bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal Relations and Modeling Motion Classes by Combined Topological and Directional Relations Method
Authors: Salamat Nadeem , Zahzah El-hadi
Published: May 2012

Defining spatiotemporal relations and modeling motion events are emerging issues of current research. Motion events are the subclasses of spatiotemporal relations, where stable and unstable spatio-temporal topological relations and temporal order of occurrence of a primitive event play an important role. In this paper, we proposed a theory of spatio-temporal relations based on topological and orientation perspective. This theory characterized the spatiotemporal relations into different classes according to the application domain and topological stability. This proposes a common sense reasoning and modeling motion events in diverse application with the motion classes as primitives, which describe change in orientation and topological relations model. Orientation information is added to remove the locative symmetry of topological relations from motion events, and these events are defined as a systematic way. This will help to improve the understanding of spatial scenario in spatiotemporal applications.
Genetic Determinants of Methicillin Resistance and Virulence among Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Recovered from Clinical and Surveillance Cultures in a Brazilian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Rodrigues Marcus Vinicius Pimenta , Branco Fortaleza Carlos Magno Castelo , Martins Souza Camila Sena , Teixeira Natalia Bibiana , Ribeiro de Souza da Cunha Maria de  Lourdes
Published: May 2012

Aims. To quantify the presence of SCCmec types and virulence genes among Staphylococcus aureus colonizing and infecting patients from a teaching hospital. Methods. We analyzed 225 and 84 S. aureus isolates recovered from surveillance and clinical cultures, respectively. Strains were studied for the presence and type of SCCmec, as well as for several virulence genes. Univariate and multivariable analysis were performed in order to identify predictors of invasiveness (defined as isolation from clinical cultures). Results. The presence of SCCmec types III (OR, 2.19, 95% CI, 1.08–4.45) and IV (OR, 5.28 95% CI, 1.35–20.63) and of genes coding for exfoliative toxin B (etb, OR, 6.38, 95% CI, 1.48–27.46) and Panton-Valentine leukocidin (pvl, OR, 2.38, 95% CI, 1.16–4.86) was independently associated with invasiveness. Conclusions. SCCmec types III and IV and virulence genes are associated with greater invasiveness of S. aureus. Patients colonized with methicillin-resistant S. aureus, as well as with strains harboring etb or pvl, may be prone to develop invasive disease. Infection-preventing strategies should be more intensively applied to this group.
Perceptual Speech Assessment after Maxillary Advancement Osteotomy in Patients with a Repaired Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Kim Seok-Kwun , Kim Ju-Chan , Moon Ju-Bong , Lee Keun-Cheol
Published: May 2012

Background Maxillary hypoplasia refers to a deficiency in the growth of the maxilla commonly seen in patients with a repaired cleft palate. Those who develop maxillary hypoplasia can be offered a repositioning of the maxilla to a functional and esthetic position. Velopharyngeal dysfunction is one of the important problems affecting speech after maxillary advancement surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of maxillary advancement on repaired cleft palate patients without preoperative deterioration in speech compared with non-cleft palate patients.

Methods Eighteen patients underwent Le Fort I osteotomy between 2005 and 2011. One patient was excluded due to preoperative deterioration in speech. Eight repaired cleft palate patients belonged to group A, and 9 non-cleft palate patients belonged to group B. Speech assessments were performed preoperatively and postoperatively by using a speech screening protocol that consisted of a list of single words designed by Ok-Ran Jung. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine if there were significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative outcomes in each group A and B. And Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine if there were significant differences in the change of score between groups A and B.

Results No patients had any noticeable change in speech production on perceptual assessment after maxillary advancement in our study. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between groups A and B.

Conclusions Repaired cleft palate patients without preoperative velopharyngeal dysfunction would not have greater risk of deterioration of velopharyngeal function after maxillary advancement compared to non-cleft palate patients.
Prevalence of Diplopia and Extraocular Movement Limitation according to the Location of Isolated Pure Blowout Fractures
Authors: Park Min Seok , Kim Young Joon , Kim Hoon , Nam Sang Hyun , Choi Young Woong
Published: May 2012

Background Isolated pure blowout fractures are clinically important because they are the main cause of serious complications such as diplopia and limitation of extraocular movement. Many reports have described the incidence of blowout fractures associated with diplopia and limitation of extraocular movement; however, no studies have statistically analyzed this relationship. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the correlation between the location of isolated pure blowout fractures and orbital symptoms such as diplopia and limitation of extraocular movement.

Methods We enrolled a total of 354 patients who had been diagnosed with isolated pure blowout fractures, based on computed tomography, from June 2008 to November 2011. Medical records were reviewed, and the prevalence of extraocular movement limitations and diplopia were determined.

Results There were 14 patients with extraocular movement limitation and 58 patients complained of diplopia. Extraocular movement limitation was associated with the following findings, in decreasing order of frequency: floor fracture (7.1%), extended fracture (3.6%), and medial wall (1.7%). However, there was no significant difference among the types of fractures (P=0.60). Diplopia was more commonly associated with floor fractures (21.4%) and extended type fractures (23.6%) than medial wall fractures (10.4%). The difference was statistically significant (Bonferroni-corrected chi-squared test P<0.016).

Conclusions Data indicate that extended type fractures and orbital floor fractures tend to cause diplopia more commonly than medial wall fractures. However, extraocular movement limitation was not found to be dependent on the location of the orbital wall fracture.
Recipient Vessel Selection in Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Free Abdominal Tissue Transfer after Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
Authors: Yang Sung Jun , Eom Jin Sup , Lee Taik Jong , Ahn Sei Hyun , Son Byung Ho
Published: May 2012

Background Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is gaining popularity due to its superior aesthetic results. When reconstructing the breast with free abdominal tissue transfer, we must readdress the recipient vessel, because NSM can cause difficulty in access to the chest vessel.

Methods Between June 2006 and March 2011, a total of 92 women underwent NSM with free abdominal tissue transfer. A lateral oblique incision was used for the nipple-sparing mastectomy. For recipient vessels, the internal mammary vessels were chosen if the mastectomy flap did not block access to the vessels. If it did, the thoracodorsal vessels were used. Age, degree of breast ptosis, weight of the mastectomy specimen, and related complications of the internal mammary vessel group and the thoracodorsal vessel group were compared.

Results Thoracodorsal vessels were used as recipient vessels in 59 cases, and internal mammary vessels in 33 cases including 4 cases with perforators of the internal mammary vessels. Breast reconstruction was successful in all cases except one case involving a total flap failure, which was replaced by a silicone gel implant. The internal mammary group and the thoracodorsal group were similar in terms of age, height, breast weight, and degree of ptosis. The flap related complications such as flap loss and take-back operation rates were not significantly different between the two groups. The rate of nipple necrosis was higher in the internal mammary group.

Conclusions The thoracodorsal vessels could produce comparable outcomes in breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomies. If access to internal mammary vessels is difficult, the thoracodorsal vessel can be a better choice.
The Efficacy and Safety of Ablative Fractional Resurfacing Using a 2,940-Nm Er:YAG Laser for Traumatic Scars in the Early Posttraumatic Period
Authors: Kim Sun Goo , Kim Eun Yeon , Kim Yu Jin , Lee Se Il
Published: May 2012

Background Skin injuries, such as lacerations due to trauma, are relatively common, and patients are very concerned about the resulting scars. Recently, the use of ablative and non-ablative lasers based on the fractional approach has been used to treat scars. In this study, the authors demonstrated the efficacy and safety of ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) for traumatic scars using a 2,940-nm erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser for traumatic scars after primary repair during the early posttraumatic period.

Methods Twelve patients with fifteen scars were enrolled. All had a history of facial laceration and primary repair by suturing on the day of trauma. Laser therapy was initiated at least 4 weeks after the primary repair. Each patient was treated four times at 1-month intervals with a fractional ablative 2,940-nm Er:YAG laser using the same parameters. Post-treatment evaluations were performed 1 month after the fourth treatment session.

Results All 12 patients completed the study. After ablative fractional laser treatment, all treated portions of the scars showed improvements, as demonstrated by the Vancouver Scar Scale and the overall cosmetic scale as evaluated by 10 independent physicians, 10 independent non-physicians, and the patients themselves.

Conclusions This study shows that ablative fractional Er:YAG laser treatment of scars reduces scars fairly according to both objective results and patient satisfaction rates. The authors suggest that early scar treatment using AFR can be one adjuvant scar management method for improving the quality of life of patients with traumatic scars.
Combined Rotation and Advancement Flap Reconstruction for a Defect of the Upper Lip: 2 Cases
Authors: Lee Junsang , Oh Suk Joon , Jung Sung Won , Koh Sung Hoon
Published: May 2012

Many types of upper lip reconstruction have been introduced to treat defects after a tumor excision or trauma. The authors treated two cases of upper lip defects. A 35-year-old woman presented with a squamous cell carcinoma of the left upper lip that had invaded the corner of the mouth. After resecting the tumor, the defect was 3.7×3.5 cm in size. A 52-year-old woman presented with a dog bite of the right upper lip. The defect measured 4.0×2.2 cm in size. The two cases were reconstructed by combined rotation and advancement of a cheek flap. This technique produced a good functional outcome that allowed for oral competence and created an opening of adequate size. A combination of rotation and an advancement flap can be used to treat upper lip defects in a single-stage procedure. This approach produces a good functional and cosmetic outcome.
Nicolau Syndrome after Intramuscular Injection: 3 Cases
Authors: Kim Seok-Kwun , Kim Tae-Heon , Lee Keun-Cheol
Published: May 2012

Nicolau syndrome is a rare complication of intramuscular injection consisting of ischemic necrosis of skin, soft tissue, and muscular tissue that arises locoregionally. The characteristic pattern is pain around the injection site, developing into erythema, a livedoid dermatitis patch, and necrosis of the skin, subcutaneous fat, and muscle tissue. Three patients were injected with drugs (diclofenac sodium, ketoprofen, meperidine) for pain relief. Three patients complained of pain, and a skin lesion was observed, after which necrosis developed on their buttocks. Each patient underwent debridement and coverage. The wound healed uneventfully. We report three cases of Nicolau syndrome in the buttocks following diclofenac intramuscular injection.
Intervención psicosocial con fines de reparación con víctimas y sus familias afectadas por el conflicto armado interno en Colombia: equipos psicosociales en contextos jurídicos
Authors: Estrada Mesa Ángela María , Ripoll Núñez Karen , Rodríguez Charry Diana
Published: May 2012

This article presents the final reflections of the Investigative-Intervention Team in Socially-Critical Psychology after almost three years of participative investigation-intervention with governmental and non-governmental organizations, victims and their families, and other members of communities affected by Colombia’s internal armed conflict. The central aim was to value and construct on-going and future processes of accompaniment and reparations. Given the intervening nature of the process, we simultaneously designed and evaluated various ways of jointly defining, framing, and building conversational processes and strategies as well as the encounters between participants. The process was important for the psychosocial teams, whose presence in the country in terms of providing attention to victims is rather recent, as well as for victims and actors from the legal community, who found ways of collaboratively presenting, participating, and defining the available psychosocial-legal needs, opportunities, and resources in order to encourage the processes of accompaniment and reparation. This learning process was critical to the organization of a national meeting of governmental and non-governmental organizations, victims, and academics that widened perspectives on and enriched our understanding of the context in which victims are attended. The process generated a series of reflections that we gather in this article under the heading lineamentos (guidelines) and in which we privilege the experience and understanding developed by team itself.
Conceptualización de las causas y consecuencias de los Estados fallidos: una reseña crítica de la literatura
Authors: Di John Jonathan
Published: May 2012

This article provides a critical review of recent literature which has attempted to define what a ‘failed state’ is and explain why such states emerge. It is argued that aggregate indices of ‘failure’ are misleading due to the wide variations of capacity across state functions within a polity. The focus on ranking states also distracts attention away from analyses concerning the dynamics of state capacity. Moreover, many of the definitions either compare reality to a Weberian ideal, or assume that violence is ‘development in reverse’, both of which are ahistorical and unhelpful as a guide to policy. The second part of the paper assesses the contributions of functionalist, ‘new war’, and neo-Tillean approaches to explaining state failure. The paper finds that while these theories take concrete historical situations seriously, they have important theoretical and empirical shortcomings. Finally, the conclusion outlines an agenda for further research.
Corrupción y desigualdad en la Unión Europea
Authors: Trejo Fuentes Luis Antonio
Published: May 2012

The central focus on this study is trust in government, including the perception of corruption that different groups have regarding the relationships between the actions of European Union-member states and their distributive policies. Are states with more resources immune to corruption? Is there a relationship between income inequality and the level of corruption in a country? Are countries with strong welfare states or with social-democratic policies less corrupt? This article reviews these and other questions theoretically and through a quantitative, cross-sectional analysis based on data from a governance study by the World Bank. It shows the importance of taking corruption into account, as well as effective self-regulation by corporations, in the design of public policies.
Reconceptualización sobre competencias informacionales. Una experiencia en la Educación Superior
Authors: Barbosa Chacón Jorge Winston , Barbosa Herrera Juan Carlos , Marciales Vivas Gloria Patricia , Castañeda Peña Harold Andrés
Published: May 2012

This article presents the results of a study, started in 2006, on information competency in university students. The study was based on the idea that we should use a semiotic focus of discourse to rethink the traditional understanding of information competency. We argue that information competency is represented in already-existing conditions (cognitive, affective, and pragmatic modalities of understanding). These conditions make it possible to interact in a relative manner with the information. We also developed an in situ method to analyze understanding. This method was tested with a student studying Education at the Universidad Industrial de Santander (Colombia) at a distance. The results show that the dimensions of information competency can be understood based on the subject’s experience. The student showed examples of the clear relationship between the modalities (the semiotic perspective) and the experiences accrued over his or her life (the socio-cultural perspective). The strong relationships between the modalities that required careful analysis of the results were also evident.
Robert K. Merton (1910-2003). La ciencia como institución
Authors: Orozco Luis Antonio , Chavarro Diego Andrés
Published: May 2012

This article is a tribute to one of the most important thinkers of scientific activity. In it we present those elements we consider indispensable for the analysis of certified knowledge as the central concept of the relationship between the institution of science and society. We seek to propose elements to discuss the Mertonian paradigm of science in the light of the questions and visions raised by the philosophy, history and sociology of science. In the first two sections we present a description of the institutional form conceived by Merton to certify scientific knowledge and bring about its usefulness, focusing on the details of the framework it provides on the methods of science which validate its acceptance. In the two final sections we approach the Mertonian vision of social structure of scientific production and its relationship to politics, where scientometrics rises as a discipline. We close with a discussion of the criticisms to Merton’s theses and the contribution this author has made to the sociology of science.
Alejo Carpentier ante lo indígena: ¿antropólogo, escritor o nativo?
Authors: Orrego Arismendi Juan Carlos
Published: May 2012

Two written pieces on the matter of indigenous peoples by the Cuban writer, Alejo Carpentier (the novel Los Pasos Perdidos and the story Los Advertidos) have led some to give the author the title of “anthropologist”. This title, however, can be called into question when these pieces – and others in the same context – are examined in light of what would be a specifically anthopoligal attitude in Latin American narrative.
Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Cardiomyocytes on Microcarrier Cultures
Authors: Ting Sherwin , Lecina Marti , Reuveny Shaul , Oh Steve
Published: May 2012

We have developed an improved cardiomyocyte differentiation protocol where we stabilized embryoid bodies (EB) in serum‐ and insulin‐free medium (bSFS) supplemented with p38 MAP kinase inhibitor (SB203580) by addition of 10 µm laminin‐coated positively charged (protamine sulfate derivatized TSKgel Tresyl‐5PW) microcarriers. This protocol achieved a maximum 3‐fold cell expansion, differentiation efficiency of 20%, and an overall cardiomyocyte yield of 3 × 105 CM/ml in static conditions. In comparison, EB cultures achieved 1.5‐fold cell expansion, differentiation efficiency of 15%, and an overall cardiomyocyte yield of 1.1 × 105 CM/ml. The scalability of this platform was demonstrated in suspended spinner cultures, producing a maximum of 2.14 × 105 CM/ml in 50‐ml cultures. This yield is two‐fold higher than the control static EB‐based platform (1.1 × 105 CM/ml), and seven‐fold higher than yields reported in literature, 3.1–9 × 104 CM/ml. The robustness of this protocol was tested with HES‐3 and H1 cell lines. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 21:1D.7.1‐1D.7.14. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Single and Dual Birthdating Procedures for Assessing the Response of Adult Neural Stem Cells to the Infusion of a Soluble Factor Using Halogenated Thymidine Analogs
Authors: Moreno‐Estellés Mireia , Díaz‐Moreno María , González‐Gómez Pilar , Andreu Zoraida , Mira Helena
Published: May 2012

The factors that regulate the switch from adult neural stem cell (aNSC) quiescence to active proliferation are poorly understood. Here we describe a method to study the in vivo effect of a soluble factor on cell cycle entry and proliferation of aNSCs located in the brain neurogenic niches. First, we provide information for implanting osmotic minipumps that will deliver the compound of interest directly into the mouse brain. When combined with the administration of the thymidine analog bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), this technique is the most basic procedure to study the effects of a soluble factor on aNSC proliferation. We also describe a dual replication labeling protocol using two different halogenated thymidine analogs, chloro‐ and iododeoxyuridine (CldU and IdU), that allows tracking of proliferating cells and assessing cell cycle re‐entry of aNSCs at different time points. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 21:2D.10.1‐2D.10.20. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In Vitro Generation of Three‐Dimensional Substrate‐Adherent Embryonic Stem Cell–Derived Neural Aggregates for Application in Animal Models of Neurological Disorders
Authors: Hargus Gunnar , Cui Yi‐Fang , Dihné Marcel , Bernreuther Christian , Schachner Melitta
Published: May 2012

In vitro−differentiated embryonic stem (ES) cells comprise a useful source for cell replacement therapy, but the efficiency and safety of a translational approach are highly dependent on optimized protocols for directed differentiation of ES cells into the desired cell types in vitro. Furthermore, the transplantation of three‐dimensional ES cell−derived structures instead of a single‐cell suspension may improve graft survival and function by providing a beneficial microenvironment for implanted cells. To this end, we have developed a new method to efficiently differentiate mouse ES cells into neural aggregates that consist predominantly (>90%) of postmitotic neurons, neural progenitor cells, and radial glia−like cells. When transplanted into the excitotoxically lesioned striatum of adult mice, these substrate‐adherent embryonic stem cell−derived neural aggregates (SENAs) showed significant advantages over transplanted single‐cell suspensions of ES cell−derived neural cells, including improved survival of GABAergic neurons, increased cell migration, and significantly decreased risk of teratoma formation. Furthermore, SENAs mediated functional improvement after transplantation into animal models of Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury. This unit describes in detail how SENAs are efficiently derived from mouse ES cells in vitro and how SENAs are isolated for transplantation. Furthermore, methods are presented for successful implantation of SENAs into animal models of Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury to study the effects of stem cell−derived neural aggregates in a disease context in vivo. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 21:2D.11.1‐2D.11.19. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Lipase‐mediated preparation of epoxy lecithin and its evaluation as plasticizer in polyester laminates
Authors: Reddy Jala R. C. , Rao Bhamidipati V. S. K. , Karuna Marellapudi S. , Raju Kothapalli V. S. N. , Krishna Achanta V. R. , Prasad Rachapudi B. N.
Published: May 2012

A simple chemoenzymatic method was developed for the preparation of epoxy lecithin that contains epoxy oils and phospholipids. The parameters such as lipase concentration, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and time of the reaction were studied. The product was evaluated as a plasticizer in polyester laminates and compared with virgin polyester laminates. The laminates were prepared using various amounts of epoxy lecithin and evaluated for different properties. The epoxy lecithin modified laminates showed good impact strength, tensile, and chemical resistance properties. These laminates were also evaluated for vicat softening point and water absorption. The epoxy lecithin can be used as a plasticizer in polyester laminates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Jute fabric reinforced engineering thermoplastic sandwich composites. I. The effect of molding time
Authors: Thitithanasarn Smith , Yamada Kazushi , Ishiaku Umaru S. , Hamada Hiroyuki
Published: May 2012

Jute fabric‐reinforced sandwich composites were fabricated using engineering thermoplastics. The jute fabrics were precoated with thermosetting resin to improve their thermal resistance before molding of the composites. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) studies revealed that the resin coated fabrics decomposed at higher temperature than the uncoated jute. The onset of degradation of the coated fibers also falls between that of jute fibers and the thermoset resins. This indicates the presence of good interfacial bonding between jute fibers and both resins. Isothermal TGA studies revealed that jute could withstand brief exposure to higher temperature at 270 and 290°C. The sandwich composites were fabricated at 270°C by compression molding for 1.5 and 3 min in each case, and then characterized by flexural, tensile and morphological studies, i.e., SEM and optical microscopy. The uncoated jute fabric yielded composites of superior mechanical properties even with 3 mins molding at 270°C which is close to the degradation temperature of uncoated jute fibers. This is an indication that it is feasible to prepare jute fiber filled engineering polymer composites provided the exposure time at high temperature during processing does not exceed 3 mins as determined by TGA isothermal studies. SEM studies revealed strong fiber/matrix interfacial bonding between jute and the thermoset resins while the inferior mechanical properties of the resin coated sandwich composites could be attributed to the poor interfacial bonding between the already cured thermoset coating and the matrix based on optical microscopy of the polished cross‐sections. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Splenectomy Delays Uterine Natural Killer Cell Recruitment to Implantation Sites and Prolongs Pregnancy in Mice
Authors: Zavan Bruno , Carvalho Celiane Cardoso , Rossi Wagner Costa , Paffaro AndrÉa Mollica Amarante , Paffaro Valdemar Antonio
Published: May 2012

Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are the dominant lymphocytes found in pregnant mammals that develop uterine decidualization. Four stages of mouse uNK cell differentiation are recognized using Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) lectin histochemistry. Each uNK cell subtype has a preferential domain. In human and mouse normal pregnancies, uNK cells are activated interferon gamma‐producing cells that promote angiogenesis and development of the decidua and placenta. Murine transplant models suggest that uNK cells differentiate from self‐renewing progenitors found in peripheral secondary lymphoid tissues, particularly spleen and lymph nodes. In this work, the spleen was removed 7 days before mice were mated to address whether absence of the spleen reduced uNK cell numbers or altered the distributions of maturing uNK cell subsets using quantitative lectin histochemistry. Splenectomy delayed uNK cell maturation within implantation sites. This coincided with delayed decidual and placental development and a significant (48 hr) lengthening of gestation without loss of viability. These studies characterize spleen as a biologically important progenitor tissue for uNK precursor cells. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of hepatocyte growth factor overexpressed bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells on prevention from left ventricular remodelling and functional improvement in infarcted rat hearts
Authors: Wang Shenxu , Qin Xing , Sun Dongdong , Wang Yunfang , Xie Xiaoyan , Fan Weiwei , Wang Yabin , Liang Dong , Pei Xuetao , Cao Feng
Published: May 2012

Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs ) transplantation has been reported to be a promising therapy for myocardial infarction (MI). However, low survival rate of BM‐MSCs in infarcted heart is one of the major limitations for the perspective clinical application. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on left ventricular function improvement of HGF gene‐modified BM‐MSCs (HGF‐MSCs) after its delivery into the infarcted rat hearts. BM‐MSCs were isolated with fibroblast‐like morphology and expressed CD44+CD29+CD90+/CD34‐CD45‐CD31‐CD11a. After 5‐azacytidine induction in vitro, 20%–30% of the cells were positively stained for desmin, cardiac‐specific cardiac troponin I and connexin‐43. Histological staining revealed that 2 weeks after MI is an optimal time point with decreased neutrophil infiltration and increased vascular number. Minimal infarct size and best haemodynamic analysis were also observed after cell injection at 2 weeks compared with that of 1 h, 1 week or 4 weeks. Echocardiogram confirmed that transplantation with HGF‐MSCs significantly improved left ventricular function compared with other groups in rat MI models. MSCs and HGF‐MSCslabelled with DAPI were detected 4 weeks after MI in the infarcted area. Decreased infarcted scar area and increased angiogenesis formation could be found in HGF‐MSCs group than in other groups as demonstrated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and factor VIII staining. These results indicate that HGF‐MSCs transplantation could enhance the contractile function and attenuate left ventricular remodelling efficiently in rats with MI. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Objective Bayesian analysis of spatial data with uncertain nugget and range parameters
Authors: Kazianka Hannes , Pilz Jürgen
Published: May 2012

The authors develop default priors for the Gaussian random field model that includes a nugget parameter accounting for the effects of microscale variations and measurement errors. They present the independence Jeffreys prior, the Jeffreys‐rule prior and a reference prior and study posterior propriety of these and related priors. They show that the uniform prior for the correlation parameters yields an improper posterior. In case of known regression and variance parameters, they derive the Jeffreys prior for the correlation parameters. They prove posterior propriety and obtain that the predictive distributions at ungauged locations have finite variance. Moreover, they show that the proposed priors have good frequentist properties, except for those based on the marginal Jeffreys‐rule prior for the correlation parameters, and illustrate their approach by analyzing a dataset of zinc concentrations along the river Meuse.The Canadian Journal of Statistics40: 304–327; 2012 © 2012 Statistical Society of Canada
Altering membrane topology with Sar1 does not impair spindle assembly in Xenopus egg extracts
Authors: Riggs Blake , Bergman Zane J. , Heald Rebecca
Published: May 2012

Intracellular membrane networks including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus experience dramatic reorganization upon entry into mitosis. However, the mechanisms driving these rearrangements and their importance for cell division are poorly understood. The GTPase Sar1 is a component of the secretory pathway and a key activator of anterograde transport of cargo from the ER to the Golgi. Here we show that Sar1 mutant proteins added to metaphase‐arrested Xenopus laevis egg extracts cause dramatic effects on membrane organization. Live analysis of membrane structures in egg extract cytoplasm revealed a distinct network of sheets and tubules reflective of the organization of the ER in other systems. Addition of a constitutively active Sar1 GTPase mutant (H79G) increased membrane tubulation, while a dominant negative version Sar1 (T39N) impaired tubule organization. Although microtubule pelleting assays revealed that Sar1 associates with microtubules in the egg extract, and addition of Sar1 (H79G) mutant slightly destabilized spindle poles, bipolar spindle assembly was largely unaffected. Thus, spindles are stable to dramatic changes in mitotic membrane organization at metaphase, suggesting that mitotic membrane is not an upstream regulator of the mitotic spindle apparatus in Xenopus egg extracts. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Tumor response assessment by modified Choi criteria in localized high‐risk soft tissue sarcoma treated with chemotherapy
Authors: Stacchiotti Silvia , Verderio Paolo , Messina Antonella , Morosi Carlo , Collini Paola , Llombart‐Bosch Antonio , Martin Javier , Comandone Alessandro , Cruz Jurado , Ferraro Andrea , Grignani Giovanni , Pizzamiglio Sara , Quagliuolo Vittorio , Picci Piero , Frustaci Sergio , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Casali Paolo G. , Gronchi Alessandro
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND.

The objective of this study was to compare the prognostic relevance of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) versus Choi criteria for the assessment of response in patients with high‐risk soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities or trunk wall who received preoperative chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy in a phase 3 trial.

METHODS.

Patients received 3 cycles of preoperative epirubicin + ifosfamide with or without radiotherapy. The diagnostic concordance between RECIST and Choi criteria and their correlation with overall survival (OS) and freedom from progression (FFP) were evaluated in a univariate Cox regression model.

RESULTS.

In 243 of 321 eligible patients, RECIST, Choi criteria, and histology were predictive for OS and FFP. In the subgroup of 69 patients who received chemotherapy alone and were evaluable by both RECIST and Choi criteria, Choi criteria were associated significantly with OS and FFP, whereas RECIST predicted only FFP, and the pattern of agreement observed between the 2 criteria was unsatisfactory. On a dichotomous scale, comparing objective response (complete and partial responses) and lack of response (stable and progressive disease) to preoperative chemotherapy according to RECIST and Choi criteria, only Choi criteria were predictive of OS and FFP, and fair agreement between RECIST and Choi criteria was observed. When lack of progression and progression were compared (complete and partial responses + stable disease vs progressive disease), both assessment criteria were significantly predictive of OS and FFP, and there was substantial agreement between the 2 criteria.

CONCLUSIONS.

Response to chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy was associated with a better outcome in patients with high‐risk soft tissue sarcoma. Choi criteria were better predictors than RECIST in patients who received preoperative chemotherapy alone. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Transitory and activity‐dependent expression of neurogranin in olfactory bulb tufted cells during mouse postnatal development
Authors: Gribaudo S. , Bovetti S. , Friard O. , Denorme M. , Oboti L. , Fasolo A. , De Marchis S.
Published: May 2012

Neurogranin (Ng) is a brain‐specific postsynaptic calmodulin‐binding protein involved in synaptic activity‐dependent plasticity. In the adult olfactory bulb (OB), Ng is expressed by a large population of GABAergic interneurons in the granule cell layer. We show here that, during postnatal development, Ng is also expressed by OB neurons in the superficial external plexiform layer (sEPL) and glomerular layer (GL). These Ng‐positive neurons display morphological and neurochemical features of superficial and external tufted cells. Ng expression in these cells is transient during OB development: few elements express Ng at postnatal day (P) 5, increasing in number and reaching a peak at P10, then progressively decreasing. At P30, Ng is rarely detectable in these neurons. Ng expression in developing tufted cells is also modulated at the cellular level: at earlier stages, Ng labeling is distributed throughout the cell body and dendritic arborization in the GL, but, at P20, when the glomerular circuits are fully matured, Ng becomes restricted to the soma and proximal portion of tufted cell apical dendrites. We show that olfactory deprivation at early postnatal stages induces a strong increase in Ng‐positive tufted cells from P10 to P20, whereas no changes have been observed following olfactory deprivation in adult mice. These findings demonstrate that Ng expression in sEPL‐GL is restricted to developmental stages and indicate its activity‐dependent regulation in a time window critical for glomerular circuit development, suggesting a role for Ng in maturation and dendritic remodeling of tufted cells. J. Comp. Neurol., 520:3055–3069, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A methodology for ontology update in the semantic grid environment
Authors: Flahive Andrew , Taniar David , Rahayu Wenny , Apduhan Bernady O.
Published: May 2012

Ontology as a formal representation of a domain knowledge has played an important role in a distributed environment whereby semantic interoperability is a major factor. In this paper, we particularly focus on a distributed ontology framework that utilizes Semantic Grid resources. The semantic representation in a machine‐understandable format (i.e., an ontology) is the backbone that enables interoperability between different user nodes in a semantic grid environment. However, the domain knowledge represented within an ontology is not static. From time to time, its concepts, properties and relationships need to be replaced or updated. Although many existing work have been focusing on how to utilize an ontology to support interoperability within a distributed environment, they often assume a rather static ontology. This paper focuses on formalizing and validating the process of ontology update, whereby sections of one ontology O2 are replaced by a subset extracted from another ontology O1. In the first phase, a subset S1 is extracted from ontology O1. Then in the second phase, the concepts in ontology O2 are replaced by S1. At the end of the process, the resulting ontology O2 must still be a valid ontology. A semantic completeness checking also needs to be conducted so that the updated ontology O2 is complete. A case study based on the Unified Medical Language System ontology from the medical informatics domain is presented. We use a semantic grid environment to build a framework for reusing, extracting and updating an ontology using a SOA. These allow the subset extracted from one ontology, to replace sections of another ontology, using shared resources in the semantic grid environment. A prototype of the framework is built using Web Services and a complexity evaluation measure is presented. The results of several simulations show ontology update in the semantic grid is a viable solution and can be further optimized. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic segmentation of cell nuclei in Feulgen‐stained histological sections of prostate cancer and quantitative evaluation of segmentation results
Authors: Nielsen Birgitte , Albregtsen Fritz , Danielsen Håvard E.
Published: May 2012

Digital image analysis of cell nuclei is useful to obtain quantitative information for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. However, the lack of a reliable automatic nuclear segmentation is a limiting factor for high‐throughput nuclear image analysis. We have developed a method for automatic segmentation of nuclei in Feulgen‐stained histological sections of prostate cancer. A local adaptive thresholding with an object perimeter gradient verification step detected the nuclei and was combined with an active contour model that featured an optimized initialization and worked within a restricted region to improve convergence of the segmentation of each nucleus. The method was tested on 30 randomly selected image frames from three cases, comparing the results from the automatic algorithm to a manual delineation of 924 nuclei. The automatic method segmented a few more nuclei compared to the manual method, and about 73% of the manually segmented nuclei were also segmented by the automatic method. For each nucleus segmented both manually and automatically, the accuracy (i.e., agreement with manual delineation) was estimated. The mean segmentation sensitivity/specificity were 95%/96%. The results from the automatic method were not significantly different from the ground truth provided by manual segmentation. This opens the possibility for large‐scale nuclear analysis based on automatic segmentation of nuclei in Feulgen‐stained histological sections. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Fluorescence in situ hybridization of three oncogenes on a leiomyoma
Authors: Faruqi Shamim Ahmad , Saquib Mohammad , Harsch Christopher , Noumoff Joel S.
Published: May 2012

Using fluorescence in situ hybridization technique, expression of three oncogenes, C‐myc, RARa, and cyclin‐D was tested on a uterine leiomyoma. C‐myc and RARa were amplified in approximately 30% and 90% of the cells, respectively. Numerous small signals of C‐myc were indicative of the presence of double minutes. Amplification of RARa is being reported for the first time in a leiomyoma. Cyclin‐D was normal in diploid cells while it was highly amplified in polyploid cells. Low levels of amplified C‐myc and cyclin‐D cells seem to be the reason for this tumor to be benign, while RARa could not be effective without the association of some other gene such as PML. Information presented here are significant toward developing new curative strategies such as gene‐specific drugs and molecular manipulation to stop the activity of cancer gene. Further study may elucidate that how fibroids grow and maintain their rare benign nature. Microsc. Res. Tech. 75:1147–1149, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microvascular patterns in the blubber of shallow and deep diving odontocetes
Authors: McClelland Sara J. , Gay Mark , Pabst D. Ann , Dillaman Richard , Westgate Andrew J. , Koopman Heather N.
Published: May 2012

Blubber, a specialized form of subdermal adipose tissue, surrounds marine mammal bodies. Typically, adipose tissue is perfused by capillaries but information on blubber vascularization is lacking. This study's goals were to: 1) describe and compare the microvasculature (capillaries, microarterioles, and microvenules) of blubber across odontocete species; 2) compare microvasculature of blubber to adipose tissue; and 3) examine relationships between blubber's lipid composition and its microvasculature. Percent microvascularity, distribution, branching pattern, and diameter of microvessels were determined from images of histochemically stained blubber sections from shallow‐diving bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), deeper‐diving pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps), deep‐diving beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris; Ziphius cavirostris), and the subdermal adipose tissue of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa). Tursiops blubber showed significant stratification in percent microvascularity among the superficial, middle, and deep layers and had a significantly higher percent microvascularity than all other animals analyzed, in which the microvasculature was more uniformly distributed. The percent microvasculature of Kogia blubber was lower than that of Tursiops but higher than that of beaked whales and the subdermal adipose tissue of domestic pigs. Tursiops had the most microvascular branching. Microvessel diameter was relatively uniform in all species. There were no clear patterns associating microvascular and lipid characteristics. The microvascular characteristics of the superficial layer of blubber resembled the adipose tissue of terrestrial mammals, suggesting some conservation of microvascular patterns in mammalian adipose tissue. The middle and deep layers of blubber, particularly in Tursiops, showed the greatest departure from typical mammalian microvascular arrangement. Factors such as metabolics or thermoregulation may be influencing the microvasculature in these layers. © J. Morphol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modelling runoff in a Swiss glacierized catchment—part I: methodology and application in the Findelen basin under a long‐lasting stable climate
Authors: Uhlmann Bastienne , Jordan Frédéric , Beniston Martin
Published: May 2012

The complex topography of the Alps makes detailed hydrological modelling a real challenge. It is yet an essential task to improve the insight of hydrological processes in the context of intensification of renewable energy use and under the constraints of climate change. In this perspective and as a case study, the runoff of a small highly glacierized basin in the Swiss Alps—namely the Findelen catchment area—has been modelled with a hydrological model (Routing System 3.0; RS3.0). It is a conceptual model, based on object‐oriented programming and it computes snow‐melt, glaciers, infiltration and runoff processes. As input, it requires hourly air temperatures and precipitation, and the geomorphologic features of the catchment area and glacier. RS3.0 has proven to be very efficient in reproducing discharge. To evaluate the impacts of climate change on runoff—the final objective of the study addressed in a companion paper—a stochastic meteorological data generator has been developed to reproduce a sequence of air temperature and precipitation over more than one century. In this way, a continuous series of daily discharge values has been simulated by RS3.0 with the stochastic input data. This methodology has also enabled an assessment of the glacier response time to a stable climate. Indeed, if the climatic conditions of the standard reference period 1961‐1990 were to be preserved throughout the 21st century, the simulation shows that the watershed would be slow to adapt: the glaciers would be balanced with the atmospheric conditions and the water discharge would reach a lower stable value in more than 40 years. However, the glacierized area would lose only 3.5% of its surface. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Downscaled GCM projections of winter and summer mass balance for Central European glaciers (2000–2100) from ensemble simulations with ECHAM5‐MPIOM
Authors: Springer Claudia , Matulla Christoph , Schöner Wolfgang , Steinacker Reinhold , Wagner Sebastian
Published: May 2012

This study is based on the study from Matulla et al. (2009) where the glacier under estimation has been Peyto Glacier in Canada. The same methods have been used for five Austrian glaciers; projections of glacier mass balance are generated from ensembles of general circulation model (GCM) simulations by the use of direct statistical downscaling. Thereby, the general features of the atmospheric circulation over an expanded geographical region covering the European Alps are linked empirically to winter and summer mass balance records measured at five glaciers in Austria. The projections are taken from an ensemble of ECHAM5‐MPIOM simulations forced with the IPCC‐SRES scenarios A1B and B1. Results based on the statistical downscaling indicate decreasing balances for both winter and summer. These results suggest continued frontal recession and downwasting of the alpine glaciers in this region until 2100. For Jamtalferner, these suggestions reach reductions of about 1000 mm water equivalent in summer. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society