bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-consultation educational group intervention to improve shared decision-making in postmastectomy breast reconstruction: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Platt Jennica , Baxter Nancy , Jones Jennifer , Metcalfe Kelly , Causarano Natalie , Hofer Stefan OP , ONeill Anne , Cheng Terry , Starenkyj Elizabeth , Zhong Toni
Published: July 2013

Background

The Pre-Consultation Educational Group Intervention pilot study seeks to assess the feasibility and inform the optimal design for a definitive randomized controlled trial that aims to improve the quality of decision-making in postmastectomy breast reconstruction patients.

Methods/design

This is a mixed-methods pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial that will follow a single-center, 1:1 allocation, two-arm parallel group superiority design.

Setting: The University Health Network, a tertiary care cancer center in Toronto, Canada.

Participants: Adult women referred to one of three plastic and reconstructive surgeons for delayed breast reconstruction or prophylactic mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction.

Intervention: We designed a multi-disciplinary educational group workshop that incorporates the key components of shared decision-making, decision-support, and psychosocial support for cancer survivors prior to the initial surgical consult. The intervention consists of didactic lectures by a plastic surgeon and nurse specialist on breast reconstruction choices, pre- and postoperative care; a value-clarification exercise led by a social worker; and discussions with a breast reconstruction patient.

Control: Usual care includes access to an informational booklet, website, and patient volunteer if desired.

Outcomes: Expected pilot outcomes include feasibility, recruitment, and retention targets. Acceptability of intervention and full trial outcomes will be established through qualitative interviews. Trial outcomes will include decision-quality measures, patient-reported outcomes, and service outcomes, and the treatment effect estimate and variability will be used to inform the sample size calculation for a full trial.

Discussion

Our pilot study seeks to identify the (1) feasibility, acceptability, and design of a definitive RCT and (2) the optimal content and delivery of our proposed educational group intervention. Thirty patients have been recruited to date (8 April 2013), of whom 15 have been randomized to one of three decision support workshops. The trial will close as planned in May 2013.

Trial registration

NCT01857882
Wax ester profiling of seed oil by nano-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Iven Tim , Herrfurth Cornelia , Hornung Ellen , Heilmann Mareike , Hofvander Per , Stymne Sten , Zhu Li-Hua , Feussner Ivo
Published: July 2013

Background

Wax esters are highly hydrophobic neutral lipids that are major constituents of the cutin and suberin layer. Moreover they have favorable properties as a commodity for industrial applications. Through transgenic expression of wax ester biosynthetic genes in oilseed crops, it is possible to achieve high level accumulation of defined wax ester compositions within the seed oil to provide a sustainable source for such high value lipids. The fatty alcohol moiety of the wax esters is formed from plant-endogenous acyl-CoAs by the action of fatty acyl reductases (FAR). In a second step the fatty alcohol is condensed with acyl-CoA by a wax synthase (WS) to form a wax ester. In order to evaluate the specificity of wax ester biosynthesis, analytical methods are needed that provide detailed wax ester profiles from complex lipid extracts.

Results

We present a direct infusion ESI-tandem MS method that allows the semi-quantitative determination of wax ester compositions from complex lipid mixtures covering 784 even chain molecular species. The definition of calibration prototype groups that combine wax esters according to their fragmentation behavior enables fast quantitative analysis by applying multiple reaction monitoring. This provides a tool to analyze wax layer composition or determine whether seeds accumulate a desired wax ester profile. Besides the profiling method, we provide general information on wax ester analysis by the systematic definition of wax ester prototypes according to their collision-induced dissociation spectra. We applied the developed method for wax ester profiling of the well characterized jojoba seed oil and compared the profile with wax ester-accumulating Arabidopsis thaliana expressing the wax ester biosynthetic genes MaFAR and ScWS.

Conclusions

We developed a fast profiling method for wax ester analysis on the molecular species level. This method is suitable to screen large numbers of transgenic plants as well as other wax ester samples like cuticular lipid extracts to gain an overview on the molecular species composition. We confirm previous results from APCI-MS and GC-MS analysis, which showed that fragmentation patterns are highly dependent on the double bond distribution between the fatty alcohol and the fatty acid part of the wax ester.
Potentiometric detection and removal of copper using porphyrins
Authors: Vlascici Dana , Popa Iuliana , Chiriac Vlad A , Fagadar-Cosma Gheorghe , Popovici Horia , Fagadar-Cosma Eugenia
Published: July 2013

Background

Copper is an essential trace element with a great importance in industry, environment and biological systems. The great advantage of ion-selective sensors in comparison with other proposed techniques is that they are measuring the free metal ion activity which is responsible for their toxicity. Porphyrins are known to be among the best ionophores in formulation of ion-selective sensors.

Results

A symmetrically substitutedmeso-porphyrin, namely: 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-allyloxyphenyl)porphyrin (TAPP) was used in the construction of a new copper selective-sensor and was also tested for the removal of copper from waste waters. The potentiometric response characteristics (slope and selectivity) of copper-selective electrodes based on TAPP ino-nitrophenyloctylether (o-NPOE), dioctyl phtalate (DOP) and dioctyl sebacate (DOS) plasticized with poly(vinyl chloride) membranes are compared.

Conclusions

The best results were obtained for the membrane plasticized with DOP. The sensor has linear response in the range 1x10-7– 1x10-1M with 28.4 ± 0.4 mV/decade near-Nernstian slope towards copper ions and presents good selectivity. Due to its chelating nature, the same porphyrin was also tested for the retention of copper from synthetic copper samples, showing a maximum adsorption capacity of 280 mg/g.
S100B levels are affected by older age but not by alcohol intoxication following mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Calcagnile Olga , Holmén Anders , Chew Michelle , Undén Johan
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Biomarkers of brain damage and head injury are potentially useful tools in the management of afflicted patients. Particularly S100B has received much attention and has been adapted into clinical guidelines. Alcohol intoxication and higher age (65 years and over) have been used as risk factors for serious complications following head injury. The effect of these factors on S100B levels has not been fully established in a relevant patient cohort.

Methods

We prospectively included 621 adult patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and S100B sampling. Mild TBI was defined as Glasgow Come Scale 14–15 with loss of consciousness and/or amnesia, but without high-risk factors for intracranial complications. These patients would normally require CT scanning according to local and most international guidelines. S100B was sampled within 3 hours following trauma.

Results

280 patients (45%) were intoxicated by alcohol. Alcohol intoxication had no effect on S100B levels (p = 0.65) and the performance of S100B remained unchanged in these patients. 115 patients (22%) were 65 years or older with elevated S100B levels being more common in this group compared to patients under 65 (p = 0.029). Although the sensitivity of S100B was unchanged in older patients, the specificity was poorer.

Conclusion

S100B can be used reliably in mild TBI patients with alcohol intoxication. The clinically utility of S100B in older patients may be limited by very poor specificity leading to only a small decrease in CT scanning.
The unfolded protein response is activated in disease-affected brain regions in progressive supranuclear palsy and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Stutzbach Lauren D , Xie Sharon X , Naj Adam C , Albin Roger , Gilman Sid ,   PSP Genetics Study Group, Lee Virginia M Y , Trojanowski John Q , Devlin Bernie , Schellenberg Gerard D
Published: July 2013

Background

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disorder pathologically characterized by intracellular tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein distributed throughout the neocortex, basal ganglia, and brainstem. A genome-wide association study identified EIF2AK3 as a risk factor for PSP. EIF2AK3 encodes PERK, part of the endoplasmic reticulum’s (ER) unfolded protein response (UPR). PERK is an ER membrane protein that senses unfolded protein accumulation within the ER lumen. Recently, several groups noted UPR activation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple system atrophy, and in the hippocampus and substantia nigra of PSP subjects. Here, we evaluate UPR PERK activation in the pons, medulla, midbrain, hippocampus, frontal cortex and cerebellum in subjects with PSP, AD, and in normal controls.

Results

We found UPR activation primarily in disease-affected brain regions in both disorders. In PSP, the UPR was primarily activated in the pons and medulla and to a much lesser extent in the hippocampus. In AD, the UPR was extensively activated in the hippocampus. We also observed UPR activation in the hippocampus of some elderly normal controls, severity of which positively correlated with both age and tau pathology but not with Aβ plaque burden. Finally, we evaluated EIF2AK3 coding variants that influence PERK activation. We show that a haplotype associated with increased PERK activation is genetically associated with increased PSP risk.

Conclusions

The UPR is activated in disease affected regions in PSP and the genetic evidence shows that this activation increases risk for PSP and is not a protective response.
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency combined with type 1 diabetes mellitus - a challenge in clinical and dietary management
Authors: Grünert Sarah C , Villavicencio-Lorini Pablo , Wermuth Bendicht , Lehnert Willy , Sass Jörn Oliver , Schwab K Otfried
Published: July 2013

Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is the most common urea cycle defect. The clinical presentation in female manifesting carriers varies both in onset and severity. We report on a female with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and recurrent episodes of hyperammonemia. Since OTC activity measured in a liver biopsy sample was within normal limits, OTC deficiency was initially excluded from the differential diagnoses of hyperammonemia. Due to moderately elevated homocitrulline excretion, hyperornithinemia-hyperammonemia-homocitrullinuria-syndrome was suggested, but further assays in fibroblasts showed normal ornithine utilization. Later, when mutation analysis of the OTC gene became available, a known pathogenic missense mutation (c.533C>T) in exon 5 leading to an exchange of threonine-178 by methionine (p.Thr178Met) was detected. Skewed X-inactivation was demonstrated in leukocyte DNA. In the further clinical course the girl developed marked obesity. By initiating physical activities twice a week, therapeutic control of both diabetes and OTC deficiency improved, but obesity persisted. In conclusion, our case confirms that normal hepatic OTC enzyme activity measured in a single liver biopsy sample does not exclude a clinical relevant mosaic of OTC deficiency because of skewed X-inactivation. Mutation analysis of the OTC gene in whole blood may be a simple way to establish the diagnosis of OTC deficiency. The joint occurrence of OTC deficiency and diabetes in a patient has not been reported before.
The action of aminoguanidine on the liver of trained diabetic rats
Authors: e Nico Edmara Tereza Meira , de Oliveira Patrícia Rosa , de Souza Leonardo Peres , Pereira Franco Dani Campos , Delbin Maria Andréia , Zanesco Angelina , Camargo-Mathias Maria Izabel
Published: July 2013

Background

This study evaluated the effect of aminoguanidine on liver of diabetic rats subject to physical exercises using histological and histochemical techniques.

Methods

The rats used in this study were divided into five groups: sedentary control, sedentary diabetic, trained diabetic, sedentary diabetic and treated with aminoguanidine, trained diabetic and treated with aminoguanidine.

Results

The results showed no effect of aminoguanidine on the liver tissue, although there was improvement with exercise training showing cytological, morpho-histological and histochemical alterations in liver cells of animals from groups trained diabetic and/or treated diabetic compared to those individuals in the sedentary control and sedentary diabetic. These changes included: hepatocytes hypertrophy, presence and distribution of polysaccharides in the hepatocytes cytoplasm and, especially, congestion of the liver blood vessels.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that aminoguanidine is not hepatotoxic, when used at dosage of 1 g/L for the treatment of diabetes complications, and confirmed that the practice of moderate physical exercise assuaged the damage caused by diabetes without the use of insulin.
Ghrelin Requires p53 to Stimulate Lipid Storage in Fat and Liver
Authors: Porteiro Begoña , Díaz-Ruíz Alberto , Martínez Gloria , Senra Ana , Vidal Anxo , Serrano Manuel , Gualillo Oreste , López Miguel , Malagón María M. , Diéguez Carlos , Nogueiras Rubén
Published: July 2013

Ghrelin, a stomach-derived peptide, stimulates feeding behavior and adiposity. For its orexigenic action, ghrelin triggers a central SIRT1/p53/AMPK pathway. The tumor suppressor p53 also plays an important role in white adipose tissue (WAT), where it is up-regulated in the adipocytes of obese mice. It is not known, however, whether p53 has any role in mediating the peripheral action of ghrelin. In the present study, chronic peripheral ghrelin treatment resulted in increased body weight and fat-mass gain in wild-type mice. Correspondingly, mRNA levels of several adipogenic and fat-storage-promoting enzymes were up-regulated in WAT, whereas hepatic triglyceride content and lipogenic enzymes were also increased in wild-type mice following ghrelin treatment. In contrast, mice lacking p53 failed to respond to ghrelin treatment, with their body weight, fat mass, and adipocyte and hepatic metabolism remaining unchanged. Thus, our results show that p53 is necessary for the actions of ghrelin on WAT and liver, leading to changes in expression levels of lipogenic and adipogenic genes, and modifying body weight.
11-Dehydrocorticosterone Causes Metabolic Syndrome, Which Is Prevented when 11β-HSD1 Is Knocked Out in Livers of Male Mice
Authors: Harno Erika , Cottrell Elizabeth C. , Keevil Brian G. , DeSchoolmeester Joanne , Bohlooly-Y Mohammad , Andersén Harriet , Turnbull Andrew V. , Leighton Brendan , White Anne
Published: July 2013

Metabolic syndrome is growing in importance with the rising levels of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome shares many characteristics with Cushing's syndrome, which has led to investigation of the link between excess glucocorticoids and metabolic syndrome. Indeed, increased glucocorticoids from intracellular regeneration by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) drives insulin resistance and increases adiposity, but these metabolic changes are assumed to be due to increased circulating glucocorticoids. We hypothesized that increasing the substrate for 11β-HSD1 (11-dehydrocorticosterone, 11-DHC) would adversely affect metabolic parameters. We found that chronic administration of 11-DHC to male C57BL/6J mice resulted in increased circulating glucocorticoids, and down-regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This elevated 11β-HSD1-derived corticosterone led to increased body weight gain and adiposity and produced marked insulin resistance. Surprisingly liver-specific 11β-HSD1 knockout (LKO) mice given 11-DHC did not show any of the adverse metabolic effects seen in wild-type mice. This occurred despite the 11-DHC administration resulting in elevated circulating corticosterone, presumably from adipose tissue. Mice with global deletion of 11β-HSD1 (global knockout) were unaffected by treatment with 11-DHC, having no increase in circulating corticosterone and exhibiting no signs of metabolic impairment. Taken together, these data show that in the absence of 11β-HSD1 in the liver, mice are protected from the metabolic effects of 11-DHC administration, even though circulating glucocorticoids are increased. This implies that liver-derived intratissue glucocorticoids, rather than circulating glucocorticoids, contribute significantly to the development of metabolic syndrome and suggest that local action within hepatic tissue mediates these effects.
Study of Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Its Relation to the Subsequent Probability of Pregnancy in 112 Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Exposed or Not to Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Morel Nathalie , Bachelot Anne , Chakhtoura Zeina , Ghillani-Dalbin Pascale , Amoura Zahir , Galicier Lionel , Aumaitre Olivier , Piette Jean-Charles , Pourrat Jacques , Boutin Du , Sacre Karim , Kahn Jean-Emmanuel , Duhaut Pierre , Farge Dominique , Francès Camille , Guettrot-Imbert Gaëlle , Harlé Jean-Robert , Lambotte Olivier , Le Guern Véronique , Sène Damien , Trad Salim , Vidal Elisabeth , Sarrot-Reynauld Francoise , Gompel Anne , Tanguy Marie-Laure , Touraine Philippe , Lacorte Jean-Marc , Costedoat-Chalumeau Nathalie ,   on behalf of the PLUS group
Published: July 2013

Context:

Cyclophosphamide is used for renal and major extrarenal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is associated with a risk of premature ovarian failure. There are no data available about the relation between anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serum levels and the probability of subsequent pregnancy in SLE patients.

Objective:

We analyzed AMH levels and the probability of pregnancy in SLE women exposed to cyclophosphamide.

Design and Setting:

We conducted a matched cohort study in referral centers for SLE.

Patients:

Fifty-six cyclophosphamide-exposed SLE women younger than 40 years of age and 56 control SLE women matched for age within 6 months participated in the study.

Main Outcome Measures:

AMH was measured in samples from the PLUS study (ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT00413361). All patients were interviewed in May 2012 regarding their obstetric status.

Results:

The mean age ± SD of the 112 patients was 31.6 ± 5.8 years. The mean AMH level was low (1.21 ± 1.01 ng/mL) and was significantly lower in patients exposed to cyclophosphamide (P = .03) and in patients older than 30 years (P = .02). During a median follow-up (interval between sampling and the interview) period of 4.2 (range, 2.5–4.8) years, 38 patients sought to become pregnant, and 32 (84.2%) succeeded. In the univariate analysis, the risk of failure was associated with cumulative cyclophosphamide dose (P = .007) and older age (P = .02), but not with AMH.

Conclusion:

We confirmed that AMH levels are low in SLE patients and decrease significantly with age and cyclophosphamide exposure. Nonetheless, the risk of failure to conceive was low and was predicted by cyclophosphamide exposure and age, but not by AMH levels.
Infarct-Induced Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein: A Survival Role in Cardiac Fibroblasts
Authors: Anuka Eli , Yivgi-Ohana Natalie , Eimerl Sarah , Garfinkel Benjamin , Melamed-Book Naomi , Chepurkol Elena , Aravot Dan , Zinman Tova , Shainberg Asher , Hochhauser Edith , Orly Joseph
Published: July 2013

Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) is indispensable for steroid hormone synthesis in the adrenal cortex and the gonadal tissues. This study reveals that StAR is also expressed at high levels in nonsteroidogenic cardiac fibroblasts confined to the left ventricle of mouse heart examined 3 days after permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Unlike StAR, CYP11A1 and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase proteins were not observed in the postinfarction heart, suggesting an apparent lack of de novo cardiac steroidogenesis. Work with primary cultures of rat heart cells revealed that StAR is induced in fibroblasts responding to proapoptotic treatments with hydrogen peroxide or the kinase inhibitor staurosporine (STS). Such induction of StAR in culture was noted before spontaneous differentiation of the fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. STS induction of StAR in the cardiac fibroblasts conferred a marked resistance to apoptotic cell death. Consistent with that finding, down-regulation of StAR by RNA interference proportionally increased the number of STS-treated apoptotic cells. StAR down-regulation also resulted in a marked increase of BAX activation in the mitochondria, an event known to associate with the onset of apoptosis. Last, STS treatment of HeLa cells showed that apoptotic demise characterized by mitochondrial fission, cytochrome c release, and nuclear fragmentation is arrested in individual HeLa cells overexpressing StAR. Collectively, our in vivo and ex vivo evidence suggests that postinfarction expression of nonsteroidogenic StAR in cardiac fibroblasts has novel antiapoptotic activity, allowing myofibroblast precursor cells to survive the traumatized event, probably to differentiate and function in tissue repair at the infarction site.
Crime Policy in an Era of Austerity
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Siddhartha
Published: July 2013

In this paper I review recent empirical work analysing the determinants of crime. Improved detection rates consistently lower crime while the relation between prison sentences and crime is more complex. Short sentences are found to be counterproductive. Socio-economic factors play an important role but their sign and significance varies across crime types. Given the police funding cuts, the paper suggests that there is a need for rigorous efficiency studies so that less efficient forces can learn from the practices of more efficient forces.
Quantitative Analysis of Centromeric FISH Spots during the Cell Cycle by Image Cytometry
Authors: Amakawa Genta , Ikemoto Kenzo , Ito Hideaki , Furuya Tomoko , Sasaki Kohsuke
Published: July 2013

Two-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosome enumeration DNA probes specific to chromosomes 7, 11, 17, and 18 was applied to CAL-51 breast cancer cells to examine whether the fluorescence intensity of FISH spots was associated with cell cycle progression. The fluorescence intensity of each FISH spot was quantitatively analyzed based on the cell cycle stage determined by image cytometry at the single-cell level. The spot intensity of cells in the G2 phase was larger than that in the G0/1 phase. This increased intensity was not seen during the early and mid S phases, whereas the cells in the late S phase showed significant increases in spot intensity, reaching the same level as that observed in the G2 phase, indicating that alpha satellite DNA in the centromeric region was replicated in the late S phase. Thus, image cytometry can successfully detect small differences in the fluorescence intensities of centromeric spots of homologous chromosomes. This combinational image analysis of FISH spots and the cell cycle with cell image cytometry provides insights into new aspects of the cell cycle. This is the first report demonstrating that image cytometry can be used to analyze the fluorescence intensity of FISH signals during the cell cycle.
How can chief Marketing Officers Strengthen their Influence? A Social Capital Perspective across Six Country Groups
Authors: Engelen Andreas , Lackhoff Fritz , Schmidt Susanne
Published: July 2013

This article examines the effect of the chief marketing officer's (CMO) social capital along the dimensions of utilization of managerial ties, trust, and solidarity on his or her influence in the top management team (TMT) in a multicultural context. The study uses primary survey data from 412 CMOs across six country groups (Australia and New Zealand; Austria; Germany; China, including Hong Kong; Singapore; and the United States) to investigate the moderating effects of national culture on the relationship between social capital and the influence of CMOs in the TMT. The findings show that the social capital dimensions of managerial tie utilization and trust are strong drivers of a CMO's influence in the TMT and that these relationships are culturally dependent. Trust tends to be more effective when the national cultural dimensions of collectivism and uncertainty avoidance are high, and solidarity in the CMO's network relationship increases his or her influence only in collectivistic cultures.
Conflict Management and Outcomes in Franchise Relationships: The Role of Regulation
Authors: Antia Kersi D. , Zheng Xu (Vivian) , Frazier Gary L.
Published: July 2013

Franchise relationships are prone to conflict. To safeguard the rights of individual franchisees, several states have legislated greater franchisor disclosure (registration law) ex ante and/or franchisor “termination for good cause” (relationship law) ex post. The impact of regulatory oversight on franchisor–franchisee conflict, however, remains unclear. Relying on agency theory arguments, the authors first assess the influence of the regulatory context, both by itself and in combination with the franchise ownership structure, on the incidence of litigated conflict. Conditional on litigation, they also predict the impact of franchise regulation on both the parties’ litigation initiation and resolution choices and the resulting outcomes. The authors test the hypotheses using a unique multisource archival database of 411 instances of litigation across 75 franchise systems observed over 17 years. The results indicate that the regulatory context, by itself as well as in combination with the franchise ownership structure, significantly shapes parties’ conflict management choices. The authors also find evidence of a trade-off between prevailing in the particular conflict and achieving franchise system growth objectives.
When Does Retargeting Work? Information Specificity in Online Advertising
Authors: Lambrecht Anja , Tucker Catherine
Published: July 2013

Firms can now offer personalized recommendations to consumers who return to their website, using consumers' previous browsing history on that website. In addition, online advertising has greatly improved in its use of external browsing data to target Internet ads. Dynamic retargeting integrates these two advances by using information from the browsing history on the firm's website to improve advertising content on external websites. When surfing the Internet, consumers who previously viewed products on the firm's website are shown ads with images of those same products. To examine whether this is more effective than simply showing generic brand ads, the authors use data from a field experiment conducted by an online travel firm. Surprisingly, the data suggest that dynamic retargeted ads are, on average, less effective than their generic equivalents. However, when consumers exhibit browsing behavior that suggests their product preferences have evolved (e.g., visiting review websites), dynamic retargeted ads no longer underperform. One explanation for this finding is that when consumers begin a product search, their preferences are initially construed at a high level. As a result, they respond best to higher-level product information. Only when they have narrowly construed preferences do they respond positively to ads that display detailed product information. This finding suggests that in evaluating how best to reach consumers through ads, managers should be aware of the multistage nature of consumers' decision processes and vary advertising content along these stages.
Assessing the Impact of Gasoline Sales-Below-Cost Laws on Retail Price and Market Structure: Implications for Consumer Welfare
Authors: Peltier James W. , Skidmore Mark , Milne George R.
Published: July 2013

The effectiveness of gasoline-specific sales-below-cost (SBC) laws designed to limit firms' predatory behavior is yet to be determined. To provide policy makers with conceptual and empirical insights into this issue, the authors propose and empirically test a simultaneous equations model grounded in the structure–conduct–performance framework that assesses the direct and indirect impacts that SBC laws have on market structure (number of sellers) and on the wholesale and retail prices of gasoline. Unlike other SBC studies, which are more cross-sectional in nature and focus on a limited number of areas, the authors use monthly gasoline wholesale and retail prices from 1983 to 2010 for all 50 states. This approach is advantageous because it includes the opportunity to assess the long-term impact of SBC laws and transitional effects as states enact or repeal SBC legislation. The results suggest that SBC laws reduce retail prices directly and indirectly by increasing the number of sellers, thus improving customer welfare.
Patch-Based Inpainting for Object Removal and Region Filling in Images
Authors: Borole Rajesh Pandurang , Bonde Sanjiv Vedu
Published: July 2013

A large number of articles have been devoted to the application of “texture synthesis” for large regions and “inpainting” algorithms for small cracks in an image. A new approach that allows the simultaneous filling in of different structures and textures is discussed in this present study. The combination of structure inpainting and patch-based texture synthesis carried out (termed as “patch-based inpainting”) for filling and updating the target region shows additional advantages over earlier approaches. The algorithm discussed here uses the patch-based inpainting with isophote-driven patch-based texture synthesis at the core. In this algorithm, once the user selects the regions to be restored, the algorithm automatically searches and fills in these regions with the best matching information surrounding them. We have assigned high priorities to the pixels on the boundary and the structure by computing data terms D(p), and the texture and corners are prioritized by computing the confidence C(p) of the pixel. We also regularized and weighted the confidence of the pixels, RC(p), to achieve a balance of the two. The patch search area near the pixel patch to be filled is bounded for algorithm speed improvement. Patch-based filling significantly improve execution speed compared with pixel-based filling. Filling in is done in such a way that the structure information arriving at the region boundaries is propagated inside. A number of examples on real and synthetic images are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm. Robustness with respect to the shape of the selected target region is also demonstrated.
Oral low-dose testosterone administration induces whole-body protein anabolism in postmenopausal women: a novel liver-targeted therapy
Authors: Birzniece Vita , Umpleby Margot A , Poljak Anne , Handelsman David J , Ho Ken K Y
Published: July 2013

Objective

In hypopituitary men, oral delivery of unesterified testosterone in doses that result in a solely hepatic androgen effect enhances protein anabolism during GH treatment. In this study, we aimed to determine whether liver-targeted androgen supplementation induces protein anabolism in GH-replete normal women.

Design

Eight healthy postmenopausal women received 2-week treatment with oral testosterone at a dose of 40 mg/day (crystalline testosterone USP). This dose increases portal concentrations of testosterone, exerting androgenic effects on the liver without a spillover into the systemic circulation.

Outcome measures

The outcome measures were whole-body leucine turnover, from which leucine rate of appearance (LRa, an index of protein breakdown) and leucine oxidation (Lox, a measure of irreversible protein loss) were estimated, energy expenditure and substrate utilization. We measured the concentration of liver transaminases as well as of testosterone, SHBG and IGF1.

Results

Testosterone treatment significantly reduced LRa by 7.1±2.5% and Lox by 14.6±4.5% (P<0.05). The concentration of liver transaminases did not change significantly, while that of serum SHBG fell within the normal range by 16.8±4.0% and that of IGF1 increased by 18.4±7.7% (P<0.05). The concentration of peripheral testosterone increased from 0.4±0.1 to 1.1±0.2 nmol/l (P<0.05), without exceeding the upper normal limit. There was no change in energy expenditure and fat and carbohydrate utilization.

Conclusions

Hepatic exposure to unesterified testosterone by oral delivery stimulates protein anabolism by reducing protein breakdown and oxidation without inducing systemic androgen excess in women. We conclude that a small oral dose of unesterified testosterone holds promise as a simple novel treatment of protein catabolism and muscle wasting.
The gut microbiome: the role of a virtual organ in the endocrinology of the host
Authors: Evans James M , Morris Laura S , Marchesi Julian R
Published: July 2013

The human microbiome contains a vast array of microbes and genes that show greater complexity than the host's own karyome; the functions of many of these microbes are beneficial and show co-evolution with the host, while others are detrimental. The microbiota that colonises the gut is now being considered as a virtual organ or emergent system, with properties that need to be integrated into host biology and physiology. Unlike other organs, the functions that the gut microbiota plays in the host are as yet not fully understood and can be quite easily disrupted by antibiotics, diet or surgery. In this review, we look at some of the best-characterised functions that only the gut microbiota plays and how it interacts with the host's endocrine system and we try to make it clear that the 21st-century biology cannot afford to ignore this facet of biology, if it wants to fully understand what makes us human.
Inflammation as a potential link between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance
Authors: Asrih Mohamed , Jornayvaz François R
Published: July 2013

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major health problem in developed countries. It has affected more than 30% of the general population and is commonly associated with insulin resistance, which is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and a central feature of the metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, accumulating evidences reveal that NAFLD as well as insulin resistance is strongly related to inflammation. Cytokines and adipokines play a pivotal role in inflammatory processes. In addition, these inflammatory mediators regulate various functions including metabolic energy balance, inflammation, and immune response. However, their role in modulating ectopic lipids involved in the development of insulin resistance, such as diacylglycerols and ceramides, remains unknown. The aim of this review is first to describe the pathophysiology of insulin resistance in NAFLD. In particular, we discuss the role of ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver. Secondly, we also summarize recent findings emphasizing the role of main inflammatory markers in both NAFLD and insulin resistance and their potential role in modulating hepatic fat content in NAFLD and associated hepatic insulin resistance.
Molecular Determinants of Sporulation in Ashbya gossypii
Authors: Wasserstrom Lisa , Lengeler Klaus B , Walther Andrea , Wendland Jürgen
Published: July 2013

Regulation of development and entry into sporulation is critical for fungi to ensure survival of unfavorable environmental conditions. Here we present an analysis of gene sets regulating sporulation in the homothallic ascomycete Ashbya gossypii. Deletion of components of the conserved pheromone/starvation MAP kinase cascades, e.g., STE11 and STE7, results in increased sporulation. In kar3 mutants sporulation is severely reduced, while deletion of KAR4 as well as of homologs of central Saccharomyces cerevisiae regulators of sporulation, IME1, IME2, IME4, and NDT80, abolishes sporulation in A. gossypii. Comparison of RNAseq transcript profiles of sporulation-deficient mutants identified a set of 67 down-regulated genes, most of which were up-regulated in the oversporulating ste12 mutant. One of these differentially expressed genes is an endoglucanase encoded by ENG2. We found that Eng2p promotes hyphal fragmentation as part of the developmental program of sporulation, which generates single-celled sporangia. Sporulation-deficient strains are arrested in their development but form sporangia. Supply of new nutrients enabled sporangia to return to hyphal growth, indicating that these cells are not locked in meiosis. Double-strand break (DSB) formation by Spo11 is apparently not required for sporulation; however, the absence of DMC1, which repairs DSBs in S. cerevisiae, results in very poor sporulation in A. gossypii. We present a comprehensive analysis of the gene repertoire governing sporulation in A. gossypii and suggest an altered regulation of IME1 expression compared to S. cerevisiae.
Coupling Unbiased Mutagenesis to High-throughput DNA Sequencing Uncovers Functional Domains in the Ndc80 Kinetochore Protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Tien Jerry F , Fong Kimberly K , Umbreit Neil T , Payen Celia , Zelter Alex , Asbury Charles L , Dunham Maitreya J , Davis Trisha N
Published: July 2013

During mitosis, kinetochores physically link chromosomes to the dynamic ends of spindle microtubules. This linkage depends on the Ndc80 complex, a conserved and essential microtubule-binding component of the kinetochore. As a member of the complex, the Ndc80 protein forms microtubule attachments through a calponin homology domain. Ndc80 is also required for recruiting other components to the kinetochore and responding to mitotic regulatory signals. While the calponin homology domain has been the focus of biochemical and structural characterization, the function of the remainder of Ndc80 is poorly understood. Here, we utilized a new approach that couples high-throughput sequencing to a saturating linker-scanning mutagenesis screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We identified domains in previously uncharacterized regions of Ndc80 that are essential for its function in vivo. We show that a helical hairpin adjacent to the calponin homology domain influences microtubule binding by the complex. Furthermore, a mutation in this hairpin abolishes the ability of the Dam1 complex to strengthen microtubule attachments made by the Ndc80 complex. Finally, we defined a C-terminal segment of Ndc80 required for tetramerization of the Ndc80 complex in vivo. This unbiased mutagenesis approach can be generally applied to genes in S. cerevisiae to identify functional properties and domains.
The FACT Histone Chaperone Guides Histone H4 Into Its Nucleosomal Conformation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: McCullough Laura , Poe Bryan , Connell Zaily , Xin Hua , Formosa Tim
Published: July 2013

The pob3-Q308K mutation alters the small subunit of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae histone/nucleosome chaperone Facilitates Chromatin Transactions (FACT), causing defects in both transcription and DNA replication. We describe histone mutations that suppress some of these defects, providing new insight into the mechanism of FACT activity in vivo. FACT is primarily known for its ability to promote reorganization of nucleosomes into a more open form, but neither the pob3-Q308K mutation nor the compensating histone mutations affect this activity. Instead, purified mutant FACT complexes fail to release from nucleosomes efficiently, and the histone mutations correct this flaw. We confirm that pob3-T252E also suppresses pob3-Q308K and show that combining two suppressor mutations can be detrimental, further demonstrating the importance of balance between association and dissociation for efficient FACT:nucleosome interactions. To explain our results, we propose that histone H4 can adopt multiple conformations, most of which are incompatible with nucleosome assembly. FACT guides H4 to adopt appropriate conformations, and this activity can be enhanced or diminished by mutations in Pob3 or histones. FACT can therefore destabilize nucleosomes by favoring the reorganized state, but it can also promote assembly by tethering histones and DNA together and maintaining them in conformations that promote canonical nucleosome formation.
Highly Efficient Genome Modifications Mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 in Drosophila
Authors: Yu Zhongsheng , Ren Mengda , Wang Zhanxiang , Zhang Bo , Rong Yikang S , Jiao Renjie , Gao Guanjun
Published: July 2013

We report that Cas9/gRNA mediates efficient genetic modifications in Drosophila. Through targeting seven loci, we achieved a germline efficiency of up to 100%. Genes in both heterochromatin and euchromatin can be modified efficiently. Thus the Cas9/gRNA system is an attractive tool for rapid disruption of essentially any gene in Drosophila.
Space creation, structural construction and force distribution
Authors: Lámer G.
Published: July 2013

The paper is an overview of issues related to the space creation of a building, possibilities of developing frame structure and connections of force distribution in the construction. In plane the force distribution can be compression, bending and tension. In space “enclosing” a geometric solid means space creation. In space as it is to be expected, the force distribution must be compression, bending and tension in two different directions at the same time. This can be really variant but in the case of surface or surface-like constructions generated by translations (and/or rotations) on one hand, there are some other surfaces, which cannot be generated by translations (and/or rotations), on the other hand, the dimension of the inside “forces” is not two but three (independent components of a two-by-two tensor either in the case of compression tension, or in the case of bending). By this, force distribution is more complicated in space than in plane.
New technology for environmental friendly manufacturing of the complex helical surfaces
Authors: Gyenge C. S. , Oláh L. , Calin M.
Published: July 2013

In the last years there have been a host of new transmissions with high efficiency and high precision. In the first stage of their manufacturing technologies did not take environmental issues into account. The research by our group has proposed to develop a technology that besides providing constructive parameters of transmissions aims not to pollute the environment too much. The developed new technology is based on ultraprecision turning, and was tested on a HEMBURG ultrapecision equipment.
The examination of leadership at local governments in the years of 2008 and 2012 in the North Great Plain Region
Authors: Matkó A.
Published: July 2013

It was my initial assumption that the quality of governance and management, i.e. the leadership concept of the local authorities has a determinant role in increasing the competitiveness of the region. In my research, the increase of the competitiveness of the region was in focus. I did not consider competitiveness to be only a performance, but a managerial and organizational skill which basically develops competitiveness. For this reason, this study describes the leadership examination carried out at the local authorities of the region.
Shape design of rubber part using FEM
Authors: Mankovits T. , Kocsis I. , Portik T. , Szabó T. , Páczelt I.
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a novel solution for shape optimization of compressed rubber parts. The procedure is based on the finite element method (FEM). A special purpose FEM code written in FORTRAN has been developed for the analysis of nearly incompressible axi-symmetric rubber parts. Numerical stability of the code and sensitivity analysis of the FEM input parameters are investigated. The aim of the parameter optimization is to reduce the time consuming FEM computations for the optimization process. The objective of the optimization is to find the optimal shape of the investigated rubber parts with a specified load-displacement curve. A regression model is used to determine the connection between the input and output data calculated by the FEM.
Theoretical and real solar energy gain on roofs in a densely built urban area with trees
Authors: Gál T. , Unger J.
Published: July 2013

The first aim of our research is to calculate the solar irradiance on roofs assuming clear sky and real (climatologically typical) conditions, respectively, and compare them in a densely built inner city study area in Szeged (Hungary). The second aim is to analyse the shading effect of the tree-crowns on the possible solar energy gain of building roofs. The calculation of the climatologically potential solar energy gain based on an empirical atmospheric transmittance (calculated from the measured global radiation values). The results show that in the case of clear sky condition the urban vegetation (tree-crowns) causes significant potential solar energy loss on the roofs, but in the real situations this effect is less significant. These obtained results clearly illustrate how useful tool could be the presented calculation method at the economical and technical planning stage of the installation of solar systems on roofs.
Trajectory control of a mobile robot using neural network for frail blind persons
Authors: Yildirim Ş. , Savaş S.
Published: July 2013

This paper describes a novel application of mobile robot technology to the construction of mobility for the frail blind. Trajectory control of an experimental mobile robot using proposed neural network based controller structure for frail blind persons are presented. The robot is a non-holonomic experimental mobile robot with all electronic equipments. A prescribed double triangle reference trajectory is employed to test the robot with proposed controller structure for following exact trajectory of blind disable persons. The gain parameters of the P controller are tuned with neural network. The results of the proposed adaptive neural network based P controller are improved that this controller has superior performance at adapting large disturbances on the mobile robot.
Reactive power and voltage regulation in micro grids environment
Authors: Vokony I.
Published: July 2013

This paper is a continuation of the paper “Examination of Micro Grid Operation in Island Condition, Focusing on Voltage Control” [10]. It has presented the assessment of micro grids’ voltage and reactive power control. The increasing integration of intelligent energy distribution networks has to serve the interest of the consumers. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the quality of the electricity supply with regard to the voltage quality as well. How is it possible to ensure the regulation in those cases, e.g. in case of island operation? In the paper the model developed and used for simulating the micro grids are introduced and it is also shown how to apply them for island operation assessment. With the help of a model network the results of the simulations are presented and the conclusions are evaluated.
Evaluation and modelling the micro-bioclimatological conditions of a popular playground in Szeged, Hungary
Authors: Égerházi L. A. , Kántor N. , Gál T.
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a thermal comfort study of a popular playground in Szeged, Hungary in order to find its optimal land cover and vegetation options. For this assessment simulated micro- and bioclimatological conditions recorded on a typical summer day (12th July 2011) were analysed. The thermal and radiation features of the study area were quantified by two biometeorological indices, Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Mean Radiant Temperature (Tmrt). For the simulation of the meteorological parameters and the bioclimate indices, ENVI-met microclimate model was used. The results confirmed that the modelled areas with different land cover provide a variety of thermal conditions for the visitors; moreover, human thermal sensation was significantly affected by the change of the radiation environment.