bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leucine modulates dynamic phosphorylation events in insulin signaling pathway and enhances insulin-dependent glycogen synthesis in human skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Di Camillo Barbara , Eduati Federica , Nair Sreekumaran K , Avogaro Angelo , Toffolo Gianna M
Published: March 2014

Background

Branched-chain amino acids, especially leucine, are known to interact with insulin signaling pathway and glucose metabolism. However, the mechanism by which this is exerted, remain to be clearly defined. In order to examine the effect of leucine on muscle insulin signaling, a set of experiments was carried out to quantitate phosphorylation events along the insulin signaling pathway in human skeletal muscle cell cultures. Cells were exposed to insulin, leucine or both, and phosphorylation events of key insulin signaling molecules were tracked over time so as to monitor time-related responses that characterize the signaling events and could be missed by a single sampling strategy limited to pre/post stimulus events.

Results

Leucine is shown to increase the magnitude of insulin-dependent phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) at Ser473 and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3β) at Ser21-9. Glycogen synthesis follows the same pattern of GSK3β, with a significant increase at 100 μM leucine plus insulin stimulus. Moreover, data do not show any statistically significant increase of pGSK3β and glycogen synthesis at higher leucine concentrations. Leucine is also shown to increase the magnitude of insulin-mediated extracellularly regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation; however, differently from AKT and GSK3β, ERK shows a transient behavior, with an early peak response, followed by a return to the baseline condition.

Conclusions

These experiments demonstrate a complementary effect of leucine on insulin signaling in a human skeletal muscle cell culture, promoting insulin-activated GSK3β phosphorylation and glycogen synthesis.
Comorbidity of dementia: a cross-sectional study of primary care older patients
Authors: Poblador-Plou Beatriz , Calderón-Larrañaga Amaia , Marta-Moreno Javier , Hancco-Saavedra Jorge , Sicras-Mainar Antoni , Soljak Michael , Prados-Torres Alexandra
Published: March 2014

Background

The epidemiologic study of comorbidities of an index health problem represents a methodological challenge. This study cross-sectionally describes and analyzes the comorbidities associated with dementia in older patients and reviews the existing similarities and differences between identified comorbid diseases using the statistical methods most frequently applied in current research.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of 72,815 patients over 64 seen in 19 Spanish primary care centers during 2008. Chronic diseases were extracted from electronic health records and grouped into Expanded Diagnostic Clusters®. Three different statistical methods were applied (i.e., analysis of prevalence data, multiple regression and factor analysis), stratifying by sex.

Results

The two most frequent comorbidities both for men and women with dementia were hypertension and diabetes. Yet, logistic regression and factor analysis demonstrated that the comorbidities significantly associated with dementia were Parkinson’s disease, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, anemia, cardiac arrhythmia, chronic skin ulcers, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, retinal disorders, prostatic hypertrophy, insomnia and anxiety and neurosis.

Conclusions

The analysis of the comorbidities associated with an index disease (e.g., dementia) must not be exclusively based on prevalence rates, but rather on methodologies that allow the discovery of non-random associations between diseases. A deep and reliable knowledge about how different diseases are grouped and associated around an index disease such as dementia may orient future longitudinal studies aimed at unraveling causal associations.
Meniscal pathology - the evidence for treatment
Authors: Mezhov Veronica , Teichtahl Andrew J , Strasser Rupert , Wluka Anita E , Cicuttini Flavia M
Published: March 2014

Whilst arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of meniscal tears is the most commonly performed orthopaedic surgery, meniscal tears at the knee are frequently identified on magnetic resonance imaging in adults with and without knee pain. The evidence for arthroscopic treatment of meniscal tears is controversial and lacks a supporting evidence base; it may be no more efficacious than conservative therapies. Surgical approaches to the treatment of meniscal pathology can be broadly categorised into those in which partial menisectomy or repair are performed. This review highlights that the major factor determining the choice of operative approach is age: meniscal repair is performed exclusively on younger populations, while older populations are subject to partial menisectomy procedures. This is probably because the meniscus is less amenable to repair in the older population where other degenerative changes co-exist. In middle-aged to older adults, arthroscopic partial menisectomy (APM) may treat the meniscus tear, but does not address the degenerative whole organ disease of knee osteoarthritis. Thus far, there is no convincing evidence that operative approaches are superior to conservative measures as the first-line treatment of older people with knee pain and meniscal tears. However, in two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) approximately one-third of subjects in the exercise groups had persisting knee pain with some evidence of improvement following APM, although the characteristics of this subgroup are unclear. From the available data, a first-line trial of conservative therapy, which includes weight loss, is recommended for the treatment of degenerative meniscal tears in older adults. The exception to this may be when mechanical symptoms, such as knee locking, predominate. Although requiring corroboration by RCTs, there is accumulating evidence from cohort studies and case series that meniscal repair rather than APM may improve function and reduce the long-term risk of knee osteoarthritis in young adults. There is no clear evidence from RCTs that one surgical method of meniscal repair is superior to another.
A GC polymorphism associated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is a risk factor for hip fracture in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis: 10-year follow-up of the Institute of Rheumatology, Rheumatoid Arthritis cohort study
Authors: Yoshida Shinji , Ikari Katsunori , Furuya Takefumi , Toyama Yoshiaki , Taniguchi Atsuo , Yamanaka Hisashi , Momohara Shigeki
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Vitamin D deficiency has been reported to be common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have a higher prevalence of osteoporosis and hip fracture than healthy individuals. Genetic variants affecting serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration, an indicator of vitamin D status, were recently identified by genome-wide association studies of Caucasian populations. The purpose of this study was to validate the association and to test whether the serum 25(OH)D-linked genetic variants were associated with the occurrence of hip fracture in Japanese RA patients.

Methods

DNA samples of 1,957 Japanese RA patients were obtained from the Institute of Rheumatology, Rheumatoid Arthritis (IORRA) cohort DNA collection. First, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were reported to be associated with serum 25(OH)D concentration by genome-wide association studies were genotyped. The SNPs that showed a significant association with serum 25(OH)D level in the cross-sectional study were used in the longitudinal analysis of hip fracture risk. The genetic risk for hip fracture was determined by a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model in 1,957 patients with a maximum follow-up of 10 years (median, 8 years).

Results

Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that rs2282679 in GC (the gene encoding group-specific component (vitamin D binding protein)) locus was significantly associated with lower serum 25(OH)D concentration (P = 8.1 × 10-5). A Cox proportional hazards model indicated that rs2282679 in GC was significantly associated with the occurrence of hip fracture in a recessive model (hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) = 2.52 (1.05-6.05), P = 0.039).

Conclusions

A two-staged analysis demonstrated that rs2282679 in GC was associated with serum 25(OH)D concentration and could be a risk factor for hip fracture in Japanese RA patients.
Candidate genes and functional noncoding variants identified in a canine model of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Tang Ruqi , Noh Hyun Ji , Wang Dongqing , Sigurdsson Snaevar , Swofford Ross , Perloski Michele , Duxbury Margaret , Patterson Edward E , Albright Julie , Castelhano Marta , Auton Adam , Boyko Adam R , Feng Guoping , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin , Karlsson Elinor K
Published: March 2014

Background

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a severe mental disease manifested in time-consuming repetition of behaviors, affects 1 to 3% of the human population. While highly heritable, complex genetics has hampered attempts to elucidate OCD etiology. Dogs suffer from naturally occurring compulsive disorders that closely model human OCD, manifested as an excessive repetition of normal canine behaviors that only partially responds to drug therapy. The limited diversity within dog breeds makes identifying underlying genetic factors easier.

Results

We use genome-wide association of 87 Doberman Pinscher cases and 63 controls to identify genomic loci associated with OCD and sequence these regions in 8 affected dogs from high-risk breeds and 8 breed-matched controls. We find 119 variants in evolutionarily conserved sites that are specific to dogs with OCD. These case-only variants are significantly more common in high OCD risk breeds compared to breeds with no known psychiatric problems. Four genes, all with synaptic function, have the most case-only variation: neuronal cadherin (CDH2), catenin alpha2 (CTNNA2), ataxin-1 (ATXN1), and plasma glutamate carboxypeptidase (PGCP). In the 2 Mb gene desert between the cadherin genes CDH2 and DSC3, we find two different variants found only in dogs with OCD that disrupt the same highly conserved regulatory element. These variants cause significant changes in gene expression in a human neuroblastoma cell line, likely due to disrupted transcription factor binding.

Conclusions

The limited genetic diversity of dog breeds facilitates identification of genes, functional variants and regulatory pathways underlying complex psychiatric disorders that are mechanistically similar in dogs and humans.
Precise 3D seismic steering and production rates in the Wilrich tight gas sands of West Central Alberta
Authors: Hunt Lee , Hadley Scott , Reynolds Scott , Gilbert Regan , Rule Jon , Kinzikeev Michael
Published: March 2014

We evaluate the controls on production performance of the Wilrich tight gas sand play in West Central Alberta, and show that careful steering using 3D seismic to place the wellbore within the upper reservoir is the most important geophysical contribution to production outcomes. Geologic, geophysical, drilling, and production data from more than 20 wells are used in the analysis. The completion and production parameters within the study area are relatively invariant, creating a control experiment relative to other productivity factors. We thus isolate the effects of varying bottom hole pressures, porosity, wellbore length, number of stimulations, mud gas response, gamma ray measurements while drilling, mud weight, curvature, amplitude versus offset (AVO), amplitude versus azimuth (AVAz), velocity versus azimuth (VVAz), and position of the horizontal wellbore within the reservoir. These variables are treated separately and in a multivariate fashion to determine their relative and combined effect on the productivity of the wells. Several methods of statistical evaluation are used to test confidence in the results. The Wilrich sand is approximately 20-m thick, and it was expected that the multistage fracture stimulation would have minimized the importance of vertical permeability variations by adequately accessing the entire vertical reservoir section. Such is not the case; precise placement of the wellbore in the most permeable stratigraphy of the thin reservoir is of material importance. The pressure and porosity strongly affect the production performance, but to a lesser degree than vertical position within the reservoir. This suggests that stratigraphic concerns as they relate to permeability variation can be critical, even in thin fracture-stimulated reservoirs. Interesting relationships were observed between the AVAz and curvature measures, but neither they nor the AVO or VVAz attributes yielded statistically significant correlations to the production data.
The role of AVO in prospect risk assessment
Authors: Roden Rocky , Forrest Mike , Holeywell Roger , Carr Matthew , Alexander P. A.
Published: March 2014

Essentially all companies exploring for oil and gas should perform a risk analysis to understand the uncertainties in their interpretations and to properly value order prospects in a company’s drilling portfolio. For conventional exploration in clastic environments, primarily sands encased in shales, a key component of the risk analysis process is evaluating direct hydrocarbon indicators, which can have a significant impact on the final risk value. We investigate the role AVO plays in the risk assessment process as a portion of a comprehensive and systematic DHI evaluation. Documentation of the geologic context and quantification of data quality and DHI characteristics, including AVO characteristics, is necessary to properly assess a prospect’s risk. A DHI consortium database of over 230 drilled prospects provides statistics to determine the importance of data quality elements, primarily in class 2 and 3 geologic settings. The most important AVO interpretation characteristics are also identified based on statistical results and correlated with well success rates. A significant conclusion is the relevance of AVO in risk analysis when it is the dominant component in the DHI portion of the risk. Critical in the risk assessment process is understanding the role AVO and DHI analysis play when prospects approach class 1 geologic settings. The impact that hydrocarbons have on the seismic response is significantly diminished in this setting versus the other AVO classes. All of these observations confirm the necessity of properly evaluating a prospect’s geologic setting and implementing a consistent and systematic risk analysis process including appropriate DHI and AVO components.
Reflections from the world of policy-related research; Think tanks and cultural diversity – between theory and practice
Authors: Onghena Yolanda
Published: March 2014

In the current context of increased interactions with multiple mobilities, the acceleration of communication and the permeability of cultural borders multiply the benchmarks for people, ideas and discourses. It changes communication, ways to mobilize public opinion and mechanisms of dissemination and influence to situate action and reaction, senses of belongings and ruptures, trends and counter-trends. Making the connection between idea-makers and decision-makers, between theory and practice, is the aim of think tanks, those laboratories of ideas at the service of society. How can we link the social fabric with research and political actions? How can we avoid distrust with the necessary marketing of proposals and conclusions certified by think tanks to get the media’s attention? Discourses connect ideas with people, and in the time of global processes they have to be analysed through an interdisciplinary perspective in order to question the theory and the practice, the contexts and the flows. Think tanks can be the mediators for the renewal and transnationalization of research with the participation of social actors – professionals of justice, communication and young researchers – in parallel processes that are mutually influenced. This research/action raises the existence of an excessive usage of ‘containers’ concept in discourses, in which anything that creates incertitude can fit. In this way, the discourse related to migration has to be renovated and renewed. Words such as difference, identity and diversity can describe migration either as a problem or a solution, but always highlight it as being ab-normal and as being a global reaction to new realities. How can we imagine scenarios for action in which we all can move in one social framework beyond nacional boudearies? This article questions the role of think tanks from a reality in which a variety of opinions, perspectives and practices exist without coinciding in one single analysis.
Micromixing Characteristics in an Aerated Stirred Tank with Half Elliptical Blade Disk Turbine
Authors: Li Wanbo , Geng Xingye , Bao Yuyun , Gao Zhengming
Published: March 2014

The parallel-competing iodide-iodate reaction scheme was used to investigate the micromixing efficiency in an aerated stirred tank of 0.30 m diameter agitated by a half elliptical blade disk turbine. The mean specific energy dissipation rate Pm ranged from 0.5 to 2.2 W/kg, while the superficial gas velocity VS ranged from 0.015 to 0.047 m/s. Four sub-surface feed positions were considered. When the tank is fed just under the liquid surface or in the near-wall region, the micromixing efficiency can be enhanced by introducing gases with superficial gas velocities higher than 0.031 m/s. The effects of gas on the micromixing performance become complicated, while the tank is fed in the impeller discharging region. The increase of gas flow rate does not always have good effects on the micromixing performance. Moreover, the way to feed sulfuric acid can strongly affect the efficiency of the reaction scheme. For a single liquid phase, the micromixing time tm according to the incorporation model varies from 5 × 10−3 to 3 × 10−2 s. The dimensionless local specific energy dissipation rate Φ near the liquid surface is almost independent of Pm, while Φ in the impeller discharging area decreases with increasing Pm.
Multi-objective Differential Evolution for Dynamic Economic Emission Dispatch
Authors: Basu M.
Published: March 2014

Dynamic economic emission dispatch is an important optimization task in fossil fuel–based power plant operation for allocating generation among the committed units with predicted load demands over a certain period of time such that fuel cost and emission level are optimized simultaneously. It is a highly constrained dynamic multi-objective optimization problem involving conflicting objectives. This paper proposes multi-objective differential evolution for dynamic economic emission dispatch problem. Numerical results for a sample test system have been presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm. The results obtained from the proposed algorithm are compared with those obtained from nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II).
Testing for Multiple Structural Changes with Non-Homogeneous Regressors
Authors: Kurozumi Eiji
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates tests for multiple structural changes with non-homogeneous regressors, such as polynomial trends. We consider exponential-type, supremum-type and average-type tests as well as the corresponding weighted-type tests suggested in the literature. We show that the limiting distributions depend on regressors in general, and we need to tabulate critical values depending on them. Then, we focus on the linear trend case and obtain the critical values of the test statistics. The Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to investigate the finite sample properties of the tests proposed in the paper, and it is found that the specification of the number of breaks is an important factor for the finite sample performance of the tests. Since it is often the case that we cannot prespecify the number of breaks under the alternative but can suppose only the maximum number of breaks, the weighted-type tests are useful in practice.
A New Test for Cementation Potential of Embankment Dam Granular Filter Material
Authors: Rinehart Robert V. , Pabst Mark W.
Published: March 2014

Granular filters are used in embankment dams to protect against uncontrolled flow and internal erosion either through the embankment or the foundation. For proper performance, the filter material must not be able to sustain a crack even if the core material becomes cracked itself. Historically, the mechanism used to limit cracking potential is a restriction of no more than 5 % nonplastic fines. It has been recognized though that this requirement has not been effective in identifying cracking potential for all materials. Since the requirement is related to the exclusion of clay and silt size particles (i.e., fines) it appears to not always identify other minerals that can act as cementing agents. A supplemental test known as the Sand Castle Test was also developed, and although it did not specifically focus on detecting other binding agents it was thought to hold promise. However, since the original test lacked a precise procedure and sensitivity to some binding agents, a modification of the Sand Castle Test is being undertaken. This paper outlines the need for a new test and describes specimen preparation, Modified Sand Castle Test procedures, and results from 16 source materials from across the United States. A petrographic examination was carried out to investigate the cementing mechanisms in selected materials. Additionally, unconfined compression tests were performed on each material to help quantify the strength from cementation. The sand equivalency value was also determined for all materials to see how well it correlated with the Modified Sand Castle Test results. The Modified Sand Castle Test is shown to be a good indicator of cementation potential and correlates well with unconfined compressive strength, but to a lesser degree with sand equivalency value.
Seizures in patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism: effect of antiepileptic drug withdrawal on recurrence of seizures and serum calcium control
Authors: Modi Sagar , Tripathi Manjari , Saha Soma , Goswami Ravinder
Published: March 2014

Objective

There is limited information on seizures in patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (IH). We assessed seizure characteristics at presentation, subclinical seizures during follow-up, and the effect of antiepileptic drug (AED) withdrawal in IH patients.

Designs and methods

Seizure characteristics were assessed in 70 patients with IH attending endocrine clinic. Provoked electroencephalography (EEG) was performed for subclinical seizures in 44 of them. AEDs were withdrawn using strict criteria, i.e. i) no seizure during past 2 years, ii) normal EEG, iii) serum total calcium ≥1.8 mmol/l, and iv) feasibility to follow-up regularly after AED withdrawal for at least 9 months (n=14). The effects of AED withdrawal on seizures and serum total calcium were assessed.

Results

Seizures were present in 64.3% of patients, generalized tonic–clonic in 86.7%, and treated with phenytoin (46.7%), valproate (40%), and carbamazepine (26.7%). Most (69/70) patients were seizure-free during the follow-up of 6.6±4.5 years. Ten of 14 (71.4%) patients were successfully withdrawn from AED and remained seizure free during the follow-up period of 13.5±2.4 months (range 9–18). AEDs were restarted because of the recurrence of seizures (n=3) and poor compliance with calcium/vitamin D (n=1). The mean serum total calcium increased from 1.9±0.19 to 2.1±0.14 mmol/l after AED withdrawal (P=0.004).

Conclusion

Seizures were present in 64.3% of patients with IH and they responded to AED and calcium/1-α-(OH)D during the follow-up. With strict eligibility criteria, it was possible to withdraw AED in 71% of patients with IH. Serum total calcium improved significantly after AED withdrawal.
A Novel CaM Kinase II Pathway Controls the Location of Neuropeptide Release fromCaenorhabditis elegansMotor Neurons
Authors: Hoover Christopher M , Edwards Stacey L , Yu Szi-chieh , Kittelmann Maike , Richmond Janet E , Eimer Stefan , Yorks Rosalina M , Miller Kenneth G
Published: March 2014

Neurons release neuropeptides via the regulated exocytosis of dense core vesicles (DCVs) to evoke or modulate behaviors. We found that Caenorhabditis elegans motor neurons send most of their DCVs to axons, leaving very few in the cell somas. How neurons maintain this skewed distribution and the extent to which it can be altered to control DCV numbers in axons or to drive release from somas for different behavioral impacts is unknown. Using a forward genetic screen, we identified loss-of-function mutations in UNC-43 (CaM kinase II) that reduce axonal DCV levels by ∼90% and cell soma/dendrite DCV levels by ∼80%, leaving small synaptic vesicles largely unaffected. Blocking regulated secretion in unc-43 mutants restored near wild-type axonal levels of DCVs. Time-lapse video microscopy showed no role for CaM kinase II in the transport of DCVs from cell somas to axons. In vivo secretion assays revealed that much of the missing neuropeptide in unc-43 mutants is secreted via a regulated secretory pathway requiring UNC-31 (CAPS) and UNC-18 (nSec1). DCV cargo levels in unc-43 mutants are similarly low in cell somas and the axon initial segment, indicating that the secretion occurs prior to axonal transport. Genetic pathway analysis suggests that abnormal neuropeptide function contributes to the sluggish basal locomotion rate of unc-43 mutants. These results reveal a novel pathway controlling the location of DCV exocytosis and describe a major new function for CaM kinase II.
Examining the Process of de Novo Gene Birth: An Educational Primer on “Integration of New Genes into Cellular Networks, and Their Structural Maturation”
Authors: Frietze Seth , Leatherman Judith
Published: March 2014

SUMMARY New genes that arise from modification of the noncoding portion of a genome rather than being duplicated from parent genes are called de novo genes. These genes, identified by their brief evolution and lack of parent genes, provide an opportunity to study the timeframe in which emerging genes integrate into cellular networks, and how the characteristics of these genes change as they mature into bona fide genes. An article by G. Abrusán provides an opportunity to introduce students to fundamental concepts in evolutionary and comparative genetics and to provide a technical background by which to discuss systems biology approaches when studying the evolutionary process of gene birth. Basic background needed to understand the Abrusán study and details on comparative genomic concepts tailored for a classroom discussion are provided, including discussion questions and a supplemental exercise on navigating a genome database.
Genetic improvement of sugar cane for bioenergy: the brazilian experience in network research with RIDESA
Authors: Barbosa Márcio Henrique Pereira , Resende Marcos Deon Vilela , Dias Luiz Antônio dos Santos , Barbosa Geraldo Veríssimo de Souza , Oliveira Ricardo Augusto de , Peternelli Luiz Alexandre , Daros Edelclaiton
Published: March 2014

In this paper, it is presented RIDESA's model for sugar cane breeding to ethanol, and its scientific, technological and human resources training contributions. RIDESA is an inter-university network for the development of sugar cane industry in Brazil, and was formed by a technical cooperation agreement between ten public universities. The model of network management is presented in this study, which involves, among other things, the public-private partnership (Universities-Mills) for the development of cultivars. RIDESA has produced 59 cultivars since 1990 and is now responsible for 59% of the total area cultivated with this plant in Brazil. In the last five years, 286 agronomists were trained in breeding programs at universities that comprise RIDESA. In this same period, the network formed 35 professors, 24 doctors and 7 post-docs in researches with this crop. It is also presented a conceptual approach on methods of sugar cane breeding involving families and genome-wide selection.
Dynamic stiffness of pile in a layered elastic continuum
Authors: SHADLOU M. , BHATTACHARYA S.
Published: March 2014

A set of formulas for the dynamic stiffness of a pile (spring and dashpot coefficients) to use in inertial interaction analysis is proposed, utilising elastodynamic solutions. The method is based on solving a Lagrangian system of coupled equations for the pile and the soil motions for a range of vibration frequencies and also by considering the vertical, radial and angular stresses on the pile–soil interface. The solution extensively uses Bessel functions of the second kind and results are compared with finite-element models and field pile load tests. A dimensionless frequency related to the well-known active length of pile is proposed to separate inertial and kinematic interactions. A formula is also proposed for estimation of the active length of a pile in a two-layered soil. A specific depth is introduced beyond which soil layering does not have any appreciable effects on dynamic stiffness. It is commonly (rather arbitrarily) assumed that the first natural frequency of soil strata differentiates radiation (geometric) damping from hysteretic (material) damping for both types of interactions of the pile–soil system. In contrast, this paper proposes a new formulation based on relative pile–soil stiffness and frequency of the pile head loading to differentiate these two classes of damping behaviour. The application of the formulation is shown through an example.
Mixed‐conifer forests of central Oregon: effects of logging and fire exclusion vary with environment
Authors: Merschel Andrew G. , Spies Thomas A. , Heyerdahl Emily K.
Published: March 2014

Twentieth‐century land management has altered the structure and composition of mixed‐conifer forests and decreased their resilience to fire, drought, and insects in many parts of the Interior West. These forests occur across a wide range of environmental settings and historical disturbance regimes, so their response to land management is likely to vary across landscapes and among ecoregions. However, this variation has not been well characterized and hampers the development of appropriate management and restoration plans. We identified mixed‐conifer types in central Oregon based on historical structure and composition, and successional trajectories following recent changes in land use, and evaluated how these types were distributed across environmental gradients. We used field data from 171 sites sampled across a range of environmental settings in two subregions: the eastern Cascades and the Ochoco Mountains.

We identified four forest types in the eastern Cascades and four analogous types with lower densities in the Ochoco Mountains. All types historically contained ponderosa pine, but differed in the historical and modern proportions of shade‐tolerant vs. shade‐intolerant tree species. The Persistent Ponderosa Pine and Recent Douglas‐fir types occupied relatively hot–dry environments compared to Recent Grand Fir and Persistent Shade Tolerant sites, which occupied warm–moist and cold–wet environments, respectively. Twentieth‐century selective harvesting halved the density of large trees, with some variation among forest types. In contrast, the density of small trees doubled or tripled early in the 20th century, probably due to land‐use change and a relatively cool, wet climate. Contrary to the common perception that dry ponderosa pine forests are the most highly departed from historical conditions, we found a greater departure in the modern composition of small trees in warm–moist environments than in either hot–dry or cold–wet environments. Furthermore, shade‐tolerant trees began infilling earlier in cold–wet than in hot–dry environments and also in topographically shaded sites in the Ochoco Mountains. Our new classification could be used to prioritize management that seeks to restore structure and composition or create resilience in mixed‐conifer forests of the region.
Long‐term hurricane damage effects on tropical forest tree growth and mortality
Authors: Tanner Edmund V. J. , Rodriguez-Sanchez Francisco , Healey John R. , Holdaway Robert J. , Bellingham Peter J.
Published: March 2014

Hurricane winds can have large impacts on forest structure and dynamics. To date, most evaluations of hurricane impacts have focused on short‐term responses after a hurricane, often lacked pre‐hurricane measurements, and missed responses occurring over longer time scales. Here, we use a long‐term data set (1974–2009, 35 years) of tree stems (>3 cm in diameter at 1.3 m aboveground) in four sites (0.35 ha in total) in montane rain forest (∼1600 m elevation) in Jamaica to investigate the patterns of crown damage in individual stems by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, and how subsequent growth and mortality were affected by hurricane damage, sprouting, and the incidence of multiple stems. Topographical position on a mountain ridge was the best predictor of crown damage, followed by crown size and species identity. The average diameter growth rate of stems that survived the hurricane was greater than that pre‐hurricane for the whole 21‐yr post‐hurricane period. Growth rates of stems with damaged crowns increased less than those with undamaged crowns; differences in growth rate between damaged and undamaged trees disappeared after 11 years. Hurricane‐damaged stems had two to eight times higher mortality than undamaged stems for 19 years post hurricane. Many stems sprouted shortly after the hurricane, but few sprouts managed to establish (grow to >3 cm diameter at breast height). However, sprouting and multi‐stemming were associated with reduced mortality rate, particularly in damaged trees. From an initial population of 1670 stems in 1974, 54% were still alive in 2009 (21 years after the hurricane). We conclude that despite the high frequency of hurricane damage to tree crowns and the subsequent increased mortality rate in this hurricane‐prone tropical montane forest, many stems will be hit and recover from several hurricanes in their lifetime.
Ocular Anti-VEGF Therapy for Diabetic Retinopathy: The Role of VEGF in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Simó Rafael , Sundstrom Jeffrey M. , Antonetti David A.
Published: March 2014

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of visual impairment and preventable blindness, and represents a significant socioeconomic cost for health care systems worldwide. Therefore, new approaches beyond current standards of diabetes care are needed. Based on the crucial pathogenic role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the development of diabetic macular edema (DME), intravitreal anti-VEGF agents have emerged as new treatments. To provide an understanding of the rationale for use and clinical efficacy of anti-VEGF treatment, we examine this topic in a two-part Bench to Clinic narrative. In the Bench narrative, we provide an overview of the role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, the molecular characteristics of anti-VEGF agents currently used, and future perspectives and challenges in this area. In the Clinic narrative that follows our contribution, Cheung et al. provide an overview of the current evidence from clinical trials on anti-VEGF therapy for diabetic retinopathy.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Aortic Valves Causing Sudden Cardiac Death: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Xu Bin , Fraser Richard S. , Renaud Claudia , Youssef Sameh , Gottesman Ronald D. , Bernard Chantal
Published: March 2014

Cardiac inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare entity affecting predominantly infants, children, and young adults. Although most tumors have a benign clinical course after complete surgical resection, some have significant clinical effects. We report the case of a 9-year-old girl who had sudden cardiac death as a result of occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery. A review of 57 cases of cardiac IMTs reported in the literature in terms of epidemiology, clinical presentation, histologic and immunohistologic features, and outcome is presented. Recognition of this rare abnormality is important in order to initiate prompt surgical intervention.
Ectomesenchymoma with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma and Ganglioneuroma, Arising in Association with Benign Triton Tumor of the Tongue
Authors: VandenHeuvel Katherine A. , Carpentieri David F. , Chen Jie , Fung Kar-Ming , Parham David M.
Published: March 2014

Soft-tissue tumors known as “triton” tumors are rare lesions containing neural tissue and skeletal muscle at varying levels of maturity and malignant potential. Benign triton tumors, also called “neuromuscular choristomas” or “neuromuscular hamartomas,” consist of neural tissue containing mature skeletal muscle in intimate relationship with peripheral nerve. These tumors are rare in the head and neck in children. Ectomesenchymomas are similar tumors consisting of a malignant mesenchymal component, usually embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, and a neuroectodermal component represented by mature ganglion cells or primitive neuroblastic/neuroectodermal foci (primitive ectomesenchymoma). Benign triton tumors have been regarded as benign, whereas ectomesenchymomas have been operationally considered to be variants of rhabdomyosarcoma. We present here a unique case that combines features of these 2 entities in a recurrent lesion on the tongue of a 35-month-old girl. This lesion raises questions about the “benign” nature of benign triton tumor and its possible relationship to ectomesenchymoma.
A Study of Local Anaesthetics. Part 202. Determination of the Critical Micellar Concentration of Carbisocainium Chloride in Water Using Spectral Methods and the Probe Pyrene
Authors: Gališinová J. , Andriamainty F. , Malík I. , Čižmárik J. , Karlovská J. , Sichrovská L.
Published: March 2014

The micellization process of the local anaesthetic carbisocainium chloride in water was investigated by two spectral methods
using the probe pyrene. First, the absorption spectroscopy in UV/VIS region was based on studying changes in characteristic
absorption spectrum of pyrene in presence of surfactant. The resultant plot of the sum of absorbances for all the major pyrene
peaks as a function of the total surfactant concentration shows, around the critical micellar concentration, a typical sigmoidal
increase. The fluorescence emission spectroscopy in UV/VIS region of spectrum by the probe pyrene, second procedure, was applied
for determination of the cmc from the measurements of the pyrene I1 /I3 ratio as a function of the surfactant concentration.
The pyrene ratio data were fitted by the Boltzmann-type sigmoid of decreasing character.
Agrarian Reforms and Farmers Suicide in India: Human Rights Issues and Concerns
Authors: Rahman Khandaker Farzana
Published: March 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/nujl.v3i0.18394 Northern University Journal of Law Vol.III 2012; p.49-62
The Right to Information Act, 2009: A Step Towards the Accountability and Transparency of Government in Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Tania
Published: March 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/nujl.v3i0.18395 Northern University Journal of Law Vol.III 2012; p.63-75
Combining ability for yield and yield attributes in rice (Oryza sativa l.) genotypes using CMS system
Authors: Sharma CL , Singh NK , Mall AK , Kumar K , Singh ON
Published: March 2014

Seventy five hybrids generated from crossing three cytoplasmic male sterile lines with 25 testers were studied along with parents for combining ability and gene action involved in expression of characters in rice. The GCA and SCA effects were significant for all the characters except seedling height, indicating the importance of both additive and non additive genetic components. The ratio of gca and sca variance was less than unity for all the characters also indicated preponderance of non additive genetic variance and suggested good prospects of the exploitation of variation through hybrid breeding. Amongst the parental lines, UPR-2080-24-1-R, IR-60076-1-R, PNR-165-10-6-R and IR-58025- A were found to be good general combiners which can be taken up to generate desirable segregates for further selection. None of the crosses showed significant sca effects for all the characters. On the basis of per se performance and high sca effects, IR-58025-A x CSRC-50-2-1-4-BR, PMS-10-A x IR-42688-2-118-6-3, RPMS-100-A x UPRI-92-79-R and NMS-4-A x IR-32419-28-3-1-3-R were good specific combiners for grain yield plant-1 and their components which could be used for exploitation of heterosis for yield. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i1.18372 SAARC J. Agri., 11(1): 23-33 (2013)
Zinc fertilization effects on agromorphological and quality parameters of commonly grown rice
Authors: Saha B , Saha S , Roy PD , Hazra GC , Das Arpita
Published: March 2014

Among the micronutrients, zinc deficiency is widespread throughout the world particularly in low land rice fields causing low yields and affecting nutritional quality of the produce. In present investigation, 26 rice cultivars including some locals, aromatics, HYVs and hybrids grown on an Inceptisols with no Zn, basal Zn and soil+foliar applied Zn were evaluated for agro-morphological and quality parameters in a strip plot design having three replications during kharif season for consecutive two years (2009 and 2010). Rice cultivars differed significantly in their native agro-morphological parameters as well as among cultivar categories. Grain and straw yield as well as harvest index of different cultivars showed wide variations both with and without Zn application. On average, grain yields of different rice cultivars increased by 29% and 22% with soil plus foliar and only soil application of Zn, respectively. Regarding yield efficiency, HYV showed highest efficiency followed by hybrid, aromatic and local cultivars, irrespective of Zn fertilization. Applications of Zn, both as basal and as soil+foliar application significantly reduced the Fe content in brown rice irrespective of the cultivar grown. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i1.18388 SAARC J. Agri., 11(1): 105-120 (2013)
l-Ergothioneine Protects Skin Cells against UV-Induced Damage—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Bazela Karolina , Solyga-Zurek Aleksandra , Debowska Renata , Rogiewicz Katarzyna , Bartnik Ewa , Eris Irena
Published: March 2014

Many changes related to aging at the cellular level may be due to the physiological condition of mitochondria. One of the most common types of damage of mtDNA is the so-called “common deletion” referring to a deletion of 4977 base pairs. In the skin cells this phenomenon probably is caused by oxidative damage of mtDNA induced by UV. The present study was aimed at evaluating the effect of the antioxidant l-ergothioneine on UV-induced damage in skin cells. The effect of l-ergothioneine on the reduced glutathione level was studied. The presence of the “common deletion” in human fibroblasts irradiated with UVA and treated with l-ergothioneine was evaluated by a polymerase chain reaction. We have demonstrated that l-ergothioneine enhanced the level of reduced glutathione and protected cells from the induction of a photoaging-associated mtDNA “common deletion”. In view of our results, l-ergothioneine could be an effective skin care and anti-photoaging ingredient.
Nurses’ Competencies in Disaster Nursing: Implications for Curriculum Development and Public Health
Authors: Loke Alice , Fung Olivia
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to explore Hong Kong nurses’ perceptions of competencies required for disaster nursing. Focus group interviews and written inquiry were adopted to solicit nurses’ perceived required competencies for disaster care. A total of 15 nurses were interviewed and 30 nurses completed the written inquiry on their perceived competencies related to disaster nursing. The International Council for Nurses’ (ICN) framework of disaster nursing competencies, consisting of four themes and ten domains, was used to tabulate the perceived competencies for disaster nursing reported by nurses. The most mentioned required competencies were related to disaster response; with the ethical and legal competencies for disaster nursing were mostly neglected by nurses in Hong Kong. With the complexity nature of disasters, special competencies are required if nurses are to deal with adverse happenings in their serving community. Nurses’ perceived disaster nursing competencies reported by nurses were grossly inadequate, demonstrating the needs to develop a comprehensive curriculum for public health. The establishment of a set of tailor-made disaster nursing core competencies for the community they served is the first step in preparing nurses to deal with disastrous situations for the health of the public.
Temporal Trends and Correlates of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Physical Fitness among School-Aged Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Muthuri Stella , Wachira Lucy-Joy , Leblanc Allana , Francis Claire , Sampson Margaret , Onywera Vincent , Tremblay Mark
Published: March 2014

Recent physical activity (PA) and fitness transitions, identified as behavioural shifts from traditionally active lifestyles to more industralised and sedentary lifestyles, have been observed among school-aged children. There is a wealth of supporting evidence of such behavioural transitions in high income countries; however, a paucity of data on lower income countries exists. These transitions pose a particular threat to the welfare of children by accelerating the onset of chronic diseases. This systematic review investigated the evidence for a PA and fitness transition among Sub-Saharan Africa’s school-aged children. Temporal trends and correlates of PA, SB, and fitness were examined. Studies were identified by searching the Medline, Embase, Africa Index Medicus, Global Health, Geobase, and EPPI-Centre electronic databases, and were included if they measured outcomes of interest in apparently healthy samples of children (5‒17 years). A total of 71 articles met the inclusion criteria (40 informed PA, 17 informed SB, and 37 informed fitness). Vast heterogeneity in study methodology complicated analysis of transitions over time and no temporal trends were immediately discernible. However, higher socioeconomic status, urban living, and female children were found to engage in lower levels of PA, higher SB, and performed worse on aerobic fitness measures compared to lower socioeconomic status, rural living, and male children. Data revealed that urbanization was associated with a trend towards decreased PA, increased SB, and decreased aerobic fitness over time. Representative, temporally sequenced data examining a PA and fitness transition are lacking in this region (PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42013004399).
Development of an Electrochemical Sensing Technique for Rapid Genotyping of Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Chen Jinyuan , Weng Shaohuang , Chen Qingqiong , Liu Ailin , Wang Fengqing , Chen Jing , Yi Qiang , Liu Qicai , Lin Xinhua
Published: March 2014

Objective: To develop a convenient; sensitive; accurate; and economical technique for genotyping of hepatitis B viruses (HBVs). Methods: The mercapto-modified B1; B2; C1; and C2-specific genotyping probes consisted of two probes for each HBV genotype that served as a double verification system. These probes were fixed on the surface of No. 1; 2; 3; and 4 gold electrodes; respectively; via Au-S bonds. Different charge generated by the binding of RuHex to phosphate groups of the DNA backbone before and after hybridization was used for distinguishing the different genotypes. Results: During hybridization with genotype B; the charges detected at the No. 1 and 2 electrodes were significantly increased; while the charge at the No. 3 and 4 electrodes did not change significantly. During hybridization with genotype C; the charges detected at No. 3 and 4 electrodes were significantly increased; while the signals remained unchanged at the No. 1 and 2 electrodes. During hybridization with mixed genotypes (B and C); the charges detected at all four electrodes were significantly increased. The linear range of detection was 10–7 to 10–10 mol/L and the sensitivity for detecting mixed B (10%) or C (10%). Conclusions: Rapid genotyping of HBVs based on electrochemical sensing is simple, has good specificity; and can greatly reduce the cost. This method can be used for sensitive detection of mixed B and C HBV genotypes.