bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community-Associated Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusLacking PVL, as a Cause of Severe Invasive Infection Treated with Linezolid
Authors: Gouveia Catarina , Gavino Alexandra , Bouchami Ons , Miragaia Maria , Varandas Luis , de Lencastre Herminia , Brito Maria Joao
Published: February 2013

Community-associated methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(CA-MRSA) is an emerging public health problem worldwide. Severe invasive infections have been described, mostly associated with the presence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL). In Portugal limited information exists regarding CA-MRSA infections. In this study we describe the case of a previously healthy 12-year-old female, sport athlete, who presented to the hospital with acetabulofemoral septic arthritis, myositis, fasciitis, acetabulum osteomyelitis, and pneumonia. The MRSA isolated from blood and synovial fluid was PVL negative and staphylococcal enterotoxin type P (SEP) and type L (SEL) positive, with a vancomycin MIC of 1.0 mg/L and resistant to clindamycin and ciprofloxacin. The patient was submitted to multiple surgical drainages and started on vancomycin, rifampicin, and gentamycin. Due to persistence of fever and no microbiological clearance, linezolid was started with improvement. This is one of the few reported cases of severe invasive infection caused by CA-MRSA in Portugal, which was successfully treated with linezolid. In spite of the severity of infection, the MRSA isolate did not produce PVL.
Progressive Encephalomyelitis with Rigidity and Myoclonus: A Syndrome with Diverse Clinical Features and Antibody Responses
Authors: Shugaiv Erkingül , Leite Maria Isabel , Şehitoğlu Elçin , Woodhall Mark , Çavuş Filiz , Waters Patrick , İçöz Sema , Birişik Ömer , Uğurel Elif , Ulusoy Canan , Kürtüncü Murat , Vural Burçak , Vincent Angela , Akman-Demir Gulsen , Tüzün Erdem
Published: February 2013

Background/Aims: To better characterize progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM) syndrome and identify novel PERM phenotypes. Methods: The clinical features and antibody status of PERM patients were investigated using immunoblots, cell-based assays, RIA, protein macroarray and ELISA. Results: Two patients with supratentorial involvement showed abnormal PET or EEG findings. One patient was discovered to have renal cell carcinoma, and protein macroarray revealed Ma3-antibodies. Another patient with leucine-rich, glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies showed a good response to immunotherapy. Conclusion: The heterogeneity of the immunological features suggests that PERM is caused by diverse pathogenic mechanisms. Seropositivity to well-characterized neuronal cell surface antigens might indicate a good treatment response.
Novel Image Analysis Method Using Ultrasound Elastography for Noninvasive Evaluation of Hepatic Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Fujimoto Kenji , Kato Michio , Kudo Masatoshi , Yada Norihisa , Shiina Tsuyoshi , Ueshima Kazuomi , Yamada Yukinori , Ishida Tetsushi , Azuma Masayoshi , Yamasaki Masaru , Yamamoto Keiji , Hayashi Norio , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: February 2013

It has been established that the long-term infection of chronic hepatitis C leads to the increased risk of hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, histological diagnosis by invasive and painful liver biopsy is the gold standard for evaluating the hepatic fibrosis stage. Because of a side effect or patient inability to cope with the pain, it is difficult to assess the fibrosis stage frequently using liver biopsy. Recently, instead of liver biopsy, many articles have been published showing the usefulness of ultrasound elastography to evaluate the stage of hepatic fibrosis. We also reported the usefulness of real-time tissue elastography (RTE) for liver fibrosis staging in 2007. However, in our previous report, fibrosis classification was performed manually and the number of patients involved was also small. In the current study, the fibrosis staging is performed automatically using software by characterizing the elastography images. We have also increased the number of patients from 64 to 310. Thus, the aim of this study is to increase objectivity by using a newly developed automatic analysis method. We obtain the Liver Fibrosis Index (LFI), which is calculated from image features of RTE images, using multiple regression analysis performed on clinical data of 310 cases as the training data set. The correlation coefficient obtained between the LFI and the stage of hepatic fibrosis was r = 0.68, and significant differences exist between all stages of fibrosis (p < 0.001). Our new method seems promising since it has the ability to diagnose fibrosis even in the presence of inflammation.
Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization Combined with Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Peng Zhen-Wei , Chen Min-Shan
Published: February 2013

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has become an important treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nowadays, RFA is generally recognized as an alternative treatment to partial hepatectomy for early HCC, especially for patients with impaired liver function and when liver transplantation is not indicated, although some authors consider that RFA can be used as a first-line treatment for early HCC. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is most commonly classified as palliative rather than potentially curative; there is evidence that TACE prolongs survival in patients with well-compensated liver disease and intermediate-stage HCC. Alone, TACE and RFA have their limitations; in particular, neither can result in adequate control of medium or large HCC. Sequential application of TACE and RFA is, therefore, increasingly being used in the treatment of HCC in patients with well-compensated liver disease. In this study, we will introduce our experience of TACE combined with RFA in the treatment of HCC in a cancer center in China.
Quantification of Tumor DNA in Serum and Vascular Invasion of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Nishida Naoshi , Arizumi Tadaaki , Takita Masahiro , Nagai Tomoyuki , Kitai Satoshi , Yada Norihisa , Hagiwara Satoru , Inoue Tatsuo , Minami Yasunori , Ueshima Kazuomi , Sakurai Toshiharu , Ida Hiroshi , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: February 2013

Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common cancers worldwide. Accurate diagnosis of tumor progression is critical for the appropriate management of HCC. Here, we established a sensitive assay to detect and quantify tumor-derived DNA in the serum of HCC patients. Methods: Aberrant methylation of the APC gene was quantified in 23 HCC patients and 8 healthy volunteers using 100 µl of serum. For sensitive detection and accurate quantification of tumor DNA, we combined seminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with TaqMan PCR, which could amplify the APC gene regardless of the methylation status and detect the methylated and unmethylated sequences separately. The ratio of methylated to unmethylated sequences was quantified. Results: The methylated APC gene was detected in all HCC patients examined, but no healthy volunteers showed amplification of methylated sequences in serum. HCC patients with portal vein thrombosis showed a significantly higher methylated to unmethylated APC gene ratio in serum than those without portal vein thrombosis (p = 0.0029). Conclusions: Considering the strong association between the ratio of the methylated to unmethylated APC sequences in serum and the presence of portal vein thrombosis, methylation status of APC sequences could be a promising marker for improving HCC management.
Expression of E-Cadherin and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Noncancerous Liver Is Associated with Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Curative Resection
Authors: Minata Mutsuko , Kudo Masatoshi , Harada Kouji H. , Ikai Iwao , Nishida Naoshi
Published: February 2013

Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) frequently recurs even after curative resection. The purpose of this study was to examine how background liver affects postoperative recurrence of HCC that underwent curative resection using expression of cancer-related molecules in the adjacent noncancerous liver of HCC patients. Methods: We examined expression of E-cadherin and vascular endothelial growth factor in noncancerous liver tissues of 133 HCC patients who underwent curative resection of tumors using immunohistochemical analysis. Associations between expressions of these molecules and disease-free survival of HCC were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The average period of follow-up of the patients was 6.7 years. Multivariate analyses revealed that low platelet count and negative expression of E-cadherin in adjacent noncancerous liver were significantly associated with metastatic recurrence [p = 0.017, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.31 for low platelet count, and p = 0.009, HR = 1.43 for negative expression of E-cadherin, respectively]. Conclusions: Expression levels of E-cadherin in adjacent noncancerous liver after surgical resection was associated with metastatic HCC recurrence later on. Analysis of E-cadherin expression should provide important information for predicting recurrence after curative resection of HCC.
Erlotinib versus Pemetrexed for Pretreated Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients in Clinical Practice
Authors: Zugazagoitia J. , Puente J. , González-Larriba J.L. , Manzano A. , Sotelo M. , Hernández S. , Sanz J. , Pérez P. , Díaz-Rubio E.
Published: February 2013

Background/Aim: Erlotinib and chemotherapy have shown similar efficacy for pretreated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, but none of the large studies have selected patients based on histology. We present a retrospective single-center series of advanced non-squamous NSCLC patients treated with erlotinib or pemetrexed as second-line therapy. Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety data under clinical practice conditions and to identify subgroups of patients who could benefit more from these therapies. Methods: A total of 88 patients were included. Squamous histology was our main exclusion criterion. EGFR mutation status was known for 54.5% of the patients; 6 patients treated with erlotinib and 2 with pemetrexed had EGFR-mutated tumors. Smoking history was analyzed as possible predictive factor of efficacy. Results: No significant differences in progression-free survival (PFS; 3 vs. 2.5 months, p = 0.06) or overall survival (OS; 4.9 vs. 7.4 months, p = 0.733) between the erlotinib and pemetrexed groups were found in the overall population. EGFR wild-type patients had a similar median PFS with erlotinib compared to pemetrexed (2.7 vs. 2.3 months, p = 0.42), with no statistical differences in OS. Statistically significant differences in OS in favor of pemetrexed for current smokers (3 vs. 7.1 months, p = 0.017) were found, while erlotinib achieved significantly better PFS in never-smokers compared to former smokers (3.5 vs. 2.7 months, p = 0.005). Serious adverse events were uncommon but more frequent with pemetrexed, and were mainly related to hematologic toxicity. Conclusions: Erlotinib should be considered as another equal option in second-line treatment for EGFR wild-type patients as well as for subpopulations with unknown mutational status. Smoking history could be a useful clinical marker to choose a second-line treatment.
The Role of Fascin in Migration and Invasion of Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Bi Jian-bin , Zhu Yuyan , Chen Xue-lei , Yu Meng , Zhang Yu-xi , Li Bing-xun , Sun Jia-wei , Shen Hai-lin , Kong Chui-ze
Published: February 2013

Introduction: To investigate the roles of fascin in migration and invasiveness in bladder urothelial carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical detection of fascin in urothelial carcinoma samples and inhibition the expression of fascin in the urothelial carcinoma cell line were performed, then the differences in cell behaviors before and after silencing of the fascin gene were tested. Results: In our study, we found that overexpression of fascin was more frequent in urothelial carcinoma tissues (p < 0.001). Fascin expression was positively correlated with histological grade (p = 0.024) and pT stage (p < 0.001). After transfection of fascin shRNA, the expressions of fascin in 5637 cells and BIU87 cells were efficiently decreased according to real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. When fascin was inhibited, a significant decrease in migration and invasion, and increase in adhesion were observed in 5637 cells and BIU87 cells. However, there was no significant change in the proliferation of 5637 cells or BIU87 cells with or without inhibition of the fascin gene. Conclusions: Fascin expression can be used as a predictor for transformation and progression of urothelial carcinoma, and reduction of fascin levels may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.
Nonischemic Mitral Regurgitation: Prognostic Value of Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia after Mitral Valve Surgery
Authors: Olafiranye Oladipupo , Hochreiter Clare A. , Borer Jeffrey S. , Supino Phyllis G. , Herrold Edmund M. , Budzikowski Adam S. , Hai Ofek Y. , Bouraad Dany , Kligfield Paul D. , Girardi Leonard N. , Krieger Karl H. , Isom O. Wayne
Published: February 2013

Background: Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), frequent in unoperated severe mitral regurgitation (MR), confers mortality risk [sudden death (SD) and cardiac death (CD)]. The prognostic value of VT after mitral valve surgery (MVS) is unknown; we aimed to define this prognostic value and to assess its modulation by left (LV) and/or right (RV) ventricular ejection fraction (EF) for mortality after MVS. Methods: In 57 patients (53% females, aged 58 ± 12 years) with severe MR prospectively followed before and after MVS, we performed 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiograms approximately annually. LVEF and RVEF were determined within 1 year after MVS by radionuclide cineangiography. Results: During 9.52 ± 3.49 endpoint-free follow-up years, late postoperative CD occurred in 11 patients (7 SD, 4 heart failures). In univariable analysis, >1 VT episode after MVS predicted SD (p < 0.01) and CD (SD or heart failure; p < 0.04). Subnormal postoperative RVEF predicted CD (p < 0.04). When adjusted for preoperative age, gender, etiology or antiarrhythmics, both postoperative VT and RVEF predicted CD (p ≤ 0.05). When postoperative VT and RVEF were both in the multivariable model, only subnormal RVEF predicted CD (p < 0.04). Among those with normal RVEF, VT >1 episode predicted SD (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Postoperative VT and subnormal RVEF predict late postoperative deaths in nonischemic MR. Their assessment may aid patient management.
Effects on Insulin Action of Adding Low-Dose Thiazide to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor in Essential Hypertension
Authors: McHenry Claire M. , Atkinson A. Brew , Hunter Steven J. , Browne Jonathan N. , Ennis Cieran N. , Henry John S. , Sheridan Brian , Bell Patrick M.
Published: February 2013

Concern exists regarding adverse metabolic effects of antihypertensive agents. In the United States, diuretics are recommended first-line but additional agents, usually angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, are often required to meet blood pressure targets. We have previously shown that the combination of low-dose diuretic with an ACE inhibitor has detrimental effects on insulin action compared with ACE inhibitor alone in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients. Our aim was to establish whether similar effects occur in nondiabetic hypertensive patients using this combination. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design was used. After a 6-week run-in, when regular antihypertensive medications were withdrawn and placebo substituted, patients received captopril 50 mg twice daily with either bendroflumethiazide 1.25 mg (CB) or placebo (CP) for 12 weeks with a 6-week wash-out between treatments. Insulin action was assessed by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp after the 6-week run-in and at the end of each treatment period. There were no differences between treatments in fasting glucose or insulin concentrations. Glucose infusion rates required to maintain euglycemia were the same with each treatment (CP 22.1±2.2 vs CB 22.2±2.2 μmol/kg per minute). There was no difference in endogenous glucose production in the basal state (CP 8.9±0.5 vs CB 9.5±0.7 μmol/kg per minute;
P
=0.23) or during hyperinsulinemia (CP 2.2±0.6 vs CB 1.5±0.3 μmol/kg per minute;
P
=0.30). In contrast to the situation in type 2 diabetes mellitus, ACE inhibitor combined with low-dose thiazide diuretic does not adversely affect insulin action when compared with ACE inhibitor alone in nondiabetic hypertensive patients.
A landscape-level study on the breeding site characteristics of ten amphibian species in Central Europe
Authors: Vági Balázs , Kovács Tibor , Băncilă Raluca , Hartel Tibor , Anthony Brandon P.
Published: February 2013

Temporary ponds are characterized as being in natural or close to natural states in Central and Eastern Europe, especially those located in forested landscapes. As these ponds function as breeding sites for many amphibians, they represent an ideal target to explore the terrestrial and aquatic habitat preferences of different species. We surveyed 133 small ponds in a forested, hilly region of North-Central Hungary. The occurrence of ten amphibian species and amphibian species richness were compared to six pond-related habitat variables and the extent of four terrestrial habitat types in the area surrounding the ponds. Our results suggest that most species’ occurrence and species richness are chiefly related to pond characteristics, although terrestrial habitat variables could also be a determining factor in particular species. Whereas the majority of amphibian species prefer larger, hence more permanent water bodies with abundant aquatic vegetation, the common frog (Rana temporaria) chooses small, shallow wallow pits for breeding and has special requirements concerning terrestrial habitat composition. This could explain its restricted distribution in the area. Our results suggest that maintaining a diverse set of ponds and forestry management which facilitates habitats’ structural heterogeneity are both important factors for the preservation of the rich amphibian fauna in Central Europe.
A Mobile Rapid-Scanning X-band Polarimetric (RaXPol) Doppler Radar System
Authors: Pazmany Andrew L. , Mead James B. , Bluestein Howard B. , Snyder Jeffrey C. , Houser Jana B.
Published: February 2013

A novel, rapid-scanning, X-band (3-cm wavelength), polarimetric (RaXPol), mobile radar was developed for severe-weather research. The radar employs a 2.4-m-diameter dual-polarized parabolic dish antenna on a high-speed pedestal capable of rotating the antenna at 180° s−1. The radar can complete a 10-elevation-step volume scan in about 20 s, while maintaining a 180-record-per-second data rate. The transmitter employs a 20-kW peak-power traveling wave tube amplifier that can generate pulse compression and frequency-hopping waveforms. Frequency hopping permits the acquisition of many more independent samples possible than without frequency hopping, making it possible to scan much more rapidly than conventional radars. Standard data products include vertically and horizontally polarized equivalent radar reflectivity factor, Doppler velocity mean and standard deviation, copolar cross-correlation coefficient, and differential phase. This paper describes the radar system and illustrates the capabilities of the radar through selected analyses of data collected in the U.S. central plains during the 2011 spring tornado season. Also noted are opportunities for experimenting with different signal-processing techniques to reduce beam smearing, increase sensitivity, and improve range resolution.
Analysis of the genomic sequence of Philosamia cynthia nucleopolyhedrin virus and comparison with Antheraea pernyinucleopolyhedrin virus
Authors: Qian Heying , Zhang Yuehua , Wu Yejun , Sun Pingiang , Zhu Shanying , Guo Xijie , Gao Kun , Xu Anying , Wang Wenbing
Published: February 2013

Background

Two species of wild silkworms, the Chinese oak silkworm (Antheraea pernyi) and the castor silkworm Philosamia cynthia ricini, can acquire a serious disease caused by Nucleopolyhedrin Viruses (NPVs) (known as AnpeNPV and PhcyNPV, respectively). The two viruses have similar polyhedral morphologies and their viral fragments share high sequence similarity. However, the physical maps of the viral genomes and cross-infectivity of the viruses are different. The genome sequences of two AnpeNPV isolates have been published.

Results

We sequenced and analyzed the full-length genome of PhcyNPV to compare the gene contents of the two viruses. The genome of PhcyNPV is 125, 376 bp, with a G + C content of 53.65%, and encodes 138 open reading frames (ORFs) of at least 50 amino acids (aa) (GenBank accession number: JX404026). Between PhcyNPV and AnpeMNPV-L and -Z isolates, 126 ORFs are identical, including 30 baculovirus core genes. Nine ORFs were only found in PhcyNPV. Four genes, cath, v-chi, lef 10 and lef 11, were not found in PhcyNPV. However, most of the six genes required for infectivity via the oral route were found in PhcyNPV and in the two AnpeNPV isolates, with high sequence similarities. The pif-3 gene of PhcyNPV contained 59 aa extra amino acids at the N-terminus compared with AnpeNPV.

Conclusions

Most of the genes in PhcyNPV are similar to the two AnpeNPV isolates, including the direction of expression of the ORFs. Only a few genes were missing from PhcyNPV. These data suggest that PhcyNPV and AnpeNPV might be variants of each other, and that the differences in cross-infection might be caused by gene mutations.
Antiviral activity of silver nanoparticle/chitosan composites against H1N1 influenza A virus
Authors: Mori Yasutaka , Ono Takeshi , Miyahira Yasushi , Nguyen Vinh Quang , Matsui Takemi , Ishihara Masayuki
Published: February 2013

Silver nanoparticle (Ag NP)/chitosan (Ch) composites with antiviral activity against H1N1 influenza A virus were prepared. The Ag NP/Ch composites were obtained as yellow or brown floc-like powders following reaction at room temperature in aqueous medium. Ag NPs (3.5, 6.5, and 12.9 nm average diameters) were embedded into the chitosan matrix without aggregation or size alternation. The antiviral activity of the Ag NP/Ch composites was evaluated by comparing the TCID50ratio of viral suspensions treated with the composites to untreated suspensions. For all sizes of Ag NPs tested, antiviral activity against H1N1 influenza A virus increased as the concentration of Ag NPs increased; chitosan alone exhibited no antiviral activity. Size dependence of the Ag NPs on antiviral activity was also observed: antiviral activity was generally stronger with smaller Ag NPs in the composites. These results indicate that Ag NP/Ch composites interacting with viruses exhibit antiviral activity.
Graphite nanoplatelet chemical cross-linking by elemental sulfur
Authors: Carotenuto Gianfranco , Romeo Valentina , De Nicola Sergio , Nicolais Luigi
Published: February 2013

Graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) react with elemental sulfur to provide a mechanically stable, spongy material characterized by good electrical conductivity and high surface development; such unique property combination makes these novel nanostructured materials very useful for applications in different technological fields. The carbon-sulfur reaction can be accurately investigated by thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy. The thermal treatment required for the formation of electrically conductive monosulfur connections among the GNP unities has been investigated.

PACS

81.05.Ue, 81.05.Rm, 81.16.Be
Right-sided rhabdoid colorectal tumors might be related to the Serrated Pathway
Authors: Pancione Massimo , Remo Andrea , Sabatino Lina , Zanella Caterina , Votino Carolina , Fucci Alessandra , Di Blasi Arturo , Lepore Giovanni , Daniele Bruno , Fenizia Francesca , Molinari Enrico , Normanno Nicola , Manfrin Erminia , Vendraminelli Roberto , Colantuoni Vittorio
Published: February 2013

Background

Rhabdoid colorectal tumor (RCT) is a rare, highly aggressive neoplasm recurrent in elderly patients, commonly at the caecum. The molecular mechanisms underlying RCT pathogenesis remain poorly elucidated. The differential diagnosis is with the malignant rhabdoid tumors of infancy characterized by genetic inactivation ofSMARCB1(INI1) or deletions of chromosome 22q12 locus.

Materials and methods

To shed light on RCT pathogenesis, we investigated genetic and epigenetic alterations in two cases of pure and composite RCT and compared them with the profiles of matched adenomas and normal mucosa. Immunohistochemical analysis, FISH, methylation specific PCR and DNA sequencing analysis were performed on paraffin-embedded tissues.

Results

Loss of epithelial markers, (CK20, CDX2 and E-cadherin) and intense vimentin expression was observed in RCTs but neither in the normal mucosa or adenomas.INI1expression was detected in normal mucosa, adenomas and retained in pure RCT, while it was undetected in composite RCT. Rearrangement of the 22q12 locus was found only in pure RCT. The APC/β-catenin pathway was not altered, while MLH1 immunostaining was negative in RCTs and positive in adenomas and normal mucosa. These expression profiles were associated with V600EBRAFmutation, a progressive accumulation of promoter methylation at specific CIMP loci and additional genes from the normal mucosa to tubular adenoma and RCT.

Conclusions

Right-sided RCT could be characterized by epigenetic events and molecular features likely similar to those occurring in the serrated pathway and associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These extremely rare tumors may benefit from the use of new biological molecules specific for colorectal carcinoma.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1641385210804556
Finite element analysis of notched bars subjected to elastic-plastic deformation
Authors: Tsang Mathew , Kanapathipillai Sangarapillai , Chowdhury Mahiuddin
Published: February 2013

For many years engineers and scientists have speculated about the relationship between the load carrying capacity of notched bars and their stress concentration factors. However, past attempts to quantify this relationship have failed and the problem remains largely unresolved. This study strongly supports the view that this relationship exists, and that there are correlations between load carrying capacity and stress concentration for notched bars subjected to tension. The study was done with the use of computer aided technology and finite element analysis, which allowed for more rigorous testing procedures when compared with conventional tensile testing methods. Two studies were conducted: firstly, an analysis which assumed perfectly elastic conditions, and secondly, an analysis which assumed realistic elastic-plastic conditions. Variables of interest included maximum strain energy density, plastic collapse load, elastic stress concentration factor, elastic-plastic stress concentration factor, root radius and the distance between the notch surface to the maximum load. It was found that these variables correlate to one another and that most of them are dependent on material properties. Both linear and non-linear relationships were found. Linear relationships were quantifiable and were represented by equations. Equations for most of the non-linear relationships could not be substantiated, as there were not enough data points present.
Incorporating the human gene annotations in different databases significantly improved transcriptomic and genetic analyses
Authors: Chen Geng , Wang Charles , Shi Leming , Qu Xiongfei , Chen Jiwei , Yang Jianmin , Shi Caiping , Chen Long , Zhou Peiying , Ning Baitang , Tong Weida , Shi Tieliu
Published: February 2013

Human gene annotation is crucial for conducting transcriptomic and genetic studies; however, the impacts of human gene annotations in diverse databases on related studies have been less evaluated. To enable full use of various human annotation resources and better understand the human transcriptome, here we systematically compare the human annotations present in RefSeq, Ensembl (GENCODE), and AceView on diverse transcriptomic and genetic analyses. We found that the human gene annotations in the three databases are far from complete. Although Ensembl and AceView annotated more genes than RefSeq, more than 15,800 genes from Ensembl (or AceView) are within the intergenic and intronic regions of AceView (or Ensembl) annotation. The human transcriptome annotations in RefSeq, Ensembl, and AceView had distinct effects on short-read mapping, gene and isoform expression profiling, and differential expression calling. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the integrated annotation of these databases can obtain a more complete gene set and significantly enhance those transcriptomic analyses. We also observed that many more known SNPs were located within genes annotated in Ensembl and AceView than in RefSeq. In particular, 1033 of 3041 trait/disease-associated SNPs involved in about 200 human traits/diseases that were previously reported to be in RefSeq intergenic regions could be relocated within Ensembl and AceView genes. Our findings illustrate that a more complete transcriptome generated by incorporating human gene annotations in diverse databases can strikingly improve the overall results of transcriptomic and genetic studies.
Noncoding RNA and Polycomb recruitment
Authors: Brockdorff Neil
Published: February 2013

A plethora of noncoding (nc) RNAs has been revealed through the application of high-throughput analysis of the transcriptome, and this has led to an intensive search for possible biological functions attributable to these transcripts. A major category of functional ncRNAs that has emerged is for those that are implicated in coordinate gene silencing, either in cis or in trans. The archetype for this class is the well-studied long ncRNA Xist which functions in cis to bring about transcriptional silencing of an entire X chromosome in female mammals. An important step in X chromosome inactivation is the recruitment of the Polycomb repressive complex PRC2 that mediates histone H3 lysine 27 methylation, a hallmark of the inactive X chromosome, and recent studies have suggested that this occurs as a consequence of PRC2 interacting directly with Xist RNA. Accordingly, other ncRNAs have been linked to PRC2 targeting either in cis or in trans, and here also the mechanism has been proposed to involve direct interaction between PRC2 proteins and the different ncRNAs. In this review, I discuss the evidence for and against this hypothesis, in the process highlighting alternative models and discussing experiments that, in the future, will help to resolve existing discrepancies.
Influence of applied pressure on the probability of electronic energy
transfer across a molecular dyad
Authors: Alamiry Mohammed A. H. , Bahaidarah Effat , Harriman Anthony , Olivier Jean-Hubert , Ziessel Raymond
Published: February 2013

A pair of covalently linked molecular dyads is described in which two disparate
boron dipyrromethene dyes are separated by a tolane-like spacer. Efficient
electronic energy transfer (EET) occurs across the dyad; the mechanism involves
important contributions from both Förster-type coulombic interactions and
Dexter-type electron exchange processes. The energy acceptor is equipped with
long paraffinic chains that favor aggregation at high concentration or at low
temperature. The aggregate displays red-shifted absorption and emission spectral
profiles, relative to the monomer, such that EET is less efficient because of a
weaker overlap integral. The donor unit is insensitive to applied pressure but
this is not so for the acceptor, which has extended π-conjugation associated
with appended styryl groups. Here, pressure reduces the effective π-conjugation
length, leading to a new absorption band at higher energy. With increasing
pressure, the overall EET probability falls but this effect is nonlinear and at
modest pressure there is only a small recovery of donor fluorescence. This
situation likely arises from compensatory phenomena such as restricted rotation
and decreased dipole screening by the solvent. However, the probability of EET
falls dramatically over the regime where the π-conjugation length is reduced
owing to the presumed conformational exchange. It appears that the
pressure-induced conformer is a poor energy acceptor.
Novel Subunit-Specific Tonic GABA Currents and Differential Effects of Ethanol in the Central Amygdala of CRF Receptor-1 Reporter Mice
Authors: Herman Melissa A. , Contet Candice , Justice Nicholas J. , Vale Wylie , Roberto Marisa
Published: February 2013

The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is an important integrative site for the reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse, such as ethanol. Activation of corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 (CRF1) receptors in the CeA plays a critical role in the development of ethanol dependence, but these neurons remain uncharacterized. Using CRF1:GFP reporter mice and a combined electrophysiological/immunohistochemical approach, we found that CRF1 neurons exhibit an α1 GABAAreceptor subunit-mediated tonic conductance that is driven by action potential-dependent GABA release. In contrast, unlabeled CeA neurons displayed a δ subunit-mediated tonic conductance that is enhanced by ethanol. Ethanol increased the firing discharge of CRF1 neurons and decreased the firing discharge of unlabeled CeA neurons. Retrograde tracing studies indicate that CeA CRF1 neurons project into the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Together, these data demonstrate subunit-specific tonic signaling and provide mechanistic insight into the specific effects of ethanol on CeA microcircuitry.
Computational Study of Optical Properties of Cellulose Triacetate Film
Authors: Hayakawa Daichi , Ueda Kazuyoshi
Published: February 2013

The birefringence of a cellulose triacetate (CTA) polymer film was evaluated based on density functional theory and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The polarizability of the monomer unit of CTA was initially calculated to determine the intrinsic properties of the birefringence of CTA. The most important conformational freedom of the CTA monomer unit is derived from the C-6 acetyl methyl groups. This exocyclic group is known to have three low energy conformers referred to as gg, gt, and tg according to the rotation of the different torsion angles. Because the polarizability can be viewed as dependent on the conformation of CTA, the polarizability of these three conformers was evaluated. The results demonstrated that negative intrinsic birefringence was associated with the CTA repeating units having gg or gt structures, whereas the monomer units with tg structures were characterized by positive intrinsic birefringence. A model of the polymer film was constructed based on MD simulation and the birefringence of the model was evaluated using the calculated monomer birefringence values. The birefringence of the CTA film was found to be negative because most of the CTA repeating units adopt the gg conformation in the film. The negative value of the simulated birefringence is in good agreement with the result obtained by the experiment.
Nanostructured Transparent Conductive Oxides for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Welser Roger E. , Sood Adam W. , Cho Jaehee , Schubert E. Fred , Harvey Jennifer L. , Dhar Nibir K. , Sood Ashok K.
Published: February 2013

Oblique-angle deposition is used to fabricate indium tin oxide (ITO) optical coatings with a porous, columnar nanostructure. Nanostructured ITO layers with a reduced refractive index are then incorporated into antireflection coating (ARC) structures with a step-graded refractive index design, enabling increased transmittance into an underlying semiconductor over a wide range of wavelengths of interest for photovoltaic applications. Low-refractive index nanostructured ITO coatings can also be combined with metal films to form an omnidirectional reflector (ODR) structure capable of achieving high internal reflectivity over a broad spectrum of wavelengths and a wide range of angles. Such conductive high-performance ODR structures on the back surface of a thin-film solar cell can potentially increase both the current and voltage output by scattering unabsorbed and emitted photons back into the active region of the device.
Montaigne e a natureza humana no feminino
Authors: França Maria Célia da Veiga
Published: February 2013

Partindo de algumas passagens dos Ensaios de Montaigne, e, especialmente, do capítulo "Sobre versos de Virgílio", consideramos o retrato da mulher elaborado pelo autor. Contrariamente à maioria dos autores de sua época - dentre os quais Bodin e Charron que, seguindo Aristóteles, consideram que a mulher possui uma natureza inferior à do homem, feita para obedecer, enquanto este último o foi para governar -, Montaigne nos apresenta outro quadro. Influenciado, acreditamos, pelo texto de Agrippa sobre as mulheres, ele propõe uma igualdade dos gêneros desequilibrada, perturbada e aniquilada tanto pela tradição quanto pelos costumes.
Raison d'état em Montaigne
Authors: Conceição Gilmar Henrique da
Published: February 2013

Em "Do útil e do honesto" Montaigne indaga se, na defesa do Estado, haveria limites éticos para a ação do príncipe. O príncipe deve pautar-se pelo útil ou pelo honesto? Argumenta que o "devoir publique" é o limite da dedicação do súdito a um príncipe, o qual deve preservar a liberdade de julgamento. Ir além dos limites da consciência no serviço público é arriscar a confiança dos outros na veracidade de suas próprias palavras. Não há razão superior à razão de consciência. Enquanto para Maquiavel o conceito de utilidade é fundamental, para Montaigne o útil não é o honesto. Ainda que a utilidade pública, mesmo que por uma "razão mais geral", obrigue à desonestidade, a moralidade deve vigorar no espaço público. A honestidade, no interior do espaço público, é uma força instituinte da sociedade política. Todavia, a pretensão à verdade e o cuidado com a "paix publique" são definitivamente distintos. Montaigne afirma a incompatibilidade entre a moral e a política, mas almeja um príncipe que não ignore o honesto.
Características definidoras de trauma vascular periférico em urgência e emergência: ocorrência e tipos
Authors: Krempser Paula , Arreguy-Sena Cristina , Barbosa Ana Paula Sobral
Published: February 2013

Pesquisa tipo convergente assistencial. Objetivou-se calcular a ocorrência e documentar as evidências clínicas de trauma vascular em punções periféricas de adultos e idosos em um serviço de urgência e emergência de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram considerados como critérios de inclusão: o primeiro demítrio puncionado e a realização de avaliações clínicas em intervalos inferiores a 24 horas. As evidências de trauma foram registradas por fotografias. Amostra de seleção completa. Dos 200 sítios avaliados, houve 110 casos de trauma vascular com 288 manifestações de: dor, alteração da coloração da pele, diminuição da capacidade funcional local, edema, enduração, solução de continuidade, pustulação e hipo ou hipertermia local. As fotografias documentaram cada tipo de manifestação passível de registro visual. Tal investigação possibilitou reafirmar características definidoras para o diagnóstico de enfermagem "Trauma vascular periférico" em um serviço de Urgência/Emergência.
Prazer e sofrimento no exercício gerencial do enfermeiro no contexto hospitalar
Authors: Santos José Luís Guedes dos , Prochnow Adelina Giacomelli , Silva Dalva Cezar da , Silva Rosângela Marion da , Leite Joséte Luzia , Erdmann Alacoque Lorenzini
Published: February 2013

Este estudo objetivou analisar os fatores de prazer e sofrimento no exercício gerencial do enfermeiro no contexto hospitalar. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratório-descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, que utilizou como técnica de coleta a entrevista semiestruturada. Foi realizada em um hospital universitário, e os dados foram analisados mediante análise temática. Os 19 enfermeiros que participaram do estudo revelaram que a gerência é fonte de prazer quando há crescimento pessoal e profissional, reconhecimento dos colegas e satisfação do paciente; e fonte de sofrimento em função das dificuldades de relacionamento com a equipe de trabalho e da sobrecarga de trabalho. Ressalta-se a necessidade de os enfermeiros gerentes compreenderem a dualidade sofrimento e prazer na busca de um trabalho mais construtivo e realizador, por meio de maior articulação da atividade gerencial, com a experiência de vida, além do respaldo institucional e apoio dos colegas de trabalho.
Evaluation of the inequality of water resources
Authors: Ekkawatpanit Chaiwat , Kazama So , Sawamoto Masaki , Sarukkalige Priyantha Ranjan
Published: February 2013

In this study, Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients, which have been used for income distribution problems, were applied to quantify the distribution of water resources. This method was used to test water inequality in the Mae Chaem river basin, as well as the rest of Thailand. The Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients of the Mae Chaem river basin were compared to those for all of Thailand to understand water resources inequality in small-scale basins and large areas. The Gini coefficients of both the streamflow discharge per unit area (potential water resources) and water availability to population in the Mae Chaem river basin are significantly smaller than in Thailand as a whole. The dry season results for Thailand show that both the potential water resources and water availability to population were higher in 2000 than in 1989. This is a result of changes in the water availability to the population related to changing land use, especially deforestation throughout Thailand.
Rac1 Signaling Is Required for Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake and Is Dysregulated in Insulin-Resistant Murine and Human Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Sylow Lykke , Jensen Thomas E. , Kleinert Maximilian , Højlund Kurt , Kiens Bente , Wojtaszewski Jørgen , Prats Clara , Schjerling Peter , Richter Erik A.
Published: February 2013

The actin cytoskeleton–regulating GTPase Rac1 is required for insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation in cultured muscle cells. However, involvement of Rac1 and its downstream signaling in glucose transport in insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant mature skeletal muscle has not previously been investigated. We hypothesized that Rac1 and its downstream target, p21-activated kinase (PAK), are regulators of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in mouse and human skeletal muscle and are dysregulated in insulin-resistant states. Muscle-specific inducible Rac1 knockout (KO) mice and pharmacological inhibition of Rac1 were used to determine whether Rac1 regulates insulin-stimulated glucose transport in mature skeletal muscle. Furthermore, Rac1 and PAK1 expression and signaling were investigated in muscle of insulin-resistant mice and humans. Inhibition and KO of Rac1 decreased insulin-stimulated glucose transport in mouse soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles ex vivo. Rac1 KO mice showed decreased insulin and glucose tolerance and trended toward higher plasma insulin concentrations after intraperitoneal glucose injection. Rac1 protein expression and insulin-stimulated PAKThr423 phosphorylation were decreased in muscles of high fat–fed mice. In humans, insulin-stimulated PAK activation was decreased in both acute insulin-resistant (intralipid infusion) and chronic insulin-resistant states (obesity and diabetes). These findings show that Rac1 is a regulator of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and a novel candidate involved in skeletal muscle insulin resistance.
GABA exists as a negative regulator of cell proliferation in spermaogonial stem cells
Authors: Du Yong , Du Zhao , Zheng Hongping , Wang Dan , Li Shifeng , Yan Yuanchang , Li Yiping
Published: February 2013

γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. GABA is also found in many peripheral tissues, where it has important functions during development. Here, we identified the existence of the GABA system in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and found that GABA negatively regulates SSC proliferation. First, we demonstrated that GABA and its synthesizing enzymes were abundant in the testes 6 days postpartum (dpp), suggesting that GABA signaling regulates SSCs function in vivo. In order to directly examine the effect of GABA on SSC proliferation, we then established an in vitro culture system for long-term expansion of SSCs. We showed that GABAA receptor subunits, including α1, α5, β1, β2, β3 and γ3, the synthesizing enzyme GAD67, and the transporter GAT-1, are expressed in SSCs. Using phosphorylated histone H3 (pH3) staining, we demonstrated that GABA or the GABAAR-specific agonist muscimol reduced the proliferation of SSCs. This GABA regulation of SSC proliferation was shown to be independent of apoptosis using the TUNEL assay. These results suggest that GABA acts as a negative regulator of SSC proliferation to maintain the homeostasis of spermatogenesis in the testes.
The miniature echinoid trace fossil Bichordites kuzunensis isp. nov. from early Oligocene prodelta sediments of the Mezardere Formation, Gökçeada Island, NW Turkey
Authors: Demírcan Huríye , Uchman Alfred
Published: February 2013

Demircan, H. and Uchman, A. 2012. The miniature echinoid trace fossil Bichordites kuzunensis isp. nov. from early Oligocene prodelta sediments of the Mezardere Formation, Gokceada Island, northwest Turkey. Acta GeologicaPolonica, 62 (2), 205-215. Warszawa. The pascichnial trace fossil Bichordites kuzunensis isp. nov. occurs as an epichnial complex structure in early Oligocene prodelta sediments of the Thrace Basin in Gokceada Island, northwest Turkey. It displays characteristics of irregular echinoid burrows such as overall shape and a double meniscate filling with a chevron dorsal suture, in addition to the feature typical of the so far monospecific Bichordites Plaziat and Mahmoudi, 1988, that is a single central core around a single drainage tube. Its miniature size can be related to the small size of the tracemaker (ontogenic feature) or to its dwarfism in a stressed deltaic environment (palaeoecological feature). Its occurrence indicates a period of fully marine conditions during accumulation of the deltaic sediments of the Mezardere Formation.