bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of surface electric charge profile in pyroelectric crystals
Authors: Ghaderi R. , Davani F. Abbasi
Published: December 2014

Pyroelectric crystals are used to produce high energy self-focused electron beams. Here, an experimental analysis in combination with simulation studies will be reported to investigate possible sources of this effect. In the experiments, the surface of crystal was divided into six separated parts and the rate of surface electric charge production was measured accordingly. A non-steady and spatially non-uniform distribution of the surface charge generation was observed, in which it tends to a uniform distribution in the course of experiment. The obtained surface electric charges from the experiments were used to simulate the electric field and potential around the crystal by COMSOL Multiphysics. It was observed that emitted electrons from the crystal surface were focused, and the non-uniformity in spatial charge is responsible for this phenomenon.
Mechanical response of red blood cells entering a constriction
Authors: Zeng Nancy F. , Ristenpart William D.
Published: December 2014

Most work on the dynamic response of red blood cells (RBCs) to hydrodynamic stress has focused on linear velocity profiles. Relatively little experimental work has examined how individual RBCs respond to pressure driven flow in more complex geometries, such as the flow at the entrance of a capillary. Here, we establish the mechanical behaviors of healthy RBCs undergoing a sudden increase in shear stress at the entrance of a narrow constriction. We pumped RBCs through a constriction in a microfluidic device and used high speed video to visualize and track the flow behavior of more than 4400 RBCs. We show that approximately 85% of RBCs undergo one of four distinct modes of motion: stretching, twisting, tumbling, or rolling. Intriguingly, a plurality of cells (∼30%) exhibited twisting (rotation around the major axis parallel to the flow direction), a mechanical behavior that is not typically observed in linear velocity profiles. We present detailed statistical analyses on the dynamics of each motion and demonstrate that the behavior is highly sensitive to the location of the RBC within the channel. We further demonstrate that the observed tumbling, twisting, and rolling rotations can be rationalized qualitatively in terms of rigid body mechanics. The detailed experimental statistics presented here should serve as a useful resource for modeling of RBC behavior under physiologically important flow conditions.
Radial phononic thermal conductance in thin membranes in the Casimir limit: Design guidelines for devices
Authors: Puurtinen T. A. , Maasilta I. J.
Published: December 2014

In a previous publication [I. J. Maasilta, AIP Advances 1, 041704 (2011)], we discussed the formalism and some computational results for phononic thermal conduction in the suspended membrane geometry for radial heat flow from a central source, which is a common geometry for some low-temperature detectors, for example. We studied the case where only diffusive surface scattering is present, the so called Casimir limit, which can be experimentally relevant at temperatures below ∼ 10 K in typical materials, and even higher for ultrathin samples. Here, we extend our studies to much thinner membranes, obtaining numerical results for geometries which are more typical in experiments. In addition, we interpret the results in terms of the small signal and differential thermal conductance, so that guidelines for designing devices, such as low-temperature bolometric detectors, are more easily obtained. Scaling with membrane dimensions is shown to differ significantly from the bulk scattering, and, in particular, thinning the membrane is shown to lead to a much stronger reduction in thermal conductance than what one would envision from the simplest bulk formulas.
Supplementary feeding options to alleviate the impacts of decreased water availability on dairy-farm economic performance in northern Victoria
Authors: Ho C. K. M. , Malcolm B. , Doyle P. T.
Published: December 2014

The anticipated effects of climate change, competing demands from the environment, industry and urban users, and changes in water policy are likely to reduce the amount and increase the variability of water allocations to dairy farmers in northern Victoria. The way two irrigated dairy farms that differed in feedbase characteristics, herd size and farm area, would operate and perform with reduced and more variable water allocations was examined over 10 years. Strategies to manage the impact of changed water availability were tested; namely, increasing milk production by feeding more supplementary feed, changing the feed system to present supplements in a partial mixed ration (PMR), and increasing milk production by using a PMR. Neither farm was profitable under medium climate change, or if the conditions that generated the low inflows of water into irrigation supply dams between 1996–97 and 2006–07 prevailed, unless changes were made to the farm system. Feeding supplements in a well formulated mixed ration have the potential to increase the efficiency of metabolisable energy use and offers the opportunity to increase feed intake and milk production. A PMR system enabled one of the farms to maintain and increase profit under medium climate change conditions; however, risk, measured as variability in profit, also increased. Under more severe reductions in water availability, neither of the farms examined was profitable over the run of years. Changes to the farm system other than feeding additional supplementary feed to increase milk production and/or using a PMR system, would be needed to counteract the effects of reduced and more variable water availability and maintain profit.
Exophiala angulospora Causes Systemic Mycosis in Atlantic Halibut: a Case Report
Authors: Overy David P. , Groman David , Giles Jan , Duffy Stephanie , Rommens Mellisa , Johnson Gerald
Published: December 2014

Filamentous black yeasts from the genus Exophiala are ubiquitous, opportunistic pathogens causing both superficial and systemic mycoses in warm- and cold-blooded animals. Infections by black yeasts have been reported relatively frequently in a variety of captive and farmed freshwater and marine fishes. In November 2012, moribund and recently dead, farm-raised Atlantic Halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus were necropsied to determine the cause of death. Histopathology revealed that three of seven fish were affected by a combination of an ascending trans-ductual granulomatous mycotic nephritis, necrotizing histiocytic encephalitis, and in one fish the addition of a fibrogranulomatous submucosal branchitis. Microbial cultures of kidney using selective mycotic media revealed pure growth of a black-pigmenting septated agent. Application of molecular and phenotypic taxonomy methodologies determined that all three isolates were genetically consistent with Exophiala angulospora. This is the first report of E. angulospora as the causal agent of systemic mycosis in Atlantic Halibut.

Received January 27, 2014; accepted July 23, 2014
Gene expression profiling of coelomic cells and discovery of immune-related genes in the earthworm, Eisenia andrei, using expressed sequence tags
Authors: Tak Eun Sik , Cho Sung-Jin , Park Soon Cheol
Published: December 2014

The coelomic cells of the earthworm consist of leukocytes, chlorogocytes, and coelomocytes, which play an important role in innate immunity reactions. To gain insight into the expression profiles of coelomic cells of the earthworm, Eisenia andrei, we analyzed 1151 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) derived from the cDNA library of the coelomic cells. Among the 1151 ESTs analyzed, 493 ESTs (42.8%) showed a significant similarity to known genes and represented 164 unique genes, of which 93 ESTs were singletons and 71 ESTs manifested as two or more ESTs. From the 164 unique genes sequenced, we found 24 immune-related and cell defense genes. Furthermore, real-time PCR analysis showed that levels of lysenin-related proteins mRNA in coelomic cells of E. andrei were upregulated after the injection of Bacillus subtilis bacteria. This EST data-set would provide a valuable resource for future researches of earthworm immune system.
Sarkar on Frank
Authors: Crawford David Robert
Published: December 2014

In a recent paper, Sahotra Sarkar compares the Standard Dynamical interpretation of natural selection with the Information-Theoretic interpretation from Steven A. Frank. I address Sarkar’s three arguments against Frank’s interpretation. I show that Sarkar’s major argument that a key component of Frank’s account “does not have any natural biological interpretation” is premised on a contradiction stemming from a mathematical error. Consequently, Sarkar’s major argument is unsound. I also address Sarkar’s claim that a central equation in Frank’s interpretation is dynamically insufficient and his claim that Frank’s interpretation uses nonintuitive parameters to simply rewrite familiar results.
Dynamical Models and Explanation in Neuroscience
Authors: Ross Lauren N.
Published: December 2014

Kaplan and Craver claim that all explanations in neuroscience appeal to mechanisms. They extend this view to the use of mathematical models in neuroscience and propose a constraint such models must meet in order to be explanatory. I analyze a mathematical model used to provide explanations in dynamical systems neuroscience and indicate how this explanation cannot be accommodated by the mechanist framework. I argue that this explanation is well characterized by Batterman’s account of minimal model explanations and that it demonstrates how relationships between explanatory models in neuroscience and the systems they represent is more complex than has been appreciated.
There Is No Asymmetry of Identity Assumptions in the Debate over Selection and Individuals
Authors: Helgeson Casey
Published: December 2014

A long-running dispute concerns which adaptation-related explananda natural selection can be said to explain. (The issue is conceptual—not empirical—and orthogonal adaptationism.) At issue are explananda of the form: why a given individual organism has a given adaptation rather than that same individual having another trait. It is broadly agreed that one must be ready to back up a “no” answer with an appropriate theory of trans-world identity for individuals. I argue, against the conventional wisdom, that the same is true for a “yes” answer. My conclusion recasts the landscape and opens the door to a potential resolution.
Higgs Discovery and the Look Elsewhere Effect
Authors: Dawid Richard
Published: December 2014

The discovery of the Higgs particle required a signal of 5σ significance. The rigid application of that condition is a convention that disregards more specific aspects of the given experiment. In particular, it does not account for the characteristics of the look elsewhere effect in the individual experimental context. The paper relates this aspect of data analysis to the question as to what extent theoretical reasoning should be admitted to play a role in the assessment of the significance of empirical data.
Ambiguity Is Kinda Good Sometimes
Authors: O’Connor Cailin
Published: December 2014

In a recent article, Carlos Santana shows that in common interest signaling games when signals are costly and when receivers can observe contextual environmental cues, ambiguous signaling strategies outperform precise ones and can, as a result, evolve. I show that if one assumes a realistic structure on the state space of a common interest signaling game, ambiguous strategies can be explained without appeal to contextual cues. I conclude by arguing that there are multiple types of cases of payoff-beneficial ambiguity, some of which are better explained by Santana’s models and some of which are better explained by models presented here.
The partition algebra and the Kronecker coefficients
Authors: Bowman C. , De Visscher M. , Orellana R.
Published: December 2014

We propose a new approach to study the Kronecker coefficients by using the Schur–Weyl duality between the symmetric group and the partition algebra. We explain the limiting behaviour and associated bounds in the context of the partition algebra. Our analysis leads to a uniform description of the reduced Kronecker coefficients when one of the indexing partitions is a hook or a two-part partition.
A unique insertion in STARD9's motor domain regulates its stability
Authors: Senese Silvia , Cheung Keith , Lo Yu-Chen , Gholkar Ankur A. , Xia Xiaoyu , Wohlschlegel James A. , Torres Jorge Z.
Published: December 2014

STARD9 is a largely uncharacterized mitotic kinesin and putative cancer target that is critical for regulating pericentriolar material cohesion during bipolar spindle assembly. To begin to understand the mechanisms regulating STARD9 function and their importance to cell division, we took a multidisciplinary approach to define the cis and trans factors that regulate the stability of the STARD9 motor domain. We show that, unlike the other ∼50 mammalian kinesins, STARD9 contains an insertion in loop 12 of its motor domain (MD). Working with the STARD9-MD, we show that it is phosphorylated in mitosis by mitotic kinases that include Plk1. These phosphorylation events are important for targeting a pool of STARD9-MD for ubiquitination by the SCFβ-TrCP ubiquitin ligase and proteasome-dependent degradation. Of interest, overexpression of nonphosphorylatable/nondegradable STARD9-MD mutants leads to spindle assembly defects. Our results with STARD9-MD imply that in vivo the protein levels of full-length STARD9 could be regulated by Plk1 and SCFβ-TrCP to promote proper mitotic spindle assembly.
Characterization of VAMP isoforms in 3T3-L1 adipocytes: implications for GLUT4 trafficking
Authors: Sadler Jessica B. A. , Bryant Nia J. , Gould Gwyn W.
Published: December 2014

The fusion of GLUT4-containing vesicles with the plasma membrane of adipocytes is a key facet of insulin action. This process is mediated by the formation of functional soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complexes between the plasma membrane t-SNARE complex and the vesicle v-SNARE or VAMP. The t-SNARE complex consists of Syntaxin4 and SNAP23, and whereas many studies identify VAMP2 as the v-SNARE, others suggest that either VAMP3 or VAMP8 may also fulfil this role. Here we characterized the levels of expression, distribution, and association of all the VAMPs expressed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes to provide the first systematic analysis of all members of this protein family for any cell type. Despite our finding that all VAMP isoforms form SDS-resistant SNARE complexes with Syntaxin4/SNAP23 in vitro, a combination of levels of expression (which vary by >30-fold), subcellular distribution, and coimmunoprecipitation analyses lead us to propose that VAMP2 is the major v-SNARE involved in GLUT4 trafficking to the surface of 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Contingency Management Facilitates the Use of Postexposure Prophylaxis Among Stimulant-Using Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Landovitz Raphael J. , Fletcher Jesse B. , Shoptaw Steven , Reback Cathy J.
Published: December 2014

Background.  Stimulant-using men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Contingency Management (CM) is a robust substance abuse intervention that provides voucher-based incentives for stimulant-use abstinence.

Methods.  We conducted a randomized controlled trial of CM with postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) among stimulant-using MSM. Participants were randomized to CM or a noncontingent “yoked” control (NCYC) intervention and observed prospectively. Generalized linear models were used to estimate the effect of CM on PEP course completion, medication adherence, stimulant use, and sexual risk behaviors.

Results.  At a single site in Los Angeles, 140 MSM were randomized to CM (n = 70) or NCYC (n = 70). Participants were 37% Caucasian, 37% African American, and 18% Latino. Mean age was 36.8 (standard deviation = 10.2) years. Forty participants (29%) initiated PEP after a high-risk sexual exposure, with a mean exposure-to-PEP time of 32.9 hours. PEP course completion was greater in the CM group vs the NCYC group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 7.2; 95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.1–47.9), with a trend towards improved medication adherence in the CM group (AOR, 4.3; 95% CI, 0.9–21.9).

Conclusions.  CM facilitated reduced stimulant use and increased rates of PEP course completion, and we observed a trend toward improved adherence. Participants in the CM group reported greater reductions in stimulant use and fewer acts of condomless anal intercourse than the control group. This novel application of CM indicated the usefulness of combining a CM intervention with PEP to produce a synergistic HIV prevention strategy that may reduce substance use and sexual risk behaviors while improving PEP parameters.
A Core Gene Set Describes the Molecular Basis of Mutualism and Antagonism in Epichloë spp.
Authors: Eaton Carla J. , Dupont Pierre-Yves , Solomon Peter , Clayton William , Scott Barry , Cox Murray P.
Published: December 2014

Beneficial plant–fungal interactions play an important role in the ability of plants to survive changing environmental conditions. In contrast, phytopathogenic fungi fall at the opposite end of the symbiotic spectrum, causing reduced host growth or even death. In order to exploit beneficial interactions and prevent pathogenic ones, it is essential to understand the molecular differences underlying these alternative states. The association between the endophyte Epichloë festucae and Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass) is an excellent system for studying these molecular patterns due to the existence of several fungal mutants that have an antagonistic rather than a mutualistic interaction with the host plant. By comparing gene expression in a wild-type beneficial association with three mutant antagonistic associations disrupted in key signaling genes, we identified a core set of 182 genes that show common differential expression patterns between these two states. These gene expression changes are indicative of a nutrient-starvation response, as supported by the upregulation of genes encoding degradative enzymes, transporters, and primary metabolism, and downregulation of genes encoding putative small-secreted proteins and secondary metabolism. These results suggest that disruption of a mutualistic symbiotic interaction may lead to an elevated uptake and degradation of host-derived nutrients and cell-wall components, reminiscent of phytopathogenic interactions.
Rhizoxin Analogs Contribute to the Biocontrol Activity of a Newly Isolated Pseudomonas Strain
Authors: Takeuchi Kasumi , Noda Naomi , Katayose Yuichi , Mukai Yoshiyuki , Numa Hisataka , Yamada Kosumi , Someya Nobutaka
Published: December 2014

Two strains of Pseudomonas sp., Os17 and St29, were newly isolated from the rhizosphere of rice and potato, respectively, by screening for 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol producers. These strains were found to be the same species and were the closest to but different from Pseudomonas protegens among the sequenced pseudomonads, based on 16S ribosomal RNA gene and whole-genome analyses. Strain Os17 was as effective a biocontrol agent as reported for P. protegens Cab57, whereas strain St29 was less effective. The whole-genome sequences of these strains were obtained: the genomes are organized into a single circular chromosome with 6,885,464 bp, 63.5% G+C content, and 6,195 coding sequences for strain Os17; and with 6,833,117 bp, 63.3% G+C content, and 6,217 coding sequences for strain St29. Comparative genome analysis of these strains revealed that the complete rhizoxin analog biosynthesis gene cluster (approximately 79 kb) found in the Os17 genome was absent from the St29 genome. In an rzxB mutant, which lacks the polyketide synthase essential for the production of rhizoxin analogs, the growth inhibition activity against fungal and oomycete pathogens and the plant protection efficacy were attenuated compared with those of wild-type Os17. These findings suggest that rhizoxin analogs are important biocontrol factors of this strain.
Survey of Fusarium spp. Causing Wheat Crown Rot in Major Winter Wheat Growing Regions of China
Authors: Zhang Xiang-xiang , Sun Hai-yan , Shen Cheng-mei , Li Wei , Yu Han-shou , Chen Huai-gu
Published: December 2014

Fusarium crown rot of wheat has become more prevalent in China. To investigate the phylogenetic structure of Fusarium causing wheat crown rot in China, wheat basal stems with symptoms of the disease were collected from 2009 to 2013 in Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan, Hebei, and Shandong provinces. In total, 175 Fusarium isolates were collected and their mycotoxin chemotypes and distribution were identified. Among the 175 isolates, 123 were Fusarium asiaticum; 95 of these were the chemotype 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3-AcDON) and 28 were nivalenol (NIV). Thirty-seven isolates belonged to F. graminearum, which were all 15-AcDON. Smaller numbers of isolates consisted of F. acuminatum, F. pseudograminearum, and F. avenaceum. The virulence of F. asiaticum and F. graminearum isolates on wheat crowns and heads was comparable. The virulence of isolates of the DON and NIV chemotype were statistically similar, but DON tended to be more aggressive. The DON concentrations in grains from wheat heads inoculated with isolates causing either Fusarium head blight or crown rot were similar. In the five provinces, F. asiaticum of the 3-AcDON chemotype was the predominant pathogen causing crown rot, followed by F. graminearum. Recent changes in causal Fusarium species, chemotypes, and distribution in China are discussed.
Spinal Peroxynitrite Contributes to Remifentanil-induced Postoperative Hyperalgesia via Enhancement of Divalent Metal Transporter 1 without Iron-responsive Element–mediated Iron Accumulation in Rats
Authors: Shu Rui-Chen , Zhang Lin-Lin , Wang Chun-Yan , Li Nan , Wang Hai-Yun , Xie Ke-Liang , Yu Yong-Hao , Wang Guo-Lin
Published: December 2014

AbstractAbstract

Spinal cord levels of 3-nitrotyrosine, a biomarker for peroxynitrite production, were elevated after remifentanil infusion in rats. The administration of hydrogen-rich saline both reduced peroxynitrite production and reduced hyperalgesia after remifentanil infusion.

Background:

Hyperalgesia is one of the negative consequences following intraoperative analgesia with remifentanil. Peroxynitrite is a critical determinant in nociceptive process. Peroxynitrite inactivates iron-sulfur cluster that results in mitochondrial dysfunction and the release of iron, leading to mitochondrial iron accumulation. Iron accumulation mediated by divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) plays a key role in N-methyl-d-aspartate neurotoxicity. This study aims to determine whether peroxynitrite contributes to remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia via DMT1-mediated iron accumulation.

Methods:

Behavior testing was performed in rat model at different time points. Three-nitrotyrosine, nitrated manganese superoxide dismutase, and DMT1 with/without iron-responsive element [DMT1(+)IRE and DMT1(-)IRE] in spinal cord were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Spinal iron concentration was measured using the Perl stain and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Hydrogen-rich saline imparting selectivity for peroxynitrite decomposition and iron chelator was applied in mechanistic study on the roles of peroxynitrite and iron, as well as the prevention of hyperalgesia.

Results:

Remifentanil induced thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia at postoperative 48 h. Compared with control, there were higher levels of 3-nitrotyrosine (mean ± SD, hyperalgesia vs. control, 1.22 ± 0.18 vs. 0.25 ± 0.05, n = 4), nitrated manganese superoxide dismutase (1.01 ± 0.1 vs. 0.19 ± 0.03, n = 4), DMT1(-)IRE (1.42 ± 0.19 vs. 0.33 ± 0.06, n = 4), and iron concentration (12.87 ± 1.14 vs. 5.26 ± 0.61 μg/g, n = 6) in remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia, while DMT1(+)IRE was unaffected. Eliminating peroxynitrite with hydrogen-rich saline protected against hyperalgesia and attenuated DMT1(-)IRE overexpression and iron accumulation. Iron chelator prevented hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

Our study identifies that spinal peroxynitrite activates DMT1(-)IRE, leading to abnormal iron accumulation in remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia, while providing the rationale for the development of molecular hydrogen and “iron-targeted” therapies.
The Prognostic Significance of Facial Nerve Involvement in Carcinomas of the Parotid Gland
Authors: Terakedis Breanne E. , Hunt Jason P. , Buchmann Luke O. , Avizonis Vilija N. , Anker Christopher J. , Hitchcock Ying J.
Published: December 2014

Importance and Background:

Facial nerve (FN) palsy and perineural invasion (PNI) are adverse features in carcinomas of the parotid gland. FN sacrifice at the time of surgery is associated with significant morbidity. The role of adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with high-risk features, including FN involvement, remains unclear.

Objective:

Analyze the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) and the impact of tumor characteristics, including FN involvement, for patients treated with surgical resection for carcinoma of the parotid gland.

Design:

This is a retrospective chart review.

Setting:

University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare, Utah.

Participants:

A total of 129 patients who were treated with primary surgery for nonmetastatic primary malignancies of the parotid gland from 1988 to 2006.

Interventions:

Parotidectomy with or without adjuvant therapy.

Main Outcome(s) and Measures:

Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to obtain 5-year estimates of DFS and OS. Recurrence risk factors, particularly the impact of FN involvement, were analyzed.

Results:

Five-year DFS and OS rates were 79% and 78%, respectively. Thirty-two (28%) patients developed recurrent disease. Disease recurrence occurred in 64% of patients with both FN palsy and PNI, in 43% with FN palsy without PNI, in 27% with only PNI, and in 16% without either feature.

Conclusions and Relevance:

FN involvement, particularly FN palsy, is a predictor of increased risk of recurrence and death. Radiotherapy cannot substitute for FN sacrifice in high-risk patients.
Phase I Study of Amrubicin and Cyclophosphamide in Patients With Advanced Solid Organ Malignancies
Authors: Jalal Shadia I. , Hanna Nasser , Zon Robin , Masters Gregory A. , Borghaei Hossein , Koneru Karuna , Badve Sunil , Prasad Nagendra , Somaiah Neeta , Wu Jingwei , Yu Zhangsheng , Einhorn Lawrence
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has limited treatment options. Anthracyclines and cyclophosphamide have shown synergy in many tumors. Amrubicin (AMR) and cyclophosphamide both have single-agent activity in SCLC. This phase I trial evaluated the combination of AMR and cyclophosphamide in refractory solid organ malignancies and in relapsed SCLC.

Materials and Methods:

The primary endpoint was to determine maximum-tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicities of the combination. Eligible patients were enrolled in sequential dose escalation cohorts in a standard 3+3 design. Treatment consisted of cyclophosphamide IV at 500 mg/m2 on day 1 with escalating doses of AMR IV on days 1 to 3 (25 to 40 mg/m2 with increments of 5 mg/m2 per cohort). Cycles were repeated every 21 days. Exploratory objectives analyzed the presence of NQO1 polymorphisms and topoisomerase IIA amplification and correlation with response.

Results:

Thirty-six patients were enrolled, of whom 18 patients had SCLC (50%). Maximum-tolerated dose was determined to be dose level 2 (cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2, AMR 30 mg/m2) due to grade 4 thrombocytopenia. The main grade 3 to 4 toxicities were hematologic. Efficacy results are available for 34 patients. Partial responses, stable disease, and progressive disease rates in the overall study population were 20.6% (n=7), 38.2% (n=13), and 41.2% (n=14), respectively. Partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease rates in the SCLC patients and 1 patient with extrathoracic small cell were 36.8% (n=7), 26.3% (n=5), and 36.8% (n=7), respectively. There was no correlation between topoisomerase IIA amplification or NQO1 polymorphisms and response.

Conclusions:

AMR and cyclophosphamide can be safely combined with little activity observed in heavily pretreated SCLC patients.
Influence of NSAID Use Among Colorectal Cancer Survivors on Cancer Outcomes
Authors: Johnson Christine C. , Jankowski Michelle , Rolnick Sharon , Yood Marianne Ulcickas , Alford Sharon Hensley
Published: December 2014

Purpose:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States. Given the availability of effective screening, most tumors are found early enough to offer patients substantial long-term survival. Thus there is a resulting significant population of CRC survivors for whom modifiable risk factors for recurrence and survival would be of interest.

Methods:

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study among patients enrolled in 2 large Midwestern health plans for which claims data, including pharmacy fill data, and medical record data were available. Men and women who were 40 years of age or older at the time of CRC diagnosis with disease less than stage IV and no history of Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome were included. CRC cases diagnosed between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2000 were included if they met the inclusion criteria. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used with exposure modeled as a time-dependent covariate. We assessed progression-free survival, defined as an aggressive polyp or invasive disease, and overall survival.

Results:

After adjustment for age at diagnosis, sex, race, body mass index, stage, side of initial tumor, and tumor histology, we found that current users of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs had a 3-fold decreased risk of recurrence and a >7-fold decreased risk of death. Our results are statistically significant with P-values <0.05.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that current use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provides significant improvements in CRC outcomes.
Resection of Colorectal Cancer With Versus Without Preservation of Inferior Mesenteric Artery
Authors: Mihara Yoshiaki , Kochi Mitsugu , Fujii Masashi , Kanamori Noriaki , Funada Tomoya , Teshima Youichi , Jinno Daijo , Takayama Tadatoshi
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To assess the clinical significance of preservation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) in comparison with IMA ligation in surgery for sigmoid colon or rectal (colorectal) cancer.

Methods:

Consecutive patients (n=862) with colorectal cancer who underwent intended surgical resection of the main tumor between 1986 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: IMA preserved (n=745) and IMA ligated (n=117).

Results:

No significant difference was observed in incidence of advanced stage III or IV disease between the 2 groups (P=0.56 and 0.51, respectively), whereas a longer operation time (287 [95 to 700] vs. 215 [60 to 900] min, respectively; P<0.001) and greater amount of intraoperative bleeding (595 [15 to 4530] vs. 235 [1 to 11565] mL, respectively; P<0.001) were observed in the IMA-ligated group. The overall incidence of surgery-related complications was higher in the IMA-ligated group than in the IMA-preserved group (53.0% vs. 38.5%, respectively; P=0.003). Urinary dysfunction and abdominal abscess were significantly more frequent in the IMA-ligated group (11.1% vs. 4.0%, P=0.001; and 6.8% vs. 2.6%, P=0.01, respectively), and postoperative hospitalization was longer (11 to 140, median 28 vs. 5 to 153, median 19 d, respectively; P<0.001). No significant difference was found in overall survival rate between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

For colorectal cancer resection, IMA preservation may be no change to IMA ligation as to patient’ survival, with small risk of operative morbidity.
Strong biomechanical constraints on young children's mental imagery of hands
Authors: Sekiyama Kaoru , Kinoshita Toshiro , Soshi Takahiro
Published: December 2014

Mental rotation (MR) of body parts is a useful paradigm to investigate how people manipulate mental imagery related to body schema. It has been documented that adult participants use ‘motor imagery’ for MR of hands: a behavioural indication is a biomechanical effect, that is, hand pictures in orientations to which imitative hand movement would be biomechanically difficult require longer response times to be visually identified as the left or right hand. However, little is known about the typical developmental trajectory of the biomechanical effect, which could offer clues to understanding how children acquire the ability to manipulate body schema. This study investigated developmental changes in the biomechanical effect in schoolchildren. Eighty-four children (from 6 to 11 years old, grouped into 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders) and fifteen adults made hand laterality judgements in an MR paradigm. The results indicated that the biomechanical effect is stronger for younger children, and that there is a transitional period (around 7–8 years) during which children shift from action execution to imagery in manipulating body schema. The results suggest that mental imagery of hands has a stronger motor aspect in the transitional period than later in childhood and adulthood.
Intrinsic multi-scale analysis: a multi-variate empirical mode decomposition framework
Authors: Looney David , Hemakom Apit , Mandic Danilo P.
Published: December 2014

A novel multi-scale approach for quantifying both inter- and intra-component dependence of a complex system is introduced. This is achieved using empirical mode decomposition (EMD), which, unlike conventional scale-estimation methods, obtains a set of scales reflecting the underlying oscillations at the intrinsic scale level. This enables the data-driven operation of several standard data-association measures (intrinsic correlation, intrinsic sample entropy (SE), intrinsic phase synchrony) and, at the same time, preserves the physical meaning of the analysis. The utility of multi-variate extensions of EMD is highlighted, both in terms of robust scale alignment between system components, a pre-requisite for inter-component measures, and in the estimation of feature relevance. We also illuminate that the properties of EMD scales can be used to decouple amplitude and phase information, a necessary step in order to accurately quantify signal dynamics through correlation and SE analysis which are otherwise not possible. Finally, the proposed multi-scale framework is applied to detect directionality, and higher order features such as coupling and regularity, in both synthetic and biological systems.
Reproductive workers show queen-like gene expression in an intermediately eusocial insect, the buff-tailed bumble beeBombus terrestris
Authors: Harrison MC , Hammond RL , Mallon EB
Published: December 2014

Bumble bees represent a taxon with an intermediate level of eusociality within Hymenoptera. The clear division of reproduction between a single founding queen and the largely sterile workers is characteristic for highly eusocial species, whereas the morphological similarity between the bumble bee queen and the workers is typical for more primitively eusocial hymenopterans. Also, unlike other highly eusocial hy-menopterans, division of labour among worker sub-castes is plastic and not predetermined by morphology or age. We conducted a differential expression analysis based on RNA-seq data from 11 combinations of developmental stage and caste to investigate how a single genome can produce the distinct castes of queens, workers and males in the buff-tailed bumble beeBombus terrestris. Based on expression patterns, we found males to be the most distinct of all adult castes (2,411 transcripts differentially expressed compared to non-reproductive workers). However, only relatively few transcripts were differentially expressed between males and workers during development (larvae: 71, pupae: 162). This indicates the need for more distinct expression patterns to control behaviour and physiology in adults compared to those required to create different morphologies. Among female castes, reproductive workers and their non-reproductive sisters displayed differential expression in over ten times more transcripts compared to the differential expression found between reproductive workers and their mother queen. This suggests a strong shift towards a more queen-like behaviour and physiology when a worker becomes fertile. This contrasts with eusocial species where reproductive workers are more similar to non-reproductive workers than the queen.
High Light-Dependent Phosphorylation of Photosystem II Inner Antenna CP29 in Monocots Is STN7 Independent and Enhances Nonphotochemical Quenching
Authors: Betterle Nico , Ballottari Matteo , Baginsky Sacha , Bassi Roberto
Published: December 2014

Phosphorylation of the photosystem II antenna protein CP29 has been reported to be induced by excess light and further enhanced by low temperature, increasing resistance to these stressing factors. Moreover, high light-induced CP29 phosphorylation was specifically found in monocots, both C3 and C4, which include the large majority of food crops. Recently, knockout collections have become available in rice (Oryza sativa), a model organism for monocots. In this work, we have used reverse genetics coupled to biochemical and physiological analysis to elucidate the molecular basis of high light-induced phosphorylation of CP29 and the mechanisms by which it exerts a photoprotective effect. We found that kinases and phosphatases involved in CP29 phosphorylation are distinct from those reported to act in State 1-State 2 transitions. In addition, we elucidated the photoprotective role of CP29 phosphorylation in reducing singlet oxygen production and enhancing excess energy dissipation. We thus established, in monocots, a mechanistic connection between phosphorylation of CP29 and nonphotochemical quenching, two processes so far considered independent from one another.
Ethyl (4-benzyloxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2-sulfanylidene-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate and a redetermination of ethyl (4RS)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2-sulfanylidene-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate, as its 0.105-hydrate, both at 200 K: subtly different hydrogen-bonded ribbons
Authors: Sarojini Balladka K. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard , Glidewell Christopher
Published: December 2014

Two sulfanylidene-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine derivatives have been synthesized using acid-catalysed cyclocondensation reactions between thiourea, ethyl 3-oxobutanoate and substituted benzaldehydes. In each of ethyl (4RS)-4-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2-sulfanylidene-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate, C21H22N2O3S, (I), whereZ′ = 2, and ethyl (4RS)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2-sulfanylidene-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate 0.105-hydrate, C15H18N2O3S·0.105H2O, (II), the reduced pyrimidine ring adopts a conformation intermediate between the boat, screw-boat and twist-boat forms. In (I) and (II), a combination of N—H...O and N—H...S hydrogen bonds links the organic molecules into ribbons containing alternatingR22(8) andR44(20) rings. In (I), the ribbon contains three types of ring,viz.two differentR22(8) rings which are both centrosymmetric andR44(20) rings which are not centrosymmetric. In (II), the ribbon contains two types of ring, both of which are centrosymmetric. In compound (II), the ribbons enclose continuous channels which run along the twofold rotation axes in the space groupC2/c, and the partial-occupancy water molecules lie within these channels. Structural comparisons are made with a number of related compounds.
Direct phasing of protein crystals with high solvent content
Authors: He Hongxing , Su Wu-Pei
Published: December 2014

An iterative transform method is proposed for solving the phase problem in protein crystallography. In each iteration, a weighted average electron-density map is constructed to define an estimated protein mask. Solvent flattening is then imposed through the hybrid input–output algorithm [Fienup (1982).Appl. Opt.21, 2758–2769]. Starting from random initial phases, after thousands of iterations the mask evolves into the correct shape and the phases converge to the correct values with an average error of 30–40° for high-resolution data for several protein crystals with high solvent content. With the use of non-crystallographic symmetry, the method could potentially be extended to phase protein crystals with less than 50% solvent fraction. The new phasing algorithm can supplement and enhance the traditional refinement tools.
Impact of Commercial Precooking of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) on the Generation of Peptides, After Pepsin–Pancreatin Hydrolysis, Capable to Inhibit Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐IV
Authors: Mojica Luis , Chen Karen , de Mejía Elvira González
Published: December 2014

The objective of this research was to determine the bioactive properties of the released peptides from commercially available precook common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Bioactive properties and peptide profiles were evaluated in protein hydrolysates of raw and commercially precooked common beans. Five varieties (Black, Pinto, Red, Navy, and Great Northern) were selected for protein extraction, protein and peptide molecular mass profiles, and peptide sequences. Potential bioactivities of hydrolysates, including antioxidant capacity and inhibition of α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV), and angiotensin converting enzyme I (ACE) were analyzed after digestion with pepsin/pancreatin. Hydrolysates from Navy beans were the most potent inhibitors of DPP‐IV with no statistical differences between precooked and raw (IC50 = 0.093 and 0.095 mg protein/mL, respectively). α‐Amylase inhibition was higher for raw Red, Navy and Great Northern beans (36%, 31%, 27% relative to acarbose (rel ac)/mg protein, respectively). α‐Glucosidase inhibition among all bean hydrolysates did not show significant differences; however, inhibition values were above 40% rel ac/mg protein. IC50 values for ACE were not significantly different among all bean hydrolysates (range 0.20 to 0.34 mg protein/mL), except for Red bean that presented higher IC50 values. Peptide molecular mass profile ranged from 500 to 3000 Da. A total of 11 and 17 biologically active peptide sequences were identified in raw and precooked beans, respectively. Peptide sequences YAGGS and YAAGS from raw Great Northern and precooked Pinto showed similar amino acid sequences and same potential ACE inhibition activity. Processing did not affect the bioactive properties of released peptides from precooked beans. Commercially precooked beans could contribute to the intake of bioactive peptides and promote health.
Telepsychology in Australia: 2020 vision
Authors: Simpson Susan , Reid Corinne
Published: December 2014

The current roll‐out of broadband across Australia provides new opportunities for psychologists to reach out to residents in remote and rural areas. With the advent of internet protocol (IP)‐based videoconferencing, telepsychology is becoming more accessible and affordable, and a potential solution to those in remote areas who require access to specialist assessment and psychotherapy services. Telepsychology represents a high‐quality/low‐cost model of service delivery. Findings to date suggest that outcome might be equivalent to in‐person therapy across a range of client groups both using standardised assessments and evidence‐based therapies. Studies have consistently shown that clients rate high levels of satisfaction and therapeutic rapport. However, uptake among psychologists has been slow. This article provides a synthesis of the gradual growth of telepsychology in Australia. It identifies factors that hinder the development of telepsychology and outlines the main arguments for developing this as a model for the provision of psychology across remote and rural Australia.

The authors draw on their own recent experiences in developing collaborative telepsychology services to make recommendations for the future of telepsychology in Australia.
Therapeutic alliance in videoconferencing psychotherapy: A review
Authors: Simpson Susan G. , Reid Corinne L.
Published: December 2014

Psychotherapy services are limited in remote and rural areas in Australia and across the globe. Videoconferencing has become well established as a feasible and acceptable mode of psychological treatment delivery. Therapeutic alliance (TA) is an essential factor underlying successful therapy across therapeutic models. In order to determine the state of knowledge regarding TA in psychotherapy via videoconferencing, a literature review was conducted on research studies that formally measured TA as primary, secondary or tertiary outcome measures over the past 23 years. The databases searched were Medline, PsycArticles, PsycINFO, PsycEXTRA and EMBASE. Searching identified 9915 articles that measured satisfaction, acceptability or therapeutic rapport, of which 23 met criteria for the review. Three studies were carried out in Australia, 11 in USA, 4 in Canada, 3 in Scotland and 2 in England. Studies overwhelmingly supported the notion that TA can be developed in psychotherapy by videoconference, with clients rating bond and presence at least equally as strongly as in‐person settings across a range of diagnostic groups. Therapists also rated high levels of TA, but often not quite as high as that of their clients early in treatment. The evidence was examined in the context of important aspects of TA, including bond, presence, therapist attitudes and abilities, and client attitudes and beliefs. Barriers and facilitators of alliance were identified. Future studies should include observational measures of bond and presence to supplement self‐report.
Rêve Général Illimité?The Role of Creative Protest in Transforming the Dynamics of Space and Time During the 2012 Quebec Student Strike
Authors: Spiegel Jennifer Beth
Published: December 2014

In the spring of 2012, students in Quebec went on strike against a proposed 75% increase in university tuition and the further privatization of education that it signaled. The strike lasted 6 months and repeatedly mobilized hundreds of thousands of students and supporters in collective action. Emphasizing the “broader dreams of a student movement now sparking the popular imagination”, some activists began calling for a “rêve général illimité” (unlimited general dream). This article brings together scholarship on creative tactics and the role of space in protest to analyze a range of imaginative and affective interventions as well as the debates that emerged concerning their role within the movement. I argue that creative tactics intervened in how space and time were constructed by altering the relationships amongst private and public space. As a result, responsibilities were redistributed and time typically consecrated to the pursuit of private ends was redeployed during the Quebec student strike, broadening participation and generating public spaces where care was collectivized.