bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Being Let Loose in the Field: The Execution of Professional Ethics
Authors: McAreavey Ruth
Published: June 2013

In recent years concerns over litigation and the trend towards close monitoring of academic activity has seen the effective hijacking of research ethics by university managers and bureaucrats. This can effectively curtail cutting edge research as perceived ‘safe’ research strategies are encouraged. However, ethics is about more than research governance. Ultimately, it seeks to avoid harm and to increase benefits to society. Rural development debate is fairly quiet on the question of ethics, leaving guidance to professional bodies. This study draws on empirical research that examined the lives of migrant communities in Northern Ireland. This context of increasingly diverse rural development actors provides a backdrop for the way in which the researcher navigates through ethical issues as they unfold in the field. The analysis seeks to relocate ethics from being an annoying bureaucratic requirement to one where it is inherent to rigorous and professional research and practice. It reveals how attention to professional ethics can contribute to effective, situated and reflexive practice, thus transforming ethics to become an asset to professional researchers.
Paediatric HIV care in sub‐Saharan Africa: clinical presentation and 2‐year outcomes stratified by age group
Authors: Ben‐Farhat Jihane , Gale Marianne , Szumilin Elisabeth , Balkan Suna , Poulet Elisabeth , Pujades‐Rodríguez Mar
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To examine age differences in mortality and programme attrition amongst paediatric patients treated in four African HIV programmes.

Methods

Longitudinal analysis of data from patients enrolled in HIV care. Two‐year mortality and programme attrition rates per 1000 person‐years stratified by age group (<2, 2–4 and 5–15 years) were calculated. Associations between outcomes and age and other individual‐level factors were studied using multiple Cox proportional hazards (mortality) and Poisson (attrition) regression models.

Results

Six thousand two hundred and sixty‐one patients contributed 9500 person‐years; 27.1% were aged <2 years, 30.1% were 2–4, and 42.8% were 5–14 years old. At programme entry, 45.3% were underweight and 12.6% were in clinical stage 4. The highest mortality and attrition rates (98.85 and 244.00 per 1000 person‐years), and relative ratios (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.92, 95% CI 1.56–2.37; incidence ratio [aIR] = 2.10, 95% CI 1.86–2.37, respectively, compared with the 5‐ to 14‐year group) were observed amongst the youngest children. Increased mortality and attrition were also associated with advanced clinical stage, underweight and diagnosis of tuberculosis at programme entry.

Conclusions

These results highlight the need to increase access, diagnose and provide early HIV care and to accelerate antiretroviral treatment initiation for those eligible. Adapted education and support for children and their families would also be important.
De novo assembly of the pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) transcriptome provides tools for the development of a winter cover crop and biodiesel feedstock
Authors: Dorn Kevin M. , Fankhauser Johnathon D. , Wyse Donald L. , Marks M. David
Published: June 2013

Field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) has potential as an oilseed crop that may be grown during fall (autumn) and winter months in the Midwestern United States and harvested in the early spring as a biodiesel feedstock. There has been little agronomic improvement in pennycress through traditional breeding. Recent advances in genomic technologies allow for the development of genomic tools to enable rapid improvements to be made through genomic assisted breeding. Here we report an annotated transcriptome assembly for pennycress. RNA was isolated from representative plant tissues, and 203 million unique Illumina RNA‐seq reads were produced and used in the transcriptome assembly. The draft transcriptome assembly consists of 33 873 contigs with a mean length of 1242 bp. A global comparison of homology between the pennycress and Arabidopsis transcriptomes, along with four other Brassicaceae species, revealed a high level of global sequence conservation within the family. The final assembly was functionally annotated, allowing for the identification of putative genes controlling important agronomic traits such as flowering and glucosinolate metabolism. Identification of these genes leads to testable hypotheses concerning their conserved function and to rational strategies to improve agronomic properties in pennycress. Future work to characterize isoform variation between diverse pennycress lines and develop a draft genome sequence for pennycress will further direct trait improvement.
Direct Geometrico-Static Problem of Underconstrained Cable-Driven Parallel Robots With Three Cables
Authors: Carricato Marco
Published: June 2013

This paper studies the direct geometrico-static problem (DGP) of underconstrained cable-driven parallel robots (CDPRs) with three cables. The task consists in determining the end-effector pose and the cable tensile forces when the cable lengths are assigned. The problem is challenging, because kinematics and statics are coupled, and they must be tackled simultaneously. An effective elimination procedure is proposed and a least-degree univariate polynomial free of spurious factors is obtained in the ideal governing the problem. This is proven to admit 156 solutions in the complex field. Several approaches for the efficient computation of the complete solution set are presented, including an eigenproblem formulation and homotopy continuation.
Thermoelectric properties of single crystal Sc1−xErxAs:InGaAs nanocomposites
Authors: Koltun Rachel , Hall Jacqueline L. , Mates Thomas E. , Bowers John E. , Schultz Brian D. , Palmstrøm Christopher J.
Published: June 2013

The thermoelectric properties and figures of merit for single crystal Sc1−xErxAs particles embedded in In0.53Ga0.47As nanocomposites are reported as a function of rare earth concentration. The materials are grown epitaxially on InP (001) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Larger Sc to Er ratios led to the nucleation of larger nanoparticles, the addition of fewer electrically active carriers, and to higher Seebeck coefficients in the nanocomposites. The thermal conductivity of In0.53Ga0.47As is measured by the 3ω method and found to decrease rapidly with the addition of rare earth elements. The highest room temperature ZT values are obtained for nanocomposites containing less than 0.5% Sc1−xErxAs particles relative to In0.53Ga0.47As.
The Origins of Scaling in Cities
Authors: Bettencourt Luís M. A.
Published: June 2013

The Equations Underlying Cities

Cities are complex systems of which functioning depends upon many social, economic, and environmental factors.
Bettencourt
(p.
1438
; see the cover; see the Perspective by

Batty

) developed a theory to explain the quantitative relationships observed between various aspects of cities and population size or land area.
How Long Can the U.S. Stay on Top?
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: June 2013

Government funding has powered U.S. research universities to global preeminence. With that support now shaky, can philanthropy help them maintain their lead?
Secondary Infections, Expanded Tissue Tropism, and Evidence for Malignant Potential in Immunocompromised Mice Infected with Mus musculus Papillomavirus 1 DNA and Virus
Authors: Cladel Nancy M. , Budgeon Lynn R. , Cooper Timothy K. , Balogh Karla K. , Hu Jiafen , Christensen Neil D.
Published: June 2013

Papillomavirus disease poses a special challenge to people with compromised immune systems. Appropriate models to study infections in these individuals are lacking. We report here the development of a model that will help to address these deficiencies. The MmuPV1 genome was synthesized and used successfully to produce virus from DNA infections in immunocompromised mice. In these early studies, we have demonstrated both primary and secondary infections, expanded tissue tropism, and extensive dysplasia.
UPF1 Is Crucial for the Infectivity of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Progeny Virions
Authors: Serquiña Anna Kristina P. , Das Suman R. , Popova Elena , Ojelabi Ogooluwa A. , Roy Christian K. , Göttlinger Heinrich G.
Published: June 2013

The SF1 helicase MOV10 is an antiviral factor that is incorporated into human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virions. We now report that HIV-1 virions also incorporate UPF1, which belongs to the same SF1 helicase subfamily as MOV10 and functions in the nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) pathway. Unlike ectopic MOV10, the overexpression of UPF1 does not impair the infectivity of HIV-1 progeny virions. However, UPF1 becomes a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 progeny virion infectivity when residues required for its helicase activity are mutated. In contrast, equivalent mutations abolish the antiviral activity of MOV10. Importantly, cells depleted of endogenous UPF1, but not of another NMD core component, produce HIV-1 virions of substantially lower specific infectivity. The defect is at the level of reverse transcription, the same stage of the HIV-1 life cycle inhibited by ectopic MOV10. Thus, whereas ectopic MOV10 restricts HIV-1 replication, the related UPF1 helicase functions as a cofactor at an early postentry step.
Characterization of the Bas-Congo Virus Glycoprotein and Its Function in Pseudotyped Viruses
Authors: Steffen Imke , Liss Nathan M. , Schneider Bradley S. , Fair Joseph N. , Chiu Charles Y. , Simmons Graham
Published: June 2013

Bas-Congo virus (BASV) is a novel rhabdovirus recently identified from a patient with acute hemorrhagic fever in the Bas-Congo province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Here we show that the BASV glycoprotein (BASV-G) can be successfully used to pseudotype glycoprotein-deficient vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), allowing studies of BASV-G-driven membrane fusion and viral entry into target cells without replication-competent virus. BASV-G displayed broad tissue and species tropism
in vitro
, and BASV-G-mediated membrane fusion was pH dependent. The conformational changes induced in BASV-G by acidification were fully reversible and did not lead to inactivation of the viral fusion protein. Our data combined with comparative sequence similarity analyses suggest that BASV-G shares structural and functional features with other rhabdovirus glycoproteins and falls into the group of class III viral fusion proteins. However, activation of BASV-G-driven fusion required a lower pH and higher temperatures than did VSV-G-mediated fusion. Moreover, in contrast to VSV-G, mature BASV-G in VSV pseudotypes consists of a mixture of high-mannose and complex glycans that enables it to bind to certain C-type lectins, thereby enhancing its attachment to target cells. Taken together, the results presented in this study will facilitate future investigations of BASV-G-mediated cell entry and its inhibition in the absence of an infectious cell culture assay for BASV and at lower biosafety levels. Moreover, serology testing based on BASV-G pseudotype neutralization can be used to uncover the prevalence and importance of BASV as a potential novel human pathogen in the DRC and throughout Central Africa.
Sea cage aquaculture affects distribution of wild fish at large spatial scales
Authors: Goodbrand L. , Abrahams M.V. , Rose G.A.
Published: June 2013

Aquaculture sea cages are fixed in space and inadvertently provide food to wild animals that is stable through time. We measured the effect of these novel and highly predictable resource patches on the distribution of wild fish across large spatial scales along the south coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Randomized stratified hydroacoustic surveys were used to compare the distribution and abundance of wild fish in bays that contained Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farms with control bays. Control bays were areas with no history of salmon farming but have been selected for future use by the industry. We found that measures of total area backscatter (nautical area scattering coefficient, NASC) were significantly greater in bays that contain salmon farming compared with control locations. The mean NASC in farmed bays was not significantly different from mean NASC measurements taken directly adjacent to sea cages. Variability around mean NASC estimates could not be explained by the quantity of feed available to consumers, when the number of sea cages in a farm site was used as a proxy for feed availability. Our results suggest that individual-level consumer responses at sea cages can be transmitted across larger spatial scales.
Cortisol stimulates proliferation and apoptosis in the late gestation fetal heart: differential effects of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors
Authors: Feng Xiaodi , Reini Seth A. , Richards Elaine , Wood Charles E. , Keller-Wood Maureen
Published: June 2013

We have previously found that modest chronic increases in maternal cortisol result in an enlarged fetal heart. To explore the mechanisms of this effect, we used intrapericardial infusions of a mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist (canrenoate) or of a glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist (mifepristone) in the fetus during maternal infusion of cortisol (1 mg·kg−1·day−1). We have shown that the MR antagonist blocked the increase in fetal heart weight and in wall thickness resulting from maternal cortisol infusion. In the current study we extended those studies and found that cortisol increased Ki67 staining in both ventricles, indicating cell proliferation, but also increased active caspase-3 staining in cells of the conduction pathway in the septum and subendocardial layers of the left ventricle, suggesting increased apoptosis in Purkinje fibers. The MR antagonist blocked the increase in cell proliferation, whereas the GR antagonist blocked the increased apoptosis in Purkinje fibers. We also found evidence of activation of caspase-3 in c-kit-positive cells, suggesting apoptosis in stem cell populations in the ventricle. These studies suggest a potentially important role of corticosteroids in the terminal remodeling of the late gestation fetal heart and suggest a mechanism for the cardiac enlargement with excess corticosteroid exposure.
Epidemiological Study of the Incidence of Cancers Eligible for Proton or Carbon Ions Therapy: Methodology and Results of Recruitment Estimation
Authors: Patin Stéphanie , Pommier Pascal , Yi Hu , Baron Marie Hélène , Balosso Jacques
Published: June 2013

Context. Hadrontherapy is an innovative form of radiotherapy using beams of protons or carbon ions able to destroy some radio-resistant tumours. Because these tumours are highly specific amongst all cancerous tumours, it is impossible to determine the incidence of these diseases from surveillance registries.Goal. To assess, within the Rhône-Alpes region, the incidence of cancers being hadrontherapy indications.Method. Prospective, multicentre continuous data collection during 1 year, by practitioners participating to multidisciplinary tumor board. Tumours are inoperable, radio resistant, at primary stage of development, or locally recurrent, with low metastatic potential.Results. Study involved 27 healthcare centres, 52 groups of specialist practitioners. The estimated incidence of cancers eligible for hadrontherapy in the Rhône-Alpes region in 2010, that is, for 34 locations in all, is of 8.5/100 000 inhabitants. Appraisal of the low potential of metastatic progression is impeded, because these are rare diseases, whose outcome is unfamiliar to investigators.Conclusion. Future epidemiological studies will need to focus on prognosis and on the metastatic progression rate of these diseases. Indeed, there are few information available on this subject in the literature that could be used to improve preventive measures, medical care, and the surveillance of these rare cancers.
Characteristics of Air-Sea Fluxes Based on In Situ Observations from a Platform in the Bohai Gulf during Early Mid-August 2011
Authors: Wu Bingui , Xie Yiyang , Lin Yi , Ye Xinxin , Chen Jing , Qiu Xiaobing , Wang Yanan
Published: June 2013

An eddy covariance system and other atmospheric and oceanic parameters were measured simultaneously from a fixed Platform-A in the Bohai Gulf during early mid-August 2011. One of the main goals of the comprehensive observation was to reveal the basic meteorological and hydrological characteristics of the Bohai Gulf. The results indicated that the diurnal characteristic curve for the air temperature (AT) was steeply unimodal, while the curve of the SST was a bimodal valley type and mainly influenced by tides with its valley value corresponding to the high water level during the observation period. Southeasterly winds dominated and the wind speed was generally lower than 8 m/s, and the atmospheric stability over the Bohai Gulf was generally unstable. The wave strength levels were generally below level 3, with a greater number of swell waves than wind waves. The latter were usually associated with more momentum transport, a larger difference between AT and SST, and less heat transport. During the observational period, the mean momentum, sensible, and latent heat turbulent fluxes were 0.21, 21.6, and 27.8 W/m2, respectively. The ratio of the mean latent and sensible turbulent fluxes was about 1.3 and much lower than that in the South China Sea during the summer.
Remarkable Anti-Trichomonas vaginalisActivity of Plants Traditionally Used by the Mbyá-Guarani Indigenous Group in Brazil
Authors: Brandelli Clara Lia Costa , Vieira Patrícia de Brum , Macedo Alexandre José , Tasca Tiana
Published: June 2013

Trichomonas vaginalis, a flagellate protozoan, is the causative agent of trichomonosis, the most common nonviral sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Taking into account the increased prevalence of metronidazole-resistant isolates, alternative drugs are essential for the successful treatment. Natural products are the source of most new drugs, and popular wisdom about the use of medicinal plants is a powerful tool in this search. In this study, the activity of 10 medicinal plants extensively used in daily life by Mbyá-Guarani indigenous group was evaluated against seven differentT. vaginalisisolates. Among the aqueous extracts tested,Verbenasp. (Guachu ka'ain Mbyá-Guarani language) andCampomanesia xanthocarpa(Guavirain Mbyá-Guarani language) showed the highest activity againstT. vaginaliswith MIC value of 4.0 mg/mL reaching 100% of efficacy against the parasite. The kinetic growth assays showed that the extracts promoted complete growth abolishment after 4 h of incubation. In addition, the extracts tested did not promote a significant hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes. Our results show for the first time the potential activity ofVerbenasp. andC. xanthocarpaagainstT. vaginalis. In addition, this study demonstrates that indigenous knowledge is an important source of new prototype antiprotozoal agents.
Bone Effects of Biologic Drugs in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Corrado Addolorata , Neve Anna , Maruotti Nicola , Cantatore Francesco Paolo
Published: June 2013

Biologic agents used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are able to reduce both disease activity and radiographic progression of joint disease. These drugs are directed against several proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1) which are involved both in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation and progression of joint structural damage and in systemic and local bone loss typically observed in RA. However, the role of biologic drugs in preventing bone loss in clinical practice has not yet clearly assessed. Many clinical studies showed a trend to a positive effect of biologic agents in preventing systemic bone loss observed in RA. Although the suppression of inflammation is the main goal in the treatment of RA and the anti-inflammatory effects of biologic drugs exert a positive effect on bone metabolism, the exact relationship between the prevention of bone loss and control of inflammation has not been clearly established, and if the available biologic drugs against TNFα, IL-1, and IL-6 can exert their effect on systemic and local bone loss also through a direct mechanism on bone cell metabolism is still to be clearly defined.
Platelet chemokines in health and disease
Authors: Karshovska Ela , Weber Christian , Hundelshausen Philipp von
Published: June 2013

In recent years, it has become clear that platelets and platelet-derived chemokines, beyond their role in thrombosis and haemostasis, are important mediators affecting a broad spectrum of (patho)physiological conditions. These biologically active proteins are released from α-granules upon platelet activation, most probably even during physiological conditions. In this review, we give a concise overview and an update on the current understanding of platelet-derived chemokines in a context of health and disease.

Note: The review process for this manuscript was fully handled by G. Y. H. Lip, Editor in Chief.
Prologue The Impregnated Witness
Authors: Sadek Walid
Published: June 2013

In chapter 10 of the Book of Revelation, St. John of Patmos is made to eat a book he has not read. The witness of the apocalypse is impregnated by an event which he now carries. This essay extrapolates on the condition of the witness who ingests a drastic event and searches for a tongue with which to speak that which he does not fully know. As a ventriloquist, St. John is proposed as someone who is not muted by the event but rather one who finds his tongue forked and capable of speaking much and simultaneously. This essay also argues that such a ventriloquism following a drastic event structures in part the autobiography of the Lebanese political thinker and militant Fawwaz Trabulsi.
Does leukocyte-depleted blood cardioplegia reduce myocardial reperfusion injury in cardiac surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Han S , Huang W , Liu Y , Pan S , Feng Z , Li S
Published: June 2013

Blood cardioplegia in cardiac surgery contains leukocytes, which causes the inflammatory reaction and promotes myocardial reperfusion injury. The removal of leukocytes from the cardioplegia line, using specialized filters, has been proposed as one of the effective methods in attenuating the inflammatory response. We performed a two-level search to identify randomized, controlled trials concerning the effects of leukocyte-depleted blood cardioplegia on myocardial reperfusion injury. Sixteen studies, comprising 738 patients, met the selection criteria. There are significant reductions in creatinine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) during 4-8h postoperatively (SMD - 0.577; 95% CI -0.795 to -0.358; p=0.000), CK-MB peak (SMD - 0.713; 95% CI -1.027 to -0.400; p=0.000), troponin in the period of 4-8h postoperatively (SMD - 0.502; 95% CI -0.935 to -0.069; p=0.023), troponin peak (SMD - 0.826; 95% CI -1.373 to -0.279; p=0.003) and inotropic support (RR, 0.500; 95% CI 0.269 to 0.931; p=0.029). Leukocyte-depleted blood cardioplegia may reduce myocardial reperfusion injury in the early postoperative period, but there has been no evidence to support the clinically significant difference. Larger and more precise randomized control trials are needed to further elucidate the cardioprotective effects of cardioplegia leukofiltration.
Pursuing the curative blueprint for early myeloma
Authors: Roschewski Mark , Korde Neha , Wu S. Peter , Landgren Ola
Published: June 2013

Treatment philosophies in multiple myeloma (MM) debate the relative merits of achieving the deepest possible remissions (“curative” doctrine) vs sequential delivery of antimyeloma agents (“control” doctrine). In this paper, we highlight the relevant strengths of each doctrine in the context of modern patient selection strategies, fresh biological insights on MM pathogenesis, agents with improved safety profiles, and emerging molecular and imaging tools. Paramount fundamental questions remain unanswered that require an intense research focus as we pursue a cure for this devastating disease.
Contribution of different classes of glutamate receptors in the corticostriatal polysynaptic responses from striatal direct and indirect projection neurons
Authors: Vizcarra-Chacón Bianca J , Arias-García Mario A , Pérez-Ramírez Maria B , Flores-Barrera Edén , Tapia Dagoberto , Drucker-Colin Rene , Bargas José , Galarraga Elvira
Published: June 2013

Background

Previous work showed differences in the polysynaptic activation of GABAergic synapses during corticostriatal suprathreshold responses in direct and indirect striatal projection neurons (dSPNs and iSPNs). Here, we now show differences and similarities in the polysynaptic activation of cortical glutamatergic synapses on the same responses. Corticostriatal contacts have been extensively studied. However, several questions remain unanswered, e.g.: what are the differences and similarities in the responses to glutamate in dSPNs and iSPNs? Does glutamatergic synaptic activation exhibits a distribution of latencies over time in vitro? That would be a strong suggestion of polysynaptic cortical convergence. What is the role of kainate receptors in corticostriatal transmission? Current-clamp recordings were used to answer these questions. One hypothesis was: if prolonged synaptic activation distributed along time was present, then it would be mainly generated from the cortex, and not from the striatum.

Results

By isolating responses from AMPA-receptors out of the complex suprathreshold response of SPNs, it is shown that a single cortical stimulus induces early and late synaptic activation lasting hundreds of milliseconds. Prolonged responses depended on cortical stimulation because they could not be elicited using intrastriatal stimulation, even if GABAergic transmission was blocked. Thus, the results are not explained by differences in evoked inhibition. Moreover, inhibitory participation was larger after cortical than after intrastriatal stimulation. A strong activation of interneurons was obtained from the cortex, demonstrating that polysynaptic activation includes the striatum. Prolonged kainate (KA) receptor responses were also elicited from the cortex. Responses of dSPNs and iSPNs did not depend on the cortical area stimulated. In contrast to AMPA-receptors, responses from NMDA- and KA-receptors do not exhibit early and late responses, but generate slow responses that contribute to plateau depolarizations.

Conclusions

As it has been established in previous physiological studies in vivo, synaptic invasion over different latencies, spanning hundreds of milliseconds after a single stimulus strongly indicates convergent polysynaptic activation. Interconnected cortical neurons converging on the same SPNs may explain prolonged corticostriatal responses. Glutamate receptors participation in these responses is described as well as differences and similarities between dSPNs and iSPNs.
Systematic identification of DNA variants associated with ultraviolet radiation using a novel Geographic-Wide Association Study (GeoWAS)
Authors: Hsu Irving , Chen Rong , Ramesh Aditya , Corona Erik , Kang Hyunseok Peter , Ruau David , Butte Atul J
Published: June 2013

Background

Long-term environmental variables are widely understood to play important roles in DNA variation. Previously, clinical studies examining the impacts of these variables on the human genome were localized to a single country, and used preselected DNA variants. Furthermore, clinical studies or surveys are either not available or difficult to carry out for developing countries. A systematic approach utilizing bioinformatics to identify associations among environmental variables, genetic variation, and diseases across various geographical locations is needed but has been lacking.

Methods

Using a novel Geographic-Wide Association Study (GeoWAS) methodology, we identified Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP) with population allele frequencies associated with geographical ultraviolet radiation exposure, and then assessed the diseases known to be assigned with these SNPs.

Results

2,857 radiation SNPs were identified from over 650,000 SNPs in 52 indigenous populations across the world. Using a quantitative disease-SNP database curated from 5,065 human genetic papers, we identified disease associations with those radiation SNPs. The correlation of the rs16891982 SNP in the SLC45A2 gene with melanoma was used as a case study for analysis of disease risk, and the results were consistent with the incidence and mortality rates of melanoma in published scientific literature. Finally, by analyzing the ontology of genes in which the radiation SNPs were significantly enriched, potential associations between SNPs and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease were hypothesized.

Conclusion

A systematic approach using GeoWAS has enabled us to identify DNA variation associated with ultraviolet radiation and their connections to diseases such as skin cancers. Our analyses have led to a better understating at the genetic level of why certain diseases are more predominant in specific geographical locations, due to the interactions between environmental variables such as ultraviolet radiation and the population types in those regions. The hypotheses proposed in GeoWAS can lead to future testing and interdisciplinary research.
Role of MUC20 overexpression as a predictor of recurrence and poor outcome in colorectal cancer
Authors: Xiao Xiuying , Wang Lisha , Wei Ping , Chi Yayun , Li Dali , Wang Qifeng , Ni Shujuan , Tan Cong , Sheng Weiqi , Sun Menghong , Zhou Xiaoyan , Du Xiang
Published: June 2013

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most common cancers worldwide. We observed that MUC20 was significantly up-regulated in CRC patients with poor prognosis based on the microarray analysis. However, little is known about the role of MUC20 in CRC.

Methods

Microarray experiments were performed on the Affymetrix U133 plus 2.0 GeneChip Array. The protein and mRNA levels of MUC20 were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Real-Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in CRC tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues (ANCT). ShRNA and overexpression plasmids were used to regulate MUC20 expression in CRC cell lines in vitro; wound healing, Transwell migration assays, and Western blotting were used to detect migration and invasion changes.

Results

MUC20 was one of the up-regulated genes in CRC patients with poor prognosis by microarray. Using IHC and RT-qPCR, we showed that MUC20 expression was significantly higher in CRC tissues than in ANCT (P < 0.05). We further showed that MUC20 overexpression was correlated with recurrence and poor outcome (P < 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated that disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly worse in CRC patients with MUC20 overexpression. The Cox multivariate analysis revealed that MUC20 overexpression and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors. Elevated expression of MUC20 in cells promoted migration and invasion, whereas ShRNA-mediated knockdown inhibited these processes. In addition, Western blotting demonstrated that MUC20-induced invasion was associated with MMP-2, MMP-3, and E-cadherin.

Conclusions

Cumulatively, MUC20 may serve as an important predictor of recurrence and poor outcome for CRC patients. MUC20 overexpression could enhance migration and invasion abilities of CRC cells. Translation of its roles into clinical practice will need further investigation and additional test validation.
A true epidermotropic apocrine neoplasm in the form of perianal Paget’s disease: a case report
Authors: Jankulovski Nikola , Spasevska Liljana , Janevska Vesna , Dukova Blagica
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Extramammary Paget’s disease is an uncommon intraepithelial neoplasm that arises in areas rich in apocrine glands. Treatment includes wide surgical excision and nonsurgical modalities. We present the case of a patient with perianal Paget’s disease with no recurrent disease after wide surgical resection.

Case presentation

Our patient was a 46-year-old man of Macedonian ethnicity who presented with a pruritic perianal lesion measuring up to 6cm without pain or bleeding. Two biopsies and a perianal wide surgical excision were performed. The tissue specimens were formalin-fixed and the paraffin-embedded samples analyzed according to standard histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures.

Surgical perianal skin excision revealed diffuse eczematoid, whitish plaques. Pathohistology showed Paget cells infiltrating his epidermis and adnexal epithelium, with ulceration. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive Paget cell expression for cytokeratin 7, epithelial membrane antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, androgen receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and negative expression for cytokeratin 20 and melan-A.

Conclusion

Paget’s disease is a rare disorder that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of perianal lesions. Reporting cases of extramammary Paget’s disease is crucial for diagnostic guidelines and different therapeutic options.
Nasogastric or nasojejunal feeding in predicted severe acute pancreatitis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chang Yu-sui , Fu Hua-qun , Xiao Yuan-mei , Liu Ji-chun
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Enteral feeding can be given either through the nasogastric or the nasojejunal route. Studies have shown that nasojejunal tube placement is cumbersome and that nasogastric feeding is an effective means of providing enteral nutrition. However, the concern that nasogastric feeding increases the chance of aspiration pneumonitis and exacerbates acute pancreatitis by stimulating pancreatic secretion has prevented it being established as a standard of care. We aimed to evaluate the differences in safety and tolerance between nasogastric and nasojejunal feeding by assessing the impact of the two approaches on the incidence of mortality, tracheal aspiration, diarrhea, exacerbation of pain, and meeting the energy balance in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.

Method

We searched the electronic databases of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and EMBASE. We included prospective randomized controlled trials comparing nasogastric and nasojejunal feeding in patients with predicted severe acute pancreatitis. Two reviewers assessed the quality of each study and collected data independently. Disagreements were resolved by discussion among the two reviewers and any of the other authors of the paper. We performed a meta-analysis and reported summary estimates of outcomes as Risk Ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We included three randomized controlled trials involving a total of 157 patients. The demographics of the patients in the nasogastric and nasojejunal feeding groups were comparable. There were no significant differences in the incidence of mortality (RR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.37 to 1.29, P = 0.25); tracheal aspiration (RR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.14 to 1.53, P = 0.20); diarrhea (RR = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.59 to 3.45, P = 0.43); exacerbation of pain (RR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.32 to 2.70, P = 0.90); and meeting energy balance (RR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.09, P = 0.97) between the two groups. Nasogastric feeding was not inferior to nasojejunal feeding.

Conclusions

Nasogastric feeding is safe and well tolerated compared with nasojejunal feeding. Study limitations included a small total sample size among others. More high-quality large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to validate the use of nasogastric feeding instead of nasojejunal feeding.
Androgens Increase Survival of Adult-Born Neurons in the Dentate Gyrus by an Androgen Receptor-Dependent Mechanism in Male Rats
Authors: Hamson D. K. , Wainwright S. R. , Taylor J. R. , Jones B. A. , Watson N. V. , Galea L. A. M.
Published: June 2013

Gonadal steroids are potent regulators of adult neurogenesis. We previously reported that androgens, such as testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), but not estradiol, increased the survival of new neurons in the dentate gyrus of the male rat. These results suggest androgens regulate hippocampal neurogenesis via the androgen receptor (AR). To test this supposition, we examined the role of ARs in hippocampal neurogenesis using 2 different approaches. In experiment 1, we examined neurogenesis in male rats insensitive to androgens due to a naturally occurring mutation in the gene encoding the AR (termed testicular feminization mutation) compared with wild-type males. In experiment 2, we injected the AR antagonist, flutamide, into castrated male rats and compared neurogenesis levels in the dentate gyrus of DHT and oil-treated controls. In experiment 1, chronic T increased hippocampal neurogenesis in wild-type males but not in androgen-insensitive testicular feminization mutation males. In experiment 2, DHT increased hippocampal neurogenesis via cell survival, an effect that was blocked by concurrent treatment with flutamide. DHT, however, did not affect cell proliferation. Interestingly, cells expressing doublecortin, a marker of immature neurons, did not colabel with ARs in the dentate gyrus, but ARs were robustly expressed in other regions of the hippocampus. Together these studies provide complementary evidence that androgens regulate adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus via the AR but at a site other than the dentate gyrus. Understanding where in the brain androgens act to increase the survival of new neurons in the adult brain may have implications for neurodegenerative disorders.
Leptin Action in the Ventromedial Hypothalamic Nucleus Is Sufficient, But Not Necessary, to Normalize Diabetic Hyperglycemia
Authors: Meek Thomas H. , Matsen Miles E. , Dorfman Mauricio D. , Guyenet Stephan J. , Damian Vincent , Nguyen Hong T. , Taborsky Gerald J. , Morton Gregory J.
Published: June 2013

In rodent models of type 1 diabetes, leptin administration into brain ventricles normalizes blood glucose at doses that have no effect when given peripherally. The ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN) is a potential target for leptin's antidiabetic effects because leptin-sensitive neurons in this brain area are implicated in glucose homeostasis. To test this hypothesis, we injected leptin directly into the bilateral VMN of rats with streptozotocin-induced uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. This intervention completely normalized both hyperglycemia and the elevated rates of hepatic glucose production and plasma glucagon levels but had no effect on tissue glucose uptake in the skeletal muscle or brown adipose tissue as measured using tracer dilution techniques during a basal clamp. To determine whether VMN leptin signaling is required for leptin-mediated normalization of diabetic hyperglycemia, we studied mice in which the leptin receptor gene was deleted in VMN steroidogenic factor 1 neurons using cre-loxP technology. Our findings indicate leptin action within these neurons is not required for the correction of diabetic hyperglycemia by central leptin infusion. We conclude that leptin signaling in the VMN is sufficient to mediate leptin's antidiabetic action but may not be necessary for this effect. Leptin action within a distributed neuronal network may mediate its effects on glucose homeostasis.
Generalized Bomber and Fighter Problems: Offline Optimal Allocation of a Discrete Asset
Authors: Krieger Abba M. , Samuel-Cahn Ester
Published: June 2013

The classical bomber problem concerns properties of the optimal allocation policy of a given number, n, of anti-aircraft missiles, with which an airplane is equipped. The airplane begins at a distance t >0 from its destination and uses some of the anti-aircraft missiles when intercepted by enemy planes that appear according to a homogeneous Poisson process. The goal is to maximize the probability of reaching its destination. The fighter problem deals with a similar situation, but the goal is to shoot down as many enemy planes as possible. The optimal allocation policies are dynamic, depending upon both the number of missiles and the time which remains to reach the destination when the enemy is met. The present paper generalizes these problems by allowing the number of enemy planes to have any distribution, not just Poisson. This implies that the optimal strategies can no longer be dynamic, and are, in our terminology, offline. We show that properties similar to those holding for the classical problems hold also in the present case. Whether certain properties hold that remain open questions in the dynamic version are resolved in the offline version. Since ‘time’ is no longer a meaningful way to parametrize the distributions for the number of encounters, other more general orderings of distributions are needed. Numerical comparisons between the dynamic and offline approaches are given.
On the Uniqueness of Martingales with Certain Prescribed Marginals
Authors: Tehranchi Michael R.
Published: June 2013

This note contains two main results. (i) (Discrete time) Suppose that S is a martingale whose marginal laws agree with a geometric simple random walk. (In financial terms, let S be a risk-neutral asset price and suppose that the initial option prices agree with the Cox-Ross-Rubinstein binomial tree model.) Then S is a geometric simple random walk. (ii) (Continuous time) Suppose that S=S0eσ X-σ2〈 X〉/2 is a continuous martingale whose marginal laws agree with a geometric Brownian motion. (In financial terms, let S be a risk-neutral asset price and suppose that the initial option prices agree with the Black-Scholes model with volatility σ>0.) Then there exists a Brownian motion W such that Xt=Wt+o(t1/4+ ε) as t↑∞ for any ε> 0.
Synthesis, Structure, and Dynamic Behavior of Discrete Metallacyclic Rotors
Authors: Thanasekaran Pounraj , Huang Chia-Yuan , Lu Kuang-Lieh
Published: June 2013

Molecular rotors are a type of molecular machine that can rotate with respect to its surrounding environment or in which one part rotates with respect to another part. Various approaches to preparing rotary molecular motors with variable radii and functional groups have been attempted because rotating units are ubiquitous in natural systems. The motion of these rotors in solution or on a solid surface can be monitored either by NMR or STM techniques. Previous findings indicate that the motion of a molecular rotor can be manipulated in a more controlled fashion by changing the molecular structure or applying external stimuli such as heat, photons, electricity, chemical reactions, or applying external field STM tunneling current. Molecular dynamics simulations have also been performed in attempts to understand the molecular rotations of rotors, and the theoretical calculations agree well with experimental observations. In this highlight review, we describe synthetic approaches, structural characterization, and dynamic behavior of discrete metallacyclic rotors in solution and on solid surfaces.
Geometrical Remote Steric Effects in 4,5-Disubstituted-9,10-dihydrophenanthrenes: Expansion of Prestrained C9–C10 Bond in Di(spiroacridan) Derivatives
Authors: Wada Kazuhisa , Takeda Takashi , Kawai Hidetoshi , Katoono Ryo , Fujiwara Kenshu , Suzuki Takanori
Published: June 2013

By attaching bulky substituents at the bay region of di(spiroacridan)-substituted dihydrophenanthrene 1a, the prestrained C9–C10 bond in the dihydrophenanthrene (DHP) skeleton of 1c–1e is expanded from 1.634(2) to 1.649(3)–1.652(6) Å, which demonstrates the bond expansion through remote steric effects. Twisting deformation of the DHP skeleton is the key to transfer the steric bulkiness from the C4/C5 positions to cause the additional strain in the C9–C10 bond.
Considering the hérisson (hedgehog/porcupine): Writing-designing the context essay
Authors: Rosenberg Terry E. , Fairfax Duncan
Published: June 2013

This paper initially articulates Derrida’s attempt to overcome the distantiation of writing from the thing written about - which, he addresses in his essay-poem ‘Che cos’è la poesia?’ (‘What is poetry?’). Thereafter, using the hérisson (hedgehog/porcupine) of this essay-poem as touchstone, the paper goes on to describe the nature and role of the ‘context essay’ which is written as part of final projects on both UG and PG degrees in Goldsmiths Design Department. The context essay challenges the borders between different types of writing and design practice, and is an essential part of the design process of the students’ final projects. The last part of the paper sketches the different ideational stratagems that may be used in the content and in the form of the context essay; stratagems that inter-ventilate different theories (accounts), different practices (acts), inter-splice theories and practices and, of course, also utilise the technicity of writing itself (applied grammatology) to open up the possibilities of design practice.
Review
Authors: Reeve Julia
Published: June 2013

Writing in Creative Practice: Practicing Theory in Art & Design Education. A one-day workshop, led by Will Hoon and Alke Groppel-Wegener, at Northampton University, The Higher Education Academy, 17 December 2012
Testing of set recovery of unmodified and furfurylated densified wood by means of water storage and alternating climate tests
Authors: Buchelt Beate , Dietrich Tobias , Wagenführ André
Published: June 2013

Densification is a well-known method for improving the mechanical properties of wood. In the present study, unmodified and furfurylated wood samples were densified and submitted to cyclic water storage tests and cyclic alternating climate tests. Swelling coefficients and spring-back data were determined for the evaluation of the quality of densification. The study shows that results depend on the test method applied. Simple water storage tests do not reflect the behavior of densified wood in the high humidity range. The spring-back data of unmodified samples are more influenced by the testing method than those of the furfurylated ones.
A Qualitative Analysis of Athletes’ Voluntary Image Speed Use
Authors: O Jenny , Hall Craig R.
Published: June 2013

The present study sought to describe the various reasons why athletes choose to manipulate the speeds of their images (i.e. image in slow motion, real-time, or fast motion). Athletes (N= 9) were interviewed using a one-on-one, semi-structured interview format. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and content analyzed for themes. Results suggested that the particular image speed selected by an athlete does often serve a specific purpose. Slow-motion images were primarily employed to enhance the learning, development, review, or refinement of skills and strategies. Real-time imagery was employed when athletes wanted to accurately represent movement tempo, relative timing, or absolute movement duration in their images. Fast motion images were used to enable strategy planning during competition, to increase or maintain confidence perceptions, to energize athletes, and to increase imagery session efficiency and focus. Furthermore, regarding the use of multiple image speeds, athletes emphasized the importance of avoiding exclusively imaging in fast- or in slow-motion, making note of the importance of real-time image speed use in ensuring accurate mental representations of temporal aspects of performance. The findings of the current study indicate that the timing guideline of the PETTLEP approach to motor imagery (Holmes & Collins, 2001) may require revision. The use of any given image speed may be a matter of personal preference rather than one of functional necessity. One exception, however, does appear to be images focused on learning some temporal aspect of performance. In these instances, real-time speed seems to be a necessary characteristic of one’s image.