bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sesame Oil Therapeutically Ameliorates Cardiac Hypertrophy by Regulating Hypokalemia in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Liu Chuan‐Teng , Periasamy Srinivasan , Chang Chih‐Ching , Mo Fan‐E , Liu Ming‐Yie
Published: June 2013

Background: Hypokalemia and hypertension are common manifestations of preclinical cardiovascular conditions that have a predictive value for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardiac hypertrophy, an important risk factor in heart failure, is attributed to long‐term hypokalemia and hypertension. Sesame oil is rich in nutrients and possesses potent antihypertensive activities. Methods: We investigated the therapeutic potential of sesame oil using a hypertensive model created by subcutaneously injecting deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA; 15 mg/mL/kg in mineral oil; twice weekly for 5 weeks) and supplementing with 1% sodium chloride drinking water (DOCA/salt) to uninephrectomized rats. Sesame oil was administered by oral gavage (0.5 or 1 mL/kg/d for 7 days) after 4 weeks of DOCA/salt treatment. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), electrocardiography (ECG), and K+ and Mg2+ levels were assessed 24 hours after the last dose of sesame oil. Heart tissue was collected for histologic analysis. Results: Sesame oil effectively reduced the SBP/DBP and ECG abnormalities and increased the serum levels of K+ and Mg2+ while limiting the urinary excretion of K+ in DOCA/salt‐induced hypertensive rats. In addition, sesame oil decreased the heart mass, the thickness of the left ventricle, and the diameter of cardiomyocytes, indicating the regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in the hypertensive rats. Conclusion: We demonstrate that sesame oil therapeutically ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy by regulating hypokalemia in hypertensive rats.
Proliferative Lesions in Thyroid Follicular Cells of Dwarfs Derived from Wistar Hannover GALAS Rats
Authors: Kokoshima Hiroko , Doi Takuya , Yamada Naoaki , Tsuchitani Minoru
Published: June 2013

We observed spontaneous dwarfism among Wistar Hannover GALAS rats, caused by primary hypothyroidism. The dwarf (D) rats showed markedly high serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values. In this study, we investigated the incidence and histopathological characteristics of the proliferative lesions of the thyroid follicular cells in our D rats. Gross enlargement of thyroid and histological vacuolar change of the thyroid follicular cells with age-related progression suggesting diffuse hypertrophy/hyperplasia were seen in all the D rats. In addition, focal proliferative lesions—namely hyperplasias, activated hyperplasias, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas—were seen in D rats aged over 50 weeks. Taken together, these results suggested that the sustained stimulation of elevated levels of serum TSH caused and enhanced diffuse hypertrophy of thyroid follicular cells and subsequent development of focal proliferative lesions.
Computer Programming
Authors: Huston Robert K. , Markell Andrea M. , McCulley Elizabeth A. , Marcus Matthew J. , Cohen Howard S.
Published: June 2013

Background: Computerized software programs reduce errors and increase consistency when ordering parenteral nutrition (PN). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of our computerized neonatal PN calculator ordering program in reducing errors and optimizing nutrient intake. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of infants requiring PN during the first 2–3 weeks of life. Caloric, protein, calcium, and phosphorus intakes; days above and below amino acid (AA) goals; and PN ordering errors were recorded. Infants were divided into 3 groups by birth weight for analysis: ≤1000 g, 1001–1500 g, and >1500 g. Intakes and outcomes of infants before (2007) vs after (2009) implementation of the calculator for each group were compared. Results: There were no differences in caloric, protein, or phosphorus intakes in 2007 vs 2009 in any group. Mean protein intakes were 97%–99% of goal for ≤1000‐g and 1001‐ to 1500‐g infants in 2009 vs 87% of goal for each group in 2007. In 2007, 7.6 per 100 orders were above and 11.5 per 100 were below recommended AA intakes. Calcium intakes were higher in 2009 vs 2007 in ≤1000‐g (46.6 ± 6.1 vs 39.5 ± 8.0 mg/kg/d, P < .001) and >1500‐g infants (50.6 ± 7.4 vs 39.9 ± 8.3 mg/kg/d, P < .001). Ordering errors were reduced from 4.6 per 100 in 2007 to 0.1 per 100 in 2009. Conclusion: Our study reaffirms that computerized ordering systems can increase the quality and safety of neonatal PN orders. Calcium and AA intakes were optimized and ordering errors were minimized using the computer‐based ordering program.
“Regional” Cinema or Products of Bricolage? An Introduction to Malayalam Studio Film of the Early 1950s
Authors: Joseph Jenson
Published: June 2013

This article offers an overview of the exhibition and distribution sectors in Kerala between the late 1920s and the 1940s, and the economic and cultural considerations behind the initiatives to set up production centers within this region by the late 1940s. The incipient industry identified the “family social” as a convenient format to negotiate with the industrial and aesthetic terms set by South Indian cinema, mainly based in Madras, and the cultural demands placed on it by linguistic constituencies and elite patronage in the 1950s. The industrial constraints of small budgets and a narrow linguistic market necessitated an aesthetic that could cater to a socially and regionally mixed audience. Strategies of adapting existing popular genres like mythologicals, and subordinating these to the overarching narrative structure privileging an aesthetic of contemporaneity, enabled the early studio films to negotiate commercial and cultural pressures. Jeevithanouka (The Boat of Life; Vembu, 1951 ) is discussed as an instance where elements from popular mythologicals and stage performances were appropriated to privilege rationalist values.
Assessment of Risks Associated with Short-Term Use of Mefloquine in Canadian Forces Members: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Vaillancourt R. , Ma J. , Sampalis J.
Published: June 2013

Background:

Media reports have implicated mefloquine as a contributor to adverse health effects experienced by military members serving in areas where chloroquine-resistant malaria is endemic. A systematic retrospective review has been undertaken to evaluate the health effects seen in members who received mefloquine for chemoprophylaxis against malaria.

Methods:

Medical records of Regular Canadian Forces (CF) personnel who served in Somalia between 1992 and 1993 were reviewed by trained data extractors. All health effects recorded during treatment with mefloquine were assigned ICD-10-CA codes. Data extractors also noted if the effect has been reported with mefloquine, and rated the severity of the effect. Cohen's kappa was calculated to determine concordance between extractors, and descriptive statistics used to report the health effects seen.

Results:

The majority of the 1413 subjects identified were male (96%). A total of 5019 adverse health effects were recorded in the medical records, most of which were mild in severity. At least one adverse effect which could potentially have been related to mefloquine was reported in 74.7% ( n = 1056) of subjects. Of the adverse effects recorded, 21 were classified by the data extractors as major (18 cases affecting the nervous system and 3 cardiovascular system effects). These results are consistent with those reported in other populations.

Conclusions:

The results of this study have been applied to guide development of policies governing the provision of chemoprophylaxis during subsequent military missions. In particular, resources have been allocated to formalize the counselling provided to members regarding antimalarials and prevention of malaria infection.
Approach–Avoidance Motivation and Emotion: Convergence and Divergence
Authors: Elliot Andrew J. , Eder Andreas B. , Harmon-Jones Eddie
Published: June 2013

In this concluding piece, we identify and discuss various aspects of convergence and, to a lesser degree, divergence in the ideas expressed in the contributions to this special section. These contributions emphatically illustrate that approach–avoidance motivation is integral to the scientific study of emotion. It is our hope that the articles herein will facilitate cross-talk among researchers and research traditions, and will lead to a more thorough understanding of the role of approach–avoidance motivation in emotion.
Epigenetics and phenotypic variability: some interesting insights from birds
Authors: Frésard Laure , Morisson Mireille , Brun Jean-Michel , Collin Anne , Pain Bertrand , Minvielle Francis , Pitel Frédérique
Published: June 2013

Little is known about epigenetic mechanisms in birds with the exception of the phenomenon of dosage compensation of sex chromosomes, although such mechanisms could be involved in the phenotypic variability of birds, as in several livestock species. This paper reviews the literature on epigenetic mechanisms that could contribute significantly to trait variability in birds, and compares the results to the existing knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms in mammals. The main issues addressed in this paper are: (1) Does genomic imprinting exist in birds? (2) How does the embryonic environment influence the adult phenotype in avian species? (3) Does the embryonic environment have an impact on phenotypic variability across several successive generations? The potential for epigenetic studies to improve the performance of individual animals through the implementation of limited changes in breeding conditions or the addition of new parameters in selection models is still an open question.
Differential response of bovine mammary epithelial cells to Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli agonists of the innate immune system
Authors: Gilbert Florence B , Cunha Patricia , Jensen Kirsty , Glass Elizabeth J , Foucras Gilles , Robert-Granié Christèle , Rupp Rachel , Rainard Pascal
Published: June 2013

Mastitis caused byEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureusis a major pathology of dairy cows. To better understand the differential response of the mammary gland to these two pathogens, we stimulated bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC) with eitherE. colicrude lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or withS. aureusculture supernatant (SaS) to compare the transcriptomic profiles of the initial bMEC response. By using HEK 293 reporter cells for pattern recognition receptors, the LPS preparation was found to stimulate TLR2 and TLR4 but not TLR5, Nod1 or Nod2, whereas SaS stimulated TLR2. Biochemical analysis revealed that lipoteichoic acid, protein A and α-hemolysin were all present in SaS, and bMEC were found to be responsive to each of these molecules. Transcriptome profiling revealed a core innate immune response partly shared by LPS and SaS. However, LPS induced expression of a significant higher number of genes and the fold changes were of greater magnitude than those induced by SaS. Microarray data analysis suggests that the activation pathways and the early chemokine and cytokine production preceded the defense and stress responses. A major differential response was the activation of the type I IFN pathway by LPS but not by SaS. The higher upregulation of chemokines (Cxcl10,Ccl2,Ccl5andCcl20) that target mononuclear leucocytes by LPS than by SaS is likely to be related to the differential activation of the type I IFN pathway, and could induce a different profile of the initial recruitment of leucocytes. The MEC responses to the two stimuli were different, as LPS was associated with NF-κB and Fas signaling pathways, whereas SaS was associated with AP-1 and IL-17A signaling pathways. It is noteworthy that at the protein level secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β was not induced by either stimulus. These results suggest that the response of MEC to diffusible stimuli fromE. coliandS. aureuscontributes to the onset of the response with differential leucocyte recruitment and distinct inflammatory and innate immune reactions of the mammary gland to infection.
Resolving ambiguity in the phylogenetic relationship of genotypes A, B, and C of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Jiang Yueming , Wang Minxian , Zheng Hongxiang , Wang Wei R , Jin Li , He Yungang
Published: June 2013

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important infectious agent that causes widespread concern because billions of people are infected by at least 8 different HBV genotypes worldwide. However, reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationship between HBV genotypes is difficult. Specifically, the phylogenetic relationships among genotypes A, B, and C are not clear from previous studies because of the confounding effects of genotype recombination. In order to clarify the evolutionary relationships, a rigorous approach is required that can effectively explore genetic sequences with recombination.

Result

In the present study, phylogenetic relationship of the HBV genotypes was reconstructed using a consensus phylogeny of phylogenetic trees of HBV genome segments. Reliability of the reconstructed phylogeny was extensively evaluated in agreements of local phylogenies of genome segments.

The reconstructed phylogenetic tree revealed that HBV genotypes B and C had a closer phylogenetic relationship than genotypes A and B or A and C. Evaluations showed the consensus method was capable to reconstruct reliable phylogenetic relationship in the presence of recombinants.

Conclusion

The consensus method implemented in this study provides an alternative approach for reconstructing reliable phylogenetic relationships for viruses with possible genetic recombination. Our approach revealed the phylogenetic relationships of genotypes A, B, and C of HBV.
Expressing one’s feelings and listening to others increases emotional intelligence: a pilot study of Asian medical students
Authors: Abe Keiko , Evans Phillip , Austin Elizabeth J , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Fujisaki Kazuhiko , Niwa Masayuki , Aomatsu Muneyoshi
Published: June 2013

Background

There has been considerable interest in Emotional Intelligence (EI) in undergraduate medical education, with respect to student selection and admissions, health and well-being and academic performance. EI is a significant component of the physician-patient relationship. The emotional well-being of the physician is, therefore, a significant component in patient care. The aim is to examine the measurement of TEIQue-SF in Asian medical students and to explore how the practice of listening to the feelings of others and expressing one’s own feelings influences an individual’s EI, set in the context of the emotional well-being of a medical practitioner.

Methods

A group of 183 international undergraduate medical students attended a half-day workshop (WS) about mental-health and well-being. They completed a self-reported measure of EI on three occasions, pre- and post-workshop, and a 1-year follow-up.

Result

The reliability of TEIQue-SF was high and the reliabilities of its four factors were acceptable. There were strong correlations between the TEIQue-SF and personality traits. A paired t-test indicated significant positive changes after the WS for all students (n=181, p= .014), male students (n=78, p= .015) and non-Japanese students (n=112, p= .007), but a repeated measures analysis showed that one year post-workshop there were significant positive changes for all students (n=55, p= .034), female students (n=31, p= .007), especially Japanese female students (n=13, p= .023). Moreover, 80% of the students reported that they were more attentive listeners, and 60% agreed that they were more confident in dealing with emotional issues, both within themselves and in others, as a result of the workshop.

Conclusion

This study found the measurement of TEIQue-SF is appropriate and reliable to use for Asian medical students. The mental health workshop was helpful to develop medical students’ EI but showed different results for gender and nationality. The immediate impact on the emotional awareness of individuals was particularly significant for male students and the non-Japanese group. The impact over the long term was notable for the significant increase in EI for females and Japanese. Japanese female students were more conscious about emotionality. Emotion-driven communication exercises might strongly influence the development of students’ EI over a year.
Evaluation of three industrial Escherichia coli strains in fed-batch cultivations during high-level SOD protein production
Authors: Marisch Karoline , Bayer Karl , Cserjan-Puschmann Monika , Luchner Markus , Striedner Gerald
Published: June 2013

Background

In the biopharmaceutical industry,Escherichia coli(E. coli) strains are among the most frequently used bacterial hosts for producing recombinant proteins because they allow a simple process set-up and they are Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for human applications. Widespread use ofE. coliin biotechnology has led to the development of many different strains, and selecting an ideal host to produce a specific protein of interest is an important step in developing a production process.E. coliB and K–12 strains are frequently employed in large-scale production processes, and therefore are of particular interest. We previously evaluated the individual cultivation characteristics ofE. coliBL21 and the K–12 hosts RV308 and HMS174. To our knowledge, there has not yet been a detailed comparison of the individual performances of these production strains in terms of recombinant protein production and system stability. The present study directly compared the T7-based expression hostsE. coliBL21(DE3), RV308(DE3), and HMS174(DE3), focusing on evaluating the specific attributes of these strains in relation to high-level protein production of the model protein recombinant human superoxide dismutase (SOD). The experimental setup was an exponential carbon-limited fed-batch cultivation with minimal media and single-pulse induction.

Results

The host strain BL21(DE3) produced the highest amounts of specific protein, followed by HMS174(DE3) and RV308(DE3). The expression system HMS174(DE3) exhibited system stability by retaining the expression vector over the entire process time; however, it entirely stopped growing shortly after induction. In contrast, BL21(DE3) and RV308(DE3) encountered plasmid loss but maintained growth. RV308(DE3) exhibited the lowest ppGpp concentration, which is correlated with the metabolic stress level and lowest degradation of soluble protein fraction compared to both other strains.

Conclusions

Overall, this study provides novel data regarding the individual strain properties and production capabilities, which will enable targeted strain selection for producing a specific protein of interest. This information can be used to accelerate future process design and implementation.
Dynamic contact angle of water-based titanium oxide nanofluid
Authors: Radiom Milad , Yang Chun , Chan Weng Kong
Published: June 2013

This paper presents an investigation into spreading dynamics and dynamic contact angle of TiO2-deionized water nanofluids. Two mechanisms of energy dissipation, (1) contact line friction and (2) wedge film viscosity, govern the dynamics of contact line motion. The primary stage of spreading has the contact line friction as the dominant dissipative mechanism. At the secondary stage of spreading, the wedge film viscosity is the dominant dissipative mechanism. A theoretical model based on combination of molecular kinetic theory and hydrodynamic theory which incorporates non-Newtonian viscosity of solutions is used. The model agreement with experimental data is reasonable. Complex interparticle interactions, local pinning of the contact line, and variations in solid–liquid interfacial tension are attributed to errors.
Validation of SYBR Green based quantification assay for the detection of human Torque Teno virus titers from plasma
Authors: Tyagi Anuj Kumar , Pradier Amandine , Baumer Odile , Uppugunduri Chakradhara Rao S , Huezo-Diaz Patricia , Posfay-Barbe Klara M , Roosnek Eddy , Ansari Marc
Published: June 2013

Background

Quantification of titers of ubiquitous viruses such as Torque teno virus (TTV) that do not cause clinical symptoms might be helpful in assessing the immune status of an individual. We hereby describe the validation of a SYBR Green-based TTV quantification method for plasma samples.

Methods

Plasmids with TTV specific inserts were used for preparing standards and absolute quantification of TTV was performed using SYBR Green methodology. The method was assessed for its accuracy and precision (intra and inter-day) on four non-consecutive days. TTV was also quantified from plasma samples of 20 healthy volunteers and from 30 hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients.

Results

The assay was specific and showed satisfactory efficiency (82.2%, R2=0.99) with the limit of quantification defined as 100 copies per reaction. The assay had good precision (inter and intra-day coefficient of variation in cycle threshold (CT) < 4%) and accuracy (100 ± 10%) in the range of 100 to 1010 copies/reaction. We found TTV loads ranging from 2.5 – 4.07 log copies/mL of plasma with CT (mean ± SD) of 33.8 ± 1.77 in healthy individuals and 2.06 – 8.49 log copies/mL of plasma with CT (mean ± SD) of 24.3 ± 1.04 in HSCT recipients.

Conclusion

SYBR Green-based q-PCR assay combines simplicity with satisfactory sensitivity and may be suitable for monitoring the immune status of transplant recipients, where TTV loads over time may serve as a marker for immune reconstitution in human plasma samples.
Identification of multiple interacting alleles conferring low glycerol and high ethanol yield in Saccharomyces cerevisiae ethanolic fermentation
Authors: Hubmann Georg , Mathé Lotte , Foulquié-Moreno Maria R , Duitama Jorge , Nevoigt Elke , Thevelein Johan M
Published: June 2013

Background

Genetic engineering of industrial microorganisms often suffers from undesirable side effects on essential functions. Reverse engineering is an alternative strategy to improve multifactorial traits like low glycerol/high ethanol yield in yeast fermentation. Previous rational engineering of this trait always affected essential functions like growth and stress tolerance. We have screened Saccharomyces cerevisiae biodiversity for specific alleles causing lower glycerol/higher ethanol yield, assuming higher compatibility with normal cellular functionality. Previous work identified ssk1

E330N…K356N
as causative allele in strain CBS6412, which displayed the lowest glycerol/ethanol ratio.

Results

We have now identified a unique segregant, 26B, that shows similar low glycerol/high ethanol production as the superior parent, but lacks the ssk1

E330N…K356N
allele. Using segregants from the backcross of 26B with the inferior parent strain, we applied pooled-segregant whole-genome sequence analysis and identified three minor quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to low glycerol/high ethanol production. Within these QTLs, we identified three novel alleles of known regulatory and structural genes of glycerol metabolism, smp1

R110Q,P269Q
, hot1

P107S,H274Y
and gpd1

L164P
as causative genes. All three genes separately caused a significant drop in the glycerol/ethanol production ratio, while gpd1

L164P
appeared to be epistatically suppressed by other alleles in the superior parent. The order of potency in reducing the glycerol/ethanol ratio of the three alleles was: gpd1

L164P
 > hot1

P107S,H274Y
 ≥ smp1

R110Q,P269Q
.

Conclusions

Our results show that natural yeast strains harbor multiple specific alleles of genes controlling essential functions, that are apparently compatible with survival in the natural environment. These newly identified alleles can be used as gene tools for engineering industrial yeast strains with multiple subtle changes, minimizing the risk of negatively affecting other essential functions. The gene tools act at the transcriptional, regulatory or structural gene level, distributing the impact over multiple targets and thus further minimizing possible side-effects. In addition, the results suggest polygenic analysis of complex traits as a promising new avenue to identify novel components involved in cellular functions, including those important in industrial applications.
Rapid induction of complete molecular remission by sequential therapy with LDAC and sorafenib in FLT3-ITD-positive patients unfit for intensive treatment: two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Wolleschak Denise , Schalk Enrico , Krogel Christian , Schnoeder Tina M , Luehr Helga , Jentsch-Ullrich Kathleen , Fischer Thomas , Heidel Florian H
Published: June 2013

Treatment of acute myeloid leukemia remains a therapeutic challenge. Even in younger patients with a low rate of co-morbidities less than 50% of patients can be cured. For older patients or patients with significant co-morbidities, the situation appears even worse. In patients not eligible for intensive treatment approaches - e.g. due to underlying medical conditions - therapeutic approaches remain almost exclusively palliative. However, even with less intense treatment approaches, temporary remission can be achieved and this contributes to prolonged survival and improved quality of life of the respective patient. Targeted therapies have been widely used as palliative treatment in- and outside clinical trials as single agents. Combination with low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) potentially improves remission rates and can be safely administered in an outpatient setting.

Previous studies showed that additive hematologic toxicity of combinatory therapeutic approaches may arise from simultaneous treatment (e.g. chemotherapy plus targeted therapies). However, sequential therapies have already proven their feasibility in clinical trials. Here, we report two cases of rapid induction of complete molecular remission by sequential therapy with LDAC and sorafenib in patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy without significant long-term toxicity.
Lentiviruses allow widespread and conditional manipulation of gene expression in the developing mouse brain
Authors: Artegiani Benedetta , Calegari Federico
Published: June 2013

Generation of transgenic mice, in utero electroporation and viral injection are common approaches to manipulate gene expression during embryonic development of the mammalian brain. While very powerful in many contexts, these approaches are each characterized by their own limitations: namely, that generation of transgenic mice is time-consuming and electroporation only allows the targeting of a small area of the brain. Similarly, viral injection has been predominantly characterized by using retroviruses or adenoviruses that are limited by a relatively low infectivity or lack of integration, respectively. Here we report the use of integrating lentiviral vectors as a system to achieve widespread and efficient infection of the whole brain after in utero injection in the telencephalic ventricle of mouse embryos. In addition, we explored the use of Cre-mediated recombination of loxP-containing lentiviral vectors to achieve spatial and temporal control of gene expression of virtually any transgene without the need for generation of additional mouse lines. Our work provides a system to overcome the limitations of retroviruses and adenoviruses by achieving widespread and high efficiency of transduction. The combination of lentiviral injection and site-specific recombination offers a fast and efficient alternative to complement and diversify the current methodologies to acutely manipulate gene expression in developing mammalian embryos.
Zebrabow: multispectral cell labeling for cell tracing and lineage analysis in zebrafish
Authors: Pan Y. Albert , Freundlich Tom , Weissman Tamily A. , Schoppik David , Wang X. Cindy , Zimmerman Steve , Ciruna Brian , Sanes Joshua R. , Lichtman Jeff W. , Schier Alexander F.
Published: June 2013

Advances in imaging and cell-labeling techniques have greatly enhanced our understanding of developmental and neurobiological processes. Among vertebrates, zebrafish is uniquely suited for in vivo imaging owing to its small size and optical translucency. However, distinguishing and following cells over extended time periods remains difficult. Previous studies have demonstrated that Cre recombinase-mediated recombination can lead to combinatorial expression of spectrally distinct fluorescent proteins (RFP, YFP and CFP) in neighboring cells, creating a ‘Brainbow’ of colors. The random combination of fluorescent proteins provides a way to distinguish adjacent cells, visualize cellular interactions and perform lineage analyses. Here, we describe Zebrabow (Zebrafish Brainbow) tools for in vivo multicolor imaging in zebrafish. First, we show that the broadly expressed ubi:Zebrabow line provides diverse color profiles that can be optimized by modulating Cre activity. Second, we find that colors are inherited equally among daughter cells and remain stable throughout embryonic and larval stages. Third, we show that UAS:Zebrabow lines can be used in combination with Gal4 to generate broad or tissue-specific expression patterns and facilitate tracing of axonal processes. Fourth, we demonstrate that Zebrabow can be used for long-term lineage analysis. Using the cornea as a model system, we provide evidence that embryonic corneal epithelial clones are replaced by large, wedge-shaped clones formed by centripetal expansion of cells from the peripheral cornea. The Zebrabow tool set presented here provides a resource for next-generation color-based anatomical and lineage analyses in zebrafish.
Indium-catalyzed Annulation of Indoles with Ethyl (2-Ethynylaryl)methyl Carbonates: Synthesis and Photoluminescent Properties of Aryl- and Heteroaryl[b]carbazoles
Authors: Nagase Yuta , Miyamura Takuhiro , Inoue Kensuke , Tsuchimoto Teruhisa
Published: June 2013

Two successive carbon–carbon bond-forming annulation of indoles with ethyl (2-ethynylaryl)methyl carbonates and their heteroaryl analogs under indium catalysis provided aryl- and heteroaryl[b]carbazoles, photoluminescent properties of which were then evaluated and compared with those of the corresponding [a]- and [c]-types, thereby showing that the order of light-emitting efficiency is [a]- < [b]- < [c]-type.
1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition-based Synthesis of Diverse Heterocyclic Scaffolds
Authors: Zhang Wei
Published: June 2013

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition reaction-based diversity-oriented synthesis developed from our research lab is highlighted. The initial [3 + 2] cycloaddition products are subjected to postcondensation modifications to afford heterocyclic scaffolds with substitutional, skeletal, and stereochemical variations. Multicomponent reactions and fluorous linker-facilitated separation are integrated to increase the efficiency of compound library synthesis.
A SITUATIONAL APPROACH TO STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING OF REGIONAL AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Савченко Александр , Savchenko Alexander
Published: June 2013

Through a situational approach to strategic management of regional and urban development it is possible to identify the interaction between the managerial process and mechanism; to bring together the spatial and activity-related concepts of territorial development; and to explain the phenomenon in question from both general and specific perspectives. Territorial development is becoming the principal object of strategic management of a region or a city, its key tool being the utilization of its own good practices. The main objective of territorial development is increasing the capacity for constructive interaction between all its “actors and factors”. In this situation, monitoring of territorial development is seen as an integral part of management. It ensures the inventory, observation, and comparison of various trends determining the situation, as well as the results of actions aimed at its targeted alteration. Monitoring helps not only to promptly identify threats, but also to detect the opportunities for developing the situation in the desired directions within the “natural” trends of its dynamics. The situational approach to the monitoring of regional and urban development presented in the article was implemented in the development of the Strategy for the Socioeconomic Development of the City of Moscow until 2015 (as commissioned by the Department of Economic Policy and Development of the Government of Moscow) by an international team headed by the experts of Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration and Higher School of Economics.
DIALECTICS OF EMERGENCE OF CHAOTIC PROCESSES IN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS AT REALIZATION OF INNOVATIONS
Authors: Мыльник Владимир , Mylnik Vladimir , Мыльник Алексей , Mylnik Aleksey
Published: June 2013

This article reveals the dialectics of chaotic processes in the socio-economic systems when implementing innovation. The article highlights consumer groups according to the degree of priority of acceptance of innovative products, describes the cycle of development and the creative element of the innovation chaos.
Morbidity pattern among the disabled in Ibadan, Nigeria: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Atoba Temitope , Adeyinka Daniel Adedayo
Published: June 2013

In many countries, resources are not sufficient to meet the need for the rehabilitation and supportive services of the disabled population. More attention must be focused on them to reduce health inequality in our societies.

A review of case files of patients with disability (n=155) and controls (n=526) at Oluyole Cheshire home, Ibadan, Nigeria from April, 2009 to December, 2010 was conducted using a total sampling method.

The three most common groups of illnesses observed among the disabled were plasmodiasis (41.3%), upper respiratory tract infections (14.8%) and trauma following domestic accident and physical abuse (11.6%). Cervical spondylosis and arthralgia were the most common musculoskeletal disorders (OR 4.95, 95% CI 1.95–12.53). The disabled were significantly more likely than the controls to be physically assaulted (OR 6.15; 95% CI 2.84–13.33).

The findings from this study demand prompt diagnosis and prevention of malaria, respiratory tract infection, cervical spondylosis, and physical abuse in all disabled patients in our environment.
Influence of Reinforcement Characteristics on Non-Linear Performance Evaluation of Confined Beam-Column Joints Under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Surya Kumar Dadi V. V. S. , Agarwal Pankaj
Published: June 2013

The non-linear performance of beam-column joint specimens with different types of reinforcement (thermo-mechanically treated [TMT] and twisted ore reinforced [TOR]) has been evaluated under cyclic loading. A number of parametric variations in the preparation of joints, such as the type of reinforcement, the percentage of reinforcement, and the effect of confinement, have been studied. Comparative cyclic test results have been plotted in the form of hysteresis behavior, envelope of load deformation curves, cumulative energy dissipation curves, strength and stiffness decay curves, etc. The effects of types of reinforcement and confinement of beam-column joint specimens possessing the same percentage of reinforcement have been clearly manifested in non-linear performance evaluation parameters. The energy dissipation in beam-column joint specimens increases with the percentage of reinforcement, but it also decreases as the reinforcement characteristics change from ductile to brittle. A higher over-strength ratio has been observed in joint specimens with TOR reinforcement than in specimens with TMT reinforcement. The post-elastic stiffness degradation is lower in specimens with TMT reinforcement than in specimens with TOR reinforcement over a constant post-elastic drift.
The changing roles of steroid nuclear receptors with prostate cancer progression
Authors: Savoy Rosalinda M , Ghosh Paramita M
Published: June 2013

Estrogens were once used for the treatment of prostate cancer (PC). They may still be used in various parts of the world to that effect. Recent developments in the understanding of a role for estrogen receptor β (ERβ) in the development and progression of this disease resurrect the discussion on the intertwined roles of ERβ and the androgen receptor (AR) in promoting PC. A new article by Zellweger et al. in Endocrine-Related Cancer investigates the expression and assesses the activity of ERα and ERβ as well as the AR, in addition to a phosphorylated form of AR in hormone-naïve and castration-resistant PC.
Cobalamin C Defect Presenting With Isolated Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Iodice Francesca G. , Di Chiara Luca , Boenzi Sara , Aiello Chiara , Monti Lidia , Cogo Paola , Dionisi-Vici Carlo
Published: June 2013

Cobalamin C (cblC) defect is the most common inborn error of vitamin B12 metabolism. Clinical features vary as does the severity of the disease. In most cases, the clinical symptoms of cblC defect tend to appear during infancy or early childhood as a multisystem disease with severe neurologic, ocular, hematologic, renal, and gastrointestinal signs. The neurologic findings are common and include hypotonia, developmental delay, microcephaly, seizures hydrocephalus, and brain MRI abnormalities. We report a case of a young boy with cblC defect, who did not undergo newborn screening, presenting at the age of 2 years with isolated pulmonary hypertension as the leading symptom. This novel way of presentation of cblC defect enlarges the spectrum of inherited diseases that must be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.
Risk Factors for Urolithiasis in Gastrostomy Tube Fed Children: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Johnson Emilie K. , Lightdale Jenifer R. , Nelson Caleb P.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Pediatric patients who are fed primarily via gastrostomy tube (G-tube) may be at increased risk for urolithiasis, but no studies have specifically examined risk factors for stones in this population. We aimed to determine clinical differences between G-tube fed (GTF) patients with and without stones, in hopes of identifying modifiable factors associated with increased risk of urolithiasis.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective case-control study, matching GTF patients with urolithiasis (cases) to GTF children without urolithiasis (controls) based on age (±1 year) and gender. Bivariate comparisons and matched logistic regression modeling were used to determine the unadjusted and adjusted associations between relevant clinical factors and urolithiasis.

RESULTS:

Forty-one cases and 80 matched controls (mean age 12.0 ± 6.5 years) were included. On bivariate analysis, factors associated with stone formation included: white race, urinary tract infection (UTI), topiramate administration, vitamin D use, malabsorption, dehydration, 2-year duration with G-tube, and whether goal free water intake was documented in the patient chart. On regression analysis, the following factors remained significant: topiramate administration (odds ratio [OR]: 6.58 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.76–24.59]), UTI (OR: 7.70 [95% CI: 1.59–37.17]), and <2 years with a G-tube (OR: 8.78 [95% CI: 1.27–52.50]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings provide a preliminary risk profile for the development of urolithiasis in GTF children. Important associations identified include UTI, topiramate administration, and shorter G-tube duration, which may reflect subclinical chronic dehydration. Of these, topiramate use represents the most promising target for risk reduction.
Individual and Center-Level Factors Affecting Mortality Among Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Alleman Brandon W. , Bell Edward F. , Li Lei , Dagle John M. , Smith P. Brian , Ambalavanan Namasivayam , Laughon Matthew M. , Stoll Barbara J. , Goldberg Ronald N. , Carlo Waldemar A. , Murray Jeffrey C. , Cotten C. Michael , Shankaran Seetha , Walsh Michele C. , Laptook Abbot R. , Ellsbury Dan L. , Hale Ellen C. , Newman Nancy S. , Wallace Dennis D. , Das Abhik , Higgins Rosemary D. ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To examine factors affecting center differences in mortality for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.

METHODS:

We analyzed data for 5418 ELBW infants born at 16 Neonatal Research Network centers during 2006–2009. The primary outcomes of early mortality (≤12 hours after birth) and in-hospital mortality were assessed by using multilevel hierarchical models. Models were developed to investigate associations of center rates of selected interventions with mortality while adjusting for patient-level risk factors. These analyses were performed for all gestational ages (GAs) and separately for GAs <25 weeks and ≥25 weeks.

RESULTS:

Early and in-hospital mortality rates among centers were 5% to 36% and 11% to 53% for all GAs, 13% to 73% and 28% to 90% for GAs <25 weeks, and 1% to 11% and 7% to 26% for GAs ≥25 weeks, respectively. Center intervention rates significantly predicted both early and in-hospital mortality for infants <25 weeks. For infants ≥25 weeks, intervention rates did not predict mortality. The variance in mortality among centers was significant for all GAs and outcomes. Center use of interventions and patient risk factors explained some but not all of the center variation in mortality rates.

CONCLUSIONS:

Center intervention rates explain a portion of the center variation in mortality, especially for infants born at <25 weeks’ GA. This finding suggests that deaths may be prevented by standardizing care for very early GA infants. However, differences in patient characteristics and center intervention rates do not account for all of the observed variability in mortality; and for infants with GA ≥25 weeks these differences account for only a small part of the variation in mortality.
Differences in Characteristics of Dying Children Who Receive and Do Not Receive Palliative Care
Authors: Keele Linda , Keenan Heather T. , Sheetz Joan , Bratton Susan L.
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Comparing demographic and clinical characteristics associated with receipt of palliative care (PC) among children who died in children’s hospitals to those who did not receive PC and understanding the trends in PC use.

METHODS:

This retrospective cohort study used the Pediatric Health Information System database. Children <18 years of age who died ≥5 days after admission to a Pediatric Health Information System hospital between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2011 were included. Receipt of PC services was identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code for PC. Diagnoses were grouped using major diagnostic codes. International Classification of Diseases codes and clinical transaction codes were used to evaluate all interventions.

RESULTS:

This study evaluated 24 342 children. Overall, 4% had coding for PC services. This increased from 1% to 8% over the study years. Increasing age was associated with greater receipt of PC. Children with the PC code had fewer median days in the hospital (17 vs 21), received fewer invasive interventions, and fewer died in the ICU (60% vs 80%). Receipt of PC also varied by major diagnostic codes, with the highest proportion found among children with neurologic disease.

CONCLUSIONS:

Most pediatric patients who died in a hospital did not have documented receipt of PC. Children receiving PC are different from those who do not in many ways, including receipt of fewer procedures. Receipt of PC has increased over time; however, it remains low, particularly among neonates and those with circulatory diseases.
Functional oxide films with engineered ferroelectric properties
Authors: Wördenweber R. , Ehlig T. , Schubert J. , Kutzner R. , Hollmann E.
Published: June 2013

The ferroelectric properties of anisotropically strained SrTiO3 films are analyzed by detailed measurements of the complex dielectric constant as function of temperature, frequency, bias voltage and electric field direction. The strain induces a relaxor-ferroelectric phase that persists up to room temperature. However, transition temperature and ferroelectric properties strongly depend on the orientation of the electric field and therefore on the amount of structural strain in the given electric field direction. Frequency and time dependent relaxation experiments reveal the presence and properties of polar nanoregions with randomly distributed directions of dipole moments in the film.
Barro Colorado Island's phylogenetic assemblage structure across fine spatial scales and among clades of different ages
Authors: Pearse William D. , Jones F. Andrew , Purvis Andy
Published: June 2013

Phylogenetic analyses of assemblage membership provide insight into how ecological communities are structured. However, despite the scale‐dependency of many ecological processes, little is known about how assemblage and source pool size definitions can be altered, either alone or together, to provide insight into how ecological diversity is maintained. Moreover, although studies have acknowledged that different clades within an assemblage may be structured by different forces, there has been no attempt to relate the age of a clade to its community phylogenetic structure. Using assemblage phylogenies and spatially explicit data for trees from Barro Colorado Island (BCI), we show that larger assemblages, and assemblages with larger source pools, are more phylogenetically clustered. We argue that this reflects competition, the influence of pathogens, and chance assembly at smaller spatial scales, all operating within the context of wider‐scale habitat filtering. A community phylogenetic measure that is based on a null model derived explicitly from trait evolution theory, D, is better able to detect these differences than commonly used measures such as SESMPD and SESMNTD. We also detect a moderate tendency for stronger phylogenetic clustering in younger clades, which suggests that coarse analyses of diverse assemblages may be missing important variation among clades. Our results emphasize the importance of spatial and phylogenetic scale in community phylogenetics and show how varying these scales can help to untangle complex assembly processes.
Geomechanics Coupled Simulation of Different Completion Schemes in a Stress Sensitive Reservoir
Authors: Restrepo A. , Rendon N. , Marin R. , Lara V. , Osorio G. , Velasquez J. , Lopez C. , Ocampo A.
Published: June 2013

The development of fields located in the Colombian Foothills face important challenges related to fluid compositional character, highly heterogeneous and stressed tectonic environments. Complex and high cost operations make well productivity maximization a key component for an optimal reservoir management strategy. Based on this high risk scenario and on the uncertainties related to complex geological heterogeneities, a coupled simulation excercise has been performed in order to estimate the best engineering solution that allows completing and producing future wells under the optimal scenario of initial and sustained productivity, operational flexibility and mitigation of investment risk.

The study herein presented includes a complete sensitivity analysis and uncertainty assessment of four different well completion schemes for production: a single vertical well, a vertical hydraulically fractured well and two multilateral wells, one with one producing branch and other with two producing branches. In all cases, a non-linear hypoelastic constitutive model was fully coupled to the reservoir simulator and permeability changes were included based on its dependence on the mean effective stress.

Results suggests that geomechanics effects can lead to significant variations in final recovery depending on completion scheme. This input becomes now critical for final well designs specially in naturally fractured - highly anisotropic zones in which conventional approaches have led to rapid water encroachment and/or near wellbore permeability reduction due to increased effective stress.