Rec, 296:480–487, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinematics of Chiropteran Shoulder Girdle in Flight
Authors: Panyutina A.A. , Kuznetsov A.N. , Korzun L.P.
Published: June 2014

New data on the mechanisms of movements of the shoulder girdle and humerus of bats are described; potential mobility is compared to the movements actually used in flight. The study was performed on the basis of morphological and functional analysis of anatomical specimens of 15 species, high speed and high definition filming of two species and X‐ray survey ofRousettus aegyptiacusflight. Our observations indicate that any excursions of the shoulder girdle in bats have relatively small input in the wing amplitude. Shoulder girdle movements resemble kinematics of a crank mechanism: clavicle plays the role of crank, and scapula—the role of connecting rod. Previously described osseous “locking mechanisms” in shoulder joint of advanced bats do not affect the movements, actually used in flight. The wing beats in bats are performed predominantly by movements of humerus relative to shoulder girdle, although these movements occupy the caudal‐most sector of available shoulder mobility. Anat Rec, 296:382–394, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Double Outlet Right Ventricle Versus Aortic Dextroposition: Morphologically Distinct Defects
Authors: Restivo Angelo , Unolt Marta , Putotto Carolina , Marino Bruno
Published: June 2014

This study concerns the morphological differentiation between double outlet right ventricle (DORV) and aortic dextroposition (AD) defects, namely tetralogy of Fallot and Eisenmenger anomaly. Indeed, despite the similar condition in terms of sequential ventriculo‐arterial connections, DORV and AD are two distinct morphological entities. It is proposed that the borderline between these two groups of malformations is represented by the specific insertion of the infundibular septum into the left anterior cranial division of the septomarginal trabeculation (or septal band) occurring in ADs and lacking in DORV. Furthermore, the spiraliform versus straight parallel arrangement of the great arteries in the two groups of anomalies is emphasized as an additional and distinctive morphological feature. Emphasis is also given to the association of straight parallel great arteries conotruncal malformations, DORV and transposition of the great arteries, with the asplenia type of heterotaxy laterality defects. Within this context, the absence of subaortic ventricular septal defect and concomitantly of spiraliform great arteries in the asplenia group of heterotaxy anomalies, as detected by this study, further substantiates our belief of not mixing collectively the ADs with the DORV in clinico‐pathological diagnosis. Anat Rec, 296:559–563, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adenovirus‐mediated Interferon‐γ Gene Therapy Induced Human Pancreatic Carcinoma Capan‐2 Cell Apoptosis In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Xie Fa‐Jun , Zhao Peng , Zhang Yi‐Ping , Liu Fei‐Ye , Nie Xi‐Lin , Zhu Ying‐Hui , Yu Xin‐Min , Zheng Qiu‐Qing , Mao Wei‐Min , Lu Hong‐Yang , Wei Hong , Huang WenLin
Published: June 2014

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal human malignancies with a very low 5‐year survival rate, which highlights urgent needs for more effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we examined the potential therapeutic effects of an adenovirus encoding human interferon gamma (Ad‐IFNγ) on pancreatic carcinoma cells Capan‐2 in vitro and in vivo. The results indicated that Ad‐IFNγ could significantly inhibit tumor cell growth via inducing cell apoptosis. After infection, IFNγ expressed durably and stably in xenografts, predominantly in tumor tissue, while much less in blood and liver. Thus, adenovirus‐mediated intratumoral injection of human IFNγ gene could be an effective gene therapeutic system for the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma. Anat Rec, 296:604–610, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Frontal Brain Expansion During Development Using MRI and Endocasts: Relation to Microcephaly and Homo floresiensis
Authors: Vannucci Robert C. , Barron Todd F. , Holloway Ralph L.
Published: June 2014

A major hall of hominid brain evolution is an expansion of the frontal lobes. To determine if a similar trajectory occurs during modern human development, the MRI scans of 118 living infants, children, and adolescents were reviewed and three specific measurements obtained: frontal width (FW), maximal cerebral width (MW), and maximal cerebral length (ML). The infantile brain is uniformly wide but relatively short, with near equal FW and MW. The juvenile brain exhibits a wider MW than FW, while FW of the adolescent brain expands to nearly equal MW, concurrent with an increase in ML. The preferential frontal lobe expansion during modern human development parallels that observed during the evolution of Homo. In 17 microcephalic individuals, only 6 (35%) exhibited preferential frontal lobe hypoplasia, presumably a reflection of multiple etiologies that adversely affect differing brain regions. Compared to 79 modern human adult endocasts and 12 modern microcephalic endocasts, LB1 (Homo floresiensis) clustered more consistently with the microcephalic sample than with the normocephalic sample. Anat Rec, 296:630–637, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomy and Age Estimation of an Early Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Fetus
Authors: Roston Rachel A. , Lickorish David , Buchholtz Emily A.
Published: June 2014

The external anatomy of a 130‐mm blue whale fetus (Balaenoptera musculus) is described, and its internal anatomy is reconstructed noninvasively from microCT scans. The specimen lies developmentally at the junction of the embryonic and fetal periods. Similarly to the embryos of many odontocetes, it lacks a caudal fluke and dorsal fin, but it also exhibits an elongated rostrum, resorbed umbilical hernia, partially exposed cornea, and spatial separation of the anus and genitalia seen in early odontocete fetuses. Dermal ossification of the cranial bones has begun, but the endochondral skeleton is completely cartilaginous. The shape and position of the maxilla suggest that the earliest stages of anterior skull telescoping have begun, but there is no indication of occipital overlap posteriorly. The nasopharynx, larynx, and heart already display the distinctive morphology characteristic of Balaenoptera. This study develops a model of body length changes during blue whale development by integrating the large International Whaling Statistics (IWS) database, historical observations of blue whale migration and reproduction, and descriptions of fetal growth trends in other mammals. The model predicts an age of 65 days postconception for the specimen. The early developmental milestones of Balaenoptera mirror those of the odontocete Stenella to a remarkable extent, but the first appearance of the caudal fluke and dorsal fin are delayed relative to other morphological transitions. The accelerated prenatal growth characteristic of Balaenoptera occurs during fetal, not embryonic, development. Anat Rec, 296:709–722, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Intraoral Thermoregulatory Organ in the Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus), the Corpus Cavernosum Maxillaris
Authors: Ford Thomas J. , Werth Alexander J. , George J. Craig
Published: June 2014

The novel observation of a palatal retial organ in the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) is reported, with characterization of its form and function. This bulbous ridge of highly vascularized tissue, here designated the corpus cavernosum maxillaris, runs along the center of the hard palate, expanding cranially to form two large lobes that terminate under the tip of the rostral palate, with another enlarged node at the caudal terminus. Gross anatomical and microscopic observation of tissue sections discloses a web‐like internal mass with a large blood volume. Histological examination reveals large numbers of blood vessels and vascular as well as extravascular spaces resembling a blood‐filled, erectile sponge. These spaces, as well as accompanying blood vessels, extend to the base of the epithelium. We contend that this organ provides a thermoregulatory adaptation by which bowhead whales (1) control heat loss by transferring internal, metabolically generated body heat to cold seawater and (2) protect the brain from hyperthermia. We postulate that this organ may play additional roles in baleen growth and in detecting prey, and that its ability to dissipate heat might maintain proper operating temperature for palatal mechanoreceptors or chemoreceptors to detect the presence and density of intraoral prey. Anat Rec, 296:701–708, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Significance of Calcified Fibrocartilage on the Cortical Endplate of the Translational Sheep Spine Model
Authors: Sinclair Sarina K. , Bell Spencer , Epperson Richard Tyler , Bloebaum Roy D.
Published: June 2014

To gain an understanding of the vertebral cortical endplate and factors that may affect the ability to achieve skeletal attachment to intervertebral implants and fusion, this study aimed to characterize the hypermineralized tissue on the cortical endplate of the vertebral body on a commonly used animal model. Skeletally mature sheep were injected with tetracycline prior to euthanasia and the C2‐C3, T5‐T6, and L2‐L3 spinal motion segments were excised and prepared. Vertebral tissues were imaged using backscatter electron (BSE) imaging, histology, and tetracycline labeling was used to assess bone remodeling within different tissue layers. It was determined that the hypermineralized tissue layer was calcified fibrocartilage (CFC). No tetracycline labels were identified in the CFC layer, in contrast to single and double labels that were present in the underlying bone, indicating the CFC present on the cortical endplate was not being actively remodeled. The average thickness of the CFC layer was 146.3 ± 70.53 µm in the cervical region, 98.2 ± 40.29 µm in the thoracic region, and 150.89 ± 69.25 µm in the lumbar region. This difference in thickness may be attributed to the regional biomechanical properties of the spine. Results from this investigation indicate the presence of a nonremodeling tissue on the cortical endplate of the vertebral body in sheep spines, which attaches the intervertebral disc to the vertebrae. This tissue, if not removed, would likely prevent successful bony attachment to an intervertebral device in spinal fusion studies and total disc replacement surgeries. Anat Rec, 296:736–744, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hypothalamic Hypocretinergic/Orexinergic Neurons Projecting to the Oral Pontine Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Inducing Site in the Cat
Authors: García‐García Berta , Reinoso‐Suárez Fernando , Rodrigo‐Angulo Margarita L.
Published: June 2014

The cat ventral oral pontine reticular nucleus (vRPO) is responsible for the generation and maintenance of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Hypothalamic neurons containing the peptide hypocretin‐1 (also called orexin‐A) which will be herewith defined as orexinergic (Orx) neurons, occupy a pre‐eminent place in the integration and stabilization of arousal networks as well as in the physiopathology of narcolepsy/cataplexy. In the previous investigations, low‐volume and dose microinjections of hypocretin‐1 in cat vRPO produced a specific and significant suppression of REM sleep. The aim of this study is to map the hypothalamic Orx neurons that project to the vRPO and suppress REM sleep generation in the cat. Five adult cats received microinjections of the retrograde tracer cholera toxin (CTb) into the vRPO. Brains were processed employing both CTb staining and antiorexin‐A immunocytochemistry techniques. A large number of double‐labeled neurons (Orx–CTb) intermingled with the single CTb‐positive and single Orx neurons were detected in the ipsilateral lateral, perifornical, dorsal, anterior, perimammillothalamic, and posterior hypothalamic areas but were very scarce in the paraventricular, dorsomedial, ventromedial, and periventricular hypothalamic nuclei. A considerable number of double‐labeled neurons were also observed in both the dorsal and the lateral hypothalamic areas in the contralateral hypothalamus. Our results suggest that the widely distributed Orx neuronal hypothalamic groups could physiologically inhibit REM sleep generation in vRPO. Anat Rec, 296:815–821, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gamma‐aminobutyric acid B Receptor Immunoreactivity in the Mouse Adrenal Medulla
Authors: Oomori Yukio , Murabayashi Hiroshi , Kuramoto Hirofumi , Kawano Hitoshi , Kato Kanae , Nakagawa Chieko , Sasaki Motoki , Kitamura Nobuo , Ishikawa Katsushi , Tanaka Kunio
Published: June 2014

The present study examined gamma‐aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptor, GABA, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) immunoreactivities in the mouse adrenal medulla. GABAB receptor immunoreactivity was seen in numerous chromaffin cells and in a few ganglion cells of the adrenal medulla. By using a formaldehyde‐induced fluorescence (FIF) method, GABAB receptor immunoreactivity was observed in numerous adrenaline (A) cells, but not in noradrenaline (NA) cells showing blue‐white fluorescence. This suggests that GABAB receptors may be present in the A cells and be related to the secretory activity of A cells but not NA cells in the mouse adrenal medulla. GABAB receptor immunoreactive ganglion cells were shown to be nNOS immunopositive by using a double immunostaining method. Weak GABA immunoreactivity was visible in some chromaffin cells and in the numerous nerve fibers of the medulla. By using the FIF method, weak GABA‐immunoreactive chromaffin cells were shown to be in the NA cells showing blue‐white fluorescence. GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were in dense contact in A cells, but not NA cells. GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers closely contacted a few ganglion cells. Numerous GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers in the medulla showed ChAT immunoreactive. This result suggests that GABA and acetylcholine may be released from the same nerve fibers and may have a secretory effect on the A cells of the medulla. Anat Rec, 296:971–978, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel Spatiotemporal Glycome Changes in the Murine Placenta During Placentation Based on BS‐I Lectin Binding Patterns
Authors: Charalambous Christina , Drakou Katerina , Nicolaou Stavros , Georgiades Pantelis
Published: June 2014

Although spatiotemporal changes of the glycome (full set of glycans, otherwise known as saccharides or carbohydrates) during placenta formation (placentation) are functionally and clinically important, they are poorly defined. Here, we elucidated novel aspects of the glycome during mouse placentation, from embryonic day 6.5 (E6.5) to E12.5, by investigating the largely unexplored binding distribution of lectin I from Bandeiraea simplicifolia (BS‐I lectin), a glycan‐binding protein that recognizes the DGalNAc and DGal glycans found at the terminal ends of specific oligosaccharides attached to lipids or proteins. We show that BS‐I lectin binding marks all trophoblast cells during early placentation (E7.5 and E8.5 stages), continues in labyrinthine and junctional zone trophoblast but is lost from parietal trophoblast giant cells by E10.5/E11.5 (definitive placenta stage) and is lost from all trophoblast types, but marks the fetal capillary endothelium of the labyrinth, by E12.5. In the decidua basalis (the maternal part of the placenta), BS‐I lectin positivity mainly marks the decidual stroma cells of the venous sinusoid area (E7.5 and E8.5 stages) and the entire decidua basalis by E10.5, as well as the osteopontin‐positive subset of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells from E7.5 onwards. This work provides the first comprehensive description of the hitherto ill‐defined spatiotemporal binding distribution of BS‐I lectin in the fetal and maternal placenta between E6.5 and E12.5, thereby contributing to glycome elucidation during placentation. It also establishes BS‐I lectin positivity as a novel pan‐trophoblast marker during early placentation and as a new marker for mature uNK cells from E7.5 onwards. Anat Rec, 296:921–932, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bone Histology of the Stegosaur Kentrosaurus aethiopicus (Ornithischia: Thyreophora) from the Upper Jurassic of Tanzania
Authors: Redelstorff Ragna , Hübner Tom R. , Chinsamy Anusuya , Sander P. Martin
Published: June 2014

Using bone histology, a slow growth rate, uncommon for most dinosaurs, has been interpreted for the highly derived stegosaur Stegosaurus (Ornithischia: Thyreophora) and the basal thyreophoran Scutellosaurus. In this study, we examine whether this slow growth rate also occurs in the more basal stegosaur Kentrosaurus from the Tendaguru beds of Tanzania. The bone histology of six femora of Kentrosaurus representing an ontogenetic series from subadult to adult was studied, as well as one scapula. The primary bone is mainly highly vascularized fibro‐lamellar bone with some reticular organization of the vascular canals. In addition to LAGs and annuli, distinctive shifts in the pattern of vascularization occur, which have been interpreted as potential growth marks. The variation in the development of growth marks may reflect annual climatic fluctuations. The overall bone depositional rate, and hence growth rate in Kentrosaurus appears to be higher than in Stegosaurus and Scutellosaurus. Considering that Stegosaurus is the larger‐sized of the two stegosaurs, this would be contrary to an earlier supposition that small‐bodied dinosaurs have slower growth rates than larger ones. Our finding of rapid rates of bone deposition in Kentrosaurus suggests that slow growth rates previously reported in Scutellosaurus and Stegosaurus are not a phylogenetic characteristic of the Thyreophora. Thus, slow growth rates are not plesiomorphic for the Thyreophora. We propose that the slow growth rates documented in the highly derived Stegosaurus could have been secondarily derived or alternatively that Kentrosaurus is the exception having increased growth rates. Anat Rec, 296:933–952, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silencing the YB‐1 Gene Inhibits Cell Migration in Gastric Cancer In Vitro
Authors: Guo Tian Tian , Yu Ying Nan , Cheong Yip George Wai , Matsumoto Ken , Bay Boon Huat
Published: June 2014

The Y‐Box‐Binding Protein‐1 (YB‐1) is known to regulate the processes of transcription, translation, cellular response to drug treatment and viral infection as well as DNA repair among others. As gastric cancer is a common cancer with a high incidence in countries in Asia, we evaluated the association of YB‐1 with the malignant potential of gastric cancer cells in vitro. YB‐1 mRNA expression levels were first determined by real‐time RT‐PCR in two adherent gastric cancer cell lines (viz., MKN7 and NUGC3 gastric cancer cells) and a normal GES‐1 gastric epithelial cell line. Poorly differentiated NUGC3 gastric cancer cells were found to have the highest YB‐1 gene expression among the adherent cells. YB‐1 gene expression was also observed to be higher in non‐adherent SNU5 gastric cancer cells compared to more aggressive SNU16 cells. Silencing of the YB‐1 gene by siRNA in NUGC3 cells was associated with a significant reduction of the YB‐1 protein by more than 55% as verified by Western blot analysis. Down‐regulation of YB‐1 protein expression was further demonstrated qualitatively by immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Silencing of the YB‐1 gene induced significant inhibition of cell migration in NUGC3 cells by 60% but did not influence cell invasion. Although epithelial‐mesenchymal‐transition (EMT) is known to be associated with the migratory phenotype in cancer cells, there was no change in the expression of EMT genes when YB‐1 expression was modulated. YB‐1 appears to have an integral role in cancer cell migration, a process which is important for gastric cancer metastasis. Anat Rec, 296:891–898, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Black Bears With Longer Disuse (Hibernation) Periods Have Lower Femoral Osteon Population Density and Greater Mineralization and Intracortical Porosity
Authors: Wojda Samantha J. , Weyland David R. , Gray Sarah K. , Mcgee‐Lawrence Meghan E. , Drummer Thomas D. , Donahue Seth W.
Published: June 2014

Intracortical bone remodeling is persistent throughout life, leading to age related increases in osteon population density (OPD). Intracortical porosity also increases with age in many mammals including humans, contributing to bone fragility and fracture risk. Unbalanced bone resorption and formation during disuse (e.g., physical inactivity) also increases intracortical porosity. In contrast, hibernating bears are a naturally occurring model for the prevention of both age‐related and disuse osteoporoses. Intracortical bone remodeling is decreased during hibernation, but resorption and formation remain balanced. Black bears spend 0.25–7 months in hibernation annually depending on climate and food availability. We found longer hibernating bears demonstrate lower OPD and higher cortical bone mineralization than bears with shorter hibernation durations, but we surprisingly found longer hibernating bears had higher intracortical porosity. However, bears from three different latitudes showed age‐related decreases in intracortical porosity, indicating that regardless of hibernation duration, black bears do not show the disuse‐ or age‐related increases in intracortical porosity which is typical of other animals. This ability to prevent increases in intracortical porosity likely contributes to their ability to maintain bone strength during prolonged periods of physical inactivity and throughout life. Improving our understanding of the unique bone metabolism in hibernating bears will potentially increase our ability to develop treatments for age‐ and disuse‐related osteoporoses in humans. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative and Quantitative Myology of the Forearm and Hand of Prosimian Primates
Authors: Gyambibi Akua , Lemelin Pierre
Published: June 2014

Associations between the relative development of muscles of the forearm and hand of prosimian primates and locomotor behavior, body size, and grasping specializations have been made on the basis of qualitative observations. These associations are here tested through comparative and quantitative analyses of muscle mass data for a broad sample of prosimian species (i.e., strepsirrhines and tarsiers). The musculature of the forearm and hand of 17 fresh‐frozen specimens representing six families and 12 species was dissected and weighed. Muscle weights were scaled relative to body mass of individual specimens using regression and compared by limb compartment and functional group. Forearm and digital flexor muscle masses are highly correlated with body mass (r = 0.97 and r = 0.96, respectively) and scale isometrically. As a general trend within the prosimian sample, the relative mass of the flexor compartment increases with body size. Interspecific comparisons of functional groups of muscles did not identify any association between larger muscle mass and locomotor adaptations or grasping specializations of the hand. However, compared to other prosimians, the adductor pollicis muscle of Nycticebus is more developed (52% of the intrinsic hand musculature sampled) and the flexor digitorum profundus muscle has two well‐separated heads with more individualized tendons, with the pollex and digit IV receiving tendinous contributions from both muscle heads. These differences that characterize the forearm and hand of Nycticebus correlate with the extreme thumb divergence and pincer‐like grips of lorises. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.