bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the combined influence of turbulence and thermal effects on the performance of water-lubricated hybrid bearings with circumferential grooves and stepped recesses
Authors: Wang Lin , Pei Shiyuan , Xiong Xianzhi , Xu Hua
Published: August 2013

Hybrid bearings have been used in high-speed machine tools due to their inherent advantages of low temperature rise, high load-carrying capacity, and high stability. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of turbulence and thermal effects on the performance of water-lubricated hybrid bearings with circumferential grooves and stepped recesses used to support high-speed spindles. The governing equations are solved using the finite element method with appropriate boundary conditions. A bulk-flow thermohydrodynamic model has been developed incorporating the turbulence effect. The results indicate that the turbulence effect appreciably affects the bearing performance. Besides, the thermal effect should also be taken into account especially when the rotating speed is high. The study gives a useful guide for the future hybrid bearing design and operation of high-speed spindles supported by water-lubricated hybrid bearings.
Dinner with Bruce
Authors: Heinlein Sabine
Published: August 2013

Journalist Sabine Heinlein explores the difficulties of post-incarceration reentry through discussions with a recently released convict. In a sidebar, criminologist Charis Kubrin explains the big–and problematic–picture for those who have served their time, but will now be put to new tests on the outside.
Jeremy Lin’s Model Minority Problem
Authors: Leung Maxwell
Published: August 2013

In 2012, an Asian American, Ivy-League educated basketball player captured the country's attention: what was it that made Jeremy Lin so exceptional, from his race to his physical and mental prowess to his athletic masculinity. In short: what led to the rise and fall of Linsanity? Will it have a legacy?
Queasy Questions about Media Effects
Authors: Chris Cynthia
Published: August 2013

Increasingly violent media shows no signs of driving away audiences. Cynthia Chris explores the possibility of redemptive arcs as ripped-from-the-headlines stories play out on TV, but with happy endings, and, in the end, she still reaches for the remote.
Race and the Same-Sex Marriage Divide
Authors: Hunter Marcus Anthony
Published: August 2013

When it comes to same-sex marriage, one might expect black Americans to be on board–if it’s a civil rights question, why shouldn’t they be? Marcus Anthony Hunter looks at some of the tangled past behind blacks’ reluctance to accept gay marriage.
Schooling Elites
Authors: Stulberg Lisa M.
Published: August 2013

Lisa M. Stulberg reviews two new books on education and the creation of each new generation of American elites.
Great Books Aren’t Written, They’re Re-Written
Authors: Kalish Ilene
Published: August 2013

NYU Editor Ilene Kalish shares her single most valuable tip for authors: re-write.
Comparison of Doppler ultrasound velocity parameters in the determination of internal carotid artery stenosis
Authors: Bryant CE , Pugh ND , Coleman DP , Morris RJ , Williams PT , Humphries KN
Published: August 2013

This study aims to compare the evidence base and practical results of the Joint Recommendations for Reporting Carotid Ultrasound Investigations in UK, published in 2009, and existing carotid scan protocols based on the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound 2003 Consensus. A prospective sequential evaluation of the 2009 recommendations was performed at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. Additional measurements in line with the recommendations were made during carotid scans. The grading of internal carotid artery stenosis using the 2003 and 2009 UK recommendations, and recommended measures of PSV, PSV ratio and St Mary’s ratio were compared. In comparison to PSV classification, PSV ratio produced lower stenosis classification in 29% and 24% of cases in the 50–69% and 70–89% stenosis bands respectively. St Mary’s ratio produced poor classification agreement across all bands, particularly the 50%–69% stenosis band. Agreement of two measures is recommended for diagnostic confidence; however, in the 50%–69% and 70%–89% stenosis bands, agreement of two measures only occurred in 70% of scans. This evaluation suggests that the use of three measurements in the 2009 recommendations complicates rather than aids diagnosis, especially in the 50%–69% and 70%–89% stenosis bands, and does not provide significant improvement over the 2003 guidelines. No evidence was found to support the combined use of the three measures.
Testing the “Black Code”
Authors: Johnson James D. , Ashburn-Nardo Leslie
Published: August 2013

The present experiment examined identity denial and reduced empathy for in-group (vs. out-group) targets as a function of the racial composition of their social networks. Black participants rated in-group (Black) targets as more weakly racially identified and expressed less empathy for in-group targets with cross-race close friends versus same-race close friends or no friends. Furthermore, the effect of social network composition on empathy was mediated by perceived racial identity. These findings were limited to the in-group target. Although the out-group (White) target was rated as more weakly identified when shown with cross-race close friends versus same-race close friends or no friends, neither social network composition nor perceived racial identity predicted empathy for the out-group target. These findings extend previous research on identity denial and suggest that, for Blacks, closely associating with Whites undermines the usually robust pattern of in-group empathy.
(Deviant) Friends With Benefits
Authors: Thai Michael , Barlow Fiona Kate , Hornsey Matthew J.
Published: August 2013

Although ethnic deviants are typically disliked, we argue that minority group members may strategically befriend them. In Study 1, Asian and White Australians ( N = 536) read a Facebook profile of an Asian or White target who exhibited either stereotypically Asian or White Australian characteristics. Overall, Asian Australians liked in-group ethnic deviants less than normative in-group targets. However, among Asians who perceived high intergroup permeability, the effect reversed on measures of social acceptance: Ethnic deviants were more likely to be befriended than normative group members. This pattern was not observed among Asians who perceived low permeability or among White Australians. In Study 2, we show that Asians ( N = 118) who perceive high intergroup permeability desire integration more and perceive ethnic deviance as useful in achieving it—they consequently prefer ethnically deviant White and Asian friends. We discuss minority group members’ preference for ethnic deviance in light of their social mobility motives.
Race and Cumulative Discrimination in the Prosecution of Criminal Defendants
Authors: Stolzenberg Lisa , D’Alessio Stewart J. , Eitle David
Published: August 2013

Most research investigates the effect of a defendant’s race on severity of imposed legal sanction at only one of several decision points that comprise the criminal justice system. This myopic focus on what can be termed episodic discrimination is problematic because racial discrimination evinced at one decision point may be amplified, negated, or even reversed at other decision points. Here we synthesize estimates of a defendant’s race on the severity of imposed legal sanction at each of the decision points encountered by a defendant as he or she progresses through the criminal justice system. Although initial results show that the effect of race on severity of outcome depends on the specific decision point analyzed, a synthesis of these race estimates in a meta-analysis reveals that the odds of receiving a severe sanction is approximately 42% higher for a Black defendant even after controlling for prior record and other legal and extralegal variables. Thus, although the influence of a defendant’s race on the severity of sanction is statistically discernible at just two of the eight criminal justice decision points, a substantive cumulative racial discriminatory effect is evident when all the individual decision points are considered in their totality.
Pivotal role of HIV and EBV replication in the long-term persistence of monoclonal gammopathy in patients on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Ouedraogo David Eric , Makinson Alain , Vendrell Jean-Pierre , Casanova Marie-Laure , Nagot Nicolas , Cezar Renaud , Bollore Karine , Al Taaba Yassine , Foulongne Vincent , Badiou Stéphanie , Viljoen Johannes , Reynes Jacques , Van de Perre Philippe , Tuaillon Edouard
Published: August 2013

Key Points

Immunologic and virologic factors are associated with monoclonal gammopathy persistence in HIV-infected patients. B lymphocytes activation and EBV replication are key features of monoclonal gammopathy.
Multiple sclerosis presenting initially with a worsening of migraine symptoms
Authors: Lin Guan-Yu , Wang Chih-Wei , Chiang Tsung-Ta , Peng Giia-Sheun , Yang Fu-Chi
Published: August 2013

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that targets myelinated axons in the central nervous system. Headache has been reported as a subtle symptom of the onset of MS, with a variable frequency of 1.6–28.5%; however, it remains unclear whether headache is a true symptom of MS onset. Here, we report the case of a female patient who had a history of migraine without aura and experienced worsening of migraine-headache symptoms as the initial manifestation of MS. Three similar cases were reported previously; however, unlike this case, those cases had no history of migraine without aura. In our case, we excluded factors that could trigger migraine attacks, such as changes in weather, drugs, alcohol, caffeine withdrawal, stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, hormonal therapy, diet, and hunger. The patient had one episode of MS attack with the simultaneous presence of asymptomatic gadolinium-enhancing and non-enhancing lesions, including hyperintense lesions in the bilateral periventricular white matter, body of the corpus callosum, and periaqueductal grey matter, as observed on the T2-weighted images obtained at the first brain magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, after the injection of gadolinium contrast, ring enhancement over these lesions was noted in T1-weighted images, which was suggestive of active demyelination. MS was diagnosed according to the McDonald criteria (2010 revision). We conclude that MS with periaqueductal grey matter involvement may present with worsening migraine. It is important to be cautious if any secondary causes exist, especially when the patient has a history of migraine without aura. MS should be one of the differential diagnoses in young women showing a change in headache pattern or poor clinical drug response to migraine treatment accompanied by episodes of focal neurological deficit. Failure to recognize MS may lead to inappropriate treatment and worse prognosis; early diagnosis in patients with MS is essential to improve their clinical outcomes and quality of life.
GST-omega genes interact with environmental tobacco smoke on adult level of lung function
Authors: de Jong Kim , Boezen H Marike , Hacken Nick HT ten , Postma Dirkje S , Vonk Judith M ,   the LifeLines cohort study
Published: August 2013

Background

Lung growthin uteroand lung function loss during adulthood can be affected by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Both ETS exposure and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inGlutathione S-Transferase(GST)Omegagenes have been associated with the level of lung function. This study aimed to assess ifGSTOSNPs interact with ETS exposurein uteroand during adulthood on the level of lung function during adulthood.

Methods

We used cross-sectional data of 8,128 genotyped participants from the LifeLines cohort study. Linear regression models (adjusted for age, sex, height, weight, current smoking, ex-smoking and packyears smoked) were used to analyze the associations betweenin utero, daily and workplace ETS exposure,GSTOSNPs, the interaction between ETS andGSTOs, and level of lung function (FEV1, FEV1/FVC). Since the interactions between ETS andGSTOs may be modified by active tobacco smoking we additionally assessed associations in never and ever smokers separately. A second sample of 5,308 genotyped LifeLines participants was used to verify our initial findings.

Results

Daily and workplace ETS exposure was associated with significantly lower FEV1levels.GSTOSNPs (recessive model) interacted within uteroETS and were associated with higher levels of FEV1, whereas the interactions with daily and workplace ETS exposure were associated with lower levels of FEV1, effects being more pronounced in never smokers. The interaction ofGSTO2SNP rs156697 within uteroETS associated with a higher level of FEV1was significantly replicated in the second sample. Overall, the directions of the interactions ofin uteroand workplace ETS exposure with the SNPs found in the second (verification) sample were in line with the first sample.

Conclusions

GSTOgenotypes interact within uteroand adulthood ETS exposure on adult lung function level, but in opposite directions.
ZebIAT, an image analysis tool for registering zebrafish embryos and quantifying cancer metastasis
Authors: Annila Teppo , Lihavainen Eero , Marques Ines J , Williams Darren R , Yli-Harja Olli , Ribeiro Andre
Published: August 2013

Background

Zebrafish embryos have recently been established as a xenotransplantation model of the metastatic behaviour of primary human tumours. Current tools for automated data extraction from the microscope images are restrictive concerning the developmental stage of the embryos, usually require laborious manual image preprocessing, and, in general, cannot characterize the metastasis as a function of the internal organs.

Methods

We present a tool, ZebIAT, that allows both automatic or semi-automatic registration of the outer contour and inner organs of zebrafish embryos. ZebIAT provides a registration at different stages of development and an automatic analysis of cancer metastasis per organ, thus allowing to study cancer progression. The semi-automation relies on a graphical user interface.

Results

We quantified the performance of the registration method, and found it to be accurate, except in some of the smallest organs. Our results show that the accuracy of registering small organs can be improved by introducing few manual corrections. We also demonstrate the applicability of the tool to studies of cancer progression.

Conclusions

ZebIAT offers major improvement relative to previous tools by allowing for an analysis on a per-organ or region basis. It should be of use in high-throughput studies of cancer metastasis in zebrafish embryos.
The Fukushima nuclear accident and the pale grass blue butterfly: evaluating biological effects of long-term low-dose exposures
Authors: Hiyama Atsuki , Nohara Chiyo , Taira Wataru , Kinjo Seira , Iwata Masaki , Otaki Joji M
Published: August 2013

Background

On August 9th 2012, we published an original research article in Scientific Reports, concluding that artificial radionuclides released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant exerted genetically and physiologically adverse effects on the pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha in the Fukushima area. Immediately following publication, many questions and comments were generated from all over the world. Here, we have clarified points made in the original paper and answered questions posed by the readers.

Results

The following points were clarified. (1) There are many advantages to using the pale grass blue butterfly as an indicator species. (2) The forewings of the individuals collected in Fukushima were significantly smaller than in the northern and southern localities. (3) We observed growth retardation in the butterflies from the Fukushima area. (4) The aberrant colour patterns in the butterflies obtained in the Fukushima area were different from the colour patterns induced by temperature and sibling crosses but similar to those induced by external and internal exposures to the artificial radionuclides and by a chemical mutagen, suggesting that genetic mutations caused the aberrations. (5) This species of butterfly has been plentiful in Fukushima area for at least half a century. We here present specimens collected from Fukushima Prefecture before the accident. (6) Mutation accumulation was detected by the increase in the abnormality rates from May 2011 to September 2011. (7) The abnormal traits were heritable. (8) Our sampling localities were not affected by the tsunami. (9) We used a high enough number of samples to obtain statistically significant results. (10) The standard rearing method was followed, producing normal adults in the control groups. (11) The exposure experiments successfully reproduced the results of the field work. This species of butterfly is vulnerable to long-term low-dose internal and external exposures; however, insect cells are known to be resistant to short-term high-dose irradiation. This discrepancy is reconcilable based on the differences in the experimental conditions.

Conclusions

We are just beginning to understand the biological effects of long-term low-dose exposures in animals. Further research is necessary to accurately assess the possible biological effects of the accident.
Genome-wide transcriptional response of Trichoderma reesei to lignocellulose using RNA sequencing and comparison with Aspergillus niger
Authors: Ries Laure , Pullan Steven T , Delmas Stéphane , Malla Sunir , Blythe Martin J , Archer David B
Published: August 2013

Background

A major part of second generation biofuel production is the enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars. Many fungi produce enzymes that can saccarify lignocellulose and cocktails from several fungi, including well-studied species such asTrichoderma reeseiandAspergillus niger, are available commercially for this process. Such commercially-available enzyme cocktails are not necessarily representative of the array of enzymes used by the fungi themselves when faced with a complex lignocellulosic material. The global induction of genes in response to exposure ofT. reeseito wheat straw was explored using RNA-seq and compared to published RNA-seq data and model of howA. nigersenses and responds to wheat straw.

Results

InT. reesei, levels of transcript that encode known and predicted cell-wall degrading enzymes were very high after 24 h exposure to straw (approximately 13% of the total mRNA) but were less than recorded inA. niger(approximately 19% of the total mRNA). Closer analysis revealed that enzymes from the same glycoside hydrolase families but different carbohydrate esterase and polysaccharide lyase families were up-regulated in both organisms. Accessory proteins which have been hypothesised to possibly have a role in enhancing carbohydrate deconstruction inA. nigerwere also uncovered inT. reeseiand categories of enzymes induced were in general similar to those inA. niger. Similarly toA. niger, antisense transcripts are present inT. reeseiand their expression is regulated by the growth condition.

Conclusions

T. reeseiuses a similar array of enzymes, for the deconstruction of a solid lignocellulosic substrate, toA. niger. This suggests a conserved strategy towards lignocellulose degradation in both saprobic fungi. This study provides a basis for further analysis and characterisation of genes shown to be highly induced in the presence of a lignocellulosic substrate. The data will help to elucidate the mechanism of solid substrate recognition and subsequent degradation byT. reeseiand provide information which could prove useful for efficient production of second generation biofuels.
Influence of safety warnings on ESA prescribing among dialysis patients using an interrupted time series
Authors: Thamer Mae , Zhang Yi , Lai Dejian , Kshirsagar Onkar , Cotter Dennis
Published: August 2013

Background

In March, 2007, a black box warning was issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use the lowest possible erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) doses for treatment of anemia associated with renal disease. The goal is to determine if a change in ESA use was observed following the warning among US dialysis patients.

Methods

ESA therapy was examined from September 2004 through August 2009 (thirty months before and after the FDA black box warning) among adult Medicare hemodialysis patients. An interrupted time series model assessed the impact of the warnings.

Results

The FDA black box warning did not appear to influence ESA prescribing among the overall dialysis population. However, significant declines in ESA therapy after the FDA warnings were observed for selected populations. Patients with a hematocrit ≥36% had a declining month-to-month trend before (−164 units/week, p = <0.0001) and after the warnings (−80 units/week, p = .001), and a large drop in ESA level immediately after the black box (−4,744 units/week, p = <.0001). Not-for-profit facilities had a declining month-to-month trend before the warnings (−90 units/week, p = .009) and a large drop in ESA dose immediately afterwards (−2,487 units/week, p = 0.015). In contrast, for-profit facilities did not have a significant change in ESA prescribing.

Conclusions

ESA therapy had been both profitable for providers and controversial regarding benefits for nearly two decades. The extent to which a FDA black box warning highlighting important safety concerns influenced use of ESA therapy among nephrologists and dialysis providers was unknown. Our study found no evidence of changes in ESA prescribing for the overall dialysis population resulting from a FDA black box warning.
Cross-sectional study of the association of body composition and physical fitness with bone status in children and adolescents from 11 to 16 years old
Authors: de Moraes Anderson Marques , Gonçalves Ezequiel Moreira , de Oliveira Barbeta Vinicius Justino , Guerra-Júnior Gil
Published: August 2013

Background

The aim of the study was to verify the association between body composition and physical fitness with bone status in children and adolescents.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 healthy students (148 boys, 152 girls). Weight, height, fat and fat-free mass, and percentage of body fat (%BF) were evaluated, as were physical fitness (abdominal exercise, flexibility, and horizontal jump tests) and maximum oxygen consumption. Bone parameters (amplitude-dependent speed of sound; AD-SoS) and the Ultrasound Bone Profile Index (UBPI) were evaluated using DBM Sonic BP ultrasonography.

Results

In the study group, girls had higher bone parameter values than boys. A univariate analysis assessed in a stepwise multiple regression model was conducted. It showed that for boys, the %BF and height were significant independent variables for AD-SoS and UBPI, but the horizontal jump test only for AD-SoS (adjusted r2 = 0.274; p < 0.001), and pubertal maturation only for UBPI (adjusted r2 = 0.295; p < 0.001). For girls, age and %BF were identified as significant independent variables for AD-SoS and UBPI (adjusted r2 = 0.093; p < 0.001) but height only for AD-SoS (adjusted r2 = 0.408; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Variables related to growth (age, height, and pubertal maturation) are independent positive predictors for the bone parameters in both boys and girls. %BF is an independent negative predictor. For boys, the horizontal jump test was an independent positive predictor for AD-SoS, indicating that physical fitness related to the neuromotor system can influence the amount of bone present.
Active pulmonary tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection among homeless people in Seoul, South Korea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lee Chang-Hoon , Jeong Yun-Jeong , Heo Eun Young , Park Jong Sun , Lee Ji Sun , Lee Byoung Jun , Park Young Sik , Song Eun Hee , Yang Yun Jung , Cho Young Soo , Cho En-hi , Na Kyoung-in , Oh Eun-Jeong , Lee Jin-beom , Oh Soo-Yeon , Kim HeeJin , Park Chang Min , Yim Jae-Joon
Published: August 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB among homeless in Seoul metropolitan city, South Korea, and to compare the TB burden among homeless people with that of a control group.

Methods

The homeless participants were recruited from five sites between October 30, 2009 and April 12, 2010. LTBI was diagnosed through the QuantiFERON(R) TB Gold In-Tube(QFT-GIT) assay and a tuberculin skin test(TST) and, and active PTB was diagnosed based on chest radiography.

Results

Among 313 participants, the prevalence of LTBI was 75.9% (95% CI, 71.1-80.8%) and 79.8% (95% CI, 74.9-84.7%) based on a QFT-GIT assay and the TST, respectively, and that of active PTB was 5.8% (95% CI, 3.2-8.3%). The prevalence of LTBI among homeless participants was about five times higher than controls. Also, the age-specific prevalence rate ratio of active PTB was as high as 24.86.

Conclusions

The prevalence rate of LTBI as well as active PTB among homeless people was much higher than that of the general population in South Korea. Thus, adequate strategies to reduce the TB burden among homeless people are needed.
Illness, medical expenditure and household consumption: observations from Taiwan
Authors: Fang Kuangnan , Ma Chi , Jiang Yefei , Ye Linglong , Shia Benchang , Ma Shuangge
Published: August 2013

Background

Illness conditions lead to medical expenditure. Even with various types of medical insurance, there can still be considerable out-of-pocket costs. Medical expenditure can affect other categories of household consumptions. The goal of this study is to provide an updated empirical description of the distributions of illness conditions and medical expenditure and their associations with other categories of household consumptions.

Methods

A phone-call survey was conducted in June and July of 2012. The study was approved by ethics review committees at Xiamen University and FuJen Catholic University. Data was collected using a Computer-Assisted Telephone Survey System (CATSS). “Household” was the unit for data collection and analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted, examining the distributions of illness conditions and the associations of illness and medical expenditure with other household consumptions.

Results

The presence of chronic disease and inpatient treatment was not significantly associated with household characteristics. The level of per capita medical expenditure was significantly associated with household size, income, and household head occupation. The presence of chronic disease was significantly associated with levels of education, insurance and durable goods consumption. After adjusting for confounders, the associations with education and durable goods consumption remained significant. The presence of inpatient treatment was not associated with consumption levels. In the univariate analysis, medical expenditure was significantly associated with all other consumption categories. After adjusting for confounding effects, the associations between medical expenditure and the actual amount of entertainment expenses and percentages of basic consumption, savings, and insurance (as of total consumption) remained significant.

Conclusion

This study provided an updated description of the distributions of illness conditions and medical expenditure in Taiwan. The findings were mostly positive in that illness and medical expenditure were not observed to be significantly associated with other consumption categories. This observation differed from those made in some other Asian countries and could be explained by the higher economic status and universal basic health insurance coverage of Taiwan.
Use of a colorimetric (DELI) test for the evaluation of chemoresistance of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax to commonly used anti-plasmodial drugs in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Pratt-Riccio Lilian R , Chehuan Yonne F , Siqueira Maria José , das Graças Alecrim Maria , Bianco-Junior Cesare , Druilhe Pierre , Brasseur Philippe , de Fátima Ferreira-da-Cruz Maria , Carvalho Leonardo JM , Daniel-Ribeiro Cláudio T
Published: August 2013

Background

The emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax resistance to available anti-malarial drugs represents a major drawback in the control of malaria and its associated morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemoresistance profile of P. falciparum and P. vivax to commonly used anti-plasmodial drugs in a malaria-endemic area in the Brazilian Amazon.

Methods

The study was carried out in Manaus (Amazonas state), in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 88 P. falciparum and 178 P. vivax isolates was collected from 2004 to 2007. The sensitivity of P. falciparum isolates was determined to chloroquine, quinine, mefloquine and artesunate and the sensitivity of P. vivax isolates was determined to chloroquine and mefloquine, by using the colorimetric DELI test.

Results

As expected, a high prevalence of P. falciparum isolates resistant to chloroquine (78.1%) was observed. The prevalence of isolates with profile of resistance or decreased sensitivity for quinine, mefloquine and artesunate was 12.7, 21.2 and 11.7%, respectively. In the case of P. vivax, the prevalence of isolates with profile of resistance for chloroquine and mefloquine was 9.8 and 28%, respectively. No differences in the frequencies of isolates with profile of resistance or geometric mean IC50s were seen when comparing the data obtained in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, for all tested anti-malarials.

Conclusions

The great majority of P. falciparum isolates in the Brazilian malaria-endemic area remain resistant to chloroquine, and the decreased sensitivity to quinine, mefloquine and artesunate observed in 10–20% of the isolates must be taken with concern, especially for artesunate. Plasmodium vivax isolates also showed a significant proportion of isolates with decreased sensitivity to chloroquine (first-line drug) and mainly to mefloquine. The data presented here also confirm the usefulness of the DELI test to generate results able to impact on public health policies.
Osteosarcoma metastasis causing ileo-ileal intussusception
Authors: Abbo Olivier , Pinnagoda Kalitha , Micol Lionel A , Beck-Popovic Maya , Joseph Jean-Marc
Published: August 2013

Osteosarcoma metastasis causing intussusception is a very rare entity, with a pejorative prognosis. Based on a case, we performed a literature review in order to better assess this situation. We conclude that, in patients with a history of osteosarcoma lung metastasis, echographic and/or computed tomography scan evidence of a small bowel obstruction with intussusception should lead to an open surgical procedure if the laparoscopic approach does not allow to accurately explore and resect the lesion, in order to prevent misdiagnosis and to avoid further delay in the management.
Regulation of the SNARE-interacting protein Munc18c tyrosine phosphorylation in adipocytes by protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B
Authors: Bakke Jesse , Bettaieb Ahmed , Nagata Naoto , Matsuo Kosuke , Haj Fawaz G
Published: August 2013

Background

Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a physiological regulator of insulin signaling and adiposity and is a drug target for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. The molecular mechanisms underlying PTP1B metabolic actions require additional investigation.

Results

Herein, we identify Munc18c as a novel PTP1B substrate in adipocytes and in vivo. We demonstrate nutritional regulation of Munc18c in adipose tissue revealing decreased expression upon high fat feeding. In addition, PTP1B deficiency leads to elevated Munc18c tyrosine phosphorylation and dissociation from syntaxin4. At the molecular level, we identify Munc18c Tyr218/219 and Tyr521 as key residues that mediate Munc18c interaction with PTP1B. Further, we uncover an essential role of Munc18c total tyrosine phosphorylation in general, and Tyr218/219 and Tyr521 in particular, in regulating its interactions and glucose uptake in adipocytes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our findings identify PTP1B as the first known tyrosine phosphatase for Munc18c and a regulator of its phosphorylation and function in adipocytes.
Treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma by fibroblast activation protein-specific re-directed T cells
Authors: Schuberth Petra C , Hagedorn Christian , Jensen Shawn M , Gulati Pratiksha , van den Broek Maries , Mischo Axel , Soltermann Alex , Jüngel Astrid , Marroquin Belaunzaran Osiris , Stahel Rolf , Renner Christoph , Petrausch Ulf
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an incurable malignant disease, which results from chronic exposition to asbestos in at least 70% of the cases. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is predominantly expressed on the surface of reactive tumor-associated fibroblasts as well as on particular cancer types. Because of its expression on the cell surface, FAP is an attractive target for adoptive T cell therapy. T cells can be re-directed by retroviral transfer of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) against tumor-associated antigens (TAA) and therefore represent a therapeutic strategy of adoptive immunotherapy.

Methods

To evaluate FAP expression immunohistochemistry was performed in tumor tissue from MPM patients. CD8+ human T cells were retrovirally transduced with an anti-FAP-F19-∆CD28/CD3ζ-CAR. T cell function was evaluated in vitro by cytokine release and cytotoxicity assays. In vivo function was tested with an intraperitoneal xenograft tumor model in immunodeficient mice.

Results

FAP was found to be expressed in all subtypes of MPM. Additionally, FAP expression was evaluated in healthy adult tissue samples and was only detected in specific areas in the pancreas, the placenta and very weakly for cervix and uterus. Expression of the anti-FAP-F19-∆CD28/CD3ζ-CAR in CD8+ T cells resulted in antigen-specific IFNγ release. Additionally, FAP-specific re-directed T cells lysed FAP positive mesothelioma cells and inflammatory fibroblasts in an antigen-specific manner in vitro. Furthermore, FAP-specific re-directed T cells inhibited the growth of FAP positive human tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity of mice and significantly prolonged survival of mice.

Conclusion

FAP re-directed CD8+ T cells showed antigen-specific functionality in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, FAP expression was verified in all MPM histotypes. Therefore, our data support performing a phase I clinical trial in which MPM patients are treated with adoptively transferred FAP-specific re-directed T cells.
New iterative scheme with strict pseudo-contractions and multivalued nonexpansive mappings for fixed point problems and variational inequality problems
Authors: Vahidi J , Latif A , Eslamian M
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we introduce an iterative scheme for finding a common element of the sets of fixed points for multivalued nonexpansive mappings, strict pseudo-contractive mappings and the set of solutions of an equilibrium problem for a pseudomonotone, Lipschitz-type continuous bifunctions. We prove the strong convergence of the sequence, generated by the proposed scheme, to the solution of the variational inequality. Our results generalize and improve some known results.

MSC:47H10, 65K10, 65K15, 90C25.
The Vertebrate Trait Ontology: a controlled vocabulary for the annotation of trait data across species
Authors: Park Carissa A , Bello Susan M , Smith Cynthia L , Hu Zhi-Liang , Munzenmaier Diane H , Nigam Rajni , Smith Jennifer R , Shimoyama Mary , Eppig Janan T , Reecy James M
Published: August 2013

Background

The use of ontologies to standardize biological data and facilitate comparisons among datasets has steadily grown as the complexity and amount of available data have increased. Despite the numerous ontologies available, one area currently lacking a robust ontology is the description of vertebrate traits. A trait is defined as any measurable or observable characteristic pertaining to an organism or any of its substructures. While there are several ontologies to describe entities and processes in phenotypes, diseases, and clinical measurements, one has not been developed for vertebrate traits; the Vertebrate Trait Ontology (VT) was created to fill this void.

Description

Significant inconsistencies in trait nomenclature exist in the literature, and additional difficulties arise when trait data are compared across species. The VT is a unified trait vocabulary created to aid in the transfer of data within and between species and to facilitate investigation of the genetic basis of traits. Trait information provides a valuable link between the measurements that are used to assess the trait, the phenotypes related to the traits, and the diseases associated with one or more phenotypes. Because multiple clinical and morphological measurements are often used to assess a single trait, and a single measurement can be used to assess multiple physiological processes, providing investigators with standardized annotations for trait data will allow them to investigate connections among these data types.

Conclusions

The annotation of genomic data with ontology terms provides unique opportunities for data mining and analysis. Links between data in disparate databases can be identified and explored, a strategy that is particularly useful for cross-species comparisons or in situations involving inconsistent terminology. The VT provides a common basis for the description of traits in multiple vertebrate species. It is being used in the Rat Genome Database and Animal QTL Database for annotation of QTL data for rat, cattle, chicken, swine, sheep, and rainbow trout, and in the Mouse Phenome Database to annotate strain characterization data. In these databases, data are also cross-referenced to applicable terms from other ontologies, providing additional avenues for data mining and analysis. The ontology is available at http://bioportal.bioontology.org/ontologies/50138.
Reducing TDP-43 aggregation does not prevent its cytotoxicity
Authors: Liu Rui , Yang Guang , Nonaka Takashi , Arai Tetsuaki , Jia William , Cynader Max S
Published: August 2013

Background

TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a protein that is involved in the pathology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD). In patients with these neurodegenerative diseases, TDP-43 does not remain in its normal nuclear location, but instead forms insoluble aggregates in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of affected neurons.

Results

We used high density peptide array analysis to identify regions in TDP-43 that are bound by TDP-43 itself and designed candidate peptides that might be able to reduce TDP-43 aggregation. We found that two of the synthetic peptides identified with this approach could effectively inhibit the formation of TDP-43 protein aggregates in a concentration-dependent manner in HeLa cells in which a mutated human TDP-43 gene was overexpressed. However, despite reducing aggregation, these peptides did not reduce or prevent cell death. Similar results were observed in HeLa cells treated with arsenite. Again we found reduced aggregation, in this case of wild type TDP-43, but no difference in cell death.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that TDP-43 aggregation is associated with the cell death process rather than being a direct cause.
Anxiety and mortality risk in community-dwelling elderly people
Authors: Carrière Isabelle , Ryan Joanne , Norton Joanna , Scali Jacqueline , Stewart Robert , Ritchie Karen , Ancelin Marie Laure
Published: August 2013

Background

There are conflicting data on the role of anxiety in predicting mortality.

Aims

To evaluate the 10-year mortality risk associated with anxiety in community-dwelling elderly people.

Method

Using data from 718 men and 1046 women aged 65 years and over, gender-stratified associations of anxiety symptoms (Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, third tertile) and current DSM-IV anxiety disorder including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and phobia with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were determined.

Results

In women, mortality risk was increased for anxiety disorder and GAD in multivariate Cox models (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.53, 95% Cl 1.02-2.27 and HR = 2.04, 95% Cl 1.08-3.86 respectively), whereas for phobia it was nearly significant (HR= 1.52, 95% Cl 0.94-2.47). Anxiety trait symptoms became non-significant as a result of the confounding effect of depressive symptoms. Anxiety disorder was associated with cardiovascular mortality in univariate analysis (HR = 2.42, 95% Cl 1.16-5.07). No significant associations were found in men.

Conclusions

Our study suggests a gender-specific association of anxiety and mortality.
Morpholino-Mediated Knockdown of ERα, ERβa, and ERβb mRNAs in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos Reveals Differential Regulation of Estrogen-Inducible Genes
Authors: Griffin Lucinda B. , January Kathleen E. , Ho Karen W. , Cotter Kellie A. , Callard Gloria V.
Published: August 2013

Genetically distinct estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes (ERα and ERβ) play a major role in mediating estrogen actions in vertebrates, but their unique and overlapping functions are not entirely clear. Although mammals have 1 gene of each subtype (ESR1 and ESR2), teleost fish have a single esr1 (ERα) and 2 esr2 (ERβa and ERβb) genes. To determine the in vivo role of different ER isoforms in regulating estrogen-inducible transcription targets, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were microinjected with esr-specific morpholino (MO) oligonucleotides to disrupt splicing of the exon III/intron III junction in the DNA-binding domain. Each MO knocked down its respective normal transcript and increased production of variants with a retained intron III (esr1 MO) or a deleted or mis-spliced exon III (esr2a and esr2b MOs). Both esr1 and esr2b MOs blocked estradiol induction of vitellogenin and ERα mRNAs, predominant hepatic genes, but esr2b was the only MO that blocked induction of cytochrome P450 aromatase B mRNA, a predominant brain gene. Knockdown of ERβa with the esr2a MO had no effect on estrogen induction of the 3 mRNAs but, when coinjected with esr1 MO, attenuated the effect of ERα knockdown. Results indicate that ERα and ERβb, acting separately or cooperatively on specific gene targets, are positive transcriptional regulators of estrogen action, but the role of ERβa, if any, is unclear. We conclude that MO technology in zebrafish embryos is an advantageous approach for investigating the interplay of ER subtypes in a true physiological context.
A Density Functional Analysis on Formation of Rubidium and Cesium Atomic Clusters in the Highest Spin State
Authors: Liu Xuan , Ito Haruhiko , Torikai Eiko
Published: August 2013

We select a couple of density functional formalisms suitable for the computation of the highest spin clusters composed of a small number of heavy alkali-metal atoms such as Rb and Cs. Using B3P86 and PW91PW91 density functional methods with Lanl2dz basis set, we analyze the geometry, the binding energy, and the bond length of Rbn and Csn with n = 2–14 in the highest spin state. The exchange energy of the highest spin clusters increases the binding energy with the number of the constituent atoms.
Conjugated Polyfluorene-based Reversible Fluorescent Sensor for Cu(II) and Cyanide Ions in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Chakraborty Chanchal , Singh Pradeep , Maji Samir K , Malik Sudip
Published: August 2013

A blue emissive polyfluorene bearing sulfate functionality in the side chain (PFS), as a sensory polymer to selectively report the presence of Cu2+ (detection limit down to 2.5 µM) based on the fluorescence “turn-off.” Surprisingly, the quenched luminescence of PFS by Cu2+ could be turned on after the addition of CN− (detection limit down to 6 µM), making PFS a sensitive, selective, and reversible cyanide probe.
Anti-rhesus D prophylaxis in pregnant women is based on sialylated IgG antibodies
Authors: Winkler André , Berger Markus , Ehlers Marc
Published: August 2013

Red blood cells (RBCs) from a rhesus D (RhD)-positive fetus that reach the bloodstream of an RhD-negative pregnant woman during birth can induce a pathogenic antibody (Ab) response against the RhD-positive RBCs, leading to fetal hemolytic disease in subsequent pregnancies. To prevent a pathogenic immune reaction, the RhD-negative mother receives serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) containing polyclonal RhD-specific IgG Abs that is purified from healthy RhD-negative men immunized with RhD-positive RBCs. However, the protective mechanism of these polyclonal RhD-specific IgG Abs is unclear. It has become increasingly clear that the effector function of IgG Abs is regulated by the glycan pattern linked to the Fc region of IgG Abs. Non-fucosylated (afucosylated) IgG Abs have a higher affinity for activating Fc gamma receptors, and thus induce a stronger Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) reaction than do fucosylated IgG Abs. Agalactosylated and asialylated, autoantigen-specific serum IgG Abs correlate with pro-inflammatory immune responses and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, galactosylated and sialylated IgG Abs are immunosuppressive and inhibit in form of immune complexes (ICs) dendritic cell (DC) maturation and pro-inflammatory T and B cell immune responses in an antigen-specific manner. However, the galactosylation and sialylation levels of the protective polyclonal RhD-specific IgG Abs are unknown. Here, we purified RhD-specific IgG Abs from the approved commercial product Rhophylac® (CSL Behring) and found that these RhD-specific IgG Abs were even more galactosylated and sialylated than the total Rhophylac® IgG Abs. This result suggests that these galactosylated and sialylated polyclonal RhD-specific IgG Abs are immunosuppressive and induce tolerance against RhD, which would be in strong contrast to a low fucosylated, low galactosylated and low sialylated monoclonal RhD-specific IgG Ab developed to prevent fetal hemolytic disease that has recently passed a clinical phase II study.
Social Intervention for Adolescents With Autism and Significant Intellectual Disability: Initial Efficacy of Reciprocal Imitation Training
Authors: Ingersoll Brooke , Walton Katherine , Carlsen Danielle , Hamlin Theresa
Published: August 2013

Individuals with autism have difficulty with social skills across the lifespan. Few social interventions have been examined for older individuals with autism who also have significant intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous research suggests that reciprocal imitation training (RIT) improves imitation and social engagement in young children with autism. This study used a multiple-baseline design to examine whether RIT could improve social behaviors in four adolescents with autism and significant ID. All adolescents improved their spontaneous imitation and two improved their joint engagement. In addition, two adolescents decreased their rate of self-stimulatory behaviors over the course of treatment. Overall, these results suggest that RIT may be effective at improving social interaction and decreasing self-stimulatory behavior in adolescents with autism and significant ID.