bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More than a desire for text
Authors: Macek Jakub
Published: May 2013

Why and on what bases do people choose content and share it in an online environment? At the centre of Henry Jenkins’ theory of convergence culture lie in the transforming links between active, participative audiences, media content and media corporations. However, the ‘textually motivated’ desire to participate in the circulation of and control over texts is just one among other key motives for the dissemination and recirculation of content. Ethnography-based research conducted at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic suggests that when exploring participation in textuality, performative self-exposure and self-presentation must be taken into account as well as the context of audiences’ everyday life. Thus, I propose to approach participation as based not only on a ‘will to text’ but also on a dialectical relationship between a ‘will to self-performance’ and a ‘will to conformity’. These three factors then impact on the social curation of content – a reflexive process in which members of the audience construct texts for consumption and recirculation.
The delicate art of criticizing a saviour
Authors: Švelch Jaroslav
Published: May 2013

Following the discussion of silences and absences in user participation, this short paper aims to analyze the limits of participation in defining and evaluating quality of user-generated content. It focuses on user reviews of the fan-made Czech subtitles for the HBO series Game of Thrones on the fan subtitling website titulky.com. It works from the discovery that many users tend not to `review' the subtitles by evaluating them, choosing instead to praise their author or remain in `silent gratitude'. Based mainly on qualitative analysis of user reviews, the case study identifies two main reasons for this lack of participation, mainly the dependency of the non-contributing users on the translator (who is called a `saviour') and his authority and merits in the community. His dominance in the discussion is bolstered by the fact that his work was approved by the local fandom of the show's source material. Based on the case study, I argue that while gratitude drives participation in creating content, it may also thwart attempts at critiquing the content.
Predictors of weight variation and weight gain in peri- and post-menopausal women
Authors: Pimenta Filipa , Maroco João , Ramos Catarina , Leal Isabel
Published: May 2013

This research encompasses a community sample of 497 women in peri- and post-menopause and uses structural equation modelling to investigate the structural models of weight variation and weight gain. Variables such as body shape concerns, depression, stress and life events are explored. Weight gain (from pre-menopause to current menopausal status) was observed in 69 per cent of participants. The predictors of weight gain were lower education level ( β = −.146, p = .017), less or no physical exercise ( β = −.111, p = .021), having a recent psychological problem ( β = .191, p < .001), transition from peri- to post-menopause ( β = .147, p = .013) and more frequent body shape concerns ( β = .313, p < .001). Prevention of weight gain in pre-menopause is recommended; risk groups should be targeted considering the predictors of weight increase.
Approach/avoidance motivation, message framing and skin cancer prevention: A test of the congruency hypothesis
Authors: Hevey David , Dolan Michelle
Published: May 2013

The congruency hypothesis posits that approach-orientated individuals are persuaded to engage in prevention behaviours by positively framed messages; conversely, negatively framed messages are more persuasive in encouraging those who are avoidance-orientated. A 2 (frame: loss vs gain) × 2 (motivation: avoidance vs approach) design examined the effects of skin cancer information on sun-protective intentions and free sunscreen sample requests among 533 young adults. Gain-framed messages had the strongest effect on sun-protective intentions for approach-oriented individuals, whereas loss-framed messages had the strongest effect on avoidance-oriented individuals. Message framing effects on precautionary sun behaviour intentions were moderated by motivational differences.
Another body project: The thin ideal, motherhood, and body dissatisfaction among Mexican women
Authors: Bojorquez-Chapela Ietza , Unikel Claudia , Mendoza Maria-Eugenia , de Lachica Fabiola
Published: May 2013

In this article, we examine the bodily experiences of Mexican women, to investigate their acceptance of the thin ideal and resulting body dissatisfaction. We conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 30 adult participants in Mexico City. Interviewees accepted the thin body ideal, but experiencing their bodies as signifiers of motherhood protected them from body dissatisfaction. Instead of a personal body project, they engaged in a project of caring for their children’s bodies. We suggest that health campaigns directed to adult women should consider the relational aspects of their lives.
The role of skin cancer knowledge in sun-related behaviours: A systematic review
Authors: Day Ashley K , Wilson Carlene J , Hutchinson Amanda D , Roberts Rachel M
Published: May 2013

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in many Western countries. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between skin cancer knowledge and sun-protective, exposure and tanning behaviours in the general population. A total of 34 studies, published in peer-reviewed journals over three decades, were reviewed and synthesised. Sun-protective behaviour was positively associated with skin cancer knowledge in most cases. Findings were inconsistent regarding other sun-related behaviours. Heterogeneity in measurement compromised the capacity to definitively link knowledge and sun-related behaviours. There is a need for development and utilisation of a standardised skin cancer knowledge scale, and guidelines are suggested.
Multiple-goal management: An examination of simultaneous pursuit of a weight-loss goal with another goal
Authors: McKee Heather C , Ntoumanis Nikos
Published: May 2013

This study investigated the characteristics contributing to successful goal attainment of a weight-loss and a non-weight-loss goal simultaneously. Weight-loss and non-weight-loss goals, self-efficacy, persistence, temptations, intergoal interference and facilitation were measured via an online questionnaire ( N = 103, Mage = 25.36 ± 6.9, 80% women). Weight-loss self-efficacy, persistence, temptations and intergoal facilitation significantly predicted weight-loss goal attainment. Those who were more successful in attaining both their goals simultaneously had higher self-efficacy and persistence and experienced less temptation towards both goals. This study provides an insight into the characteristics necessary for successful simultaneous management of a weight-loss goal with another goal.
Vulnerable discipline: Experiences of male competitive bodybuilders
Authors: Bjørnestad Jone , Kandal Øyvind , Anderssen Norman
Published: May 2013

The aim was to understand experiences of male competitive bodybuilders from a non-pathologizing perspective. Six male Norwegian competitive bodybuilders were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using a meaning condensation procedure resulting in five themes: being proud of capacity for discipline, seeing a perfectionist attitude as a necessary evil, experiencing recognition within the bodybuilding community, being stigmatized outside the bodybuilding community and going on stage to display a capacity for willpower and discipline. We suggest that bodybuilders may be stigmatized for breaking social norms: by their distinctive appearance, by the way they handle suspected drug use and by challenging gender norms.
Changes in self-rated health and subjective social status over time in a cohort of healthcare personnel
Authors: Thompson Mark G , Gaglani Manjusha J , Naleway Allison , Thaker Swathi , Ball Sarah
Published: May 2013

As part of a prospective cohort study of 1354 female and 347 male healthcare personnel, we examined the stability of subjective social status over ~7 months and the prospective association between subjective social status and self-rated health status. Most (82%) subjective social status ratings were stable (within ±1 point). Lower baseline subjective social status among healthcare personnel was associated with more subsequent reports of fatigue and headache and worsening global self-rated health status. Healthcare personnel who placed themselves on the bottom half of the subjective social status ladder were four times more likely to experience a decline in global self-rated health status and half as likely to improve to excellent self-rated health status.
Diverse media, uniform reports: An analysis of news coverage of the Cyprus problem by the Turkish Cypriot press
Authors: Şahin Sanem
Published: May 2013

This article explores the representation of the Cyprus problem by the Turkish Cypriot press. Studying the news content of Turkish Cypriot daily newspapers from three periods of time, it highlights the discourses, strategies and practices deployed in the selection and treatment of events relating to the Cyprus issue. It produces a picture of current journalism practices that is characterised by lack of diversity, dependence on official sources and the dominance of nationalist discourses. The article goes on to question whether the Turkish Cypriot media can play a role in establishing a democratic, pluralistic society in North Cyprus and, as the peace process continues on the island, what role they might play in promoting peace between the bifurcated communities of the island.
Association of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) gene −344T/C polymorphism with the risk of primary chronic glomerulonephritis in the Polish population
Authors: Pawlik Magdalena , Mostowska Adrianna , Lianeri Margarita , Oko Andrzej , Jagodziński Paweł P
Published: May 2013

Introduction:

We evaluate whether angiotensinogen AGT M235T (rs699), angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE (I/D) (rs4646994) and aldosterone synthase CYP11B2 –344C/T (rs1799998) polymorphisms can be genetic risk factors of chronic glomerulonephritis (GN) in the Polish population.

Materials and methods:

The study was conducted in 140 patients with primary chronic GN: mesangial proliferative GN (MesPGN) ( n = 49), IgA nephropathy (IgAN) ( n = 31), membranous nephropathy (MN) ( n = 27), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) ( n = 25), membranoproliferative GN (MPGN) ( n = 4), and minimal change disease (MCD) ( n = 4), and controls ( n = 187). Genotypes were determined by HRM curve analysis for AGT M235T, by PCR and agarose gel separation for ACE (I/D), and by PCR-RFLP for CYP11B2 –344C/T.

Results:

We found a significant association of the CYP11B2 –344C/T polymorphism in the recessive model with all subtypes of GN (OR = 1.925 (95% CI = 1.152–3.219, p = 0.0118, pcorr = 0.0354)). We also observed that the CYP11B2 –344C/T polymorphism in the recessive model may also be an independent significant risk factor of IgAN (OR = 2.743 (95% CI = 1.219–6.172, p = 0.0122, pcorr = 0.0366)), FSGS (OR = 2.895 (95% CI = 1.200–6.985, p = 0.0145, pcorr = 0.0435)), and all proliferative GNs (MesPGN, IgAN, MPGN) (OR = 2.171 (95% CI = 1.211–3.894, p = 0.0084, pcorr = 0.0252)).

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that the CYP11B2 –344C/T polymorphism might be an independent risk factor of IgAN, FSGS and all proliferative chronic GNs.
‘The assessment is in the chat’: Analysing conversations in community care
Authors: Bolger Andrew
Published: May 2013

Home visits are a key method in social care but little is known about how they are conducted. This study analyses transcripts of audio-recordings of visits made by social care workers to their clients and contributes to an understanding of how such interactions are performed.

Attention was paid to how the agenda for home visits was set through topic shifting, asking questions, interrupting and telling stories. This allowed the visits to be compared with a number of theoretical models of assessment. Variations in how workers asked questions and responded to clients’ stories suggested that they had some discretion to act as street-level bureaucrats.
Interrater Agreement of the Individualized Behavior Rating Scale Tool
Authors: Iovannone Rose , Greenbaum Paul E. , Wang Wei , Dunlap Glen , Kincaid Don
Published: May 2013

Data assessment is critical for determining student behavior change in response to individualized behavior interventions in schools. This study examined the interrater agreement of the Individualized Behavior Rating Scale Tool (IBRST), a perceptual direct behavior rating tool that was used by typical school personnel to record behavior occurrence in students requiring individualized interventions. Two independent observers (teacher and data collector) used the IBRST to rate student-specific problem and appropriate behaviors during specified observation times. Data were collected across 19 students and agreement between raters was compared. Resulting linear- and quadratic-weighted kappa coefficients indicated generally adequate agreement between raters on problem behaviors and appropriate behaviors. When ratings were categorized into more or less salient behaviors, less than adequate agreement (<.60) was found for some behaviors that were less salient. Agreement remained stable from baseline to intervention. Implications for practice, limitations of the study, and directions for future research are discussed.
Social Skills Intervention Planning for Preschoolers
Authors: Frey Jennifer R. , Elliott Stephen N. , Kaiser Ann P.
Published: May 2013

Teachers’ and parents’ importance ratings of social behaviors for 95 preschoolers were examined using the Social Skills Improvement System–Rating Scales (Gresham & Elliott, 2008). Multivariate analyses were used to examine parents’ and teachers’ importance ratings at the item and subscale levels. Overall, parents assigned significantly higher importance ratings than teachers assigned on each of the seven assessed social skills domains: communication, cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, engagement, and self-control. Parents and teachers rated responsibility and cooperation as the most critical skill domains for preschoolers. At the item level, parents and teachers agreed on 4 of their top 10 critical items. The potential value of including parent and teacher importance ratings in planning interventions across home and school is discussed.
A Matter of Vertical Position
Authors: Schoel Christiane , Eck Jennifer , Greifeneder Rainer
Published: May 2013

Vertical position in space has been linked to perceptions of power, and high-power individuals have been shown to be less influenced by both the situational context and other people. Building on this literature, we hypothesized that a high spatial position as compared with a low one would reduce the threat from social exclusion and might help prevent aggressive acts of retaliation. To investigate this hypothesis, two arrangements of “Cyberball”—a classic manipulation of social exclusion—were compared: In the standard arrangement, participants are positioned below the excluding players; for the new arrangement, the standard arrangement was vertically flipped, so that participants were positioned above the excluding players, and thus “aloof” from the situation. Results show that only individuals positioned below (implying low power), but not individuals positioned above (implying high power), exhibited increased aggression when being ostracized. Threatened need for control and negative mood mediated the tendency toward aggressive behavior.
Interleukin-13 induces collagen type-1 expression through matrix metalloproteinase-2 and transforming growth factor-β1 in airway fibroblasts in asthma
Authors: Firszt Rafael , Francisco Dave , Church Tony D. , Thomas Joseph M. , Ingram Jennifer L. , Kraft Monica
Published: May 2013

Airway remodelling is a feature of asthma that contributes to loss of lung function. One of the central components of airway remodelling is subepithelial fibrosis. Interleukin (IL)-13 is a key T-helper 2 cytokine and is believed to be the central mediator of allergic asthma including remodelling, but the mechanism driving the latter has not been elucidated in human asthma.

We hypothesised that IL-13 stimulates collagen type-1 production by the airway fibroblast in a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)- and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-dependent manner in human asthma as compared to healthy controls.

Fibroblasts were cultured from endobronchial biopsies in 14 subjects with mild asthma and 13 normal controls that underwent bronchoscopy. Airway fibroblasts were treated with various mediators including IL-13 and specific MMP-inhibitors. IL-13 significantly stimulated collagen type-1 production in asthma compared to normal controls. Inhibitors of MMP-2 significantly attenuated collagen production in asthma but had no effect in normal controls. IL-13 significantly increased total and active forms of TGF-β1, and this activation was blocked using an MMP-2 inhibitor. IL-13 activated endogenous MMP-2 in asthma patients as compared to normal controls.

In anex vivomodel, IL-13 potentiates airway remodelling through a mechanism involving TGF-β1 and MMP-2. These effects provide insights into the mechanism involved in IL-13-directed airway remodelling in asthma.
Slow-growing lung cancer as an emerging entity: from screening to clinical management
Authors: Infante Maurizio , Berghmans Thierry , Heuvelmans Marjolein A. , Hillerdal Gunnar , Oudkerk Matthijs
Published: May 2013

The current paradigm is that untreated lung cancer is invariably and rapidly fatal, therefore the medical community normally dismisses the idea that a patient could live with such a disease for years without any therapy.

Yet evidence from lung cancer screening research and from recent clinical series suggests that, although rarely recognised in routine practice, slow-growing lung cancers do exist and are more common than previously thought.

Here, current evidence is reviewed and clinical cases are illustrated to show that slow-growing lung cancer is a real clinical entity, and the reasons why management protocols developed in the screening setting may also be useful in clinical practice are discussed. Features suggesting that a lung cancer may be slow-growing are described and appraised, areas of uncertainty are examined, modern management options for early-stage disease are evaluated and the influence that all this knowledge might have on our clinical decision-making is weighed. Further research directed at developing appropriate guidelines for these peculiar but increasingly common patients is warranted.
Frequent loss of lineages and deficient duplications accounted for low copy number of disease resistance genes in Cucurbitaceae
Authors: Lin Xiao , Zhang Yu , Kuang Hanhui , Chen Jiongjiong
Published: May 2013

Background

The sequenced genomes of cucumber, melon and watermelon have relatively few R-genes, with 70, 75 and 55 copies only, respectively. The mechanism for low copy number of R-genes in Cucurbitaceae genomes remains unknown.

Results

Manual annotation of R-genes in the sequenced genomes of Cucurbitaceae species showed that approximately half of them are pseudogenes. Comparative analysis of R-genes showed frequent loss of R-gene loci in different Cucurbitaceae species. Phylogenetic analysis, data mining and PCR cloning using degenerate primers indicated that Cucurbitaceae has limited number of R-gene lineages (subfamilies). Comparison between R-genes from Cucurbitaceae and those from poplar and soybean suggested frequent loss of R-gene lineages in Cucurbitaceae. Furthermore, the average number of R-genes per lineage in Cucurbitaceae species is approximately 1/3 that in soybean or poplar. Therefore, both loss of lineages and deficient duplications in extant lineages accounted for the low copy number of R-genes in Cucurbitaceae. No extensive chimeras of R-genes were found in any of the sequenced Cucurbitaceae genomes. Nevertheless, one lineage of R-genes from Trichosanthes kirilowii, a wild Cucurbitaceae species, exhibits chimeric structures caused by gene conversions, and may contain a large number of distinct R-genes in natural populations.

Conclusions

Cucurbitaceae species have limited number of R-gene lineages and each genome harbors relatively few R-genes. The scarcity of R-genes in Cucurbitaceae species was due to frequent loss of R-gene lineages and infrequent duplications in extant lineages. The evolutionary mechanisms for large variation of copy number of R-genes in different plant species were discussed.
An endogenous artificial microRNA system for unraveling the function of root endosymbioses related genes in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Devers Emanuel A , Teply Julia , Reinert Armin , Gaude Nicole , Krajinski Franziska
Published: May 2013

Background

Legumes have the unique capacity to undergo two important root endosymbioses: the root nodule symbiosis and the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Medicago truncatula is widely used to unravel the functions of genes during these root symbioses. Here we describe the development of an artificial microRNA (amiR)-mediated gene silencing system for M. truncatula roots.

Results

The endogenous microRNA (miR) mtr-miR159b was selected as a backbone molecule for driving amiR expression. Heterologous expression of mtr-miR159b-amiR constructs in tobacco showed that the backbone is functional and mediates an efficient gene silencing. amiR-mediated silencing of a visible marker was also effective after root transformation of M. truncatula constitutively expressing the visible marker. Most importantly, we applied the novel amiR system to shed light on the function of a putative transcription factor, MtErf1, which was strongly induced in arbuscule-containing cells during mycorrhizal symbiosis. MtPt4 promoter driven amiR-silencing led to strongly decreased transcript levels and deformed, non-fully truncated arbuscules indicating that MtErf1 is required for arbuscule development.

Conclusions

The endogenous amiR system demonstrated here presents a novel and highly efficient tool to unravel gene functions during root endosymbioses.
Complexity of dopamine metabolism
Authors: Meiser Johannes , Weindl Daniel , Hiller Karsten
Published: May 2013

Parkinson’s disease (PD) coincides with a dramatic loss of dopaminergic neurons within thesubstantia nigra. A key player in the loss of dopaminergic neurons is oxidative stress. Dopamine (DA) metabolism itself is strongly linked to oxidative stress as its degradation generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DA oxidation can lead to endogenous neurotoxins whereas some DA derivatives show antioxidative effects. Therefore, DA metabolism is of special importance for neuronal redox-homeostasis and viability.

In this review we highlight different aspects of dopamine metabolism in the context of PD and neurodegeneration. Since most reviews focus only on single aspects of the DA system, we will give a broader overview by looking at DA biosynthesis, sequestration, degradation and oxidation chemistry at the metabolic level, as well as at the transcriptional, translational and posttranslational regulation of all enzymes involved. This is followed by a short overview of cellular models currently used in PD research. Finally, we will address the topic from a medical point of view which directly aims to encounter PD.
Improving epidemiologic data analyses through multivariate regression modelling
Authors: Lewis Fraser I , Ward Michael P
Published: May 2013

Regression modelling is one of the most widely utilized approaches in epidemiological analyses. It provides a method of identifying statistical associations, from which potential causal associations relevant to disease control may then be investigated. Multivariable regression – a single dependent variable (outcome, usually disease) with multiple independent variables (predictors) – has long been the standard model. Generalizing multivariable regression to multivariate regression – all variables potentially statistically dependent – offers a far richer modelling framework. Through a series of simple illustrative examples we compare and contrast these approaches. The technical methodology used to implement multivariate regression is well established – Bayesian network structure discovery – and while a relative newcomer to the epidemiological literature has a long history in computing science. Applications of multivariate analysis in epidemiological studies can provide a greater understanding of disease processes at the population level, leading to the design of better disease control and prevention programs.
RTEL1 tagging SNPs and haplotypes were associated with glioma development
Authors: Li Gang , Jin Tianbo , Liang Hongjuan , Zhang Zhiguo , He Shiming , Tu Yanyang , Yang Haixia , Geng Tingting , Cui Guangbin , Chen Chao , Gao Guodong
Published: May 2013

As glioma ranks as the first most prevalent solid tumors in primary central nervous system, certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may be related to increased glioma risk, and have implications in carcinogenesis. The present case–control study was carried out to elucidate how common variants contribute to glioma susceptibility. Ten candidate tagging SNPs (tSNPs) were selected from seven genes whose polymorphisms have been proven by classical literatures and reliable databases to be tended to relate with gliomas, and with the minor allele frequency (MAF) > 5% in the HapMap Asian population. The selected tSNPs were genotyped in 629 glioma patients and 645 controls from a Han Chinese population using the multiplexed SNP MassEXTEND assay calibrated. Two significant tSNPs in RTEL1 gene were observed to be associated with glioma risk (rs6010620, P = 0.0016, OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.11-1.56; rs2297440, P = 0.001, OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.12-1.58) by χ
2 test. It was identified the genotype “GG” of rs6010620 acted as the protective genotype for glioma (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.31-0.7; P = 0.0002), while the genotype “CC” of rs2297440 as the protective genotype in glioma (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31-0.71; P = 0.0003). Furthermore, haplotype “GCT” in RTEL1 gene was found to be associated with risk of glioma (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.57-0.86; Fisher’s P = 0.0005; Pearson’s P = 0.0005), and haplotype “ATT” was detected to be associated with risk of glioma (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.12-1.57; Fisher’s P = 0.0013; Pearson’s P = 0.0013). Two single variants, the genotypes of “GG” of rs6010620 and “CC” of rs2297440 (rs6010620 and rs2297440) in the RTEL1 gene, together with two haplotypes of GCT and ATT, were identified to be associated with glioma development. And it might be used to evaluate the glioma development risks to screen the above RTEL1 tagging SNPs and haplotypes.

Virtual slides

The virtual slides for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1993021136961998
Multiple anomalous left pulmonary venous connections detected with transthoracic echocardiography
Authors: Wang Tzu-Lin , Hung Huei-Fong , Lin Chang- Chyi , Hsiung Ming-Chon , Wei Jeng
Published: May 2013

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection is a rare congenital anomaly in which one or more pulmonary veins are connected to the venous circulation. The condition is frequently misdiagnosed, and usually identified by transesophageal echocardiography or invasive cardiac catheterization. We present the case of a 26-year-old female with new onset dyspnea on exertion who was diagnosed with the left superior and inferior pulmonary veins draining into the innominate vein via a vertical vein by two and three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and multidetector computed tomographic angiography.
Primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma mimicking papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Ya-Zhen , Li Wei-Ping , Wang Zhi-Yuan , Yang Hai-Feng , He Qing-Lian , Zhu Hong-Guang , Zheng Guang-Juan
Published: May 2013

We herein reported a primary pulmonary papillary carcinoma with colloid-like luminal content in the glandular cavity and classic nuclear features such as pseudo-inclusions, intranuclear grooves in the tumor cell nuclei and ground glass nuclei which closely mimics papillary thyroid carcinoma. Meanwhile, lymph node in the left pulmonary hilum was involved and showed similar features to the primary pulmonary papillary carcinoma. This specific histopathological presentation caused a diagnostic dilemma.

The patient didn’t show previous concomitant or subsequent evidence of a thyroid tumor. Immunohistochemistry further confirmed pulmonary origin and excluded a metastasis from the thyroid, as it was thyroglobulin negative, thyroid transcription factor 1 and surfactant apoprotein A positive, which was consistent with the imageology and history.

Based on the above features, the diagnosis of primary pulmonary papillary carcinoma was confirmed. Understanding the existence of papillary thyroid carcinoma-like pulmonary papillary carcinoma will avoid misdiagnosis or unnecessary clinical and radiologic investigations in future.
ApoE4 induces Aβ42, tau, and neuronal pathology in the hippocampus of young targeted replacement apoE4 mice
Authors: Liraz Ori , Boehm-Cagan Anat , Michaelson Daniel M
Published: May 2013

Background

Recent findings suggest that the pathological effects of apoE4, the most prevalent genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), start many years before the onset of the disease and are already detectable at a young age. In the present study we investigated the extent to which such pathological and cognitive impairments also occur in young apoE4 mice.

Results

This study revealed that the levels of the presynaptic glutamatergic vesicular transporter, VGlut, in the CA3, CA1, and DG hippocampal subfields were lower in hippocampal neurons of young (4-month-old) apoE4-targeted replacement mice than in those of the apoE3 mice. In contrast, the corresponding inhibitory GABAergic nerve terminals and perikarya were not affected by apoE4.

This synaptic effect was associated with hyperphosphorylation of tau in these neurons. In addition, apoE4 increased the accumulation of neuronal Aβ42 and induced mitochondrial changes, both of which were specifically pronounced in CA3 neurons. Spatial navigation behavioral studies revealed that these hippocampal pathological effects of apoE4 are associated with corresponding behavioral impairments. Time-course studies revealed that the effects of apoE4 on tau hyperphosphorylation and the mitochondria were already apparent at the age of 1 month and that the apoE4-driven accumulation of neuronal Aβ and reduced VGlut levels evolve later and are apparent at the age of 2–4 months. Furthermore, the levels of tau phosphorylation decrease in apoE3 mice and increase in apoE4 mice between 1 and 4 months, whereas the levels of Aβ42 decrease in apoE3 mice and are not affected in apoE4 mice over the same time period.

Conclusions

These findings show that apoE4 stimulates the accumulation of Aβ42 and hyperphosphorylated tau and reduces the levels of VGlut in hippocampal neurons of young apoE4-targeted replacement mice and that these neurochemical effects are associated with cognitive impairments. This model is not associated with hypothesis-driven mechanistic manipulations and is thus most suitable for unbiased studies of the mechanisms underlying the pathological effects of apoE4.
Validation of a model of the GAL regulatory system via robustness analysis of its bistability characteristics
Authors: Salerno Luca , Cosentino Carlo , Merola Alessio , Bates Declan G , Amato Francesco
Published: May 2013

Background

In Saccharomyces cerevisiæ, structural bistability generates a bimodal expression of the galactose uptake genes (GAL) when exposed to low and high glucose concentrations. This indicates that yeast cells can decide between using either the limited amount of glucose or growing on galactose under changing environmental conditions. A crucial requirement for any plausible mechanistic model of this system is that it reproduces the robustness of the bistable response observed in vivo against inter-individual parametric variability and fluctuating environmental conditions.

Results

We show how a control-theoretic analysis of the robustness of a model of the GAL regulatory network may be used to establish the model’s plausibility in characterizing the persistent memory of different carbon sources, without the need for extensive simulations. Chemical Reaction Network Theory is used to establish that the proposed network model is compatible with structural bistability. The robustness of each of the two operative conditions against fluctuations of the species concentrations is demonstrated by studying the Domains of Attraction of the corresponding equilibrium points. Finally, we use a global robustness analysis method based on Semi-Definite Programming to evaluate the modification of the bistable steady states induced by multiple parametric variations throughout bounded regions of the parameter space.

Conclusions

Our analysis provides convincing evidence for the robustness, and hence plausibility, of the GAL regulatory network model. The proposed workflow also demonstrates the power of analytical methods from control theory to provide a direct quantitative characterization of the dynamics of multistable biomolecular regulatory systems without recourse to extensive computer simulations.
Evaluation of corrective measures implemented for the preventive conservation of fresco paintings in Ariadne’s house (Pompeii, Italy)
Authors: Merello Paloma , García-Diego Fernando-Juan , Zarzo Manuel
Published: May 2013

Background

A microclimate monitoring study was conducted in 2008 aimed at assessing the conservation risks affecting the valuable wall paintings decorating Ariadne’s House (Pompeii, Italy). It was found that thermohygrometric conditions were very unfavorable for the conservation of frescoes. As a result, it was decided to implement corrective measures, and the transparent polycarbonate sheets covering three rooms (one of them delimited by four walls and the others composed of three walls) were replaced by opaque roofs. In order to examine the effectiveness of this measure, the same monitoring system comprised by 26 thermohygrometric probes was installed again in summer 2010. Data recorded in 2008 and 2010 were compared.

Results

Microclimate conditions were also monitored in a control room with the same roof in both years. The average temperature in this room was lower in 2010, and it was decided to consider a time frame of 18 summer days with the same mean temperature in both years. In the rooms with three walls, the statistical analysis revealed that the diurnal maximum temperature decreased about 3.5°C due to the roof change, and the minimum temperature increased 0.5°C. As a result, the daily thermohygrometric variations resulted less pronounced in 2010, with a reduction of approximately 4°C, which is favorable for the preservation of mural paintings. In the room with four walls, the daily fluctuations also decreased about 4°C. Based on the results, other alternative actions are discussed aimed at improving the conservation conditions of wall paintings.

Conclusions

The roof change has reduced the most unfavorable thermohygrometric conditions affecting the mural paintings, but additional actions should be adopted for a long term preservation of Pompeian frescoes.
Expression of seven stem-cell-associated markers in human airway biopsy specimens obtained via fiberoptic bronchoscopy
Authors: Li Laodong , Yu Huina , Wang Xiaoyang , Zeng Jinrong , Li Dangyu , Lu Jingyan , Wang Changming , Wang Jiying , Wei Jianghong , Jiang Ming , Mo Biwen
Published: May 2013

Background

Previous reports have suggested that malignant transformations originate from adult stem cells, and may thus express the stem-cell-associated markers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the differential expression and clinical significance of seven stem-cell-associated markers (Bmi1, CD133, CD44, Sox2, Nanog, OCT4 and Msi2) in lung cancer, providing new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the differential expression of mRNA levels seven stem-cell-associated markers by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from 112 human lung cancer and 18 non-cancer tissues obtained by bronchoscopy. We further verified the differential expression of these markers by immunohistochemistry in 50 lung cancer specimens, 30 benign inflammatory lesion tissues and 20 non-tumor adjacent lung tissues.

Results

With the exception of OCT4, other markers Bmi1, CD133, CD44, Sox2, Nanog and Msi2 mRNA and protein were abundantly expressed in lung cancer. Additionally, Nanog expression was highly upregulated in lung cancer tissues and rarely presented in non-cancerous lung tissues, the sensitivity and specificity of Nanog mRNA reached 63.4% and 66.7%, respectively. Nanog therefore possessed high diagnostic value, however, CD44, Bmi1 and CD133 showed poor diagnostic value in lung cancer.

Conclusion

Nanog may serve as a promising diagnostic marker of lung cancer and potential therapeutic target in lung cancer.
Ethanol-induced alterations of amino acids measured by in vivo microdialysis in rats: a meta-analysis
Authors: Fliegel Sarah , Brand Ines , Spanagel Rainer , Noori Hamid R
Published: May 2013

Purpose

In recent yearsin vivomicrodialysis has become an important method in research studies investigating the alterations of neurotransmitters in the extracellular fluid of the brain. Based on the major involvement of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in mediating a variety of alcohol effects in the mammalian brain, numerous microdialysis studies have focused on the dynamical behavior of these systems in response to alcohol.

Methods

Here we performed multiple meta-analyses on published datasets from the rat brain: (i) we studied basal extracellular concentrations of glutamate and GABA in brain regions that belong to a neurocircuitry involved in neuropsychiatric diseases, especially in alcoholism (Noori et al., Addict Biol 17:827-864, 2012); (ii) we examined the effect of acute ethanol administration on glutamate and GABA levels within this network and (iii) we studied alcohol withdrawal-induced alterations in glutamate and GABA levels within this neurocircuitry.

Results

For extraction of basal concentrations of these neurotransmitters, datasets of 6932 rats were analyzed and the absolute basal glutamate and GABA levels were estimated for 18 different brain sites. In response to different doses of acute ethanol administration, datasets of 529 rats were analyzed and a non-linear dose response (glutamate and GABA release) relationship was observed in several brain sites. Specifically, glutamate in the nucleus accumbens shows a decreasing logarithmic dose response curve. Finally, regression analysis of 11 published reports employing brain microdialysis experiments in 104 alcohol-dependent rats reveals very consistent augmented extracellular glutamate and GABA levels in various brain sites that correlate with the intensity of the withdrawal response were identified.

Conclusions

In summary, our results provide standardized basal values for future experimental andin silicostudies on neurotransmitter release in the rat brain and may be helpful to understand the effect of ethanol on neurotransmitter release. Furthermore, this study illustrates the benefit of meta-analyses using the generalization of a wide range of preclinical data.
Plasmon resonance coupling in cold overdense dissipative plasma
Authors: Miraboutalebi Sedigheh , Rajaei Leila , Khadivi Borogeni Mohamad K
Published: May 2013

It has been shown that the overdense plasma in the resonance conditions can be totally transparent to the incident electromagnetic waves, due to the excitation of the surface modes or plasmons. This scenario requires excitation of a single surface mode which is provided by placing a dielectric layer in front of the incident wave. Here, it is shown that this procedure would be complete and more efficient by arranging the conditions to excite coupled surface modes, namely by placing two dielectrics on both sides of the plasma layer. The results show that in this case, the overdense plasma slab could poses high transmittance in spite of the presence of the dissipative effects. In addition, in this case, the resonance conditions can be achieved more easily and efficiently, and can be used for wider range of the overdense plasma widths.
Endothelial microvascular networks affect gene-expression profiles and osteogenic potential of tissue-engineered constructs
Authors: Pedersen Torbjorn O , Blois Anna L , Xing Zhe , Xue Ying , Sun Yang , Finne-Wistrand Anna , Akslen Lars A , Lorens James B , Leknes Knut N , Fristad Inge , Mustafa Kamal
Published: May 2013

Introduction

A major determinant of the potential size of cell/scaffold constructs in tissue engineering is vascularization. The aims of this study were twofold: first to determine the in vitro angiogenic and osteogenic gene-expression profiles of endothelial cells (ECs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cocultured in a dynamic 3D environment; and second, to assess differentiation and the potential for osteogenesis after in vivo implantation.

Methods

MSCs and ECs were grown in dynamic culture in poly(L-lactide-co-1,5-dioxepan-2-one) (poly(LLA-co-DXO)) copolymer scaffolds for 1 week, to generate three-dimensional endothelial microvascular networks. The constructs were then implanted in vivo, in a murine model for ectopic bone formation. Expression of selected genes for angiogenesis and osteogenesis was studied after a 1-week culture in vitro. Human cell proliferation was assessed as expression of ki67, whereas α-smooth muscle actin was used to determine the perivascular differentiation of MSCs. Osteogenesis was evaluated in vivo through detection of selected markers, by using real-time RT-PCR, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alizarin Red, hematoxylin/eosin (HE), and Masson trichrome staining.

Results

The results show that endothelial microvascular networks could be generated in a poly(LLA-co-DXO) scaffold in vitro and sustained after in vivo implantation. The addition of ECs to MSCs influenced both angiogenic and osteogenic gene-expression profiles. Furthermore, human ki67 was upregulated before and after implantation. MSCs could support functional blood vessels as perivascular cells independent of implanted ECs. In addition, the expression of ALP was upregulated in the presence of endothelial microvascular networks.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that copolymer poly(LLA-co-DXO) scaffolds can be prevascularized with ECs and MSCs. Although a local osteoinductive environment is required to achieve ectopic bone formation, seeding of MSCs with or without ECs increases the osteogenic potential of tissue-engineered constructs.
Development of a Virtual Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Tumor Board in a Community Setting
Authors: Stevenson Marvaretta M. , Irwin Tonia , Lowry Terry , Ahmed Maleka Z. , Walden Thomas L. , Watson Melanie , Sutton Linda
Published: May 2013

The use of a Web conferencing platform allows subspecialty providers throughout the community and hours away to discuss lung cancer patient cases and increases convenience for providers by eliminating travel to a central location.
Physician Inter-Annotator Agreement in the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Manual Abstraction Task
Authors: Warner Jeremy L. , Anick Peter , Drews Reed E.
Published: May 2013

This study establishes a baseline IAA for QOPI abstraction performed at a single academic institution over 2 consecutive years, and demonstrates the feasibility of conducting an IAA study of medical data abstraction without knowledge of the abstractors.
Tying Payment Incentives to Quality Measurement
Authors: Newcomer Lee N. , Perkins Monica R. , Donelan Sheila A.
Published: May 2013

The most important lesson from this program has been that collaboration, data, and measured performance are all possible for cancer care.
Measuring and Improving Quality of Care in an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Blayney Douglas W.
Published: May 2013

Leaders of academic medical practices need to balance the perceptions of conflict among the basic, translational, or clinical research mission; the teaching mission; and the patient care mission to deliver quality patient care.
Practice-Based Evidence to Evidence-Based Practice: Building the National Radiation Oncology Registry
Authors: Efstathiou Jason A. , Nassif Deborah S. , McNutt Todd R. , Bogardus C. Bob , Bosch Walter , Carlin Jeffrey , Chen Ronald C. , Chou Henry , Eggert Dave , Fraass Benedick A. , Goldwein Joel , Hoffman Karen E. , Hotz Ken , Hunt Margie , Kessler Marc , Lawton Colleen A.F. , Mayo Charles , Michalski Jeff M. , Mutic Sasa , Potters Louis , Rose Christopher M. , Sandler Howard M. , Sharp Gregory , Tomé Wolfgang , Tran Phuoc T. , Wall Terry , Zietman Anthony L. , Gabriel Peter E. , Bekelman Justin E.
Published: May 2013

Successful implementation of the National Radiation Oncology Registry should improve the quality of care for patients with cancer treated with radiation.
Summary of Oral Abstract Session B: Innovating to Improve Care Quality
Authors: Hayman James A. , Bosserman Linda D. , Efstathiou Jason A.
Published: May 2013

These abstracts highlight the multidisciplinary nature of the Quality Care Symposium and share common themes such as their emphasis on real-world data and discourse with an aim for quality improvement.
Does Value Mean Quality? The Payer's Perspective
Authors: Malin Jennifer L.
Published: May 2013

The author concludes that quality cancer care needs to be high-value care, and it is up to the clinicians who are actually providing cancer care to determine how best to achieve the desired outcomes for individual patients.
The Heyday of the Labor Beat
Authors: Witwer David
Published: May 2013

In this article Witwer describes the emergence in the 1930s of a group of reporters employed by the mainstream media whose careers centered on covering labor. They claimed a distinct approach to writing about working Americans and organized labor. The most prominent early member of the “labor beat,” Louis Stark, promoted a model of journalism that fostered a better understanding of unions and workers by the general public. The labor beat expanded in the 1930s in response to turbulent strike waves and the dramatic growth of unions. Labor beat reporters developed sources within the working-class community and union leadership, from local officials to the top executives of the labor federations. While many newspaper publishers held antipathetic views of organized labor in this era, they found it in their interest to employ labor beat reporters because it bolstered their circulation and provided a chance to wield political influence with working-class voters. By the 1940s and 1950s, another wing of the labor beat emerged that focused on exposing union corruption and left-wing influence on organized labor. Pieces by Westbrook Pegler and Victor Riesel were prominent examples of this kind of journalism, and the influence of this exposé brand of journalism on public opinion regarding unions undercut the initial promise of the labor beat.
New Layered Copper Hydroxide with S = 1/2 Two-Dimensional Triangular Lattice Magnetic Network, [Cu7(OH)12(CH3CH2CO2)2]·(CH3CH2CO2H)2·(H2O)6
Authors: Fujita Wataru , Kikuchi Koichi
Published: May 2013

We have succeeded in preparing single crystals of the layered copper hydroxide [Cu7(OH)12(CH3CH2CO2)2]·(CH3CH2CO2H)2·(H2O)6 (1) through hydrolysis of a copper propionate solution. X-ray structure analysis showed that this material did not have the botallackite-type structure common in the layered copper hydroxide derivatives, but instead a two-dimensional distorted triangular lattice magnetic network of Cu(II) ions with S = 1/2 was formed. Magnetic measurements revealed dominance of antiferromagnetic interactions between neighboring Cu(II) ions in the copper hydroxide layer, and an antiferromagnetic ordering behavior around 3 K. We also discuss the structural and magnetic differences between 1 and related materials.