bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review. Applications of ecogeography and geographic information systems in conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources
Authors: Parra-Quijano M. , Iriondo J. M. , Torres E.
Published: May 2012

The present paper reviews the use of ecogeographical studies in the efficient conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources. While the use of genotypic information in agrobiodiversity studies has experienced a rapid boost during the last two decades, the use of environmental information on the collecting sites of the conserved germplasm (i.e., ecogeographical characterization) has gained importance in a more gradual way. Today we know that ecogeographical characterization reveals the adaptive range of species conserved and shows the most important environmental factors or variables for adaptation. Progress in ecogeographical characterization has been helped by the development and popularization of geographic information systems (GIS) software applications and environmental data arranged in layers compatible with such applications. GIS are useful to manage and analyze georeferenced data, such as passport collection data and environmental variables. Thus, GIS have become the best tool to perform ecogeographical analyses. Other related tools such as species distribution models or gap analysis can be easily integrated in ecogeographical analysis, offering improved results. As a result, GIS, related tools and ecogeographical analysis can be useful in a wide range of applications in the collection, conservation, characterization, documentation and utilization of plant genetic resources.
Effect of extruded whole soybean dietary concentrate on conjugated linoleic acid concentration in milk in Jersey cows under pasture conditions
Authors: Avilez Ruiz J. P. , Escobar P. , Díaz C. , Von Fabeck G. , Matamoros R. , García F. , Alonzo M. , Delgado Pertiñez M.
Published: May 2012

Contradictory results has been found on the effects of soybean supplementation and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content in milk on feeding systems based on fresh forage The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary supplement with different quantities of extruded whole soybean on the production and composition of milk, and CLA concentration or their isomers in Jersey cows under pasture conditions. Twenty-one Jersey cows were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 7 animals each. The cows were supplemented with a dietary concentrate (5 kg d-1), and each group received one of the three next treatments: control without soybean (0-SB), with extruded whole soybean at 0.5 kg d-1 (0.5-SB) or at 1 kg d-1 (1-SB). The basic diet was a pasture composed of Lolium perenne (70%), Trifolium repens (25%) and other species. The duration of the study was 75 d. Milk production (p = 0.706) and protein production (p = 0.926) were not affected by treatments. Fat (p = 0.015) and protein (p = 0.045) content as well as fat production (p = 0.010) were lower in the 1-SB group. There was no effect of the inclusion of extruded soybean on total CLA content (p = 0.290) or the content of cis-9, trans-11 (p = 0.582), trans-10, cis-12 (p = 0.136) and cis-10, cis-12 (p = 0.288) isomers. However, concentrations of all isomers were affected by the nutritional quality of the pasture, with low values observed at greater maturity stages of pasture.
Resistance of several strawberry cultivars against three different pathogens
Authors: Pérez-Jiménez R. M. , De Cal A. , Melgarejo P. , Cubero J. , Soria C. , Zea-Bonilla T. , Larena I.
Published: May 2012

In addition to the agronomical characteristics of strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.), strawberry breeding programs should take into account its resistance to pathogens. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the resistance of strawberry cultivars against crown and root rot caused by Phytophthora cactorum (Lebert & Cohn) J. Schröt., Verticillium wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae Kleb. and V. albo-atrum Reinke et Berth., and angular leaf spot caused by Xanthomonas fragariae Kennedy and King, all of which are important diseases in strawberry plant nurseries in Spain. Ten strawberry cultivars were used for resistance testing against P. cactorum; nine cultivars were used for resistance testing against V. dahliae and V. albo-atrum; and eight strawberry cultivars were used for resistance testing against two strains of X. fragariae, IVIA349.9a and NCPPB 1469. These assays were conducted under greenhouse conditions for P. cactorum, and under growth chamber conditions for V.dahliae and V. albo-atrum and X. fragariae. ‘Sabrosa’, was classified as being resistant to P. cactorum and V.dahliae and V. albo-atrum and only ‘Sieger’ was classified as being resistant to both strains of X. fragariae. These results emphasize the importance of screening for disease resistance before using strawberry cultivars in commercial strawberry production in Spain.
Fractionation of extractable aluminium and biomass production in an acid soil treated with calcareous amendments
Authors: Vidal-Bardan M. , Villa-Bermejo E.
Published: May 2012

A Typic Palexerult in the "raña" formations of the northern plateau in the province of León (Spain) was subjected to acidity correction field tests over a period of three years. The experimental crop was a local rye variety (Secale cereale L. var. Petkus) and the amendments included gypsum, dolomite, limestone and sugar foam waste, all at a 6000 kg ha–1 rate as CaCO3. General analyses were integrated with specific tests for soluble and easily exchangeable Al forms (Al-CaCl2) in addition to KCl, BaCl2 and CuCl2 extracted Al; adsorbed Al (NH4AcO) and amorphous Al. Two types of multiple linear regression models (OLS) for production each year were established; some encompassed all studied variables and others the six Al forms only. As shown here, Al-KCl, Al-CaCl2, base saturation and exchangeable Ca were the individual variables most strongly correlated with production, with R2=0.865, within the topmost 12 cm of the soil layer receiving the calcareous amendments. A principal component analysis exposed a substantial share of pH-dependent charge in organic matter on the cation exchange capacity of the soil.
High speed intelligent classifier of tomatoes by colour, size and weight
Authors: Clement J. , Novas N. , Gazquez J. A. , Manzano-Agugliaro F.
Published: May 2012

At present most horticultural products are classified and marketed according to quality standards, which provide a common language for growers, packers, buyers and consumers. The standardisation of both product and packaging enables greater speed and efficiency in management and marketing. Of all the vegetables grown in greenhouses, tomatoes are predominant in both surface area and tons produced. This paper will present the development and evaluation of a low investment classification system of tomatoes with these objectives: to put it at the service of producing farms and to classify for trading standards. An intelligent classifier of tomatoes has been developed by weight, diameter and colour. This system has optimised the necessary algorithms for data processing in the case of tomatoes, so that productivity is greatly increased, with the use of less expensive and lower performance electronics. The prototype is able to achieve very high speed classification, 12.5 ratings per second, using accessible and low cost commercial equipment for this. It decreases fourfold the manual sorting time and is not sensitive to the variety of tomato classified. This system facilitates the processes of standardisation and quality control, increases the competitiveness of tomato farms and impacts positively on profitability. The automatic classification system described in this work represents a contribution from the economic point of view, as it is profitable for a farm in the short term (less than six months), while the existing systems, can only be used in large trading centers.
Comparative study of PCR-sexing procedures using bovine embryos fertilized with sex-sorted spermatozoa
Authors: Trigal B. , Gómez E. , Díez C. , Caamaño J. N. , Muñoz M. , Moreno J. F. , Carrocera S. , Martín D. , Goyache F. , Álvarez I.
Published: May 2012

Sex determination in bovine embryos is a useful tool in reproductive biotechnology. This work compares two techniques of embryo sexing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Embryos were produced in vitro with sex-sorted sperm and two techniques of DNA lysis were tested (proteinase K versus heat shock). Subsequently, halves of each lysed sample was amplified both by amelogenin and BRY4a/SAT1 primers. Male embryos treated by both digestion methods and amplified by BRY4a/SAT1 gave higher rates of false negatives. Amelogenin amplification failed with embryos previously digested by proteinase K. In contrast, the lysis method allowed obtaining the best accuracy in terms of sex verification when using amelogenin amplification.
Growth and development of narbon vetch (Vicia narbonensis L.) genotypes in the semi-arid central Turkey
Authors: Fırıncıoğlu H. K. , Unal S. , Pank Z. , Beniwal S. P. S.
Published: May 2012

In order to investigate the growth and yield potential of narbon vetch (Vicia narbonensis L.), to elucidate the possible associations of plant traits, to inquire the basics of responses shown by genotypes across years through examining of genotype × year interaction effect, and to extrapolate the nature of adaptation, 27 accessions were evaluated for yield and yield related characters over four subsequent cropping seasons (1994-98) in the central Turkey. Days to harvest, biomass, seed yield, and harvest index were measured, and the results were analyzed by multiple statistical procedures: principal component analysis, linear regression analysis, cluster analysis, descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and additive and multiplicative model analysis. Four year effects were grouped into three classes (good, fairly-good and poor). Seed yield was positively correlated with days to harvest in the first (p<0.05) and fourth (p<0.001) years, and with biomass in all years, which made them plastic and fixed traits respectively. For seed yield, the 27 genotypes were separated into four groups, and year and interaction effects were found to be highly significant (p<0.001). Certain genotypes behaved differently; G25 and G11 were more suitable for specific adaptation, while G2, G4, G6 and G27 were best for broad adaptation. These selected genotypes could be used as a set of reference lines in the evaluation of narbon vetch germplasm for better yield and adaptation. The enhanced developmental flexibility through adjusting plant growth-longevity combined well with higher biomass and harvest index is the primary form of narbon vetch adaptation to the semi-arid central Turkey and similar environments in the Mediterranean area.
Short communication. Influence of phenological stage on the antioxidant activity of Thymus zygis s. l. essential oil
Authors: Blanco Salas J. , Ruiz Téllez T. , Vázquez Pardo F. M. , Cases Capdevila M. A. , Pérez-Alonso M. J. , Gervasini Rodríguez C.
Published: May 2012

When a species has proven antioxidant capacity and possible commercial application it is important to know whether or not this activity varies with the phenological stage of the raw material commodity. The present work aims to assess this topic for the case of Thymus zygis s.l. We analyzed the yield and the chemical composition (gas chromatographymass spectrometry) of its essential oil in five wild populations from the Southwest of Iberian Peninsula at flowering and fruiting stage. We measured their TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity) values. The main components were p-cymene (flowering: 33.6-16.2%; fruiting: 43.2-30.3%), γ-terpinene (flowering: 13.5-5.78%; fruiting: 4.67-1.96%) and thymol (flowering: 46.45-22.2%; fruiting: 54.24-13.9%); the latest, especially high (flowering: 46.45%; fruiting: 54.24%) in one of the populations, identified as Thymus zygis ssp. gracilis (Boiss.) R. Morales, which showed the highest antioxidant activity as well. In the set of samples TEAC oscillated between 16.12-30.52 mmol Trolox L-1 (flowering) and 10.96-40.24 mmol Trolox L-1 (fruiting). No significant differences between antioxidant activity of both stages were found, but yields were significantly higher at flowering time. These levels of antioxidant activity are close to those achieved as highly antioxidant food products, as coffee or wine. This species can be a good raw material for agribusiness use, specially the population of Thymus zygis ssp. gracilis.
Renal Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors
Authors: Bartholow Tanner , Parwani Anil
Published: May 2012

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors exist as a part of the Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor family. These tumors most commonly arise in the chest wall and paraspinal regions; cases with a renal origin are rare entities, but have become increasingly reported in recent years. Although such cases occur across a wide age distribution, the average age for a patient with a renal primitive neuroectodermal tumor is the mid- to late 20s, with both males and females susceptible. Histologically, these tumors are characterized by pseudorosettes. Immunohistochemically, CD99 is an important diagnostic marker. Clinically, these are aggressive tumors, with an average 5-year disease-free survival rate of only 45% to 55%. Given that renal primitive neuroectodermal tumor bears many similarities to other renal tumors, it is important to review the histologic features, immunostaining profile, and genetic abnormalities that can be used for its correct diagnosis.
ALK-1 Protein Expression and ALK Gene Rearrangements Aid in the Diagnosis of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors of the Female Genital Tract
Authors: Fuehrer Neil E. , Keeney Gary L. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Knudson Ryan A. , Bell Debra A.
Published: May 2012

Context.—Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a predominantly benign, spindle cell, mesenchymal neoplasm with myxoid areas that occurs rarely in the female genital tract and may be confused with other spindle cell lesions, particularly leiomyosarcoma.

Objective.—To investigate the utility of detecting anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 protein expression and ALK gene rearrangements in the diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors in the female genital tract.

Design.—Eight inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors arising in the female genital tract and seen in consultation (from 2004 to 2011) were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry for anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 and fluorescence in-situ hybridization studies for ALK gene rearrangements were performed.

Results.—The anatomic sites included myometrium (4 cases) and endometrium, fallopian tube, cervix, and a cervical polyp (1 each), with a patient age range from 25 to 52 years. Histologic features ranged from bland spindle cells to striking cytologic atypia, embedded in a prominent myxoid background. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 immunohistochemistry was positive in 7 cases. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization studies detected ALK gene rearrangements in 5 cases. Five cases had both immunopositivity and fluorescence in-situ hybridization abnormalities, 2 cases had immunopositivity only, and 1 case was negative by both methods.

Conclusions.—This is the first report, to our knowledge, of ALK gene rearrangements in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors in the female genital tract. If a myxoid background is appreciated in a spindle cell lesion of the female genital tract, especially if inflammatory cells are present, anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 staining along with fluorescence in situ hybridization studies, for ALK gene rearrangements, may aid in distinguishing inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors from their malignant mimics.
Transformações e permanências nas cidades nordestinas devido à atividade petrolífera: os exemplos de Salvador, Aracaju e Natal
Authors: Giudice Dante Severo
Published: May 2012

As atividades litorâneas foram as propulsoras do surgimento das cidades ao redor do mundo, principalmente como portos, e no Brasil não foi diferente, como pode ser constatado pelas inúmeras cidades ao longo da costa. A atividade petrolífera traz consigo um grande potencial econômico para qualquer área produtiva, e no litoral nordestino provocou um ‘boom’ econômico nas três capitais aqui estudadas, Salvador, Aracaju e Natal, promovendo crescimento/desenvolvimento urbano, de maneira peculiar para cada uma delas, pois essa atividade trouxe desdobramentos que fizeram a diferença na condução dessa expansão.
Conflitos ambientais e territoriais: pesca e petróleo no litoral fluminense
Authors: Herculano Selene
Published: May 2012

Este texto debate casos de conflitos pesca/petróleo no litoral fluminense. O primeiro sobre Macaé, município do norte fluminense, a atual “capital nacional do petróleo”, e a linha de atuação da Petrobrás em relação aos pescadores locais. O segundo sobre a Baía da Guanabara e a experiência do conflito entre seus pescadores e a Petrobrás por conta do derramamento de combustível em 2000 e por conta dos impactos da construção e início das operações do COMPERJ – Complexo Petroquímico do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, em Itaboraí, previsto para entrar em operação em 2015.
Aproximaciones al primer debate sobre Bentham en Colombia: concepciones antropológicas, disputas educativas, aspiraciones nacionales
Authors: Piñeres Juan David
Published: May 2012

Through the lens of historical-pedagogical anthropology, this article offers an approach to the first debate on Bentham in nineteenth-century Colombia. It first defines historical-pedagogical anthropology, showing that the field is an antropocritique rather than simply an appendage of either History or Anthropology. Second, it briefly contextualizes the early nineteenth-century debate and outlines an approach to study the topic. Finally, based on primary documents that were part of the debate, the article suggests a framework stretching from morality, that is to say the individual, to the society. In this sense, it argues that moral disagreements between debate participants should also be understood as national disagreements, or different ways of conceiving the nation-state. From this perspective, the analysis of nationalism needs to consider the anthropological conceptions implicit in nationalist movements and which lead them to formulate, perhaps unwittingly, what man, as a citizen, will be.
“El olor nos lleva”: identidades ecológicas como un proceso de reconocimiento social y cultural de los “recuperadores” en el Relleno Sanitario Regional de Presidente, municipio de San Pedro, departamento del Valle
Authors: Quinchoa Walter Julián
Published: May 2012

By means of environmental anthropology and ethnography, this article describes the formation of the institutionalized ecological identity of the “recuperaters” in Presidente Regional Landfill in San Pedro, Valle Department. It shows how environmental discourses, by ascribing identities to people who work in the landfill, obscure their roles. “Recuperators,” by contrast, openly discuss and think about the importance of their job. They have been forging an identity of resistance, or a political identity, through the social memory of enduring regressive policies, such as law 1259 of 2008, legally permitted by Colombia’s 1991 constitution. In this way, they propose alternatives, such as their social organization, to “struggle” for their right to recycle in the face of a growing interest by domestic and multinational companies in turning “garbage” into a business.
Participación ciudadana institucionalizada y organizaciones civiles en Brasil: articulaciones horizontales y verticales en la política de asistencia social
Authors: Hevia Felipe J.
Published: May 2012

This article examines the impact of participatory institutional arrangements between different social and civil organizations in Brazil. Taking the field of social assistance as a case study, the article argues that various institutionalized mechanisms for citizen participation, such as conferences and management councils, promote the development of a “vertical” sectoral network, through which public policies can be controlled from the federal to the local level, and a “horizontal” territorial network, in which various sectoral issues are activated within the same territory. This dual articulation promotes greater associative density: the territorial networks have better knowledge of the specific policies implemented in their cities; and the sectoral networks, besides participating in all stages of policy implementation, can understand their impact at the national and local level.
La ciudad y el depósito material de sus deseos: Santa Fe (Argentina) y las imágenes de su periferia
Authors: Rausch Gisela Ariana
Published: May 2012

San José del Rincón and Alto Verde are two nodes of urban settlement on the outskirts of Santa Fe. Their names evoke very different images, juxtaposed desires, and colors as contrasting as the conditions of their respective origins. Although the histories of both are tightly connected to the urban center, they run along different paths. This urban center will be the place where large numbers of images and ideas about them are produced, and which, in some ways, will fill the paucity of knowledge about its history, land, and people. Analyzing part of the local cultural production, such as newspapers, works of literature and painting, this article tries to understand, from the perspectives of urban history and cultural studies, the production of images and imaginaries about Rincón and Alto Verde. On the one hand, it provides an overview of the transformations and the specific modes in which imaginaries have defined both places. On the other, it investigates the imaginary construction of territories in general.
La planeación urbana en Colombia: años sesenta-ochenta. Discursos, consultores y comunidades académicas
Authors: Ramírez Ríos John Fredy
Published: May 2012

This theoretical paper is about the professionalization of urban planning in Colombia (which is still on-going) from the 1960s to the 1980s. It highlights three types of discourse used by urban planners regarding the role of urban planning in the country: the technical-methodological, the socio-technical, and the reactive discourse. It also points to the role played by certain academic communities in legitimizing or criticizing the comprehensive planning paradigm. This descriptive study is based on the testimonies of various urban planners and publications from the period in question. They are interpreted under the general distinction made between procedural and substantive theories of planning. The goal is to offer a provisional framework for the understanding of the place assigned to urban planning and its specialists, within the context of academic and governmental institutions, as part of a theory of local planning.
Entre el público y el movimiento, entre la acción colectiva y la opinión pública.
Authors: Charry Joya Carlos Andrés
Published: May 2012

After reviewing the major studies of Colombian populist leader Jorge Eliécer Gaitán (1898-1948) and social movement that formed around him (gaitanismo), this article suggests alternative ways to interpret them in order to highlight other kinds of dimensions and aspects present in the social movement. To do so, we present and discuss the notions of frame, political opportunity structure, and discursive opportunity structure as tools that can contribute to a more detailed understanding of the characteristics and dimensions of this social movement. The article concludes with some general information about the impact exerted by Gaitán and his movement over the formation and exercise of public opinion.
¿Inestabilidad o estabilidad en la política brasileña? Partidos políticos y presidente de la República contra la incertidumbre
Authors: de Almeida Riberti
Published: May 2012

This article examines what political scientists think of the Brazilian political system, especially in regard to the relationship between the executive and legislative branches. There are two opposing camps of scholars who focus on how political parties behave in the Chamber of Deputies. While the first defends a political system that produces undisciplined representatives, the second supports a legislative organization that produces disciplined politicians.
A common setting for the design of iterative learning and repetitive controllers with experimental verification
Authors: Freeman Chris T. , Alsubaie Muhammad Ali , Cai Zhonglun , Rogers Eric , Lewin Paul L.
Published: May 2012

Previous work has shown that the structure of repetitive control (RC) and that of iterative learning control (ILC) differ only in the location of an internal model of the disturbance. In this paper, it is shown how this common setting permits derivation of controllers in one domain based on an existing controller in the other. This is illustrated using the following case studies: 1) an RC scheme using a state feedback structure is derived based on an existing ILC scheme, which also uses state feedback (the underlying structure is first extended to comprise both current‐error feedback and previous‐error feedforward implementations); and 2) an ILC scheme using an output injection structure is developed based on an existing RC scheme, which uses state feedback, but differs from 1) by containing only a single internal model representation. All controllers are shown to have similar equivalent representations, with parameters derived by using linear quadratic regulator analysis. This correspondence enables comparison of the effect of the structure (ILC or RC, state feedback or output injection), number of internal models, and use of error (feedback or feedforward) on subsequent performance. This is undertaken using experimental results obtained using a gantry robot. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model‐based design and optimization of the microscale mass transfer structure in the anode catalyst layer for direct methanol fuel cell
Authors: Cai Weiwei , Yan Liang , Liang Liang , Xing Wei , Liu Changpeng
Published: May 2012

Microscale mass transfer structure in the anode catalyst layer (CL) can significantly alter the performance of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) because it changes both the oxidation rate and crossover flux of methanol. The microscale mass transfer structure can be modified by changing the loading of the pore former (PF). An empirical model was developed for the microstructural design and optimization of anode CL by incorporating the PF into the anode CL. The optimal loading of PF is 100 g/m2 according to the calculated results. Experimental results confirmed the accuracy of the calculations, and the passive DMFC performs 37% better by incorporating the optimal loading of PF into the anode CL as compared to the conventional anode CL. The validity of the proposed empirical model can also be proven by comparing the calculated polarization results with the previously reported experimental data. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 780–786, 2013
Analysis of CO2 sorption/desorption kinetic behaviors and reaction mechanisms on Li4SiO4
Authors: Qi Zhang , Daying Han , Yang Liu , Qian Ye , Zibin Zhu
Published: May 2012

The CO2 sorption/desorption kinetic behaviors on Li4SiO4 were analyzed. The theoretical compositions of the sorption/desorption reactions were calculated using FactSage. The sorption/desorption process on Li4SiO4 was investigated by comparing the shrinking core, double exponential, and Avrami–Erofeev models. The Avrami–Erofeev model fits the kinetic thermogravimetric experimental data well and, together with the double‐shell mechanism, clearly explains the sorption/desorption mechanism. The sorption process is limited by the rate of the formation and growth of the crystals with double‐shell structure consisting of Li2CO3 and Li2SiO3. The whole desorption process is found to be controlled by the rate of the formation and growth of the Li4SiO4 crystals. Furthermore, the influence of steam on the CO2 sorption process was analyzed. It has been observed that the presence of steam enhance the mobility of Li+ and, therefore, the rate of diffusion control stage. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 901–911, 2013
Cognitive Research in Zoo‐Housed Chimpanzees: Influence of Personality and Impact on Welfare
Authors: HERRELKO ELIZABETH S. , VICK SARAH‐JANE , BUCHANAN‐SMITH HANNAH M.
Published: May 2012

We monitored chimpanzee welfare during the introduction of on‐exhibit cognitive research training and testing, as measured by behavior and interest in such training, and related individual variation to personality assessments. We observed 11 chimpanzees (six males; five females) over a 16‐month period and compared their behavior across three conditions: (1) Baseline (nontraining/research situations) and (2) an on‐going, off‐exhibit program of Husbandry Training and (3) Research Pod Activities, on‐exhibit, group training for cognitive testing. There was considerable individual variation in their interest levels during research sessions; females and those scoring higher for Openness were present more frequently (including those who actively participated and those who observed others participating), but interest did not vary in relation to rates of self‐directed behaviors (SDBs), rank, or the level of social disruptions within the group (i.e. large‐scale displays or fights). The frequency of SDBs was predicted by the Neuroticism personality factor, but did not differ across baseline and training contexts, indicating that these activities do not negatively impact welfare. We also explored vigilance as an indicator of social uncertainty, but social monitoring did not differ in relation to either social context or rank. Finally, we explored how the specific characteristics of the research context impacted on SDBs; namely, social context, reward contingency, and visual access to keepers. SDBs increased only when visual access to keepers was restricted, suggesting that visual contact reduced uncertainty in novel training contexts. Overall, the introduction of a cognitive research program did not compromise welfare, and the chimpanzees’ repeated interest and willingness to participate suggests that the research was enriching. Am. J. Primatol. 74:828‐840, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shearing Mechanics and the Influence of a Flexible Symphysis During Oral Food Processing in Sphenodon (Lepidosauria: Rhynchocephalia)
Authors: Jones Marc E.H. , O'higgins Paul , Fagan Michael J. , Evans Susan E. , Curtis Neil
Published: May 2012

The New Zealand tuatara, Sphenodon, has a specialized feeding system in which the teeth of the lower jaw close between two upper tooth rows before sliding forward to slice food apart like a draw cut saw. This shearing action is unique amongst living amniotes but has been compared with the chewing power stroke of mammals. We investigated details of the jaw movement using multibody dynamics analysis of an anatomically accurate three‐dimensional computer model constructed from computed tomography scans. The model predicts that a flexible symphysis is necessary for changes in the intermandibular angle that permits prooral movement. Models with the greatest symphysial flexibility allow the articulation surface of the articular to follow the quadrate cotyle with the least restriction, and suggest that shearing is accompanied by a long axis rotation of the lower jaws. This promotes precise point loading between the cutting edges of particular teeth, enhancing the effectiveness of the shearing action. Given that Sphenodon is a relatively inactive reptile, we suggest that the link between oral food processing and endothermy has been overstated. Food processing improves feeding efficiency, a consideration of particular importance when food availability is unpredictable. Although this feeding mechanism is today limited to Sphenodon, a survey of fossil rhynchocephalians suggests that it was once more widespread. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.
Liver Fibrosis in Elderly Cadavers: Localization of Collagen Types I, III, and IV, α‐Smooth Muscle Actin, and Elastic Fibers
Authors: Mak Ki M. , Chu Edward , Lau K.H. Vincent , Kwong Allison J.
Published: May 2012

We have shown a high prevalence of liver fibrosis in elderly cadavers with diverse causes of death by Sirius red stain; however, the various collagen types in these samples have yet to be evaluated. To further characterize the histopathology of the fibrotic lesions in the livers of these elderly cadavers, this study used immunohistochemistry and histochemistry to identify the principal collagens produced in liver fibrosis, fibrogenic cells and elastic fibers. Collagen I and III immunoreactions were found to colocalize in collagen fibers of fibrotic central veins, perisinusoidal fibrotic foci, portal tract stroma, and fibrous septa. α‐Smooth muscle actin‐expressing perisinusoidal hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), as well as perivenular, portal, and septal myofibroblasts, were closely associated with collagen fibers, reflecting their fibrogenic functions. HSCs and myofibroblasts were also noted to express collagen IV, which may contribute to production of basal lamina‐like structures. In fibrotic livers, the sinusoidal lining showed variable immunostaining for collagen IV. Collagen IV immunostaining revealed vascular proliferation and atypical ductular reaction at the portal–septal parenchymal borders, as well as capillary‐like vessels in the lobular parenchyma. While elastic fibers were absent in the space of Disse, they were found to codistribute with collagens in portal tracts, fibrous septa and central veins. Our combined assessment of collagen types, HSCs, myofibroblasts, and elastic fibers is significant in understanding the histopathology of fibrosis in the aging liver. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Short exposure to collagenase and coculture with mouse embryonic pancreas improve human dermal fibroblast culture
Authors: Pandamooz Sareh , Hadipour Abbas , Akhavan‐Niaki Haleh , Pourghasem Mohsen , Abedian Zeinab , Ardekani Ali Motevallizadeh , Golpour Monireh , Hassan Zuhair Mohammad , Mostafazadeh Amrollah
Published: May 2012

The dermal fibroblast as a major component of connective tissue has attracted much attention in the past few years, and application of these very fast growing cells in several fields has been intensively studied. Isolating dermal fibroblasts is an appropriate way to expand these fast growing cells in vitro. Although using a dissociated fibroblast culture method is more convenient than skin explant culture, its enzymatic digestion is critical because a large number of cells can be lost over prolonged exposure to collagenase. This study was performed to increase the number of viable cells after digestion of fresh human foreskin of donors aged from 1 to 3 months with collagenase and also by to design a coculture system for resuscitation of the injured fibroblast. Our results demonstrate that we can maximize cell yield while maintaining cell viability by cutting the specimens into very small pieces (1–2 mm3) after removing the epidermal layer with dispase II and also by collecting released cells every 20 Min subsequent to digesting the dermal layer with collagenase. Moreover, our data strongly indicate that coculturing of isolated fibroblasts with embryonic pancreas explants can enhance the rate of proliferation in cultured fibroblasts.
A change in paradigm: Giving back identity to donors in the anatomy laboratory
Authors: Talarico Ernest F.
Published: May 2012

This article describes a paradigm of teaching in the anatomy laboratory where students interact with the families of the deceased persons whom they are dissecting. This approach focuses learning anatomy and medicine on the patient via the implementation of five guiding principles: the First Patient; Knowledge; Reflection and Reflective Practice; Treating the Total Patient; and Professionalism. Physician training typically begins with cadaveric dissection (i.e., dissection of the first patient), and therefore the medical school gross anatomy course provides an ideal environment for multifaceted educational experiences where cadaveric dissection is used to teach structure and function as well as the skills and competencies critical to patient care. Here, these principles are described, and the impact on student doctors and outcomes discussed. The results suggest that mastery of basic science knowledge and competencies, including professionalism, compassion, and leadership skill is enhanced by this protocol. Clin. Anat. 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Affective engagement to emotional facial expressions of embodied social agents in a decision‐making game
Authors: Choi Ahyoung , Melo Celso De , Woo Woontack , Gratch Jonathan
Published: May 2012

Previous research illustrates that people can be influenced by the emotional displays of computer‐generated agents. What is less clear is if these influences arise from cognitive or affective process (i.e., do people use agent displays as information or do they provoke user emotions). To unpack these processes, we examine the decisions and physiological reactions of participants (heart rate and electrodermal activity) when engaged in a decision task (prisoner's dilemma game) with emotionally expressive agents. Our results replicate findings that people's decisions are influenced by such emotional displays, but these influences differ depending on the extent to which these displays provoke an affective response. Specifically, we show that an individual difference known as electrodermal lability predicts the extent to whether people will engage affectively or strategically with such agents, thereby better predicting their decisions. We discuss implications for designing agent facial expressions to enhance social interaction between humans and agents. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of internal mammary lymph node drainage identified by preoperative lymphoscintigraphy on outcomes in patients with stage I to III breast cancer
Authors: Kong Amanda L. , Tereffe Welela , Hunt Kelly K. , Yi Min , Kang Taewoo , Weatherspoon Kimberly , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Bedrosian Isabelle , Hwang Rosa F. , Babiera Gildy V. , Buchholz Thomas A. , Meric‐Bernstam Funda
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

Involvement of internal mammary (IM) lymph nodes is associated with a poor prognosis for patients with breast cancer. This study examined the effect of drainage to IM nodes identified by lymphoscintigraphy on oncologic outcomes.

METHODS:

A prospectively maintained breast cancer patient database at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center was used to identify patients with stage I to III breast cancer who underwent preoperative lymphoscintigraphy with peritumoral injection of colloid and intraoperative lymphatic mapping from 1996 to 2005. Medical records were reviewed of 1772 patients who had drainage to any lymph node basin on lymphoscintigraphy but who did not undergo IM nodal biopsy. Patients with IM drainage, with or without axillary drainage, were compared with patients without IM drainage. Local‐regional recurrence, distant disease‐free survival (DDFS), and overall survival were evaluated.

RESULTS:

We identified IM drainage in 334 patients (18.8%). Patients with IM drainage were significantly younger, less likely to have upper outer quadrant tumors, and more likely to have smaller and medial tumors than patients without IM drainage. Rates of IM irradiation did not differ between the 2 groups. The median follow‐up time was 7.4 years. On multivariate analysis, IM drainage was significantly associated with a worse DDFS (hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.03‐2.6; P = .04) but not local‐regional recurrence or overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS:

IM drainage on preoperative lymphoscintigraphy was found to be significantly associated with worse DDFS. Further study is needed to determine the role of lymphoscintigraphy in the personalization of breast cancer staging and therapy. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Risk of retinoblastoma is associated with a maternal polymorphism in dihydrofolatereductase (DHFR) and prenatal folic acid intake
Authors: Orjuela Manuela A. , Cabrera‐Muñoz Lourdes , Paul Ligi , Ramirez‐Ortiz Marco A. , Liu Xinhua , Chen Jia , Mejia‐Rodriguez Fabiola , Medina‐Sanson Aurora , Diaz‐Carreño Silvia , Suen Ida H. , Selhub Jacob , Ponce‐Castañeda M. Veronica
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

The incidence of unilateral retinoblastoma varies globally, suggesting possible environmental contributors to disease incidence. Maternal intake of naturally occurring folate from vegetables during pregnancy is associated inversely with the risk of retinoblastoma in offspring.

METHODS:

The authors used a case‐control study design to examine the association between retinoblastoma risk and maternal variations in the folate‐metabolizing genes methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) (a cytosine‐to‐thymine substitution at nucleotide 677 [MTHFR677C→T]; reference single nucleotide polymorphism rs1801133) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) (a 19‐base‐pair deletion of intron 1a [DHFR19bpdel]; rs70991108). In central Mexico, 103 mothers of children with newly diagnosed unilateral retinoblastoma were enrolled in an institutional review board‐approved study along with a control group of 97 mothers who had healthy children. Mothers were interviewed regarding perinatal characteristics, including use of prenatal vitamin supplements, and gave peripheral blood samples, which were used for polymerase chain reaction‐based genotyping of rs1801133 and rs70991108.

RESULTS:

The risk of having a child with unilateral retinoblastoma was associated with maternal homozygosity for DHFR19bpdel (odds ratio, 3.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.89‐7.55; P = .0002), even after controlling for the child's DHFR19bpdel genotype (odds ratio, 2.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.32‐5.99; P = .0073). In a subgroup of 167 mothers with data on prenatal intake of supplements containing folic acid (a synthetic form of folate), DHFR19bpdel‐associated risk was elevated significantly only among those who reported taking folic acid supplements. Maternal MTHFR genotype was unrelated to the risk of having a child with retinoblastoma.

CONCLUSIONS:

Maternal homozygosity for a polymorphism in the DHFR gene necessary for converting synthetic folic acid into biologic folate was associated with an increased risk for retinoblastoma. Prenatal ingestion of synthetic folic acid supplements may be associated with increased risk for early childhood carcinogenesis in a genetically susceptible subset of the population. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Local recurrence of localized soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Biau David J. , Ferguson Peter C. , Chung Peter , Griffin Anthony M. , Catton Charles N. , O'Sullivan Brian , Wunder Jay S.
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of known predictors of local recurrence of soft tissue sarcoma in a competing risk setting.

METHODS:

The outcome of interest was the cumulative probability of local recurrence per category of relevant predictors, with death as a competing event. In total, 1668 patients with a localized soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity or trunk were included.

RESULTS:

Tumor size (hazard ratio, 3.3), depth (hazard ratio, 3.2), and histologic grade (hazard ratio, 4.5) were the variables that had the most effect on the risk of metastasis and, accordingly, were the most likely to induce competition. Surgical margins (hazard ratio, 3.3), histologic grade (hazard ratio, 2.1), presentation status (hazard ratio, 2.4), and tumor depth (hazard ratio, 1.5) were the variables that had the most effect on the risk of local recurrence. The 10‐year cumulative probabilities of local recurrence were markedly different within categories for presentation status (P < .001) and surgical margin status (P < .001). However, because of the competing effect of death, there was little difference in the 10‐year cumulative probabilities of local recurrence with regard to tumor depth (12% and 11.4% for deep and superficial tumors, respectively; P = .2), tumor size (10.6% and 13.3% for large and small tumors, respectively; P = .99), or histologic tumor grade (12.6%, 10.7%, and 11.1% for high, intermediate, and low‐grade tumors, respectively; P = .17).

CONCLUSIONS:

Because of the competition between local recurrence and death, histologic tumor grade, tumor size, and tumor depth had little influence on the cumulative probability of local recurrence. The authors concluded that local management should be based on presentation status and surgical margins rather than other, previously acknowledged factors. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Quantitative analysis of BDNF/TrkB protein and mRNA in cortical and striatal neurons using α‐tubulin as a normalization factor
Authors: Ma Bin , Savas Jeffrey N. , Chao Moses V. , Tanese Naoko
Published: May 2012

The neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tyrosine kinase TrkB serve important regulatory roles for multiple aspects of the biology of neurons including cell death, survival, growth, differentiation, and plasticity. Regulation of the local availability of BDNF/TrkB at distinct subcellular domains such as soma, dendrites, axons, growth cones, nerve terminals, and spines appears to contribute to their specific functions. In view of the variance in size and shape of neurons and their compartments, previous quantitative studies of the BDNF/TrkB protein and mRNA lacked a robust normalization procedure. To overcome this problem, we have established methods that use immunofluorescence detection of α‐tubulin as a normalization factor for the quantitative analysis of protein and mRNA in primary rat cortical and striatal neurons in culture. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated by studying the dynamic distribution of proteins and mRNA at different growth stages or conditions. Treatment of cultured neurons with KCl resulted in increased levels of TrkB protein, reduced levels of BDNF mRNA (composite of multiple transcripts) and a slight reduction in BDNF protein levels in the dendrites from the cortex. The KCl treatment also lowered the percentage of BDNF and TrkB proteins in the soma indicative of protein transport. Finally, analysis of the rat cortical and striatal neurons demonstrated comparable or even higher levels of BDNF/TrkB protein and BDNF mRNA in the neurons from the striatum. Thus, in contrast to previous observations made in vivo, striatal neurons are capable of synthesizing BDNF mRNA when cultured in growth media in vitro. The analytical approach presented here provides a detailed understanding of BDNF/TrkB levels in response to a variety of neuronal activities. Our methods could be used broadly, including applications in cell and tissue cytometry, to yield accurate quantitative data of gene expression in cellular and subcellular contexts. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry