bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex Differences in the Pituitary Transforming Growth Factor-β1 System: Studies in a Model of Resistant Prolactinomas
Authors: Recouvreux M. Victoria , Lapyckyj Lara , Camilletti M. Andrea , Guida M. Clara , Ornstein Ana , Rifkin Daniel B. , Becu-Villalobos Damasia , Díaz-Torga Graciela
Published: September 2013

Dopamine and estradiol interact in the regulation of lactotroph cell proliferation and prolactin secretion. Ablation of the dopamine D2 receptor gene (Drd2−/−) in mice leads to a sexually dimorphic phenotype of hyperprolactinemia and pituitary hyperplasia, which is stronger in females. TGF-β1 is a known inhibitor of lactotroph proliferation. TGF-β1 is regulated by dopamine and estradiol, and it is usually down-regulated in prolactinoma experimental models. To understand the role of TGF-β1 in the gender-specific development of prolactinomas in Drd2−/− mice, we compared the expression of different components of the pituitary TGF-β1 system, including active cytokine content, latent TGF-β–binding protein isoforms, and possible local TGF-β1 activators, in males and females in this model. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of dopamine and estradiol administration to elucidate their role in TGF-β1 system regulation. The expression of active TGF-β1, latent TGF-β–binding protein isoforms, and several putative TGF-β1 activators evaluated was higher in male than in female mouse pituitary glands. However, Drd2−/− female mice were more sensitive to the decrease in active TGF-β1 content, as reflected by the down-regulation of TGF-β1 target genes. Estrogen and dopamine caused differential regulation of several components of the TGF-β1 system. In particular, we found sex- and genotype- dependent regulation of active TGF-β1 content and a similar expression pattern for 2 of the putative TGF-β1 activators, thrombospondin-1 and kallikrein-1, suggesting that these proteins could mediate TGF-β1 activation elicited by dopamine and estradiol. Our results indicate that (1) the loss of dopaminergic tone affects the pituitary TGF-β1 system more strongly in females than in males, (2) males express higher levels of pituitary TGF-β1 system components including active cytokine, and (3) estradiol negatively controls most of the components of the system. Because TGF-β1 inhibits lactotroph proliferation, we propose that the higher levels of the TGF-β1 system in males could protect or delay the development of prolactinomas in Drd2−/− male mice.
No Taste for Rough-and-Tumble Play
Authors: Adams Mary Louise
Published: September 2013

In popular and professional discourses about effeminacy or sissyness, boys' feelings about sport and their actual athletic abilities have been represented both as symptoms of gender deviance and as targets for clinical intervention. The assumption has been that knowing something about a boy's feelings for sport tells us considerably more than that about him. This article looks at the special role played by sport in what Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick once called “the war on effeminate boys” (1991). Following Sedgwick, the article considers how gendered ideas about sport and athleticism came to influence the diagnostic criteria that made up the highly contested diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder in Childhood (GIDC) that appeared in the third (1980) and fourth (1994) editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association. The article analyzes the specific behavioral criteria that came to ground the diagnosis of GIDC, showing the effects of sport discourses well beyond the playing field or the gym. Sources are drawn from two overlapping literatures: early and mid-twentieth-century psychological studies that focused on sex differences in children's play; and a small specialist literature, written by psychologists and psychiatrists, beginning in the early 1960s, on the “problem” of effeminate boys. My reading of these texts considers how they were informed by gendered discourses around sport and play behaviors; I pay particular attention to scales and other instruments developed by researchers and clinicians to measure “gender abnormality” in boys' play. I argue that effeminate boys — and other queer people — need a physical culture that helps shift, rather than reinforce, understandings of the body and gender; that challenges the links between bodies, genders, and sexualities; and that traffics in uncertainties about who can and should do what with their bodies. Mainstream sport is not yet that thing.
Evaluation of thymic tumors with 18F-FDG PET-CT: A pictorial review
Authors: Sharma Punit , Singhal Abhinav , Kumar Arvind , Bal Chandrasekhar , Malhotra Arun , Kumar Rakesh
Published: September 2013

Thymic tumors represent a broad spectrum of neoplastic disorders and pose considerable diagnostic difficulties. A non-invasive imaging study to determine the nature of thymic lesions can have significant impact on management of such tumors. 18F-flurorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) has shown promising results in characterization of thymic tumors. The objective of this article is to provide an illustrative tutorial highlighting the clinical utility of 18F-FDG PET-CT imaging in patients with thymic tumors. We have pictorially depicted the 18F-FDG PET-CT salient imaging characteristics of various thymic tumors, both epithelial and non-epithelial. Also discussed is the dynamic physiology of thymus gland which is to be kept in mind when evaluating thymic pathology on 18F-FDG PET-CT, as it can lead to interpretative pitfalls.
Discovery of continental-scale travelling waves and lagged synchrony in geometrid moth outbreaks prompt a re-evaluation of mountain birch/geometrid studies
Authors: Tenow Olle
Published: September 2013

The spatio-temporal dynamics of populations of two 9-10 year cyclic-outbreaking geometrids, Operophtera brumata and Epirrita autumnata in mountain birch forests in northern Fennoscandia, have been studied since the 1970´s by a Swedish-Norwegian research team and, during the last decade, by Norwegian and Finnish research teams. Some of the early results have been challenged by the Norwegian team. To examine the base for disagreements, five of the papers published by the Norwegian team (2004-2011) are reviewed. It is found that conclusions in these papers are questionable or data could not be interpreted fully because two decisive traits in the spatio-temporal behaviour of outbreaks of the two species were not considered.
Invited Paper—Learning Models: An Assessment of Progress, Challenges, and New Developments
Authors: Ching Andrew T. , Erdem Tülin , Keane Michael P.
Published: September 2013

Learning models extend the traditional discrete choice framework by postulating that consumers have incomplete information about product attributes and that they learn about these attributes over time. In this survey we describe the literature on learning models that has developed over the past 20 years, using the model of Erdem and Keane as a unifying framework [Erdem T, Keane M (1996) Decision-making under uncertainty: Capturing dynamic brand choice processes in turbulent consumer goods markets. Marketing Sci. 15(1):1–20]. We describe how subsequent work has extended their modeling framework and applied learning models to a wide range of different products and markets. We argue that learning models have contributed greatly to our understanding of consumer behavior—in particular, in enhancing our understanding of brand loyalty and long-run advertising effects. We also discuss the limitations of existing learning models and potential extensions. One key challenge is to disentangle learning as a source of dynamics from other key mechanisms that may generate choice dynamics (inventories, habit persistence, etc.). Another is to enhance identification of learning models by collecting and using direct measures of signals, perceptions, and expectations.
An analysis of cardiomyocytes’ electrophysiology in the presence of the hERG gene mutations
Authors: Glinka Anna , Polak Sebastian
Published: September 2013

Mutations in the human ether-à-go-go-related gene are linked with cardiomyocyte repolarization impairment, which, in combination with other factors, can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effect of selected mutations associated with protein trafficking problems on the action potential of the ventricular cell. To perform the simulations, the O’Hara-Rudy dynamic model was used. The modification of membrane permeability to rapid delayed rectifier current was based on data obtained from in vitro studies with the human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell line transfected with human genes: wild type and one of the seven mutations (F805C, G601S, D456Y, I31S, R823W, F640V, and A561V). Simulations were carried out for each mutation on epicardial, endocardial, and M-cells with RR interval values of 500, 750, 1000, and 1500 ms. A positive correlation between the APD90 length and the percentage of current reduction and between APD90 and RR interval lengths was observed.
Conventional and neuro-fuzzy framework for diagnosis and therapy of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Obot Okure U. , Uzoka Faith-Michael , Akinyokun Oluwole C. , Andy Joseph J.
Published: September 2013

In this article, we present the conventional method and neuro-fuzzy model for the diagnosis and therapy of heart disease. The neuro-fuzzy system provides a basis for creating a decision support system that has a learning ability and the capacity to deal with vagueness and unstructuredness in disease management. The decision support engine carries out the cognitive and emotional filtering of the objective and subjective feelings of the medical practitioner. These filters further refine the diagnosis and therapy processes by taking care of the contextual elements.
The CAP protein superfamily: function in sterol export and fungal virulence
Authors: Schneiter Roger , Di Pietro Antonio
Published: September 2013

CAP superfamily proteins, also known as sperm-coating proteins, are found in all kingdoms of life and have been implicated in a variety of physiological contexts, including immune defense in plants and mammals, sperm maturation and fertilization, fungal virulence, and toxicity of insect and reptile venoms as well as prostate and brain cancer. CAP family members are mostly secreted glycoproteins that are highly stable in the extracellular fluid. All members of the superfamily share a common CAP domain of approximately 150 amino acids, which adopts a unique α-β-α sandwich fold. The conserved structure suggests that CAP proteins exert fundamentally similar functions. However, the molecular mode of action of this protein family has remained enigmatic. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has three CAP family members designated Pry (pathogen related in yeast), and recent evidence indicates that they act as sterol-binding and export proteins. Expression of the mammalian CAP protein CRISP2, which binds sterols in vitro, complements the sterol export defect of a yeast pry mutant, suggesting that sterol binding and export is conserved among different CAP family members. Collectively, these observations suggest that CAP family members constitute a novel class of secreted extracellular sterol-binding proteins. A ligand-binding activity of the CAP domain could explain many of the biological activities attributed to these proteins. For example, the strong induction of plant pathogenesis-related 1 protein upon exposure to pathogens may serve to inhibit pathogen proliferation by extracting sterols from the pathogen membrane. Similarly, the presence of these proteins in the venom of toxic insects and reptiles or in the secretome of pathogenic fungi might inflict damage by sequestering sterols or related small hydrophobic compounds from the host tissue.
Lipid antigens in immunity
Authors: Dowds C. Marie , Kornell Sabin-Christin , Blumberg Richard S. , Zeissig Sebastian
Published: September 2013

Lipids are not only a central part of human metabolism but also play diverse and critical roles in the immune system. As such, they can act as ligands of lipid-activated nuclear receptors, control inflammatory signaling through bioactive lipids such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, lipoxins, resolvins, and protectins, and modulate immunity as intracellular phospholipid- or sphingolipid-derived signaling mediators. In addition, lipids can serve as antigens and regulate immunity through the activation of lipid-reactive T cells, which is the topic of this review. We will provide an overview of the mechanisms of lipid antigen presentation, the biology of lipid-reactive T cells, and their contribution to immunity.
Architectural Anatomy of an Ottoman Execution
Authors: Salgirli Saygin
Published: September 2013

Architectural Anatomy of an Ottoman Execution provides an architectural analysis of the execution in 1416 of Sheikh Bedreddin as the leader of one of the largest rebellions in Ottoman history. Saygin Salgirli argues that the selection of the execution site in the proximity of three Ottoman monuments in Serres, northern Greece (the Çandarlı Mosque, the first covered market of Serres, and the Gazi Evrenos hospice-kitchen), was closely related to the Ottoman political practice of governance through local institutions established with the hope of maintaining social consensus. By focusing on the relationship between the three monuments and their audiences, Salgirli stresses the contradiction between the conceived and the experienced political effects of the monuments as one of the main reasons behind the Rebellion of 1416. The same contradiction eventually led to the failure of the intended effect of Bedreddin’s public execution, both as a display of authority and as an attempt to reinforce social consensus.
A new Corydoras Lacépède, 1803 (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from the rio São Francisco basin, Brazil
Authors: Tencatt Luiz F. C. , Vera-Alcaraz Héctor S. , Britto Marcelo R. , Pavanelli Carla S.
Published: September 2013

A new species of Corydoras is described from the rio São Francisco basin in northeastern Brazil, Minas Gerais and Bahia States. The new species is distinguished from most of its congeners by the anterior portion of the infraorbital 1 very large, conspicuously expanded towards the anteroventral margin of the snout and almost entirely covering its lateral margin. Other characters that distinguish the new species are the infraorbital 2 slender on its dorsal tip, contacting only sphenotic and not compound pterotic; and the presence of two laterosensory canals on trunk. A phylogenetic analysis including the new species found it sister-group of C. flaveolus, and both species sister-group of C. paleatus. An identification key to the species of the rio São Francisco basin is also provided
Astyanax guaricana (Ostariophysi: Characidae), a new species from the rio Cubatão drainage, Paraná State, Southern Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Carlos A. M. , Abilhoa Vinicius , Pavanelli Carla S.
Published: September 2013

In this paper we describe a new species of Astyanax collected in the Atlantic Rainforest, in tributaries to the rio Cubatão, coastal basin of the Paraná State, Brazil. The new species presents a combination of characters that allows its allocation in the A. scabripinnis species complex and differs from congeners by the possession of 18 to 22 branched anal-fin rays; 40 to 43 perforated scales in lateral line; dentary teeth decreasing abruptly in size from the fifth tooth; 15 to 17 circumpeduncular series of scales and two vertical humeral spots
New species of Eugerres from the Usumacinta Province, México and Guatemala with a redescription of E. mexicanus (Steindachner, 1863) (Teleostei: Gerreidae)
Authors: Gonzalez-Acosta Adrian F. , Rodiles-Hernandez Rocio
Published: September 2013

Eugerres castroaguirrei, new species is described from the río Grijalva-Usumacinta basin of southeastern Mexico and northern Guatemala. Eugerres castroaguirrei and E. mexicanus are distinguishable from their marine estuarine congeners by the dorsal-fin origin posterior to the insertion of the pectoral and pelvic fins, a shorter and broad based supraoccipital crest, and a distinct geographic distribution restricted to freshwater habitats. Eugerres castroaguirrei differs from E. mexicanus by diagnostic characters of the body skeleton: anterior process of supraoccipital convex, infraorbital 1 with foramen, premaxillary ascending process developed with margins curved, pharyngeal plate granular and not serially arranged, and dorsal and anal fin-rays reduced. Likewise, E. castroaguirrei is characterized by an oblong and laterally thicker body (37.6-58.5% HL); greater body depth (33.8-42.1% SL), and eye diameter (23.3-31.6% HL); in addition to 16 significant morphometric characters: length of the second dorsal-fin spine 23.2-34.2% SL; depressed second dorsal-fin spine (extending to base of third to fourth dorsal-fin rays); length of second anal-fin spine 11.1-20.6% SL, depressed second anal-fin spine extending to the base of third to fourth anal-fin rays not reaching the distal point of last anal-fin ray; pelvic-fin spine length 49.7-65.0% in the first pelvic-fin ray length
Fisheries monitoring in Babel: fish ethnotaxonomy in a hotspot of common names
Authors: Previero Marilia , Minte-Vera Carolina V. , Moura Rodrigo Leao de
Published: September 2013

The lack of a long term, comprehensive and reliable fisheries statistics system is a major impediment to fisheries management in Brazil. Fishing is one of the main activities throughout the country's coast, with predominance of small-scale, artisanal, multigear, and multispecies captures that are landed in a pulverized network of coastal villages. Brazil is also a hotspot of common names, another feature that challenges artisanal fisheries' monitoring. We combined taxonomic and ethnobiological information to support the implementation of an artisanal fisheries' monitoring program under the co-management framework of a Marine Extractive Reserve in Bahia State, Northeastern Brazil. We surveyed 141 fishing landings, recording 86 fish species (43 families) and 52 correspondences 1:1 between local and scientific names. Broad folk categories had an average of 5.1 specific names, with "cação" (shark) being the category with more specific names (24 names to six biological species). With the exception of species that make up the bycatch captured by shrimp trawling, fisherfolks are able to identify commercially important species from both fresh specimens and photos. Common names can be reliably used in fisheries monitoring programs, and their usage facilitates the participation of fisherfolks in surveys based on voluntary or compulsory declarations of captures
The role of chromosomal fusion in the karyotypic evolution of the genus Ageneiosus (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae)
Authors: Lui Roberto Laridondo , Blanco Daniel Rodrigues , Martinez Juliana de Fatima , Margarido Vladimir Pavan , Venere Paulo Cesar , Moreira Filho Orlando
Published: September 2013

Ageneiosus is the most widely distributed genus of the family Auchenipteridae among South American river basins. Although chromosome studies in the family are scarce, this genus has the largest number of analyzed species, with 2n = 54 to 56 chromosomes, differing from the rest of the family (2n = 58). This study aimed to analyze Ageneiosus inermis from the Araguaia River basin. The diploid number found was of 56 chromosomes. Heterochromatin was allocated in terminal region of most chromosomes, plus a pericentromeric heterochromatic block in pair 1, a pair distinguished by size in relation to other chromosomes pairs. AgNORs were detected in only one submetacentric chromosome pair, which was confirmed by FISH. 5S rDNA was present in only one metacentric chromosome pair. Hybridization with [TTAGGG]n sequence marked the telomeres of all chromosomes, in addition to an ITS in the proximal region of the short arm of pair 1. The repetitive [GATA]n sequence was dispersed, with preferential location in terminal region of the chromosomes. Ageneiosus has a genomic organization somewhat different when compared to other Auchenipteridae species. Evidences indicate that a chromosomal fusion originated the first metacentric chromosome pair in A. inermis, rearrangement which may be a basal event for the genus
Hajdu-Cheney Syndrome with Osteomyelitis of Mandible, Calcification of Falx Cerebri and Palatal Groove
Authors: Gupta Shalini R. , Gupta Rajiva
Published: September 2013

Hajdu-Cheney syndrome is a very rare, inherited, autosomal dominant, skeletal dysplasia associated with characteristic craniofacial and dental features, primary acroosteolysis of the terminal phalanges and generalized osteoporosis. A 37-year-old male patient presented with features of osteomyelitis of the right mandible and typical features of Hajdu-Cheney syndrome. The patient also had calcification of the falx cerebri and an unusual median palatal groove, which has not been reported in Hajdu-Cheney syndrome before. The clinical and radiological features, differential diagnosis, and management of the patient are presented.
Improving interface bonding of double-skinned CFST columns
Authors: Dong Chunxiao , Ho Johnny Ching Ming
Published: September 2013

It has been demonstrated that high-strength concrete (HSC) is able to improve the strength-to-weight ratio of reinforced concrete columns and maximise the usable areas of tall buildings. However, closely spaced transverse reinforcement needs to be installed to provide stronger confinement for averting brittle failure of HSC. To resolve the problem, double-skinned concrete-filled-steel-tubular (CFST) columns have been advocated, which eliminates the steel congestion problem for better concrete placing and reduces the concrete arching action thus providing a more uniform confining pressure. Despite these advantages, a major shortcoming of double-skinned CFST columns is that imperfect interface bonding occurs in the elastic stage that reduces elastic strength and stiffness. Thus, the authors proposed to adopt external confinement to restrict the lateral dilation of the outer tube of double-skinned CFST columns. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed external rings, a total of 20 double-skinned normal- and high-strength CFST columns were tested. From the test results, it was observed that the stiffness, axial load-carrying capacity and ductility of ring-confined double-skinned CFST columns were significantly higher than the unconfined columns.
Trait‐mediated environmental filtering drives assembly at biogeographic transition zones
Authors: Sommer Brigitte , Harrison Peter L. , Beger Maria , Pandolfi John M.
Published: September 2013

Abiotic filtering is a major driver of gradients in the structure and functioning of ecosystems from the tropics to the poles. It is thus likely that environmental filtering is an important assembly process at the transition of biogeographical zones where many species occur at their range limits. Shifts in species abundances and association patterns along environmental gradients can be indicative of environmental filtering, which is predicted to be stronger in areas of high abiotic stress and to promote increased similarity of ecological characteristics among co‐occurring species. Here we test these hypotheses for scleractinian corals along a broad latitudinal gradient in high‐latitude eastern Australia, where corals occur at the margins of their ranges and environmental tolerances. We quantify variation in taxonomic, zoogeographic, and functional patterns combined with null model approaches and demonstrate systematic spatial variation in community structure and significant covariance of species abundance distributions and functional characteristics along the latitudinal gradient. We describe a strong biogeographic transition zone, consistent with patterns expected under abiotic filtering, whereby species are sorted along the latitudinal gradient according to their tolerances for marginal reef conditions. High‐latitude coastal reefs are typified by widely distributed, generalist, stress‐tolerant coral species with massive and horizontally spreading morphologies and by diminishing influence of tropical taxa at higher latitudes and closer to the mainland. Higher degree of ecological similarity among co‐occurring species than expected by chance supports the environmental filtering hypothesis. Among individual traits, the structural traits corallite size and colony morphology were filtered most strongly, suggesting that characteristics linked to energy acquisition and physical stability may be particularly important for coral survival in high‐latitude environments. These findings highlight interspecific differences and species interactions with the environment as key drivers of community organization in biogeographic transition zones and support the hypothesis that environmental filters play a stronger role than biotic interactions in structuring ecological communities in areas of high abiotic stress.
Comparison of Carbonate HCl Acidizing Experiments With 3D Simulations
Authors: Maheshwari P.. , Balakotaiah V..
Published: September 2013

Acidization of carbonate rocks is a common practice to reduce formation damage near the wellbore. In this process, an acidic solution is injected to dissolve some of the rock, creating conductive channels called wormholes. These wormholes facilitate the flow of hydrocarbons to the wellbore. In the literature, there are several theoretical and experimental studies performed to understand this process. Recent work by Maheshwari et al. 2013 focused on a qualitative comparison of 3D numerical results for slow-reacting acids with experimental data and presented a sensitivity analysis of the acidization process with respect to various transport, reaction, and rock properties. There are very few 3D numerical studies that can predict the experimental results quantitatively, such as the optimum injection rate for fast-reacting acids such as hydrochloric acid (HCl). Therefore, the main objective of this study is to quantitatively predict the experimentally observed acidization curve and dissolution patterns in carbonates with HCl.

We present 3D numerical simulations of carbonate acidization with HCl using a two-scale continuum (TSC) model. The model describes the reactive transport at Darcy scale and retains all pore-scale physics through structure-property relations. Unlike previous studies, we use a new two-parameter (pore-broadening and pore-connectivity) structure-property relation to describe the change in permeability, pore radius, and interfacial area per unit volume with porosity. We predict quantitatively the experimentally observed acidization curve for an HCl/limestone system and show the existence of a critical heterogeneity (that corresponds to the minimum amount of acid required to breakthrough). We also present scaling criteria to estimate the wormhole-tip diameter and optimum acid-injection rate for vuggy and nonvuggy carbonates. Finally, we present the flow dynamics of acid inside the wormhole.
Assessment of Multiple Management Systems in the Upper Midwest
Authors: Weyers Sharon L. , Johnson Jane M. F. , Archer David W.
Published: September 2013

Independently, reduced tillage, multicrop rotations, and organic fertilization are expected to enhance soil biological properties; outcomes are less understood when these management strategies are integrated with conventional or organic system management. Over 9 yr, soil biological properties of microbial biomass C (MBC) and N (MBN) and soluble organic C (SolC) and total soluble N (SolN) were measured to evaluate these practices. A full factorial arrangement within each management system of the following strategies were used: 2‐yr vs. 4‐yr rotation; conventional tillage (CT) vs. strip tillage (ST); and unfertilized vs. fertilized with inorganic fertilizer or manure in the conventional and organic systems, respectively. Parsing out independent effects from integrated strategies demonstrated that across all years, MBC and MBN were not influenced by system management but were higher in 4‐yr than 2‐yr rotations, ST than CT, and fertilized than unfertilized treatments; SolC and SolN were greater in fertilized treatments and SolN greater in CT treatments. Independent strategies, however, reacted differently when integrated under the two management systems. Under conventional system management, MBC increased with time only when ST was combined with a 4‐yr rotation, regardless of fertilization strategy; whereas, under organic system management, MBC increased with time in all ST treatments regardless of rotation or fertilization strategy. Results confirmed expectations that reduced tillage and increased rotation diversity positively impacted measured soil parameters, but inorganic vs. organic fertilizer resulted in few differences. Selecting and using individual strategies to achieve positive soil changes will depend on system‐level management and how strategies are integrated.
Testing Corn (Zea mays L.) Preseason Regional Nitrogen Recommendation Models in South Dakota
Authors: Kim Ki‐In , Clay David , Clay Sharon , Carlson Gregg C. , Trooien Todd
Published: September 2013

The purpose of a N recommendation model is to maximize profitability and minimize the impacts of agriculture on the environment. To achieve this goal, reliable recommendations must be developed and systematically tested. The objective of this study was to evaluate and test regional N recommendation models from South Dakota, western Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska for their suitability to improve South Dakota N recommendations. Data used to test the models were collected between 2002 and 2004 at Aurora and between 2004 and 2006 at Beresford and Watertown in eastern South Dakota. In this experiment, corn was responsive to N fertilizer, soil organic matter was relatively high (>30 g kg–1), manure was not applied, and drought conditions were not observed. Root mean square errors and bias of the different regional models were determined. Results showed that: (i) all models were unique and produced different N recommendations; (ii) economically optimum N rates (EONR) were sensitive to changing fertilizer costs and corn selling prices; (ii) water had a large impact on yield and N use efficiency; (iv) yields at the EONR were highly correlated (r = 0.60–0.73, P < 0.01) to the yield difference between fertilized and unfertilized plots; and (v) a modified South Dakota N recommendation model can be used to predict the impact of synergistic relationships between N and water.
Why We Need Arts Education
Authors: Roege Gayle B. , Kim Kyung Hee
Published: September 2013

This review synthesizes previous research findings regarding the benefits of arts education, particularly in the visual arts, to suggest future educational directions in the United States. It recognizes the current trend in public education emphasizing accountability, which has resulted in diminishing attention to arts education. Participation in arts education may not directly result in improved achievement on standardized tests; however, arts education benefits students in several critical ways, improving students' mental health, self-confidence, and life skills. Arts education also helps foster creativity, and sustains the natural creativity of young children. Suggestions for future research directions in education are discussed.
Plasma NGAL for the Diagnosis of AKI in Patients Admitted from the Emergency Department Setting
Authors: Soto Karina , Papoila Ana Luisa , Coelho Silvia , Bennett Michael , Ma Qing , Rodrigues Bruno , Fidalgo Pedro , Frade Francisca , Devarajan Prasad
Published: September 2013

Background and objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a marker of AKI in patients admitted from the emergency department.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In this prospective cohort study, patients (n=616) admitted from the emergency department from March to November of 2008 were classified according to clinical criteria as AKI, transient azotemia, stable CKD, and normal function. Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin was measured serially. A logistic regression model using clinical characteristics was fitted to the data, and a second model included discretized plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin. Performance of the models was evaluated by Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, net reclassification improvement, integrated discrimination improvement, and predictiveness curve.

Results

Twenty-one percent of patients were classified as AKI; the highest median levels of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were in the AKI group (146–174 ng/ml at various time points) and increased with AKI severity (207–244 ng/ml for Acute Kidney Injury Network classification stage>2). The discriminative ability of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin for AKI diagnosis (area under the curve, 0.77–0.82 at various time points) improved with higher grades of severity (area under the curve, 0.85–0.89 for AKIN>2). Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin discriminated AKI from normal function and transient azotemia (area under the curve, 0.85 and 0.73, respectively). Patients were classified into three grades of AKI risk according to plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels (low, moderate [i.e., the gray zone], and high). Patients with plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in the high-risk category displayed a 10-fold greater risk of AKI (odds ratio, 9.8; 95% confidence interval, 5.6 to 16.9). The addition of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin to the clinical model yielded a net reclassification improvement of 94.3% and an integrated discrimination improvement of 0.122.

Conclusion

Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin is an accurate biomarker for prediction of AKI in patients admitted from the emergency department. This work proposes a three-grade classification of AKI risk based on plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels.
Genetic Variation in CDH13 Is Associated With Lower Plasma Adiponectin Levels but Greater Adiponectin Sensitivity in East Asian Populations
Authors: Gao He , Kim Yu-Mi , Chen Peng , Igase Michiya , Kawamoto Ryuichi , Kim Mi Kyung , Kohara Katsuhiko , Lee Jeannette , Miki Tetsuro , Ong Rick Twee-Hee , Onuma Hiroshi , Osawa Haruhiko , Sim Xueling , Teo Yik Ying , Tabara Yasuharu , Tai E Shyong , van Dam Rob M.
Published: September 2013

Variants in the CDH13 gene have been identified as determinants of blood levels of adiponectin, an insulin-sensitizing adipokine. However, their association with other metabolic risk factors remains unclear. We examined variants at CDH13 in relation to total and high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin using data from a genome-wide association study performed in 2,434 Singaporean Chinese with replication in up to 3,290 Japanese and 1,610 Koreans. The top signal rs4783244 in CDH13 showed strong associations with total adiponectin (standardized β [β] = −0.34, 95% CI −0.38 to −0.30, P = 2.0 × 10−70), HMW adiponectin (β = −0.40, 95% CI −0.43 to −0.36, P = 1.1 × 10−117), and the HMW-to-total adiponectin ratio (β = −0.44, 95% CI −0.49 to −0.40, P = 3.2 × 10−83). In the replication study, this single nucleotide polymorphism explained 4.1% of total and 6.5% of HMW adiponectin levels. No association was observed between rs4783244 and metabolic traits associated with insulin resistance before adjustment for HMW adiponectin levels. After adjustment for HMW adiponectin levels, the minor allele was associated with lower BMI (β = −0.15, 95% CI −0.19 to −0.11, P = 3.5 × 10−14), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (β = −0.16, 95% CI −0.20 to −0.12, P = 9.2 × 10−16), and triglycerides (β = −0.16, 95% CI −0.19 to −0.12, P = 1.3 × 10−16) and with higher HDL (β = 0.16, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.19, P = 2.1 × 10−17). CDH13 variants strongly influence plasma total and HMW adiponectin levels in East Asian populations but appear to alter adiponectin sensitivity, resulting in better metabolic health than expected based on circulating adiponectin levels.
Virus Antibody Survey in Different European Populations Indicates Risk Association Between Coxsackievirus B1 and Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Oikarinen Sami , Tauriainen Sisko , Hober Didier , Lucas Bernadette , Vazeou Andriani , Sioofy-Khojine Amirbabak , Bozas Evangelos , Muir Peter , Honkanen Hanna , Ilonen Jorma , Knip Mikael , Keskinen Päivi , Saha Marja-Terttu , Huhtala Heini , Stanway Glyn , Bartsocas Christos , Ludvigsson Johnny , Taylor Keith , Hyöty Heikki ,   the VirDiab Study Group
Published: September 2013

Enteroviruses (EVs) have been connected to type 1 diabetes in various studies. The current study evaluates the association between specific EV subtypes and type 1 diabetes by measuring type-specific antibodies against the group B coxsackieviruses (CVBs), which have been linked to diabetes in previous surveys. Altogether, 249 children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes and 249 control children matched according to sampling time, sex, age, and country were recruited in Finland, Sweden, England, France, and Greece between 2001 and 2005 (mean age 9 years; 55% male). Antibodies against CVB1 were more frequent among diabetic children than among control children (odds ratio 1.7 [95% CI 1.0–2.9]), whereas other CVB types did not differ between the groups. CVB1-associated risk was not related to HLA genotype, age, or sex. Finnish children had a lower frequency of CVB antibodies than children in other countries. The results support previous studies that suggested an association between CVBs and type 1 diabetes, highlighting the possible role of CVB1 as a diabetogenic virus type.
Validation of a Pretransplant Risk Score for New-Onset Diabetes After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Chakkera Harini A. , Chang Yu-Hui , Ayub Asad , Gonwa Thomas A. , Weil E. Jennifer , Knowler William C.
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

Identification of patients at high risk for new-onset diabetes after kidney transplantation (NODAT) will facilitate clinical trials for its prevention.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We previously described a pretransplant predictive risk model for NODAT using seven pretransplant variables (age, planned use of maintenance corticosteroids, prescription for gout medicine, BMI, fasting glucose, fasting triglycerides, and family history of diabetes). We have now applied the initial model to a cohort of 474 transplant recipients from another center for validation. We performed two analyses in the validation cohort. The first was a standard model with variables derived from the original study. The second was a summary score model, in which the sum of dichotomized variables (all the variables dichotomized at clinically relevant cut points) was used to categorize, individuals into low (0–1), intermediate (2, 3), or high (4–7) risk groups. We also conducted a combined database analyses, merging the initial and validation cohorts (n = 792) to obtain better estimates for a prediction equation.

RESULTS

Although the frequency of several risk factors differed significantly between the two cohorts, the models performed similarly in each cohort. Using the summary score model, incidences of NODAT in low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk groups in the initial cohort were 12, 29, and 56%, and in the validation cohort incidences were 11, 29, and 51%.

CONCLUSIONS

A pretransplant model for NODAT, including many type 2 diabetes risk factors, predicted NODAT in the validation cohort.
Buccal Injection of 2% Lidocaine With Epinephrine for the Removal of Maxillary Third Molars
Authors: Yadav Sunil , Verma Ajay , Sachdeva Akash
Published: September 2013

The aim of the study was to demonstrate if 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with 1 : 200,000 epinephrine could provide palatal anesthesia in maxillary tooth removal with a single buccal injection. The subjects included in the clinical study were those requiring extraction of the maxillary third molar of either side. For the purpose of comparison, the sample was randomly divided into 2 main groups: group 1 (study group) included 100 subjects who were to receive a single injection before extraction, and group 2 (control group) included 100 subjects who were to receive a single buccal injection and a single palatal injection before extraction. After 5 minutes the extraction was performed. All patients were observed for Faces Pain Scale during extraction and asked for the same on a 100-mm visual analog scale after extraction. According to visual analog scale and Faces Pain Scale scores, when maxillary third molar removal without palatal injection (study group) and with palatal injection (control group) were compared the difference was not statistically significant (P > .05). Removal of maxillary third molars without palatal injection is possible by depositing 2 mL of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with 1 : 200,000 epinephrine to the buccal vestibule of the tooth.
Methemoglobin Levels in Generally Anesthetized Pediatric Dental Patients Receiving Prilocaine Versus Lidocaine
Authors: Gutenberg Lauren L. , Chen Jung-Wei , Trapp Larry
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this study was to measure and compare peak methemoglobin levels and times to peak methemoglobin levels following the use of prilocaine and lidocaine in precooperative children undergoing comprehensive dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. Ninety children, 3–6 years of age, undergoing dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia were enrolled and randomly assigned into 3 equal groups: group 1, 4% prilocaine plain, 5 mg/kg; group 2, 2% lidocaine with 1 : 100,000 epinephrine, 2.5 mg/kg; and group 3, no local anesthetic. Subjects in groups 1 and 2 were administered local anesthetic prior to restorative dental treatment. Methemoglobin levels (SpMET) were measured and recorded throughout the procedure using a Masimo Radical-7 Pulse Co-Oximeter (Masimo Corporation, Irvine, Calif, RDS-1 with SET software with methemoglobin interface). Data were analyzed using chi-square, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation (significance of P < .05). Group 1 had a significantly higher mean peak SpMET level at 3.55% than groups 2 and 3 at 1.63 and 1.60%, respectively. The mean time to peak SpMET was significantly shorter for group 3 at 29.50 minutes than that of group 1 at 62.73 and group 2 at 57.50 minutes. Prilocaine, at 5 mg/kg in pediatric dental patients, resulted in significantly higher peak SpMET levels than lidocaine and no local anesthetic. In comparison to no local anesthetic, the administration of prilocaine and lidocaine caused peak SpMET levels to occur significantly later in the procedure.
Flexural Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Valid Strengthening Techniques
Authors: Bashandy Alaa A.
Published: September 2013

This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of strengthening reinforced concrete beams using some valid strengthening materials and techniques. Using concrete layer, reinforced concrete layer and steel plates are investigated in this research. Experiments on strengthening beam samples of dimensions 100x150x1100mm are performed. Samples are divided in to three groups. Group “A” is strengthened using 2cm thickness concrete layer only (two types). Group “B” is strengthened using 2cm thickness concrete layer reinforced with meshes (steel and plastic). Group “C” is strengthened using steel plates. The initial cracking load, ultimate load and crack pattern of tested beams are illustrated. The experimental results show that for group A and B, the ultimate strength, stiffness, ductility, and failure mode of RC beams, with the same thickness strengthening layer applied, will be affected by the mesh type, type of concrete layer. While for group C, these parameters affected by the fixation technique and adhesion type.
The Analysis of the Chloride and Fluoride Influences on the Reducer Refinement Processes (Carbo-N-Ox) Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Bydałek A. W. , Schlafka P. , Biernat S.
Published: September 2013

Slag refining slag with west materials was analysed used the DTA methods. In the paper a method of determining the reduction capability, with the Carbo-N-Ox method, of slag solutions was used. Some relations between the stimulators in the environment - slag - metal system allow to initiate mass exchange reactions in the process of slag refining.The presented in work course of behaviour permits on choice of basic composition of slaglite, the of necessary components stimulating quantities, as well as on accomplishment of opinion of ability refinement. The worked out programme Slag-Prop, after introduction of data with experiment, it allows on next corrections in composition of proposed mixtures also, should be put on properly elaborated factors of multistage reaction with essential usage of suitable stimulators.
Environmentally Friendly Mould Technology
Authors: Izdebska-Szanda I. , Palma A. , Angrecki M. , Żmudzińska M.
Published: September 2013

One of the factors that contribute to the development of foundry moulding technology is environmental protection. The related challenges are effectively satisfied by a new inorganic binder that has been designed for castings made of non-ferrous metal alloys. This article presents in a concise way the test results, showing the ecological character of the new binder at the stage of making moulds, pouring them with metal and cooling of castings, indicating the possibilities for an economic re-use of waste materials formed during practical application of this technology. The results were compared with the results obtained on the sands with organic binders. Studies were carried out under the project POIG.01.01.02-00-015/09 "Advanced materials and technologies."
Optimization of Master Alloy Amount and Gating System Design for Ductile Cast Iron Obtain in Lost Foam Process
Authors: Just P. , Kaczorowski R. , Pacyniak T.
Published: September 2013

The paper presents the optimization of master alloy amount for the high nodular graphite yield (80-90%) in cast iron obtain in lost foam process. The influence of the gating system configuration and the shape of the reaction chamber, the degree of spheroidisation cast iron was examined. Research has shown that the, optimal of master alloy amount of 1.5% by mass on casting iron. The degree of spheroidisation is also influenced by the gating system configuration. The best spheroidisation effect was obtained for liquid cast iron was fed into the reaction chamber from the bottom and discharged from the top.
Production Scheduling for the Furnace - Casting Line System
Authors: Stawowy A. , Duda J.
Published: September 2013

The problem considered in the paper is motivated by production planning in a foundry equipped with the furnace and casting line, which provides a variety of castings in various grades of cast iron/steel for a large number of customers. The quantity of molten metal does not exceed the capacity of the furnace, the load is a particular type of metal from which the products are made in the automatic casting lines. The goal is to create the order of the melted metal loads to prevent delays in delivery of goods to customers. This problem is generally considered as a lot-sizing and scheduling problem. The paper describes two computational intelligence algorithms for simultaneous grouping and scheduling tasks and presents the results achieved by these algorithms for example test problems.