bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trimester-Specific Reference Ranges for Thyroid Hormones in Iranian Pregnant Women
Authors: Mehran Ladan , Amouzegar Atieh , Delshad Hossein , Askari Sahar , Hedayati Mehdi , Amirshekari Golshan , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: June 2013

Background. Due to many physiological changes during pregnancy, interpretation of thyroid function tests needs trimester-specific reference intervals for a specific population. There is no normative data documented for thyroid hormones on healthy pregnant women in Iran. The present survey was conducted to determine trimester-specific reference ranges for serum TSH, thyroxine (TT4), and triiodothyronine (TT3).Methods. The serum of 215 cases was analyzed for measurement of thyroid function tests by immunoassay method of which 152 iodine-sufficient pregnant women without thyroid autoantibodies and history of thyroid disorder or goiter were selected for final analysis. Reference intervals were defined as 5th and 95th percentiles.Results. Reference intervals in the first, second, and third trimesters were as follows: TSH (0.2–3.9, 0.5–4.1, and 0.6–4.1 mIU/l), TT4 (8.2–18.5, 10.1–20.6, and 9–19.4 μg/dl), and TT3 (137.8–278.3, 154.8–327.6, and 137–323.6 ng/dl), respectively. No correlation was found between TSH and TT4 or TT3. Significant correlation was found between TT4 and TT3 in all trimesters (r=0.35,P<0.001).Conclusion. The reference intervals of thyroid function tests in pregnant women differ among trimesters. Applying trimester-specific reference ranges of thyroid hormones is warranted in order to avoid misclassification of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy.
The NLRP3 Inflammasome as a Novel Player of the Intercellular Crosstalk in Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Benetti Elisa , Chiazza Fausto , Patel Nimesh S. A. , Collino Massimo
Published: June 2013

The combination of obesity and type 2 diabetes is a serious health problem, which is projected to afflict 300 million people worldwide by 2020. Both clinical and translational laboratory studies have demonstrated that chronic inflammation is associated with obesity and obesity-related conditions such as insulin resistance. However, the precise etiopathogenetic mechanisms linking obesity to diabetes remain to be elucidated, and the pathways that mediate this phenomenon are not fully characterized. One of the most recently identified signaling pathways, whose activation seems to affect many metabolic disorders, is the “inflammasome,” a multiprotein complex composed of NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein 3), ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD), and procaspase-1. NLRP3 inflammasome activation leads to the processing and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin- (IL-) 1βand IL-18. The goal of this paper is to review new insights on the effects of the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the complex mechanisms of crosstalk between different organs, for a better understanding of the role of chronic inflammation in metabolic disease pathogenesis. We will provide here a perspective on the current research on NLRP3 inflammasome, which may represent an innovative therapeutic target to reverse the detrimental metabolic consequences of the metabolic inflammation.
Antimicrobial Brazilian Propolis (EPP-AF) Containing Biocellulose Membranes as Promising Biomaterial for Skin Wound Healing
Authors: Barud Hernane da Silva , de Araújo Júnior Adalberto Miguel , Saska Sybele , Mestieri Letícia Boldrin , Campos Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini , de Freitas Rubens Moreno , Ferreira Nathália Ursoli , Nascimento Andresa Piacezzi , Miguel Felipe Galeti , Vaz Mirela Mara de Oliveira Lima Leite , Barizon Edna Aparecida , Marquele-Oliveira Franciane , Gaspar Ana Maria Minarelli , Ribeiro Sidney José Lima , Berretta Andresa Aparecida
Published: June 2013

Among remarkable discoveries concerning propolis, such as antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant activities, its anti-inflammatory, and mainly its antibacterial, properties deserve special attention when skin wound healing is concerned. Based on this and knowing the distinctive performance of bacterial (BC) membranes on wound healing, in this work it is proposed to demonstrate the potent antimicrobial activity and wound healing properties of a novel propolis containing biocellulose membrane. The obtained propolis/BC membrane was able to adsorb propolis not only on the surface, but also in its interstices demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and thermogravidimetric assays. Additionally, the polyphenolic compounds determination and the prominent antibacterial activity in the membrane are demonstrated to be dose dependent, supporting the possibility of obtaining propolis/BC membranes at the desired concentrations, taking into consideration its application and its skin residence time. Finally, it could be suggested that propolis/BC membrane may favor tissue repair in less time and more effectively in contaminated wounds.
New Double Projection Algorithm for Solving Variational Inequalities
Authors: Zheng Lian
Published: June 2013

We propose a class of new double projection algorithms for solving variational inequality problem, which can be viewed as a framework of the method of Solodov and Svaiter by adopting a class of new hyperplanes. By the separation property of hyperplane, our method is proved to be globally convergent under very mild assumptions. In addition, we propose a modified version of our algorithm that finds a solution of variational inequality which is also a fixed point of a given nonexpansive mapping. If, in addition, a certain local error bound holds, we analyze the convergence rate of the iterative sequence. Numerical experiments prove that our algorithms are efficient.
MRP1 but Not MDR1 Is Associated with Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Taheri Mohsen , Mahjoubi Frouzandeh
Published: June 2013

A major problem in the treatment of breast cancer is the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Although the role of multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) and multidrug resistance associated protein 1 (MRP1) in inducing drug resistance in many cancers has been widely investigated the clinical significance of expression of these genes in breast cancer remains unclear and the data is still controversial. We investigated the expression of MDR1 and MRP1 in breast cancer patients as well as the possible correlation between MDR1 and MRP1 and clinical response to chemotherapy. In the present study, MDR1 and MRP1 gene expression were investigated by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay in 54 breast cancer tumors and in corresponding adjacent normal tissues before neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The expression level of MDR1 and MRP1 were significantly higher in breast tumors than normal breast tissues. Although a significant relationship was found between the MRP1 expression and response to treatment no association was observed between MDR1 expression and response to treatment. MDR1 and MRP1 expression levels have been shown to be independent of tumor size, histological grade and the status of progesterone or estrogen receptor.
Geometric Curvatures of Plane Symmetry Black Hole
Authors: Wei Shao-Wen , Liu Yu-Xiao , Fu Chun-E. , Li Hai-Tao
Published: June 2013

We study the properties and thermodynamic stability of the plane symmetry black hole from the viewpoint of geometry. We find that the Weinhold curvature gives the first-order phase transition atN=1, whereNis a parameter of the plane symmetry black hole while the Ruppeiner one shows first-order phase transition points for arbitraryN≠1. Considering the Legendre invariant proposed by Quevedo et al., we obtain a unified geometry metric, which contains the information of the second-order phase transition. So, the first-order and second-order phase transitions can be both reproduced from the geometry curvatures. The geometry is also found to be curved, and the scalar curvature goes to negative infinity at the Davie phase transition points beyond semiclassical approximation.
Multifocal Adult Rhabdomyoma of the Head and Neck Manifestation in 7 Locations and Review of the Literature
Authors: de Trey Lorraine A. , Schmid Stephan , Huber Gerhard F.
Published: June 2013

Background. Adult rhabdomyoma is a rare benign tumour with the differentiation of striated muscle tissue, which mainly occurs in the head and neck region. Twenty-six cases of multifocal adult rhabdomyoma are documented in the literature.Method. We report a 55-year-old male with simultaneous diagnosis of 7 adult rhabdomyomas and review the literature of multifocal adult rhabdomyoma.Result. Review of the literature revealed 26 cases of multifocal adult rhabdomyoma, of which only 7 presented with more than 2 lesions. Mean age at diagnosis was 65 years with a male to female ratio of 5.5 : 1. Common localizations were the parapharyngeal space (36%), larynx (15%), submandibular (14%), paratracheal region (12%), tongue (11%), and floor of mouth (9%). Besides the known radiological features of adult rhabdomyoma, our case showed FDG-uptake in (18) F-FDG PET/CT.Conclusion. This is the first case of multifocal adult rhabdomyoma published, with as many as 7 simultaneous adult rhabdomyomas of the head and neck.
Noise Suppression in ECG Signals through Efficient One-Step Wavelet Processing Techniques
Authors: Castillo E. , Morales D. P. , García A. , Martínez-Martí F. , Parrilla L. , Palma A. J.
Published: June 2013

This paper illustrates the application of the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) for wandering and noise suppression in electrocardiographic (ECG) signals. A novel one-step implementation is presented, which allows improving the overall denoising process. In addition an exhaustive study is carried out, defining threshold limits and thresholding rules for optimal wavelet denoising using this presented technique. The system has been tested using synthetic ECG signals, which allow accurately measuring the effect of the proposed processing. Moreover, results from real abdominal ECG signals acquired from pregnant women are presented in order to validate the presented approach.
APP: An Ultralightweight Scheme to Authenticate ONS and Protect EPC Privacy without Cryptography in EPCglobal Networks
Authors: Ren Wei , Ma Liangli , Ren Yi
Published: June 2013

EPCglobal network is used to share product data between trading partners, which was proposed by EPCglobal. Object Name Service (ONS) in EPCglobal framework raises two critical security risks: the authenticity of IP addresses for Physical Markup Language (PML) servers and the privacy of Electronic Product Codes (EPCs). Existing work considers either the IP address authentication or the EPC privacy. In addition, that work mainly relies on cryptographic tools, in which key distribution is not a trivial task and also causes a large amount of computation overhead. In this paper, we make the first attempt to solve those two security risks together without relying cryptography. We propose a scheme, namely, APP (authenticate ONS and protect EPC privacy), to guarantee the authenticity of IP addresses for PML servers as well as EPC privacy and to maintain ultralightweight computation cost. Moreover, we give formal definition of the authenticity and the privacy in ONS context. The security achievements are strictly analyzed and proved. The extensive analysis results justify the applicability of the proposed scheme.
Research on Hysteresis of Piezoceramic Actuator Based on the Duhem Model
Authors: Zhou Miaolei , Wang Jingyuan
Published: June 2013

To improve the modeling accuracy of piezoceramic actuator in the precision positioning system, the Duhem hysteretic model of the piezoceramic actuator was proposed. The paper used the polynomial function to approach the piecewise continuous function and f(v) and g(v) in the Duhem model, adopted recursive least squares algorithm and gradient correction algorithm to identify parameter α, polynomial coefficients of f and g in the Duhem model, and established the nonlinear parametric model of the piezoceramic actuator. Contrasting the simulation results of recursive least squares algorithm and gradient correction algorithm, the modeling accuracy is 0.24% when adopting the recursive least squares algorithm, and the modeling accuracy is 0.11% when adopting the gradient correction method. The result showed that the gradient correction algorithm could meet the modeling accuracy better, and the structure of the algorithm is simple, adaptable, and easy to implement.
Jejunogastric Intussusception: A Rare Complication of Gastric Surgery
Authors: Cipe Gokhan , Malya Fatma Umit , Hasbahceci Mustafa , Ersoy Yeliz Emine , Karatepe Oguzhan , Muslumanoglu Mahmut
Published: June 2013

Jejunogastric intussusception is a rare complication of gastric surgery. It usually presents with severe epigastric pain, vomiting, and hematemesis. A history of gastric surgery can help in making an accurate and early diagnosis which calls forth an urgent surgical intervention. Only reduction or resection with revision of the previously performed anastomosis is the choice which is decided according to the operative findings. We present a case of JGI in a patient with a history of Billroth II operation diagnosed by computed tomography. At emergent laparotomy, an efferent loop type JGI was found. Due to necrosis, resection of the intussuscepted bowel with Roux-en-Y anastomosis was performed. Postoperative recovery was uneventful.
The Effects ofN-Butyl-1-(4-dimethylamino)phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxamide againstLeishmania amazonensisAre Mediated by Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Volpato Hélito , Desoti Vânia Cristina , Cogo Juliana , Panice Manuela Ribeiro , Sarragiotto Maria Helena , Silva Sueli de Oliveira , Ueda-Nakamura Tânia , Nakamura Celso Vataru
Published: June 2013

Leishmaniasis is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The drugs that are available for the treatment of this infection exhibit high toxicity and various side effects. Several studies have focused on the development of new chemotherapeutic agents that are less toxic and more effective against trypanosomatids. We investigated the effects ofN-butyl-1-(4-dimethylamino)phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxamide (C4) and its possible targets againstL. amazonensis. The results showed morphological and ultrastructural alterations, depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, the loss of cell membrane integrity, and an increase in the formation of mitochondrial superoxide anions inL. amazonensistreated withC4. Our results indicate thatC4is a selective antileishmanial agent, and its effects appear to be mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction.
Atypical Central Neurocytoma with Recurrent Spinal Dissemination over a Period of 20 Years: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Juratli Tareq A. , Geiger Kathrin , Leimert Mario , Schackert Gabriele , Kirsch Matthias
Published: June 2013

We present an unusual case of a late recurrent central neurocytoma that was rediagnosed as an ependymoma and neurocytoma in accordance with changes in histological classifications.Case Description. A 56-year-old male teacher presented with incomplete transverse syndrome due to several intradural extramedullary tumors at the level of lumbar vertebrae 1–3. The histological diagnosis at the time was atypical ependymoma. One year later, two additional tumors were removed at the L5-S1 vertebral level. For 12 years, the patient remained tumor free on followup. Fourteen years after the initial diagnosis, the patient presented with thoracic paresthesias due to two new extramedullary tumors in the C7-T1 and the T8-T9 vertebral levels. After complete removal of the tumors, a radiological survey revealed an intracranial lesion in the third ventricle. Five months later, an additional lesion recurrence was removed surgically. The most recent histological diagnosis revealed an atypical central neurocytoma. In retrospect, the previous tumors were reclassified as neurocytoma according to the additional immunohistochemistry evidence.Discussion. There is no standard adjuvant treatment regimen for atypical neurocytoma; therefore, the patient is currently under close followup. Modern histopathological diagnosis is essential in these cases. Potential routes for dissemination of the tumor should be considered upon first recurrence.
Cucurbitane Triterpenoid fromMomordica charantiaInduces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Breast Cancer Cells, in Part, through Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated ReceptorγActivation
Authors: Weng Jing-Ru , Bai Li-Yuan , Chiu Chang-Fang , Hu Jing-Lan , Chiu Shih-Jiuan , Wu Chia-Yung
Published: June 2013

Although the antitumor activity of the crude extract of wild bitter gourd (Momordica charantiaL.) has been reported, its bioactive constituents and the underlying mechanism remain undefined. Here, we report that 3β,7β-dihydroxy-25-methoxycucurbita-5,23-diene-19-al (DMC), a cucurbitane-type triterpene isolated from wild bitter gourd, induced apoptotic death in breast cancer cells through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γactivation. Luciferase reporter assays indicated the ability of DMC to activate PPARγ, and pharmacological inhibition of PPARγprotected cells from DMC's antiproliferative effect. Western blot analysis indicated that DMC suppressed the expression of many PPARγ-targeted signaling effectors, including cyclin D1, CDK6, Bcl-2, XIAP, cyclooxygenase-2, NF-κB, and estrogen receptorα, and induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, as manifested by the induction of GADD153 and GRP78 expression. Moreover, DMC inhibited mTOR-p70S6K signaling through Akt downregulation and AMPK activation. The ability of DMC to activate AMPK in liver kinase (LK) B1-deficient MDA-MB-231 cells suggests that this activation was independent of LKB1-regulated cellular metabolic status. However, DMC induced a cytoprotective autophagy presumably through mTOR inhibition, which could be overcome by the cotreatment with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. Together, the ability of DMC to modulate multiple PPARγ-targeted signaling pathways provides a mechanistic basis to account for the antitumor activity of wild bitter gourd.
Relationship between Serum and Brain Carotenoids,α-Tocopherol, and Retinol Concentrations and Cognitive Performance in the Oldest Old from the Georgia Centenarian Study
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth J. , Vishwanathan Rohini , Johnson Mary Ann , Hausman Dorothy B. , Davey Adam , Scott Tammy M. , Green Robert C. , Miller L. Stephen , Gearing Marla , Woodard John , Nelson Peter T. , Chung Hae-Yun , Schalch Wolfgang , Wittwer Jonas , Poon Leonard W.
Published: June 2013

Oxidative stress is involved in age-related cognitive decline. The dietary antioxidants, carotenoids, tocopherols, and vitamin A may play a role in the prevention or delay in cognitive decline. In this study, sera were obtained from 78 octogenarians and 220 centenarians from the Georgia Centenarian Study. Brain tissues were obtained from 47 centenarian decedents. Samples were analyzed for carotenoids,α-tocopherol, and retinol using HPLC. Analyte concentrations were compared with cognitive tests designed to evaluate global cognition, dementia, depression and cognitive domains (memory, processing speed, attention, and executive functioning). Serum lutein, zeaxanthin, andβ-carotene concentrations were most consistently related to better cognition (P<0.05) in the whole population and in the centenarians. Only serum lutein was significantly related to better cognition in the octogenarians. In brain, lutein andβ-carotene were related to cognition with lutein being consistently associated with a range of measures. There were fewer significant relationships forα-tocopherol and a negative relationship between brain retinol concentrations and delayed recognition. These findings suggest that the status of certain carotenoids in the old may reflect their cognitive function. The protective effect may not be related to an antioxidant effect given thatα-tocopherol was less related to cognition than these carotenoids.
Elevated Troponin Level with Negative Outcome Was Found in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Hasırcı Buse , Okay Münevver , Ağırcan Dilek , Koçer Abdulkadir
Published: June 2013

Background. Troponin increment is a highly sensitive and specific marker of myocardial necrosis. The reason of high troponin levels in acute stroke is not clear. The aim of this study was to identify the relationships between cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) level and stroke. Methods. This study recruited 868 patients who were admitted to Istanbul Medeniyet University due to acute ischemic stroke, and the diagnosis was confirmed by diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. The patients with the causes increasing troponin level were excluded from the study. A total of 239 patients were finally included in the study. Clinics were evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Results. Serum level of troponin was higher in ischemic stroke patients with anterior circulation involvement in comparison to posterior involvement or hemorrhagic stroke (). Higher troponin levels related to increased stroke scale scores at discharge in ischemic stroke (). The level of cTnI was correlated with stroke scale scores at both admission and discharge in posterior stroke patients (). Conclusion. cTnI is a highly specific and sensitive marker of myocardial damage, and its elevation was associated with more severe neurological deficits in acute ischemic stroke.
Schnitzler’s Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Tinoco Gabriel , Kanji Rehan , Moola Deepthi
Published: June 2013

Schnitzler’s syndrome is an extremely rare entity that poses a challenge for the clinician not only due to its difficult diagnosis but also due to its management. In this article we report a new case and briefly review the current treatment options.
Tumor Imaging and Interferon-γ–Inducible Protein-10 Gene Transfer Using a Highly Efficient Transferrin-Conjugated Liposome System in Mice
Authors: Zhuo Huiqin , Peng Yi , Yao Qin , Zhou Nuo , Zhou Sufang , He Jian , Fang Yuan , Li Xi , Jin Hongwei , Lu Xiaoling , Zhao Yongxiang
Published: June 2013

Purpose: We have developed a PEGylated transferrin-conjugated liposomes (PTf-Ls) system for the combined tumor imaging and targeted delivery of the IFN-γ–inducible protein-10 (IP-10) gene in a single macromolecular construct. Here, we characterize and analyze the use of this system in a mouse model of breast cancer.

Experimental Design: The biophysical and cell transfection properties of PTf-Ls were determined through a series of in vitro experiments. A nude mouse/breast cancer cell line xenograft model (mouse xenograft model) was used to image the tumor internalization of fluorescently labeled PTf-Ls. The clinical use of the system was tested by treating tumor-bearing mice with PTf-Ls loaded with IP-10 plasmid DNA or fluorescent lipoplexes.

Results: The resulting 165-nm liposomes (zeta potential = −10.6 mV) displayed serum resistance, low cytotoxicity (<5%), and high transfection efficiency (≤82.8%) in cultured cells. Systemic intravenous administration of fluorescent PTf-Ls in the mouse xenograft model resulted in nanoparticle circulation for 72 hours, as well as selective and efficient internalization in tumor cells, according to in vivo fluorescence and bioluminescence analyses. Tumor fluorescence increased gradually up to 26 hours, whereas background fluorescence decreased to near-baseline levels. Treatment of mice with PTf-Ls entrapped pcDNA3.1-IP-10 suppressed tumor growth in mice by 79% on day 50 and increased the mean survival time of mice. Fluorescent pcDNA-IP-10–entrapped PTf-Ls showed good properties for simultaneous tumor-targeted imaging and gene-specific delivery in an animal tumor model.

Conclusions: Our developed transferrin-conjugated liposome system possesses promising characteristics for tumor-targeting, imaging, and gene therapy applications. Clin Cancer Res; 19(15); 4206–17. ©2013 AACR.
Predictive Value of Dysplasia Grading and DNA Ploidy in Malignant Transformation of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders
Authors: Sperandio Marcelo , Brown Amy L. , Lock Claire , Morgan Peter R. , Coupland Victoria H. , Madden Peter B. , Warnakulasuriya Saman , Møller Henrik , Odell Edward W.
Published: June 2013

Dysplasia grading is widely used to assess risk of transformation in oral potentially malignant disorders despite limited data on predictive value. DNA ploidy analysis has been proposed as an alternative. This study examines the prognostic value for both tests used in a routine diagnostic setting to inform clinical management. A retrospective study of conventional dysplasia grading was conducted on 1,401 patients. DNA ploidy analysis was conducted on a subset of 273 patients and results correlated with clinical information, pathologic diagnosis, and outcome over 5 to 15 years.

Malignant transformation occurred in 32 of 273 patients (12%) and, of these, 20 (63%) of preexisting index lesions were aneuploid. Of 241 patients not developing carcinoma, only 39 (16%) of index lesions were aneuploid. Epithelial dysplasia correlated with DNA ploidy status (P < 0.001). The overall positive predictive value for malignant transformation by DNA aneuploidy was 38.5% (sensitivity 65.2% and specificity 75%) and by severe dysplasia grade 39.5% (sensitivity 30% and specificity 98%). DNA diploid and tetraploid status had negative predictive value of 90% to 96%. Combining DNA ploidy analysis with dysplasia grading gives a higher predictive value than either technique alone.

Each of three traditional dysplasia grades predicts a significantly different risk of carcinoma development and time to transformation. DNA ploidy analysis had equivalent predictive value and also detected additional risk lesions in the absence of dysplasia. Cancer Prev Res; 6(8); 822–31. ©2013 AACR.
Toward Breaking the Histone Code
Authors: Mitra Riten , Müller Peter , Liang Shoudan , Xu Yanxun , Ji Yuan
Published: June 2013

Background—

Histones are proteins that wrap DNA around in small spherical structures called nucleosomes. Histone modifications (HMs) refer to the post-translational modifications to the histone tails. At a particular genomic locus, each of these HMs can either be present or absent, and the combinatory patterns of the presence or absence of multiple HMs, or the histone codes, are believed to coregulate important biological processes. We aim to use raw data on HM markers at different genomic loci to (1) decode the complex biological network of HMs in a single region, and (2) demonstrate how the HM networks differ in different regulatory regions. We suggest that these differences in network attributes form a significant link between histones and genomic functions.

Methods and Results—

We develop a powerful graphical model under the Bayesian paradigm. Posterior inference is fully probabilistic, allowing us to compute the probabilities of distinct dependence patterns of the HMs using graphs. Furthermore, our model-based framework allows for easy but important extensions for inference on differential networks under various conditions, such as the different annotations of the genomic locations (eg, promoters versus insulators). We applied these models to ChIP-Seq data based on CD4+ T lymphocytes. The results confirmed many existing findings and provided a unified tool to generate various promising hypotheses. Differential network analyses revealed new insights on coregulation of HMs of transcriptional activities in different genomic regions.

Conclusions—

The use of Bayesian graphical models and borrowing strength across different conditions provide high power to infer histone networks and their differences.
A Terracotta Relief with a Dionysiac Motif from Kepoi
Authors: Zhuravlev Denis V. , Lomtadze Georgii A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract

A unique terracotta relief with a depiction of a Dionysiac scene is published in this article: it was found during excavations of the city of Kepoi in the Asiatic Bosporus. The authors of the article reach the conclusion that the relief shows a depiction of two actors in satyrs’ masks carrying a third in the role of Dionysos. The relief dates from the second half of the 4th century BC.
Ephedraphis Hille Ris Lambers (Hemiptera: Aphididae), with a key to species and one new species from Mongolia
Authors: ZHANG BIN , QIAO GEXIA
Published: June 2013

The aphid genus Ephedraphis Hille Ris Lambers is reviewed. The genus is represented by four species, including Ephe-draphis mongolica sp. n. on Ephedra sp. from Umnogovi Province, Mongolia. A key to the known species of Ephedraphis is provided. Diagnostic characters of all species are given. All specimens studied, including type specimens are deposited in the National Zoological Museum of China, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
New Calisto species from Cuba, with insights on the relationships of Cuban and Bahamian taxa (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae)
Authors: AGUILA RAYNER NÚÑEZ , MATOS-MARAVÍ PÁVEL F. , WAHLBERG NIKLAS
Published: June 2013

Three new species and a new subspecies of Calisto Hübner are described from Cuba, Calisto torrei sp. n. Núñez, Calisto dissimulatum sp. n. Núñez, Calisto aquilum sp. n. Núñez, and Calisto aquilum occidentalis ssp. n. Núñez. The immature stages of C. torrei and C. dissimulatum are also described. Notes on the distribution and biology of the species are given. All Cuban and Bahamian taxa form a monophyletic group which seems to have originated in northeastern Cuba spreading later to the west. DNA sequence data also allowed to recognize both Bahamian taxa, Calisto sibylla and Calisto apollinis stat. n., as distinct species, and to synonymize Calisto herophile parsonsi syn. n. under Calisto herophile.
New species and records of the genus Trachypeplus Horváth (Hemiptera: Tingidae) from China
Authors: DANG KAI , GUILBERT ERIC , BU WENJUN
Published: June 2013

This paper deals with the genus Trachypeplus from China. Nine species of Trachypeplus are treated in this paper, of which three species, namely Trachypeplus depressus sp. nov., Trachypeplus jingae sp. nov., and Trachypeplus parafulgoris sp. nov., are described as new. These nine species are photographed and keyed.
A giant foraminifer that converges to the feeding strategy of carnivorous sponges: Spiculosiphon oceana sp. nov. (Foraminifera, Astrorhizida)
Authors: MALDONADO MANUEL , LÓPEZ-ACOSTA MARÍA , SITJÀ CÈLIA , AGUILAR RICARDO , GARCÍA SILVIA , VACELET JEAN
Published: June 2013

The foraminifer Spiculosiphon oceana sp. nov. is a giant (>4 cm) agglutinated astrorhizid, which makes the second known species of this unusual genus and its first Mediterranean record. It has a peculiar stalked, capitate, monothalamous test. Bleach digestion and X-ray microanalysis indicated the test to be made exclusively of siliceous sponge spicules aggluti-nated in organic cement. The organism stands on a hollow, 4 cm long, 0.5 cm thick stalk built with highly selected, long and thin spicule fragments, tightly cemented together in parallel to the main axis of the stalk. The proximal end of the stalk is closed and slightly expanded into a bulb-like structure, designed to penetrate between the sand grains and maintaining the test upright while avoiding a permanent attachment to the substratum. The distal stalk end becomes a hollow, globe-like structure that contains the main protoplasm. The globelike region is built with loosely agglutinated and irregularly-shaped spicules, allowing extrusion of the pseudopodia through the cavities between the spicules. The globelike structure also serves as an anchoring basis, from which long and thin, solid tracts protrude radially to make a spherical crown that attains about 4 mm in total diameter. The radiating tracts are built with highly selected aciculate spicule fragments held together with a translucent organic cement. They provide skeletal support for the extension of a crown of pseudopodia into the water column. This arrangement is thought to enhance the chances of the pseudopodia to contact demersal planktonic prey. In summary, Spiculosiphon species collect and arrange sponge spicules with high selectivity to recreate a body mor-phology that strongly converges to that of some carnivorous sponges, which allows these predatory foraminifera to exploit a prey capturing strategy similar to that of the carnivorous sponges. This idea is also consistent with our report of an ad-ditional, yet undetermined, Spiculosiphon species occurring in the same sublittoral Mediterranean cave where carnivorous sponges were first discovered.
Assessment of Shortwave Infrared Sea Surface Reflection and Nonlocal Thermodynamic Equilibrium Effects in the Community Radiative Transfer Model Using IASI Data
Authors: Chen Yong , Han Yong , van Delst Paul , Weng Fuzhong
Published: June 2013

The nadir-viewing satellite radiances at shortwave infrared channels from 3.5 to 4.6 μm are not currently assimilated in operational numerical weather prediction data assimilation systems and are not adequately corrected for applications of temperature retrieval at daytime. For satellite observations over the ocean during the daytime, the radiance in the surface-sensitive shortwave infrared is strongly affected by the reflected solar radiance, which can contribute as much as 20.0 K to the measured brightness temperatures (BT). The nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) emission in the 4.3-μm CO2 band can add a further 10 K to the measured BT. In this study, a bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) is developed for the ocean surface and an NLTE radiance correction scheme is investigated for the hyperspectral sensors. Both effects are implemented in the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM). The biases of CRTM simulations to Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) observations and the standard deviations of the biases are greatly improved during daytime (about a 1.5-K bias for NLTE channels and a 0.3-K bias for surface-sensitive shortwave channels) and are very close to the values obtained during the night. These improved capabilities in CRTM allow for effective uses of satellite data at short infrared wavelengths in data assimilation systems and in atmospheric soundings throughout the day and night.
Development and Validation of a Multilevel Model for Predicting Workload Under Routine and Nonroutine Conditions in an Air Traffic Management Center
Authors: Neal Andrew , Hannah Sam , Sanderson Penelope , Bolland Scott , Mooij Martijn , Murphy Sean
Published: June 2013

Objective:

The aim of this study was to develop a model capable of predicting variability in the mental workload experienced by frontline operators under routine and nonroutine conditions.

Background:

Excess workload is a risk that needs to be managed in safety-critical industries. Predictive models are needed to manage this risk effectively yet are difficult to develop. Much of the difficulty stems from the fact that workload prediction is a multilevel problem.

Method:

A multilevel workload model was developed in Study 1 with data collected from an en route air traffic management center. Dynamic density metrics were used to predict variability in workload within and between work units while controlling for variability among raters. The model was cross-validated in Studies 2 and 3 with the use of a high-fidelity simulator.

Results:

Reported workload generally remained within the bounds of the 90% prediction interval in Studies 2 and 3. Workload crossed the upper bound of the prediction interval only under nonroutine conditions. Qualitative analyses suggest that nonroutine events caused workload to cross the upper bound of the prediction interval because the controllers could not manage their workload strategically.

Conclusion:

The model performed well under both routine and nonroutine conditions and over different patterns of workload variation.

Application:

Workload prediction models can be used to support both strategic and tactical workload management. Strategic uses include the analysis of historical and projected workflows and the assessment of staffing needs. Tactical uses include the dynamic reallocation of resources to meet changes in demand.
As China Returns: Perceptions of Land Grabbing and Spatial Power Relations in Mozambique
Authors: Lagerkvist Johan
Published: June 2013

This article investigates how perceptions of China in Mozambican civil society are affected by entrepreneurial activity and bilateral cooperation between China and Mozambique – real, imagined, visible and legal as well as clandestine and illegal in the agricultural and forestry sectors. The research problem concerns how discourse on Chinese investors is formed in Mozambique. Two questions are posed. How does Mozambican civil society perceive their room to maneuver at a time of Chinese growing economic interest and ‘return’ to Africa? What views exist on the policy space for the national government? Using qualitative ethnographic interviews to answer these overarching questions about expanding/contracting maneuvering space, this article explains how Mozambique’s largest social group – peasants – the National Association of Small Farmers (UNAC) and other societal actors perceive Chinese investors. Informed by theoretical debates on civil society, the article argues that coinciding with China’s large-scale return to Africa, an already tense dynamic between civil society and the state is picking up speed. It is argued that this phenomenon is likely to have more to do with African governments accruing more power and policy space than through direct impact of Chinese economic activity on African social life. However, to avoid negative discourse formation, China and host governments need to become more open on and transparent about bilateral agreements.
Toward an Integrative Conceptual Framework of Destinations
Authors: Pearce Douglas G.
Published: June 2013

Destinations are a fundamental focus of much tourism research. How we conceptualize and frame destinations is critical not only for the research that we do but also for practical matters such as destination management and marketing. To date, however, work on the conceptual and theoretical foundations of destinations has been fragmented, incomplete, and without much general sense of direction. Through a wide-ranging review, this paper seeks to develop an integrative conceptual framework of destinations by systematically identifying and then synthesizing the key elements of five major sets of concepts used to depict and analyze destinations: industrial districts, clusters, networks, systems, and social constructs. A set of recurring elements is identified, grouped under three major dimensions—geographic, mode of production, and dynamic—and presented in an initial integrative framework. Issues of extending and operationalizing the framework are outlined and the implications for destination management discussed.
The Internationalization of Tourism Research
Authors: Pearce Douglas G.
Published: June 2013

This article examines the internationalization of tourism research in the context of the worldwide growth in tourism and a marked increase in tourism studies. Its goal is to stimulate debate, to encourage further analysis of the directions tourism research is taking, and to foster discussion of the implications of the trends identified. The article is based on a systematic and wide-ranging review of the literature. Five major questions are addressed: what is meant by internationalization; what patterns are emerging; what is driving internationalization; what is the role of language in internationalization; and what is the significance and impact of internationalization? The types and levels of internationalization of tourism research vary considerably but overall levels are rather low. The benefits and disadvantages of internationalization are then discussed in terms of the underlying tension between standardization and diversity. Finally, ways forward are outlined.
Classifying, Constructing, and Identifying Life
Authors: Mackenzie Adrian , Waterton Claire , Ellis Rebecca , Frow Emma K. , McNally Ruth , Busch Lawrence , Wynne Brian
Published: June 2013

Recent accounts of “the biological” emphasize its thoroughgoing transformation. Accounts of biomedicalization, biotechnology, biopower, biocapital, and bioeconomy tend to agree that twentieth- and twenty-first-century life sciences transform the object of biology, the biological. Amidst so much transformation, we explore attempts to stabilize the biological through standards. We ask: how do standards handle the biological in transformation? Based on ethnographic research, the article discusses three contemporary postgenomic standards that classify, construct, or identify biological forms: the Barcoding of Life Initiative, the BioBricks Assembly Standard, and the Proteomics Standards Initiative. We rely on recent critical analyses of standardization to suggest that any attempt to attribute a fixed property to the biological actually multiplies dependencies between values, materials, and human and nonhuman agents. We highlight ways in which these biological standards cross-validate life forms with forms of life such as publics, infrastructures, and forms of disciplinary compromise. Attempts to standardize the biological, we suggest, offer a good way to see how a life form is always also a form of life.
Scandals, audits, and fictions: Linking climate change to Mexican forests
Authors: Mathews Andrew S
Published: June 2013

Over the past 10 years, Mexican officials and scientists have promoted the project of protecting Mexican forests in order to mitigate climate change, forests acting to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This article compares existing policies around mass reforestation and markets for environmental services, and their relationships to a policy in construction – Reduced Emissions through Degradation and Deforestation. Mass reforestation policies collapsed in the face of politicized audits and stories about corruption; markets for environmental services continued with little criticism, stabilized in part by the charisma of Reduced Emissions through Degradation and Deforestation policies. I explain the collapse of mass reforestation policies as being due to failed knowledge performances by officials and scientists; such failures are assessed by more or less skeptical publics who expect specific ways of performing credible public knowledge. Areas of nonknowledge can be tamed as calculable uncertainty, or alternatively transformed into ontological indeterminacy, scandals, and stories of corruption. Areas of nonknowledge are not pathological: they may support, as well as undermine, climate science, the authority of institutions, or the credibility of carbon accounts.
Treatment of Knee Osteochondritis Dissecans With a Cell-Free Biomimetic Osteochondral Scaffold
Authors: Filardo Giuseppe , Kon Elizaveta , Di Martino Alessandro , Busacca Maurizio , Altadonna Giulio , Marcacci Maurilio
Published: June 2013

Background:

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is an acquired lesion of the subchondral bone that may result in separation and instability of the overlying articular cartilage. Unstable lesions must be treated surgically to reestablish the joint surface as anatomically as possible.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of a biomimetic osteochondral scaffold to treat OCD by analyzing the results obtained at 2-year follow-up. The hypothesis was that this scaffold, which was developed to treat the entire osteochondral unit, might restore the articular surface and improve symptoms and function in patients affected by knee OCD.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Twenty-seven consecutive patients (19 men, 8 women; age [mean ± SD], 25.5 ± 7.7 years) who were affected by symptomatic knee OCD of the femoral condyles (average defect size 3.4 ± 2.2 cm2), grade 3 or 4 on the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scale, were enrolled and treated with the implantation of a 3-layer collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffold. Patients were prospectively evaluated by subjective and objective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner scores preoperatively and at 1- and 2-year follow-up. An MRI was also performed at the 2 follow-up times.

Results:

A statistically significant improvement in all clinical scores was obtained at 1 year, and a further improvement was found the following year. At the 2-year follow-up, the IKDC subjective score had increased from 48.4 ± 17.8 preoperatively to 82.3 ± 12.2, the IKDC objective evaluation from 40% to 85% of normal knees, and the Tegner score from 2.4 ± 1.7 to 4.5 ± 1.6. The MRI evaluations showed good defect filling and implant integration but also inhomogeneous regenerated tissue and subchondral bone changes in most patients at both follow-up times. No correlation between the MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) score and clinical outcome was found.

Conclusion:

This biomimetic osteochondral scaffold seems to be a valid treatment option for knee OCD, showing a good clinical outcome at 2-year follow-up. Moreover, the improvement was not correlated with lesion size, so large lesions can benefit from this implant. Less favorable findings were obtained with MRI evaluation.
Does the State Benefit Labor? A Cross-Country Comparison of the Net Social Wage
Authors: Maniatis Thanasis
Published: June 2013

This article discusses the empirical literature on the net transfer between labor and the state. It also provides international comparisons of the net social wage in the United States and other advanced capitalist economies on a consistent basis. The results indicate that the welfare state in the United States differs significantly in its impact on the income of labor from other advanced capitalist countries. This claim is based on the fact that the net social wage ratio in the United States is much smaller than that of other countries when all are estimated by the same empirical method.
Over-accumulation, Rising Costs and ‘Unproductive’ Labor
Authors: Durand Cédric , Légé Philippe
Published: June 2013

The current crisis takes place within a long downturn and new debates on the future of growth are emerging. This paper argues that some theoretical insights made by classical economists about the end of economic expansion are relevant for the discussion on the prospects for growth in rich countries. We focus on three key mechanisms related to contemporary radical economic analysis: over-accumulation, rising costs of accumulation, and the balance between productive and unproductive labor and consumption.
Autonomy, Choice, Patient-Centered Care, and Hip Protectors
Authors: Sims-Gould Joanie , McKay Heather A. , Feldman Fabio , Scott Victoria , Robinovitch Stephen N.
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine long-term care (LTC) resident and staff perceptions on the decision to use hip protectors and identify the factors that influence attitudes toward hip protector use. Staff ( N = 39) and residents ( N = 27) at two residential care facilities in British Columbia, Canada were invited to participate in focus groups on fall prevention and hip protector use. A total of 11 focus groups were conducted. Using framework analysis results show that residents and staff shared concerns on aesthetic and comfort issues with hip protectors. Residents also generally felt they did not need, or want to use, hip protectors. However, they also had desire to be cooperative within the LTC environment. Staff underscored their role in advocating for hip protector use and their desire to protect residents from harm. Practice considerations for facilities wishing to promote hip protectors within a patient centered framework are highlighted.