bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stem cells isolated from adipose tissue of obese patients show changes in their transcriptomic profile that indicate loss in stemcellness and increased commitment to an adipocyte-like phenotype
Authors: Oñate Blanca , Vilahur Gemma , Camino-López Sandra , Díez-Caballero Alberto , Ballesta-López Carlos , Ybarra Juan , Moscatiello Fabrizio , Herrero Javier , Badimon Lina
Published: September 2013

Background

The adipose tissue is an endocrine regulator and a risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease when by excessive accumulation induces obesity. Although the adipose tissue is also a reservoir for stem cells (ASC) their function and “stemcellness” has been questioned. Our aim was to investigate the mechanisms by which obesity affects subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) stem cells.

Results

Transcriptomics, in silico analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blots were performed on isolated stem cells from subcutaneous abdominal WAT of morbidly obese patients (ASCmo) and of non-obese individuals (ASCn). ASCmo and ASCn gene expression clustered separately from each other. ASCmo showed downregulation of “stemness” genes and upregulation of adipogenic and inflammatory genes with respect to ASCn. Moreover, the application of bioinformatics and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) showed that the transcription factor Smad3 was tentatively affected in obese ASCmo. Validation of this target confirmed a significantly reduced Smad3 nuclear translocation in the isolated ASCmo.

Conclusions

The transcriptomic profile of the stem cells reservoir in obese subcutaneous WAT is highly modified with significant changes in genes regulating stemcellness, lineage commitment and inflammation. In addition to body mass index, cardiovascular risk factor clustering further affect the ASC transcriptomic profile inducing loss of multipotency and, hence, capacity for tissue repair. In summary, the stem cells in the subcutaneous WAT niche of obese patients are already committed to adipocyte differentiation and show an upregulated inflammatory gene expression associated to their loss of stemcellness.
Circulating microRNA expression profile and systemic right ventricular function in adults after atrial switch operation for complete transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Lai Clare TM , Ng Enders KO , Chow Pak-cheong , Kwong Ava , Cheung Yiu-fai
Published: September 2013

Background

Data on the use of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases are emerging. Little, however, is known on the expression profile of circulating of microRNAs in congenital heart malformations with a systemic right ventricle that is prone to functional impairment. We aimed to test the hypothesis that circulating miRNA profile is altered in patients late after atrial switch operation for complete transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and further explored possible relationships between alteration of circulating miRNAs and systemic ventricular contractility.

Methods

Circulating miRNA expression profiling of serum samples from 5 patients and 5 healthy controls was performed. The results were validated in 26 patients and 20 controls using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for candidate miRNAs with fold changes >3 by expression profiling. Systemic ventricular myocardial acceleration during isovolumic contraction (IVA) was determined by colour tissue Doppler echocardiography.

Results

Compared with controls, patients had significantly lower systemic ventricular IVA (p = 0.002). Of the 23 upregulated miRNAs identified by profiling, 11 were validated to be increased in patients compared with controls: miR-16, miR-106a, miR-144*, miR-18a, miR-25, miR-451, miR-486-3p, miR-486-5p, miR-505*, let-7e and miR-93. Among the validated 11 miRNAs, miR-18a (r = −0.45, p = 0.002) and miR-486-5p (r = −0.35, p = 0.018) correlated negatively with systemic ventricular IVA for the whole cohort.

Conclusions

A distinct serum miRNA expression signature exists in adults with complete TGA after atrial switch operation, with serum miR-18a and miR-486-5p being associated with systemic ventricular contractility.
Cellular and humoral immune responses against the Plasmodium vivax MSP-119 malaria vaccine candidate in individuals living in an endemic area in north-eastern Amazon region of Brazil
Authors: Riccio Evelyn KP , Totino Paulo RR , Pratt-Riccio Lilian R , Ennes-Vidal Vitor , Soares Irene S , Rodrigues Maurício Martins , de Souza José Maria , Daniel-Ribeiro Cláudio Tadeu , Ferreira-da-Cruz Maria de Fátima
Published: September 2013

Background

Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) is an antigen considered to be one of the leading malaria vaccine candidates. PvMSP-1 is highly immunogenic and evidences suggest that it is target for protective immunity against asexual blood stages of malaria parasites. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the acquired cellular and antibody immune responses against PvMSP-1 in individuals naturally exposed to malaria infections in a malaria-endemic area in the north-eastern Amazon region of Brazil.

Methods

The study was carried out in Paragominas, Pará State, in the Brazilian Amazon. Blood samples were collected from 35 individuals with uncomplicated malaria. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and the cellular proliferation and activation was analysed in presence of 19 kDa fragment of MSP-1 (PvMSP-119) and Plasmodium falciparum PSS1 crude antigen. Antibodies IgE, IgM, IgG and IgG subclass and the levels of TNF, IFN-γ and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The prevalence of activated CD4+ was greater than CD8+ T cells, in both ex-vivo and in 96 h culture in presence of PvMSP-119 and PSS1 antigen. A low proliferative response against PvMSP-119 and PSS1 crude antigen after 96 h culture was observed. High plasmatic levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 as well as lower TNF levels were also detected in malaria patients. However, in the 96 h supernatant culture, the dynamics of cytokine responses differed from those depicted on plasma assays; in presence of PvMSP-119 stimulus, higher levels of TNF were noted in supernatant 96 h culture of malaria patient’s cells while low levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 were verified. High frequency of malaria patients presenting antibodies against PvMSP-119 was evidenced, regardless class or IgG subclass.PvMSP-119-induced antibodies were predominantly on non-cytophilic subclasses.

Conclusions

The results presented here shows that PvMSP-119 was able to induce a high cellular activation, leading to production of TNF and emphasizes the high immunogenicity of PvMSP-119 in naturally exposed individuals and, therefore, its potential as a malaria vaccine candidate.
Lentiviral-mediated RNA interference targeting stathmin1 gene in human gastric cancer cells inhibits proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo
Authors: Akhtar Javed , Wang Zhou , Zhang Zhi Ping , Bi Ming Ming
Published: September 2013

Background

Gastric cancer is highly aggressive disease. Despite advances in diagnosis and therapy, the prognosis is still poor. Various genetic and molecular alterations are found in gastric cancer that underlies the malignant transformation of gastric mucosa during the multistep process of gastric cancer pathogenesis. The detailed mechanism of the gastric cancer development remains uncertain. In present study we investigated the potential role of stathmin1 gene in gastric cancer tumorigenesis and examined the usefulness of RNA interference (RNAi) targeting stathmin1 as a form of gastric cancer treatment.

Methods

A lentiviral vector encoding a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeted against stathmin1 was constructed and transfected into the packaging cells HEK 293 T and the viral supernatant was collected to transfect MKN-45 cells. The transwell chemotaxis assay and the CCK-8 assay were used to measure migration and proliferation of tumor cells, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of stathmin1.

Results

Lentivirus mediated RNAi effectively reduced stathmin1 expression in gastric cells. Significant decreases in stathmin1 mRNA and protein expression were detected in gastric cells carrying lentiviral stathmin-shRNA vector and also significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration in gastric cancer cells and tumorigenicity in Xenograft Animal Models.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that stathmin1 overexpression is common in gastric cancer and may play a role in its pathogenesis. Lentivirus mediated RNAi effectively reduced stathmin1 expression in gastric cells. In summary, shRNA targeting of stathmin1 can effectively inhibits human gastric cancer cell growth in vivo and may be a potential therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.
Land-based versus aquatic resistance therapeutic exercises for older women with sarcopenic obesity: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: de Souza Vasconcelos Karina Simone , Dias João Marcos Domingues , de Araújo Marília Caixeta , Pinheiro Ana Cisalpino , Maia Marcela Machado , Dias Rosângela Corrêa
Published: September 2013

Background

Sarcopenic obesity is a health condition that combines excess adipose tissue and loss of muscle mass and strength. Sarcopenic obesity predisposes to more functional disabilities than obesity or sarcopenia alone. Progressive resistance exercises are recommended for older people as a potential treatment for sarcopenia and also for obesity. However, there is a lack of evidence indicating which programmes are best applied to older people, and no studies have investigated their effects on sarcopenic obese people. The aims of this protocol study are to investigate and compare the efficacy of land-based and aquatic resistance exercise programmes on improving muscle performance, functional capacity and quality of life of older women with sarcopenic obesity.

Methods/Design

This is a protocol study for a parallel randomised controlled clinical trial. Eligible participants are older women (≥65 years) with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 and hand grip strength ≤21 kg force. A total sample of 36 participants will be randomly allocated to one of the intervention groups in blocks of three: land-based, aquatic or control. Each intervention group will undergo 2-week sessions of a 10-week therapeutic exercise programme for strength, power and endurance training of the lower-limb muscles. Participants in the control group will not participate in any strengthening activity for lower limbs and will receive telephone calls once a week. Baseline and final evaluation of outcomes will encompass muscle performance of the lower limbs assessed by an isokinetic dynamometer; functional tests of usual walking speed, maximal walking speed (shuttle walking test), stair speed and the Short Physical Performance Battery; and health-related quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Questionnaire – SF-36). Data collectors will be blinded to randomisation and will not be in touch with participants during the interventions.

Discussion

This study is the first randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate resistance exercises in older patients with sarcopenic obesity. If our hypothesis proves correct, both intervention programmes will be effective, with the land-based exercises conferring better results in muscle performance.

Trial registration

Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos: RBR-9p5q67
Assessment of Truflex™ articulating stylet versus conventional rigid Portex™ stylet as an intubation guide with the D-blade of C-Mac™ videolaryngoscope during elective tracheal intubation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Al-Qasmi Aida , Al-Alawi Wafa , Malik Azharuddin Mohammed , Khan Rashid Manzoor , Kaul Naresh
Published: September 2013

Background

A variety of videolaryngoscopes with angulated blade have been recently introduced into clinical practice. They provide an indirect view of the glottic structures in normal and challenging clinical settings. Despite the very good visualization of the laryngeal structures by these devices, the insertion and advancement of the endotracheal tube may be prolonged and occasionally fail as it does not conform to the enhanced angulation of the blade. To overcome this handicap, it is recommended to use a pre-shaped, styleted tracheal tube during intubation. Unfortunately, these malleable rigid stylets permit only a fixed shape to the advancing endotracheal tube. This may necessitate withdrawal of endotracheal tube-stylet assembly for reshaping, before undertaking a new attempt. This may cause soft tissue injury and hemodynamic disturbance.

This single-blinded randomized clinical trial aims to overcome these handicaps using a novel method of dynamically changing the shape of the advancing endotracheal tube by Truflex™ articulating stylet as per need during D-blade C-Mac™ videolaryngoscopy.

Methods

One hundred and fifty four patients between 18 and 60 years of age belonging to either sex undergoing tracheal intubation under uniform general anesthetic technique will be randomly divided into Portex™ malleable stylet group and Truflex™ articulating stylet group. The primary efficacy variable of success/failure between the two groups will be analyzed using the chi square test. For comparison of intubation times and the Intubation Difficulty Score, ANOVA will be used. Primary efficacy endpoint results will be successful or failed tracheal intubation in the first attempt, total intubation time and the intubation difficulty score. Secondary efficacy endpoints will be overall user satisfaction graded from 1 to 10 (1 = very poor, 10 = excellent), Cormack and Lehane’s grading, glotticoscopy time and ETT negotiation time and total number of intubation attempts. Result of safety endpoints will include dental and airway trauma, hemodynamic disturbances, arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN57679531; Date of registration 12/02/2013
Rapid destruction of the rhodamine B using TiO2photocatalyst in the liquid phase plasma
Authors: Lee Heon , Park Sung Hoon , Park Young-Kwon , Kim Byung Hoon , Kim Sun-Jae , Jung Sang-Chul
Published: September 2013

Background

Rhodamine B (RhB) is widely used as a colorant in textiles and food stuffs, and is also a well-known water tracer fluorescent. It is harmful to human beings and animals, and causes irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. The carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity and chronic toxicity toward humans and animals have been experimentally proven. RhB cannot be effectively removed by biological treatment due to the slow kinetics. Therefore, RhB is chosen as a model pollutant for liquid phase plasma (LPP) treatment in the present investigation.

Results

This paper presents experimental results for the bleaching of RhB from aqueous solutions in the presence of TiO2 photocatalyst with LPP system. Properties of generated plasma were investigated by optical emission spectroscopy methods. The results of electrical-discharge degradation of RhB showed that the decomposition rate increased with the applied voltage, pulse width, and frequency. The oxygen gas addition to reactant solution increases the degradation rate by active oxygen species. The RhB decomposition rate was shown to increase with the TiO2 particle dosage.

Conclusion

This work presents the conclusions on the photocatalytic oxidation of RhB, as a function of plasma conditions, oxygen gas bubbling as well as TiO2 particle dosage. We knew that using the liquid phase plasma system with TiO2 photocatalyst at high speed we could remove the organic matter in the water.
Mapping genome-wide transcription factor binding sites in frozen tissues
Authors: Savic Daniel , Gertz Jason , Jain Preti , Cooper Gregory M , Myers Richard M
Published: September 2013

Background

Genome-wide maps of transcription factor binding sites in primary tissues can expand our understanding of genome function, transcriptional regulation, and genetic alterations that contribute to disease risk. However, almost all genome-wide studies of transcription factors have been in cell lines, and performing these experiments in tissues has been technically challenging and limited in throughput.

Results

Here we outline a simple strategy for mapping transcription factor binding sites in frozen tissues that utilizes dry pulverization of samples and is scalable for high-throughput analyses. We show that the method leads to accurate and reproducible chromatin immunoprecipitation next-generation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data, and is highly sensitive, identifying high-quality transcription factor binding sites from chromatin corresponding to only 5 mg of liver tissue.

Conclusions

The enhanced reproducibility, robustness, and sensitivity of the dry pulverization method, in addition to the ease of implementation and scalability, makes ChIP-seq in primary tissues a widely accessible assay.
Life-long spontaneous exercise does not prolong lifespan but improves health span in mice
Authors: Garcia-Valles Rebeca , Gomez-Cabrera Mari Carmen , Rodriguez-Mañas Leocadio , Garcia-Garcia Francisco J , Diaz Ana , Noguera Inma , Olaso-Gonzalez Gloria , Viña Jose
Published: September 2013

Background

Life expectancy at birth in the first world has increased from 35 years at the beginning of the 20th century to more than 80 years now. The increase in life expectancy has resulted in an increase in age-related diseases and larger numbers of frail and dependent people. The aim of our study was to determine whether life-long spontaneous aerobic exercise affects lifespan and healthspan in mice.

Results

Male C57Bl/6J mice, individually caged, were randomly assigned to one of two groups: sedentary (n = 72) or spontaneous wheel-runners (n = 72). We evaluated longevity and several health parameters including grip strength, motor coordination, exercise capacity (VO2max) and skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis. We also measured the cortical levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin associated with brain plasticity. In addition, we measured systemic oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl plasma levels) and the expression and activity of two genes involved in antioxidant defense in the liver (that is, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD)). Genes that encode antioxidant enzymes are considered longevity genes because their over-expression may modulate lifespan. Aging was associated with an increase in oxidative stress biomarkers and in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, GPx and Mn-SOD, in the liver in mice. Life-long spontaneous exercise did not prolong longevity but prevented several signs of frailty (that is, decrease in strength, endurance and motor coordination). This improvement was accompanied by a significant increase in the mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle and in the cortical BDNF levels.

Conclusion

Life-long spontaneous exercise does not prolong lifespan but improves healthspan in mice. Exercise is an intervention that delays age-associated frailty, enhances function and can be translated into the clinic.
Pituitary gland metastasis from rectal cancer: report of a case and literature review
Authors: Ratti Margherita , Passalacqua Rodolfo , Poli Rossana , Betri Enrico , Crispino Mario , Poli Roberto , Tomasello Gianluca
Published: September 2013

Pituitary metastases are unusual complications of malignancies. In about only 2% of patients they origin from colorectal cancer (CRC), with breast and lung as the most common primary tumors. Nevertheless, some authors reported a recent increase of the incidence of metastases in infrequent sites, such as brain or bone, arising from gastrointestinal cancers, probably due to the expanded treatment options and the resulting improved survival. Here, we report the case of a 54-year old woman diagnosed with lung metastases from rectal cancer, who, after several cycles of radio- and chemotherapy, presented symptoms and signs of pituitary disfunction (i.e. diabetes insipidus, hypothyroidism and diplopy). The diagnosis of pituitary metastasis from rectal cancer was histologically confirmed after surgery.
Mahalanobis-Taguchi System-based criteria selection for strategy formulation: a case in a training institution
Authors: Hadighi Seyed Ali , Sahebjamnia Navid , Mahdavi Iraj , Asadollahpour Hadi , Shafieian Hosna
Published: September 2013

The increasing complexity of decision making in a severely dynamic competitive environment of the universe has urged the wise managers to have relevant strategic plans for their firms. Strategy is not formulated from one criterion but from multiple criteria in environmental scanning, and often, considering all of them is not possible. A list of criteria utilizing Delphi was selected by consultation with company experts. By reviewing the literature and strategy experts’ proposals, the list is then classified into five categories, namely, human resource, equipment, market, supply chain, and rules. Since all the criteria may not be necessary for the decision process, as they are eliminated in the early stage traditionally, it is important to identify the prime set of criteria, which is a subset of the original criteria and affects decision making. Utilizing these criteria, a Mahalanobis-Taguchi System-based tool was developed to facilitate the selection of a prime set of criteria, which is a subset of the original criteria for ensuring that only ineffective subcriteria are eliminated and the conditions are prepared for relevant strategy formulation. Mahalanobis distance was used for making a measurement scale to distinguish ineffective subcriteria from significant criteria in the environmental scanning stage. The principles of the Taguchi method were used for screening the important criteria in the system and generate the prime set of criteria for each category. One can use these criteria within each category instead of all criteria for the identification of a suitable institution in training. To validate the proposed approach, a case study has been conducted for 38 educational institutions in Iran. The results demonstrated the usefulness of the proposed approach.
Mesenchymal stem cells modified with angiopoietin-1 gene promote wound healing
Authors: Li Yunling , Zheng Lei , Xu Xia , Song Lili , Li Yin , Li Wei , Zhang Suhan , Zhang Feng , Jin Haiyan
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Treatment of chronic skin wounds is difficult and largely ineffective. Little improvement has been shown in promoting the healing of these wounds in the past few decades. Innovative treatments to enhance chronic wound healing process are therefore needed.

Methods

In this study, we examined the efficacy of angiopoietin-1 gene-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (Ang1-MSCs) on the promotion of cutaneous wound healing in rats. Excisional full-thickness wounds were treated with Ang1-MSCs, a recombinant adenovirus encoding angiopoietin-1 (Ad-Ang1), unmodified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), or vehicle medium (sham).

Results

The results showed that Ang1-MSCs significantly promoted wound healing with increased epidermal and dermal regeneration, and enhanced angiogenesis compared with MSCs, Ad-Ang1 or sham treatment. Moreover, Ang1-MSCs expressed CD31 in the wound, suggesting a direct contribution of Ang1-MSCs to angiogenesis.

Conclusions

Here we show that Ang1-MSCs accelerate wound healing by promoting skin regeneration and angiogenesis, compared with MSCs or Ad-Ang1 alone.
Virtual Real Source: Source signature estimation using seismic interferometry
Authors: Behura Jyoti , Snieder Roel
Published: September 2013

Knowledge of the seismic source signature is crucial in numerousproblems in exploration seismology, especially in full-waveform inversion. However, existing methods of source signature estimation like statistical methods and well-log-based methods suffer from several drawbacks arising from assumptions such as whiteness of the reflectivity series and the minimum-phase character of the wavelet. Also, estimation of the source signature using wave-theoretical methods requires the recording of the wavefield and its normal derivative or additional recordings above the receiver surface which are not always available. We introduce a method, called the Virtual Real Source, of extracting the source signature based on the theory of seismic interferometry, also known as the virtual source method. This method is independent of the assumptions and drawbacks of the above-mentioned methods. The only requirement for the method of Virtual Real Source is to have a virtual source location coincide with the physical shot position whose source signature is desired. The virtual source location does not necessarily have to be a zero-offset receiver because one can use interpolation for it. The source signature is extracted by deconvolving the real recording at a receiver from the virtual source recording. Through modeling examples, we show that Virtual Real Source produces accurate source signatures even for complicated subsurface structures and source signatures, and is robust in the presence of noise. Source signature of every shot in a survey can be extracted reliably as long as the source signatures have similar amplitude spectra. The phase spectrum of the source signature is always extracted accurately even if it varies randomly from one shot to another. The Virtual Real Source applied on a 2D streamer data set from the North Viking Graben in the North Sea extracts all the airgun signatures with the main pulse and the bubble oscillation.
Depth-dependent mortality of reef corals following a severe bleaching event: implications for thermal refuges and population recovery
Authors: Bridge Tom C. L. , Hoey Andrew S , Campbell Stuart J , Muttaqin Efin , Rudi Edi , Fadli Nur , Baird Andrew H
Published: September 2013

Coral bleaching caused by rising sea temperature is a primary cause of coral reef degradation. However, bleaching patterns often show significant spatial variability, therefore identifying locations where local conditions may provide thermal refuges is a high conservation priority. Coral bleaching mortality often diminishes with increasing depth, but clear depth zonation of coral communities and putative limited overlap in species composition between deep and shallow reef habitats has led to the conclusion that deeper reef habitats will provide limited refuge from bleaching for most species. Here, we show that coral mortality following a severe bleaching event diminished sharply with depth.Bleaching-induced mortality ofAcroporawas approximately 90% at 0-2m, 60% at 3-4 m, yet at 6-8m there was negligible mortality. Importantly, at least two-thirds of the shallow-water (2-3 m)Acroporaassemblage had a depth range that straddled the transition from high to low mortality. Cold-water upwelling may have contributed to the lower mortality observed in all but the shallowest depths. Our results demonstrate that, in this instance, depth provided a refuge for individuals from a high proportion of species in thisAcropora-dominated assemblage. The persistence of deeper populations may provide a critical source of propagules to assist recovery of adjacent shallow-water reefs.
Thousands of exon skipping events differentiate among splicing patterns in sixteen human tissues
Authors: Florea Liliana , Song Li , Salzberg Steven L
Published: September 2013

Alternative splicing is widely recognized for its roles in regulating genes and creating gene diversity. However, despite many efforts, the repertoire of gene splicing variation is still incompletely characterized, even in humans. Here we describe a new computational system, ASprofile, and its application to RNA-seq data from Illumina’s Human Body Map project (>2.5 billion reads).  Using the system, we identified putative alternative splicing events in 16 different human tissues, which provide a dynamic picture of splicing variation across the tissues. We detected 26,989 potential exon skipping events representing differences in splicing patterns among the tissues. A large proportion of the events (>60%) were novel, involving new exons (~3000), new introns (~16000), or both. When tracing these events across the sixteen tissues, only a small number (4-7%) appeared to be differentially expressed (‘switched’) between two tissues, while 30-45% showed little variation, and the remaining 50-65% were not present in one or both tissues compared.  Novel exon skipping events appeared to be slightly less variable than known events, but were more tissue-specific. Our study represents the first effort to build a comprehensive catalog of alternative splicing in normal human tissues from RNA-seq data, while providing insights into the role of alternative splicing in shaping tissue transcriptome differences. The catalog of events and the ASprofile software are freely available from the Zenodo repository

(http://zenodo.org/record/7068; doi:10.5281/zenodo.7068) and from our web site http://ccb.jhu.edu/software/ASprofile.
Framing Influences Willingness to Pay but Not Willingness to Accept
Authors: Yang Yang , Vosgerau Joachim , Loewenstein George
Published: September 2013

The authors show, with real and hypothetical payoffs, that consumers are willing to pay substantially less for a risky prospect when it is called a “lottery ticket,” “raffle,” “coin flip,” or “gamble” than when it is labeled a “gift certificate” or “voucher.” Willingness to accept, in contrast, is not affected by these frames. This differential framing effect is the result of an aversion to bad deals, which causes buyers to focus on different aspects than sellers. Buyers’ willingness to pay is influenced by the extent to which a risky prospect's frame is associated with risk (Experiment 1) as well as the prospect's lowest (but not highest) possible outcome (Experiment 2). Sellers’ willingness to accept, in contrast, is influenced by a prospect's lowest and highest possible outcomes but not by the risk associated with its frame (Experiments 2 and 3). The framing effect on willingness to pay is independent of the objective level of uncertainty (Experiment 4) and can lead to the uncertainty effect. The findings have important implications for research on risk preferences and marketing practice.
Stable reduction of X0(p4)
Authors: Tsushima Takahiro
Published: September 2013

R. Coleman and K. McMurdy calculated
the stable reduction of X0(p3) (

p
≥
13

$p \ge 13$

)
on the basis of the rigid geometry in [Algebra Number Theory 4 (2010), 357–431].
In the present paper, we determine
the stable reduction of X0(p4) for primes

p
≥
13

$p \ge 13$

on the basis of their idea.
As irreducible components in the stable reduction of X0(p4),
a certain number of copies of the Hermitian curve,
with an affine equation

a
p

-
a
=

t

p
+
1

$a^p-a=t^{p+1}$

, appear.
Hyperreactio luteinalis in association with multiple foetal malformations – a consequence of supra-physiological HCG?
Authors: Faden Majed , Salehi Amir H. , Simon Jeannine , Chen Moy Fong , Omeroglu Atilla , Brown Richard
Published: September 2013

Aim: Hyperreactio luteinalis (HL) is characterised by ovarian cystic enlargement that is associated with high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Here the possible effects of abnormally high hCG levels on foetal development are demonstrated.

Method: We report a 28-year-old patient who was referred for evaluation of bilateral maternal ovarian enlargement in the second trimester. Abnormally elevated hCG (887,514 IU/L) was found with ultrasound examination identifying various foetal malformations. The karyotype was normal. Spontaneous abortion occurred at 20 weeks. Autopsy showed testicular hypertrophy with marked Leydig cell hyperplasia. The HL resolved with normalisation of the hCG levels following delivery.

Conclusion: HL is a rare finding in normal pregnancies; the potential effects of abnormally elevated hCG on the foetus are discussed.
Validation of a Chinese version of the Assessing Emotions Scale for measuring the emotional intelligence of Chinese adolescents
Authors: Ko Flora S.L. , Siu Andrew M.H.
Published: September 2013

This study set out to validate a Chinese-translated version of the widely used Assessing Emotion Scale (C-AES) for use in measuring the emotional intelligence of Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. The convenience sample consisted of 1550 secondary students aged 12–19 years, who were asked to complete the C-AES, the Chinese Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Chinese Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21, and a test of facial expression recognition. The results suggest a stable four-factor model for the C-AES, comprising the factors of Appraisal of Emotion (AE), Facilitation of Thought (FT), Regulation of Emotion (RE), and Facilitation of Relationships (FR). The test-retest reliability estimates of the factor subscales were good, while the estimates of internal consistency were fair to acceptable. The results largely supported the convergent validity of the C-AES, since its subscales showed significant correlation with convergent measures of empathy and negative emotional states. In general, girls demonstrated higher emotional intelligence (EI) than boys, with a large difference noted in the FR subscale. In summary, the C-AES has demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and good test-retest reliability for use in the selfreport assessment of EI.
Topology Optimization Using Nonlinear Finite Elements and Control-point-based Parametrization
Authors: Kegl M. , Harl B.
Published: September 2013

This paper presents an approach to shape/topology optimization of continuous structures. The proposed approach combines the design element technique and the level set function in order to obtain an efficient topology parameterization of the domain under consideration. The shape and the level set function are both parameterized by the control points and corresponding blending functions of the design elements. For the sake of generality, nonlinear finite elements are employed, which have to be adapted adequately in order to be able to describe full material, void, and any intermediate state. In this way the design element technique has not yet been used for topology optimization, partially because it requires that the domain geometry and finite element mesh have to be defined by utilizing control-point-based design elements. In spite of this drawback, the proposed approach offers several attractive benefits. Namely, in contrast to other level set methods, the proposed approach does not make any use of the Hamilton-Jacobi differential equation. Consequently, the boundary evolution stage of the process need not to be treated separately, but is integrated with the strain/stress analysis stage into a rather conventional optimization scheme. Furthermore, the proposed approach allows for any type of finite elements (linear/nonlinear) to be implemented into the procedure if adjusted adequately. The formulation of the optimization problem is also completely arbitrary. The properties of the proposed approach are illustrated by several numerical examples.
Stagnation-point Flow of a Viscoelastic Fluid over a Lubricated Surface
Authors: Sajid M. , Javed T. , Abbas Z. , Ali N.
Published: September 2013

A stagnation point flow of a viscoelastic Walters' B fluid over a surface lubricated with a power-law non-Newtonian fluid is considered in this paper. It is assumed that the lubricant is spread over the sheet making a thin layer of variable thickness. We are interested in a similarity solution of the problem which in the present case exists only for the power-law index n = 1/2. For the other values of the power-law index the non-similar solutions are also presented in the present paper. A slip flow boundary condition is deduced for a viscoelastic fluid at the fluid-fluid interface which is then imposed on the surface due to reason that the lubrication layer is thin. This new slip boundary condition is different from the conventional slip boundary condition for viscoelastic fluids considered in the literature. The numerical solution of the governing nonlinear ordinary differential equation subject to a nonlinear slip boundary condition is obtained by a hybrid method that combines the features of the finite difference and shooting methods. The profiles of velocity under the influence of slip and viscoelastic fluid parameters are illustrated. Moreover, the behavior of the missing condition f″(0) under the influence of these parameters is also presented. The results for the no-slip and full slip flows can be recovered as limiting cases when λ → ∞ and λ → 0 respectively.
Nonlinear Air Quality Modeling Using Support Vector Machines in Gijón Urban Area (Northern Spain) at Local Scale
Authors: Suárez Sánchez A. , García Nieto P.J. , Iglesias-Rodríguez F.J. , Vilán Vilán J.A.
Published: September 2013

Due to the health impacts caused by exposures to air pollutants in urban areas, monitoring and forecasting of air quality parameters have become popular as an important topic in atmospheric and environmental research today. The knowledge on the dynamics and complexity of air pollutants behaviour has made artificial intelligence and statistical learning models as a useful tool for a more accurate pollutant concentration prediction. The aim of this study is to build a regression model of daily air quality prediction by using support vector machine (SVM) technique in Gijón urban area (Northern Spain) at local scale. To accomplish the objective, the observed data of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone and dust for years 2006 to 2008 are used to create a highly nonlinear model of the air quality in the city based on SVM techniques. One objective of this model was to make a preliminary estimate of the dependence between primary and secondary pollutants in Gijón urban area at local scale. A second aim was to determine the factors with the greatest bearing on air quality in order to propose health and lifestyle improvements. This support vector regression model captures the main insight of statistical learning theory to obtain a good prediction of the dependence among the main pollutants in Gijón urban area since it shows a good agreement between the observed and predicted values of pollutants using statistical estimators as correlation coefficients, mean errors and root mean squared errors. Finally, conclusions of this study are exposed.
Bifurcation Analysis and Implicit Solution of Klein-Gordon Equation with Dual-power Law Nonlinearity in Relativistic Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Biswas Anjan , Song Ming , Zerrad Essaid
Published: September 2013

This paper focuses on the nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation with dual power law nonlinearity. The traveling wave hypothesis reveals an implicit solution in terms of Gauss' hypergeometric functions. The bifurcation analysis is subsequently carried out that gives an additional set of solutions. The phase portraits of the solutions are also given.
Praxisbezogenes Studienprojekt: Kooperation mit externen Partnern. Theorie und Praxis sinnvoll vereinen / Projects with external partners Reasonable linking of theory and practice / Un projet d’étude basé sur la pratique avec des partenaires externes : combiner théorie et pratique de façon raisonnable
Authors: Kuhs Karola , Ratzek Wolfgang , Rusch Stephanie
Published: September 2013

LIS-Studiengänge betonen häufig den Praxisbezug. Dementsprechend haben praxisbezogene Projekte ihren berechtigten Platz an den Hochschulen mit LIS-Studiengängen. So auch an der Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart (HdM). Der Theorieanteil ist als unabdingbarer Bestandteil eines Studienganges ebenso wichtig. Die Kunst liegt in der Vernetzung von Theorie und Praxis. Projekte mit externen Partnern erfüllen diese Forderung. Im Wintersemester 2012/13 arbeiteten 13 angehende Medienspezialisten der HdM in einem interdisziplinären Projekt an der Umgestaltung einer Verlagswebsite zu einem Fachportal und einer Branchenplattform für Information Professionals.
Strategische Weiterentwicklung ermöglichen: Informationsbedarfsanalyse in einer Unternehmensberatung / Enabling strategic development: assessment of information needs in a consulting company / Faciliter le développement stratégique: analyse de la demande d’information dans une société de conseil en gestion d’entreprise
Authors: Klug Anna Kathrin
Published: September 2013

Am Beispiel der internen Informationsvermittlungsstelle eines mittelständischen Beratungsunternehmens wird gezeigt, wie mithilfe einer qualitativen Untersuchung der Informationsbedarf von Beratern als Kunden ermittelt wird, um diese strategisch weiterzuentwickeln. Im Fokus des Beitrags steht die Darstellung des Untersuchungsdesigns. Anderen informationsvermittelnden Stellen in Bibliotheken, Archiven oder Forschungseinrichtungen, die vor ähnlichen Herausforderungen stehen, soll eine im informationswissenschaftlichen Umfeld bislang wenig eingesetzte Methode zur Erfassung von Kundenbedürfnissen und -anforderungen vorgestellt werden.
Oligopolistic Market Structure in the Japanese Pistachio Import Market
Authors: Asgari Mahdi , Saghaian Sayed H.
Published: September 2013

Iran is the major producer of pistachio nuts in the world. Iran dominated the international pistachio export markets until 1982, when a new competitor, the United States, emerged in the international markets. Currently, both Iran and the United States are major pistachio exporters to Japan. In this study, we address the following empirical question: Is the Japanese pistachio import market best characterized by Cournot or Bertrand duopoly competition or some other form of game? We use two historical data sets on pistachio prices and quantities imported by Japan from Iran and the United States and estimate the demand functions for these two main exporters. Considering two different strategic variables, quantity and price, full information maximum likelihood (FIML) resulted in different estimates. We used normalized likelihood ratio statistics for the model comparison. Having proper game-specific nonlinear-equation restrictions enabled us to form six alternative models. The model that best fit the data was the Stackelberg model with US quantity leadership.
We Created It, Now How Do We Save It? Issues in Preserving Personal Information, A Review
Authors: Reyes Vanessa
Published: September 2013

Preserving personal information is coming into focus in information science and archives. In recent years, professionals have been working to solve the many preservation challenges. This review analyzes the concepts associated with preserving and managing personal information, while identifying and discussing contributions made by scholars and practitioners who focus on personal digital archiving. The review considers current solutions to the problems.
Thermodynamic modeling of polyamide-6 (PA-6)/cellulose acetate (CA) blend membrane prepared via casting technique
Authors: El-Gendi Ayman , Abdallah Heba
Published: September 2013

Thermodynamic behavior of a ternary system with one low molecular weight component, formic acid (FA) as the solvent, water (non-solvent), and two high molecular weight polymers [polyamide-6 (PA-6) and cellulose acetate (CA)] was investigated using an extended modified Flory-Huggins model. Where, all chemicals were purchased from Leuna Werke AG (Germany). The model was solved by MATLAB SIMULINK software manufactured in the USA. The predicted results from the model explained that the miscibility of the two blend polymers, PA-6 and CA, completed over all compositions at room temperature, and the minimum point where the miscibility of the two polymers completed was in the composition of 0.2 volume fraction of PA-6 at Gibbs free energy change on mixing (ΔGm) of -1.74015 kJ/mole. The critical temperature (Tc) for superiority properties of the polymer blend solution are in the range between the upper critical saturation temperature (UCST) 323K and the lower critical saturation temperature (LCST) 338K. The diffusion model on the solution of the immersion precipitation process in the coagulation bath indicates that the solvent volume fractions increase with time, while the polymer solution volume fraction decreases, due to solvent removal from the polymer solution and membrane formation. According to the mathematical model, it was found that the annealing temperature can affect the densification of the membrane top layer. However, the heat treatment process leads to a decrease in thickness of the membrane bottom layer, as a result of reduced and distributed membrane pores.
Steroid cell tumor: a rare cause of hirsutism in a female
Authors: Swain Jayshree , Sharma Shruti , Prakash Ved , Agrawal N K , Singh S K
Published: September 2013

Ovarian steroid cell tumors are very rare functioning sex-cord stromal tumors. They comprise <0.1% of all ovarian tumors. Previously designated as lipoid cell tumors, one-third of these tumors are considered malignant with the mean age of presentation at around 40 years. We present a case of a 28-year-old female with 2-year history of hirsutism, virilization, and amenorrhea. She was diagnosed with left ovarian tumor, for which she underwent left salpingo-oophorectomy. Histopathology revealed not otherwise specified subtype of steroid cell tumors. The patient resumed menses 2 months after the features of masculinization regressed. Within 1 year of surgery, the patient successfully conceived a full-term baby without any complications. In a young female, the neoplastic etiology of a rapid virilization or menses changing should always be kept in mind. Though commonly observed in adult females, steroid cell tumors have very good surgical outcomes if age at presentation is less and tumor is unilateral, and there are no evidences of bilateral malignancy. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is not required.

Learning points

In a case of severe rapid hirsutism and virilization with serum testosterone level more than 200 ng/dl or more than threefold of the normal range, neoplastic conditions should always be suspected.

Steroid cell tumor in young women without evidence of malignancy on histopathology has excellent surgical outcomes.

Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the surgery of choice.

As the frequency of bilateralism is only 6%, prophylactic unaffected side oophorectomy need not be done.
A few clinical aspects of sodium homeostasis disorders
Authors: Sulyok Endre
Published: September 2013

In this review three major issues of sodium homeostasis are addressed. Specifically, volume-dependent (salt-sensitive) hypertension, sodium chloride content of maintenance fluid and clinical evaluation of hyponatremia are discussed. Regarding volume-dependent hypertension the endocrine/paracrine systems mediating renal sodium retention, the relationship between salt intake, plasma sodium levels and blood pressure, as well as data on the dissociation of sodium and volume regulation are presented. The concept of perinatal programming of salt-preference is also mentioned. Some theoretical and practical aspects of fluid therapy are summarized with particular reference to using hypotonic sodium chloride solution for maintenance fluid as opposed to the currently proposed isotonic sodium chloride solution. Furthermore, the incidence, the aetiological classification and central nervous system complications of hyponatremia are presented, too. In addition, clinical and pathophysical features of hyponatremic encephalophathy and osmotic demyelinisation are given. The adaptive reactions of the brain to hypotonic stress are also described with particular emphasis on the role of brain-specific water channel proteins (aquaporin-4) and the benzamil-inhibitable sodium channels. In view of the outmost clinical significance of hyponatremia, the principles of efficient and safe therapeutic approaches are outlined. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1488–1497.