bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of monocytes/macrophages with ovarian cancer cells promotes angiogenesis in vitro
Authors: Wang Xipeng , Zhao Xiaobo , Wang Kai , Wu Li , Duan Tao
Published: January 2013

It has been established that macrophages and endothelial cells infiltrate peritoneum in the vicinity of tumor implants of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). This study investigates whether the interaction of ovarian cancer cells and tumor‐associated macrophages could promote the involvement of endothelial cells in angiogenesis. Macrophage phenotypes were detected by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, and cytokine/chemokine secretion was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of co‐culture of ovarian cancer cells and tumor‐associated macrophage (TAM) cells on endothelial cell migration and tube formation was investigated. Signaling pathway mediators were also evaluated for their potential roles in endothelial cell activation by ovarian cancer cells co‐cultured with TAM cells. Our results showed that higher expression of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) expression associated with 54.26 ± 34.46% of TAM infiltration of peritoneum was significantly higher than 16.58 ± 17.74% of CD3+ T‐cell by immunofluorescence co‐staining and confocal microscopy. THP‐1 cells exhibited M2‐polarized phenotype markers with high proportion of CD68+, CD206+ and CD204+ markers after phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) treatment, After co‐culturing with TAM cells in a transwell chamber system, EOC cells (SKOV3) increased their IL‐8 expression at the level of mRNA and protein. After exposure to the conditioned medium obtained by co‐culturing TAM and SKOV3 cells, the migration and tube formation of endothelial cells were enhanced significantly. Furthermore, the upregulation of IL‐8 expression in ovarian cancer cells induced by macrophages could be inhibited by pyrollidine dithiocarbamate, an inhibitor of nuclear factor (NF)‐ κB signal pathway. We suggest that the interaction of ovarian cancer cells and tumor‐associated macrophages enhances the ability of endothelial cells to promote the progression of ovarian cancer.
Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Older Patients a different disease? – a clinical cohort study
Authors: Lewis Ieuan , Pairman Jessie , Spickett Gavin , Newton Julia L.
Published: January 2013

Background

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disabling disorder characterised by persistent fatigue with a typical age of diagnosis of 35–50 years. CFS does present in those aged over 50 but whether this is a different disease in older age groups has not been considered. Therefore, we performed a clinical cohort study to examine and differentiate the clinical and autonomic features in CFS patients aged over 50.

Design

A total of 179 Fukuda diagnosed CFS patients were recruited, and 25 older CFS patients (50 + years) were matched case by case for gender and length of history to 25 younger CFS patients (16–29 years). A range of symptomatic‐based questionnaires were used in addition to heart rate variability and baroreceptor sensitivity to assess autonomic function.

Results

Chronic fatigue syndrome can present for the first time in an older population. Older CFS patients demonstrate increased fatigue (Fatigue impact scale; 85 ± 33 vs. 107 ± 27, P = 0·02) (Chalder fatigue scale; 9 ± 3 vs. 11 ± 1, P = 0·002) and caseness for depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale; 7 ± 3 vs. 10 ± 4; P = 0·005). There is a greater autonomic dysfunction in older CFS patients, with reduced parasympathetic function (HFnu; 49·1 ± 18 vs. 36·2 ± 18, P = 0·01, RR30 : 15; ± , P = 0·02) and increased sympathetic function (LFnu; 51·5 ± 17 vs. 63·8 ± 18, P = 0·01). Baroreflex sensitivity was substantially reduced (BRS; 19·7 ± 12 vs. 9·9 ± 5, P = 0·0004), and left ventricular ejection time prolonged (LVET; 274·6 ± 16 vs. 285·8 ± 9, P = 0·004).

Conclusions

Older CFS patients demonstrate a disease phenotype very different from younger patients. The combination of differing underlying pathogenic mechanisms and the physiological aspects of ageing result in a greater disease impact in older CFS patients.
Biodiversity and ecosystem stability: a synthesis of underlying mechanisms
Authors: Loreau Michel , de Mazancourt Claire
Published: January 2013

There is mounting evidence that biodiversity increases the stability of ecosystem processes in changing environments, but the mechanisms that underlie this effect are still controversial and poorly understood. Here, we extend mechanistic theory of ecosystem stability in competitive communities to clarify the mechanisms underlying diversity–stability relationships. We first explain why, contrary to a widely held belief, interspecific competition should generally play a destabilising role. We then explore the stabilising effect of differences in species' intrinsic rates of natural increase and provide a synthesis of various potentially stabilising mechanisms. Three main mechanisms are likely to operate in the stabilising effects of biodiversity on ecosystem properties: (1) asynchrony of species' intrinsic responses to environmental fluctuations, (2) differences in the speed at which species respond to perturbations, (3) reduction in the strength of competition. The first two mechanisms involve temporal complementarity between species, while the third results from functional complementarity. Additional potential mechanisms include selection effects, behavioural changes resulting from species interactions and mechanisms arising from trophic or non‐trophic interactions and spatial heterogeneity. We conclude that mechanistic trait‐based approaches are key to predicting the effects of diversity on ecosystem stability and to bringing the old diversity–stability debate to a final resolution.
Chalcopyrite—bearer of a precious, non‐precious metal
Authors: Kimball Bryn E.
Published: January 2013

The mineral chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) is the world's most abundant source of copper, a metal component in virtually every piece of electrical equipment. It is the main copper mineral in several different ore deposit types, the most important of which are porphyry deposits. Chalcopyrite is unstable at the Earth's surface, so it weathers from sulphide outcrops and mine waste piles, contributing acid and dissolved copper to what is known as acid rock drainage. If not prevented, dissolved copper from chalcopyrite weathering will be transported downstream, potentially harming ecosystems along the way. Pristine areas are becoming targets for future copper supply as we strive to meet ever‐increasing demands for copper by developed and developing nations. Additionally, our uses for copper are expanding to include technology such as solar energy production. This has lead to the processing of increasingly lower grade ores, which is possible, in part, due to advances in bio‐leaching (i.e. metal extraction catalysed by micro‐organisms). Although copper is plentiful, it is still a nonrenewable resource. Future copper supply promises to fall short of demand and the volatility of the copper market may continue if we do not prioritize copper use and improve copper recycling and ore extraction efficiency.
Nickel Isotope Variations in Terrestrial Silicate Rocks and Geological Reference Materials Measured by MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Gueguen Bleuenn , Rouxel Olivier , Ponzevera Emmanuel , Bekker Andrey , Fouquet Yves
Published: January 2013

Although initial studies have demonstrated the applicability of Ni isotopes for cosmochemistry and as a potential biosignature, the Ni isotope composition of terrestrial igneous and sedimentary rocks, and ore deposits remains poorly known. Our contribution is fourfold: (a) to detail an analytical procedure for Ni isotope determination, (b) to determine the Ni isotope composition of various geological reference materials, (c) to assess the isotope composition of the Bulk Silicate Earth relative to the Ni isotope reference material NIST SRM 986 and (d) to report the range of mass‐dependent Ni isotope fractionations in magmatic rocks and ore deposits. After purification through a two‐stage chromatography procedure, Ni isotope ratios were measured by MC‐ICP‐MS and were corrected for instrumental mass bias using a double‐spike correction method. Measurement precision (two standard error of the mean) was between 0.02 and 0.04‰, and intermediate measurement precision for NIST SRM 986 was 0.05‰ (2s). Igneous‐ and mantle‐derived rocks displayed a restricted range of δ60/58Ni values between −0.13 and +0.16‰, suggesting an average BSE composition of +0.05‰. Manganese nodules (Nod A1; P1), shale (SDO‐1), coal (CLB‐1) and a metal‐contaminated soil (NIST SRM 2711) showed positive values ranging between +0.14 and +1.06‰, whereas komatiite‐hosted Ni‐rich sulfides varied from −0.10 to −1.03‰.
A School Nurse‐Delivered Intervention for Overweight and Obese Adolescents
Authors: Pbert Lori , Druker Susan , Gapinski Mary A. , Gellar Lauren , Magner Robert , Reed George , Schneider Kristin , Osganian Stavroula
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

Models are needed for implementing weight management interventions for adolescents through readily accessible venues. This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a school nurse‐delivered intervention in improving diet and activity and reducing body mass index (BMI) among overweight and obese adolescents.

METHODS

Six high schools were randomized to either a 6‐session school nurse‐delivered counseling intervention utilizing cognitive‐behavioral techniques or nurse contact with provision of information. Eighty‐four overweight or obese adolescents in grades 9 through 11 completed behavioral and physiological assessments at baseline and 2‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups.

RESULTS

At 2 months, intervention participants ate breakfast on more days/week (difference = 1.01 days; 95% CI: 0.11, 1.92), and had a lower intake of total sugar (difference = −45.79 g; 95% CI: −88.34, −3.24) and added sugar (difference = −51.35 g; 95% CI: −92.45, −10.26) compared to control participants. At 6 months, they were more likely to drink soda ≤ one time/day (OR 4.10; 95% CI: 1.19, 16.93) and eat at fast food restaurants ≤ one time/week (OR 4.62; 95% CI: 1.10, 23.76) compared to control participants. There were no significant differences in BMI, activity, or caloric intake.

CONCLUSION

A brief school nurse‐delivered intervention was feasible, acceptable, and improved selected obesogenic behaviors, but not BMI.
Elementary School Personnel's Perceptions on Childhood Obesity: Pervasiveness and Facilitating Factors
Authors: Odum Mary , McKyer E. Lisako J. , Tisone Christine A. , Outley Corliss W.
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

Researchers in numerous disciplines have investigated the effects of the school environment on childhood obesity (CHO), one of the greatest current health concerns in the United States. There is a gap in current empirical evidence, however, on school personnel's perspectives of this issue. This study examined school personnel's perceptions of obesity as a problem among school‐aged children and their views on factors contributing to obesity.

METHODS

Thirty‐one semistructured interviews were conducted with elementary school personnel (teachers, administrators, and support staff) from 5 rural schools with a predominantly Hispanic (58.18%) and Black (30.24%) student population. The constant comparison method was used to identify emergent themes.

RESULTS

All but one participant considered obesity to be a problem among elementary children. Factors facilitating obesity most frequently cited by school personnel were home environment, poor nutrition, child control of dietary choices, child inactivity, and entertainment electronics.

CONCLUSIONS

Child control of dietary choices in both home and school environments was identified as a major contributor to obesity. Further exploration of this control is warranted to understand the complexity of this dynamic and its potential link to CHO.
Proliferation and significance of clinically relevant β‐lactamases
Authors: Bush Karen
Published: January 2013

Inactivation of β‐lactam antibiotics by β‐lactamases in bacterial infections is associated with some of the most serious infectious disease issues that are currently encountered. The evolution of unique β‐lactamases has resulted in more than 1,300 distinct enzymes that have been identified in natural clinical isolates. Of these enzymes, the most deleterious β‐lactamases are the extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases, or ESBLs, that hydrolyze most penicillins and cephalosporins, and the carbapenemases that may inactivate all β‐lactam classes of drugs. The most prominent ESBLs worldwide are the CTX‐M‐14 and CTX‐M‐15 enzymes. Among enzyme families, the TEM and OXA β‐lactamases exhibit the greatest number of variants. The broad groups of carbapenemases are particularly treacherous, especially the KPC serine carbapenemases and the NDM family of metallo‐β‐lactamases, both of which appear in multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative pathogens that are often resistant to most classes of antibiotics. Although new β‐lactamase inhibitor combinations are being investigated as a means of controlling infections caused by these organisms, additional approaches are sorely needed.
Shaking Up Science
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: January 2013

Two journal editors take a hard look at honesty in science and question the ethos of their profession.
Snapshots From the Meeting
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: January 2013

Researchers wonder how moths were able to follow a flower in dim light and how coralline algae survive an aquatic battering.
5-Hydroxytryptamine-induced bladder hyperactivity via the 5-HT2Areceptor in partial bladder outlet obstruction in rats
Authors: Sakai Takumi , Kasahara Ken-ichi , Tomita Ken-ichi , Ikegaki Ichiro , Kuriyama Hiroshi
Published: January 2013

We investigated the effects of partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) on the function and gene expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor subtypes in rat bladder. Isometric contractions of the isolated bladders from sham-operated control and BOO rats were examined. The contractile responses to 5-HT were significantly increased in BOO rat bladder strips, while the responses to KCl, carbachol, or phenylephrine were not different from the control. The 5-HT-induced hypercontraction in BOO rat bladder strips was inhibited by ketanserin, a 5-HT2Areceptor antagonist. The contractile responses to 5-HT in bladder strips were not affected by urothelium removal from the intact bladder. The gene expression of 5-HT receptor subtypes in the bladders was analyzed by RT-PCR. The mRNA expression of the 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, 5-HT4, and 5-HT7receptors was detected in both the control and BOO rat bladders. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed there was a significant increase of 5-HT2Areceptor mRNA in the BOO rat bladder compared with the control bladder. On the other hand, the gene expression of the 5-HT4receptor was not changed in the BOO rat bladder. These results suggest that the increased contractile responses to 5-HT in BOO rat bladder may be partly caused by 5-HT2Areceptor upregulation in the detrusor smooth muscles.
Defining Thumb Reach Envelopes for Handheld Devices
Authors: Otten Edward W. , Karn Keith S. , Parsons Kelley S.
Published: January 2013

Objective:

Our objective is to provide thumb reach envelopes to help guide the placement of controls on handheld devices and to provide useful methods to gather and analyze thumb reach data.

Background:

With the proliferation of handheld, interactive devices, such as cameras, mobile phones, game systems, and remote controls, human factors professionals involved in designing these products need data to help guide the placement of controls. Previous studies have not provided adequate two-dimensional thumb reach envelopes for the primary control surfaces of handheld devices.

Method:

A total of 90 participants in three groups (adolescent females, young mothers, and young fathers) placed representations of primary controls in preferred locations on a device model and “painted” their individual reach envelopes on a touch-screen device running a paint application.

Results:

We present two-dimensional thumb reach envelopes on the primary control surface for handheld devices. The primary reach zone for adolescent females is slightly larger and more circular than that of the adults. The preferred location for controls matches the primary thumb reach zones fairly well.

Conclusion:

The reach envelopes presented are the first of their kind and are likely to be useful to human factors professionals. The method used to obtain the data may also be useful.

Application:

The thumb reach envelopes should be applicable to the design of many handheld, interactive devices with dimensions similar to the models used in this study. The method presented allows design teams to collect and analyze thumb reach data quickly and inexpensively for different target user populations or product dimensions.
‘Them and Us’: ‘Black Neighbourhoods’ as a Social Capital Resource among Black Youths Living in Inner-city London
Authors: Reynolds Tracey
Published: January 2013

This paper will examine the views and experiences of Black youths living in socially deprived areas of London in order to examine the way in which they recognise the term ‘Black neighbourhood’ as a resource for ethnic identity formation and collective mobilisation. Despite the apparent problems that are typically associated with ‘Black neighbourhoods’ for many Black youths, these neighbourhoods also represent urban spaces through which a range of bonding social capital resources are generated including ties of reciprocal trust, solidarity and civic participation. These spaces hold intrinsic value for these young people providing them with a sense of wellbeing and belonging. However, the analysis will also show that the young people’s experiences of the neighbourhood are not always positive ones, and such spaces create negative outcomes for Black youths residing there. In particular, the data will highlight the restrictive capacity of ‘Black neighbourhoods’ and the various ways in which they limit Black youths’ opportunities to ‘get on’ in terms of social mobility and their ability to move beyond neighbourhood boundaries.
Precautionary Savings Against Health Risks
Authors: Yilmazer Tansel , Scharff Robert L.
Published: January 2013

The precautionary savings model predicts that households accumulate wealth to self-insure against unexpected declines in future income and unforeseen expenditures. The goals of this study are twofold. First, we investigate whether the near-elderly who face higher health risks save more. Second, we examine the factors that contribute to health risks that the near-elderly face. We use data from the Health and Retirement Study to construct two measures of health risks. Our results do not support the hypothesis that household savings increase with the health risks that they face. Individuals who confront higher health risks in the future are those who are already in fair or poor health status or those who have a health condition such as diabetes or lung disease. Lower earnings and high medical expenditures caused by current poor health status prevent households from accumulating savings for future health adversities.
Treatment-seeking delays in patients with acute myocardial infarction and use of the emergency medical service
Authors: Wang Xueling , Hsu Lily Lihwa
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To investigate treatment-seeking delays in Chinese patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to compare sex differences in this behaviour.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken in patients with AMI, admitted to one of three hospitals in Shanghai, China. A treatment-seeking behaviour questionnaire was administered to each patient within 48 h of hospital admission.

Results

In total, 250 patients were included: 159 men and 91 women. The median time for patients with AMI to make a treatment-seeking decision was 130 min. Women took significantly longer to seek treatment than men (240 min versus 120 min). The majority of patients (70.8%) took >1 h to decide to seek treatment. The emergency medical service (EMS) was used by 77 (30.8%) of patients, and these patients had a significantly shorter prehospital delay time than those who transported themselves to hospital. Predictive factors for using the EMS were pain level and rating AMI symptoms as severe.

Conclusions

Chinese patients with AMI had a significant prehospital delay time and women took longer than men to seek treatment. Public awareness of the importance of seeking immediate medical assistance for AMI via the EMS needs to be increased in China.
9p21 Polymorphisms increase the risk of peripheral artery disease in the Han Chinese population
Authors: Tian Luo-Bing , Fang Hui , Gao Lei , Tan Zheng , Zhen Yan-Feng , Tian Jin-Li , Zhang Ya-Zhong , Sun Xue-Ling , Qin Jiang-Yuan , Sun Ya-Nan , Xu Jing , Wu Wei-Ping , Wang Ai-Yuan , Yang Yue , Gao Ai-Dong
Published: January 2013

Objective

A case–control study to investigate the association of the 9p21 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs10757274 and rs10757278 (known to be associated with coronary artery disease [CAD] risk) with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), in a Han Chinese population.

Methods

The rs10757274 and rs10757278 genotypes of patients with PAD, and age- and sex-matched control subjects, were determined. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses were performed, with adjustments for age, sex, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and smoking status.

Results

The study included 420 patients with PAD and 418 control subjects. Variant forms of both SNPs were associated with increased risk of PAD in the total study population, when excluding patients with CAD or stroke (additive genetic model). The GG haplotype increased the risk of PAD, but this association did not remain significant after further sensitivity analysis. Both SNPs were associated with PAD risk in patients aged <65 years, but not in those aged ≥65 years (additive model).

Conclusions

9p21 is associated with PAD. When stratified according to age, 9p21 increases PAD risk in individuals aged <65 years, but not in those aged ≥65 years.
The aetiology underlying sinus headaches
Authors: Kaymakci Mustafa , Cikriklar Halil Ibrahim , Pay Gunes
Published: January 2013

Objective

Patients with sinus headaches usually complain of pain and pressure sensation around the sinuses and periorbital area; most are misdiagnosed with sinusitis and receive unnecessary treatment. This prospective study investigated the aetiology of sinus headache in patients with negative endoscopic or computed tomography (CT) scan findings.

Methods

This multicentre study included patients who could be followed regularly after being admitted to otorhinolaryngology outpatient or emergency units due to sinus headache, in whom endoscopic and radiological examinations did not show sinonasal pathology. The study group comprised patients with primary headache, according to International Headache Society criteria. Participants were followed monthly for 3 months and treatment response was evaluated as complete remission, partial remission or no response.

Results

The study included 98 patients. The main reason for diagnosing and treating sinus headaches that arose from neurovascular events was attributed to the accompanying symptoms, e.g. nasal obstruction, nasal discharge and sinus sensitivity.

Conclusions

A better understanding of vascular event-derived headaches (especially migraine) and a detailed examination of patients via endoscopy and CT scanning are expected to minimize misdiagnosis rates, in patients with sinus headaches.
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Authors: Darrow Alice-Ann
Published: January 2013

To be culturally responsive teachers, we must first have an understanding of other cultures and how students from these cultures differ from one another. As we consider the many cultures represented in our classrooms, we might also consider students with disabilities as a cultural group. Within any main culture are subgroups differentiated by status or factors that functionally unify the group. Culturally responsive teachers understand that students with disabilities may represent a subculture within the classroom—and consequently follow certain guidelines that facilitate their inclusion.
Platelet Reactivity and Intramyocardial Hemorrhage in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Małek Łukasz A. , Kłopotowski Mariusz , Śpiewak Mateusz , Woźniak Karolina , Waś Joanna , Miśko Jolanta , Rużyłło Witold , Witkowski Adam
Published: January 2013

The aim of the study was to analyze the relation between platelet reactivity and intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Platelet reactivity was measured in 49 patients with means of impedance aggregometry (Multiplate) before reperfusion and repeated in the subacute phase of STEMI. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was used to detect IMH, which was found in 16 (33%) patients. There were no differences in platelet reactivity between patients with and without IMH before reperfusion. Reassessment in the subacute phase of STEMI demonstrated that patients with IMH had lower thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP)-induced platelet aggregation ( P = .004) and trends toward lower values of ristocetin and collagen-induced platelet aggregation ( P = .09 and P = .07). The TRAP-induced platelet aggregation and initial perfusion grade were the factors independently associated with IMH. Intramyocardial hemorrhage is related to more potent inhibition of platelet aggregation in the subacute phase of STEMI.
Power to the people: Violent victimization, inequality and democratic politics
Authors: Miller Lisa L
Published: January 2013

Contemporary scholarship on punishment, politics and society generally treats democratic politics and crime policy as a dangerous mix. In this view, when crime comes onto democratic political agendas, it generates perverse political incentives that result in politicians pandering to and/or manipulating mass publics bent on harsh punishment. In this article, I argue that an examination of violent victimization complicates this conventional wisdom. Using violence as a framework, I challenge three fundamental assumptions about the relationship between democracy and crime. From there, I suggest how different democratic institutional arrangements might facilitate broader public participation in crime politics, and how that participation can lead to promoting less, rather than more punishment.
Fibrates as therapy for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis? A systematic review
Authors: van Eekeren Inge C.M. , Clockaerts Stefan , Bastiaansen-Jenniskens Yvonne M. , Lubberts Eric , Verhaar Jan A.N. , van Osch Gerjo J.V.M. , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M.
Published: January 2013

Fibrates are used as lipid-lowering drugs to prevent cardiovascular pathology. Fibrates are ligands of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). Besides altering lipid metabolism, PPARα ligands exert anti-inflammatory effects on various cell types. In this study, we hypothesized that PPARα agonists exert beneficial effects on osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by their local anti-inflammatory effects, but also by their systemic influences.

A systematic literature search of Medline and EMBASE databases was performed up to August 2011. The main search items were osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and fibrates. Inclusion criteria were in vivo or in vitro studies regarding humans or animals in which the effects of PPARα ligands were studied.

Six in vivo human studies, four in vivo animal studies and seven in vitro studies were included. The in vivo human studies showed all beneficial clinical effects of PPARα ligands, but studies were small and only four were randomized. Ligands for PPARα significantly reduced pain, swelling of the joints and decreased systemic inflammatory markers. In vitro and in vivo animal studies indicate that PPARα agonists inhibit bone resorption, and reduce inflammatory and destructive responses in cartilage and synovium.

PPARα agonists such as fibrates should be considered as potential therapeutic strategy for RA. There is no clinical evidence for their use in OA, although in vitro studies indicate that PPARα agonists demonstrate different joint-protective effects locally, and systemic effects on inflammation, serum lipid levels and vascular pathology. Animal studies should be performed and after confirmation of the protective effects of PPARα, large randomized controlled trials could investigate fibrates in OA and RA.
Coupling of septins to the axial landmark by Bud4 in budding yeast
Authors: Kang Pil Jung , Hood-DeGrenier Jennifer K. , Park Hay-Oak
Published: January 2013

Cells of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae select a site for polarized growth in a specific pattern that depends on their cell type. Haploid a and α cells bud in the axial budding pattern, which requires assembly of a landmark that includes the Bud4 protein. To understand how an axial bud site is established, we performed a structure–function analysis of Bud4. Bud4 contains DUF1709 (domain of unknown function), which is similar to a part of the anillin-homology domain, and a putative Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain near to its C terminus. Although its localization depends on septins, a conserved family of GTP-binding proteins, Bud4 is necessary for the stable inheritance of septin rings during cell division. Although some anillins interact directly with septins, we find that neither DUF1709 nor the PH domain is necessary for targeting Bud4 to the mother-bud neck. Instead, this C-terminal region is crucial for association of Bud4 with Bud3 and other components of the axial landmark. Remarkably, septins colocalize with Bud4 mutant proteins that lack these C-terminal domains, forming an arc or a single ring instead of a double ring during and after cytokinesis. Interestingly, overexpression of Bud4 also induces formation of extra Bud4 rings and arcs that are associated with septins. Analyses of a series of bud4 truncation mutants suggest that at least two domains in the central region play a redundant role in targeting Bud4 to the mother-bud neck and are thus likely to interact with septins. Taken together, these results indicate that Bud4 functions as a platform that links septins to the axial landmark.
The Iceberg Theory of Campaign Contributions: Political Threats and Interest Group Behavior
Authors: Chamon Marcos , Kaplan Ethan
Published: January 2013

We present a model where special interest groups condition contributions on the receiving candidate's support and also her opponent's. This allows interest groups to obtain support from contributions as well as from threats of contributing. Out-of-equilibrium contributions help explain the missing money puzzle. Our framework contradicts standard models in predicting that interest groups give to only one side of a race. We also predict that special interest groups will mainly target lopsided winners, whereas general interest groups will contribute mainly to candidates in close races. We verify these predictions in FEC data for US House elections from 1984–1990. (JEL D72)
Public Transfers and Domestic Violence: The Roles of Private Information and Spousal Control
Authors: Bobonis Gustavo J , González-Brenes Melissa , Castro Roberto
Published: January 2013

We study whether transfer programs in which funds are targeted to women decrease the incidence of spousal abuse. We examine the impact of the Mexican Oportunidades program on spousal abuse rates and threats of violence using data from a specialized survey. Beneficiary women are 40 percent less likely to be victims of physical abuse, but are more likely to receive violent threats with no associated abuse. This evidence is consistent with a model of decision-makers' interactions with asymmetric information in the male partner's gains to marriage, who can then use threats of violence to extract rents from their female partners. (JEL D82, J12, J16, K42, O15, O17)
Let Them Have Choice: Gains from Shifting Away from Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance and Toward an Individual Exchange
Authors: Dafny Leemore , Ho Kate , Varela Mauricio
Published: January 2013

Most nonelderly Americans purchase health insurance through their employers, which sponsor a limited number of plans. Using a panel dataset representing over ten million insured lives, we estimate employees' preferences for different health plans and use the estimates to predict their choices if more plans were made available to them on the same terms, i.e., with equivalent subsidies and at large-group prices. Using conservative assumptions, we estimate a median welfare gain of 13 percent of premiums. A proper accounting of the costs and benefits of a transition from employer-sponsored to individually-purchased insurance should include this nontrivial gain. (JEL G22, I13, J32)
Characteristics of French Users of Child Pornography: Description of a Cohort Subjected to Forensic Evaluation
Authors: Prat S , Jonas C
Published: January 2013

Child pornography is a form of sexual exploitation of children. The virtual aspect of this offence appears to be encouraged by the internet. It is important to know the profiles of the people downloading these images. The aim of our study was to identify the characteristics of people who are drawn to child pornography. Our study was based on psychiatric assessments carried out at the request of the law courts. The feeling of loneliness and poor social integration are evoked by a lot of users of child pornography. Generally they have no criminal record.
Quantification of 5-Methylcytosine and 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in Genomic DNA from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tissues by Capillary Hydrophilic-Interaction Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole TOF Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chen Ming-Luan , Shen Fan , Huang Wei , Qi Jia-Hui , Wang Yinsheng , Feng Yu-Qi , Liu Song-Mei , Yuan Bi-Feng
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

5-Methylcytosine (5-mC) is an important epigenetic modification involved in development and is frequently altered in cancer. 5-mC can be enzymatically converted to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC). 5-hmC modifications are known to be prevalent in DNA of embryonic stem cells and neurons, but the distribution of 5-hmC in human liver tumor and matched control tissues has not been rigorously explored.

METHODS

We developed an online trapping/capillary hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatography (cHILIC)/in-source fragmentation/tandem mass spectrometry system for quantifying 5-mC and 5-hmC in genomic DNA from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor tissues and relevant tumor adjacent tissues. A polymer-based hydrophilic monolithic column was prepared and used for the separation of 12 nucleosides by cHILIC coupled with an online trapping system. Limits of detection and quantification, recovery, and imprecision of the method were determined.

RESULTS

Limits of detection for 5-mC and 5-hmC were 0.06 and 0.19 fmol, respectively. The imprecision and recovery of the method were determined, with the relative SDs and relative errors being <14.9% and 15.8%, respectively. HCC tumor tissues had a 4- to 5-fold lower 5-hmC content compared to tumor-adjacent tissues. In addition, 5-hmC content highly correlated with tumor stage (tumor-nodes-metastasis, P = 0.0002; Barcelona Clinic liver cancer, P = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS

The marked depletion of 5-hmC may have profound effects on epigenetic regulation in HCC and could be a potential biomarker for the early detection and prognosis of HCC.
Crystal structure of 1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazolium oxalic acid monomethyl ester, C14H24N2O4
Authors: Dayyih Wael Abu , Mallah Eyad , Sweidan Kamal , Al-Sheikh Ahmed , Steimann Manfred
Published: January 2013

C14H24N2O4, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 8.1862(8) Å, b = 10.313(1) Å, c = 18.534(2) Å, β = 101.018(8)°, V = 1535.8 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0567, wRref(F2) = 0.1064, T = 173 K.
Justice, culture and subjectivity
Authors: Schuch Patrice
Published: January 2013

This paper examines the relationships between new legal technologies and the formation of new social sensibilities. Based on ethnographic work on the implementation of restorative justice in Brazil, it seeks to understand the connection between the mechanisms for diffusing new legal models and different forms of government. The article is primarily focused on understanding a particular constellation of new legal frameworks and subjectivities in a context where the rhetoric of rights is associated with a promotion of development and 'modernity.' The paper argues that focusing attention on subjectivities is essential to understanding how these transformations are currently unfolding.
Long-term trajectory of some elasmobranch species off the Tuscany coasts (NW Mediterranean) from 50 years of catch data
Authors: Ligas Alessandro , Osio Giacomo C. , Sartor Paolo , Sbrana Mario , De Ranieri Stefano
Published: January 2013

The time series of elasmobranch catch rates off the Tuscany coasts (NW Mediterranean) were investigated by means of min/max auto-correlation factor analysis in order to estimate variations in population abundance and evaluate the influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors. The analyses highlighted a general decreasing trend in the catch rates of sharks and skates from 1961 to the mid-1990s, mainly influenced by the increase in fishing effort. Since the 1990s, the EU Common Fishery Policy for the Mediterranean has promoted the reduction of fishing fleets through incentives to vessel demolition. The Porto S. Stefano trawl fleet has decreased by about 50%, leading to a decrease in fishing effort which seemed to be the most relevant factor affecting the increasing trend shown by the catch rates of Galeus melastomus, Scyliorhinus canicula and skates from 1991 to 2009. The elasmobranch assemblage did not undergo major shifts but the weighted frequency of occurrence shows that elasmobranchs were more frequent in the past. Particular caution should be paid in interpreting the recent rebound of some species as an early sign of recovery: trawl survey data and landing data show that over the last 50 years elasmobranch fauna have undergone a drastic decline and that recent rebounds are still far from a recovery to historical levels.
Inhibition of TLR4 Signaling by TRAM-Derived Decoy Peptides In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Piao Wenji , Vogel Stefanie N. , Toshchakov Vladimir Y.
Published: January 2013

Toll/IL-1R (TIR) domain-containing adapter-inducing IFN-β (TRIF)–related adapter molecule (TRAM) serves as a bridging adapter that enables recruitment of TRIF to activated TLR4 and thereby mediates the induction of TRIF-dependent cytokines. A library of cell-permeating decoy peptides derived from TRAM TIR domain has been screened for the ability of individual peptides to inhibit TLR4 signaling in primary murine macrophages. Peptides derived from TRAM TIR BB loop (TM4) and C helix (TM6) inhibited the LPS-induced activation of MyD88-dependent and TRIF-dependent cytokines, as well as MAPK activation. TM4 and TM6 did not block macrophage activation induced by TLR2, TLR9, or retinoic acid–inducible gene 1–like receptor agonists. Both TM4 and TM6 blocked coimmunoprecipitation of TRAM and TLR4 ectopically expressed in HEK293T cells. Both peptides also blocked the LPS-induced recruitment of MyD88 to TLR4 in primary murine macrophages. In vivo examination of TRAM-derived peptides demonstrated that all peptides that were inhibitory in vitro profoundly suppressed systemic inflammatory response elicited in mice by a sublethal LPS dose, and protected mice against a lethal LPS challenge. This research identifies novel TLR inhibitors effective in vitro and in vivo and validates the approach taken in this study as a rational way for development of signaling inhibitors and lead therapeutics.
Effect of aerosols and NO2 concentration on ultraviolet actinic flux near Mexico City during MILAGRO: measurements and model calculations
Authors: Palancar G. G. , Lefer B. L. , Hall S. R. , Shaw W. J. , Corr C. A. , Herndon S. C. , Slusser J. R. , Madronich S.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Urban air pollution absorbs and scatters solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and thus has a potentially large effect on tropospheric photochemical rates. We present the first detailed comparison between actinic fluxes (AF) in the wavelength range 330–420 nm measured in highly polluted conditions and simulated with the Tropospheric Ultraviolet-Visible (TUV) model. Measurements were made during the MILAGRO campaign near Mexico City in March 2006, at a ground-based station near Mexico City (the T1 supersite) and from the NSF/NCAR C-130 aircraft. At the surface, measured AF values are typically smaller than the model by up to 25% in the morning, 10% at noon, and 40% in the afternoon, for pollution-free and cloud-free conditions. When measurements of PBL height, NO2 concentration and aerosols optical properties are included in the model, the agreement improves to within ±10% in the morning and afternoon, and ±3% at noon. Based on daily averages, aerosols account for 68% and NO2 for 25% of AF reductions observed at the surface. Several overpasses from the C-130 aircraft provided the opportunity to examine the AF perturbations aloft, and also show better agreement with the model when aerosol and NO2 effects are included above and below the flight altitude. TUV model simulations show that the vertical structure of the actinic flux is sensitive to the choice of the aerosol single scattering albedo (SSA) at UV wavelengths. Typically, aerosols enhance AF above the PBL and reduce AF near the surface. However, for highly scattering aerosols (SSA > 0.95), enhancements can penetrate well into the PBL, while for strongly absorbing aerosols (SSA < 0.6) reductions in AF are computed in the free troposphere as well as in the PBL. Additional measurements of the SSA at these wavelengths are needed to better constrain the effect of aerosols on the vertical structure of the AF.
Failure analysis of parameter-induced simulation crashes in climate models
Authors: Lucas D. D. , Klein R. , Tannahill J. , Ivanova D. , Brandon S. , Domyancic D. , Zhang Y.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Simulations using IPCC-class climate models are subject to fail or crash for a variety of reasons. Quantitative analysis of the failures can yield useful insights to better understand and improve the models. During the course of uncertainty quantification (UQ) ensemble simulations to assess the effects of ocean model parameter uncertainties on climate simulations, we experienced a series of simulation crashes within the Parallel Ocean Program (POP2) component of the Community Climate System Model (CCSM4). About 8.5% of our CCSM4 simulations failed for numerical reasons at combinations of POP2 parameter values. We apply support vector machine (SVM) classification from machine learning to quantify and predict the probability of failure as a function of the values of 18 POP2 parameters. A committee of SVM classifiers readily predicts model failures in an independent validation ensemble, as assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve metric (AUC > 0.96). The causes of the simulation failures are determined through a global sensitivity analysis. Combinations of 8 parameters related to ocean mixing and viscosity from three different POP2 parameterizations are the major sources of the failures. This information can be used to improve POP2 and CCSM4 by incorporating correlations across the relevant parameters. Our method can also be used to quantify, predict, and understand simulation crashes in other complex geoscientific models.
The COsmic-ray Soil Moisture Interaction Code (COSMIC) for use in data assimilation
Authors: Shuttleworth J. , Rosolem R. , Zreda M. , Franz T.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Soil moisture status in land surface models (LSMs) can be updated by assimilating cosmic-ray neutron intensity measured in air above the surface. This requires a fast and accurate model to calculate the neutron intensity from the profiles of soil moisture modeled by the LSM. The existing Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended (MCNPX) model is sufficiently accurate but too slow to be practical in the context of data assimilation. Consequently an alternative and efficient model is needed which can be calibrated accurately to reproduce the calculations made by MCNPX and used to substitute for MCNPX during data assimilation. This paper describes the construction and calibration of such a model, COSMIC, which is simple, physically-based and analytic and, because it runs at least 50 000 times faster than MCNPX, is appropriate in data assimilation applications. The model includes simple descriptions of (a) degradation of the incoming high energy neutron flux with soil depth, (b) creation of fast neutrons at each depth in the soil, and (c) scattering of the resulting fast neutrons before they reach the soil surface, all of which processes may have parameterized dependency on the chemistry and moisture content of the soil. The site-to-site variability in the parameters used in COSMIC is explored for 42 sample sites in the COsmic-ray Soil Moisture Observing System (COSMOS), and the comparative performance of COSMIC relative to MCNPX when applied to represent interactions between cosmic-ray neutrons and moist soilis explored. At an example site in Arizona, fast neutron counts calculated by COSMIC from the average soil moisture profile given by an independent network of point measurements in the COSMOS probe footprint are similar to the fast neutron intensity measured by the COSMOS probe. Moreover at this site application of data assimilation using COSMIC to update the Noah Land Surface Model constrains the modeled soil moisture such that it agrees with the values given by the independent network of point measurements, thus confirming that COSMIC can be used as a robust forward operator in data assimilation of cosmic-ray soil moisture measurements.
Ultrafast dynamics of localized light modes
Authors: Leipold David , Silies Martin , Mascheck Manfred , Lienau Christoph , Runge Erich
Published: January 2013

Multiple coherent scattering gives rise to a variety of localization phenomena. However, the localization of electromagnetic waves is notoriously hard to observe. Here, hot‐spots found in optical wavefunctions in the visible range in random zinc‐oxide nano‐needle arrays are discussed. In particular, results from 3D and 2D calculations of light localization in random arrays of dielectric cylinders are compared. While 3D calculations with periodic boundary conditions reproduce various aspects of the experimental results very well, open boundary 2D calculations proof the coexistence of propagating and lossy localized modes showing distinct hot‐spots.
How to Model Heterogeneity in Costly Punishment: Insights from Responders' Response Times
Authors: Fischbacher Urs , Hertwig Ralph , Bruhin Adrian
Published: January 2013

We investigate what processes may underlie heterogeneity in social preferences. We address this question by examining participants' decisions and associated response times across 12 mini‐ultimatum games. Using a finite mixture model and cross‐validating its classification with a response time analysis, we identified four groups of responders: one group takes little to no account of the proposed split or the foregone allocation and swiftly accepts any positive offer; two groups process primarily the objective properties of the allocations (fairness and kindness) and need more time the more properties need to be examined; and a fourth group, which takes more time than the others, appears to take into account what they would have proposed had they been put in the role of the proposer. We discuss implications of this joint decision–response time analysis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.