bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Combination of Novel Tubulin Inhibitor ABI-274 and Vemurafenib Overcomes Vemurafenib Acquired Resistance in BRAFV600E Melanoma
Authors: Wang Jin , Chen Jianjun , Miller Duane D. , Li Wei
Published: November 2013

Acquired clinical resistance to vemurafenib, a selective BRAFV600E inhibitor, arises frequently after short-term chemotherapy. Because inhibitions of targets in the RAF–MEK–ERK pathway result in G0–G1 cell-cycle arrest, vemurafenib-resistant cancer cells are expected to escape this cell-cycle arrest and progress to the subsequent G2–M phase. We hypothesized that a combined therapy using vemurafenib with a G2–M phase blocking agent will trap resistant cells and overcome vemurafenib resistance. To test this hypothesis, we first determined the combination index (CI) values of our novel tubulin inhibitor ABI-274 and vemurafenib on parental human A375 and MDA-MB-435 melanoma cell lines to be 0.32 and 0.1, respectively, suggesting strong synergy for the combination. We then developed an A375RF21 subline with significant acquired resistance to vemurafenib and confirmed the strong synergistic effect. Next, we studied the potential mechanisms of overcoming vemurafenib resistance. Flow cytometry confirmed that the combination of ABI-274 and vemurafenib synergistically arrested cells in the G1–G2–M phase, and significantly increased apoptosis in both parental A375 and the vemurafenib-resistant A375RF21 cells. Western blot analysis revealed that the combination treatment effectively reduced the level of phosphorylated and total AKT, activated the apoptosis cascade, and increased cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP, but had no significant influence on the level of extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Finally, in vivo coadministration of vemurafenib with ABI-274 showed strong synergistic efficacy in the vemurafenib-resistant xenograft model in nude mice. Overall, these results offer a rational combination strategy to significantly enhance the therapeutic benefit in patients with melanoma who inevitably become resistant to current vemurafenib therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(1); 16–26. ©2013 AACR.
Association of Target Organ Damage With 24-Hour Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure Levels and Hypertension Subtypes in Untreated Chinese
Authors: Wei Fang-Fei , Li Yan , Zhang Lu , Xu Ting-Yan , Ding Feng-Hua , Staessen Jan A. , Wang Ji-Guang
Published: November 2013

The association of target organ damage with 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels and ambulatory hypertension subtypes has not yet been examined in untreated Chinese patients. We measured left ventricular mass index by echocardiography (n=619), the urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (n=1047), and aortic pulse wave velocity by tonometry (n=1013) in 1047 untreated subjects (mean age, 50.6 years; 48.9% women). Normotension was a 24-hour systolic/diastolic blood pressure <130/<80 mm Hg. Hypertension subtypes were isolated diastolic hypertension and mixed systolic plus diastolic hypertension. We assessed associations of interest by multivariable-adjusted linear models. Using normotension as reference, mixed hypertension was associated with higher (
P
≤0.003) left ventricular mass index (+4.31 g/m
2
), urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (+1.63 mg/mmol), and pulse wave velocity (+0.76 m/s); and isolated diastolic hypertension was associated with similar left ventricular mass index and pulse wave velocity (
P
≥0.39), but higher urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (+1.24 mg/mmol;
P
=0.002). In younger participants (<55 years), the mutually independent effect sizes associated with 1 SD increases in 24-hour systolic/diastolic blood pressure were +3.31/–0.36 g/m
2
(
P
=0.009/0.79) for left ventricular mass index, +1.15/+1.14 mg/mmol (
P
=0.02/0.04) for the urinary albumin:creatinine ratio, and +0.54/–0.05 m/s (
P
<0.001/0.54) for pulse wave velocity. In older participants, these estimates were +3.58/+0.30 g/m
2
(
P
=0.045/0.88), +1.23/+1.05 mg/mmol (
P
=0.002/0.54), and +0.76/–0.49 m/s (
P
<0.001/<0.001), respectively. In conclusion, 24-hour systolic blood pressure and mixed hypertension are major determinants of target organ damage irrespective of age and target organ, whereas 24-hour diastolic blood pressure and isolated diastolic hypertension only relate to the urinary albumin:creatinine ratio below middle age.
Contributions of the Basal Ganglia to Temporal Processing: Evidence from Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Jones Catherine R. G. , Jahanshahi Marjan
Published: November 2013

The motor and perceptual timing deficits documented in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have heavily influenced the theory that the basal ganglia play an important role in temporal processing. This review is a systematic exploration of the findings from behavioural and neuroimaging studies of motor and perceptual timing in PD. In particular, we consider the influence of a variety of task factors and of patient heterogeneity in explaining the mixed results. We also consider the effect of basal ganglia dysfunction on the non-temporal cognitive factors that contribute to successful motor and perceptual timing. Although there is convincing evidence from PD that the basal ganglia are critical to motor and perceptual timing, further work is needed to characterize the precise contribution of this complex structure to temporal processing.
Description of new species of oak leaf-miners (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae), with notes on the species groups of Stigmella Schrank associated with Quercus as a host-plant
Authors: STONIS JONAS R. , DIŠKUS ARŪNAS , REMEIKIS ANDRIUS , NAVICKAITĖ ASTA , ROCIENĖ AGNĖ
Published: November 2013

Stigmella acuta Diškus, Navickaitė & Remeikis, sp. nov., a new species of oak-feeding leaf-miner belonging to the S. hemargyrella group, and S. cornuta Rocienė & Stonis, sp. nov., belonging to the newly designated S. cornuta group, are described from Asia and, for the first time, the S. hemargyrella group is associated with Quercus as a host-plant. The new species are illustrated with photographs of the leaf mines, adults, and genitalia. Diagnostics and host-plant preferences of seven Stigmella species groups associated with oaks (the S. caesurifasciella, S. saginella, S. quercipulchella, S. ruficapitella, S. castanopsiella, S. hemargyrella and S. cornuta groups) are discussed.
Studies on the chorionic structure of the eggs of Corixoidea (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) with scanning electron microscopy
Authors: KONOPKO SUSANA AMANDA , MAZZUCCONI SILVIA ANA , RUF MONICA LOPEZ
Published: November 2013

The chorionic structure of the eggs of sixteen species of Corixoidea (Ectemnostega (Ectemnostega) quadrata (Signoret), E. (Ectemnostegella) quechua (Bachmann), Trichocorixa mendozana Jaczewski, Centrocorisa kollari (Fieber), Heterocorixa brasiliensis Hungerford, Sigara (Aphelosigara) tucma Bachmann, S. (Tropocorixa) denseconscripta (Breddin), S. (T.) platensis Bachmann, S. (T.) rubyae (Hungerford), S. (T.) santiagiensis (Hungerford), S. (T.) schadei (Hungerford), S. (T.) yala Bachmann, Tenagobia (Incertagobia) incerta Lundblad, T. (Fuscagobia) fuscata (Stål), T. (Schadeogobia) schadei Lundblad, and T. (Tenagobia) pulchra Hungerford) is described for the first time using scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the eggs of some of these species are described based on color and morphometry. The sculpturing of the chorion and the structure of the micropylar area here in studied using scanning electron microscopy together with the length of the stalk distinguish the eggs of the genera (except Sigara, genus without a uniform pattern on the sculpturing of the chorion) and subgenera (including Aphelosigara and Tropocorixa) of Corixoidea present in Argentina. The above mentioned characters, together with the egg length, proved to be useful for the identification of the Argentinian species. An identification key to the eggs of Argentinian species of Corixoidea based on the material herein studied, and additional data present in the literature, is provided.
Three new species of the genus Brachinus Weber, 1801 from the Philippines, with a modified key to species (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Brachininae)
Authors: TIAN MINGYI , DEUVE THIERRY
Published: November 2013

Three new Brachinus species namely B. grootaerti n. sp. (Palawan Island), B. palawanensis n. sp. (Palawan Island), B. mindanaoensis n. sp. (Mindanao Island) from Philippines were described. In addition, a modified key to the known Brachinus Philippine species is provided.
Changes in Moisture Flux over the Tibetan Plateau during 1979–2011 and Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Gao Yanhong , Cuo Lan , Zhang Yongxin
Published: November 2013

Changes in moisture as represented by P − E (precipitation − evapotranspiration) and the possible causes over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) during 1979–2011 are examined based on the Global Land Data Assimilation Systems (GLDAS) ensemble mean runoff and reanalyses. It is found that the TP is getting wetter as a whole but with large spatial variations. The climatologically humid southeastern TP is getting drier while the vast arid and semiarid northwestern TP is getting wetter. The Clausius–Clapeyron relation cannot be used to explain the changes in P − E over the TP.

Through decomposing the changes in P − E into three major components—dynamic, thermodynamic, and transient eddy components—it is noted that the dynamic component plays a key role in the changes of P − E over the TP. The thermodynamic component contributes positively over the southern and central TP whereas the transient eddy component tends to reinforce (offset) the dynamic component over the southern and parts of the northern TP (central TP).

Seasonally, the dynamic component contributes substantially to changes in P − E during the wet season, with small contributions from the thermodynamic and transient eddy components. Further analyses reveal the poleward shift of the East Asian westerly jet stream by 0.7° and poleward moisture transport as well as the intensification of the summer monsoon circulation due to global warming, which are shown to be responsible for the general wetting trend over the TP. It is further demonstrated that changes in local circulations that occur due to the differential heating of the TP and its surroundings are responsible for the spatially varying changes in moisture over the TP.
YHap: a population model for probabilistic assignment of Y haplogroups from re-sequencing data
Authors: Zhang Fan , Chen Ruoyan , Liu Dongbing , Yao Xiaotian , Li Guoqing , Jin Yabin , Yu Chang , Li Yingrui , Coin Lachlan JM
Published: November 2013

Background

Y haplogroup analyses are an important component of genealogical reconstruction, population genetic analyses, medical genetics and forensics. These fields are increasingly moving towards use of low-coverage, high throughput sequencing. While there have been methods recently proposed for assignment of Y haplogroups on the basis of high-coverage sequence data, assignment on the basis of low-coverage data remains challenging.

Results

We developed a new algorithm, YHap, which uses an imputation framework to jointly predict Y chromosome genotypes and assign Y haplogroups using low coverage population sequence data. We use data from the 1000 genomes project to demonstrate that YHap provides accurate Y haplogroup assignment with less than 2x coverage.

Conclusions

Borrowing information across multiple samples within a population using an imputation framework enables accurate Y haplogroup assignment.
A secreted splice variant of the Xenopus frizzled-4 receptor is a biphasic modulator of Wnt signalling
Authors: Gorny Anne-Kathrin , Kaufmann Lilian T , Swain Rajeeb K , Steinbeisser Herbert
Published: November 2013

Background

Activation of the Wnt signalling cascade is primarily based on the interplay between Wnt ligands, their receptors and extracellular modulators. One prominent family of extracellular modulators is represented by the SFRP (secreted Frizzled-related protein) family. These proteins have significant similarity to the extracellular domain of Frizzled receptors, suggesting that they bind Wnt ligands and inhibit signalling. The SFRP-type protein Fz4-v1, a splice variant of the Frizzled-4 receptor found in humans and Xenopus, was shown to augment Wnt/β-catenin signalling, and also interacts with those Wnt ligands that act on β-catenin-independent Wnt pathways.

Findings

Here we show that Xenopus Fz4-v1 can activate and inhibit the β-catenin-dependent Wnt pathway. Gain-of-function experiments revealed that high Wnt/β-catenin activity is inhibited by low and high concentrations of Fz4-v1. In contrast, signals generated by low amounts of Wnt ligands were enhanced by low concentrations of Fz4-v1 but were repressed by high concentrations. This biphasic activity of Fz4-v1 was not observed in non-canonical Wnt signalling. Fz4-v1 enhanced β-catenin-independent Wnt signalling triggered by either low or high doses of Wnt11. Antisense morpholino-mediated knock-down experiments demonstrated that in early Xenopus embryos Fz4-v1 is required for the migration of cranial neural crest cells and for the development of the dorsal fin.

Conclusions

For the first time, we show that a splice variant of the Frizzled-4 receptor modulates Wnt signalling in a dose-dependent, biphasic manner. These results also demonstrate that the cystein-rich domain (CRD), which is shared by Fz4-v1 and SFRPs, is sufficient for the biphasic activity of these secreted Wnt modulators.
Multi-modal highlight generation for sports videos using an information-theoretic excitability measure
Authors: Hasan Taufiq , Bořil Hynek , Sangwan Abhijeet , L Hansen John H
Published: November 2013

The ability to detect and organize ‘hot spots’ representing areas of excitement within video streams is a challenging research problem when techniques rely exclusively on video content. A generic method for sports video highlight selection is presented in this study which leverages both video/image structure as well as audio/speech properties. Processing begins where the video is partitioned into small segments and several multi-modal features are extracted from each segment. Excitability is computed based on the likelihood of the segmental features residing in certain regions of their joint probability density function space which are considered both exciting and rare. The proposed measure is used to rank order the partitioned segments to compress the overall video sequence and produce a contiguous set of highlights. Experiments are performed on baseball videos based on signal processing advancements for excitement assessment in the commentators’ speech, audio energy, slow motion replay, scene cut density, and motion activity as features. Detailed analysis on correlation between user excitability and various speech production parameters is conducted and an effective scheme is designed to estimate the excitement level of commentator’s speech from the sports videos. Subjective evaluation of excitability and ranking of video segments demonstrate a higher correlation with the proposed measure compared to well-established techniques indicating the effectiveness of the overall approach.
HIV relies on neddylation for ubiquitin ligase-mediated functions
Authors: Nekorchuk Michael D , Sharifi Hamayun J , Furuya Andrea KM , Jellinger Robert , de Noronha Carlos MC
Published: November 2013

Background

HIV and SIV defeat antiviral proteins by usurping Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) and likely influence other cellular processes through these as well. HIV-2 viral protein X (Vpx) engages the cullin4-containing CRL4 complex to deplete the antiviral protein SAMHD1. Vif expressed by HIV-1 and HIV-2 taps a cullin5 ubiquitin ligase complex to mark the antiviral protein APOBEC3G for destruction. Viral Protein R of HIV-1 (Vpr) assembles with the CRL4 ubiquitin ligase complex to deplete uracil-N-glycosylase2 (UNG2). Covalent attachment of the ubiquitin-like protein side-chain NEDD8 functionally activates cullins which are common to all of these processes.

Results

The requirement for neddylation in HIV-1 and HIV-2 infectivity was tested in the presence of APOBEC3G and SAMHD1 respectively. Further the need for neddylation in HIV-1 Vpr-mediated depletion of UNG2 was probed. Treatment with MLN4924, an adenosine sulfamate analog which hinders the NEDD8 activating enzyme NAE1, blocked neddylation of cullin4A (CUL4A). The inhibitor hindered HIV-1 infection in the presence of APOBEC3G, even when Vif was expressed, and it stopped HIV-2 infection in the presence of SAMHD1 and Vpx. Consistent with these findings, MLN4924 prevented Vpx-mediated depletion of SAMHD1 in macrophages infected with Vpx-expressing HIV-2, as well as HIV-1 Vif-mediated destruction of APOBEC3G. It also stemmed Vpr-mediated UNG2 elimination from cells infected with HIV-1.

Conclusions

Neddylation plays an important role in HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection. This observation is consistent with the essential parts that cullin-based ubiquitin ligases play in overcoming cellular anti-viral defenses.
Temporal effect of HLA-B*57 on viral control during primary HIV-1 infection
Authors: Vaidya Sagar A , Streeck Hendrik , Beckwith Noor , Ghebremichael Musie , Pereyra Florencia , Kwon Douglas S , Addo Marylyn M , Rychert Jenna , Routy Jean-Pierre , Jessen Heiko , Kelleher Anthony D , Hecht Frederick , Sekaly Rafick-Pierre , Carrington Mary , Walker Bruce D , Allen Todd M , Rosenberg Eric S , Altfeld Marcus
Published: November 2013

Background

HLA-B alleles are associated with viral control in chronic HIV-1 infection, however, their role in primary HIV-1 disease is unclear. This study sought to determine the role of HLA-B alleles in viral control during the acute phase of HIV-1 infection and establishment of the early viral load set point (VLSP).

Findings

Individuals identified during primary HIV-1 infection were HLA class I typed and followed longitudinally. Associations between HLA-B alleles and HIV-1 viral replication during acute infection and VLSP were analyzed in untreated subjects. The results showed that neither HLA-B*57 nor HLA-B*27 were significantly associated with viral control during acute HIV-1 infection (Fiebig stage I-IV, n=171). HLA-B*57 was however significantly associated with a subsequent lower VLSP (p<0.001, n=135) with nearly 1 log10 less median viral load. Analysis of a known polymorphism at position 97 of HLA-B showed significant associations with both lower initial viral load (p<0.01) and lower VLSP (p<0.05). However, this association was dependent on different amino acids at this position for each endpoint.

Conclusions

The effect of HLA-B*57 on viral control is more pronounced during the later stages of primary HIV-1 infection, which suggests the underlying mechanism of control occurs at a critical period in the first several months after HIV-1 acquisition. The risk profile of polymorphisms at position 97 of HLA-B are more broadly associated with HIV-1 viral load during primary infection and may serve as a focal point in further studies of HLA-B function.
One case of swine hepatitis E virus and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus Co-infection in weaned pigs
Authors: Mao Jingjing , Zhao Yue , She Ruiping , Xiao Peng , Tian Jijing , Chen Jian
Published: November 2013

Background

Using various methods, we analyzed the cause of death among weaned pigs from a pig farm in Hebei Province, China. All 300 piglets (100% fatality) were identified as moribund, with death occurring within 1 month from the onset of clinical signs.

Results

A single case exhibited obvious hemorrhagic necrotic changes with massive lymphocytic infiltration in multiple organs, in particular the liver, lungs and intestines. Dysplasia and lymphocyte deterioration were common in lymphatic organs. No visible bacterial colonies from liver and spleen were observed in nutrient, MacConkey, and blood agar plates. Using polymerase chain reaction techniques for this case, we attempted to detect a number of epidemic swine viruses in spleen and liver, including PRRSV, CSF, HEV, and PCV2. We found that this sample was positive for the presence of HEV and PRRSV.

Conclusions

We have detected HEV and PRRSV co-infection in one piglet. Severe pathologic changes were observed. The high mortality of weaned pigs which showed the similar clinical syptom was possibly a result of HEV and PRRSV co-infection, which has rarely been reported previously. We speculated that co-infection with PRRSV and HEV might lead to more serious problems.
CD20, CD3, placental malaria infections and low birth weight in an area of unstable malaria transmission in Central Sudan
Authors: Batran Samah E , Salih Magdi M , Elhassan Elhassan M , Mohmmed Ahmed A , Adam Ishag
Published: November 2013

Background

Malaria during pregnancy is the main cause of low birth weight (LBW) in the tropics. There are few studies concerning B and T lymphocyte infiltrates in placental malaria infections or their potential association with LBW babies.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted at the Medani Hospital, Central Sudan. Cases were women who had LBW deliveries (infants weighed < 2,500 g) and controls were parturient women with normal birth weight babies. Sociodemographic and medical characteristics were gathered from both groups of women using questionnaires. Cases and controls were investigated for malaria using microscopic blood film analysis, placental histology, and immunohistochemistry for detection of B (CD20) and T lymphocytes (CD3).

Results

The two groups (97 in each arm) were well matched in their basic characteristics. There were no malaria-positive blood films in either the cases or the controls. Twenty-nine (30.0%)vs.24 (24.7%), P = 0.519 of the casesvs.the controls had placental malaria infections on histological examination. Three (3.1%), two (2.1%) and 24 (24.7%)vs.two (2.1%), two (2.1%) and 20 (20.6%) of the placentae showed evidence of acute, chronic and past malarial infections on histopathological examination of the two groups (case–control), respectively, while 68 (70.1%)vs.73 (75.3%) of them showed no signs of infection; P = 0.420. Women with placental malaria infections had significantly fewer CD20 cell infiltrates [6 (11.3% vs. 95 (67.4%), P < 0.001)] and higher numbers of CD3 cell infiltrates [50 (94.3%) vs. 42 (29.8%), P < 0.001] than those without placental malaria infection. Logistic regression analysis showed that neither placental malaria infections nor CD3 or CD20 were associated with LBW.

Conclusions

Significantly higher rates of CD3 T cells and lower rates of CD20 B cells were found in women with placental malaria infections compared with those without such infections. Neither placental malaria infection nor CD3 or CD20 are associated with LBW.

Virtual slides

http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/6879723961063755
Effects of dehydration and blockade of angiotensin II AT1 receptor on stress hormones and anti-oxidants in the one-humped camel
Authors: Ali Mahmoud Alhaj , Kazzam Elsadig , Amir Naheed , Nyberg Fred , Adem Abdu
Published: November 2013

Background

The objective of this study was to provide for the first time data on plasma catecholamines, cortisol, glutathione and malondialdehyde after long term dehydration (20 days) in the presence and absence of angiotensin II (Ang II) AT1 receptor blocker (losartan) versus levels in time-matched, non-dehydrated control camels and to record the responses of glutathione and malondialdehyde activity in liver and kidney homogenates in control, dehydrated-losartan treated and dehydrated camels. Eighteen male camels were studied, six hydrated (control group), six dehydrated and treated with losartan (treated group) and six dehydrated not treated (dehydrated).

Results

Plasma levels of norepinephrine and dopamine were significantly increased (P < 0.01) in both treated and dehydrated groups compared to time matched control, whereas Plasma epinephrine level showed significant decrease (P < 0.05) in both treated and dehydrated groups compared to control. Plasma cortisol also showed significant increase (P < 0.01) in both treated and dehydrated groups compared to control. Glutathione levels in plasma, liver and kidney homogenates for both treated and dehydrated groups reveled significant increase (P < 0.05) Likewise, malondialdehyde levels in plasma, liver and kidney homogenates were substantially and significantly increased in both treated and dehydrated groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that dehydration substantially increased the circulating levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and cortisol but decreased plasma epinephrine. Similarly, losartan showed similar effects to that of dehydration. In addition, this investigation showed dehydration alone or in combination with losartan induced significant increments in glutathione and malondialdehyde activities in plasma, liver and kidney homogenates, presumably in order to counteract the potentially damaging effects of free radicals. Blockade of angiotensin II AT1 receptors did not alter significantly the response of dehydration in any of these indices.
The role of the skin barrier in modulating the effects of common skin microbial species on the inflammation, differentiation and proliferation status of epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Duckney Patrick , Wong Heng Kuan , Serrano José , Yaradou Diaraf , Oddos Thierry , Stamatas Georgios N
Published: November 2013

Background

Skin resident microbial species are often thought of either as pathogenic or commensal. However, little is known about the role of the skin barrier in modulating their potential for causing disease. To investigate this question we measured the effects of three microbial species commonly found on the skin (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Propionibacterium acnes) on a reconstructed human epidermal model by either applying the bacteria on the model surface (intact barrier) or adding them to the culture medium (simulating barrier breach).

Results

When added to the medium, all of the tested species induced inflammatory responses and keratinocyte cell death with species-specific potency. P. acnes and S. epidermidis induced specific alterations in the expression of keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation markers, suggesting a barrier reparation response. S. aureus induced complete keratinocyte cell death. On the contrary, topically applied S. epidermidis and P. acnes caused no inflammatory response even when tested at high concentrations, while topical S. aureus induced a weak reaction. None of the tested species were able to alter the expression of keratinocyte differentiation or expression markers, when applied topically.

Conclusions

We show that the skin barrier prevents the effects of common skin bacteria on epidermal keratinocyte inflammation, differentiation and proliferation and highlight the importance of skin barrier in defending against the pathogenic effects of common skin bacteria.
Adipokines, inflammation, insulin resistance, and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kang Yoon , Park Hee-Jin , Kang Mi-I , Lee Hyang-Sun , Lee Sang-Won , Lee Soo-Kon , Park Yong-Beom
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality are increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Inflammation is thought to be an important factor in accelerated atherosclerosis in RA, whereas insulin resistance is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis in RA. We hypothesised that adipokines could be a link between inflammation, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis in RA.

Methods

The common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (IMT), CCA resistive index (RI), and carotid plaques were measured by ultrasonography in 192 patients with RA. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Serum adiponectin, leptin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations were determined.

Results

The CCA RI was associated with CCA IMT and the estimated total plaque volume after adjustment for conventional CV risk factors. Among adipokines, resistin and IL-6 were correlated with inflammatory parameters. Leptin and leptin:adiponectin (L:A) ratio were correlated with metabolic risk factors, including HOMA-IR. And L:A ratio was related to the CCA RI after adjustment for conventional and nonconventional CV risk factors, including HOMA-IR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein.

Conclusion

L:A ratio was associated with HOMA-IR and carotid RI. L:A ratio might be an independent factor for predicting cardiovascular risk in patients with RA.
Minireview: Potassium Channels and Aldosterone Dysregulation: Is Primary Aldosteronism a Potassium Channelopathy?
Authors: Gomez-Sanchez Celso E. , Oki Kenji
Published: November 2013

Primary aldosteronism is the most common form of secondary hypertension and has significant cardiovascular consequences. Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) are responsible for half the cases of primary aldosteronism, and about half have mutations of the G protein-activated inward rectifying potassium channel Kir3.4. Under basal conditions, the adrenal zona glomerulosa cells are hyperpolarized with negative resting potentials determined by membrane permeability to K+ mediated through various K+ channels, including the leak K+ channels TASK-1, TASK-3, and Twik-Related Potassium Channel 1, and G protein inward rectifying potassium channel Kir3.4. Angiotensin II decreases the activity of the leak K+ channels and Kir3.4 channel and decreases the expression of the Kir3.4 channel, resulting in membrane depolarization, increased intracellular calcium, calcium-calmodulin pathway activation, and increased expression of cytochrome P450 aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2), the last enzyme for aldosterone production. Somatic mutations of the selectivity filter of the Kir3.4 channel in APA results in loss of selectivity for K+ and entry of sodium, resulting in membrane depolarization, calcium mobilization, increased CYP11B2 expression, and hyperaldosteronism. Germ cell mutations cause familial hyperaldosteronism type 3, which is associated with adrenal zona glomerulosa hyperplasia, rather than adenoma. Less commonly, somatic mutations of the sodium-potassium ATPase, calcium ATPase, or the calcium channel calcium channel voltage-dependent L type alpha 1D have been found in some APAs. The regulation of aldosterone secretion is exerted to a significant degree by activation of membrane K+ and calcium channels or pumps, so it is not surprising that the known causes of disorders of aldosterone secretion in APA have been channelopathies, which activate mechanisms that increase aldosterone synthesis.
Tissue-Specific Alterations in Thyroid Hormone Homeostasis in Combined Mct10 and Mct8 Deficiency
Authors: Müller Julia , Mayerl Steffen , Visser Theo J. , Darras Veerle M. , Boelen Anita , Frappart Lucien , Mariotta Luca , Verrey Francois , Heuer Heike
Published: November 2013

The monocarboxylate transporter Mct10 (Slc16a10; T-type amino acid transporter) facilitates the cellular transport of thyroid hormone (TH) and shows an overlapping expression with the well-established TH transporter Mct8. Because Mct8 deficiency is associated with distinct tissue-specific alterations in TH transport and metabolism, we speculated that Mct10 inactivation may compromise the tissue-specific TH homeostasis as well. However, analysis of Mct10 knockout (ko) mice revealed normal serum TH levels and tissue TH content in contrast to Mct8 ko mice that are characterized by high serum T3, low serum T4, decreased brain TH content, and increased tissue TH concentrations in the liver, kidneys, and thyroid gland. Surprisingly, mice deficient in both TH transporters (Mct10/Mct8 double knockout [dko] mice) showed normal serum T4 levels in the presence of elevated serum T3, indicating that the additional inactivation of Mct10 partially rescues the phenotype of Mct8 ko mice. As a consequence of the normal serum T4, brain T4 content and hypothalamic TRH expression were found to be normalized in the Mct10/Mct8 dko mice. In contrast, the hyperthyroid situation in liver, kidneys, and thyroid gland of Mct8 ko mice was even more severe in Mct10/Mct8 dko animals, suggesting that in these organs, both transporters contribute to the TH efflux. In summary, our data indicate that Mct10 indeed participates in tissue-specific TH transport and also contributes to the generation of the unusual serum TH profile characteristic for Mct8 deficiency.
Nutritional regulation of stem and progenitor cells in Drosophila
Authors: Shim Jiwon , Gururaja-Rao Shubha , Banerjee Utpal
Published: November 2013

Stem cells and their progenitors are maintained within a microenvironment, termed the niche, through local cell-cell communication. Systemic signals originating outside the niche also affect stem cell and progenitor behavior. This review summarizes studies that pertain to nutritional effects on stem and progenitor cell maintenance and proliferation in Drosophila. Multiple tissue types are discussed that utilize the insulin-related signaling pathway to convey nutritional information either directly to these progenitors or via other cell types within the niche. The concept of systemic control of these cell types is not limited to Drosophila and may be functional in vertebrate systems, including mammals.
Active Functional Group-coated VO2(B) Nanorods: Facile One-pot Hydrothermal Synthesis and Conversion to V2O3
Authors: Zhang Yifu , Zhang Xiongzhi , Huang Yu , Xiao Mei , Niu Fei , Huang Chi , Meng Changgong , Wu Weibing
Published: November 2013

Active functional group-coated VO2(B) nanorods were successfully synthesized using ammonium metavanadate and oxalic acid solution as the starting materials, by a facile one-pot hydrothermal route for the first time. The results showed the sample consisted of crystalline VO2(B) and amorphous component. The amorphous component contained numerous active functional groups such as O–H, N–H, C=O, and C–O. Furthermore, short V2O3 nanorods were converted by thermal treatment with the active functional group-coated VO2(B) nanorods.
“So Many Stars that Yell Above and None Is Seen”
Authors: González González Daniuska
Published: November 2013

Urban violence enters into, and creates interstices in both public and private life of Venezuelans and, as revealed by academic studies to the mass media, has made Caracas one of the most chaotic and unsafe cities in the world by the number of murders, robberies, and kidnappings, with latent cultural anxiety (Martin‑Barbero), in which the majority of its inhabitants lives. Hence that is drawn around an imaginary, in some cases established by their own players. In this paper, we will seek an approach to urban violence, emphasizing the dynamics of new forms of representation, and the emergence of alternative discourses of hegemony, which set up a fresh look on it.
Identifying the Key Sociocultural Influences on Drinking Behavior in High and Moderate Binge-Drinking Countries and the Public Policy Implications
Authors: Hogan Stephen P. , Perks Keith J. , Russell-Bennett Rebekah
Published: November 2013

Despite considerable state investment and initiatives, binge drinking is still a major behavioral problem for policy makers and communities in many parts of the world. Furthermore, the practice of bingeing on alcohol seems to be spreading to young people in countries traditionally considered to have moderate drinking behaviors. Using a sociocultural lens and a framework of sociocultural themes from previous literature to develop propositions from their empirical study, the authors examine binge-drinking attitudes and behaviors among young people from high and moderate binge-drinking countries. The authors then make proposals regarding how policy makers can use social marketing more effectively to contribute to behavior change. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 91 respondents from 22 countries who were studying in two high binge-drinking countries at the time. The results show support for three contrasting sociocultural propositions that identify influences on binge drinking across these countries.
Psychosocial Outcomes of Young Adults Born Very Low Birth Weight
Authors: Darlow Brian A. , Horwood L. John , Pere-Bracken Huia M. , Woodward Lianne J.
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the early adult health, education, and social functioning of a national cohort of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants born in 1986 in New Zealand compared with a control group of young adults born the same year. The impact of neurodevelopmental disability at age 7 to 8 years on young adult outcomes was examined.

METHODS:

Participants underwent a comprehensive face-to-face interview that included standardized assessment tools and previously used custom written survey items.

RESULTS:

We interviewed 230 VLBW young adults (71% of survivors) and 69 controls at age 22 to 23 years. VLBW young adults were 5.6 kg lighter and 4.2 cm shorter than controls, had lower rates of tertiary education/training (percentage difference [95% confidence interval]: −13.1 [−21.6 to −1.8]) and university degree completion (−15.6 [−28.0 to −4.8]), had more often been welfare dependent (23.5 [10.2 to 35.0]), had few or no friends (20.5 [7.2 to 32.2]), and more often had wheeze in the past year (20.1 [9.0 to 28.6]). However, in many areas there were no differences between the VLBW cohort and controls, and VLBW adults rated their overall quality of life and behavioral functioning similarly to their peers. Those with previous disability had poorer social, occupational, and physical functioning than other VLBW young adults.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite some evidence of health, educational, and social difficulties, former VLBW young adults obtained similar scores across many aspects of health and social functioning as their same age peers, with some differences largely confined to those with previous disability.
‘No Revolutionary Roads please, we’re Turkish’: The translation of film titles as an object of translation research
Authors: Ross Jonathan
Published: November 2013

This paper endeavours to promote further research into the relatively neglected field of film title translation by highlighting the fascinating range of factors and agents (including not just translators) that help determine the names used to market films imported into a country. As a survey article, it cannot dwell on all the variables that shape the choice of such titles but instead focuses on five: the diversity of translation tactics available; the influnce of the cultural background of the target audience; local patterns and conventions with regards to title translation; commercial considerations and the techniques they engender; and the impact of the international process and business relations from which translated film titles emerge. To illustrate these factors and to lend the paper a comparative and international perspective, the article draws on data from two countries on the margins of Europe, Turkey and Slovenia, who (albeit in different proportions) are heavily dependent on imported films, especially from the USA: it analyses a parallel corpus of film titles from the year 2009 and incorporates the findings from a questionnaire completed by professionals involved in the translation of titles in these two territories.
Shear behaviour of prestressed steel fibre concrete box-beams
Authors: Tadepalli Padmanabha Rao , Dhonde Hemant B. , Mo Y. L. , Hsu Thomas T. C.
Published: November 2013

Six full-scale prestressed concrete box-beams are tested to study the effects of steel fibres on the increase in shear strength of beams. Beams are cast with no traditional transverse steel reinforcement. The amount of steel fibres and shear span-to-effective depth ratio are the main variables studied. The beams are subjected to concentrated vertical loads up to their maximum shear capacity using two actuators in load and displacement control mode. During the load tests linear voltage displacement transducers (LVDTs) are used to measure displacements at several critical points on the web in the end zone of the beams. Several LVDTs are also placed under the beams at the points of loading to measure the actual total and net displacements of the beams. From the load tests it is observed that the shear capacities of the beams increase with an increase in the amount of steel fibres and decrease as the shear span-to-effective depth ratio increases.
The Effects of Level of Counselor Education on Client Outcomes in the Public Vocational Rehabilitation System of New Jersey
Authors: Van Houtte Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2013

To fulfill the goal of having counselors qualified through the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD), the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in New Jersey (DVRS-NJ) committed to have selected counselors attend a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling (MRC) graduate program. This study examines 14 student/counselors who attended the MRC program while employed by DVRS-NJ and the 3,180 clients they served before, during, and after the attainment of their graduate degree. This research provides evidence that a graduate degree in rehabilitation counseling benefits not only the clients receiving services but also the efficacy and fiscal health of the entire rehabilitation services system. In addition, connection of the student to the profession of rehabilitation counseling during the pursuit of a graduate degree may suggest better outcomes. The evidence points to the value of continuing graduate degree programs, even during periods of fiscal restraint.
The logistic modeling population: Having harvesting factor
Authors: Rahmani Doust , Saraj M.
Published: November 2013

The present paper deals with the logistic equation having harvesting factor,
which is studied in two cases, constant and non-constant. In fact, the
nature of equilibrium points and solutions behavior has been analyzed for
both of the above cases by finding the first integral, solution curve and
phase diagram. Finally, a theorem which is describing the stability of a
real model of single species is proved.
Swarming patterns of light trapped individuals of caddisfly species (Trichoptera) in Central Europe
Authors: Nowinszky László , Kiss Ottó , Puskás János
Published: November 2013

This study is on the light trapping of caddisfly species (Insecta: Trichoptera) related to the proportion of males and females and the moon phases. The data collected includes 24 species in 9 light-trap stations, for 49 swarming events between the years 1980 and 2000. We found the massive emergence of adults happens fractionally in swarming intervals. This is connected with the phenology and life cycle of each species. The percentage of males and females of the same species during different swarming events cannot be considered equal. The proportion of males and females are different in the swarming of different species. We found that the number of male and female individuals is substantially synchronized with each other within the swarming, but it can be different in the case of each species. The duration of the swarming, even in the same species, are not always uniform. The effect of the Moon cannot be clearly identified in any species, even if data from several swarmings are available. The swarming peaks appear near different Moon quarters.
Stability, Optimality and Manipulation in Matching Problems with Weighted Preferences
Authors: Pini Maria , Rossi Francesca , Venable K. , Walsh Toby
Published: November 2013

The stable matching problem (also known as the stable marriage problem) is a well-known problem of matching men to women, so that no man and woman, who are not married to each other, both prefer each other. Such a problem has a wide variety of practical applications, ranging from matching resident doctors to hospitals, to matching students to schools or, more generally, to any two-sided market. In the classical stable marriage problem, both men and women express a strict preference order over the members of the other sex, in a qualitative way. Here, we consider stable marriage problems with weighted preferences: each man (resp., woman) provides a score for each woman (resp., man). Such problems are more expressive than the classical stable marriage problems. Moreover, in some real-life situations, it is more natural to express scores (to model, for example, profits or costs) rather than a qualitative preference ordering. In this context, we define new notions of stability and optimality, and we provide algorithms to find marriages that are stable and/or optimal according to these notions. While expressivity greatly increases by adopting weighted preferences, we show that, in most cases, the desired solutions can be found by adapting existing algorithms for the classical stable marriage problem. We also consider the manipulability properties of the procedures that return such stable marriages. While we know that all procedures are manipulable by modifying the preference lists or by truncating them, here, we consider if manipulation can occur also by just modifying the weights while preserving the ordering and avoiding truncation. It turns out that, by adding weights, in some cases, we may increase the possibility of manipulating, and this cannot be avoided by any reasonable restriction on the weights.
International New Venture Legitimation: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Turcan Romeo
Published: November 2013

There is limited theoretical understanding and empirical evidence for how international new ventures legitimate. Drawing from legitimation theory, this study fills in this gap by exploring how international new ventures legitimate and strive for survival in the face of critical events during the process of their emergence. It is a longitudinal, multiple-case study research that employs critical incident technique for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Following theory driven sampling, five international new ventures were selected that were operating in the software sector in the UK, and had internationalized and struggled for survival during the dotcom era. Grounded in data, this study corroborates a number of legitimation strategies yielded by prior research and refutes others. It further contributes to our understanding of international new venture legitimation by suggesting new types of legitimation strategies: technology, operating, and anchoring. Studying international new ventures through theoretical lenses of legitimation is a promising area of research that would contribute to the advancement of international entrepreneurship theory.
The Optimality of Team Contracts
Authors: Barlo Mehmet , Özdoğan Ayça
Published: November 2013

This paper analyzes optimal contracts in a linear hidden-action model with normally distributed returns possessing two moments that are governed jointly by two agents who have negative exponential utilities. They can observe and verify each others’ effort levels and draft enforceable side-contracts on effort levels and realized returns. Standard constraints, resulting in incentive contracts, fail to ensure implementability, and we examine centralized collusion-proof contracts and decentralized team contracts, as well. We prove that the principal may restrict attention to team contracts whenever returns from the project satisfy a mild monotonicity condition.
The Incompatibility of Pareto Optimality and Dominant-Strategy Incentive Compatibility in Sufficiently-Anonymous Budget-Constrained Quasilinear Settings
Authors: Gonen Rica , Lerner Anat
Published: November 2013

We analyze the space of deterministic, dominant-strategy incentive compatible, individually rational and Pareto optimal combinatorial auctions. We examine a model with multidimensional types, nonidentical items, private values and quasilinear preferences for the players with one relaxation; the players are subject to publicly-known budget constraints. We show that the space includes dictatorial mechanisms and that if dictatorial mechanisms are ruled out by a natural anonymity property, then an impossibility of design is revealed. The same impossibility naturally extends to other abstract mechanisms with an arbitrary outcome set if one maintains the original assumptions of players with quasilinear utilities, public budgets and nonnegative prices.