bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors influencing prostate cancer‐specific survival in non‐castrate patients with metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Ost Piet , Decaestecker Karel , Lambert Bieke , Fonteyne Valérie , Delrue Louke , Lumen Nicolaas , Ameye Filip , De Meerleer Gert
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

In non‐castrate prostate cancer (PCa), the prognostic value of the number of metastases on prostate cancer‐specific survival (PCSS) is not well studied.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 1,206 patients, referred for radiotherapy of the prostate (bed) following diagnosis of PCa. Distant metastases (nodal, skeletal, and/or visceral) developed in 121 patients following curative treatment, of which 80 with complete records were not castrated at time of metastasis. The treatment at time of metastases was androgen deprivation therapy (ADT; n = 22), active surveillance (n = 10) or metastasis‐directed therapy (MDT; n = 48). Cox‐regression analyses were used to examine the influence of different variables on PCSS.

RESULTS

The median follow‐up from primary PCa treatment was 6.9 years with a median interval from diagnosis to first metastatic event of 4.1 year (range: 0.2–15 years). The primary site of metastases was limited to lymph nodes (48%), bone (39%), and viscera (1%) or a combination (12%). Median PCSS from diagnosis of noncastrate metastases was 6.6 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6–7.7 years). A longer premetastatic PSA doubling time (DT) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57–0.92), a lower number of metastases at first presentation (HR 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02–1.12) and pattern of metastatic spread (HR 3.6; 95% CI: 1.13–11.8 for extensive vs. minimal) were associated with improved PCSS.

CONCLUSION

A longer PSA DT, involvement of nodes or axial skeleton and a lower number of metastases are associated with an improved PCSS in non‐castrated patients developing metastases. Prostate 74:297–305, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the influence of model nonlinearity and localization on ensemble Kalman smoothing
Authors: Nerger Lars , Schulte Svenja , Bunse‐Gerstner Angelika
Published: November 2013

Ensemble‐based Kalman smoother algorithms extend ensemble Kalman filters to reduce the estimation error of past model states utilizing observational information from the future. Like the filters they extend, current smoothing algorithms are optimal only for linear models. However, the ensemble methods are typically applied with high‐dimensional nonlinear models, which also require the application of localization in the data assimilation. In this article, the influence of the model nonlinearity and of the application of localization on the smoother performance is studied. Numerical experiments show that the observational information can be successfully utilized over smoothing lags several times the error doubling time of the model. Localization limits the smoother lag by spatial decorrelation. However, if the localization is well tuned, the usable lag of the smoother, and hence the usable amount of observational information, is maximized. The localization reduces the estimation errors of the smoother even more than those of the filter. As the smoother reuses the transformation matrix of the filter, it profits from increases of the ensemble size more strongly than the filter. With respect to inflation and localization, the experiments also show that the same configuration that yields the smallest estimation errors for the filter without smoothing also results in the smallest errors of the smoothed states. Thus, smoothing only adds the lag as a further tunable parameter.
Paper No P21: Normal‐ and Reverse‐Mode Light‐Scattering Properties in Polymer‐Stabilized Nematic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Yamaguchi Rumiko , Goto Koichiro , Xiao‐Jun Chang
Published: November 2013

A normal mode property of which a light‐scattering state electrically changes to a transparent state and a reverse mode with the opposite switching property are demonstrated in an oriented reactive mesogen and liquid crystal composite cell. The light‐scattering domain is produced in the transparent cell by partly irradiated with a UV light under a suitable voltage application. Scattering and transparent patterns simultaneously electrically turn to the transparent and scattering patterns without electrode partitions.
Paper No P22: Fast Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Display With Novel Photoaligned Layer
Authors: Guo Qi , Srivastava A. K. , Ma Ying , Chigrinov V. G. , Kowk H.S. , Pozhidaev E. P.
Published: November 2013

A novel composite photoalignment layer for ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) displays is explored. The key technique is to introduce a functional liquid crystal polymer into azo‐dye material with proper mixing. Bearing good alignment quality derived from the azo‐dye, the composite layer provides strong anchoring energy comparable to that of rubbed polyimide layers. Furthermore, by using a two‐step exposure process, the composite layer shows much better stability than that with a pure azo‐dye material. The photostability has been evaluated by the exposure energy needed to rearrange the orientation of SD1 molecules. The photostability is improved by more than 20 times using composited layer compared with pure SD1 material.
Paper No P8: A Novel AMOLED Pixel Circuit for Compensating of Deviation of Threshold Voltage of p‐Channel Poly‐Si TFTs
Authors: Chung Hoon‐Ju
Published: November 2013

This paper proposes a novel pixel circuit that uses only p‐channel low‐temperature polycrystalline silicon thin‐film transistors (LTPS‐TFTs) to compensate deviation of threshold voltage of OLED‐driving TFTs. The proposed pixel circuit consists of five switching TFTs, one OLED‐driving TFT, and two capacitors. SmartSpice simulation results show that the proposed 6T2C pixel circuit can realize uniform OLED current with high immunity to the threshold voltage deviation of OLED driving poly‐Si TFT.
Paper No P29: Improvement of LED Luminous Efficacy in Driving by Pulse Current Utilizing Optical Electric Generation of the LED
Authors: Sano Yuji , Arai Takahiro
Published: November 2013

Luminous efficacy of pulse‐driven LED was improved by utilizing optical electric generation of the LED. A pair of LEDs, which was irradiated by each other alternately, charged diffusion capacitance in the LED. Consumed power was reduced to 57.4%–97.1% in RGB color LEDs.
Paper No P19: Aluminum Nanostructured Coatings as Alternatives to Metal Oxide and Transparent Semiconductors
Authors: Smirnov A. , Stsiapanau A. , Mukha Y. , Satskevich Ya. , Martinovich A. , Maksimov A.
Published: November 2013

Al nanostructured coatings are the promising alternative to a tin‐doped indium oxide film (ITO) as transparent conductive electrodes. In this paper, we describe the fabrication of Al nanostructured coatings by electrochemical anodization of aluminum deposited by magnetron sputtering on a glass substrate. The process of anodization is strictly controlled by the characteristic changes of process parameters, followed by selective chemical etching of aluminum oxide. We proposed the model for Al nanostructured coatings describing the dependences of their optical transmittance and surface resistance on the characteristic dimensions of the network structure.
Paper No P13: Patterning of OSC Materials for Minimizing of Parasitic Currents
Authors: Coombs Benjamin A. , McCall Keri L. , Rutter Simon R. , Ogier Simon D.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we describe a versatile method for the patterning of dielectric and organic semiconductor (OSC) in an organic thin‐film transistor (OTFT) that we have developed using commercially available material sets. OTFTs with on/off ratios of 109 and mobilities > 4 cm2/Vs can be produced using CPI's FlexOSTM OSC and Orthogonal Inc. OSCoR1510 photoresist.
Paper No P4: The Development of the Integrated Holographic Recording Head for Synthesized 3D Hologram Recording
Authors: Morozov Alexander , Bovsunovsky Ivan , Putilin Andrew N , Kopenkin Sergey S. , Borodin Yuriy P. , Yanovskiy Alexey V. , Gavrikov Vladimir A.
Published: November 2013

An integration of several total internal reflection (TIR) holographic optical elements (HOEs) for the design of compact holographic recording system is discussed. Methods of waveguide holography (WGH) permits to realize the concept of pure HOE recording setup for synthesizing three‐dimensional (3D) holograms. So the idea of homogeneous technology for “HOLOGRAMS BREEDING” was approved. The several schemes for light guiding HOE recording was proposed to obtain integrated TIR illumination and reference beam forming units. In this paper, it is shown that the specific light transformation waveguide holograms permit to construct efficient recording setup for 3D synthesized micro‐hogel recording. It is also shown several experimental schemes of reflection/transmition variants of 3D synthesized hologram recording. The schemes of HOE operation improvement are discussed and some experimental results are shown.
Paper No P11: BLU Inspection Machine
Authors: Nam Teckjin , Lee Sukte , Geum Sangtaek , Kim Jongkyu , Park Sekwang
Published: November 2013

In liquid crystal display (LCD), the liquid crystal open and closed light to the color filter as following the circuit. LCD is passive display, so it needs light source. The outer light source is back light unit (BLU). BLU is divided into LED and CCFL based on the characteristics of lighting, but the inspection machine can detect the defects equally in BLU irrespective of LED or CCFL. This paper deals with the invention of inspection machine for BLU. The inspection machine is generally called machine vision. At manufacturing LCD, to detect defects is the one of most important parts. To make the inspection machine for BLU is to make detect machine to defects. There are four types of defects at BLU: the front particles, viewing angle defect (VAD), Mura (faint stain), and scratch. So the inspection machine must to detect four types of defects all. To detect four types of defects, it needed to much research (study) and assembly of many cameras. However, we made the inspection machine using only one camera, it also detects four types of defects. Primarily many cameras are necessary at inspection machine to detect VAD. From the results of more than 200 tests, we came to know that only three angles cameras (front, two pairs) can cover to detect all VAD, and the more, two angles cameras (two pairs cameras) can be replaced by mirror. Hence, the inspection machine using only one camera is invented to detect the defects in BLU. Patent (10‐2009‐0016934) has been applied for the important tech parts for using mirror. The inspection machine for BLU is equipped at most BLU manufacture line, it has been used effectively at manufacturing BLU company.
Paper No P42: Increasing Rewriting Speed of Optical Rewritable E‐Paper by Process Optimization
Authors: Sun Jiatong , Srivastava Abhishek , Chigrinov Vladimir , Kwok H. S.
Published: November 2013

Process optimization for increasing the response speed of liquid crystal (LC) optical rewritable e‐paper was investigated. It is demonstrated that by filling LC in atmosphere condition rewriting time could be decreased to 6 s with good repeatability. Increasing the spin coating speed and time could also decrease the azimuthal anchoring energy, but it will cause non‐continuous film form of alignment layer which causes large speed dispersion that is not good for practical use. Serial experiments show that with smaller azimuthal anchoring energy the rewriting time could be smaller. The results demonstrate that with proper fabrication process of alignment layer for liquid crystal optical rewritable e‐paper, azimuthal anchoring energy could be adjusted to an optimal value which is beneficial for achieving fastest rewriting speed and at the same time strong enough to well align LC.
Paper No P6: Feasibility Study of Digital Driving for AMOLED Displays
Authors: Dobrev Yassen , Volkert Pascal , Xu Chihao
Published: November 2013

The feasibility of digital driving for active matrix organic light‐emitting diode is investigated. It offers simple 2T1C pixel circuit and low power consumption. However, it is susceptible to pixel aging, image sticking, and temperature variations. A novel nominal organic light‐emitting diode current measurement method is proposed enabling compensation for these effects using an image decomposition algorithm.
Paper No 5.1: Highly Efficient Blue‐Green OLEDs From Tetradentate Cyclometalated Platinum Complexes
Authors: Ecton Jeremy , Fleetham Tyler , Hang Xaiochun , Li Jian
Published: November 2013

Highly efficiency stable, blue phosphorescent OLEDS are still in need of further development if OLEDs are to compete with existing lighting and display technologies. Here we present a possible route toward stable, blue phosphorescent OLEDs using halogen‐free platinum complexes. Devices based on the halogen‐free platinum complexes yielded external quantum efficiencies more than 20%.
Paper No 9.4: Heat Dissipation Performance of Laser Backlight for Liquid Crystal Television Displays
Authors: Nagase Akihiro , Niikura Eiji , Shinozaki Masaru , Nagayasu Tetsuya , Kondo Taiji
Published: November 2013

The authors have developed the laser backlight for displays that uses laser diodes (LDs) for the red light sources. While laser beams are favorable because of their high color purity, they develop extremely disadvantageous thermal characteristics. Therefore, thermal management is a critical issue for LDs used as display light sources. As for the backlight used on a large screen flat panel display in particular, where light sources with high heat flux are laid out in a dispersed fashion, the cooling performance of the light sources directly influences the product performance and quality. The authors used a CFD simulation to review a cooling system optimum for the laser backlight.
Paper No 9.1: Unique Parameters of Display Cells Based on New FLC, and Prospects of Their Applications (Invited Paper)
Authors: Andreev A.L. , Kompanets I.N.
Published: November 2013

High‐frequency (up to 7 kHz) and hysteresis‐free light modulation with continuous gray scale at low control voltage (±1.5 V) is provided in a wide temperature interval with high optical contrast in display cells with new FLC materials developed at LPI, Moscow. Prospects are opened to use these materials in various LCD, where high rate is desirable, especially in 3D and FSC displays.
Paper No 9.3: Liquid Crystal Gratings Technologies and Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal‐Based Gratings
Authors: Ma Ying , Guo Qi , Srivastava Abhishek , Chigrinov Vladimir
Published: November 2013

In this article, existing technologies of switchable liquid crystal gratings and their limitations are discussed. A new mode ferroelectric liquid crystal with its unique characteristics is presented, which shows great potential for grating use. Some possible fabrication procedures and results are also presented in this paper.
Paper No 10.4: Oxide‐TFT–Driven Flexible Display Using Highly Efficient Phosphorescent OLED
Authors: Motomura Genichi , Nakajima Yoshiki , Takei Tatsuya , Fujisaki Yoshihide , Fukagawa Hirohiko , Tsuji Hiroshi , Nakata Mitsuru , Shimizu Takahisa , Yamamoto Toshihiro
Published: November 2013

We developed an 8‐in. VGA flexible OLED display by integrating IGZO‐TFTs and novel highly efficient phosphorescent OLEDs. The emitting layers in red OLEDs using a beryllium complex as a host material and a platinum complex as a guest material exhibited low driving voltage, high luminous efficiency, and high stability because of efficient energy transfer from the host to the guest. Furthermore, IGZO‐TFT backplane was fabricated on the plastic film at low temperature. Stable moving images could be observed on the display when it was bent.
Paper No 10.3: Bridged‐Grain Polycrystalline Silicon Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Kwok Hoi Sing , Zhou Wei , Zhang Meng , Chen Rongsheng , Zhao Shuyun , Wong Man , Chen Shuming , Chow Thomas
Published: November 2013

A new structure for thin‐film transistors, exhibiting the benefits but not the drawbacks of both short‐channel and multijunction effects, is proposed and demonstrated. Theoretical modeling is performed to understand the physics of this device structure. All characteristics such as threshold voltage, pseudo subthreshold slope, on–off current ratio, and field‐effect mobility are improved.
Paper No 13.1: Energy Efficient LED Backlight Technology
Authors: Gourlay James
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we describe how in addition to Direct‐Lit and Edge‐Lit LED backlight technology, there is hybrid LED backlight technology. Hybrid backlight technology combines the best features of both conventional approaches and tries to mitigate some of their drawbacks. Results show improved optical efficiencies that can lead to cost reduction.
Paper No 14.2: Image Quality Enhancement for Mobile Display Under Outdoor Environment
Authors: Jang Jun Woo , Park Tae‐Yong , Lee Seon Mee , Seo Woong Jin , Park Jongjin , Lim Moojong
Published: November 2013

This paper presents outdoor image quality enhancement methods based on adjusting gamma shape and chroma compensation for mobile display. In order to verify the suggested method, a psychophysical experiment was performed using 22 test images that are categorised by colour attributes and contents. The test images that are applied both methods are more preferred than others with statistical significant difference.
Paper No 14.1: Imaging Colorimeter for Color Calibration of Phone and Tablet Displays
Authors: Boher Pierre , Leroux Thierry , Leroux Vincent
Published: November 2013

In spite of their very high color gamut, new small and medium size OLED displays are not perfect and require additional calibration to improve their performances. This is not surprising since OLED technology can suffer from homogeneity problems and small changes of emissive properties within the same display or from on display to the other. These calibrations need to be based on specific color measurements that must be very accurate and short. This specific problem is addressed in the proposed paper.
Paper No 15.2: Head‐Tracked Retroreflecting 3D Display
Authors: Surman Phil , Day Sally , Boby Bonny , Chen Hao , Urey Hakan , Aksit Kaan
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we describe a single‐user glasses‐free (autostereoscopic) 3D display where images from a picoprojector pair are projected on to a retroreflecting screen. Real images of the projector lenses formed at the viewer's eyes produce exit pupils that follow the eye positions by the projectors moving laterally under the control of a head tracker. This provides the viewer with a comfortable degree of head movement.
Paper No 15.1: Augmented Reality and 3D Displays Using Pico‐Projectors
Authors: Aksit Kaan , Eldes Osman , Hedili M. Kivanc , Urey Hakan
Published: November 2013

Pico‐projectors based on MEMS scanners and RGB lasers provide a powerful platform for not only mobile projectors but also for various 3D display architectures and augmented reality. First part of the paper discusses two recently developed 3D display techniques: a stereoscopic display using only one pico‐projector passive polarized glasses and an autostereoscopic multiuser multiview display using an array of pico‐projectors. Second part of the paper discusses various augmented reality applications enabled by a pico‐projector and a special micro‐optical screen. Those technologies can be expected to play an important role in the future of human‐computer interface.
Paper No 16.3: Low‐Operation Voltage, High Aspect Ratio, Position‐Controlled Transfer Mold Carbon Nanotube Field Emitter Arrays
Authors: Nakamoto Masayuki , Moon Jonghyun
Published: November 2013

Low operation voltage, high aspect ratio, and position‐controlled Transfer Mold carbon nanotube (CNT) FEAs have been developed by the combination of the Transfer Mold FEAs and CNTs to realize highly efficient, reliable, and high performance displays. The Transfer Mold FEAs have the highest uniform and the most reliable field emission characteristics compared with the conventional FEAs such as CNT FEAs having the nonuniform and unstable emission characteristics, because the Transfer Mold FEAs can give the uniform emitter morphology and can decide the uniform emission sites. Moreover, if the nonuniform emission happens in a pixel, it is difficult to make uniform electron beam in a pixel even by using focusing electrode. However, the emission points of Transfer Mold FEAs are uniformly distributed in a pixel. Transfer Mold CNT FEAs can improve the emission characteristics by combining the Transfer Mold FEAs and CNTs, because Transfer Mold CNT FEAs have the higher aspect ratio than those of Transfer Mold FEAs. The turn‐on fields of Transfer Mold CNT FEAs and Transfer Mold Ni FEAs are 12.5 V/μm and 14.9 V/μm, respectively; these represent one of the lowest turn‐on voltages obtained to date. The turn‐on voltages are reduced by about 16% due to the high aspect ratio of Transfer Mold CNT FEAs. Both values of the turn‐on voltages, 12.5 and 14.9 V/µm, are lower than those of other conventional FEAs such as CNTs FEAs of 50−100 V/µm at the short distance less than 10 μm. Therefore, Transfer Mold CNT FEAs can operate at low voltages and are applicable for fabricating uniform and reliable FEDs and other vacuum nanoelectronic devices.
Paper No 17.2: Head‐Tracked Dynamic Exit Pupil Multiuser Autostereoscopic Display
Authors: Surman Phil , Day Sally , Selviah David R. , Willman Eero , Miranda Matheus
Published: November 2013

In this paper, a glasses‐free (autostereoscopic) display is described where the controlled illumination for a liquid crystal display (LCD) backlight is derived from a laser source where the laser is used not for its coherence properties but for its ability to have close control on its direction. This allows light exiting the LCD to be directed to the left and right eyes of several viewers who can move freely in both the X and Z directions. Light directions are determined by a spatial light modulator (SLM) that is controlled by a multiuser head tracker. This paper is principally concerned with the SLM and the Gabor superlens screen that is used to provide the angular magnification required to give a sufficiently wide viewing field,
Trust and reputation management in cognitive radio networks: a survey
Authors: Ling Mee Hong , Yau Kok‐Lim Alvin , Poh Geong Sen
Published: November 2013

Cognitive radio (CR), which is the next generation wireless communication system, enables unlicensed users or secondary users (SUs) to exploit underutilized spectrum (called white spaces) owned by the licensed users or primary users (PUs) so that bandwidth availability improves at the SUs, which helps to improve overall spectrum utilization. Collaboration is an intrinsic characteristic of CR to improve network performance. For instance, in collaborative spectrum sensing, SU hosts generate sensing outcomes, and collaborate amongst themselves through making final decisions at a decision fusion center in order to improve the accuracy of spectrum sensing. The requirement to collaborate has inevitably opened doors to various forms of attacks by malicious SUs, and this critical issue can be addressed using trust and reputation management (TRM), and so this is the focus of this article. Generally speaking, TRM detects malicious SUs, including honest SUs that turn malicious. Hence, TRM is of paramount importance in most kinds of schemes that require collaboration in CR networks. Our contribution in this article is as follows. This article provides an extensive survey on the application of TRM in various schemes in CR networks in order to ameliorate the effects of malicious SUs in collaboration. The discussion is presented with respect to a TRM taxonomy, various approaches to achieve TRM, various attack models, as well as the challenges and characteristics associated with TRM. Because of the significance of TRM in collaboration, this article presents a wide range of open issues to warrant further research in this area. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BMP4 Promotes EMT and Mesodermal Commitment in Human Embryonic Stem Cells via SLUG and MSX2
Authors: Richter Anne , Valdimarsdottir Lena , Hrafnkelsdottir Helga Eyja , Runarsson Johann Frimann , Omarsdottir Arna Run , Oostwaard Dorien Ward-van , Mummery Christine , Valdimarsdottir Gudrun
Published: November 2013

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) initiate differentiation in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) but the exact mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. We demonstrate here that SLUG and MSX2, transcription factors involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transitions, essential features of gastrulation in development and tumor progression, are important mediators of BMP4-induced differentiation in hESCs. Phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 colocalized with the SLUG protein at the edges of hESC colonies where differentiation takes place. The upregulation of the BMP target SLUG was direct as shown by the binding of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 to its promoter, which interrupted the formation of adhesion proteins, resulting in migration. Knockdown of SLUG by short hairpin RNA blocked these changes, confirming an important role for SLUG in BMP-mediated mesodermal differentiation. Furthermore, BMP4-induced MSX2 expression leads to mesoderm formation and then preferential differentiation toward the cardiovascular lineage. Stem Cells  2014;32:636–648
Concise Review: Leukemia Stem Cells in Personalized Medicine
Authors: Guzman Monica L. , Allan John N.
Published: November 2013

Despite increased comprehension of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) pathogenesis, current treatment strategies have done little to improve upon standard induction chemotherapy to induce long-term remissions. Since the identification of the leukemic stem cell, efforts have been placed on identifying therapeutically actionable pathways that distinguish this increasingly important cellular compartment. With the advent of increased genome sequencing efforts and phenotypic characterization, opportunities for personalized treatment strategies are rapidly emerging. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the understanding of leukemic stem cell biology and their potential for translation into clinically relevant therapeutics. NF-kappa B activation, Bcl-2 expression, oxidative and metabolic state, and epigenetic modifications all bear their own clinical implications. With advancements in genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic profiling, personalized strategies may be feasible in the near future to improve outcomes for AML patients. Stem Cells  2014;32:844–851
Stress Hematopoiesis Is Regulated by the Krüppel-Like Transcription Factor ZBP-89
Authors: Li Xiangen , Romain Rachael D. , Park Dongsu , Scadden David T. , Merchant Juanita L. , Arnaout M. Amin
Published: November 2013

Previous studies have shown that ZBP-89 (Zfp148) plays a critical role in erythroid lineage development, with its loss at the embryonic stage causing lethal anemia and thrombocytopenia. Its role in adult hematopoiesis has not been described. We now show that conditional deletion of ZBP-89 in adult mouse hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) causes anemia and thrombocytopenia that are transient in the steady state, but readily uncovered following chemically induced erythro/megakaryopoietic stress. Unexpectedly, stress induced by bone marrow transplantation of ZBP89−/− HSPC also resulted in a myeloid-to-B lymphoid lineage switch in bone marrow recipients. The erythroid and myeloid/B lymphoid lineage anomalies in ZBP89−/− HSPC are reproduced in vitro in the ZBP-89-silenced multipotent hematopoietic cell line FDCP-Mix A4, and are associated with the upregulation of PU.1 and downregulation of SCL/Tal1 and GATA-1 in ZBP89-deficient cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays show that ZBP-89 is a direct repressor of PU.1 and activator of SCL/Tal1 and GATA-1. These data identify an important role for ZBP-89 in regulating stress hematopoiesis in adult mouse bone marrow. Stem Cells  2014;32:791–801
Rearrangement of the dendritic morphology of the neurons from prefrontal cortex and hippocampus after subthalamic lesion in Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Camacho‐Abrego Israel , Tellez‐Merlo Gullermina , Melo Angel I. , Rodríguez‐Moreno Antonio , Garcés Linda , De La Cruz Fidel , Zamudio Sergio , Flores Gonzalo
Published: November 2013

Several studies in rodents have suggested the inactivation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as an alternative strategy to Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment. The STN is part of the basal ganglia and plays an important role in the motor function; however, recent data suggest that this structure has a critical role in the cognitive function of the limbic system. The STN receives direct projection from the prefrontal cortex (PFC), structure interconnected with the hippocampus and both structures send excitatory projections to the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). Here, we determined whether and which changes occurred 4 weeks after a STN lesion in the dendritic morphology of pyramidal neurons of the layers 3 and 5 of the PFC and basolateral amygdala, neurons of the ventral hippocampus, and the medium spiny neurons of the NAcc and caudate‐putamen. Dendritic morphology was measured using the Golgi‐Cox procedure followed by Sholl analysis. We also evaluated the effects of STN lesion on locomotor behavior assessed by an open field test, social interaction, acoustic startle response, prepulse inhibition, and locomotor activity induced by a novel environment and amphetamine. We found that STN damage induced a deficit in locomotion measured by open field test with neuronal hypertrophy in PFC (layer 5) and reduced spinogenesis in CA1 ventral hippocampus and PFC (layer 3). Taken together, these data suggest that the behavioral and morphological effects of STN lesion are, at least partially, mediated by limbic subregions with possible consequences for cognitive‐related behaviors observed in PD treatment. Synapse 68:114–126, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Methods to estimate distribution and range extent of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Authors: Bjornlie Daniel D. , Thompson Daniel J. , Haroldson Mark A. , Schwartz Charles C. , Gunther Kerry A. , Cain Steven L. , Tyers Daniel B. , Frey Kevin L. , Aber Bryan C.
Published: November 2013

The distribution of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) population has expanded into areas unoccupied since the early 20th century. Up‐to‐date information on the area and extent of this distribution is crucial for federal, state, and tribal wildlife and land managers to make informed decisions regarding grizzly bear management. The most recent estimate of grizzly bear distribution (2004) utilized fixed‐kernel density estimators to describe distribution. This method was complex and computationally time consuming and excluded observations of unmarked bears. Our objective was to develop a technique to estimate grizzly bear distribution that would allow for the use of all verified grizzly bear location data, as well as provide the simplicity to be updated more frequently. We placed all verified grizzly bear locations from all sources from 1990 to 2004 and 1990 to 2010 onto a 3‐km × 3‐km grid and used zonal analysis and ordinary kriging to develop a predicted surface of grizzly bear distribution. We compared the area and extent of the 2004 kriging surface with the previous 2004 effort and evaluated changes in grizzly bear distribution from 2004 to 2010. The 2004 kriging surface was 2.4% smaller than the previous fixed‐kernel estimate, but more closely represented the data. Grizzly bear distribution increased 38.3% from 2004 to 2010, with most expansion in the northern and southern regions of the range. This technique can be used to provide a current estimate of grizzly bear distribution for management and conservation applications. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
miRNA regulation in the context of functional protein networks: principles and applications
Authors: Alshalalfa Mohammed
Published: November 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding endogenous regulatory RNAs that fine‐tune gene expression in a wide range of biological processes and diseases. miRNAs exert their function by targeting mRNAs to trigger their degradation or inhibit protein translation. The proteins encoded by the genes targeted by miRNAs may act as key components of cellular networks, thus the use of biological molecular network information for the purposes of elucidating the role of miRNAs in molecular disease mechanism is a key objective in systems biomedicine. The crosstalk layer between miRNA–target networks and functional protein is rich sources of information to explore the function of miRNAs at the system level. Characterizing the influence of miRNAs in the context of the target (protein interactors of the target) is in the early stages with potential to help better understand how miRNAs function within the cellular networks. In this article, the latest research on the cross‐talk between miRNAs and protein networks, particularly physical protein interactions and gene regulatory networks is summarized. This article also covers recent research on understanding the biology of miRNAs at the system level and defines principles of miRNA regulation of protein and gene regulatory networks. The second part of the article highlights the promise of considering the protein context of the miRNA target when searching for functional miRNA–target interactions. Some of the applications of integrating protein networks with miRNA–targets that have clinical and functional utility are described. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2014, 6:189–199. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1251

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Macromolecular Interactions, Methods

Biological Mechanisms > Regulatory Biology

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > RNA Methods
Systems biology‐embedded target validation: improving efficacy in drug discovery
Authors: Vandamme Drieke , Minke Benedikt A. , Fitzmaurice William , Kholodenko Boris N. , Kolch Walter
Published: November 2013

The pharmaceutical industry is faced with a range of challenges with the ever‐escalating costs of drug development and a drying out of drug pipelines. By harnessing advances in ‐omics technologies and moving away from the standard, reductionist model of drug discovery, there is significant potential to reduce costs and improve efficacy. Embedding systems biology approaches in drug discovery, which seek to investigate underlying molecular mechanisms of potential drug targets in a network context, will reduce attrition rates by earlier target validation and the introduction of novel targets into the currently stagnant market. Systems biology approaches also have the potential to assist in the design of multidrug treatments and repositioning of existing drugs, while stratifying patients to give a greater personalization of medical treatment. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2014, 6:1–11. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1253

This article is categorized under:

Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Therapeutic Methods

Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
Clubfoot Care in Low‐Income and Middle‐Income Countries: From Clinical Innovation to a Public Health Program
Authors: Harmer Luke , Rhatigan Joseph
Published: November 2013

Background

Clubfoot occurs in nearly 1 in every 1,000 live births worldwide, representing a significant burden of disease. In high‐income countries, an evidence‐based treatment protocol utilizing sequential casting was pioneered by Ponseti and has resulted in excellent outcomes among children treated for this condition. However, treatment methods and results of treatment vary greatly across low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Our goal was to create a framework for understanding how effective programs that treat clubfoot in LMICs choose and organize their activities.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted using the keywords “developing countries” and “clubfoot.” A public health analysis model known as the Care Delivery Value Chain (CDVC) was applied to discover public health practices that would optimize value over the entire course of a patient’s life.

Results

The literature review yielded 32 unique results, seven of which met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Review of the bibliographies yielded two additional papers for a total of nine papers. We identified seven vital steps in the clubfoot cycle of care and constructed a CDVC.

Conclusions

The analysis of this CDVC model suggests six best practices that are essential to successfully scaling up clubfoot treatment programs and ensuring excellent clinical outcomes: (1) diagnosing clubfoot early; (2) organizing high‐volume Ponseti casting centers; (3) using nonphysician health workers; (4) engaging families in care; (5) addressing barriers to access; (6) providing follow‐up in the patient’s community. These practices must be adapted to each context. Applying them will optimize outcomes when designing public health programs that deliver clubfoot care in LMICs.
Improvement of alkali stability and thermostability of Paenibacillus campinasensis Family-11 xylanase by directed evolution and site-directed mutagenesis
Authors: Zheng Hongchen , Liu Yihan , Sun Mingzhe , Han Yang , Wang Jianling , Sun Junshe , Lu Fuping
Published: November 2013

The extreme process condition of high temperature and high alkali limits the applications of most of natural xylanases in pulp and paper industry. Recently, various methods of protein engineering have been used to improve the thermal and alkalic tolerance of xylanases. In this work, directed evolution and site-directed mutagenesis were performed to obtain a mutant xylanase improved both on alkali stability and thermostability from the native Paenibacillus campinasensis Family-11 xylanase (XynG1-1). Mutant XynG1-1B43 (V90R/P172H) with two units increased in the optimum pH (pH 7.0–pH 9.0) and significant improvement on alkali stability was selected from the second round of epPCR library. And the further thermoduric mutant XynG1-1B43cc16 (V90R/P172H/T84C-T182C/D16Y) with 10 °C increased in the optimum temperature (60–70 °C) was then obtained by introducing a disulfide bridge (T84C-T182C) and a single amino acid substitution (D16Y) to XynG1-1B43 using site-directed mutagenesis. XynG1-1B43cc16 also showed higher thermostability and catalytic efficiency (k  cat/K  m) than that of wild-type (XynG1-1) and XynG1-1B43. The attractive improved properties make XynG1-1B43cc16 more suitable for bioleaching of cotton stalk pulp under the extreme process condition of high temperature (70 °C) and high alkali (pH 9.0).
DyP-type peroxidases: a promising and versatile class of enzymes
Authors: Colpa Dana I , Fraaije Marco W , van Bloois Edwin
Published: November 2013

DyP peroxidases comprise a novel superfamily of heme-containing peroxidases, which is unrelated to the superfamilies of plant and animal peroxidases. These enzymes have so far been identified in the genomes of fungi, bacteria, as well as archaea, although their physiological function is still unclear. DyPs are bifunctional enzymes displaying not only oxidative activity but also hydrolytic activity. Moreover, these enzymes are able to oxidize a variety of organic compounds of which some are poorly converted by established peroxidases, including dyes, β-carotene, and aromatic sulfides. Interestingly, accumulating evidence shows that microbial DyP peroxidases play a key role in the degradation of lignin. Owing to their unique properties, these enzymes are potentially interesting for a variety of biocatalytic applications. In this review, we deal with the biochemical and structural features of DyP-type peroxidases as well as their promising biotechnological potential.
Exploring Empowerment in Settings: Mapping Distributions of Network Power
Authors: Neal Jennifer Watling
Published: November 2013

This paper brings together two trends in the empowerment literature—understanding empowerment in settings and understanding empowerment as relational—by examining what makes settings empowering from a social network perspective. Specifically, extending Neal and Neal's (Am J Community Psychol 48(3/4):157–167,2011) conception of network power, an empowering setting is defined as one in which (1) actors have existing relationships that allow for the exchange of resources and (2) the distribution of network power among actors in the setting is roughly equal. The paper includes a description of how researchers can examine distributions of network power in settings. Next, this process is illustrated in both an abstract example and using empirical data on early adolescents’ peer relationships in urban classrooms. Finally, implications for theory, methods, and intervention related to understanding empowering settings are explored.
Long-term Efficacy of Occupational Lifestyle Redesign Programme for Strokes
Authors: Ng Serena S.W. , Chan Dora Y.L. , Chan Marko K.L. , Chow Kathy K.Y.
Published: November 2013

Objective/Background

To devise an Occupational Lifestyle Redesign Programme (OLSR), in addition to the existing conventional therapy programme, in a local rehabilitation hospital in order to help stroke outpatients improve their self-efficacy and commitment in self-management after a stroke attack using goal-oriented, challenging, and well-being building activities. The long-term effect on the poststroke quality of life (QOL) and community integration has to be explored.

Methods

This is a retrospective study performed to compare two groups of matched samples of participants (25 each) who have or have not joined the OLSR programme. A telephonic interview was performed to gather the participants’ responses. Self-reported outcome measures, including sickness impact [Stroke Adapted Sickness Impact Profile-30 (SA-SIP30)], motivation for general activity [General Activity Motivation Measure (GAMM)], community integration (Community Integration Questionnaire), and subjective well-being [World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5)] scores were assessed.

Results

Subjective well-being measures had significantly higher scores in the OLSR group (F = 5.52; p = .023). The OLSR group also reported a significantly better score in social integration (F = 4.302; p = .043). The SA-SIP30 mean score of the OLSR group [mean = 6.64; standard deviation (SD) = 4.35] was much lower, however, with significant difference in Mobility (F = 4.47; p = .04) and Household Management (F = 6; p = .015) subscores. The mean score of GAMM was also high in the OLSR group (mean = 41.32; SD = 11.98; p = .06). Improving “productive activity,” “social interaction,” “home management,” and “emotion” scores (based on factor analysis) are important goals to be achieved in a stroke rehabilitation programme so as to extend its scope from just physical restoration to building a better poststroke life.

Conclusion

The positive effect of OLSR programme has been shown to be effective in filling the gap of psychosocial adaptation in conventional stroke rehabilitation programmes. The patients in the OLSR programme had improved motivation levels and predicted better QOL in long term.
Targeted Cox2 gene deletion in intestinal epithelial cells decreases tumorigenesis in female, but not male, ApcMin/+ mice
Authors: Cherukuri Durga P. , Ishikawa Tomo-o , Chun Patrick , Catapang Art , Elashoff David , Grogan Tristan R. , Bugni James , Herschman Harvey R.
Published: November 2013

Mice heterozygous for mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli gene (Apc+/− mice) develop intestinal neoplasia. Apc+/− tumor formation is thought to be dependent on cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) expression; both pharmacologic COX2 inhibition and global Cox2 gene deletion reduce the number of intestinal tumors in Apc+/− mice. COX2 expression is reported in epithelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages and endothelial cells of Apc+/− mouse polyps. However, the cell type(s) in which COX2 expression is required for Apc+/− tumor induction is not known. To address this question, we developed ApcMin/+ mice in which the Cox2 gene is specifically deleted either in intestinal epithelial cells or in myeloid cells. There is no significant difference in intestinal polyp number between ApcMin/+ mice with a targeted Cox2 gene deletion in myeloid cells and their control littermate ApcMin/+ mice. In contrast, ApcMin/+ mice with a targeted Cox2 deletion in intestinal epithelial cells have reduced intestinal tumorigenesis when compared to their littermate control ApcMin/+ mice. However, two gender‐specific effects are notable. First, female ApcMin/+ mice developed more intestinal tumors than male ApcMin/+ mice. Second, targeted intestinal epithelial cell Cox2 deletion decreased tumorigenesis in female, but not in male, ApcMin/+ mice. Considered in the light of pharmacologic studies and studies with global Cox2 gene knockout mice, our data suggest that (i) intrinsic COX2 expression in intestinal epithelial cells plays a gender‐specific role in tumor development in ApcMin/+ mice, and (ii) COX2 expression in cell type(s) other than intestinal epithelial cells also modulates intestinal tumorigenesis in ApcMin/+ mice, by a paracrine process.
SOME NEW CHARACTERISATIONS OF FINITE -SUPERSOLUBLE GROUPS
Authors: LI CHANGWEN , YANG NANYING , TANG NA
Published: November 2013

Let $G$ be a finite group. A subgroup $H$ of $G$ is said to be $E$-supplemented in $G$ if there is a subgroup $T$ of $G$ such that $G= HT$ and $H\cap T\leq {H}_{eG} $, where ${H}_{eG} $ denotes the subgroup of $H$ generated by all those subgroups of $H$ which are $S$-quasinormally embedded in $G$. In this paper, some new characterisations of $p$-supersolubility of finite groups are given under the assumption that some primary subgroups are $E$-supplemented.
Breast-fed infants and their later cardiovascular health: a prospective study from birth to age 32 years
Authors: Pirilä Satu , Taskinen Mervi , Viljakainen Heli , Mäkitie Outi , Kajosaari Merja , Saarinen-Pihkala Ulla M. , Turanlahti Maila
Published: November 2013

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of infant breast-feeding on cardiovascular risk in young adults. This unique study group involved 158 subjects (eighty-two females) originally collected prospectively at birth in 1975 and followed up to the age of 32 years. Frequent visits during the first year guaranteed the knowledge of the precise duration of breast-feeding. All infants received at least some breast milk. Participants were assessed for both individual cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, plasma lipids, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and waist circumference) and the general clinical risk of cardiovascular events by calculating the Framingham risk score (FRS) and the metabolic syndrome criteria score (NCEP-ATPIII; National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III). Data on lifestyle factors were carefully collected. Linear regression analyses revealed that the effect of the duration of breast-feeding was not relevant (0·02 decrease in the FRS per one additional breast-feeding month; 95 % CI − 0·19, 0·09). Similarly, the effect of breast-feeding was minor on all of the individual cardiovascular risk factors. We used sex, physical activity, dietary fat and vitamin C, smoking and alcohol consumption as covariates. Again, logistic regression analyses detected no significant impact of the duration of breast-feeding on the risk of the metabolic syndrome according to the NCEP-ATPIII (OR 0·95, 95 % CI 0·8, 1·1). The strongest independent predictor for later CVD risk was male sex. In conclusion, in this prospectively followed cohort of young adults born at term and at weight appropriate for gestational age, the duration of breast-feeding did not have an impact on the accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors.