bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Polymorphisms of Estrogen Receptor α Genes rs9340799 and rs2234693 and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Pan Yuanmei , Li Yansheng , Shen Huojian
Published: May 2014

Objective:

A meta-analysis was performed to better clarify the association between polymorphisms of estrogen receptor α genes rs9340799 and rs2234693 and risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods:

Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from fixed and random effect models were calculated. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the I2. Meta-regression was used to explore the potential sources of between-study heterogeneity.

Results:

A total of 23 studies about rs9340799 and 24 studies about rs2234693 were included in this meta-analysis. The combined evidence suggested that the x allele of rs9340799 had a significant protective effect on the risk of AD in codominant model (ORs = 0.893, 95%CIs = 0.822-0.970), especially for AD in Asia and sporadic AD (SAD). The p allele of rs2234693 was associated with decreased risk of AD in codominant model for patients with SAD. No publication bias was detected.

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis suggested that x allele of rs9340799 might have a protective effect on the risk of AD in Asia and in patients with SAD. In addition, the p allele of rs2234693 might decrease the risk of patients with SAD.
Autologous Platelet Gel
Authors: Gilli Simone C. O. , do Valle Oliveira Suely A. , Saad Sara T. Olalla
Published: May 2014

Leg ulcers represent a particularly disabling complication in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Platelet gel (PG) is a novel therapeutic strategy used for accelerating wound healing of a wide range of tissues through the continuous release of platelet growth factors. Here, we describe the use of PG preparation according to Anitua’s PRGF (preparations rich in growth factors) protocol for treating chronic nonhealing ulcers in patients with SCD. A positive response occurred in 3 patients with an area reduction of 85.7% to 100%, which occurred within 7 to 10 weeks, and a 35.2% and 20.5% of area reduction in 2 other patients, who however, had large ulcers. After calcium chloride addition, the platelet-rich plasmas demonstrated enhanced platelet-derived growth factors–BB ( P < .001), transforming growth factor-β1 ( P = .015), vascular endothelial growth factors ( P = .03), and hepatocyte growth factors (nonsignificant) secretion. Furthermore, calcium chloride addition induced a significant decrease in platelet number ( P = .0134) and there was no leukocyte detection in the PG product. These results demonstrate that PG treatment might impact the healing of leg ulcers in sickle cell disease, especially in patients with small ulcers.
The ‘Red Surge’: Media framing of Maoist struggles in India
Authors: Thomas Pradip Ninan
Published: May 2014

Maoist struggles in Eastern and Central India against the Indian State have been under-reported in International Media. These struggles by mainly indigenous communities against the corporate-state mining nexus have become a national crisis and literally hundreds of Indian paramilitary forces, Maoists and indigenous people have died as a result of these conflicts. Local media have typically reported Maoism in terms of a law and order and security issue. This article highlights some of the ‘frames’ used by the media within a critical political economy inspired reading of the conflict that the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described as India's number one security issue. It deals with uneven globalisation, the under-reporting of lives lived by India’s most deprived communities and the other side of India’s tryst of globalisation that has led to many indigenous communities living lives on the edge.
First reported case of ganglioneuroblastoma in pregnancy and a review of the literature
Authors: Chen Bee Fong , Rathi Manjusha , Al-Samarrai Susanna , Rajeswary Jyothi
Published: May 2014

Ganglioneuroblastoma is a variant of neuroblastoma tumours with mature ganglion cell differentiation which occurs commonly in cervical, mediastinal and retroperitoneal locations. Approximately 90% of ganglioneuroblastomas are seen in children younger than five years old. There are 50 adult cases of ganglioneuroblastomas reported to date. Our patient is the 51st case and she is the first to be diagnosed in pregnancy. Our patient’s tumour site was the thoraco-abdominal retroperitoneal space adjacent to her kidney. This tumour is generally diagnosed incidentally or by compression presentations, i.e. pain or neurological symptoms. Our patient’s ultrasound scan appearances triggered suspicion of an atypical mass after presenting with loin pain. Caesarean section with tumour removal in the same session is preferred if tumour is small and localized. However in this case, there was uncertainty regarding the extent of the tumour. Therefore, the patient underwent thoracotomy after delivery to excise the thoraco-abdominal tumour, which extended from the level of the T9 to L2 vertebrae.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations: latest evidence and clinical implications
Authors: Qureshi Hammad , Sharafkhaneh Amir , Hanania Nicola A.
Published: May 2014

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and results in an economic and social burden that is both substantial and increasing. The natural history of COPD is punctuated by exacerbations which have major short- and long-term implications on the patient and healthcare system. Evidence-based guidelines stipulate that early detection and prompt treatment of exacerbations are essential to ensure optimal outcomes and to reduce the burden of COPD. Several factors can identify populations at risk of exacerbations. Implementing prevention measures in patients at risk is a major goal in the management of COPD.
Older Age Does Not Affect Healing Time and Functional Outcomes After Fracture Nonunion Surgery
Authors: Taormina David P. , Shulman Brandon S. , Karia Raj , Spitzer Allison B. , Konda Sanjit R. , Egol Kenneth A.
Published: May 2014

Introduction:

Elderly patients are at risk of fracture nonunion, given the potential setting of osteopenia, poorer fracture biology, and comorbid medical conditions. Risk factors predicting fracture nonunion may compromise the success of fracture nonunion surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of patient age on clinical and functional outcome following long bone fracture nonunion surgery.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data identified 288 patients (aged 18-91) who were indicated for long bone nonunion surgery. Two-hundred and seventy-two patients satisfied study inclusion criteria and analyses were performed comparing elderly patients aged ≥65 years (n = 48) with patients <65 years (n = 224) for postoperative wound complications, Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA) functional status, healing, and surgical revision. Regression analyses were performed to look for associations between age, smoking status, and history of previous nonunion surgery with healing and functional outcome. Twelve-month follow-up was obtained on 91.5% (249 of 272) of patients.

Results:

Despite demographic differences in the aged population, including a predominance of medical comorbidities ( P < .01) and osteopenia ( P = .02), there was no statistical differences in the healing rate of elderly patients (95.8% vs 95.1%, P = .6) or time to union (6.2 ± 4.1 months vs. 7.2 ± 6.6, P = .3). Rates of postoperative wound complications and surgical revision did not statistically differ. Elderly patients reported similar levels of function up to 12 months after surgery. Regression analyses failed to show any significant association between age and final union or time to union. There was a strong positive association between smoking and history of previous nonunion surgery with time to union. Age was associated (positively) with 12-month SMFA activity score.

Conclusions:

Smoking and failure of previous surgical intervention were associated with nonunion surgery outcomes. Patient’s age at the time of surgery was not associated with achieving union. Advanced age was generally not associated with poorer nonunion surgery outcomes.
Meaning Making Through Minimal Linguistic Forms in Computer-Mediated Communication
Authors: Rafi Muhammad Shaban
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the linguistic forms, which commonly constitute meanings in the digital environment. The data were sampled from 200 Bachelor of Science (BS) students (who had Urdu as their primary language of communication and English as one of the academic languages or the most prestigious second language) of five universities situated in Lahore, Pakistan. The procedure for analysis was conceived within much related theoretical work on text analysis. The study reveals that cyber-language is organized through patterns of use, which can be broadly classified into minimal linguistic forms constituting a meaning-making resource. In addition, the expression of syntactic mood, and discourse roles the participants technically assume tend to contribute to the theory of meaning in the digital environment. It is hoped that the study would make some contribution to the growing literature on multilingual computer-mediated communication (CMC).
Oral Cytology for HIV
Authors: Jagad Vaibhav Mahesh , Shenoy Nandita , Ramapuram John , Lewis Amitha , Srikant N. , Sarin Aditi
Published: May 2014

Aim:

To asses morphological and morphometrical alterations of oral squamous epithelial cells in HIV infected individuals, and determine its diagnostic significance for HIV infection.

Materials and Methods:

Informed Consent was obtained from all study subjects. 40 adult HIV infected patients (experimental group) and 40 adult non-infected volunteers (control group) participated. Age, occupation, and relevant medical history were recorded. The following laboratory tests reports were recorded: complete blood cell counts, blood glucose levels, serum iron and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Oral smears were collected from normal appearing tongue and buccal mucosa of the individuals by exfoliative cytology. The cells were morphologically analysed and the nuclear area (NA), the cytoplasmic area (CA) and the nucleus-to-cytoplasm area ratio (NA/CA) were calculated. Cell yield, cell cohesion, presence/absence of inflammatory cells and candida were observed.

Results:

The cytological smears of HIV patients showed abundant cell yield and the epithelial cells were found to be in close cohesive clusters and both findings were found to be statistically significant. Nuclear cytoplasmic ratio was seen to be increased in 93.8% of HIV positive patientsand Mild to moderate pleomorphism was observed in 17.9% of HIV positive patients. HIV positive patients had a diminished inflammatory response and this was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Statistically significant deviations from normal oral epithelium were found in the study conducted. With further research, oral exfoliative cytology may form a new, painless, inexpensive diagnostic method for HIV infections.
Linear friction welding of Ti6Al4V: Experiments and modelling
Authors: Schröder F. , Ward R. M. , Walpole A. R. , Turner R. P. , Attallah M. M. , Gebelin J.-C. , Reed R. C.
Published: May 2014

Linear friction welding of the Ti6Al4V alloy is studied. A new definition of the energy input rate is proposed, based on an integration over time of the in-plane force and velocity; a strong correlation with the upset rate is then found. The effective friction coefficient is estimated to be 0·5±0·1 for varying frequencies and amplitudes, with only a weak dependence on the processing conditions displayed. A model is proposed that accounts for both the conditioning and equilibrium stages of the process, which is shown to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The model is used to study the mechanism by which the flash is formed. A criterion is proposed by which the rippled nature of its morphology can be predicted.
Influence of P and N on hot ductility of high Al, boron containing TWIP steels
Authors: Kang S. E. , Banerjee J. R. , Tuling A. , Mintz B.
Published: May 2014

The influence of P in the range ∼0·01 to 0·07 with high Ti and N additions on the hot ductility of 1·5Al, boron treated twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) steels has been examined. P, even at the 0·02 level, has a small detrimental influence on the hot ductility, and ductility decreases progressively as the P content is increased. Low melting point Fe(Mn)phosphide phases were found at the austenite grain boundaries accounting for this deterioration in ductility. As it is difficult to cast these steels, without cracks forming, P levels should be as low as possible, preferably ∼0·01. High Ti and N additions (≥0·07Ti, 0·01N) to these B treated, TWIP steels gave rise to good ductility throughout the straightening temperature range 800–950°C. It is suggested that the high N level results in good ductility because although there is a large volume fraction of TiN, the high Ti/N ratio encourages growth of the TiN precipitates, and the high [Ti][N] product causes the precipitation to take place at high temperatures so that it is too coarse to influence the hot ductility.
Application of small angle neutron scattering to study creep cavitation in stainless steel weldments
Authors: Jazaeri H. , Bouchard P. J. , Hutchings M. T. , Mamun A. A. , Heenan R. K.
Published: May 2014

In the present paper, the use of small angle neutron scattering to study creep cavitation around reheat cracking in two 316H austenitic stainless steel header components is reported. The components had been removed after long time high temperature operation in nuclear power plants. Cavities up to 350 nm in size are quantified, and their distribution relative to the crack, near the crack origin and away from the crack tip along the crack direction, is measured. Cavitation increases significantly on approaching the crack near the crack mouth. Cavitation is less prominent near the crack tip with minimal variation away from the crack tip. More extensive cavitation near the crack is found in the component with the longer reheat crack.
Whole-exome sequencing and functional studies identify RPS29 as a novel gene mutated in multicase Diamond-Blackfan anemia families
Authors: Mirabello Lisa , Macari Elizabeth R. , Jessop Lea , Ellis Steven R. , Myers Timothy , Giri Neelam , Taylor Alison M. , McGrath Katherine E. , Humphries Jessica M. , Ballew Bari J. , Yeager Meredith , Boland Joseph F. , He Ji , Hicks Belynda D. , Burdett Laurie , Alter Blanche P. , Zon Leonard , Savage Sharon A.
Published: May 2014

Key Points

Exome sequencing and functional studies identified RPS29 as a novel cause of autosomal dominant DBA. DBA-associated mutations caused haploinsufficiency, a pre-rRNA processing defect, and defective erythropoiesis using an rps29−/− zebra fish model.
Kinetics of CLL cells in tissues and blood during therapy with the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib
Authors: Wodarz Dominik , Garg Naveen , Komarova Natalia L. , Benjamini Ohad , Keating Michael J. , Wierda William G. , Kantarjian Hagop , James Danelle , O’Brien Susan , Burger Jan A.
Published: May 2014

Key Points

During ibrutinib therapy, 1.7% of blood and 2.7% of tissue CLL cells die per day which is 3 and 5 times higher than without treatment. The fraction of CLL cells that redistribute into the blood during ibrutinib treatment represents 23.3% ± 17% of the tissue disease burden.
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is frequently expressed in stromal cells of Hodgkin lymphoma and is associated with adverse clinical features: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Choe Ji-Young , Yun Ji Yun , Jeon Yoon Kyoung , Kim Se Hoon , Park Gyeongsin , Huh Joo Ryoung , Oh Sohee , Kim Ji Eun
Published: May 2014

Background

Regulation of tumor microenvironment is closely involved in the prognosis of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an enzyme acting as immune modulator through suppression of T-cell immunity. This study aims to investigate role of IDO in the microenvironment of HL.

Methods

A total of 121 cases of HL were enrolled to do immunohistochemistry for IDO, CD163, CD68, CD4, CD8, and FoxP3. Positivity was evaluated from area fractions or numbers of positive cells using automated image analyzer. Correlations between IDO expression and various cellular infiltrates and clinicopathologic parameters were examined and survival analyses were performed.

Results

IDO was expressed in histiocytes, dendritic cells and some endothelial cells with variable degrees, but not in tumor cells. IDO positive cells were more frequently found in mixed cellularity type than other histologic types, and in cases with EBV+, high Ann Arbor stages, B symptoms, and high IPS (all p < 0.05). High IDO expression was associated with inferior survival (p < 0.001) and reflects an independent prognostic factor in nodular sclerosis HL.

Conclusions

This is the first study suggesting that IDO is the principle immunomodulator and is involved to adverse clinical outcomes of HL.
A note on ‘Coupled fixed point theorems for mixed g-monotone mappings in partially ordered metric spaces’
Authors: Bilgili Nurcan , Erhan Inci M , Karapınar Erdal , Turkoglu Duran
Published: May 2014

Recently, some (common) coupled fixed theorems in various abstract spaces have appeared as a generalization of existing (usual) fixed point results. Unexpectedly, we noticed that most of such (common) coupled fixed theorems are either weaker or equivalent to existing fixed point results in the literature. In particular, we prove that the very recent paper of Turkoglu and Sangurlu ‘Coupled fixed point theorems for mixed g-monotone mappings in partially ordered metric spaces [Fixed Point Theory and Applications 2013, 2013:348]’ can be considered as a consequence of the existing fixed point theorems on the topic in the literature. Furthermore, we give an example to illustrate that the main results of Turkoglu and Sangurlu (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2013:348, 2013) has limited applicability compared to the mentioned existing fixed point result.

MSC:47H10, 54H25.
Risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis: a systematic review of clinical trials with a large sample size in the past 10 years
Authors: Chen Jian-Jun , Wang Xi-Mo , Liu Xing-Qiang , Li Wen , Dong Mo , Suo Zong-Wu , Ding Po , Li Yue
Published: May 2014

Background

Post- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common and most severe complication associated with diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP. A multivariate analysis of risk factors for PEP is essential for identifying patients at high risk and subsequently choosing other suitable diagnoses.

Methods

Pertinent publications were identified through systematic searches of MEDLINE, Elsevier, and Springer; we performed a systematic review of 12 clinical studies published in the past ten years, selected out of 451 reviewed articles, in which risk factors for pancreatitis were identified. Seven probable risk factors were evaluated, and outcomes expressed in the case of dichotomous variables, as an odds ratio (OR) (with a 95% confidence interval, 95% CI).

Results

When the risk factors were analyzed, the OR for female gender was 1.40 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.58); the OR for previous PEP was 3.23 (95% CI 2.48 to 4.22); the OR for previous pancreatitis was 2.00 (95% CI 1.72 to 2.33); the OR for endoscopic sphincterotomy was 1.42 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.78); the OR for precut sphincterotomy was 2.11 (95% CI 1.72 to 2.59); the OR for Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction was 4.37 (95% CI 3.75 to 5.09); and the OR for non-prophylactic pancreatic duct stent was 2.10 (95% CI 1.63 to 2.69).

Conclusions

It appears that female gender, previous PEP, previous pancreatitis, endoscopic sphincterotomy, precut sphincterotomy, Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, and non-prophylactic pancreatic duct stent are the risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis.
New insights into the role of ID proteins in breast cancer metastasis: a MET affair
Authors: Teo Wee Siang , Nair Radhika , Swarbrick Alexander
Published: May 2014

The establishment of lethal metastases depends on the capacity of a small number of cancer cells to regenerate a tumor after entering a target organ. Stankic and colleagues have identified a role for the inhibitor of differentiation protein, ID1, as a critical regulator of breast cancer stem-like properties and metastatic colonization. Under the control of tumor growth factor-beta signaling, ID1 induces mesenchymal-epithelial transition at the metastatic site by antagonizing the activity of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Twist1. This study sheds light on mechanisms that initiate metastatic outgrowth, and strengthens the concept that epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity is crucial at different stages of metastasis.
Genomic patterns resembling BRCA1- and BRCA2-mutated breast cancers predict benefit of intensified carboplatin-based chemotherapy
Authors: Vollebergh Marieke A , Lips Esther H , Nederlof Petra M , Wessels Lodewyk FA , Wesseling Jelle , vd Vijver Marc J , de Vries Elisabeth GE , van Tinteren Harm , Jonkers Jos , Hauptmann Michael , Rodenhuis Sjoerd , Linn Sabine C
Published: May 2014

Introduction

BRCA-mutated breast cancer cells lack the DNA-repair mechanism homologous recombination that is required for error-free DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) may cause hypersensitivity to DNA DSB-inducing agents, such as bifunctional alkylating agents and platinum salts. HRD can be caused by BRCA mutations, and by other mechanisms. To identify HRD, studies have focused on triple-negative (TN) breast cancers as these resemble BRCA1-mutated breast cancer closely and might also share this hypersensitivity. However, ways to identify HRD in non-BRCA-mutated, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers have remained elusive. The current study provides evidence that genomic patterns resembling BRCA1- or BRCA2-mutated breast cancers can identify breast cancer patients with TN as well as ER-positive, HER2-negative tumors that are sensitive to intensified, DSB-inducing chemotherapy.

Methods

Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) was used to classify breast cancers. Patients with tumors with similar aCGH patterns as BRCA1- and/or BRCA2-mutated breast cancers were defined as having a BRCA-likeCGH status, others as non-BCRA-likeCGH. Stage-III patients (n = 249) had participated in a randomized controlled trial of adjuvant high-dose (HD) cyclophosphamide-thiotepa-carboplatin (CTC) versus 5-fluorouracil-epirubicin-cyclophosphamide (FE90C) chemotherapy.

Results

Among patients with BRCA-likeCGH tumors (81/249, 32%), a significant benefit of HD-CTC compared to FE90C was observed regarding overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio 0.19, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.48) that was not seen for patients with non-BRCA-likeCGH tumors (adjusted hazard ratio 0.90, 95% CI: 0.53 to 1.54) (P = 0.004). Half of all BRCA-likeCGH tumors were ER-positive.

Conclusions

Distinct aCGH patterns differentiated between HER2-negative patients with a markedly improved outcome after adjuvant treatment with an intensified DNA-DSB-inducing regimen (BRCA-likeCGH patients) and those without benefit (non-BRCA-likeCGH patients).
Does contemporary vancomycin dosing achieve therapeutic targets in a heterogeneous clinical cohort of critically ill patients? Data from the multinational DALI study
Authors: Blot Stijn , Koulenti Despoina , Akova Murat , Bassetti Matteo , De Waele Jan J , Dimopoulos George , Kaukonen Kirsi-Maija , Martin Claude , Montravers Philippe , Rello Jordi , Rhodes Andrew , Starr Therese , Wallis Steven C , Lipman Jeffrey , Roberts Jason A
Published: May 2014

Introduction

The objective of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in ICU patients and to examine whether contemporary antibiotic dosing results in concentrations that have been associated with favourable response.

Methods

The Defining Antibiotic Levels in Intensive Care (DALI) study was a prospective, multicentre pharmacokinetic point-prevalence study. Antibiotic dosing was as per the treating clinician either by intermittent bolus or continuous infusion. Target trough concentration was defined as ≥15 mg/L and target pharmacodynamic index was defined as an area under the concentration-time curve over a 24-hour period divided by the minimum inhibitory concentration of the suspected bacteria (AUC0–24/MIC ratio) >400 (assuming MIC ≤1 mg/L).

Results

Data of 42 patients from 26 ICUs were eligible for analysis. A total of 24 patients received vancomycin by continuous infusion (57%). Daily dosage of vancomycin was 27 mg/kg (interquartile range (IQR) 18 to 32), and not different between patients receiving intermittent or continuous infusion. Trough concentrations were highly variable (median 27, IQR 8 to 23 mg/L). Target trough concentrations were achieved in 57% of patients, but more frequently in patients receiving continuous infusion (71% versus 39%; P = 0.038). Also the target AUC0–24/MIC ratio was reached more frequently in patients receiving continuous infusion (88% versus 50%; P = 0.008). Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment by the propensity score could not confirm continuous infusion as an independent predictor of an AUC0–24/MIC >400 (odds ratio (OR) 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2 to 12.0) or a Cmin ≥15 mg/L (OR 1.8, 95% CI 0.4 to 8.5).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated large interindividual variability in vancomycin pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic target attainment in ICU patients. These data suggests that a re-evaluation of current vancomycin dosing recommendations in critically ill patients is needed to more rapidly and consistently achieve sufficient vancomycin exposure.
Die another way – non-apoptotic mechanisms of cell death
Authors: Tait Stephen W. G. , Ichim Gabriel , Green Douglas R.
Published: May 2014

Regulated, programmed cell death is crucial for all multicellular organisms. Cell death is essential in many processes, including tissue sculpting during embryogenesis, development of the immune system and destruction of damaged cells. The best-studied form of programmed cell death is apoptosis, a process that requires activation of caspase proteases. Recently it has been appreciated that various non-apoptotic forms of cell death also exist, such as necroptosis and pyroptosis. These non-apoptotic cell death modalities can be either triggered independently of apoptosis or are engaged should apoptosis fail to execute. In this Commentary, we discuss several regulated non-apoptotic forms of cell death including necroptosis, autophagic cell death, pyroptosis and caspase-independent cell death. We outline what we know about their mechanism, potential roles in vivo and define outstanding questions. Finally, we review data arguing that the means by which a cell dies actually matters, focusing our discussion on inflammatory aspects of cell death.
Intracellular localization of M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor through clathrin-dependent constitutive internalization via a C-terminal tryptophan-based motif
Authors: Uwada Junsuke , Yoshiki Hatsumi , Masuoka Takayoshi , Nishio Matomo , Muramatsu Ikunobu
Published: May 2014

The M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1-mAChR) is a G-protein-coupled membrane receptor that is activated by extracellular cholinergic stimuli. Recent investigations have revealed the intracellular localization of M1-mAChRs. In this study, we observed constitutive internalization of M1-mAChRs in mouse neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells without agonist stimulation. Constitutive internalization depends on dynamin, clathrin, and the adaptor protein-2 (AP-2) complex. A WXXI motif in the M1-mAChR C-terminus is essential for its constitutive internalization, since alanine mutations of W442 or I445 abolished constitutive internalization. This WXXI motif resembles YXXΦ, which is the canonical binding motif for the μ2 subunit of the AP-2 complex. The M1-mAChR C-terminal WXXI motif interacted with AP-2 μ2. W442A and I445A mutants of the M1-mAChR C-terminal sequence lost AP-2 μ2 binding activity, while the W442Y mutant bound more effectively than wild-type. Consistent with these results, W442A and I445A M1-mAChR mutants selectively localized to the cell surface. Conversely, the W442Y receptor mutant was found only at intracellular sites. Our data indicate that the cellular distribution of M1-mAChRs is governed by the C-terminal tryptophan-based motif that mediates constitutive internalization.
Molecular basis for MMP9 induction and disruption of epithelial cell-cell contacts by galectin-3
Authors: Mauris Jerome , Woodward Ashley M. , Cao Zhiyi , Panjwani Noorjahan , Argüeso Pablo
Published: May 2014

Dynamic modulation of the physical contacts between neighboring cells is integral to epithelial processes such as tissue repair and cancer dissemination. Induction of matrix metalloproteinase activity contributes to the disassembly of intercellular junctions and the degradation of the extracellular matrix, thus mitigating the physical constraint to cell movement. Using the cornea as a model, we show here that a carbohydrate-binding protein, galectin-3, promotes cell-cell detachment and redistribution of the tight junction protein occludin via its N-terminal polymerizing domain. Notably, we demonstrate that galectin-3 initiates cell-cell disassembly by inducing matrix metalloproteinase expression in a manner that is dependent on the interaction with and clustering of the matrix metalloproteinase inducer CD147 on the cell surface. Using galectin-3 knockout mice in an in vivo model of wound healing, we further show that increased synthesis of MMP9 at the leading edge of migrating epithelium is regulated by galectin-3. These findings establish a novel galectin-3-mediated regulatory mechanism for induction of metalloproteinase expression and disruption of cell-cell contacts required for cell motility in migrating epithelia.
The TLR and IL-1 signalling network at a glance
Authors: Cohen Philip
Published: May 2014

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the receptors for interleukin (IL)-1, IL-18 and IL-33 are required for defence against microbial pathogens but, if hyper-activated or not switched off efficiently, can cause tissue damage and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Understanding how the checks and balances in the system are integrated to fight infection without the network operating out of control will be crucial for the development of improved drugs to treat these diseases in the future. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, I provide a brief overview of how one of these intricate networks is controlled by the interplay of protein phosphorylation and protein ubiquitylation events, and the mechanisms in myeloid cells that restrict and terminate its activation to prevent inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Finally, I suggest a few protein kinases that have been neglected as drug targets, but whose therapeutic potential should be explored in the light of recent advances in our understanding of their roles in the innate immune system.
Dispersed RhMo Nanoclusters Prepared from Oxide-supported Rh2Mo Heterometallic Complexes as Catalysts for Alcohol Oxidation
Authors: Muratsugu Satoshi , Tajima Shunichi , Tada Mizuki
Published: May 2014

Oxide-supported heterometallic complex structures were prepared by the impregnation of three different oxide supports with [Rh2Mo(η5-C5Me5)2(S2C6H4)2(CO)2] through a CO exchange reaction with surface hydroxy groups. The original structural framework of the heterometallic complex with two Rh–Mo heterometal bonds was maintained on SiO2 and γ-Al2O3, while the original complex structure was not maintained on TiO2; these structures were investigated by FT-IR, DR-UV–vis spectroscopy, and Mo/Rh K-edge EXAFS. Highly dispersed RhMo nanoclusters were obtained by heating the oxide-supported complexes in vacuum followed by treatment with H2 at 773 K. The RhMo nanoclusters on TiO2 exhibited the highest activity for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol with O2.
Silicon Nitride Nanorings: Synthesis and Optical Properties
Authors: Du Hongli , Zhang Wei , Li Yan
Published: May 2014

A facile chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method has been successfully developed to synthesize silicon nitride (Si3N4) nanorings without the use of an additive. The whole process involved only two steps of ball-milling and high-temperature calcination. The as-synthesized nanorings with an average diameter of 2–10 µm had a crystalline Si3N4 core and an amorphous SiO2 shell. The optical property measurements showed that the nanorings had an optical band gap of 4.85 eV and could emit a broad peak at 412 nm (3.0 eV).
Exploding Offers Can Blow Up in More Than One Way
Authors: Lau Nelson , Bart Yakov , Bearden J. Neil , Tsetlin Ilia
Published: May 2014

We investigate the use of exploding offers in job hiring situations via behavioral experiments. The proposer chooses between issuing an exploding or extended offer, whereas the responder waits for a better outside alternative. Whereas an exploding offer must be accepted or rejected before discovering whether a better alternative will arrive, an extended offer allows the responder first to learn the outcome of the better alternative. If the proposer's offer is accepted, the responder can reciprocate and alter the proposer's payoff. Across multiple studies, we find that a large portion of proposers issue exploding offers even though this results in substantially lower payoffs to themselves. These losses primarily arise from negative reciprocation by responders after accepting exploding offers. We show that decision makers exhibit behavioral consistency between their response to offers and the offers they make to others. Finally, we demonstrate that it is possible to decrease the propensity of making exploding offers through making potential negative reciprocity more salient by encouraging explicit introspection of the outcomes.
Environmental Externalities and Cost of Capital
Authors: Chava Sudheer
Published: May 2014

Ianalyze the impact of a firm's environmental profile on its cost of equity and debt capital. Using implied cost of capital derived from analysts' earnings estimates, I find that investors demand significantly higher expected returns on stocks excluded by environmental screens (such as hazardous chemical, substantial emissions, and climate change concerns) compared to firms without such environmental concerns. Lenders also charge a significantly higher interest rate on the bank loans issued to firms with these environmental concerns. I provide evidence that the environmental profile of a firm is not simply proxying for an omitted component of its default risk. Further, firms with these environmental concerns have lower institutional ownership and fewer banks participate in their loan syndicate than firms without such environmental concerns. These results suggest that exclusionary socially responsible investing and environmentally sensitive lending can have a material impact on the cost of equity and debt capital of affected firms.

This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, finance.
Histological Evidence of Increased Osteoclast Cell Number and Asymmetric Bone Resorption Activity in the Tibiae of Interleukin-6-Deficient Mice
Authors: Liu Hongrui , Feng Wei , Yimin  , Cui Jian , Lv Shengyu , Hasegawa Tomoka , Sun Bao , Li Juan , Oda Kimimitsu , Amizuka Norio , Li Minqi
Published: May 2014

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine considered to modulate bone homeostasis. Based on previous contradictory studies, we aimed to verify the influence of IL-6 deficiency on bone remodeling using an IL-6 knockout (IL-6-/-) murine model. Eight-month-old male mice, homozygous for the disrupted IL-6 gene, and their wild type (WT) littermates (control), were used. After transcardiac perfusion, tibiae were removed for histochemical analysis. Compared with the control group, IL-6 deficiency increased tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive osteoclast numbers and up-regulated the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of osteoblasts in the metaphysis of the tibia. However, further analysis of serial histological sections from IL-6-/- mice found a significant discrepancy in osteoclast number, with the higher number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts conflicting with the lower number of cathepsin K-positive osteoclasts. Moreover, TUNEL staining identified a significantly higher rate of osteoclast apoptosis in IL-6-/- mice as compared with their WT controls. IL-6 deficiency induced abundant TRAP-positive osteoclasts but delayed bone remodeling by significantly inhibiting the bone resorption activity of osteoclasts and promoting osteoclast apoptosis.
Better Osteoporotic Fracture Healing with Sintered Dicalcium Pyrophosphate (SDCP) Treatment
Authors: Kuo Yi-Jie , Sun Jui-Sheng , Rau Gary , Chen Chia-Hsien , Tsai Tung-Hu , Tsuang Yang-Hwei
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sintered dicalcium pyrophosphate (SDCP) on fracture healing in an osteoporotic rat model. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old) were randomly allocated into five groups: sham-operated group, and bilateral ovariectomized group treated with SDCP, alendronate, calcitonin, or no treatment. Rats were sacrificed at 6 or 16 weeks after fracture. Fracture sites were examined by microcomputed tomography (microCT), histology, and mechanical testing. The results showed that SDCP mildly suppressed callus remodeling at 6 weeks, but not at 16 weeks. The lamellar bone in the callus area and new cortical shell formation in SDCP-treated group were similar to that of the sham group at 16 weeks after fracture, indicating there was no delayed callus remodeling into lamellar bone. At both 6 and 16 weeks after fracture, ultimate stress and elastic modulus were similar between the SDCP and sham groups, and the mechanical strength in these groups was better than that in other groups. Finally, analysis of the serum bone markers CTX-1 and P1NP suggested that SDCP decreased the bone turnover rate and promoted proper fracture healing. The effect of SDCP is superior to that of alendronate and calcitonin in the healing of osteoporotic fractures.
Um Inventário do Escrito no Cinema
Authors: Miranda Rita Novas
Published: May 2014

Recensão crítica do livro L'Écrit au cinéma, de Michel Chion.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_9
El Nuevo Livro do Desassossego de Jerónimo Pizarro
Authors: Giménez Diego
Published: May 2014

Recensión de Jerónimo Pizarro, Livro do Desassossego, Lisboa, Edição Tinta-da-china, 2013, 607 pp. ISBN 978-989-671-180-1DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_11
Os Filmes (D)escritos de Ana Teresa Pereira: Nightmare, de Alfred Hitchcock, e The Double, de David Cronenberg
Authors: Reis Amândio Pereira
Published: May 2014

A partir de uma comparação inicial com um texto ecfrástico de Calístrato (séc. III), e apoiando-nos em seguida em vários estudos sobre a écfrase como prática literária, desde a Antiguidade até ao presente, e até à sua aceitação enquanto género literário intermedial, é nosso objetivo refletir sobre dois contos particulares de Ana Teresa Pereira que encenam a apresentação de filmes inexistentes de Hitchcock e Cronenberg. Para tal, passaremos tanto por um leque de problemas associados à descrição ecfrástica – tais como a dialética entre realidade e ficção, verdade e falsidade, e imaginação e leitura – e às (im)possibilidades da representação por palavras e/ou imagens, como por um conjunto de questões levantadas pela específica relação inter(/trans)medial que os textos de A. T. Pereira estabelecem entre a Literatura e o Cinema. Atentaremos ainda ao conceito de “filme escrito” (Pavle Levi) como uma hipótese, entre outras, de identificação genológica destas narrativas.Abstract Starting with a comparative reading of an ekphrastic text by Callistratus (3rd century AD) and taking support from various studies on ekphrasis as a literary practice, from antiquity to present times until its acceptance as an intermedial literary genre, it is our goal to analyze two short stories by Ana Teresa Pereira which invent non-existent films by Hitchcock and Cronenberg. Therefore, we will have to confront a range of problems associated with ekphrastic description – the dialectic between reality and fiction; truth and falsity; imagination and reading – and with the (im)possibilities of representation through image and/or words, including a set of questions posed by the specific transmedial relation that A. T. Pereira’s texts establish between Literature and Cinema. We will also take into account the concept of Pavle Levi’s “written film” as one possibility, among others, of genre identification for these narratives. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_2
As Superfícies Raras da Escrita de Ruy Duarte de Carvalho
Authors: Miceli Sonia
Published: May 2014

Neste artigo, examino as formas como literatura e cinema interagem na obra de Ruy Duarte de Carvalho, centrando a análise na escrita cinematográfica dos poemas de sinais misteriosos… já se vê… e do romance Os papéis do Inglês. Nestes textos, a imagem cinematográfica surge ora como cópia estranha do real, ora como visão criadora de outras realidades, ora como algo ligado à memória. O cinema, com os seus componentes visuais e sonoros, opera um questionamento dos limites da linguagem literária, ao passo que proporciona novas possibilidades para a poesia e para a narrativa que se configuram no confronto com e a partir dele.AbstractIn this article, I examine the ways in which literature and cinema interact in the work of Ruy Duarte de Carvalho, focusing on the cinematic writing of the poems of sinais misteriosos… já se vê… and the novel Os papéis do Inglês. In these texts, the cinematic image sometimes appears as a strange copy of reality, other times as a vision that creates other realities, and other times as something connected to memory. Cinema, with its visual and sound components, challenges the limits of literary language. At the same time it provides new possibilities for poetry and narrative, which emerge from their encounter with the language of cinema. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_3
Narração e Storytelling em Mysterious Object at Noon, de Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Authors: Bértolo José
Published: May 2014

Este texto propõe uma leitura de Mysterious Object at Noon (Apichatpong Weerasethakul, 2000), considerando questões de narração suscitadas pelo lugar central que o ato de storytelling ocupa no filme. Equacionam-se problemas tais como a ausência de texto prévio (argumento) e a atribuição de ordem ao filme pela narração oral, in loco, como se este se escrevesse à medida que vai sendo contado. Atentar-se-á em como, estruturando-se deste modo, o filme reflete sobre a especificidade do cinema enquanto máquina narrativa.AbstractThis essay is a close analysis of Mysterious Object at Noon, directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, in which are considered questions of narration motivated by the central place the act of storytelling holds in the film structure. Problems such as the nonexistence of a script and the way the film seems structured by oral narration, in loco, as if the film were being written as it is told, will be analyzed. Finally, I describe how, through this structure, the film reflects upon the specificity of cinema as a way of telling/showing stories. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_4
Aballay, el hombre sin miedo: Um Western Borgeano
Authors: Medeiros Rosângela Fachel de
Published: May 2014

Aballay, el hombre sin miedo (2010), de Fernando Spiner, tradução cinematográfica do conto “Aballay”, de Antonio Di Benedetto (escrito entre 1975 e 1976), parte do texto para rearticular elementos da Gauchesca argentina, presentes na literatura e no  cinema, a elementos do Western, clássico e spaghetti, em um jogo de transculturação. Este artigo apresenta as duas versões de Aballay, conto e filme, para analisar as relações que essas obras estabelecem com as tradições que são revisitadas pelo cineasta no processo de realização do filme. E, sendo esta análise norteada pela percepção de que o fazer cinematográfico de Spiner é borgeano na forma e no conteúdo, a obra Jorge Luis Borges surge como intertexto teórico e narrativo.AbstractSix Shooters (2010), by Fernando Spiner, a cinematic translation of the short story "Aballay" by Antonio Di Benedetto (written between 1975 and 1976), uses the text as a starting point for articulating elements of the Argentine gauchesque, in literature and in cinema, with elements of Western, classic and Spaghetti, in a game of transculturation. This paper presents the two versions of Aballay, short story and film, in order to analyze the relationships that are established between these works and the traditions revisited by the filmmaker in the process of making the film. Considering that my analysis is guided by an understanding that Spiner’s filmmaking is Borgian in form and in content, the work of Jorge Luis Borges emerges as theoretical and narrative intertext. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_5
Canine Mammary Tumours - Clinical Survey
Authors: Petrov Elena Atanaskova , Ilievska Ksenija , Trojacanec Plamen , Celeska Irena , Nikolovski Goran , Gjurovski Ivica , Dovenski Toni
Published: May 2014

Mammary tumours are the second most frequent neoplasia in dogs, mainly affecting older female patients. Approximately 50% of the mammary tumours are malignant with high percentage of mortality, if not treated in time. The aim of this study was to analyze the data of canine patients with mammary tumours, to evaluate the type of tumours, as well as the relationship between tumour incidence and dogs’ age, reproductive cycle and sterilization. The survey was used to retrieve the information in the period of two years from the patient data base of the University Veterinary Hospital at the Faculty of veterinary medicine in Skopje. Patients included in this survey were subjected to routine clinical investigation and additional laboratory tests (cytological examination, x-rays imaging, CBC and biochemical profile, histopathology of the tumor samples). Aged female patients (12 - 13 years) are the most susceptible category for development of mammary tumours. The reproductive history showed that five of the patients with malignant mammary tumours have never whelped and were not treated with any exogenous hormones. Malignant tumours (adenocarcinoma) were diagnosed in 90% of the patients. Three patients died due to lung metastasis. Late diagnosis is one of the major problems that results in lethal outcome due to lung metastases. Since ovarian steroids play an important role in the aetiology, the most effective prevention of mammary tumours is elective ovariectomy of the bitch at an early age.
Effects of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement on Hot-mix Asphalt
Authors: Islam Md Rashadul , Mannan Umme A. , Rahman ASM A. , Tarefder Rafiqul A.
Published: May 2014

This study examined the effects of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) on the structural properties and performance of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) and the rheological properties of asphalt binder in the laboratory. As a first step, dynamic modulus (|E*|) and indirect tensile strength (ITS) tests were conducted on a set of HMA samples prepared with RAP and a set of HMA samples without RAP. The moisture susceptibility of samples with and without RAP was evaluated based on the |E*| ratio of wet to dry conditioned samples. Bending beam rheometer tests and direct tension tests were conducted on virgin binder, extracted binder, and RAP and aggregate mastics (mixture of binder and RAP and aggregate passing #200 to #50 sieves) to evaluate the low-temperature cracking. The results show that RAP materials caused an increase in |E*| and a decrease in ITS and had a negligible effect on moisture susceptibility. The RAP samples produced 15 % less permanent strain in |E*| testing than samples without RAP, which means that the RAP mixes were less susceptible to rutting. However, RAP mixed binder was more susceptible to low-temperature cracking as measured by the m-value (slope of the curve of stiffness versus time) and brittleness.