bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-125b upregulation confers aromatase inhibitor resistance and is a novel marker of poor prognosis in breast cancer
Authors: Vilquin Paul , Donini Caterina F , Villedieu Marie , Grisard Evelyne , Corbo Laura , Bachelot Thomas , Vendrell Julie A , Cohen Pascale A
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important players in oncogenesis. Considering the widespread use of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in endocrine therapy as a first-line treatment for postmenopausal estrogen receptor α–positive breast cancer patients, identifying deregulated expression levels of miRNAs in association with AI resistance is of utmost importance.

Methods

To gain further insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the AI resistance, we performed miRNA microarray experiments using a new model of acquired resistance to letrozole (Res-Let cells), obtained by long-term exposure of aromatase-overexpressing MCF-7 cells (MCF-7aro cells) to letrozole, and a model of acquired anastrozole resistance (Res-Ana cells). Three miRNAs (miR-125b, miR-205 and miR-424) similarly deregulated in both AI-resistant cell lines were then investigated in terms of their functional role in AI resistance development and breast cancer cell aggressiveness and their clinical relevance using a cohort of 65 primary breast tumor samples.

Results

We identified the deregulated expression of 33 miRNAs in Res-Let cells and of 18 miRNAs in Res-Ana cells compared with the sensitive MCF-7aro cell line. The top-ranked Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways delineated by both miRNA signatures converged on the AKT/mTOR pathway, which was found to be constitutively activated in both AI-resistant cell lines. We report for the first time, to our knowledge, that ectopic overexpression of either miR-125b or miR-205, or the silencing of miR-424 expression, in the sensitive MCF-7aro cell line was sufficient to confer resistance to letrozole and anastrozole, to target and activate the AKT/mTOR pathway and to increase the formation capacity of stem-like and tumor-initiating cells possessing self-renewing properties. Increasing miR-125b expression levels was also sufficient to confer estrogen-independent growth properties to the sensitive MCF-7aro cell line. We also found that elevated miR-125b expression levels were a novel marker for poor prognosis in breast cancer and that targeting miR-125b in Res-Let cells overcame letrozole resistance.

Conclusion

This study highlights that acquisition of specific deregulated miRNAs is a newly discovered alternative mechanism developed by AI-resistant breast cancer cells to achieve constitutive activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway and to develop AI resistance. It also highlights that miR-125b is a new biomarker of poor prognosis and a candidate therapeutic target in AI-resistant breast cancers.
Invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast: morphology, biomarkers and ’omics
Authors: Reed Amy E McCart , Kutasovic Jamie R , Lakhani Sunil R , Simpson Peter T
Published: January 2015

Invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast is the most common ‘special’ morphological subtype of breast cancer, comprising up to 15% of all cases. Tumours are generally of a good prognostic phenotype, being low histological grade and low mitotic index, hormone receptor positive and HER2, p53 and basal marker negative, and with a generally good response to endocrine therapy. Despite this, clinicians face countless challenges in the diagnosis and long-term management of patients, as they encounter a tumour that can be difficult to detect through screening, elicits a very invasive nature, a propensity for widespread metastatic colonisation and, consequently, in some studies a worse long-term poor outcome compared with invasive carcinoma of no special type. Here we review the morphological and molecular features that underpin the disparate biological and clinical characteristics of this fascinating tumour type.
Analysis of long non-coding RNAs highlights tissue-specific expression patterns and epigenetic profiles in normal and psoriatic skin
Authors: Tsoi Lam C , Iyer Matthew K , Stuart Philip E , Swindell William R , Gudjonsson Johann E , Tejasvi Trilokraj , Sarkar Mrinal K , Li Bingshan , Ding Jun , Voorhees John J , Kang Hyun M , Nair Rajan P , Chinnaiyan Arul M , Abecasis Goncalo R , Elder James T
Published: January 2015

Background

Although analysis pipelines have been developed to use RNA-seq to identify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), inference of their biological and pathological relevance remains a challenge. As a result, most transcriptome studies of autoimmune disease have only assessed protein-coding transcripts.

Results

We used RNA-seq data from 99 lesional psoriatic, 27 uninvolved psoriatic, and 90 normal skin biopsies, and applied computational approaches to identify and characterize expressed lncRNAs. We detect 2,942 previously annotated and 1,080 novel lncRNAs which are expected to be skin specific. Notably, over 40% of the novel lncRNAs are differentially expressed and the proportions of differentially expressed transcripts among protein-coding mRNAs and previously-annotated lncRNAs are lower in psoriasis lesions versus uninvolved or normal skin. We find that many lncRNAs, in particular those that are differentially expressed, are co-expressed with genes involved in immune related functions, and that novel lncRNAs are enriched for localization in the epidermal differentiation complex. We also identify distinct tissue-specific expression patterns and epigenetic profiles for novel lncRNAs, some of which are shown to be regulated by cytokine treatment in cultured human keratinocytes.

Conclusions

Together, our results implicate many lncRNAs in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis, and our results provide a resource for lncRNA studies in other autoimmune diseases.
DNA methylation age of blood predicts all-cause mortality in later life
Authors: Marioni Riccardo E , Shah Sonia , McRae Allan F , Chen Brian H , Colicino Elena , Harris Sarah E , Gibson Jude , Henders Anjali K , Redmond Paul , Cox Simon R , Pattie Alison , Corley Janie , Murphy Lee , Martin Nicholas G , Montgomery Grant W , Feinberg Andrew P , Fallin M Daniele , Multhaup Michael L , Jaffe Andrew E , Joehanes Roby , Schwartz Joel , Just Allan C , Lunetta Kathryn L , Murabito Joanne M , Starr John M , Horvath Steve , Baccarelli Andrea A , Levy Daniel , Visscher Peter M , Wray Naomi R , Deary Ian J
Published: January 2015

Background

DNA methylation levels change with age. Recent studies have identified biomarkers of chronological age based on DNA methylation levels. It is not yet known whether DNA methylation age captures aspects of biological age.

Results

Here we test whether differences between people’s chronological ages and estimated ages, DNA methylation age, predict all-cause mortality in later life. The difference between DNA methylation age and chronological age (Δage) was calculated in four longitudinal cohorts of older people. Meta-analysis of proportional hazards models from the four cohorts was used to determine the association between Δage and mortality. A 5-year higher Δage is associated with a 21% higher mortality risk, adjusting for age and sex. After further adjustments for childhood IQ, education, social class, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and APOE e4 status, there is a 16% increased mortality risk for those with a 5-year higher Δage. A pedigree-based heritability analysis of Δage was conducted in a separate cohort. The heritability of Δage was 0.43.

Conclusions

DNA methylation-derived measures of accelerated aging are heritable traits that predict mortality independently of health status, lifestyle factors, and known genetic factors.
The 21-gene recurrence score complements IBTR! Estimates in early-stage, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-normal, lymph node-negative breast cancer
Authors: Thaker Nikhil G , Hoffman Karen E , Stauder Michael C , Shaitelman Simona F , Strom Eric A , Tereffe Welela , Smith Benjamin D , Perkins George H , Huo Lei , Munsell Mark F , Pusztai Lajos , Buchholz Thomas A , Woodward Wendy A
Published: January 2015

Clinicians have traditionally used clinicopathological (CP) factors to determine locoregional recurrence (LR) risk of breast cancer and have generated the IBTR! nomogram to predict the risk of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR). The 21-gene recurrence score (RS) assay was recently correlated with LR in retrospective studies. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the RS and IBTR!. CP characteristics of 308 consecutive patients who underwent RS testing at our institution were examined. IBTR! was used to estimate the risk of 10-year IBTR. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the RS with the estimated IBTR!. Given a low event rate in this cohort, actual IBTR rates were not reported. Most patients had stage I/II (98%) and grade I/II (77%) disease. Median age was 54 years (range, 30–78). Median IBTR! without radiation therapy was 10% (mean, 12% [range, 4-43%]). RS was low (<18), intermediate (18–30), and high (>30) in 52% (n = 160), 40% (n = 123), and 8% (n = 25) patients. Overall, IBTR! did not correlate with RS (P = .77). We saw no correlation between RS and IBTR! in patients with less than (P = .32) or greater than (P = .48) a 10% risk of IBTR. Interestingly, Ki-67 expression correlated with both IBTR! (P = .019) and the RS (P = .002). Further study is warranted to determine if the RS can provide complementary biological information to CP factors in estimating the risk of LR. Prospective studies evaluating this association may potentially allow for individualized treatment decisions.
Study on the effect of magnetic field treatment of newly isolated Paenibacillus sp.
Authors: Li Jie , Yi Yanli , Cheng Xilei , Zhang Dageng , Irfan Muhammad
Published: January 2015

Background

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in plants occurs in roots with the help of some bacteria which help in soil nitrogen fertility management. Isolation of significant environment friendly bacteria for nitrogen fixation is very important to enhance yield in plants.

Results

In this study effect of different magnetic field intensity and treatment time was studied on the morphology, physiology and nitrogen fixing capacity of newly isolated Paenibaccilus sp. from brown soil. The bacterium was identified by 16S rDNA sequence having highest similarity (99%) with Paenibacillus sp as revealed by BLAST. Different magnetic intensities such as 100mT, 300mT and 500mT were applied with processing time of 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes. Of all these treatment 300mT with processing time of 10 minutes was found to be most suitable treatment. Results revealed that magnetic treatment improve the growth rate with shorter generation time leading to increased enzyme activities (catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) and nitrogen fixing efficiencies. High magnetic field intensity (500mT) caused ruptured cell morphology and decreased enzyme activities which lead to less nitrogen fixation.

Conclusion

It is concluded that appropriate magnetic field intensity and treatment time play a vital role in the growth of soil bacteria which increases the nitrogen fixing ability which affects the yield of plant. These results were very helpful in future breading programs to enhance the yield of soybean.
Geomagnetic observatory monthly series, 1930 to 2010: empirical analysis and unmodeled signal estimation
Authors: Ou Jiaming , Gillet Nicolas , Du Aimin
Published: January 2015

Ground-based magnetic observatory series are the main source of information for constructing time-dependent spherical harmonic geomagnetic field models from sub-annual to pluri-decadal time scales. Assessing the reliability of such models requires accurate estimation of the data errors. We propose an analysis of observatory monthly means over the period 1930 to 2010, where we sequentially isolate (i) a stochastic regression for the main field at every site, performed in the framework of Gaussian processes, (ii) a local fit to annual and semiannual signals, (iii) a month by month estimate of global, large length-scale external and induced fields. We then estimate the unmodeled signal level (UMSL, which refers to the instrumental noise plus extra signals not captured by the above data treatment) from the standard deviation of the residuals to the sequential analysis. This may be used to estimate data error covariances in future field modeling studies. Mainly a function of the geomagnetic latitude, the UMSL is larger towards auroral regions and carries the temporal signature of solar activity. While the UMSL shows rather similar magnitudes in all three components in recent epochs (typically a few nT), a significant decrease is found in the downward component of the field around 1960, which correlates with the introduction of proton magnetometers. We detail the geographic distribution of the periodic signals and confirm the variation of their amplitude at pluri-decadal time scales. From the spherical harmonic description of horizontal and vertical fields, we isolate the main patterns of the inducing field in Z. These are dominated by a zonal structure of degree 1 (and to a lesser extent, of degree 3) in dipole coordinates. We nevertheless isolate secondary, non-zonal sources that are most active during the 1960s and around 1990, periods of particularly large solar activity, denoting an unusual morphology of the inducing field.
A case of mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver: a case report
Authors: Nakayama Yusuke , Kato Yuichiro , Okubo Satoshi , Takahashi Daigoro , Okada Rei , Nishida Yasunori , Kitaguchi Kazuhiko , Gotohda Naoto , Takahashi Shinichiro , Konishi Masaru
Published: January 2015

A 71-year-old woman was referred to our institution for further investigation of epigastric pain. The patient had been detected to have a multilocular cyst in the medial segment of the liver measuring 69 mm in diameter at another hospital 2 years ago, and the diameter of the cyst had increased to 90 mm. Although the cyst had gradually increased in size, there was no evidence of mural nodules. As we were concerned about the malignant potential of the lesion, a left hepatic segmentectomy was performed. Pathologically, the cyst was lined by columnar and cuboidal epithelium with low-grade atypia. The epithelium covered an ovarian-like stroma, and the diagnosis was mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver (MCN-L) with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. MCN-L is a rare disease and its characteristics are still poorly understood. MCN-L occurs at a lower frequency as compared to the counterpart of MCN of the pancreas, further investigations are necessary to clarify the biological malignancy of MCN-L.
Neutrophil plasticity: acquisition of phenotype and functionality of antigen-presenting cell
Authors: Takashima Akira , Yao Yi
Published: January 2015

Accumulating lines of evidence now demonstrate that neutrophils can participate in adaptive immune responses directly or indirectly. Even more striking is their potential to acquire phenotypic and functional properties that are typically reserved for professional APCs. These newly emerging concepts of neutrophil heterogeneity and plasticity now challenge the classic view of neutrophils as terminally differentiated leukocytes fully committed to phagocyte functionality. Here, we present a brief overview of our current understanding of neutrophil plasticity by focusing on the acquisition of DC-like properties in culture and at sites of inflammation. Human and murine neutrophils acquire surface expression of MHC II, costimulatory molecules, and other surface markers of DCs when cultured in the presence of selected cytokines. The resulting populations also exhibit potent APC activities to present various antigens to T cells. “Unusual” neutrophils expressing DC markers have been detected in inflammatory lesions in human patients and mouse disease models. These findings imply that acquisition of DC-like properties by neutrophils at the sites of inflammation may represent a key process for linking the innate and adaptive arms of immune responses.
γ-Irradiated cancer cells promote tumor growth by activation of Toll-like receptor 1-mediated inducible nitric oxide synthase in macrophages
Authors: Ryu Yun-Kyoung , Lee Mi-Hee , Lee Jiyoung , Lee Jae-Wook , Jang Su-Jin , Kang Joo-Hyun , Moon Eun-Yi
Published: January 2015

RT is commonly used to treat malignant tumors. However, tumor regrowth is a major limitation to RT as an antitumor treatment. In the present study, we investigated the tumor-promoting effects of high-dose (or ablative) RT treatments on tumor-bearing mice. We focused on the role of macrophages that interact with IR-CCs in the TME, which cause tumor regrowth. We observed that CT26(H-2d) tumor growth was enhanced by i.v. injection of IR-CT26 cells compared with NR control CT26 cells. The levels of iNOS gene expression and NO production from RAW264.7 macrophages (H-2d) in response to the interaction with IR-CT26 cells were higher than with NR-CT26 cells. When CT26 tumor-bearing mice were treated i.v. with L-NMMA, a NOS inhibitor, the reduction in in vivo tumor growth was higher in the IR-CT26-injected group compared with the NR-CT26-injected control group. In vivo CT26 tumor growth was decreased after transplanting PEM extracted from L-NMMA-treated, tumor-bearing mice. Although iNOS activity was reduced by inhibiting TLR1 expression with TLR1-siRNA, it was enhanced by TLR1 overexpression. Transcriptional activation and protein expression levels of iNOS were also decreased in the presence of TLR1-siRNA but increased as a result of TLR1 overexpression. These results demonstrate that postradiotherapeutic tumor regrowth may be caused by interaction of IR-CCs with macrophages that induce TLR1-mediated iNOS expression and NO production. Our data suggest that iNOS in macrophages could be a useful target to regulate postradiotherapeutic responses in hosts and subsequently limit tumor regrowth.
Spatial aspects of GDNF functions revealed in a compartmentalized microfluidic neuromuscular co-culture system
Authors: Zahavi Eitan Erez , Ionescu Ariel , Gluska Shani , Gradus Tal , Ben-Yaakov Keren , Perlson Eran
Published: January 2015

Bidirectional molecular communication between the motoneuron and the muscle is vital for neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation and maintenance. The molecular mechanisms underlying such communication are of keen interest and may provide new targets for intervention in motor neuron disease. Here we developed a microfluidic platform with motoneuron (MN) cell bodies on one side and muscle cells on the other, connected via motor axons extending through microgrooves to form functional NMJs. Using this system, we were able to differentiate between the proximal and distal effects of oxidative stress and Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF), demonstrating a dying-back degeneration and retrograde transmission of pro-survival signaling, respectively. Furthermore, we show that GDNF acts differently on MN axons versus soma, promoting axonal growth and innervation only when applied locally to axons. Finally, we track for the first time the retrograde transport of secreted GDNF from muscle to neuron. Thus, our data suggests spatially distinct effects of GDNF: facilitating growth and muscle innervation at axon terminals, and survival pathways in the soma.
Distributional Preferences, Reciprocity-Like Behavior, and Efficiency in Bilateral Exchange
Authors: Benjamin Daniel J.
Published: January 2015

Under what conditions do distributional preferences, such as altruism or a concern for fair outcomes, generate efficient trade? I analyze theoretically a simple bilateral exchange game: each player sequentially takes an action that reduces his own material payoff but increases the other player's. Each player's preferences may depend on both his/her own material payoff and the other player's. I identify two key properties of the second-mover's preferences: indifference curves kinked around “fair” material-payoff distributions, and materials payoffs entering preferences as “normal goods.” Either property can drive reciprocity-like behavior and generate a Pareto efficient outcome. (JEL C78, D63, D64)
Optimal Design of Trade Agreements in the Presence of Renegotiation
Authors: Maggi Giovanni , Staiger Robert W.
Published: January 2015

We study the optimal design of trade agreements when governments can renegotiate after the resolution of uncertainty but compensation between them is inefficient. In equilibrium, renegotiation always results in trade liberalization, not protection. The optimal contract may be a “property rule” or a “liability rule.” High uncertainty favors liability over property rules, while asymmetries in bargaining power favor property over liability rules. Moreover, optimal property rules are never renegotiated. With a cost of renegotiation, property rules are favored when this cost is higher, reversing a central conclusion of the law-and-economics literature. (JEL C78, D86, F13, F15, K12)
Mobility and Conflict
Authors: Bhattacharya Sourav , Deb Joyee , Kundu Tapas
Published: January 2015

We study the role of intergroup mobility in the emergence of conflict. Two groups compete for the right to allocate society's resources. We allow for costly intergroup mobility. The winning group offers an allocation, which the opposition can accept or reject, and wage conflict. Agents can also switch group membership. Expropriating a large share of resources increases political strength by attracting opposition members, but implies a higher threat of conflict. Our main finding is that the possibility of intergroup mobility affects the likelihood of conflict in a nonmonotonic way. Open conflict can arise at intermediate costs of mobility. (JEL D71, D72, D74)
Subjective Evaluations: Discretionary Bonuses and Feedback Credibility
Authors: Fuchs William
Published: January 2015

We provide a new rationale for the use of discretionary bonuses. In a setting with unknown match qualities between a worker and a firm and subjective evaluations by the principal, bonuses are useful in order to make the feedback from the firm to the workers credible. This way workers in good matches are less inclined to accept outside offers. (JEL D82, J33, M12, M52)
New Estimates of the Value of a Statistical Life Using Air Bag Regulations as a Quasi-Experiment
Authors: Rohlfs Chris , Sullivan Ryan , Kniesner Thomas
Published: January 2015

Due to federal regulations, automobile air bag availability was a model-specific discontinuous function of model year for used vehicles in the 1990s and early 2000s. We use the discontinuities and the gradual increase in the supply of air bags to trace out the demand curve for air bags and the implied distribution of the Value of a Statistical Life (VSL) across consumers. Although imprecise, our preferred point estimates indicate that the median VSL is between $9 million and $11 million and that a sizable portion of consumers placed negative values on air bags, probably due to distrust of the technology. (JEL D12, J17, L51, L62)
Income, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and Infant Health
Authors: Hoynes Hilary , Miller Doug , Simon David
Published: January 2015

This paper uses quasi-experimental variation from federal tax reform to evaluate the effect of the EITC on infant health outcomes. We find that the EITC reduces the incidence of low birth weight and increases mean birth weight: a $1,000 treatment-on-the-treated leads to a 2 to 3 percent decline in low birth weight. Our results suggest that the candidate mechanisms include more prenatal care and less negative health behaviors (smoking). Additionally, we find a shift from public to private insurance coverage, and for some a reduction in insurance overall, indicating a potential change in the quality and perhaps quantity of coverage. (JEL H24, I12, I38, J13)
Is There a Link between Foreclosure and Health?
Authors: Currie Janet , Tekin Erdal
Published: January 2015

We investigate the relationship between foreclosures and hospital visits using data on all foreclosures and all hospital and emergency room visits from four states that were among the hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis. We find that living in a neighborhood with a spike in foreclosures is associated with significant increases in urgent unscheduled visits, including increases in visits for preventable conditions. The estimated relationships cannot be accounted for by increasing unemployment, declines in housing prices, migration, or by people switching from out-patient providers to hospitals. (JEL D14, F12, R31)
The Impact of Including, Adding, and Subtracting a Tax on Demand
Authors: Feldman Naomi E. , Ruffle Bradley J.
Published: January 2015

We test the equivalence of tax-inclusive, tax-exclusive and tax-rebate prices through a series of experiments differing only in their handling of the tax. Subjects receive a cash budget and decide how much to keep and how much to spend on various attractively priced goods. Subjects spend significantly more under tax-exclusive prices whereas total purchases under tax-inclusive and tax-rebate prices are similar. These results persist throughout most of the ten rounds despite feedback and the ability to revise purchases. The asymmetric response to tax liabilities and rebates highlights consumers' ability both to internalize and to willfully ignore hidden price components. (JEL D12, H25, H31)
The Role of Proximity in Foreclosure Externalities: Evidence from Condominiums
Authors: Fisher Lynn M. , Lambie-Hanson Lauren , Willen Paul
Published: January 2015

We measure the effect of foreclosures on the sale prices of nearby properties using a dataset of condominiums in Boston. A foreclosure in the same association and at the same address depresses the sale price by 2.5 percent, but properties in the same association but located at a different address have an effect that is tightly estimated at zero. Since properties in the same association are close substitutes, we argue that the evidence points against the pecuniary externality of property coming on the market and toward a physical externality as the source of measured foreclosure externalities. (JEL R31)
Enhancement of COPD biological networks using a web-based collaboration interface
Authors:   The sbv IMPROVER project team (in alphabetical order), Boué Stéphanie , Fields Brett , Hoeng Julia , Park Jennifer , Peitsch Manuel C. , Schlage Walter K. , Talikka Marja ,   The Challenge Best Performers (in alphabetical order), Binenbaum Ilona , Bondarenko Vladimir , Bulgakov Oleg V. , Cherkasova Vera , Diaz-Diaz Norberto , Fedorova Larisa , Guryanova Svetlana , Guzova Julia , Igorevna Koroleva Galina , Kozhemyakina Elena , Kumar Rahul , Lavid Noa , Lu Qingxian , Menon Swapna , Ouliel Yael , Peterson Samantha C. , Prokhorov Alexander , Sanders Edward , Schrier Sarah , Schwaitzer Neta Golan , Shvydchenko Irina , Tallam Aravind , Villa-Fombuena Gema , Wu John , Yudkevich Ilya , Zelikman Mariya
Published: January 2015

The construction and application of biological network models is an approach that offers a holistic way to understand biological processes involved in disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive inflammatory disease of the airways for which therapeutic options currently are limited after diagnosis, even in its earliest stage. COPD network models are important tools to better understand the biological components and processes underlying initial disease development. With the increasing amounts of literature that are now available, crowdsourcing approaches offer new forms of collaboration for researchers to review biological findings, which can be applied to the construction and verification of complex biological networks. We report the construction of 50 biological network models relevant to lung biology and early COPD using an integrative systems biology and collaborative crowd-verification approach. By combining traditional literature curation with a data-driven approach that predicts molecular activities from transcriptomics data, we constructed an initial COPD network model set based on a previously published non-diseased lung-relevant model set. The crowd was given the opportunity to enhance and refine the networks on a website (https://bionet.sbvimprover.com/) and to add mechanistic detail, as well as critically review existing evidence and evidence added by other users, so as to enhance the accuracy of the biological representation of the processes captured in the networks. Finally, scientists and experts in the field discussed and refined the networks during an in-person jamboree meeting. Here, we describe examples of the changes made to three of these networks: Neutrophil Signaling, Macrophage Signaling, and Th1-Th2 Signaling. We describe an innovative approach to biological network construction that combines literature and data mining and a crowdsourcing approach to generate a comprehensive set of COPD-relevant models that can be used to help understand the mechanisms related to lung pathobiology. Registered users of the website can freely browse and download the networks.
How to Estimate the Results of Supporting Professional Identification of Young Scholars?
Authors: Кондратьева  , Kondrateva O. , Блинов  , Blinov V. , Сергеев  , Sergeev Igor
Published: January 2015

The article presents approaches to the estimation of results of supporting professional identification of students, common in contemporary Russian

practice. Authors propose a set of criteria for assessing the effectiveness of the organizational and pedagogical support of professional identification of

students in transition from school to professional educational institution (efficiency, dominance, balance, satisfaction).
Improving the System of Work with Gifted Schoolchildren of the Region via All-Russian Academic Competition Results Analysis
Authors: Абатурова  , Abaturova Valentina
Published: January 2015

In light of the new Conduct Procedures the article analyses some of the academic competitions results (season 2013/2014) that are generalized from:

data of electronic assessment system of regional competitions, reports of subordinate entities of the Russian Federation on carrying out the All-Russian

Academic Competition for schoolchildren submitted to the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, analytical reports of the central Subject and

Instruction Boards, various academic web-communities.
Expectations as Reference Points: Field Evidence from Professional Soccer
Authors: Bartling Björn , Brandes Leif , Schunk Daniel
Published: January 2015

We show that professional soccer players and their coaches exhibit reference-dependent behavior during matches. Controlling for the state of the match and for unobserved heterogeneity, we show on a minute-by-minute basis that players breach the rules of the game, measured by the referee’s assignment of cards, significantly more often if their teams are behind the expected match outcome, measured by preplay betting odds of large professional bookmakers. We further show that coaches implement significantly more offensive substitutions if their teams are behind expectations. Both types of behaviors impair the expected ultimate match outcome of the team, which shows that our findings do not simply reflect fully rational responses to reference-dependent incentive schemes of favorite teams to falling behind. We derive these results in a data set that contains more than 8,200 matches from 12 seasons of the German Bundesliga and 12 seasons of the English Premier League.

This paper was accepted by Uri Gneezy, behavioral economics.
The academic dental nurse
Authors: Henderson Kelly
Published: January 2015

Kelly Henderson discusses the new Foundation Degree in Advanced Nursing, and the challenges and rewards that entering academia offers
Managing patients' requests to keep teeth and plaster moulds
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: January 2015

In this article, Richard Griffith outlines the legislation regulating the safe management and disposal of waste and considers how the law applies to retained teeth and plaster products
How to deal with difficult patients
Authors: Dallas Heather
Published: January 2015

This article discusses the reasons behind patients' difficult behaviour, and what dental nurses can do to deal with patients who are being difficult
A review of the future supply of dental care professionals
Authors: Marshall Kathryn
Published: January 2015

There has been little contemporary published evidence concerning the current and future dental care professional (DCP) (and, in particular, dental nurses) workforce alone. This article will discuss some of the implications for dental nurses from the findings of the contemporary research
Single patient use versus reusable laryngeal mask airways: a comparison
Authors: Hodkinson Mark
Published: January 2015

The laryngeal mask airway was first developed in the 1980s by Dr Archie Brain. The market for supraglottic airways has rapidly expanded since the 1980s, incorporating both reusable and single patient use devices, varying in design, application, cost and durability. Here, the author considers theoretical and anecdotal evidence when comparing single patient use and reusable supraglottic airways. Particular attention has been drawn to the I-Gel, pro-seal laryngeal mask airway and conventional laryngeal mask airway.
Comparison between Different Sampling Methods on Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Pterocarpus santalinus
Authors: Xu Bin , Zhu Tao , Liu Shui , Zhang Hui
Published: January 2015

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), along with other chromatography and spectroscopy techniques, has been used to provide convenient, rapid, and accurate information for identifying wood species. However, different sampling methods are capable of affecting the final results. Therefore, two different sampling methods, namely, direct injection of liquid wood extractives (DIWE) and head space of wood powder (HSWP), of GC-MS were compared in this work when typical Hongmu Pterocarpus santalinus was selected as the material. It was found that the number of chemical compounds produced by HSWP is less than the number produced by DIWE, and the boiling points of the HSWP compounds were also lower than the counterparts of DIWE because their retaining time in GC-MS spectrum is longer. It should be mentioned that the procedure of sample preparation for HSWP is simpler and more convenient than for DIWE, which gives HSWP an advantage over DIWE when many wood samples need to be identified by GC-MS. In addition, fingerprints of GC-MS spectra in both methods have been established as a histogram according to the main peaks in the spectra.
Bending Strength of Sandwich-Type Particleboard Manufactured from Giant Reed (Arundo donax)
Authors: Nazerian Morteza , Moazami Vahid
Published: January 2015

This study evaluated the effects of treatment type of reed (Arundo donax) particles bonded with urea-formaldehyde resin in panels, press closing time, and amount of almond shell powder used as an extender in the glue line had on the modulus of rupture (MOR) of sandwich panels in dry and wet conditions. The differences between the bending strength parallel and perpendicular to the face/back veneer grain in dry (MOR||dry and MOR⊥dry) and wet (MOR||wet and MOR⊥wet) conditions were determined using the t test. According to the results, the selected variables significantly affected the bending strength. The highest dry and wet MORs were obtained by using hot-water–leached particles in the core layer, increasing the press closing time, and increasing the extender content in the glue line. According to the t test, there was a statistically significant difference between the t values of MOR||dry and MOR⊥dry and also between MOR||wet and MOR⊥wet. The maximum MOR||dry and MOR||wet (15.33 and 13.13 N/mm2, respectively) were observed to be higher than those of MOR⊥dry and MOR⊥wet (13.37 and 12.41 N/mm2, respectively).
Operational Influences Affecting Sawlog Weight and Volume Relationships in the Intermountain West
Authors: Saralecos Jarred D. , Keefe Robert F. , Tinkham Wade T. , Brooks Randall H. , Johnson Leonard R.
Published: January 2015

As weight-based timber sales become more common in the Intermountain West, characterizing the factors affecting weight-to-volume relationships for softwood sawlogs has become more important. Several factors are thought to affect sawlog weight and volume (W:V) relationships, but the relative importance of weather, topography, species, and region in the western United States has not been quantified. Analysis was conducted to determine the factors affecting W:V relationships across the state of Idaho for commercial softwood sawlogs. Using 7,929 sorted and scaled sawlog loads sampled throughout Idaho from 2011 to 2013, we studied the relationships between log small-end diameter (SED), region, atmospheric temperature, precipitation, and elevation, to assess changes in W:V. Relationships of W:V using mixed-effects models were strong (R2 of 0.74 to 0.90, P < 0.05) when fitted individually by species, with volume modeled as a function of weight, SED, truckload piece count, percent defect, and seasonal quarter: Y (board foot volume) = β0 + β1 (Tons) + β2 (SED) + β3 (Piece Count) + β4 (Length) + β5 (Defect) + β6 (Seasonal Quarter) + β7 (1|Sale Number/Ticket) + u (Error).
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in young woman with history of caesarian section
Authors: Asbarinsyah Nitia A. , Soerarso Rarsari S. , Hersunarti Nani , Siswanto Bambang B.
Published: January 2015

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is one of subgroups of pulmonary hypertension. This is a serious medical condition that severely under diagnosed. CTEPH is commonly underdiagnosed due to non specific symptoms and lack of diagnostic tools. The aim of this presentation is to discuss the etiology, risk factors, diagnosis and management of CTEPH. A 36-year-old woman presented with easily fatigue and dyspneu on effort since two years ago. The symptom occured about three months after she gave birth with caesarian section due to preeclampsia. Further history taking, physical examination, electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography were highly suggestive of pulmonary hypertension. No deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was found on vascular femoral sonography. It was found after the lung perfusion scintigraphy performed that she actually had CTEPH. This patient was categorized as inoperable because CT pulmonary angiography showed no thrombus. The patient got pulmonary vasodilator and oral anticoagulant for lifelong.
Cytotoxic effect of γ-sitosterol from Kejibeling (Strobilanthes crispus) and its mechanism of action towards c-myc gene expression and apoptotic pathway
Authors: Endrini Susi , Rahmat Asmah , Ismail Patimah , Taufiq-Yap Y.H.
Published: January 2015

Background: This study aimed to analyze the cytotoxicity effect of γ-sitosterol isolated from “Kejibeling” (Strobilanthes crispus), a medicinal plant, on several cancer cell lines. The mechanisms of the effects were studied through the expression of cancer-caused gene, c-myc and apoptotic pathways.Methods: This in vitro study was done using human colon cancer cell lines (Caco-2), liver cancer cell lines (HepG2), hormone-dependent breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) and the normal liver cell lines (Chang Liver). The cytotoxic effect was measured through MTT assay and the potential cytotoxic value was calculated by determining the toxic concentration which may kill up to 50% of the total cell used (IC50). Meanwhile, the cytotoxic mechanism was studied by determining the effect of adding γ-sitosterol to the c-myc gene expression by reverse transciptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The effect of γ-sitosterol through apoptotic pathway was studied by using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay.Results: γ-sitosterol was cytotoxic against Caco-2, HepG2, and MCF-7 with IC50-values of 8.3, 21.8, and 28.8 μg/mL, respectively. There were no IC50-values obtained from this compound against Chang Liver cell line. This compound induced apotosis on Caco-2 and HepG2 cell lines and suppressed the c-myc genes expression in both cells.Conclusion: γ-sitosterol was cytotoxic against colon and liver cancer cell lines and the effect was mediated by down-regulation of c-myc expression and induction of the apoptotic pathways.
Incidence of postoperative urinary retention after pelvic organ prolapse surgery in Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital
Authors: Priyatini Tyas , Sari Joan M.
Published: January 2015

Background: After vaginal delivery, every woman has 50% risk for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The lifetime risk for a woman to undergo surgical treatment for POP was 11%, with the incidence of postoperative urinary retention (POUR) after POP surgery of 2%-43%. The aim of our study is to identify the incidence of POUR after POP surgery in Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital (RSCM) and the risk factors.Methods: Medical records of 124 women undergoing pelvic prolapse surgery between 2010 and 2013 were analyzed. The incidence of POUR and the risk factors were identified by performing univariate and bivariate analysis using chi-Square test and its alternative with using SPSS 20.0. Independent variables include age, body mass index (BMI), parity, degree of prolapse, type of surgery technique, type of anesthesia, type of suture material, amount of intra-operative blood loss, and duration of surgery. POUR defined as urine residual volume more than 100cc.Results: The incidence of urinary retention after pelvic prolapse surgery was 29%. There was no correlation between age, BMI, parity, degree of prolapse, type of surgery technique, anesthesia, suture, intra-operative blood loss, duration of surgery, and the occurrence of urinary retention after pelvic organ prolapse surgery.Conclusion: The incidence of urinary retention after pelvic organ prolapse surgery was 29%. There was no correlation between the risk factors and the occurrence of urinary retention after pelvic organ prolapse surgery.
Prevention of insulin resistance with Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. extract in high-fructose fed rat
Authors: Andraini Trinovita , Yolanda Sophie
Published: January 2015

Background: Dyslipidemia and stress oxidative play an important role as the cause of insulin resistance. One herb that has potent antioxidant effect and may improve dyslipidemia is Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. extract on fasting blood glucose level, fasting blood insulin level, and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) in high-fructose fed rat.Methods: This was an experimental study in 25 Sprague-Dawley rats which were administered with a high-fructose diet (10% ad libitum) and Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. extract at a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kgBW/d simultaneously for 5 weeks. At the end of study, fasting blood glucose level, fasting blood insulin level and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were measured.Results: Fasting blood glucose, blood insulin, and HOMA-IR level of rats given high-fructose diet with Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. at dose 100 mg/kgBW/d were not significantly different than the group of rats given only high-fructose fed. While at the dose of 400 mg/kgBW/d, they were significantly lower than the group given only high-fructose fed (4.84 mmol/L vs 6.11 mmol/L, 0.07 µU/L vs 0.3 µU/L, and 0.02 vs 0.08 respectively).Conclusion: Oral administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. could prevent the development of insulin resistance induced by high-fructose diet in the rat.
‘It’s like Weber’s “iron cage”’: Irish social workers’ experience of the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC)
Authors: Harmon Ashley , Garrett Paul Michael
Published: January 2015

Since 2004, the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC) has restricted access to the welfare state and ‘safety net’ social protection for those who cannot prove their ‘connection’ to the Republic of Ireland. For many, this has resulted in poverty and social exclusion. Informed by Badiou’s promulgation of ‘one world’ politics, the article focuses on social workers’ experiences of the HRC in two cities. A preliminary study, with a small group of practitioners, highlights the way they are responding to the HRC. Common themes relate to: inequality of access to the welfare ‘safety net’; ambivalent social work attitudes towards the HRC; the role of practitioners in opposing the HRC; the personal cost of challenging the inflexible operation of the HRC; and bureaucracy and the HRC. Located in an ambivalent position, on account of the demands of both the state and more progressive aspects of the profession’s value base, social workers are resisting the HRC but not on a collective basis.
Guidelines for Dementia-Related Health Advocacy for Adults With Intellectual Disability and Dementia: National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices
Authors: Bishop Kathleen M. , Hogan Mary , Janicki Matthew P. , Keller Seth M. , Lucchino Ronald , Mughal Dawna T. , Perkins Elizabeth A. , Singh Baldev K. , Service Kathy , Wolfson Sarah ,   the Health Planning Work Group of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices
Published: January 2015

Increasing numbers of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are living into old age. Though this indicates the positive effects of improved health care and quality of life, the end result is that more adults with ID are and will be experiencing age-related health problems and also exhibiting symptoms of cognitive impairment and decline, some attributable to dementia. Early symptoms of dementia can be subtle and in adults with ID are often masked by their lifelong cognitive impairment, combined with the benign effects of aging. A challenge for caregivers is to recognize and communicate symptoms, as well as find appropriate practitioners familiar with the medical issues presented by aging adults with lifelong disabilities. Noting changes in behavior and function and raising suspicions with a healthcare practitioner, during routine or ad hoc visits, can help focus the examination and potentially validate that the decline is the result of the onset or progression of dementia. It can also help in ruling out reversible conditions that may have similar presentation of symptoms typical for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. To enable caregivers, whether family members or staff, to prepare for and advocate during health visits, the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices has developed guidelines and recommendations for dementia-related health advocacy preparation and assistance that can be undertaken by provider and advocacy organizations.
Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Family and Service Coordinator Experiences
Authors: Keesler John M.
Published: January 2015

In the United States, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial benefits through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Family members and service coordinators (SCs) provide a critical role in applying for SSI on behalf of individuals with IDD. The present study uses a street-level lens to understand the implementation of SSI policy from the perspective of family respondents and SCs based upon their experiences with the application process. Using surveys developed from focus groups and interviews with family members and SCs, the study explores parts of the application process that facilitated success and barriers that hindered the procurement of benefits, and also elicited suggestions for improvement of the process. Survey respondents included 122 family members and 122 SCs in the western region of New York State. Findings reflect experiences at the various steps of the application process including initial applications, interviews and assessments, as well as experiences with SSA workers. Despite several significant differences, a general congruence between family respondents and SCs suggests considerable opportunities for improvement. This study provides a preliminary evaluation of a complex process from two different perspectives, with implications for policy, practice and future research.