bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic Surgery in the Very Old: Face to Face With a Challenge of the Near Future
Authors: Belyaev Orlin , Herzog Torsten , Kaya Guelnur , Chromik Ansgar M. , Meurer Kirsten , Uhl Waldemar , Müller Christophe A.
Published: February 2013

Background

The proportion of octogenarians requiring surgery for pancreatic disease is rapidly growing. This trend will be continued during the next decades, posing a challenge to surgeons and the health care system worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the results of pancreatic surgery in octogenarians in terms of safety and survival based on a cohort of patients at a European high‐volume center.

Methods

During a 7‐year period, 1,705 operations were performed, 76 in patients ≥80 years of age. Data on the octogenarians were retrospectively reviewed and compared to those of the whole collective and to contemporary data from the literature. Primary endpoints were mortality, morbidity, and survival.

Results

Overall, 80 % had a malignant disease, and resections were performed in 50 % of all cases. Mortality was 11.8 % and morbidity 72.4 %. There were significantly more medical than surgical complications: 56.6 versus 34.2 %. Pancreatic fistula occurred in 5.3 %, postoperative bleeding in 3.9 %, and delayed gastric emptying in 19.7 %. The median hospital stay was 15 days and the intensive care unit stay 2 days. Mean survival was 28.2 months and in patients with cancer 22.6 months. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates were 61.4, 31.3, and 18.8 %, respectively.

Conclusions

Despite high mortality and morbidity rates, surgery remains the only chance for cure in most octogenarians with pancreatic disease. Careful patient selection is the key to success and improved long‐term survival in this group, which will represent a substantial fraction of the population in the near future.
Paternity assurance before and after fertilization by male burying beetles (Nicrophorus quadripunctatus)
Authors: Takata Mamoru , Kurachi Takuma , Koyama Satoshi , Satoh Toshiyuki , Fugo Hajime
Published: February 2013

Parental care requires a large investment of time and energy. This can reduce future parental survival and opportunities for mating. Because males are usually more uncertain of their parentage with respect to the caring of offspring than are females, the reduction in reproductive success is thought to be greater in males. Therefore, males are under selection to ensure paternity of the offspring for which they care. Males can increase paternity before and after fertilization. Before fertilization, males can increase paternity by increasing their competitive ability for fertilization. After fertilization, males can increase paternity by cannibalizing unrelated offspring. Here, we investigated the stage at which male burying beetles,Nicrophorus quadripunctatus, increase their paternity by evaluating the number of offspring sired by a nursing male in asynchronously hatched broods in relation to hatching time. We found that nursing males assure a very high level of the paternity of hatching offspring. We also found that the paternity of non-nursing and nursing males remained constant across hatching time within a brood, indicating that it is unlikely that filial cannibalism plays a role in increasing the paternity of offspring. We concluded that ensuring paternity before fertilization is more important in increasing the paternity of offspring.
Research in Second Language Studies at Michigan State University
Authors: Inceoglu Solène , Spino Le Anne
Published: February 2013

Since its inception seven years ago, Michigan State University's vibrant Second Language Studies (SLS) Program has grown quickly under the direction of Dr. Susan Gass. Thus far, twelve students have graduated from the program and now hold academic positions in various universities in the United States and elsewhere. In 2011, the department welcomed two new faculty members, Dr. Aline Godfroid and Dr. Bill VanPatten, making a total of eleven core faculty members, and in Spring 2012, Dr. Rod Ellis joined the department as affiliated faculty. The program currently includes 30 doctoral students working on a wide range of research topics.
A new surveillance indicator identifying optimal timeliness and accuracy: application to the Korean National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System for 2001–2007
Authors: YOO H. S. , CHO S. I. , LEE J. K. , PARK H. K. , LEE E. G. , KWON J. W.
Published: February 2013

Although immediate notification of a case is crucial for epidemic control, clinicians may delay notification due to uncertainties in diagnosis, reflecting a trade-off between timeliness and the accuracy of surveillance. We assessed this trade-off for four epidemic-prone diseases that require immediate notification of suspected cases: shigellosis, typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, and cholera in the Korean National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System data for 2001–2007. Timeliness was measured as the time to registration (TR), being the time interval from symptom onset to notification by the clinician to the local public health centre. We introduced a new index, ‘time-accuracy trade-off ratio’ to indicate time saved by clinical vs. laboratory-based notifications. Clinical notifications comprised 34·4% of total notifications, and these showed a shorter median TR than laboratory-based notifications (1–4 days). The trade-off ratio was greatest for shigellosis (3·3 days), and smallest for typhoid fever (0·6 days). A higher trade-off ratio provides stronger evidence for clinical notification without waiting for laboratory confirmation.
Telomere protection and TRF2 expression are enhanced by the canonical Wnt signalling pathway
Authors: Diala Irmina , Wagner Nicole , Magdinier Frédérique , Shkreli Marina , Sirakov Maria , Bauwens Serge , Schluth‐Bolard Caroline , Simonet Thomas , Renault Valérie M , Ye Jing , Djerbi Abdelnnadir , Pineau Pascal , Choi Jinkuk , Artandi Steven , Dejean Anne , Plateroti Michelina , Gilson Eric
Published: February 2013

The DNA‐binding protein TRF2 is essential for telomere protection and chromosome stability in mammals. We show here that TRF2 expression is activated by the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway in human cancer and normal cells as well as in mouse intestinal tissues. Furthermore, β‐catenin binds to TRF2 gene regulatory regions that are functional in a luciferase transactivating assay. Reduced β‐catenin expression in cancer cells triggers a marked increase in telomere dysfunction, which can be reversed by TRF2 overexpression. We conclude that the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway maintains a level of TRF2 critical for telomere protection. This is expected to have an important role during development, adult stem cell function and oncogenesis.
Identification and control of plasma vertical position using neural network in Damavand tokamak
Authors: Rasouli H. , Rasouli C. , Koohi A.
Published: February 2013

In this work, a nonlinear model is introduced to determine the vertical position of the plasma column in Damavand tokamak. Using this model as a simulator, a nonlinear neural network controller has been designed. In the first stage, the electronic drive and sensory circuits of Damavand tokamak are modified. These circuits can control the vertical position of the plasma column inside the vacuum vessel. Since the vertical position of plasma is an unstable parameter, a direct closed loop system identification algorithm is performed. In the second stage, a nonlinear model is identified for plasma vertical position, based on the multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network (NN) structure. Estimation of simulator parameters has been performed by back-propagation error algorithm using Levenberg–Marquardt gradient descent optimization technique. The model is verified through simulation of the whole closed loop system using both simulator and actual plant in similar conditions. As the final stage, a MLP neural network controller is designed for simulator model. In the last step, online training is performed to tune the controller parameters. Simulation results justify using of the NN controller for the actual plant.
Diffusion of Mg dopant in metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy grown GaN and AlxGa1−xN
Authors: Köhler K. , Gutt R. , Wiegert J. , Kirste L.
Published: February 2013

Diffusion of the p-type dopant Mg in GaN and AlxGa1−xN which is accompanied by segregation and affected by transient effects in metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy reactors is investigated. We have grown 110 nm thick Mg doped GaN and Al0.1Ga0.9N layers on top of undoped GaN and Al0.1Ga0.9N layers, respectively, in a temperature range between 925 °C and 1050 °C where we placed special emphasis on the lower temperature limit without diffusion to allow separation of Mg transients, diffusion, and segregation. Hereby, AlxGa1−xN layers enable monitoring of the resolution limit by secondary ion mass spectrometry analyses for the respective samples; therefore, thin AlxGa1−xN marker layers are incorporated in the thick GaN layers. We found an upper limit of 1.25 × 1019 cm−3 for diffusing Mg atoms in both sample types. Owing to the marked influence of Mg segregation in Al0.1Ga0.9N, diffusion is only seen by using a GaN cap on top of the Al0.1Ga0.9N layer sequence. Diffusion in Al0.1Ga0.9N is shown to be increased by about 25%−30% compared to GaN. Post growth annealing experiments under conditions equivalent to those used for growth of the Mg doped samples showed negligible diffusion. Comparing the results to well established findings on other doped III-V compounds, diffusion is explained by an interstitial-substitutional mechanism with a diffusion coefficient, which is concentration dependent. Analysis of the temperature dependent diffusivity revealed an activation energy of 5.0 eV for GaN:Mg and 5.2 eV for Al0.1Ga0.9N:Mg.
Early Life History Variation in Hatchery‐ and Natural‐Origin Spring Chinook Salmon in the Yakima River, Washington
Authors: Larsen Donald A. , Harstad Deborah L. , Strom Charles R. , Johnston Mark V. , Knudsen Curtis M. , Fast David E. , Pearsons Todd N. , Beckman Brian R.
Published: February 2013

In male Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, age of maturation is phenotypically plastic, occurring at age 1 (referred to as precocious parr or microjack), age 2 (minijack), age 3 (jack), age 4, or age 5. Microjacks and minijacks are thought to forego migration to the ocean as smolts, instead remaining in headwaters and employing a “sneaking” strategy to fertilize eggs. We compared the prevalence of minijacks (minijack rate) among hatchery‐ and natural‐origin spring Chinook Salmon from the Yakima River, Washington, over seven brood years (2001–2007). We quantified minijack rates and sex ratios in the hatchery population prior to release and during out‐migration at a trap located 230 km downstream. Within this time period, we also monitored minijack rates in a 3‐year (brood years 2002–2004) growth study designed to reduce minijack production at the hatchery. Minijacks made up an average of 41% of the male population in the hatchery, but annual minijack rates varied in response to the growth rate or fish size at release. Average minijack rate was approximately 20% among out‐migrating hatchery fish, about half the rate found prior to release. Among out‐migrants, minijack rates of hatchery fish were approximately 10 times those of natural‐origin fish, but sex ratios were significantly skewed toward females in both hatchery‐ and natural‐origin groups. Data from this study and related studies suggest that the predominant age of early male maturation in the Yakima River and similar rivers is age 2 (minijack) in hatchery fish and age 1 (microjack) in natural‐origin fish. Based on this and other studies, we now recognize three minijack life history types in spring Chinook Salmon: resident, fluvial, and anadromous, depending on the migration pattern exhibited in the spring and summer. Finally, we discuss the broader impacts that high minijack production may have on the establishment of size‐at‐release targets for salmon supplementation programs in the future.
Superposition twinning supported by texture in ZnO nanospikes
Authors: Hrkac Viktor , Kienle Lorenz , Kaps Sören , Lotnyk Andriy , Mishra Yogendra Kumar , Schürmann Ulrich , Duppel Viola , Lotsch Bettina Valeska , Adelung Rainer
Published: February 2013

The morphology and real structure of wurtzite-type ZnO nanospikes grown by the recently introduced flame transport synthesis have been examined by means of advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The rapid synthesis produces nanospikes showing a well defined texture which restricts TEM experiments to a preferred viewing direction of [2 {\overline 1}{\overline 1}3]. Forced by the specific morphology, all of the observed nanospikes show a complicated superposition of twinned domains as an intrinsic real structural feature. The high-resolution contrasts are characterized by lamellar fringes parallel to the (1 {\overline 1} 0 {\overline 1}) planes, and the quasi-kinematic diffraction patterns contain satellite peaks based on multiple scattering. All these phenomena can be interpreted by comparison of experimental and simulated data relying on a supercell approach.
Dependence of the strain diffraction line broadening on (hkl) and sample direction in textured polycrystals
Authors: Popa Nicolae C. , Lungu George Adrian
Published: February 2013

A new phenomenological approach describing the dependence of the strain diffraction line breadth on direction in both crystal and sample is presented. For a negligibly small dependence on the direction in the sample, these models reduce to those for anisotropic strain broadening that already exist in the literature and which are implemented in popular Rietveld codes. The new model is appropriate for implementation in the Rietveld programs able to process simultaneously diffraction patterns recorded in multiple directions in a sample.
Neoproterozoic Volcanic Rocks in the Southern Quruqtagh of Northwest China: Geochemistry, Zircon Geochronology and Tectonic Implications
Authors: Yingli ZHANG , Zongqi WANG , Zhen YAN , Tao WANG
Published: February 2013

The Early Neoproterozoic Beiyixi Formation volcanic rocks of the southern Quruqtagh comprise mainly of a suite of tholeiitic basalts, alkaline andesites, and calc‐alkaline rhyolites. The rhyolites are characterized by variably fractionated enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE) and flat in heavy rare earth elements (HREE), and strongly negative Eu anomalies. Compared to the rhyolites, the andesites also exhibit enrichment in LREE and flat HREE (chondrite‐normalized values of La/Yb, and La/Sm are 13.30–41.09, 3.18–6.89 respectively). Their rare earth element patterns display minor negative Eu anomalies. Both of them exhibit coherent patterns with strongly to moderately negative anomalies of Nb, Zr, Ti, and Hf on spider diagrams. Two rhyolite and one andesite magmatic zircons with defined oscillatory zoning yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 743 ± 7 Ma, 741±2 Ma, and 727±4 Ma. These ages are interpreted to represent the riming of volcanic eruptions. According to geochemistry and rock type, these volcanic rocks formed within a continental island‐arc environment following subduction of the oceanic crust during the Early Neoproterozoic period.
Magnetic Fabric Study of Late Holocene Sediments in Huangqihai Lake, Inner Mongolia and its Sedimentary Significance
Authors: Jin DONG , Rui GAO , Yong WANG , Shihong ZHANG , Peiyi YAO , Zhenqing CHI , Zhili ZHAO
Published: February 2013

The detailed magnetic susceptibility anisotropy study on the sediments of two sections, which are located in the lake‐center and the lakeshore of the Huangqihai Lake, Inner Mongolia, revealed their hydrodynamics and sedimentary environment changes in the recent 2000 years. The results show that the sediments of two sections both display normal depositional magnetic fabrics, of which the minimum susceptibility axes (K3) are oriented perpendicular to the bedding plane and the maximum magnetic susceptibility axes (K1) lie parallel with the bedding plane. In addition, the lakeshore presents higher magnetic anisotropy degree (P), magnetic foliation (F) and current factor (Fs) than the lake‐center, showing that the lakeshore has higher flow velocity. For the west Huangqihai Lake (HQW) section in the lake‐center, the magnetic matrix grain degree (Q) and the inclination of the minimum susceptibility axes sharply increased and decreased, respectively, at a depth of about 10 cm, 24 cm, 45 cm and 74 cm, which indicate abnormal depositional events with strong kinetic energy. Through comparative analysis, the HQW section can be divided into three stages from top to bottom. The upper stage was a stable depositional environment with strong hydrodynamic energy and low water level, which shows relatively higher Fs value and the Q value varies similarly with P and F. The middle stage was a stable depositional environment with high water level and low hydrodynamic energy, intermitted with high‐energy abnormal events, which shows relatively lower Fs and the Q value was negatively correlated with P and F. The lower stage was an unstable depositional environment with low hydrodynamic energy and high water level, which shows relatively lower P, F, and Fs value.
Refractory chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men: can transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation help?
Authors: Schneider Marc P. , Tellenbach Marc , Mordasini Livio , Thalmann George N. , Kessler Thomas M.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for treating men with refractory chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).

Patients and Methods

A consecutive series of 60 men treated with TENS for refractory CPPS was evaluated prospectively at an academic tertiary referral centre.

The effects of treatment were evaluated by a pain diary and by the quality of life item of the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index at baseline, after 12 weeks of TENS treatment, and at last known follow‐up.

Adverse events related to TENS were also assessed.

Results

The mean (95% confidence interval, CI; range) age of the 60 men was 46.9 (43.5–50.3; 21–82) years.

TENS was successful after 12 weeks of treatment in 29 (48%) patients and a positive effect was sustained during a mean (95%, CI; range) follow‐up of 43.6 (33.2–56; 6–88) months in 21 patients. After 12 weeks of TENS treatment, mean (95% CI) pain visual analogue scale decreased significantly (P < 0.001) from 6.6 (6.3–6.9) to 3.9 (3.2–4.6).

Patients' quality of life changed significantly after TENS treatment (P < 0.001). Before TENS, all 60 patients felt mostly dissatisfied (n = 17; 28%), unhappy (n = 28; 47%) or terrible (n = 15; 25%). After 12 weeks of TENS treatment, 29 (48%) patients felt mostly satisfied (n = 5), pleased (n = 18) or delighted (n = 6).

No adverse events related to TENS were noted.

Conclusion

TENS may be an effective and safe treatment for refractory CPPS in men, warranting randomized, placebo‐controlled trials.
Macro and Microhabitat Associations of the Peter's Tent‐Roosting Bat (Uroderma bilobatum): Human‐Induced Selection and Colonization?
Authors: Sagot Maria , Rodríguez‐Herrera Bernal , Stevens Richard D.
Published: February 2013

Understanding species‐specific habitat selection is essential to identify how natural systems are assembled and maintained, and how emerging natural and anthropogenic disturbances will affect ecosystem function. In the Neotropics, Peter's tent‐roosting bat (Uroderma bilobatum), known to roost in forests, has become abundant in human‐modified areas. To understand how habitat characteristics in both intact forest and human‐modified areas influence the presence and density ofU. bilobatum,we characterized habitat use at two scales (macrohabitat and microhabitat) and used logistic and poisson regressions to determine which habitat characteristics best predicted the presence and density ofU. bilobatumwithin each scale. Moreover, we performed a redundancy analysis to determine which habitat scale explained more variation. As these bats are obligate tent roosters, we used tent as a surrogate for bat presence and density. We found that both macrohabitat and microhabitat scales explained variation in presence and density. Characteristics of the microhabitat scale, however, had higher predictive power, revealing thatU. bilobatumpreferentially inhabits areas with high density of coconut palms. Coconut palms were introduced recently in the Neotropics and are found only in human‐modified areas. Therefore, we hypothesize thatU. bilobatumis expanding its range into these areas following the expanded distribution of this exotic plant species.
Brinzolamide‐timolol fixed combination for the prevention of intraocular pressure elevation after phacoemulsification
Authors: Georgakopoulos Constantine D , Makri Olga E , Plotas Panagiotis , Pharmakakis Nikolaos
Published: February 2013

Background

To evaluate the efficacy of brinzolamide‐timolol fixed combination in intraocular pressure during the first 24 h after uneventful phacoemulsification cataract surgery using Viscoat and Provisc.

Design

Prospective randomized comparative case series.

Participants

Ninety‐two eyes of equal patients scheduled for phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Methods

Treatment group (52 eyes) received a drop of brinzolamide‐timolol fixed combination immediately after surgery. Control group (40 eyes) received no treatment.

Main Outcome Measures

Intraocular pressure preoperatively and at 6, 12 and 24 h postoperatively.

Results

Six hours after surgery the mean intraocular pressure decreased by 0.3 ± 2.95 mmHg (P > 0.05) in the treatment group and increased by 6.8 ± 2.78 mmHg (P < 0.001) in the control group. Twelve hours postoperatively, the mean intraocular pressure increased by 0.23 ± 3.49 mmHg (P > 0.05) in the treatment group and by 5.3 ± 3.26 mmHg (P < 0.001) in the control group. Twenty‐four hours after surgery, the mean intraocular pressure decreased by 1.76 ± 2.83 mmHg (P < 0.01) in the treatment group and in the control group increased by 1.4 ± 2.46 mmHg (P > 0.05). The intraocular pressure in the treatment group was statistically significantly lower compared with the control group at 6, 12 and 24 h postoperatively. None of the eyes in the treatment group had postoperative intraocular pressure elevation ≥10 mmHg; such an increase was recorded in 20% and 10% of control eyes at 6 and 12 h after surgery, respectively.

Conclusion

A single dose of brinzolamide‐timolol fixed combination after phacoemulsification cataract surgery prevented a significant intraocular pressure increase during the first 24 h postoperatively.
Feedback of Research Findings for Vaccine Trials: Experiences from Two Malaria Vaccine Trials Involving Healthy Children on the Kenyan Coast
Authors: Gikonyo Caroline , Kamuya Dorcas , Mbete Bibi , Njuguna Patricia , Olotu Ally , Bejon Philip , Marsh Vicki , Molyneux Sassy
Published: February 2013

Internationally, calls for feedback of findings to be made an ‘ethical imperative’ or mandatory have been met with both strong support and opposition. Challenges include differences in issues by type of study and context, disentangling between aggregate and individual study results, and inadequate empirical evidence on which to draw. In this paper we present data from observations and interviews with key stakeholders involved in feeding back aggregate study findings for two Phase II malaria vaccine trials among children under the age of 5 years old on the Kenyan Coast. In our setting, feeding back of aggregate findings was an appreciated set of activities. The inclusion of individual results was important from the point of view of both participants and researchers, to reassure participants of trial safety, and to ensure that positive results were not over‐interpreted and that individual level issues around blinding and control were clarified. Feedback sessions also offered an opportunity to re‐evaluate and re‐negotiate trial relationships and benefits, with potentially important implications for perceptions of and involvement in follow‐up work for the trials and in future research. We found that feedback of findings is a complex but key step in a continuing set of social interactions between community members and research staff (particularly field staff who work at the interface with communities), and among community members themselves; a step which needs careful planning from the outset. We agree with others that individual and aggregate results need to be considered separately, and that for individual results, both the nature and value of the information, and the context, including social relationships, need to be taken into account.
Chk1‐mediated phosphorylation of receptor‐associated late transducer at serine 250 increases its stability by stimulating its interaction with 14‐3‐3
Authors: Takeda Kenji , Takata Takanobu , Kawai Yasuyuki , Ishigaki Yasuhito , Kajinami Kouji
Published: February 2013

Receptor‐associated late transducer (RALT) acts as a negative feedback inhibitor of ErbB receptor signaling via physical interaction with ErbB. Although RALT contains a 14‐3‐3 binding motif (247‐RSHSGP‐252), little is known about the molecular basis and significance of binding to 14‐3‐3. Here, we report that 14‐3‐3 interacts with RALT in H9c2 and COS‐7 cells in a Ser‐250 phosphorylation‐dependent manner. An in vitro kinase assay showed that RALT is a substrate for checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1). Interaction between ectopically expressed RALT and endogenous 14‐3‐3 was partially suppressed by pretreatment with the Chk1 inhibitor, UCN‐01. In addition, expression of constitutively active Chk1 (Chk11‐365) resulted in increased phosphorylation of the RALT 14‐3‐3 binding motif and enhanced the interaction between RALT and 14‐3‐3θ. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy revealed that rapid trafficking of RALT to endosome‐like vesicle structures was decelerated by coexpression of Chk11‐365, whereas this coexpression had no significant impact on trafficking of the RALT S250A mutant. Finally, a cycloheximide chase assay indicated that coexpression of Chk11‐365 decelerated the degradation of ectopically expressed RALT, but not that of the S250A mutant. Collectively, these results suggest that Chk1 plays a role in regulating RALT protein stability by facilitating the interaction between 14‐3‐3 and RALT.
Factors affecting health status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Akinci Ayse Cil , Yildirim Erkan
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between the quality of life (QOL) and subjective dyspnoea, subjective fatigue, sleep quality, and the forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) % predicted value and collective contribution of these variables on QOL. The study was conducted with 102 patients. Pulmonary function tests (FEV1 % predicted value, FEV1/forced vital capacity), subjective dyspnoea, subjective fatigue, sleep quality were assessed. There were negative correlations between QOL total score and pulmonary function tests, positive correlations between QOL total score and subjective dyspnoea score, subjective fatigue and sleep quality total scores. In addition, subjective dyspnoea, subjective fatigue and sleep quality total scores and FEV1 % predicted value accounted for 68.1% of the variance on QOL. As a conclusion of these findings, it has been recommended that these variables should be considered when planning an approach towards improving the QOL in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Quality of life and comorbidity in localized malignant melanoma: results of a German population‐based cohort study
Authors: Schubert‐Fritschle Gabriele , Schlesinger‐Raab Anne , Hein Rüdiger , Stolz Wilhelm , Volkenandt Matthias , Hölzel Dieter , Engel Jutta
Published: February 2013

Background  Incidences of malignant melanoma continue to increase in fair‐skinned populations. At least 80% of patients are diagnosed with localized disease and can expect a 5‐year relative survival rate of >90%. Given that the median age at diagnosis of malignant melanoma is 59 years, many patients already suffer chronic diseases when they are confronted with cancer.

Objectives  The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of additional chronic diseases on health‐related quality of life (QoL) in a population‐based cohort of melanoma patients two years after presumably curative treatment.

Methods  In 2003–2004, 1085 patients with localized malignant melanoma were recruited from the population‐based Munich Cancer Registry to answer validated QoL questionnaires. Information about comorbidities was also obtained. Factors predicting QoL were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models.

Results  A total of 781 patients (72%) returned completed questionnaires, of which 664 (61%) could be included in the analyses. Quality of life scores and differences in subgroups (e.g. sex and age) were essentially similar to those in the general population. Age, number of comorbidities, and several chronic diseases (e.g. heart and kidney disease, diabetes, former depression) were the strongest predicting factors and influenced almost every aspect of QoL.

Conclusions  Localized malignant melanoma does not worsen QoL per se, compared with QoL in the general population. Comorbidities have similar effects on QoL in malignant melanoma patients as they do in the general population. Therefore, cohorts of patients with localized malignant melanoma can represent a basis for comparisons with other cohorts of cancer patients to determine the respective impacts of cancer‐related and non‐cancer‐related factors on QoL.
Surveillance and State Violence in Stroessner's Paraguay: Itaipú Hydroelectric Dam, Archive of Terror
Authors: Folch Christine
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT  Like other dictators, Paraguay's Alfredo Stroessner staked his regime's claims to modernity on a massive hydroelectric project, Itaipú Dam. Critiques of dams tend to focus on environmental degradation caused by flooding, forced displacement of communities, and fiscal malfeasance. But Itaipú, the world's largest dam, also participated in the Stroessner regime's secret police terror apparatus. A series of formerly classified documents about Itaipú Dam show how the secret police used the dam in its security and intelligence apparatus to violently suppress any opposition. They also reveal how the opposition to the Stronato grew and mobilized around the dam. By interlacing these two threads, this historical ethnography explores “hydroelectric statecraft” in Itaipú Dam—that is, how the harnessing of the dam's resources has given rise to particular political practices and structures within Paraguay.
On the Potential and Problems of Pentecostal Exchange
Authors: Haynes Naomi
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT In this article, I draw on ethnography from the Zambian Copperbelt to examine the social productivity of the Pentecostal prosperity gospel, a Christian movement centered on the idea that it is God's will for believers to be wealthy. In the light of the challenges that recent economic history has posed to Copperbelt relational life, Pentecostalism has become an important source of hierarchy—and, therefore, of social organization. This social productivity is evident in the complex patterns of exchange that emerge as believers make gifts to God and religious leaders. An analysis of Pentecostal exchange reveals that the hierarchical relationships forged through religious adherence are often in danger of being undermined by economic concerns, and prosperity gospel practice is therefore continually mobilized to protect these ties. In this discussion, I foreground the position of Pentecostalism among the repertoire of ideas, practices, and beliefs involved in negotiating social life in times of economic uncertainty.
Class Habitus: Middle‐Class Chinese Immigrant Parents' Investment in Their Newcomer Adolescents' L2 Acquisition and Social Integration
Authors: Chao Xia
Published: February 2013

This ethnographic case study explores how two middle‐class Chinese immigrant parents in a southeastern U.S. city facilitate their newcomer adolescents' second language acquisition and social integration. Data show that parents' inadequate English proficiency may not be a fixed constraining factor; their class habitus and cultural capital may enable them to work as change agents in their adolescents' integration process. This study highlights the positive impact of parents' active social integration on that of their adolescents. [middle‐class Chinese immigrant parents, class habitus, newcomer adolescents, L2 acquisition, social integration]
Optimal Boundary Control of Reaction–Diffusion Partial Differential Equations via Weak Variations
Authors: Moura Scott J. , Fathy Hosam K.
Published: February 2013

This paper derives linear quadratic regulator (LQR) results for boundary-controlled parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs) via weak variations. Research on optimal control of PDEs has a rich 40-year history. This body of knowledge relies heavily on operator and semigroup theory. Our research distinguishes itself by deriving existing LQR results from a more accessible set of mathematics, namely weak-variational concepts. Ultimately, the LQR controller is computed from a Riccati PDE that must be derived for each PDE model under consideration. Nonetheless, a Riccati PDE is a significantly simpler object to solve than an operator Riccati equation, which characterizes most existing results. To this end, our research provides an elegant and accessible method for practicing engineers who study physical systems described by PDEs. Simulation examples, closed-loop stability analyses, comparisons to alternative control methods, and extensions to other models are also included.
Stimulation of de Novo Pyrimidine Synthesis by Growth Signaling Through mTOR and S6K1
Authors: Ben-Sahra Issam , Howell Jessica J. , Asara John M. , Manning Brendan D.
Published: February 2013

Coordinating Metabolism

Growth factors help to coordinate metabolism with growth in part by stimulating the activity of the protein kinase mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1).

Ben-Sahra
et al.

(p.
1323
, published online 21 February) and

Robitaille
et al.

(p.
1320
, published online 21 February) independently identified a key target of mTORC1—carbamolyl-phosphate synthase 2, or CAD, the rate-limiting enzyme for de novo synthesis of pyrimidines. Metabolomic profiling and phosphoproteomic analyses of normal cells and cells lacking signaling by mTORC1 converged on CAD as a key point at which growth-promoting signals also ramp up production of nucleic acids.
Draft Genome Sequence of Herbaspirillum huttiense subsp.
putei
IAM 15032, a Strain Isolated from Well Water
Authors: de Souza Vanely , Piro Vitor C. , Faoro Helisson , Tadra-Sfeir Michelle Z. , Chicora Vanessa K. , Guizelini Dieval , Weiss Vinicius , Vialle Ricardo A. , Monteiro Rose A. , Steffens Maria Berenice R. , Marchaukoski Jeroniza N. , Pedrosa Fabio O. , Cruz Leonardo M. , Chubatsu Leda S. , Raittz Roberto T.
Published: February 2013

Here we report the one-scaffold draft genome of
Herbaspirillum huttiense
subsp.
putei
strain 7-2
T
(IAM 15032), which was isolated from well water.
Effect of time since exposure toChlamydia trachomatison chlamydia antibody detection in women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Horner Patrick J , Wills Gillian S , Reynolds Rosy , Johnson Anne M , Muir David A , Winston Alan , Broadbent Andrew J , Parker David , McClure Myra O
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To investigate what factors influence the detection ofChlamydia trachomatisantibody following genital tract infection.

Methods

One hundred and sixty-four women with a previous history ofC trachomatisinfection contributed to an earlier report on the performance of chlamydia antibody ELISA assays. We undertook further analysis to explore how chlamydia antibody assay sensitivity changes with time since infection.

Results

Chlamydia antibody was detected in more women soon after the last detection of chlamydia at the lower genital tract than at later times. This holds true for all tests, but the Anilabsystems IgG EIA, Medac pELISAplusELISA and the Savyon SeroCT-IgG ELISA were less sensitive than the pgp3 ELISA and the Anilabsystems microimmunofluorescence (MIF) assay at all time points except during current infection. Fall in seropositivity in women generally occurred in the early weeks and months following the last episode of chlamydia infection. There was no clear pattern of further reduction in seropositivity after 6 months. Multiple previous episodes were associated with increased seropositivity in the pgp3 assay (two or more vs one, OR 19, p<0.001) and other tests, but the effect was significantly smaller for the Anilabs, Medac and SeroCT MOMP peptide ELISAs, but not for the MIF assay.

Conclusions

Chlamydia antibody detection decreases with time since infection and this is most apparent in the first 6 months. In women who have had more than one infection, antibody remained detectable longer for all tests, but this was more marked for the pgp3 ELISA and MIF assay.
In equine grass sickness, serum amyloid A and fibrinogen are elevated, and can aid differential diagnosis from non‐inflammatory causes of colic
Authors: Copas V. E. N. , Durham A. E. , Stratford C. H. , McGorum B. C. , Waggett B. , Pirie R. S.
Published: February 2013

Equine grass sickness (EGS) is a debilitating and often fatal neurodegenerative disease. A presumptive diagnosis of EGS may be made on the basis of clinical signs and subjective ancillary tests, but a definitive antemortem diagnosis can only be made following histopathological examination of intestinal biopsies. It has previously been reported that horses with EGS may show clinical and clinicopathological signs of systemic inflammation. The objective of this study was to (a) quantify acute inflammatory markers in blood samples collected from acute, subacute and chronic EGS cases, and (b) compare them with (i) clinically normal horses co‐grazing with acute EGS cases (co‐grazers), (ii) horses with other causes of colic and (iii) healthy horses. Serum amyloid A (SAA), serum activin A and plasma fibrinogen were quantified. There were marked increases in SAA and fibrinogen in EGS cases compared with healthy horses, co‐grazers and non‐inflammatory colic cases. The concentrations of SAA and fibrinogen in EGS cases were not significantly different from inflammatory colic cases. When concentrations of SAA, fibrinogen and activin A in each EGS subgroup were compared, no significant differences were detected. Activin A concentrations were significantly elevated in EGS cases and co‐grazing horses; this could reflect the presence of subclinical disease in some horses that do not develop clinical signs of EGS, and suggests widespread exposure to the aetiological agent. When faced with sparse antemortem diagnostic techniques, identification of marked increases in acute phase protein concentrations may help to differentiate EGS from other causes of abdominal pain, such as intestinal obstructions; however, there could be diagnostic difficulty in differentiating other inflammatory abdominal conditions, such as peritonitis or enteritis.
EMPIRICAL SURVEY OF NEUTRINOLESS DOUBLE BETA DECAY MATRIX ELEMENTS
Authors: ROBERTSON R. G. H.
Published: February 2013

Neutrinoless double beta decay has been the subject of intensive theoretical work as it represents the only practical approach to discovering whether neutrinos are Majorana particles or not, and whether lepton number is a conserved quantum number. Available calculations of matrix elements and phase-space factors are reviewed from the perspective of a future large-scale experimental search for 0νββ decay. Somewhat unexpectedly, a uniform inverse correlation between phase-space and the square of the nuclear matrix element emerges. As a consequence, no isotope is either favored or disfavored; all have qualitatively the same decay rate per unit mass for any given value of the Majorana mass.
Pseudobulbar Dysarthria in the Initial Stage of Motor Neuron Disease with Dementia: A Clinicopathological Report of Two Autopsied Cases
Authors: Ishihara Kenji , Araki Shigeo , Ihori Nami , Suzuki Yoshio , Shiota Jun-ichi , Arai Nobutaka , Nakano Imaharu , Kawamura Mitsuru
Published: February 2013

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features of two cases of neurodegenerative disease, whose initial symptoms were motor speech disorder and dementia, brought to autopsy. We compared the distributions of pathological findings with the clinical features. The main symptom of speech disorder was dysarthria, involving low pitch, slow rate, hypernasality and hoarseness. Other than these findings, effortful speech, sound prolongation and initial difficulty were observed. Moreover, repetition of multisyllables was severely impaired compared to monosyllables. Repetition and comprehension of words and sentences were not impaired. Neither atrophy nor fasciculation of the tongue was observed. Both cases showed rapid progression to mutism within a few years. Neuropathologically, frontal lobe degeneration including the precentral gyrus was observed. The bilateral pyramidal tracts also showed severe degeneration. However, the nucleus of the hypoglossal nerve showed only mild degeneration. These findings suggest upper motor neuron dominant motor neuron disease with dementia. We believe the results indicate a subgroup of motor neuron disease with dementia whose initial symptoms involve pseudobulbar palsy and dementia, and which shows rapid progression to mutism.
Chemotherapy ± Cetuximab Modulates Peripheral Immune Responses in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xynos Ioannis D. , Karadima Maria L. , Voutsas Ioannis F. , Amptoulach Sousana , Skopelitis Elias , Kosmas Christos , Gritzapis Angelos D. , Tsavaris Nikolas
Published: February 2013

Objective: To identify changes in peripheral immune responses in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with irinotecan/5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (IFL) alone or in combination with cetuximab (C-IFL). Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from healthy donors (n = 20) and patients with mCRC receiving treatment with either IFL (n = 30) or C-IFL (n = 30) were tested for cytokine production upon polyclonal stimulation with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, T cell proliferation in the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (auto-MLR) and T regulatory cell (Treg) frequency. The respective results were evaluated over two treatment cycles and further assessed in relation to response to treatment. Results: PBMCs prior to treatment exhibited significantly lower production of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-18 cytokines and lower auto-MLR responses, whereas Treg frequency, IL-4, IL-10 cytokines were increased compared to healthy donors. During treatment, IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-18 and auto-MLR responses increased, while Treg frequency and IL-10 secretion decreased significantly compared to the baseline. Responders to treatment exhibited a significantly higher increase in IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-18 production and auto-MLR responses, and higher decrease in IL-4, IL-10 secretion and Treg frequency. Among all patient subgroups analysed, responders to C-IFL demonstrated significantly higher increase in auto-MLR responses, IL-12 and IL-18 secretion and higher decrease in Treg frequency. Conclusion: The disturbed immune parameters observed in patients with mCRC at presentation can be significantly improved during treatment with IFL and this effect can be potentiated by the addition of cetuximab. Monitoring of the peripheral immune system function could be used as surrogate marker in predicting treatment-related outcome.
Secretory versus Degradative Autophagy: Unconventional Secretion of Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: Jiang Shanya , Dupont Nicolas , Castillo Eliseo F. , Deretic Vojo
Published: February 2013

Autophagy (macroautophagy) is often defined as a degradative process and a tributary of the lysosomal pathway. In this context, autophagy carries out cytoplasmic quality control and nutritional functions by removing defunct or disused organelles, particulate targets and invading microbes, and by bulk digestion of the cytoplasm. However, recent studies indicate that autophagy surprisingly affects multiple secretory pathways. Autophagy participates in extracellular delivery of a number of cytosolic proteins that do not enter the conventional secretory pathway via the Golgi apparatus but are instead unconventionally secreted directly from the cytosol. In mammalian cells, a prototypical example of this manifestation of autophagy is the unconventional secretion of a major proinflammatory cytokine, IL-1β. This review examines the concept of secretory autophagy and compares and contrasts the role of autophagy in the secretion of IL-1α and IL-1β. Although IL-1α and IL-1β have closely related extracellular inflammatory functions, they differ in intracellular activation, secretory mechanisms and how they are affected by autophagy. This example indicates that the role of autophagy in secretion is more complex, at least in mammalian cells, than the simplistic view that autophagosomes provide carriers for unconventional secretion of cytosolic proteins.
A Pressure-Based Analysis of the Historical Western North Pacific Tropical Cyclone Intensity Record
Authors: Knapp Kenneth R. , Knaff John A. , Sampson Charles R. , Riggio Gustavo M. , Schnapp Adam D.
Published: February 2013

The western North Pacific Ocean is the most active tropical cyclone (TC) basin. However, recent studies are not conclusive on whether the TC activity is increasing or decreasing, at least when calculations are based on maximum sustained winds. For this study, TC minimum central pressure data are analyzed in an effort to better understand historical typhoons. Best-track pressure reports are compared with aircraft reconnaissance observations; little bias is observed. An analysis of wind and pressure relationships suggests changes in data and practices at numerous agencies over the historical record. New estimates of maximum sustained winds are calculated using recent wind–pressure relationships and parameters from International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) data. The result suggests potential reclassification of numerous typhoons based on these pressure-based lifetime maximum intensities. Historical documentation supports these new intensities in many cases. In short, wind reports in older best-track data are likely of low quality. The annual activity based on pressure estimates is found to be consistent with aircraft reconnaissance and between agencies; however, reconnaissance ended in the western Pacific in 1987. Since then, interagency differences in maximum wind estimates noted here and by others also exist in the minimum central pressure reports. Reconciling these recent interagency differences is further exasperated by the lack of adequate ground truth. This study suggests efforts to intercalibrate the interagency intensity estimate methods. Conducting an independent and homogeneous reanalysis of past typhoon activity is likely necessary to resolve the remaining discrepancies in typhoon intensity records.
Economic resilience and entrepreneurship: A case study of the Thessaloniki City Region
Authors: Williams Nick , Vorley Tim , Ketikidis Panayiotis H
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between economic resilience and entrepreneurship in City Regions. ‘Resilience’ is an emerging concept, which has been employed to examine economic performance and responsiveness to exogenous shocks, such as financial crisis and recession. Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders in the Thessaloniki City Region, Greece, this article contributes to the emergent literature by examining the link between economic resilience and entrepreneurship. The article finds that entrepreneurship is integral to promoting the diversification and capacity building of city region economies, with the external shock of the Eurozone crisis and austerity challenging areas such as the Thessaloniki City Region to rethink their economic structure. The article concludes that entrepreneurship is critical to restructuring and adaption of city region economies before drawing a series of recommendations concerning the wider policy implications of the study.