bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with RANBP2 and ALKgene rearrangement: a report of two cases and literature review
Authors: Li Jian , Yin Wei-hua , Takeuchi Kengo , Guan Hong , Huang Yu-hua , Chan John KC
Published: September 2013

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are categorized as intermediate biologic neoplasms, whereas IMTs with genetic features of ran-binding protein 2 (RANBP2) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement (IMT-RAs) are possibly related to a more aggressive clinical course. However, fewer than 10 cases of IMT-RA have been reported to date. Herein, we present 2 new cases of IMT-RA in which both tumors recurred quickly after primary surgery; one patient died 3 months later from the disease, and the other patient has been living with the disease for 12 months. IMT-RAs are characterized by noncohesive epithelioid and rounded tumoral cell morphology, commonly derived from pelvic and peritoneal cavities, and frequently show larger tumor sizes. The relation between the clinicopathologic features and poor prognosis of IMT-RA is discussed.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/3314123381007714
Hepatic pseudocystic metastasis of well-differentiated ileal neuroendocrine tumor: a case report with review of the literature
Authors: Fiori Stefano , Del Gobbo Alessandro , Gaudioso Gabriella , Caccamo Lucio , Massironi Sara , Cavalcoli Federica , Bosari Silvano , Ferrero Stefano
Published: September 2013

Imaging appearance of cyst-like changes is most frequently described in primary neuroendocrine lesions, especially pancreatic NETs.

The imaging finding of a pseudocystic lesion of the liver puts in differential diagnosis many pathologies such as infectious diseases, simple biliary cysts up to biliary cystadenomas and eventually to primary or metastatic malignancies.

Primary or metastatic hepatic malignancies with pseudocystic aspects are rare, and a pseudocystic aspect is reported only after neo-adjuvant treatment.

Liver metastasis of untreated neuroendocrine tumors are usually solid and, to our knowledge, only two cases of neuroendocrine cystic hepatic metastases of ileal atypical carcinoids have been reported so far.

We present a case of a 67 years old man with synchronous finding of an untreated hepatic pseudocystic lesion and an ileal mass histologically diagnosed as a well differentiated (G1) neuroendocrine tumor.

Virtual slides

The virtual slides for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1443883503102967.
Using corrected Cone-Beam CT image for accelerated partial breast irradiation treatment dose verification: the preliminary experience
Authors: Wang Jiazhou , Hu Weigang , Cai Gang , Peng Jiayuan , Pan Ziqiang , Guo Xiaomao , Chen Jiayi
Published: September 2013

Background

Accurate target localization is mandatory in the accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) delivery. Dosimetric verification for positional error will further guarantee the accuracy of treatment delivery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical feasibility of a cone beam computer tomographic (CBCT) image correction method in APBI.

Methods

A CBCT image correction method was developed. First, rigid image registration was proceeded for CTs and CBCTs; second, these images were separated into four parts; then, ratio images for each of the four parts of planning CTs/CBCTs were calculated and filtered to reduce the high spatial frequency; finally, the enhanced CBCT images were generated combing the four parts. An anthropomorphic thorax rando phantom was used to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of the CBCT correction method. The CBCT images of consecutive 10 patients receiving APBI were corrected using the above method and dosimetric variations were evaluated. Each set of CBCT is composed of three images: one acquired after skin-marker setup, one after online setup correction and one after treatment delivery.

Results

The phantom study showed the improved accuracy of dose calculation with corrected CBCT. The Dose Volume Histogram (DVH) difference between the planning CT and corrected CBCT is less than the difference between the planning CT and original CBCT. The maximum dose difference between the corrected CBCT and planning CT is 0.8% in PTV_EVAL V100, which is 3.8% between original CBCT and planning. In the patient study, 67.4% of fractions benefit from CBCT setup corrections in PTV_EVAL D95, while in 47.4% of the fractions, reduced dose coverage was found on the post-treatment CBCT. Overall, the CBCT based initial setup correction guaranteed target dose coverage in 9 patients.

Conclusions

A generic CBCT image correction algorithm was created and proved to be easily implemented in clinic. Compared to the original CBCT, the corrected CBCT has more accuracy in dose calculation. The CBCT guided APBI based on initial skin setup is not sufficient to guarantee the accurate dose delivery throughout each fraction. The long treatment delivery time may compromise the target coverage benefits in some patients.
Global insights into energetic and metabolic networks in Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Imam Saheed , Noguera Daniel R , Donohue Timothy J
Published: September 2013

Background

Improving our understanding of processes at the core of cellular lifestyles can be aided by combining information from genetic analyses, high-throughput experiments and computational predictions.

Results

We combined data and predictions derived from phenotypic, physiological, genetic and computational analyses to dissect the metabolic and energetic networks of the facultative photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. We focused our analysis on pathways crucial to the production and recycling of pyridine nucleotides during aerobic respiratory and anaerobic photosynthetic growth in the presence of an organic electron donor. In particular, we assessed the requirement for NADH/NADPH transhydrogenase enzyme, PntAB during respiratory and photosynthetic growth. Using high-throughput phenotype microarrays (PMs), we found that PntAB is essential for photosynthetic growth in the presence of many organic electron donors, particularly those predicted to require its activity to produce NADPH. Utilizing the genome-scale metabolic model iRsp1095, we predicted alternative routes of NADPH synthesis and used gene expression analyses to show that transcripts from a subset of the corresponding genes were conditionally increased in a ΔpntAB mutant. We then used a combination of metabolic flux predictions and mutational analysis to identify flux redistribution patterns utilized in the ΔpntAB mutant to compensate for the loss of this enzyme. Data generated from metabolic and phenotypic analyses of wild type and mutant cells were used to develop iRsp1140, an expanded genome-scale metabolic reconstruction for R. sphaeroides with improved ability to analyze and predict pathways associated with photosynthesis and other metabolic processes.

Conclusions

These analyses increased our understanding of key aspects of the photosynthetic lifestyle, highlighting the added importance of NADPH production under these conditions. It also led to a significant improvement in the predictive capabilities of a metabolic model for the different energetic lifestyles of a facultative organism.
Methylation profiling and evaluation of demethylating therapy in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ricketts Christopher J , Morris Mark R , Gentle Dean , Shuib Salwati , Brown Michael , Clarke Noel , Wei Wenbin , Nathan Paul , Latif Farida , Maher Eamonn R
Published: September 2013

Background

Despite therapeutic advances in targeted therapy, metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains incurable for the vast majority of patients. Key molecular events in the pathogenesis of RCC include inactivation of the VHL tumour suppressor gene (TSG), inactivation of chromosome 3p TSGs implicated in chromatin modification and remodelling and de novo tumour-specific promoter methylation of renal TSGs. In the light of these observations it can be proposed that, as in some haematological malignancies, demethylating agents such as azacitidine might be beneficial for the treatment of advanced RCC.

Results

Here we report that the treatment of RCC cell lines with azacitidine suppressed cell proliferation in all 15 lines tested. A marked response to azacitidine therapy (>50% reduction in colony formation assay) was detected in the three cell lines with VHL promoter methylation but some RCC cell lines without VHL TSG methylation also demonstrated a similar response suggesting that multiple methylated TSGs might determine the response to demethylating therapies. To identify novel candidate methylated TSGs implicated in RCC we undertook a combined analysis of copy number and CpG methylation array data. Candidate novel epigenetically inactivated TSGs were further prioritised by expression analysis of RCC cell lines pre and post-azacitidine therapy and comparative expression analysis of tumour/normal pairs. Thus, with subsequent investigation two candidate genes were found to be methylated in more than 25% of our series and in the TCGA methylation dataset for 199 RCC samples: RGS7 (25.6% and 35.2% of tumours respectively) and NEFM in (25.6% and 30.2%). In addition three candidate genes were methylated in >10% of both datasets (TMEM74 (15.4% and 14.6%), GCM2 (41.0% and 14.6%) and AEBP1 (30.8% and 13.1%)). Methylation of GCM2 (P = 0.0324), NEFM (P = 0.0024) and RGS7 (P = 0.0067) was associated with prognosis.

Conclusions

These findings provide preclinical evidence that treatment with demethylating agents such as azacitidine might be useful for the treatment of advanced RCC and further insights into the role of epigenetic changes in the pathogenesis of RCC.
The effect of quitting smoking on HDL-cholesterol - a review based on within-subject changes
Authors: Forey Barbara A , Fry John S , Lee Peter N , Thornton Alison J , Coombs Katharine J
Published: September 2013

A higher concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in ex-smokers than smokers has consistently been observed. Better evidence of quitting effects comes from within-subject changes. We extend an earlier meta-analysis to quantify the reduction, and investigate variation by time quit and other factors. We conducted Medline and Cochrane searches for studies measuring HDL-C in subjects while still smoking and later having quit. Using unweighted and inverse-variance weighted regression analysis, we related changes (in mmol/l) to intra-measurement period, and estimated time quit, and to study type, location and start year, age, sex, product smoked, validation of quitting, baseline HDL-C, baseline and change in weight/BMI, and any study constraints on diet or exercise. Forty-five studies were identified (17 Europe, 16 North America, 11 Asia, 1 Australia). Thirteen were observational, giving changes over at least 12 months, with most involving >1000 subjects. Others were smoking cessation trials, 12 randomized and 20 non-randomized. These were often small (18 of <100 subjects) and short (14 of <10 weeks, the longest a year). Thirty studies provided results for only one time interval. From 94 estimates of HDL-C change, the unweighted mean was 0.107 (95% CI 0.085-0.128). The weighted mean 0.060 (0.044 to 0.075) was lower, due to smaller estimates in longer term studies. Weighted means varied by time quit (0.083, 0.112, 0.111, 0.072, 0.058 and 0.040 for <3, 3 to <6, 6 to <13, 13 to <27, 27 to <52 and 52+ weeks, p=0.006). After adjustment for time quit, estimates varied by study constraint on diet/exercise (p=0.003), being higher in studies requiring subjects to maintain their pre-quitting habits, but no other clear differences were seen, with significant (p<0.05) increases following quitting being evident in all subgroups studied, except where data were very limited. For both continuing and never smokers, the data are (except for two large studies atypically showing significant HDL-C declines in both groups, and a smaller decline in quitters) consistent with no change, and contrast markedly with the data for quitters. We conclude that quitting smoking increases HDL-C, and that this increase occurs rapidly after quitting, with no clear pattern of change thereafter.
Immunohistochemical study of pituitary cells in wild and captive Salminus hilarii (Characiformes: Characidae) females during the annual reproductive cycle
Authors: Honji Renato Massaaki , Nóbrega Rafael Henrique , Pandolfi Matias , Shimizu Akio , Borella Maria Inês , Moreira Renata Guimarães
Published: September 2013

Freshwater fish that live exclusively in rivers are at particular risk from fragmentation of the aquatic system, mainly the species that migrate upriver for reproduction. That is the case of Salminus hilarii, an important migratory species currently classified as “almost threatened” in the São Paulo State (Brazil), facing water pollution, dam construction, riparian habitat destruction and environmental changes that are even more serious in this State. Additionally, this species show ovulation dysfunction in captivity. Our studies focused on the identification and distribution of the pituitary cell types in the adenohypophysis of S. hilarii females, including a morphometric analysis that compares pituitary cells from wild and captive broodstocks during the reproductive annual cycle. The morphology of adenohypophysial cells showed differences following the reproductive cycle and the environment. In general, optical density suggested a higher cellular activity during the previtellogenic (growth hormone) and vitellogenic (somatolactin) stages in both environments. Additionally, the nucleus/cell ratio analysis suggested that growth hormone and somatolactin cells were larger in wild than in captive females in most reproductive stages of the annual cycle. In contrast, prolactin hormone showed no variation throughout the reproductive cycle (in both environments). Morphometrical analyses related to reproduction of S. hilarii in different environmental conditions, suggest that somatolactin and growth hormone play an important role in reproduction in teleost and can be responsible for the regulation of associated processes that indirectly affect reproductive status.
Comparison of short- and long-term dynamic group psychotherapy: randomised clinical trial
Authors: Lorentzen Steinar , Ruud Torleif , Fjeldstad Anette , H⊘glend Per
Published: September 2013

Background

There are no randomised clinical trials comparing the outcomes of short- with long-term psychodynamic group psychotherapy.

Aims

To compare differences in outcome during and after short-and long-term group psychotherapy.

Method

In total, 167 out-patients with mood, anxiety and personality disorders were randomised to short- or long-term group therapy (20 or 80 weekly, 90 min sessions). Outcome measures were: symptoms (Symptom Checklist 90 – Revised), interpersonal problems (Inventory of Interpersonal Problems – Circumplex) and psychosocial functioning (Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) split version: GAF-Symptom and GAF-Function). Change over the 3-year study period was assessed using linear mixed models. The study was registered in clinicalTrials.gov as NCT00521417.

Results

Patients in both groups made significant gains. A significantly larger symptomatic change over time was found for long-term compared with short-term therapy, but no significant differences were detected for the three remaining outcome variables. There was a higher number of premature terminations in the long-term (33.3%) compared with the short-term group (8.6%).

Conclusions

Short- and long-term therapy seem equally effective for typical out-patients seeking group psychotherapy, except for symptomatic distress.
Comparative Inhibition of the GH/IGF-I Axis Obtained With Either the Targeted Secretion Inhibitor SXN101959 or the Somatostatin Analog Octreotide in Growing Male Rats
Authors: Somm Emmanuel , Bonnet Nicolas , Zizzari Philippe , Tolle Virginie , Toulotte Audrey , Jones Richard , Epelbaum Jacques , Martinez Alberto , Hüppi Petra S. , Aubert Michel L.
Published: September 2013

Abnormally high GH/IGF-I levels, most often caused by adenomas arising from pituitary somatotrophs, generate deleterious effects. We recently described a targeted secretion inhibitor (SXN101742) comprising a GHRH domain and the endopeptidase domain of botulinum toxin serotype D (GHRH-light chain endopeptidase type D domain [LC/D] associated to a heavy chain translocation domain [HN]) able to down-regulate the GH/IGF-I axis. In the present study, we compared the effect of a single iv bolus of a related molecule developed for clinical studies (SXN101959, 1 mg/kg) with a sc infusion of the somatostatin analog octreotide (SMS201–995, 10 μg/kg·h) to lower GH/IGF-I activity in growing male rats. Ten days after administration of SXN101959 or initiation of the octreotide infusion, body and pituitary weights, body length, GH peaks, and IGF-I production were reduced by both treatments but to a greater extent with SXN101959. In contrast to unaltered GH gene expression and increased GH storage in pituitaries from octreotide-treated rats, the inhibition of GH secretion was associated with a collapse of both GH mRNA and protein level in pituitaries from SXN101959-treated rats, in line with a specific decrease in hypothalamic GHRH production, not observed with octreotide. SXN101959 did not induce major apoptotic events in anterior pituitary and exhibited a reversible mode of action with full recovery of somatotroph cell functionality 30 days after treatment. Octreotide infusion permanently decreased ghrelin levels, whereas SXN101959 only transiently attenuated ghrelinemia. Both treatments limited bone mass acquisition and altered specifically tissues development. In conclusion, SXN101959 exerts a powerful and reversible inhibitory action on the somatotropic axis. Specific features of SXN101959, including long duration of action coupled to a strong inhibition of pituitary GH synthesis, represent advantages when treating overproduction of GH.
Twice-Daily Subcutaneous Injection of Kisspeptin-54 Does Not Abolish Menstrual Cyclicity in Healthy Female Volunteers
Authors: Jayasena C. N. , Comninos A. N. , Nijher G. M. K. , Abbara A. , De Silva A. , Veldhuis J. D. , Ratnasabapathy R. , Izzi-Engbeaya C. , Lim A. , Patel D. A. , Ghatei M. A. , Bloom S. R. , Dhillo W. S.
Published: September 2013

Background:

Kisspeptin is a critical hypothalamic regulator of reproductive function. Chronic kisspeptin administration causes profound tachyphylaxis in male monkeys and in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. The pharmacological effects of chronic kisspeptin exposure in healthy women with normal menstrual cycles have not been studied previously.

Aim:

Our aim was to determine the effects of follicular-phase kisspeptin-54 treatment on menstrual cyclicity in healthy women.

Methods:

We performed a prospective, single-blinded, 1-way crossover study. Healthy women received twice-daily sc injections of kisspeptin (6.4 nmol/kg) or 0.9% saline during menstrual days 7–14 (n = 5 per treatment arm). Serial assessments of basal reproductive hormones, ultrasound parameters, LH pulsatility, and acute sensitivity to GnRH and kisspeptin-54 injection were performed.

Results:

Menstrual cyclicity persisted in all women after follicular-phase kisspeptin-54 treatment. Chronic exposure to kisspeptin-54 did not abolish acute stimulation of LH after injection of kisspeptin-54 or GnRH. In addition, kisspeptin-54 treatment was associated with a shorter mean length of the menstrual cycle (mean length of menstrual cycle was 28.6 ± 1.4 days with saline vs 26.8 ± 3.1 days with kisspeptin, P < .01), earlier onset of highest recorded serum LH (mean menstrual day of highest LH was 15.2 ± 1.3 with saline vs 13.0 ± 1.9 with kisspeptin, P < .05), and earlier onset of the luteal phase (mean menstrual day of progesterone increase was 18.0 ± 2.1 with saline vs 15.8 ± 0.9 with kisspeptin, P < .05).

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that 1 week of exogenous kisspeptin-54 does not abolish menstrual cyclicity in healthy women. Further work is needed to determine whether kisspeptin could be used to treat certain anovulatory disorders.
Advanced Glycated End-Products Affect HIF-Transcriptional Activity in Renal Cells
Authors: Bondeva Tzvetanka , Heinzig Juliane , Ruhe Carola , Wolf Gunter
Published: September 2013

Advanced glycated end-products (AGEs) are ligands of the receptor for AGEs and increase in diabetic disease. MAPK organizer 1 (Morg1) via its binding partner prolyl-hydroxylase domain (PHD)-3 presumably plays a role in the regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-2α transcriptional activation. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of AGEs on Morg1 expression and its correlation to PHD3 activity and HIF-transcriptional activity in various renal cell types. The addition of glycated BSA (AGE-BSA) significantly up-regulated Morg1 mRNA levels in murine mesangial cells and down-regulated it in murine proximal tubular cells and differentiated podocytes. These effects were reversible when the cells were preincubated with a receptor for α-AGE antibody. AGE-BSA treatment induced a relocalization of the Morg1 cellular distribution compared with nonglycated control-BSA. Analysis of PHD3 activity demonstrated an elevated PHD3 enzymatic activity in murine mesangial cells but an inhibition in murine proximal tubular cells and podocytes after the addition of AGE-BSA. HIF-transcriptional activity was also affected by AGE-BSA treatment. Reporter gene assays and EMSAs showed that AGEs regulate HIF- transcriptional activity under nonhypoxic conditions in a cell type-specific manner. In proximal tubular cells, AGE-BSA stimulation elevated mainly HIF-1α transcriptional activity and to a lesser extent HIF-2α. We also detected an increased expression of the HIF-1α and the HIF-2α proteins in kidneys from Morg1 heterozygous (HZ) placebo mice compared with the Morg1 wild-type (WT) placebo-treated mice, and the HIF-1α protein expression in the Morg1 HZ streptozotocin-treated mice was significantly higher than the WT streptozotocin-treated mice. Analysis of isolated mesangial cells from Morg1 HZ (±) and WT mice showed an inhibited PHD3 activity and an increased HIF-transcriptional activity in cells with only one Morg1 allele. These findings are important for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of diabetic nephropathy.
A strategy for the generation, characterization and distribution of animal models by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
Authors: Baptista Marco A. S. , Dave Kuldip D. , Sheth Niketa P. , De Silva Shehan N. , Carlson Kirsten M. , Aziz Yasmin N. , Fiske Brian K. , Sherer Todd B. , Frasier Mark A.
Published: September 2013

Progress in Parkinson's disease (PD) research and therapeutic development is hindered by many challenges, including a need for robust preclinical animal models. Limited availability of these tools is due to technical hurdles, patent issues, licensing restrictions and the high costs associated with generating and distributing these animal models. Furthermore, the lack of standardization of phenotypic characterization and use of varying methodologies has made it difficult to compare outcome measures across laboratories. In response, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) is directly sponsoring the generation, characterization and distribution of preclinical rodent models, enabling increased access to these crucial tools in order to accelerate PD research. To date, MJFF has initiated and funded the generation of 30 different models, which include transgenic or knockout models of PD-relevant genes such as Park1 (also known as Park4 and SNCA), Park8 (LRRK2), Park7 (DJ-1), Park6 (PINK1), Park2 (Parkin), VPS35, EiF4G1 and GBA. The phenotypic characterization of these animals is performed in a uniform and streamlined manner at independent contract research organizations. Finally, MJFF created a central repository at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) that houses both non-MJFF and MJFF-generated preclinical animal models. Funding from MJFF, which subsidizes the costs involved in transfer, rederivation and colony expansion, has directly resulted in over 2500 rodents being distributed to the PD community for research use.
Mass and volume growth of larval insect tracheal system within a single instar
Authors: Helm Bryan R. , Davidowitz Goggy
Published: September 2013

Organisms must accommodate oxygen delivery to developing tissues as body mass increases during growth. In insects, the growth of the respiratory system has been assumed to occur only when it molts, whereas body mass and volume increase during the larval stages between molts. This decouples whole body growth from the growth of the oxygen supply system. This assumption is derived from the observation that the insect respiratory system is an invagination of the exoskeleton, which must be shed during molts for continued growth to occur. Here, we provide evidence that this assumption is incorrect. We found that the respiratory system increases substantially in both mass and volume within the last larval instar of Manduca sexta larvae, and that the growth of the respiratory system changes with diet quality, potentially as a consequence of shifting metabolic demands.
Hypoxia delays hematopoiesis: retention of embryonic hemoglobin and erythrocytes in larval rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss, during chronic hypoxia exposure
Authors: Bianchini Kristin , Wright Patricia A.
Published: September 2013

In rainbow trout development, a switch occurs from high-affinity embryonic hemoglobin (Hb) and round, embryonic erythrocytes to lower-affinity adult Hb and oval, adult erythrocytes. Our study investigated the early ontogeny of rainbow trout blood properties and the hypoxia response. We hypothesized that hypoxia exposure would delay the ontogenetic turnover of Hb and erythrocytes because retention of high-affinity embryonic Hb would facilitate oxygen loading. To test this hypothesis we developed a method of efficiently extracting blood from individual embryos and larvae and optimized several techniques for measuring hematological parameters on microliter (0.5 - 2.0 μl) blood samples. In chronic hypoxia (30% of oxygen saturation), stage-matched embryos and larvae possessed half the Hb concentration, erythrocyte counts, and hematocrit observed in normoxia. Hypoxia-reared larvae also had 3 to 6 fold higher mRNA expression of the embryonic Hb α-1, β-1, and β-2 subunits relative to stage-matched normoxia-reared larvae. Furthermore, in hypoxia the round embryonic erythrocytic shape persisted into later developmental stages. Despite these differences, Hb-oxygen affinity (P50), cooperativity, and the Root effect were unaltered in hypoxia-reared O. mykiss. The data support our hypothesis that chronic hypoxia delays the ontogenetic turnover of Hb and erythrocytes but without the predicted functional consequences (i.e. higher than expected P50). These results also suggest that the Hb-oxygen affinity is protected during development in chronic hypoxia to favour oxygen unloading at the tissues. We conclude that in early trout development, the blood-oxygen transport system responds very differently to chronic hypoxia relative to adults, possibly because respiration depends relatively more on oxygen diffusion than convection.
Visual stimulus characteristics that elicit tracking and striking in the Praying Mantises, Parasphendale affinis (Giglio-Tos), Popa spurca (Stål), and Sphodromantis lineola (Burmeister)
Authors: Prete Frederick R. , Theis Robert , Dominguez Salina , Bogue Wil
Published: September 2013

We tested three species of praying mantis, Parasphendale affinis (Giglio-Tos), Popa spurca (Stål), and Sphodromantis lineola (Burmeister) with computer generated stimuli that differed in size, contrast, configuration and movement pattern to determine the effects of these parameters on visual tracking and striking behavior. Overall, black disks moving erratically against a white background were strong releasers of both behaviors. When stimulus presentation order was randomized by size, P. affinis and P. spurca struck at progressively higher rates as the stimuli enlarged up to 44 deg; S. lineola struck most at intermediate sized (10-20 deg) disks. When disks were size-ordered from small to large, P. affinis and S. lineola struck at higher rates to the smaller disks; however, when the order was reversed, the early appearance of large disks suppressed subsequent responses to the smaller. Stimulus order did not differentially affect the responses of P. spurca. All species responded at higher rates to black disks moving against a white background versus the reverse. However, only P. spurca and S. lineola responded at higher rates to relatively darker grey disks, only P. affinis responded to mottled grey disks moving against an identically patterned background, and only P. spurca struck more frequently in response to rectangular stimuli oriented parallel (versus perpendicular) to their direction of movement. In conjunction with data on other species, these results support the hypothesis that praying mantises recognize prey based on assessing several category-specific, spatiotemporal features, e.g., size, contrast, speed, movement pattern, and leading edge length.
Creating a behavioural classification module for acceleration data: Using a captive surrogate for difficult to observe species
Authors: Campbell Hamish , Gao Lianli , Bidder Owen , Hunter Jane , Franklin Craig
Published: September 2013

Distinguishing specific behavioural modes from data collected by animal-borne tri-axial accelerometers can be a time consuming and subjective process. Data synthesis can be further inhibited when the tri-axial acceleration data cannot be paired with the corresponding behavioural mode through direct observation. Here we explored the use of a tame surrogate (domestic dog) to build a behavioural classification module, and then used that module to accurately identify and quantify behavioural modes within acceleration collected from other individuals/species. Tri-axial acceleration data were recorded from a domestic dog whilst it was commanded to walk, run, sit, stand, and lie-down. Through video synchronisation, each tri-axial acceleration sample was annotated with its associated behavioural mode; the feature vectors were extracted, and used to build the classification module through the application of support vector machines (SVM). This behavioural classification module was then used to identify and quantify the same behavioural modes in acceleration collected from a range of other species (alligator, badger, cheetah, dingo, echidna, kangaroo, and a wombat). Evaluation of the module performance, using a binary classification system, showed there was a high capacity (> 90 %) for behaviour recognition between individuals of the same species. Furthermore, a positive correlation existed between SVM capacity and the extent by which the individual had a spinal length-to-height above the ground ratio (SL:SH) similar to that of the surrogate. The study describes how to build a behavioural classification module and highlights the value of using a surrogate for studying cryptic, rare or endangered species.
Complex response in size-related traits of the bulb mites (Rhizoglyphus robini) in elevated thermal conditions - an experimental evolution approach
Authors: Plesnar-Bielak Agata , Jawor Anna , Kramarz Paulina E.
Published: September 2013

Temperature is a key environmental factor affecting almost all aspects of life histories in ectotherms. The theory predicts that they grow faster, reach smaller sizes and produce smaller offspring when temperature increases. In addition, temperature changes, through their effects on metabolism, may also influence the expression of alternative reproductive phenotypes (ARP) in ectotherms. Although many studies investigated phenotypic plasticity of life history traits in relation to temperature change, little is known about how those traits and phenotypic plasticity may evolve together. In our study we subjected the bulb mites (non-model, soil organisms that normally experience rather stable thermal conditions) to experimental evolution in two temperature treatments: control (24°C) and elevated (28°C). After 18 generations we measured adult body size, eggs size and development time of both treatments at control as well as at elevated temperature (test temperatures). Thus, we were able to detect genetic changes (the effect of selection temperature) and environmental effects (the effects of test temperature). We also observed the ARP expression throughout the experimental evolution. Our results revealed quite complex patterns of life history in traits response to temperature. Mites developed faster and reached smaller sizes at increased temperature, but evolutionary responses to increased temperature were not always parallel to the observed phenotypic plasticity. Additionally, despite smaller body sizes females laid larger eggs at higher temperature. This effect was more pronounced in animals evolving at elevated temperature. Evolution at increased temperature affected also ARP expression with the proportion of armored fighters decreasing from generation to generation. We propose that this could be the consequence of temperature sensitivity of cost to benefits ratio of the expressing ARPs.
Lactate kinetics of rainbow trout during graded exercise: Do catheters affect the cost of transport?
Authors: Teulier Loïc , Omlin Teye , Weber Jean-Michel
Published: September 2013

Changes in lactate kinetics as a function of exercise intensity have never been measured in an ectotherm. Continuous infusion of tracer is necessary to quantify rates of lactate appearance (Ra) and disposal (Rd), but it requires double catheterization that could interfere with swimming. Using rainbow trout, our goals were: (1) to determine the potential effects of catheters and blood sampling on metabolic rate (MO2), total cost of transport (TCOT), net cost of transport (NCOT), and critical swimming speed (Ucrit), and (2) to monitor changes in lactate fluxes during prolonged, steady-state swimming or graded swimming from rest to Ucrit. This athletic species maintains high baseline lactate fluxes of 24 μmol kg-1min-1 that are only increased at intensities >2.4 body lengths per s (BL s-1) or 85% Ucrit. As the fish reaches Ucrit, Ra lactate is more strongly stimulated (+67% to 40.4 μmol kg-1 min-1) than Rd lactate (+41% to 34.7 μmol kg-1 min-1), causing a 4-fold increase in blood lactate concentration. Without this stimulation of Rd during intense swimming, lactate accumulation would double. By contrast, steady-state exercise at 1.7 BL s-1 increases lactate fluxes to ~30 μmol kg-1 min-1, with a trivial mismatch between Ra and Rd that only affects blood concentration minimally. Results also show that the catheterizations and blood sampling needed to measure metabolite kinetics in exercising fish have no significant impact on MO2 or TCOT. However, these experimental procedures affect locomotion energetics by increasing NCOT at high speeds and by decreasing Ucrit.
Eclosion gates progression of the adult ecdysis sequence ofDrosophila
Authors: Peabody Nathan C. , White Benjamin H.
Published: September 2013

Animal behavior is often organized into stereotyped sequences that promote the goals of reproduction, development, and survival. However, for most behaviors, the neural mechanisms that govern the order of execution of the motor programs within a sequence are poorly understood. An important model in understanding the hormonal determinants of behavioral sequencing is the ecdysis sequence, which is performed by insects at each developmental transition, or molt. The adult ecdysis sequence in Drosophila includes the emergence of the insect from the pupal case followed by expansion and hardening of the wings. Wing expansion is governed by the hormone bursicon, and stimulation of the bursicon-expressing neurons in newly eclosed flies induces rapid wing expansion. Here we show that that such stimulation delivered prior to eclosion has no immediate effect, but does cause rapid wing expansion after eclosion if the stimulus is delivered within 40 min of that event. We observe a similar delayed effect upon stimulation of a single pair of bursicon-expressing neurons previously identified as command neurons for wing expansion. We conclude that command neuron stimulation enables the motor output pathway for wing expansion, but that this pathway is blocked prior to eclosion. By manipulating the time of eclosion, we demonstrate that some physiological process tightly coupled to adult ecdysis releases the block on wing expansion. Eclosion thus serves as a behavioral checkpoint and complements hormonal mechanisms to ensure that wing expansion strictly follows eclosion in the ecdysis sequence.
Atmosphere-controlled Dual Reactivity of Triarylphosphine in the Photoexcited State: P–C Bond Cleavage vs. Electron Transfer
Authors: Yasui Shinro , Ogawa Yuya , Shioji Kosei , Yamazaki Shoko
Published: September 2013

Steady-state photolysis of an acetonitrile solution of triarylphosphine (Ar3P) was carried out using a xenon lamp. The major products resulting from photolysis under deoxygenated conditions and under air were diaryl(cyanomethyl)phosphine Ar2PCH2CN and triarylphosphine oxide Ar3P=O, respectively. Intrinsically, Ar3P in the excited state undergoes homolytic cleavage of a P–C bond; however, electron transfer to O2 is predominant under air. Reactivity of Ar3P in the excited state is readily controlled by the choice of atmosphere used in the reaction.
56π-Electron Hydrofullerene Derivatives as Electron Acceptors for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Abe Yoko , Hata Rieko , Matsuo Yutaka
Published: September 2013

56π-Electron fullerene derivatives possessing both a hydrogen and an electron-withdrawing cyano addend were synthesized by the reaction of 58π-electron fullerenes with NaCN and subsequent protonation and used as acceptors in bulk heterojunction solar cells containing a low-band-gap polymer donor. The device showed power conversion efficiency of 5.2%.
Highly Thermally Resistant and Flexible Polyimide Aerogels Containing Rigid-rod Biphenyl, Benzimidazole, and Triphenylpyridine Moieties: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Shen Dengxiong , Liu Jingang , Yang Haixia , Yang Shiyong
Published: September 2013

Polyimide (PI) aerogels containing rigid-rod biphenyl, benzimidazole, and triphenylpyridine moieties have been developed. The flexible PI aerogels exhibited excellent thermal stability with glass-transition temperatures (Tg) higher than 350 °C. Initial porous structures in the PI aerogels could be maintained even after isothermal aging at 300 °C for 24 h in nitrogen. Furthermore, the weight losses of the aerogels after isothermal aging at 300 and 400 °C for 24 h in nitrogen were below 5 and 10 wt %, respectively.
Mania induced by varenicline
Authors: Chang Ping-Tsun , Li Cheng-Ta
Published: September 2013

Varenicline is sometimes used in the treatment of smoking addiction. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches have been well documented. In addition, depressed mood and suicidal thoughts relating to varenicline usage have been previously reported. We report a case of mania in a patient with refractory depression whose first manic episode developed under the use of varenicline in combination with original antidepressant medications.
Polarized localization and borate-dependent degradation of the Arabidopsis borate transporter BOR1 in tobacco BY-2 cells
Authors: Yamauchi Noboru , Gosho Tadashi , Asatuma Satoru , Toyooka Kiminori , Fujiwara Toru , Matsuoka Ken
Published: September 2013

In Arabidopsis the borate transporter BOR1, which is located in the plasma membrane, is degraded in the presence of excess boron by an endocytosis-mediated mechanism. A similar mechanism was suggested in rice as excess boron decreased rice borate transporter levels, although in this case whether the decrease was dependent on an increase in degradation or a decrease in protein synthesis was not elucidated. To address whether the borate-dependent degradation mechanism is conserved among plant cells, we analyzed the fate of GFP-tagged BOR1 (BOR1-GFP) in transformed tobacco BY-2 cells. Cells expressing BOR1-GFP displayed GFP fluorescence at the plasma membrane, especially at the membrane between two attached cells. The plasma membrane signal was abolished when cells were incubated in medium with a high concentration of borate (3 to 5 mM). This decrease in BOR1-GFP signal was mediated by a specific degradation of the protein after internalization by endocytosis from the plasma membrane. Pharmacological analysis indicated that the decrease in BOR1-GFP largely depends on the increase in degradation rate and that the degradation was mediated by a tyrosine-motif and the actin cytoskeleton. Tyr mutants of BOR1-GFP, which has been shown to inhibit borate-dependent degradation in Arabidopsis root cells, did not show borate-dependent endocytosis in tobacco BY-2 cells. These findings indicate that the borate-dependent degradation machinery of the borate transporter is conserved among plant species.
Exchange rate policy and inflation in the process of currency integration in Slovenia, Slovakia and Estonia with the Eurozone
Authors: Żuchowska Dorota
Published: September 2013

Among the Central-Eastern Europe countries which joined the European Union in 2004 only three – the smallest (Slovenia, Slovakia and Estonia) – joined the Eurozone. Within these economies the process of currency integration was diversified in respect to their previously used systems of exchange rate regimes. Also experiences concerning suppressing inflation and meeting the condition of prices stability varied among them. The aim of this article is to answer the question whether the mode of the applied exchange rate regime has an impact on achieving economical convergence with the Eurozone. I shall compare exchange rate regimes in Slovenia, Slovakia and Estonia in the period preceding joining the Eurozone. I shall also examine formation of inflation processes within the conditions of various exchange rate regimes existing in the analyzed countries as well as influence of the employed exchange rate regime policy on satisfying the criteria of convergence by those economies.
Motor fuel taxes and the environmental protection
Authors: Ptak Michał
Published: September 2013

Motor fuel taxes are primarily revenue-raising taxes. However, due to high fuel consumption these taxes can be quite an efficient source of general budget revenue in many countries. It seems that the taxes on motor fuels may also be useful instruments for environmental policy or climate change policy. Environmental objectives can be achieved through change of behavior of drivers. The paper presents theoretical basis for taxes levied on motor fuels. Attention is paid to the problem of external costs of transport and internalization of external costs by applying taxes on motor fuels. The article also contains a review of the European Union countries experience with taxes levied on motor fuels (such as: petrol, diesel oil, liquid petroleum gas and compressed natural gas). The author discusses the structure of fuel taxation and tax rates in different countries. Attention is also paid to the fuel taxes which are principally intended to change behavior, not to raise revenue (particularly carbon taxes) and to the ‘environmentally friendly’ tax differentiations. The paper is based on the available literature and reports published by various organizations (Eurostat, the OECD).
The Service Sector of a Knowledge-based Economy – a Comparative Study
Authors: Węgrzyn Grażyna
Published: September 2013

The study objective was identification of the service industries that determine the rate and lines of development of a knowledge-based economy. The analysis covered the EU member countries and the years of 2008-2012. This report consists of four sections. The first one provides the characteristics of a knowledgebased economy and describes the role of services sector in progressing towards this stage of development. The second section offers a classification of services that led to establishing the category of knowledge-based services. The industries classified as knowledge-based services contribute directly to the creation, processing and distribution of knowledge throughout an economy. The following part presents a division of the EU member economies into four groups, depending on their advancement towards the knowledge-based economy as defined by two indices: the Knowledge Economy Index (KEI) and the Knowledge Index (KI). The study concluded on empirical verification of the significance of knowledge-based services within individual European economies. In a knowledge-based economy, where knowledge is the key factor in gaining a competitive advantage, it is just the services related to knowledge acquisition, distribution and creation that drive the economic growth. The development level of service activities classified as knowledge-based services largely determines the economy’s performance in knowledge creation, distribution and use. This is so because these activities directly contribute to the economy’s competitive advantage based on knowledge.
Simplifications in Establishing and Running a Business in Poland – Critical Analysis of Regulation form 2008-2012
Authors: Moszyńska Anna
Published: September 2013

The aim of this article is an analysis of legislation in the years 2008- 2012 from the perspective of its impact on the process of starting and running a business and attempt to answer the question whether the measures taken in recent years, actually improve market processes. Critically analyzed were those regulations, which general idea was to reduce barriers in opening and conducting business. The changes in the Code of Commercial Companies, consisting of a reduction in capital requirements for the creation of limited liability companies and equity were presented. Analyzed were also an amendment to the Act on freedom of economic activity, the aim of which was to implement the postulate of "zero window" when setting up the business of individuals and to reduce nuisance of businesses control. Despite the general trend persisting for several years towards the removal of barriers to setting up and running a business by further legislative efforts in this area are not sufficient, and Polish law still creates a number of obstacles to the development of entrepreneurship.
Deal or No Deal: A Spreadsheet Game to Introduce Decision Making Under Uncertainty
Authors: Chan Timothy C. Y.
Published: September 2013

In this paper, I introduce a spreadsheet-based implementation of the game show Deal or No Deal. I describe how this game can be used in class to illuminate topics in decision making under uncertainty to students in both engineering and business. I show that specific scenarios encountered in the game can lead to rich discussions on topics like risk, utility, and probability. The game is easy to learn and play in class and usually receives a strong positive response from students.