bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HDL and Glut1 inhibition reverse a hypermetabolic state in mouse models of myeloproliferative disorders
Authors: Gautier Emmanuel L. , Westerterp Marit , Bhagwat Neha , Cremers Serge , Shih Alan , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Lütjohann Dieter , Randolph Gwendalyn J. , Levine Ross L. , Tall Alan R. , Yvan-Charvet Laurent
Published: January 2013

A high metabolic rate in myeloproliferative disorders is a common complication of neoplasms, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Using three different mouse models of myeloproliferative disorders, including mice with defective cholesterol efflux pathways and two models based on expression of human leukemia disease alleles, we uncovered a mechanism by which proliferating and inflammatory myeloid cells take up and oxidize glucose during the feeding period, contributing to energy dissipation and subsequent loss of adipose mass. In vivo, lentiviral inhibition of Glut1 by shRNA prevented myeloproliferation and adipose tissue loss in mice with defective cholesterol efflux pathway in leukocytes. Thus, Glut1 was necessary to sustain proliferation and potentially divert glucose from fat storage. We also showed that overexpression of the human ApoA-I transgene to raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels decreased Glut1 expression, dampened myeloproliferation, and prevented fat loss. These experiments suggest that inhibition of Glut-1 and HDL cholesterol–raising therapies could provide novel therapeutic approaches to treat the energy imbalance observed in myeloproliferative disorders.
Erythropoietin-directed erythropoiesis depends on serpin inhibition of erythroblast lysosomal cathepsins
Authors: Dev Arvind , Byrne Susan M. , Verma Rakesh , Ashton-Rickardt Philip G. , Wojchowski Don M.
Published: January 2013

Erythropoietin (EPO) and its cell surface receptor (EPOR) are essential for red blood cell production and exert important cytoprotective effects on select vascular, immune, and cancer cells. To discover novel EPO action modes, we profiled the transcriptome of primary erythroid progenitors. We report Serpina3g/Spi2A as a major new EPO/EPOR target for the survival of erythroid progenitors. In knockout mice, loss of Spi2A worsened anemia caused by hemolysis, radiation, or transplantation. EPO-induced erythropoiesis also was compromised. In particular, maturing erythroblasts required Spi2A for cytoprotection, with iron and reactive oxygen species as cytotoxic agents. Spi2A defects were ameliorated by cathepsin-B/L inhibition, and by genetic co-deletion of lysosomal cathepsin B. Pharmacological inhibition of cathepsin B/L enhanced EPO-induced red cell formation in normal mice. Overall, we define an unexpected EPO action mode via an EPOR–Spi2A serpin–cathepsin axis in maturing erythroblasts, with lysosomal cathepsins as novel therapeutic targets.
Voltage-dependent gating of the Cx32*43E1 hemichannel: Conformational changes at the channel entrances
Authors: Kwon Taekyung , Tang Qingxiu , Bargiello Thaddeus A.
Published: January 2013

Voltage is an important parameter that regulates the open probability of both intercellular channels (gap junctions) and undocked hemichannels formed by members of the connexin gene family. All connexin channels display two distinct voltage-gating processes, termed loop- or slow-gating and Vj- or fast-gating, which are intrinsic hemichannel properties. Previous studies have established that the loop-gate permeability barrier is formed by a large conformational change that reduces pore diameter in a region of the channel pore located at the border of the first transmembrane domain and first extracellular loop (TM1/E1), the parahelix (residues 42–51). Here, we use cadmium metal bridge formation to measure conformational changes reported by substituted cysteines at loci demarcating the intracellular (E109 and L108) and extracellular (Q56) entrance of hemichannels formed by the Cx32 chimera (Cx32*43E1). The results indicate that the intracellular pore entrance narrows from ∼15 Å to ∼10 Å with loop-gate but not apparently with Vj-gate closure. The extracellular entrance does not appear to undergo large conformational changes with either voltage-gating process. The results presented here combined with previous studies suggest that the loop-gate permeability is essentially focal, in that conformational changes in the parahelix but not the intracellular entrance are sufficient to prevent ion flux.
The eag domain regulates hERG channel inactivation gating via a direct interaction
Authors: Gustina Ahleah S. , Trudeau Matthew C.
Published: January 2013

Human ether-á-go-go (eag)-related gene (hERG) potassium channel kinetics are characterized by rapid inactivation upon depolarization, along with rapid recovery from inactivation and very slow closing (deactivation) upon repolarization. These factors combine to create a resurgent hERG current, where the current amplitude is paradoxically larger with repolarization than with depolarization. Previous data showed that the hERG N-terminal eag domain regulated deactivation kinetics by making a direct interaction with the C-terminal region of the channel. A primary mechanism for fast inactivation depends on residues in the channel pore; however, inactivation was also shown to be slower after deletion of a large N-terminal region. The mechanism for N-terminal region regulation of inactivation is unclear. Here, we investigated the contributions of the large N-terminal domains (amino acids 1–354), including the eag domain (amino acids 1–135), to hERG channel inactivation kinetics and steady-state inactivation properties. We found that N-deleted channels lacking just the eag domain (Δ2–135) or both the eag domain and the adjacent proximal domain (Δ2–354) had less rectifying current–voltage (I-V) relationships, slower inactivation, faster recovery from inactivation, and lessened steady-state inactivation. We coexpressed genetically encoded N-terminal fragments for the eag domain (N1–135) or the eag domain plus the proximal domain (N1–354) with N-deleted hERG Δ2–135 or hERG Δ2–354 channels and found that the resulting channels had more rectifying I-V relationships, faster inactivation, slower recovery from inactivation, and increased steady-state inactivation, similar to those properties measured for wild-type (WT) hERG. We also found that the eag domain–containing fragments regulated the time to peak and the voltage at the peak of a resurgent current elicited with a ramp voltage protocol. The eag domain–containing fragments effectively converted N-deleted channels into WT-like channels. Neither the addition of the proximal domain to the eag domain in N1–354 fragments nor the presence of the proximal domain in hERG Δ2–135 channels measurably affected inactivation properties; in contrast, the proximal region regulated steady-state activation in hERG Δ2–135 channels. The results show that N-terminal region-dependent regulation of channel inactivation and resurgent current properties are caused by a direct interaction of the eag domain with the rest of the hERG channel.
Minimal 𝐶¹-diffeomorphisms of the circle which admit measurable fundamental domains
Authors: Kodama Hiroki , Matsumoto Shigenori
Published: January 2013

We construct, for each irrational number

α
\alpha

, a minimal

C
1

C^1

-diffeo- morphism of the circle with rotation number

α
\alpha

which admits a measurable fundamental domain with respect to the Lebesgue measure.
Prey preferences of adult sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax in the northeastern Atlantic: implications for bycatch of common dolphin Delphinus delphis
Authors: Spitz J. , Chouvelon T. , Cardinaud M. , Kostecki C. , Lorance P.
Published: January 2013

Spitz, J., Chouvelon, T., Cardinaud, M., Kostecki, C., and Lorance, P. 2013. Prey preferences of adult sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax in the northeastern Atlantic: implications for bycatch of common dolphin Delphinus delphis – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 452–461. In the northeastern Atlantic, adult sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is one of largest fish living on the shelf, and this species has important commercial value. However, pelagic trawl fisheries that target sea bass have negative operational interactions with common dolphins (Delphinus delphis). Our goal was to determine the diet of adult sea bass in the Bay of Biscay from stomach-content and stable-isotope analyses, and explore the dietary overlap between sea bass and common dolphins. We found that sea bass primarily target small pelagic fish, most notably mackerel (Scomber scombrus), scads (Trachurus spp.), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), and sardine (Sardina pilchardus). These four species also dominated the diets of common dolphins. This overlap in feeding preferences could increase the risk of dolphins being caught by trawl fisheries while feeding among sea bass, and may be an underlying mechanism to explain the high rate of common dolphin bycatch observed in the pelagic trawl fishery for sea bass in the Bay of Biscay. Understanding the foraging ecology and trophic interactions of predator species is an essential step for identifying and resolving management issues in the northeastern Atlantic and other marine ecosystems.
Animals as Sentinels: Using Comparative Medicine To Move Beyond the
Laboratory
Authors: Rabinowitz Peter M , Scotch Matthew L , Conti Lisa A
Published: January 2013

The comparative medicine approach, as applied to the study of laboratory animals for the betterment of human health, has resulted in important medical and scientific progress. Much of what is known about the human health risks of many toxic and infectious hazards present in the environment derives from experimental studies in animals and observational (epidemiological) studies of exposed human populations. Yet there is a third source of “in vivo” knowledge about host-environment interactions that may be underused and -explored: the study of diseases in naturally occurring animal populations that may signal potential human health threats. Just as canaries warned coal miners of the risk of toxic gases, other nonhuman animals, due to their greater susceptibility, environmental exposure, or shorter life span, may serve as “sentinels” for human environmental health hazards. Traditionally, communication between human and animal health professionals about cross-species sentinel events has been limited, but progress in comparative genomics, animal epidemiology, and bioinformatics can now provide an enhanced forum for such communication. The “One Health” concept involves moving toward a comparative clinical approach that considers “shared risks” between humans and animals and promotes greater cooperation and collaboration between human and animal health professionals to identify and reduce such risks. In doing so, it also creates new opportunities for the field of comparative medicine that can supplement traditional laboratory animal research.
Appraising the extractable tidal energy resource of the UK's western coastal waters
Authors: Yates Nick , Walkington Ian , Burrows Richard , Wolf Judith
Published: January 2013

A two-dimensional west coast tidal model, built on the ADCIRC platform (an unstructured grid two-dimensional depth-integrated shallow water model), has been developed to examine the scope for reliable and fully predictable electricity generation from UK coastal waters using an ambitious combination of estuary barrages, tidal lagoons and tidal stream generator arrays. The main emphasis has been towards conjunctive operation of major estuary barrages, initially including the presence of pilot-scale tidal stream developments, though ambitious exploitation of extensive tidal streams has also been explored.
Assessment of arrays of in-stream tidal turbines in the Bay of Fundy
Authors: Karsten Richard , Swan Amanda , Culina Joel
Published: January 2013

Theories of in-stream turbines are adapted to analyse the potential electricity generation and impact of turbine arrays deployed in Minas Passage, Bay of Fundy. Linear momentum actuator disc theory (LMADT) is combined with a theory that calculates the flux through the passage to determine both the turbine power and the impact of rows of turbine fences. For realistically small blockage ratios, the theory predicts that extracting 2000–2500 MW of turbine power will result in a reduction in the flow of less than 5 per cent. The theory also suggests that there is little reason to tune the turbines if the blockage ratio remains small. A turbine array model is derived that extends LMADT by using the velocity field from a numerical simulation of the flow through Minas Passage and modelling the turbine wakes. The model calculates the resulting speed of the flow through and around a turbine array, allowing for the sequential positioning of turbines in regions of strongest flow. The model estimates that over 2000 MW of power is possible with only a 2.5 per cent reduction in the flow. If turbines are restricted to depths less than 50 m, the potential power generation is reduced substantially, down to 300 MW. For large turbine arrays, the blockage ratios remain small and the turbines can produce maximum power with a drag coefficient equal to the Betz-limit value.
Characteristics of the turbulence in the flow at a tidal stream power site
Authors: Milne I. A. , Sharma R. N. , Flay R. G. J. , Bickerton S.
Published: January 2013

This paper analyses a set of velocity time histories which were obtained at a fixed point in the bottom boundary layer of a tidal stream, 5 m from the seabed, and where the mean flow reached 2.5 m s
−1
. Considering two complete tidal cycles near spring tide, the streamwise turbulence intensity during non-slack flow was found to be approximately 12–13%, varying slightly between flood and ebb tides. The ratio of the streamwise turbulence intensity to that of the transverse and vertical intensities is typically 1 : 0.75 : 0.56, respectively. Velocity autospectra computed near maximum flood tidal flow conditions exhibit an
f
−2/3
inertial subrange and conform reasonably well to atmospheric turbulence spectral models. Local isotropy is observed between the streamwise and transverse spectra at reduced frequencies of
f
>0.5. The streamwise integral time scales and length scales of turbulence at maximum flow are approximately 6 s and 11–14 m, respectively, and exhibit a relatively large degree of scatter. They are also typically much greater in magnitude than the transverse and vertical components. The findings are intended to increase the levels of confidence within the tidal energy industry of the characteristics of the higher frequency components of the onset flow, and subsequently lead to more realistic performance and loading predictions.
Modelling of the flow field surrounding tidal turbine arrays for varying positions in a channel
Authors: Daly T , Myers L. E , Bahaj A. S
Published: January 2013

The modelling of tidal turbines and the hydrodynamic effects of tidal power extraction represents a relatively new challenge in the field of computational fluid dynamics. Many different methods of defining flow and boundary conditions have been postulated and examined to determine how accurately they replicate the many parameters associated with tidal power extraction. This paper outlines the results of numerical modelling analysis carried out to investigate different methods of defining the inflow velocity boundary condition. This work is part of a wider research programme investigating flow effects in tidal turbine arrays. Results of this numerical analysis were benchmarked against previous experimental work conducted at the University of Southampton Chilworth hydraulics laboratory. Results show significant differences between certain methods of defining inflow velocities. However, certain methods do show good correlation with experimental results. This correlation would appear to justify the use of these velocity inflow definition methods in future numerical modelling of the far-field flow effects of tidal turbine arrays.
Influence of tidal parameters on SeaGen flicker performance
Authors: MacEnri Joseph , Reed Matthew , Thiringer Torbjörn
Published: January 2013

This paper presents the analysis of the study of the flicker emitted from the 1.2 MW tidal energy converter (TEC), SeaGen, against varying tidal parameters. This paper outlines the main elements of the TEC itself, the environment it is located in and the measurement set up. In this paper, the flicker emitted by the TEC is compared with the different tidal parameters, including flood and ebb tides, tidal speed, water depth and turbulence strength and intensity. Flicker emissions have been calculated from measured data in over 90 measurement (10 min) periods, and all of the tidal parameters vary significantly over that testing period. This allows for a detailed statistical and graphical analysis of the variation of flicker with the variation of the tidal parameters outlined above. It is found, with the exception of tidal speed, that there is no strong relationship between flicker emissions and any other tidal parameter. As SeaGen is an asymmetrical TEC with full blade pitching for flood and ebb generation, it was also found that the expected difference of flicker emissions owing to the effect of the submersed crossbeam was not significant. The TEC harmonic performance versus tidal speed is also presented.
1,1′-Biadamantane-3,3′-diol: a two-dimensional network supported by a `hexameric alcohol cluster' supramolecular synthon
Authors: Domasevitch Konstantin V.
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, C20H30O2, one of the two crystallographically independent molecules lies across a centre of inversion and the other resides in a general position (Z′ = 1.5). The supramolecular structure exists as an unusual two-dimensional network incorporating centrosymmetric hexameric hydrogen-bonded alcohol (OH)6clusters [O...O = 2.6637 (12)–2.6993 (12) Å] as the net nodes. The hexamers adopt a chair conformation [O...O...O = 106.55 (4)–115.81 (4)°] and are connected into a network with a square-grid topology (44) by a combination of single and double 1,1′-biadamantanediyl links. The bulky aliphatic groups appear to require specific hexagonal packing and so generate distinct noncovalent hydrophobic layers, which are essential for the stabilization of the hexameric alcohol array rather than the formation of the more commonly encountered tetramer-based arrays.
2-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1,3-thiazole
Authors: Kudryavtsev Konstantin V. , Churakov Andrei V. , Guh Jih-Hwa
Published: January 2013

The title compound, C13H8F3N3S, consists of three linked aromatic rings. The whole molecule (except for the three F atoms) is planar to within 0.225 (2) Å. In the crystal, adjacent molecules are linked into chains along theacdiagonal by weak C—H...N interactions.
The defect scheelite-type lanthanum(III)ortho-oxidomolybdate(VI) La0.667[MoO4]
Authors: Schustereit Tanja , Schleid Thomas , Hartenbach Ingo
Published: January 2013

In scheelite-type La0.667[MoO4], one crystallographically unique position with site symmetry -4.. and an occupancy of 2/3 is found for the La3+cation. The cation is surrounded by eight O atoms in the shape of a trigonal dodecahedron. The structure also contains one [MoO4]2−anion (site symmetry -4..), which is surrounded by eight vertex-attached La3+cations. The polyhedra around the La3+cations are interconnectedviacommon edges, building up a three-dimensional network, in the tetrahedral voids of which the Mo6+cations reside.
1-tert-Butyl 2-ethyl 5-bromo-3-(thiophen-2-ylcarbonyl)-1H-indole-1,2-dicarboxylate
Authors: Hassam Mohammad , Smith Vincent J.
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, C21H20BrNO5S, the thiophene group is located above the mean plane of the indole ring and displays rotational disorder (i.e.rotation through 180°). The site occupancy of the major component is 0.902 (2), while that of the minor component is 0.098 (2). In the crystal, pairs of weak C—H...O interactions link the molecules into centrosymmetric dimers.
Glycine–D-tartaric acid (1/1)
Authors: Mohandas T. , Inbaseelan C. Ranjith Dev , Saravanan S. , Sakthivel P.
Published: January 2013

In the title co-crystal, C2H5NO2·C4H6O6, the gylcine molecule is present in the zwitterion form. In the tartaric acid molecule there is a short intramolecular O—H...O contact. In the crystal, the tartaric acid molecules are linkedviapairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. These dimers are linkedviaa number of O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the two components, forming a three-dimensional network.
trans-Dibromidotetrakis(pyridine-κN)ruthenium(II)
Authors: Wu Xiu-Li , Ye Ru-Fei , Jia Ai-Quan , Chen Qun , Zhang Qian-Feng
Published: January 2013

The title complex, [RuBr2(C5H5N)4], contains two independent complex molecules in each of which the RuIIatom is located on a site of 222 symmetry and has a distorted octahedral coordination geometry with four pyridine N atoms and two Br atoms. The Br aroms aretrans-disposed as a result of symmetry.
Tetramethylammonium aquatrichloridooxalatostannate(IV) monohydrate
Authors: Sow Yaya , Diop Libasse , Molloy Kieran C. , Kociok-Köhn Gabriele
Published: January 2013

The SnIVatom in the title compound, [(CH3)4N][Sn(C2O4)Cl3(H2O)]·H2O, obtained from the reaction between SnCl4and [(CH3)4N]2C2O4·2H2O, is six-coordinated by three Cl atoms, an O atom of a water molecule and two O atoms from an asymmetrically chelating oxalate anion. The environment around the SnIVatom is distorted octahedral. The anions are connected by the lattice water molecule through O—H...O hydrogen bonds, leading to a layered structure parallel to (010). The cations are located between these layers and besides Coulombic forces are connected to the anionic layers through weak C—H...O and C—H...Cl interactions.
Normal paediatric bone marrow: Magnetic resonance imaging appearances from birth to 5 years
Authors: Bracken Jennifer , Nandurkar Dee , Radhakrishnan Kottayam , Ditchfield Michael
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Bone marrow (BM) assessment is an important aspect of paediatric MRI, with the marrow cavity visible on almost every clinical MR examination. In practice, however, assessment for marrow infiltration in paediatric patients can be challenging. Our aim was to review the MRI appearance of normal BM from 0 to 5 years.

Methods

Consecutive body MR examinations over 7 years were retrospectively reviewed in patients aged 0–5 years. Patients with anticipated BM abnormality were excluded. All patients had imaging of the spine and/or pelvis with T1‐weighted (T1) ± T2 with fat saturation, post‐contrast T1‐weighted, diffusion‐weighted or out‐of‐phase sequences.

Results

Nineteen patients were included: nine (47%) infants, 11 (58%) boys, mean age 18.2 months (range 1 day to 3 years and 10 months). On T1 imaging, 69% infant marrow sites and 24% in children >1 year were isointense, the remainder were hyperintense. One hundred per cent BM was T2 fat saturation hyperintense. Enhancement following contrast was seen in 16% of BM sites. Restricted diffusion was seen in 100% infant BM and 50% BM in children >1 year. On out‐of‐phase imaging, no signal loss was seen in infants, and 21% BM in children >1 year showed signal loss.

Conclusion

Due to normal age‐related differences in BM histology, MRI for marrow assessment in infants and young children can be misleading and may mimic marrow infiltration.
Five‐year analysis of magnetic resonance imaging as a screening tool in women at hereditary risk of breast cancer
Authors: Kam Jeffrey KP , Naidu Paayal , Rose Allison K , Mann G Bruce
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Women at very high risk of breast cancer are recommended to undertake enhanced surveillance with annual MRI in addition to mammography. We aimed to review the performance of breast MRI as a screening modality over its first 5 years at our institution.

Methods

The study used a retrospective review using prospectively collected data from a consecutive series of women at high risk of developing breast cancer undergoing surveillance MRI.

Results

Two hundred twenty‐three women had at least one screening MRI. The median age was 42 years old. Sixty‐nine (30.9%) were confirmed genetic mutation carriers. The remaining 154 (69.1%) women were classified as high risk based on family history, without a confirmed genetic mutation. Three hundred forty screening MRI studies were performed. Of these, 69 patients (20.3%) were recalled for further assessment. There was a significant reduction in the recall rate throughout the study for prevalent screens, from 50% (17/34) in 2008 to 14% (9/54) in 2011 (P = 0.004). The overall biopsy rate was 39 in 340 screens (11.5%). Four cancers were identified. Three were in confirmed BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers, and one was found to be a carrier after the cancer was diagnosed. All four were identified as suspicious on MRI, with two having normal mammography. The cancer detection rate of MRI was 1.2% (4/340 screens). The overall positive predictive value was 7.0%, 6.7% for prevalent screens and 7.1% for subsequent screens.

Conclusions

Breast MRI as a screening modality for malignant lesions in women with high hereditary risk is valuable. The recall rate, especially in the prevalent round, improved with radiologist experience.
Stratigraphy and Geochronology of Vertebrate Fossil‐Bearing Jurassic Strata from Linglongta, Jianchang County, Western Liaoning, Northeastern China
Authors: Nan PENG , Yongqing LIU , Hongwei KUANG , Xiaojun JIANG , Huan XU
Published: January 2013

Northeastern China contains widely distributed Jurassic terrestrial strata that have yielded many spectacular mammal and pterosaur fossils, in addition to feathered dinosaur fossils and more recent discoveries from Jianchang, particularly from western Liaoning. However, the fossil‐bearing stratigraphic succession, regional correlation, and age estimates of the fossils found in Jianchang County and nearby areas have been contentious. Here, we report on the vertebrate fossil‐bearing Jurassic stratigraphy from Linglongta, Jianchang County, western Liaoning, including a SHRIMP U‐Pb zircon date unambiguously associated with the fossil horizons. The primary goal was to determine the vertebrate fossil‐bearing succession. A further aim was to provide age estimations for the fossil‐bearing horizon as well as the earliest appearance of feathered dinosaurs, the eutherian–placental clade, and transitional pterosaurs. Field investigations showed that the vertebrate fossil‐bearing stratigraphic succession in Jianchang County mainly consists of basal andesites overlain by rhythmic tuffs and tuffaceous lacustrine sediments, with the upper intermediate or acidic lavas interbedded with laminated more or less tuffaceous lacustrine deposits. This sequence correlates well with the Middle Jurassic Lanqi/Tiaojishan Formation in northeastern China. Detailed and accurate field observations showed that the well‐preserved vertebrate fossils were buried in either the middle or the upper fine‐grained laminated lacustrine deposits. Previous and current SHRIMP U‐Pb zircon dates provide an age estimation of 161–159 Myr for the fossil‐bearing horizon and vertebrates. This indicates that the earliest appearance of feathered dinosaurs here was more than 159 Myr ago and unquestionably older than Archaeopteryx from Germany, making these the earliest known feathered dinosaurs in the world. Furthermore, the eutherian–placental clade and the known transitional pterosaurs first emerged no later than 161 Myr. The vertebrate assemblage unearthed recently from Linglongta and neighboring areas in Jianchang County belongs to the Daohugou Biota. In addition to feathered dinosaurs, this biota was characterized by mammals, primitive pterosaurs, insects, and plants and was present in Inner Mongolia, western Liaoning, and northern Hebei in northeastern China during the Middle–Late Jurassic.
The Pterosaur Collection at the Natural History Museum, London, UK: an Overview and List of Specimens, with Description of Recent Curatorial Developments
Authors: STEEL Lorna
Published: January 2013

The pterosaur collection at the Natural History Museum is of great historical importance. Most of the material is figured or cited, and several specimens are types or casts of types. Pterosaurs from UK localities are well represented, but foreign material is also present as original specimens and as high quality casts. The entire collection has been recorded in a database and curatorial improvements have been made, which has improved physical and virtual access to the collection. Although many of the specimens were collected as long ago as the early 1800s, they are still useful today. A full list of Natural History Museum pterosaur specimens is published, for the first time since 1888.
The Early Evolutionary History and Adaptive Radiation of the Pterosauria
Authors: ANDRES Brian
Published: January 2013

Phylogenetic analyses of early pterosaur species are relatively new and contradictory. However, they imply a similar evolutionary history for early pterosaurs: a large divergence of all major early groups of pterosaurs before the first named pterosaur species appeared in the fossil record. This large, unsampled divergence may be a record of the initial adaptive radiation of the pterosaurs, but a recent comprehensive phylogenetic analysis reconstructs named Triassic pterosaur species grouped together in a monophyletic clade with all other major groups diverging later. Ten patterns that characterize adaptive radiations put forward by Gavrilets and Losos (2009) are assessed for congruence with the comprehensive phylogeny and two previous phylogenies to determine which are consistent with our notions of an adaptive radiation. Of the eight patterns that can be applied to pterosaurs, only six vary between pterosaur phylogenies. Of these six patterns, all apply to the three phylogenies with varying amounts of support For many patterns, however, the comprehensive phylogeny has a greater magnitude, shorter time span, or is the only topology within which they can be assessed. Pterosaurs are characterized by an adaptive radiation no matter which phylogeny is considered, but congruence with the fossil record increases the support and information content of a phylogeny by reducing the time and area within which to reconstruct evolutionary history.
Reassessment of Prejanopterus curvirostris, a Basal Pterodactyloid Pterosaur from the Early Cretaceous of Spain
Authors: PEREDA‐SUBERBIOLA Xabier , KNOLL Fabien , RUIZ‐OMEÑACA José Ignacio , COMPANY Julio , TORCIDA FERNÁNDEZ‐BALDOR Fidel
Published: January 2013

Prejanopterus curvirostra, from the Early Cretaceous of La Rioja province, was the first pterosaur genus and species described from Spain. The material comprises disarticulated cranial and postcranial remains from several individuals. The fossil‐bearing bed is assigned to the lacustrine Leza Formation (eastern Cameros Basin, NW margin of the Iberian Range). This unit is regarded as either Berriasian‐Valanginian or Barremian‐Aptian. Prejanopterus curvirostris (specific name emended) was originally diagnosed on the basis of several characters of which the most significant was a lateral curvature of the rostrum. Re‐examination of the holotype (rostrum) and paratype (partial rostrum with teeth) indicates that there is no genuine sideways bend of the preserved premaxilla‐maxilla segments, but a slight dorsal curvature. Prejanopterus is characterized by a unique combination of characters: an emended diagnosis is provided. In contrast with previous estimates, the wing span of Prejanopterus was probably not much (if ever) in excess of 2 m. A phylogenetic analysis suggests that Prejanopterus is a basal pterodactyloid positioned between Pterodactylus and Cycnorhamphus‐Gallodactylus. Prejanopterus represents the first evidence of Pterodactylidae in the Early Cretaceous of the Iberian Peninsula.
Foraminiferal Biostratigraphy of the Mobarak Formation (Lower Carboniferous) in Kiyasar Area, SE Sari, Northern Iran
Authors: FALAHATGAR Mostafa , MOSADDEGH Hossein , SHIRAZI Mahnaz Parvanehnejad
Published: January 2013

The Mobarak Formation is near the town of Kiyasar in the south‐east of Sari city, northern Iran. This formation conformably overlies the Geirud Formation (Upper Devonian). The lower part of the Mobarak Formation consisting of shales and thin‐ to medium‐bedded limestone toward the top of these sequences changes into alternations of dark limestone and interbedded gray to black shales. Weathered yellow thick‐bedded shales are observed at the top of the section. This formation is covered unconformably by sandstones attributed to the Dorud Formation (Lower Permian). The thickness of the formation in this region is 250 m. Four rock units have been recognized in this section. Foraminiferal biostratigraphy shows that the age of the Mobarak Formation in the Kiaysar region ranges from Lower Tournaisian to Early Middle Visean. The foraminifer Zones FAZ1 and FAZ2 are correlated with the Lower Tournaisian and Upper Tournaisian, whereas Zones FAZ3 and FAZ4 correlate with the Visean. Affinities exist between specimens recorded in the Kiyasar section with species known from other regions in eastern and Central Alborz, but there are important differences in their appearance.
Petrographic and Geochemicial Characteristics of the Kızıloren Formation (Upper Triassic‐Lower Jurassic) in the Akpınar (Konya, Turkey) Area
Authors: ÖZKAN Ali Müjdat , ELMAS Ayşe
Published: January 2013

This paper describes the occurrence of dolomite and the mechanism of dolomitization of the Upper Triassic‐Lower Jurassic Kızıloren Formation in the autochthonous Bolkardagı unit of the middle Taurus Mountains in south western Turkey. Dolomites were analyzed for geochemical, isotopic and crystallographic variation. Dolomites occur as a replacement of precursor carbonate and cement. The dolomite crystals range from <10 to ∼1000 μm existing as both replacements and cements. Sr concentrations range between 84 and 156 ppm, and the molar Sr/Ca ratios of dolomitizing fluids are estimated to range between 0.0066 to 0.013 ratios. Dolomites are Ca‐rich (with average CaCO3 and MgCO3 equal to 56.43 and 43.57 mol%, respectively) and they are non‐stoichiometric, with an average Sr=116 ppm, Na=286 ppm, Mn=81 ppm, Fe=1329 ppm, and δ18O and δ13C ranges from −0.6‰ to −6.1‰ Pee Dee Belemnite [PDB], and +1.2 to +3.9‰ PDB. The North American Shale Composition [NASC]‐normalized rare earth element (REE) values of the both limestone and dolomite sample groups show very similar REE patterns characterized by small positive Eu (mean=1.32 and mean=1.42, respectively) and slightly or considerably negative Ce (mean=0.61 and mean=0.72, respectively) anomalies and a clear depletion in all REE species. The Kızıloren Formation dolomites have been formed as early diagenetic from mixing zone fluids at the tidal‐subtidal environment and at the late diagenetic from basinal brines at the shallow‐deep burial depths.
Crystal Structure and Chemical Composition of Ludwigite from Vranovac Ore Deposit (Boranja Mountain, Serbia)
Authors: TANČIĆ Pavle , DIMITRIJEVIĆ Radovan , POZNANOVIĆ Maja , PAČEVSKI Aleksandar , SUDAR Slobodanka
Published: January 2013

The crystal structure of ludwigite from Vranovac ore deposit (Boranja Mt., Serbia) was refined using the X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD) Rietveld method in the space group Pbam to a final RB=7.45% and RF=5.26%. It has the unit cell dimensions of: a= 9.2515(2) Å; b= 12.3109(2) Å; c= 3.03712 (7) Å; and V= 345.91(1) Å3. The calculated distances and angles are mostly in good agreement with the Mg2+‐Fe2+ substitutions across the M(1) and M(3) sites, as well as with the Fe3+‐Al3+ replacement in the M(4) site. However, the mean observed M(2)‐O distance is considerably shorter than prescribed, due to a slight increase of the Fe3+ content in the M(2) site. Such replacement was compensated by slight increase of the Fe2+ content in the M(4) site, resulting in the (Mg1.48Fe2+0.46Fe3+0.05Mn0.02)2.01 (Fe3+0.94Fe2+0.04Al0.02)1.00B1.00O5 composition. The formation temperature was estimated to be about 500–600°C. The influences of the various chemical compositions to the crystallographic parameters, M‐O distances, M(3) and M(4) sites shift, distortion parameters and estimated valences, were also studied and compared with other reference samples.
Multiple daily injections of insulin versus continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Wender‐Ozegowska Ewa , Zawiejska Agnieszka , Ozegowska Katarzyna , Wroblewska‐Seniuk Katarzyna , Iciek Rafal , Mantaj Urszula , Olejniczak Danuta , Brazert Jacek
Published: January 2013

Aims

The aim was to evaluate the outcome of pregnancies with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) treated from the first trimester with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or multiple daily injections (MDI).

Methods

In a retrospective, observational study, we matched 64 CSII patients for age, age at onset and duration of diabetes and HbA1c in the first trimester with 64 MDI pregnancies. We analysed carbohydrate metabolism, insulin requirements, development of PIH, progression of retinopathy and fetal outcome.

Results

In CSII group, we found a significantly smaller insulin requirement both at the beginning of pregnancy and before delivery, significant decrease in HbA1c levels and significantly smaller number of hypoglycaemic episodes in the second trimester and significantly more hyperglycaemic episodes in the first trimester. In both groups, maternal, fetal and perinatal outcomes were similar and the number of hypo‐ and hyperglycaemic episodes decreased throughout pregnancy.

Conclusion

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) treatment in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes is associated with a reduced number of hypoglycaemia and decreased insulin requirement. We noted no difference in perinatal outcome comparing women on multiple insulin injections with those on continuous insulin infusion.
Intrapartum polymerase chain reaction for detection of group B streptococcus colonisation
Authors: Abdelazim Ibrahim A.
Published: January 2013

Aims

Lower vaginal swabs were collected to compare the intrapartum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to the standard antepartum culture for detection of group B streptococcus (GBS) colonisation.

Materials and Methods

Four hundred and forty‐five pregnant women with documented antepartum GBS cultures, who did not receive either antepartum or intrapartum antibiotics, were included in this prospective study. At the time of delivery and before the intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP), double swabs were collected, one of the swab was used in the GBS molecular‐based (PCR) test and the other was processed for GBS culture in Ahmadi Hospital Clinical Laboratory. Neonates were examined after delivery to diagnose GBS sepsis, and using intrapartum GBS culture as gold standard test; the intrapartum PCR test was compared to the antepartum culture.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of antepartum culture to diagnose GBS colonisation were 73 & 95.5%, respectively, compared with 98.3% sensitivity & 99% specificity for intrapartum PCR test (P > 0.05). Although the intrapartum PCR test was more accurate (98.8%) for detection of GBS colonisation than antepartum culture (90%), its accuracy was significantly different. The neonatal GBS sepsis was significantly related to positive intrapartum cultures, and intrapartum PCR tests, but was not related to positive antepartum cultures (the IAP to the antepartum GBS‐positive mothers reduces GBS sepsis of their neonates).

Discussion

The intrapartum PCR test is an accurate bedside test and it has the potential to be used as intrapartum screening for GBS colonisation allowing appropriate management of mothers and neonates.
Risk of malignancy in women who underwent hysterectomy for uterine prolapse
Authors: Wan Osanna Y. K. , Cheung Rachel Y. K. , Chan Symphorosa S. C. , Chung Tony K. H.
Published: January 2013

Aims

To evaluate the risk of missing a malignancy in surgical specimens following hysterectomy for uterine prolapse if routine pathological examination is not performed. Additionally, information on the risk of missing an hitherto unsuspected malignancy if uterine preservation is the preferred management option will be provided.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was performed on all cases of surgery performed for uterine prolapse in a tertiary referral institution from 2003 to 2011. Those with confirmed malignancy before operation were excluded. The study subjects had their clinical history, investigations, the type of operations and histopathology report analysed. They were classified into symptomatic or asymptomatic, depending on whether they reported symptoms that were suggestive of uterine malignancy.

Results

A total of 640 women were studied. Three cases of hitherto unsuspected uterine malignancy were found, giving an incidence of 0.47%. Among the 456 asymptomatic women, both pre‐ and postmenopausal, the risk of incidental malignancy was 0.22%. Within the postmenopausal group, risk of incidental malignancy was 0.26%. Another 3 cases of uterine premalignant conditions were identified, giving an overall risk of premalignant and malignant uterine condition of 0.94%. Five cases of cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia were found, contributing to a risk of 0.78%.

Conclusions

The risk of missing an uterine malignancy in patients with uterine prolapse is low if appropriate investigations are carried out prior to surgery. If hysterectomy is to be performed, we recommend that all surgical specimens be subjected to histopathological examination.
Rationalization of outcome scores for low back pain: the Oswestry disability index and the low back outcome score
Authors: Eranki Vivek , Koul Kongposh , Fagan Andrew
Published: January 2013

Background

The two commonly used questionnaires to assess low back pain are the low back outcome score (LBOS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). This study aims to identify unique questions and remove redundant questions to develop a composite questionnaire.

Methods

Eighty‐seven consecutive patients attending the practice of a single spinal surgeon completed both the ODI and the LBOS as part of their initial assessment. Both questionnaires were analysed to eliminate questions that exhibit floor–ceiling bias and questions that are interdependent and correlate strongly. Total scores and the scores obtained for each question were then compared (Spearman's rho). A principal axis factor analysis using a varimax rotation was performed to reduce data and identify questions that were interdependent. Using these data, a composite questionnaire was proposed that would minimize overlap in clinical data.

Results

Eighty‐seven patients completed the LBOS and ODI. The mean age is 54, with a range between 18 and 80. The male to female ratio was 50:37. By eliminating questions that contain biases and overlap in clinical data, the composite questionnaire contains 11 questions. From LBOS; housework, dressing, sleeping, sitting, walking and travelling. From the ODI; pain, standing, social life and lifting.

Conclusion

Analysis of the questionnaires identified eight questions that were similar in both questionnaires. Two questions were included that were unique to each questionnaire. The proposed composite questionnaire is of similar size as the original questionnaires and retains questions that are unique to each other while eliminating questions that are redundant and exhibit bias.
Evidence for reduced dentate gyrus and fimbria volume in bipolar II disorder
Authors: Elvsåshagen Torbjørn , Westlye Lars T , Bøen Erlend , Hol Per K , Andersson Stein , Andreassen Ole A , Boye Birgitte , Malt Ulrik F
Published: January 2013

Objectives:  Dentate gyrus (DG)‐dependent inhibition of the stress response might play an important role in mood disorders. During stress, hippocampal projections traversing the fimbria, a white matter bundle on the hippocampal surface, inhibit the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. The aim of the present study was to measure the volumes of the DG–cornu ammonis 4 (DG–CA4) and fimbria in patients with bipolar II disorder (BD‐II) and healthy controls using a recently developed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based technique.

Methods:  Thirty‐seven individuals with a DSM‐IV diagnosis of BD‐II and 42 healthy controls underwent 3‐Tesla MRI. Hippocampal subfield volumes were estimated using a novel segmentation algorithm implemented in FreeSurfer.

Results:  In patients with BD‐II there was a significant reduction in the volume of the left [analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), F = 7.84, p = 0.006] and total (left + right) (F = 4.01, p = 0.047) DG–CA4 and left (F = 4.38, p = 0.040) and total (F = 4.15, p = 0.045) fimbria compared to healthy controls. Explorative analyses indicated a smaller left CA2–3 volume in subjects with BD‐II compared to healthy controls, and a reduced left fimbria volume in unmedicated patients compared to medicated patients and controls.

Conclusions:  Our results provide evidence for the involvement of the DG and fimbria in BD‐II. Longitudinal studies of the DG and fimbria with assessments of the HPA axis in BD‐II are warranted.
Prostate cancer stem‐like cells/cancer‐initiating cells have an autocrine system of hepatocyte growth factor
Authors: Nishida Sachiyo , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Torigoe Toshihiko , Inoue Ryuta , Kitamura Hiroshi , Tanaka Toshiaki , Takahashi Akari , Asanuma Hiroko , Masumori Naoya , Tsukamoto Taiji , Sato Noriyuki
Published: January 2013

Prostate cancer cells include a small population of cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs)/cancer‐initiating cells (CICs) that have roles in initiation and progression of the cancer. Recently, we isolated prostate CSCs/CICs as aldehyde dehydrogenase 1‐highh (ALDH1high) cells using the ALDEFLUOR assay; however, the molecular mechanisms of prostate CSCs/CICs are still elusive. Prostate CSCs/CICs were isolated as ALDH1high cells using the ALDEFLUOR assay, and the gene expression profiles were analyzed using a cDNA microarray and RT‐PCR. We found that prostate CSCs/CICs expressed higher levels of growth factors including hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Hepatocyte growth factor protein expression was confirmed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting. On the other hand, c‐MET HGF receptor was expressed in both CSCs/CICs and non‐CSCs/CICs at similar levels. Hepatocyte growth factor and the supernatant of myofibloblasts derived from the prostate augmented prostasphere formation in vitro, and prostasphere formation was inhibited by an anti‐HGF antibody. Furthermore, c‐MET gene knockdown by siRNA inhibited the prostasphere‐forming ability in vitro and tumor‐initiating ability in vivo. Taken together, the results indicate that HGF secreted by prostate CSCs/CICs and prostate myofibroblasts has a role in the maintenance of prostate CSCs/CICs in an autocrine and paracrine fashion.