bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The MI bundle: enabling network and structural biology in genome visualization tools
Authors: Céol Arnaud , Müller Heiko
Published: July 2015

Summary: Prioritization of candidate genes emanating from large-scale screens requires integrated analyses at the genomics, molecular, network and structural biology levels. We have extended the Integrated Genome Browser (IGB) to facilitate these tasks. The graphical user interface greatly simplifies building disease networks and zooming in at atomic resolution to identify variations in molecular complexes that may affect molecular interactions in the context of genomic data. All results are summarized in genome tracks and can be visualized and analyzed at the transcript level.

Availability and implementation: The MI Bundle is a plugin for the IGB. The plugin, help, video and tutorial are available at http://cru.genomics.iit.it/igbmibundle/ and https://github.com/CRUiit/igb-mi-bundle/wiki. The source code is released under the Apache License, Version 2.

Contact:  arnaud.ceol@iit.it

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Magna Carta: Its Confirmation at Simon de Montfort’s Parliament of 1265
Authors: Ambler S.T.
Published: July 2015

During the course of the parliament held between January and March 1265 by the revolutionary council led by Simon de Montfort, earl of Leicester, Henry III confirmed Magna Carta. Although the significance of Montfort’s parliament has been debated throughout the intervening centuries, its role in the story of Magna Carta has generally been forgotten. This is probably because it is not generally appreciated that the text of the 1265 confirmation of Magna Carta still survives. The confirmation was not enrolled on the Charter Rolls and no engrossments have been discovered. Yet the text has been preserved in four copies, three of them giving the witness list detailing those who endorsed the confirmation. It supplies extremely valuable evidence for the nature of the Montfortian support base at this momentous parliament, as well as for the strategies that Montfort’s council pursued to entrench its authority. It is the purpose of the present article to bring attention to this little-known text, to make its contents more accessible by providing a transcription and translation and to discuss its context and significance.
Guarding Against False Positives in Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Braumoeller Bear F.
Published: July 2015

The various methodological techniques that fall under the umbrella description of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) are increasingly popular for modeling causal complexity and necessary or sufficient conditions in medium-N settings. Because QCA methods are not designed as statistical techniques, however, there is no way to assess the probability that the patterns they uncover are the result of chance. Moreover, the implications of the multiple hypothesis tests inherent in these techniques for the false positive rate of the results are not widely understood. This article fills both gaps by tailoring a simple permutation test to the needs of QCA users and adjusting the Type I error rate of the test to take into account the multiple hypothesis tests inherent in QCA. An empirical application–a reexamination of a study of protest-movement success in the Arab Spring–highlights the need for such a test by showing that even very strong QCA results may plausibly be the result of chance.
Applying Phytophthora ramorum Inoculum to Hosts: A New Method That Simulates Overhead Irrigation
Authors: Rollins Lucy , Elliott Marianne , Chastagner Gary
Published: July 2015

The inoculum threshold for Phytophthora ramorum in irrigation water required for infection of plant material was investigated using a novel pressurized device designed to deliver zoospore inoculum in a way that simulated certain aspects of overhead irrigation. The measured-inoculum spray applicator (MISA) was made from plastic plumbing parts and worked by spraying measured volumes of pressurized zoospore inoculum onto plant material through an adjustable misting nozzle attached to the bottom of the device. Pressurization and spraying of P. ramorum zoospores through the MISA did not significantly affect zoospore viability or infectivity on wounded and non-wounded detached Rhododendron x ‘Nova Zembla’ leaves under controlled laboratory conditions. An inoculum threshold of 51 zoospores/ml was found for infection of Rhododendron leaves by P. ramorum using regression analysis. The MISA can potentially be used to simulate overhead irrigation in research involving pathogenic Phytophthora spp., and the results of the current research may assist nursery managers, property owners, and regulatory agencies in assessing the risk of using P. ramorum infested water for irrigation within nurseries and private landscapes.

Accepted for publication 19 June 2015. Published 26 June 2015.
Temperature Influences Persistence of Chlorothalonil and Iprodione on Creeping Bentgrass Foliage
Authors: Koch P. L. , Kerns J. P.
Published: July 2015

Fungicides play a critical role in the management of plant diseases, yet the impact of temperature on foliar fungicide persistence remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the relative persistence of chlorothalonil and iprodione on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) leaf blades at 10, 20, and 30°C during two separate experiments in 2011. A commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess the relative concentration of both fungicides remaining both on and within the leaf tissue. Dissipation of both fungicides was greatest at 30°C and slowest at 10°C, while dissipation at 20°C was intermediate between 10 and 30°C and often not statistically different from either of the temperatures. Iprodione half-life over both trials averaged 51.2 days at 10°C, 7.8 days at 20°C, and 4.0 days at 30°C. Chlorothalonil half-life averaged 9.5 days, 4.3 days, and 4.0 days at 10, 20, and 30°C, respectively. These results indicate that fungicide persistence decreases with increasing temperature, which may help explain why fungicides more commonly fail to provide adequate disease protection during periods of hot temperatures.

Accepted for publication 27 June 2015. Published 1 July 2015.
A Rapid and Efficient Method for Evaluation of Suspect Testimony: Palynological Scanning
Authors: Wiltshire Patricia E. J. , Hawksworth David L. , Edwards Kevin J.
Published: July 2015

A rapid method for evaluating suspect testimony is valuable at any stage in an inquiry and can result in a change of direction in an investigation. Rape cases, in particular, can present problems where a defendant renders DNA analysis redundant by claiming that the claimant consented to have sexual relations. Forensic palynology is valuable in confirming or eliminating locations as being crime scenes, thus checking the testimony of both parties. In contrast to some forensic disciplines, forensic palynology can provide critical information without time‐consuming full analysis. Two cases are described where the palynological assemblages from comparator samples of pertinent places were compared with those obtained from clothing of claimants and defendants. The results of rapid microscopical scanning of relevant preparations led to early confessions, thus obviating the need for costly analyses and protracted court proceedings. A third case demonstrates the unbiased nature of this technique where a man, although innocent of any offense, lied about having visited the crime scene for fear of prosecution. This highlights the need for sensitive policing in claims of rape.
Craniofacial Superimposition: Historical Review and Current Issues
Authors: Ubelaker Douglas H.
Published: July 2015

Methodology of craniofacial superimposition has evolved dramatically since its inception in the early 20th century. Contemporary approaches involve advanced procedures of digitization, use of video cameras, warping algorithms, skull positioning devices and data derived from computed tomography, radiography, and ultrasound technology. Applications have proven most useful in exclusion and casework frequency has declined in some regions in recent years as molecular approaches to identification have become more widely available. Additional research is needed to clarify the probabilities involved and to facilitate comparisons when the technique is employed.
Suicidal Fatality from Azide Ingestion
Authors: Meatherall Robert , Oleschuk Curtis
Published: July 2015

A 35‐year‐old man ingested an unknown amount of sodium azide and died within 2 h. The postmortem interval was 3 days. No alcohol or drugs were found in the blood and urine. Azide was derivatized in the peripheral blood, urine, and vitreous fluid with propionic anhydride. A portion of the headspace was injected onto a gas chromatograph with a nitrogen–phosphorus detector. Azide was quantitated in the peripheral blood (1.1 μg/mL), urine (7.5 μg/mL), and vitreous (43 μg/mL). The vitreous appears to be a better fluid for azide screening because of slower degradation.
Comparison of Four Saliva Detection Methods to Identify Expectorated Blood Spatter
Authors: Park Hee‐Yeon , Son Bu‐Nam , Seo Young‐Il , Lim Si‐Keun
Published: July 2015

Blood spatter analysis is an important step for crime scene reconstruction. The presence of saliva in blood spatter could indicate expectorated blood which is difficult to distinguish from impact spatter. In this study, four saliva test methods (SALIgAE®, Phadebas® sheet, RSID™‐Saliva kit, and starch gel diffusion) were compared to identify the best method for detecting expectorated blood spatter. The RSID™‐Saliva kit showed the highest sensitivity even when saliva was mixed with blood, and was not inhibited by the presence of blood. The SALIgAE® test provided easy and rapid results, but the yellow color of a positive reaction was overwhelmed by the red color of the blood. The starch gel diffusion method and the Phadebas® sheet exhibited relatively low sensitivity and the assay took a long time. When using the RSID™‐Saliva kit for identifying saliva in blood, results should be read within 10 min.
Background Levels of Salivary‐α‐amylase Plus Foreign DNA in Cases of Oral Intercourse: a Female Perspective
Authors: Breathnach Michelle , Moore Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

Saliva plus DNA from a suspect is commonly encountered in sexual assault cases on bodily swabs. However, without background knowledge, the weight of this evidence is unknown. It may indicate the presence of saliva resulting from cunnilingus, or it may represent indirect transfer. In this study, females who refrained from cunnilingus donated 43 items of underwear and 19 vaginal swabs. The samples were subjected to Phadebas®, RSID™‐Saliva and mRNA profiling and were subsequently DNA‐profiled to determine the prevalence of background saliva in the female population. The results report that 15.8% of females who refrained from cunnilingus were positive for saliva and a further 10.5% also had DNA from unknown source(s). These findings of the rate of indirect transfer were evaluated with the Bayesian approach, and it was found that the evidence of saliva plus a high foreign DNA source adds moderately strong support to the allegation of cunnilingus.
A Nonlinear Least Squares Approach to Time of Death Estimation Via Body Cooling
Authors: Rodrigo Marianito R.
Published: July 2015

The problem of time of death (TOD) estimation by body cooling is revisited by proposing a nonlinear least squares approach that takes as input a series of temperature readings only. Using a reformulation of the Marshall–Hoare double exponential formula and a technique for reducing the dimension of the state space, an error function that depends on the two cooling rates is constructed, with the aim of minimizing this function. Standard nonlinear optimization methods that are used to minimize the bivariate error function require an initial guess for these unknown rates. Hence, a systematic procedure based on the given temperature data is also proposed to determine an initial estimate for the rates. Then, an explicit formula for the TOD is given. Results of numerical simulations using both theoretical and experimental data are presented, both yielding reasonable estimates. The proposed procedure does not require knowledge of the temperature at death nor the body mass. In fact, the method allows the estimation of the temperature at death once the cooling rates and the TOD have been calculated. The procedure requires at least three temperature readings, although more measured readings could improve the estimates. With the aid of computerized recording and thermocouple detectors, temperature readings spaced 10–15 min apart, for example, can be taken. The formulas can be straightforwardly programmed and installed on a hand‐held device for field use.
The Food Preferences of the Blow Fly Lucilia cuprina Offered Human Blood, Semen and Saliva, and Various Nonhuman Foods Sources
Authors: Durdle Annalisa , Mitchell Robert J. , van Oorschot Roland A. H.
Published: July 2015

As human DNA profiles can be obtained from blow fly artifacts, this study aimed to establish the feeding preferences of Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) blow flies when offered human biological fluids and nonhuman food sources. One‐day‐old and 3‐day‐old blow flies of both sexes were simultaneously offered human blood, semen and saliva, pet food, canned tuna and honey, and the number and length of visits documented over 6 h. One‐day‐old flies visited pet food and honey most often, but stayed longest on honey and semen. Three‐day‐old flies visited semen and pet food most often, and stayed longest on these food sources. Blood and saliva were the least preferred options for all flies. Overall, flies preferred dry blood and semen to the wet forms. These findings demonstrate that even when other food sources are available, flies at a crime scene may feed on human biological fluids if present, potentially transferring human DNA.
Less is More—Optimization of DNA Extraction from Canine Feces
Authors: Lindquist Christina D. , Wictum Elizabeth J.
Published: July 2015

Although most DNA crime laboratories may not encounter fecal samples often, they are a familiar sample type in non‐human forensic laboratories due to their prevalence in the environment. Fecal matter can be challenging due to low numbers of nucleated cells and the presence of inhibitors that impede amplification success. Sampling location (internal vs. external), sampling quantity (10–200 mg), and various extraction protocols (silica matrix, bead beating, and clean‐up column) were evaluated to maximize DNA yield. The greatest yield of intact DNA was obtained using a modified silica matrix extraction protocol (VGL‐Fecal) on 30–50 mg of fecal matter collected from the external surface of a stool that had been dried for 24 h. This optimized sampling and extraction protocol was applied to a pilot study where DNA yield and genotyping success were evaluated. By optimizing our collection, sampling, and extraction procedures, a reliable method for maximizing the yield of canine fecal DNA was developed.
An Unusual Method of Suicidal Ligature Strangulation
Authors: Pramanik Parthasarathi
Published: July 2015

This article reports a case of suicidal strangulation by ligature of a 51‐year‐old woman with a psychiatric disorder. She had been suffering from depression with a history of previous suicidal attempt. The deceased accomplished self‐strangulation using two ligatures, with one placed above the other and consisting of a satin fabric and a shoelace. The underlying shoelace ligature was fastened by a secure fixed square knot at the back of the neck. The overlying fabric piece was tied with a half‐knot under the chin and was tightened around the neck manually. A detailed investigation and autopsy examination strongly suggests suicide. The case is of interest due to its rarity and uncommon method of execution.
Permanent Ocular Injury Following Paintball Pellet Hit: A Medicolegal Case
Authors: Ghazanfari‐Nasrabad Mahdi , Amrollahi‐Sharifabadi Mohammad , Kargar‐Bideh Omidreza , Azizi‐Sharifabad Saeed
Published: July 2015

Paintball is a ubiquitous recreation, with severe and occasionally irreversible injuries. In this study, a rare medicolegal case of paintball‐related closed globe blunt ocular injury was described. An 18‐year‐old boy who was hit in his right eye by a paintball pellet presented with severe eye pain and blurred vision. Ophthalmologic examinations showed lid edema, conjunctival hyperemia, conjunctival laceration, subconjunctival hemorrhage, corneal edema, anterior vitreous hemorrhage, congested sclera, commotio retinae, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhage, macular edema, and macular hole. After maximum medical improvement, the patient who sustained incurable maculopathy and decreased visual acuity was referred to the legal medicine center for appraisal of the impairment. AMA Guides was used to assess the impairment of the functional vision. Despite his monocular visual defect, the patient was rated in the range of mild vision loss namely AMA class 1 with 22 percentage visual system impairment.
A Death Involving a Fired and Deflected Bullet: A Case Report from Lyon University Institute of Forensic Science, France
Authors: Maujean Géraldine , Guinet Tiphaine , Malicier Daniel
Published: July 2015

In case of gunshot deaths, atypical wounds can make the distinction between entrance and exit wounds harder. They may be due either to anatomical reasons or to diverse cogent ballistic arguments. The reported case pertains to a fatal hunting accident involving an expanded conical point bullet against the neck with both atypical entrance and exit wounds. Ballistic analyses including test firings allowed a better understanding of the external and internal findings. Upon premature impact with an intermediary target, the bullet experienced expansion in the formation of sharp brass petals responsible for a star‐shaped entry wound. The trajectory of the deformed high energy projectile through the victim's body was then deviated by the cervical column, causing it to be tangential to the skin when exiting the body. The description of such atypical cases may benefit other experts and may assist in their investigation into similar cases.
Analgesia for labour: an evidence‐based insight for the obstetrician
Authors: Alleemudder Djavid I , Kuponiyi Yemi , Kuponiyi Charlotte , McGlennan Alan , Fountain Shaun , Kasivisvanathan Ramanathan
Published: July 2015

Key content

The rising trend in levels of advanced care for women in labour has prompted the recommendation for the development of safe and effective alternatives to regional analgesia.

The most powerful influence on a woman's satisfaction with pain relief appears to be the attitude and behaviour of her caregiver.

Despite the continued lack of any high‐powered randomised controlled trials, there are a number of simple and safe non‐pharmacological options available for pain relief.

Evidence suggests that intramuscular diamorphine is a better analgesic than intramuscular pethidine.

Remifentanil patient‐controlled analgesia has emerged as an alternative to regional anaesthesia but there are concerns with its safety.

Epidural analgesia remains the most effective form of pain relief for labour.

Learning objectives

To provide an overview of the different types of analgesia available for labour.

To understand the mechanism of action, dosages and adverse effect profiles of pharmacological analgesics.

To discuss regional analgesia and their indications and contraindications.

Ethical issues

Should regional analgesia be offered on request to women who are at or near full dilatation?

Should all women with a raised body mass index be encouraged to have an early epidural in labour?

What is an acceptable time to wait for an epidural in labour?
Manual vacuum aspiration: an outpatient alternative for surgical management of miscarriage
Authors: Sharma Mona
Published: July 2015

Key content

Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) is a safe and effective alternative method for surgical management of miscarriage.

MVA can be performed in the outpatient setting under local anaesthesia.

MVA reduces patient waiting time for surgery, cost of hospital stay and avoids general anaesthesia‐related complications and increases patient choice.

Complication rates are similar to those of electric vacuum aspiration carried out under general anaesthesia in the operating theatre.

The necessary skills are easy to acquire and require minimal additional training and resources.

Learning objectives

To understand the indications, procedure and advantages of MVA.

To review the data on effectiveness and complications of MVA.

To review the feasibility of implementing the service in National Health Service hospitals while delivering a quality service which is safe, cost‐effective and acceptable.

Ethical issues

How safe is it to perform MVA in an outpatient setting?

Is it ethical to perform MVA under local anaesthesia, in emotionally vulnerable miscarrying women?

Is the outpatient department an ideal setting in which to train doctors to perform MVA?
Impact of obesity on the health of women in midlife
Authors: Lumsden Mary Ann , Hor Kahyee
Published: July 2015

Key content

Obesity is a major public health issue worldwide and lifestyle factors affecting weight should be addressed at every opportunity.

Weight gain is not affected by the menopause or administration of hormone replacement therapy.

Menopause favours the development of central adiposity.

Obesity is a risk factor for menopausal symptoms and depression.

Increased adiposity affects the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal function, which may manifest as menstrual dysfunction and late onset of menopause.

Learning objectives

To understand the impact of obesity on both general and reproductive health in women in midlife.

To understand the pathophysiology underlying these changes.

To understand the significance of fat distribution on metabolism and disease.

Ethical issues

While there is evidence that there is a genetic predisposition towards obesity, lifestyle is also recognised as a significant risk factor.

The cost of obesity to the UK National Health Service is huge and it is a potentially avoidable problem.
Diagnosing adnexal tumours before surgery: a critical appraisal of recent evidence
Authors: Kaijser Jeroen , Van Hoorde Kirsten , Van Calster Ben , Bourne Tom , Vergote Ignace , Timmerman Dirk
Published: July 2015

Key content

Introduction to preoperative classification of ovarian and tubal neoplasms.

A discussion of existing guidelines by professional societies.

Updated evidence and new strategies for preoperative diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Evidence‐based recommendations for the diagnosis and characterisation of adnexal masses.

Areas of future interest in the field of adnexal tumour diagnosis.

Learning objectives

To understand the importance of accurate preoperative discrimination of adnexal tumours to ensure optimal patient management.

To critically appraise current guidelines by professional societies.

To discuss findings from a recent systematic review and meta‐analysis, and two diagnostic accuracy studies comparing different types of prediction models for ovarian cancer diagnosis.

To understand the advantages and disadvantages of different International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA) prediction models.

Ethical issues

Consequences of misclassification of ovarian and tubal masses.

Inappropriate use of IOTA prediction models.
The role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of early pregnancy complications
Authors: Al‐Memar Maya , Kirk Emma , Bourne Tom
Published: July 2015

Key content

The diagnosis of miscarriage and management of pregnancy of uncertain viability.

Ultrasound features that increase the suspicion of pregnancy failure.

Ultrasound features of both tubal and non‐tubal ectopic pregnancy.

Pregnancy of unknown location: how to stratify risk using serum biochemistry and prediction models.

Learning objectives

To understand the role of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in early pregnancy and what should be expected of it.

To highlight the importance of safety and caution when using ultrasound in early pregnancy.

To understand the management options for a pregnancy of unknown location.

To clearly understand the criteria that must apply before a diagnosis of miscarriage can be made.

To know the ultrasound features of ectopic pregnancy and be aware of the risks of methotrexate treatment in the event of misdiagnosis.

Ethical issues

Misdiagnosis of miscarriage.

Inappropriate use of methotrexate for treatment of presumed ectopic pregnancy.

Maintaining patient choice in relation to the management of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.
Advances and applications in fetal magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Story Lisa , Rutherford Mary
Published: July 2015

Key content

This article describes recent advances in the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the fetus to overcome some of the difficulties associated with unpredictable fetal motion.

Improvements in acquisition and post‐acquisition software that enable brain structures to be evaluated in greater detail, allowing the assessment of both normal and abnormal development, are discussed.

This article discusses the current clinical applications and imaging techniques and their complementary role to ultrasound.

Learning objectives

To be able to assess safety of using MRI in the fetus and pregnant woman.

To learn about the current applications of MRI and when referral may be beneficial.

To be aware of potential future developments of MRI.

Ethical issues

The safety of the mother and fetus must be considered.
Nuclear Nox4 Role in Stemness Power of Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells
Authors: Maraldi Tullia , Guida Marianna , Zavatti Manuela , Resca Elisa , Bertoni Laura , La Sala Giovanni B. , De Pol Anto
Published: July 2015

Human amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSC) are an attractive source for cell therapy due to their multilineage differentiation potential and accessibility advantages. However the clinical application of human stem cells largely depends on their capacity to expandin vitro, since there is an extensive donor-to-donor heterogeneity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular oxidative stress are involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes of stem cells, including pluripotency, proliferation, differentiation, and stress resistance. The mode of action of ROS is also dependent on the localization of their target molecules. Thus, the modifications induced by ROS can be separated depending on the cellular compartments they affect. NAD(P)H oxidase family, particularly Nox4, has been known to produce ROS in the nucleus. In the present study we show that Nox4 nuclear expression (nNox4) depends on the donor and it correlates with the expression of transcription factors involved in stemness regulation, such as Oct4, SSEA-4, and Sox2. Moreover nNox4 is linked with the nuclear localization of redox sensitive transcription factors, as Nrf2 and NF-κB, and with the differentiation potential. Taken together, these results suggest that nNox4 regulation may have important effects in stem cell capability through modulation of transcription factors and DNA damage.
Does Diacylglycerol Accumulation in Fatty Liver Disease Cause Hepatic Insulin Resistance?
Authors: Finck Brian N. , Hall Angela M.
Published: July 2015

Numerous studies conducted on obese humans and various rodent models of obesity have identified a correlation between hepatic lipid content and the development of insulin resistance in liver and other tissues. Despite a large body of the literature on this topic, the cause and effect relationship between hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance remains controversial. If, as many believe, lipid aggregation in liver drives insulin resistance and other metabolic abnormalities, there are significant unanswered questions as to which lipid mediators are causative in this cascade. Several published papers have now correlated levels of diacylglycerol (DAG), the penultimate intermediate in triglyceride synthesis, with development of insulin resistance and have postulated that this occurs via activation of protein kinase C signaling. Although many studies have confirmed this relationship, many others have reported a disconnect between DAG content and insulin resistance. It has been postulated that differences in methods for DAG measurement, DAG compartmentalization within the cell, or fatty acid composition of the DAG may explain these discrepancies. The purpose of this review is to compare and contrast some of the relevant findings in this area and to discuss a number of unanswered questions regarding the relationship between DAG and insulin resistance.
Improvement in Tribological Performance of Ni-P-TiO2 Composite Coatings Using Taguchi Technique with Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: Gadhari Prasanna , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: July 2015

Tribological performance of Ni-P-TiO2 composite coatings is improved by varying the tribological test parameters such as normal load, wear track diameter, and duration of test aiming at minimum wear and friction of the coating. Taguchi technique with grey relational analysis is employed for optimization of multiresponse problem using L27 orthogonal array (OA). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to find out the significant effect of test parameters and their interactions on friction and wear behavior of the coating. ANOVA results reveal that normal load and time (test duration) have the most significant effect in controlling wear and friction of the coating. Interaction between normal load and wear track diameter has some significant effect. Scanning electron microscopy of worn surface shows abrasive wear to be predominant. The surface morphology, composition, and phase structure analysis are done with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, respectively.
Differences in Velopharyngeal Structure during Speech among Asians Revealed by 3-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging Movie Mode
Authors: Nunthayanon Kulthida , Honda Ei-ichi , Shimazaki Kazuo , Ohmori Hiroko , Inoue-Arai Maristela Sayuri , Kurabayashi Tohru , Ono Takashi
Published: July 2015

Objective.Different bony structures can affect the function of the velopharyngeal muscles. Asian populations differ morphologically, including the morphologies of their bony structures. The purpose of this study was to compare the velopharyngeal structures during speech in two Asian populations: Japanese and Thai.Methods.Ten healthy Japanese and Thai females (five each) were evaluated with a 3-Tesla (3 T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner while they produced vowel-consonant-vowel syllable (/asa/). A gradient-echo sequence, fast low-angle shot with segmented cine and parallel imaging technique was used to obtain sagittal images of the velopharyngeal structures.Results.MRI was carried out in real time during speech production, allowing investigations of the time-to-time changes in the velopharyngeal structures. Thai subjects had a significantly longer hard palate and produced shorter consonant than Japanese subjects. The velum of the Thai participants showed significant thickening during consonant production and their retroglossal space was significantly wider at rest, whereas the dimensional change during task performance was similar in the two populations.Conclusions.The 3 T MRI movie method can be used to investigate velopharyngeal function and diagnose velopharyngeal insufficiency. The racial differences may include differences in skeletal patterns and soft-tissue morphology that result in functional differences for the affected structures.
Microglia-Induced Maladaptive Plasticity Can Be Modulated by NeuropeptidesIn Vivo
Authors: Morara Stefano , Colangelo Anna Maria , Provini Luciano
Published: July 2015

Microglia-induced maladaptive plasticity is being recognized as a major cause of deleterious self-sustaining pathological processes that occur in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. Microglia, the primary homeostatic guardian of the central nervous system, exert critical functions both during development, in neural circuit reshaping, and during adult life, in the brain physiological and pathological surveillance. This delicate critical role can be disrupted by neural, but also peripheral, noxious stimuli that can prime microglia to become overreactive to a second noxious stimulus or worsen underlying pathological processes. Among regulators of microglia, neuropeptides can play a major role. Their receptors are widely expressed in microglial cells and neuropeptide challenge can potently influence microglial activityin vitro. More relevantly, this regulator activity has been assessed alsoin vivo, in experimental models of brain diseases. Neuropeptide action in the central nervous system has been associated with beneficial effects in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory pathological experimental models. This review describes some of the mechanisms of the microglia maladaptive plasticityin vivoand how neuropeptide activity can represent a useful therapeutical target in a variety of human brain pathologies.
The Current and Future Use of Ridge Regression for Prediction in Quantitative Genetics
Authors: de Vlaming Ronald , Groenen Patrick J. F.
Published: July 2015

In recent years, there has been a considerable amount of research on the use of regularization methods for inference and prediction in quantitative genetics. Such research mostly focuses on selection of markers and shrinkage of their effects. In this review paper, the use ofridge regressionfor prediction in quantitative genetics usingsingle-nucleotide polymorphismdata is discussed. In particular, we consider (i) the theoretical foundations of ridge regression, (ii) its link to commonly used methods in animal breeding, (iii) the computational feasibility, and (iv) the scope for constructing prediction models with nonlinear effects (e.g.,dominanceandepistasis). Based on a simulation study we gauge the current and future potential of ridge regression for prediction of human traits using genome-wide SNP data. We conclude that, for outcomes with a relatively simple genetic architecture, given current sample sizes in most cohorts (i.e.,N<10,000) the predictive accuracy of ridge regression is slightly higher than the classicalgenome-wide association studyapproach ofrepeated simple regression(i.e., one regression per SNP). However, both capture only a small proportion of the heritability. Nevertheless, we find evidence that for large-scale initiatives, such as biobanks, sample sizes can be achieved where ridge regression compared to the classical approach improves predictive accuracy substantially.
Splicing Regulators and Their Roles in Cancer Biology and Therapy
Authors: da Silva Maria Roméria , Moreira Gabriela Alves , Gonçalves da Silva Ronni Anderson , de Almeida Alves Barbosa Éverton , Pais Siqueira Raoni , Teixera Róbson Ricardo , Almeida Márcia Rogéria , Silva Júnior Abelardo , Fietto Juliana Lopes Rangel , Bressan Gustavo Costa
Published: July 2015

Alternative splicing allows cells to expand the encoding potential of their genomes. In this elegant mechanism, a single gene can yield protein isoforms with even antagonistic functions depending on the cellular physiological context. Alterations in splicing regulatory factors activity in cancer cells, however, can generate an abnormal protein expression pattern that promotes growth, survival, and other processes, which are relevant to tumor biology. In this review, we discuss dysregulated alternative splicing events and regulatory factors that impact pathways related to cancer. The SR proteins and their regulatory kinases SRPKs and CLKs have been frequently found altered in tumors and are examined in more detail. Finally, perspectives that support splicing machinery as target for the development of novel anticancer therapies are discussed.
Histological and Histomorphometric Human Results of HA-Beta-TCP 30/70 Compared to Three Different Biomaterials in Maxillary Sinus Augmentation at 6 Months: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Annibali Susanna , Iezzi Giovanna , Sfasciotti Gian Luca , Cristalli Maria Paola , Vozza Iole , Mangano Carlo , La Monaca Gerardo , Polimeni Antonella
Published: July 2015

Objective. The aim of this investigation was to examine the bone regenerative potential of newly biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics (HA-β-TCP 30/70), by assessing histological and histomorphometric results of human specimens retrieved from sinuses augmented with HA-β-TCP 30/70, and comparing them to anorganic bovine bone (ABB), mineralized solvent-dehydrated bone allograft (MSDBA), and equine bone (EB), after a healing period of 6 months.Materials and Methods. Four consecutive patients with edentulous atrophic posterior maxilla were included in this report. A two-stage procedure was carried out for sinus augmentation with HA-β-TCP 30/70, ABB, MSDBA, and EB. After 6 months, specimens were retrieved at the time of implant placement and processed for histological and histomorphometric analyses.Results. At histological examination, all biomaterials were in close contact with the newly formed bone and showed the same pattern of bone formation; the grafted granules were surrounded by a bridge-like network of newly formed bone. A limited number of ABB particles were partially covered by connective tissue. The histomorphometric analysis revealed 30.2% newly formed bone for Ha-β-TCP 30/70, 20.1% for ABB, 16.4% for MSDBA, and 21.9% for EB.Conclusions. Within the limitations of the present investigation, these results support the successful use of HA-β-TCP 30/70 for sinus augmentation.
Oral Streptococci Biofilm Formation on Different Implant Surface Topographies
Authors: Pita Pedro Paulo Cardoso , Rodrigues José Augusto , Ota-Tsuzuki Claudia , Miato Tatiane Ferreira , Zenobio Elton G. , Giro Gabriela , Figueiredo Luciene C. , Gonçalves Cristiane , Gehrke Sergio A. , Cassoni Alessandra , Shibli Jamil Awad
Published: July 2015

The establishment of the subgingival microbiota is dependent on successive colonization of the implant surface by bacterial species. Different implant surface topographies could influence the bacterial adsorption and therefore jeopardize the implant survival. This study evaluated the biofilm formation capacity of five oral streptococci species on two titanium surface topographies.In vitrobiofilm formation was induced on 30 titanium discs divided in two groups: sandblasted acid-etched (SAE-n=15) and as-machined (M-n=15) surface. The specimens were immersed in sterilized whole human unstimulated saliva and then in fresh bacterial culture with five oral streptococci species:Streptococcus sanguinis,Streptococcus salivarius,Streptococcus mutans,Streptococcus sobrinus, andStreptococcus cricetus. The specimens were fixed and stained and the adsorbed dye was measured. Surface characterization was performed by atomic force and scanning electron microscopy. Surface and microbiologic data were analyzed by Student’st-test and two-way ANOVA, respectively (P<0.05).S. cricetus,S. mutans,andS. sobrinusexhibited higher biofilm formation and no differences were observed between surfaces analyzed within each species (P>0.05).S. sanguinisexhibited similar behavior to form biofilm on both implant surface topographies, whileS. salivariusshowed the lowest ability to form biofilm. It was concluded that biofilm formation on titanium surfaces depends on surface topography and species involved.
Adaptive Vibration Control System for MR Damper Faults
Authors: Tudón-Martínez Juan C. , Morales-Menendez Ruben
Published: July 2015

Several methods have been proposed to estimate the force of a semiactive damper, particularly of amagnetorheologicaldamper because of its importance in automotive and civil engineering. Usually, all models have been proposed assuming experimental data in nominal operating conditions and some of them are estimated for control purposes. Because dampers are prone to fail, fault estimation is useful to design adaptive vibration controllers to accommodate the malfunction in the suspension system. This paper deals with the diagnosis and estimation of faults in an automotivemagnetorheologicaldamper. A robust LPV observer is proposed to estimate the lack of force caused by a damper leakage in a vehicle corner. Once the faulty damper is isolated in the vehicle and the fault is estimated, anAdaptive Vibration Control Systemis proposed to reduce the fault effect using compensation forces from the remaining healthy dampers. To fulfill the semiactive damper constraints in the fault adaptation, an LPV controller is designed for vehicle comfort and road holding. Simulation results show that the fault observer has good performance with robustness to noise and road disturbances and the proposed AVCS improves the comfort up to 24% with respect to a controlled suspension without fault tolerance features.
Drug Induced Steatohepatitis: An Uncommon Culprit of a Common Disease
Authors: Rabinowich Liane , Shibolet Oren
Published: July 2015

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of liver disease in developed countries. Its frequency is increasing in the general population mostly due to the widespread occurrence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Although drugs and dietary supplements are viewed as a major cause of acute liver injury, drug induced steatosis and steatohepatitis are considered a rare form of drug induced liver injury (DILI). The complex mechanism leading to hepatic steatosis caused by commonly used drugs such as amiodarone, methotrexate, tamoxifen, valproic acid, glucocorticoids, and others is not fully understood. It relates not only to induction of the metabolic syndrome by some drugs but also to their impact on important molecular pathways including increased hepatocytes lipogenesis, decreased secretion of fatty acids, and interruption of mitochondrialβ-oxidation as well as altered expression of genes responsible for drug metabolism. Better familiarity with this type of liver injury is important for early recognition of drug hepatotoxicity and crucial for preventing severe forms of liver injury and cirrhosis. Moreover, understanding the mechanisms leading to drug induced hepatic steatosis may provide much needed clues to the mechanism and potential prevention of the more common form of metabolic steatohepatitis.
Research Progress on Regulatory T Cells in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Wang Yamei , Tao Yuhong
Published: July 2015

Immune inflammation is crucial in mediating acute kidney injury (AKI). Immune cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems substantially contribute to overall renal damage in AKI. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key regulator of immunological function and have been demonstrated to ameliorate injury in several murine experimental models of renal inflammation. Recent studies have illuminated the renal-protective function of Tregs in AKI. Tregs appear to exert beneficial effects in both the acute injury phase and the recovery phase of AKI. Additionally, Tregs-based immunotherapy may represent a promising approach to ameliorate AKI and promote recovery from AKI. This review will highlight the recent insights into the role of Tregs and their therapeutic potential in AKI.
Isolation and Characterization of Phages InfectingBacillus subtilis
Authors: Krasowska Anna , Biegalska Anna , Augustyniak Daria , Łoś Marcin , Richert Malwina , Łukaszewicz Marcin
Published: July 2015

Bacteriophages have been suggested as an alternative approach to reduce the amount of pathogens in various applications. Bacteriophages of various specificity and virulence were isolated as a means of controlling food-borne pathogens. We studied the interaction of bacteriophages withBacillusspecies, which are very often persistent in industrial applications such as food production due to their antibiotic resistance and spore formation. A comparative study using electron microscopy, PFGE, and SDS-PAGE as well as determination of host range, pH and temperature resistance, adsorption rate, latent time, and phage burst size was performed on three phages of theMyoviridaefamily and one phage of theSiphoviridaefamily which infectedBacillus subtilisstrains. The phages are morphologically different and characterized by icosahedral heads and contractile (SIOΦ, SUBω, and SPOσphages) or noncontractile (ARπphage) tails. The genomes of SIOΦ and SUBωare composed of 154 kb. The capsid of SIOΦ is composed of four proteins. Bacteriophages SPOσand ARπhave genome sizes of 25 kbp and 40 kbp, respectively. Both phages as well as SUBωphage have 14 proteins in their capsids. Phages SIOΦ and SPOσare resistant to high temperatures and to the acid (4.0) and alkaline (9.0 and 10.0) pH.
Comparative Neutronics Analysis of DIMPLE S06 Criticality Benchmark with Contemporary Reactor Core Analysis Computer Code Systems
Authors: Kim Wonkyeong , Park Jinsu , Kozlowski Tomasz , Lee Hyun Chul , Lee Deokjung
Published: July 2015

A high-leakage core has been known to be a challenging problem not only for a two-step homogenization approach but also for a direct heterogeneous approach. In this paper the DIMPLE S06 core, which is a small high-leakage core, has been analyzed by a direct heterogeneous modeling approach and by a two-step homogenization modeling approach, using contemporary code systems developed for reactor core analysis. The focus of this work is a comprehensive comparative analysis of the conventional approaches and codes with a small core design, DIMPLE S06 critical experiment. The calculation procedure for the two approaches is explicitly presented in this paper. Comprehensive comparative analysis is performed by neutronics parameters: multiplication factor and assembly power distribution. Comparison of two-group homogenized cross sections from each lattice physics codes shows that the generated transport cross section has significant difference according to the transport approximation to treat anisotropic scattering effect. The necessity of the ADF to correct the discontinuity at the assembly interfaces is clearly presented by the flux distributions and the result of two-step approach. Finally, the two approaches show consistent results for all codes, while the comparison with the reference generated by MCNP shows significant error except for another Monte Carlo code, SERPENT2.
New Method of Car Body Panel External Straightening: Tools of
Method
Authors: Gnatov Andrey , Argun Schasyana
Published: July 2015

Recently repair and recovery vehicle body operations become more and more popular. A special place here is taken by equipment that provides performance of given repair operations. The most interesting things are methods for recovery of car body panels that allow the straightening without disassembling of car body panels and damaging of existing protective coating. Now, there are several technologies for repair and recovery of car body panels without their disassembly and dismantling. The most perspective is magnetic-pulse technology of external noncontact straightening. Basics of magnetic-pulse attraction, both ferromagnetic and nonferromagnetic thin-walled sheet metal, are explored. Inductor system calculation models of magnetic-pulse straightening tools are presented. Final analytical expressions for excited efforts calculation in the tools under consideration are introduced. According to the obtained analytical expressions, numerical evaluations of excited forces were executed. The volumetric epures of the attractive force radial distributions for different types of inductors were built. The practical testing of magnetic-pulse straightening with research tools is given. Using the results of the calculations we can create effective tools for an external magnetic-pulse straightening of car body panels.