bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantified ADC histogram analysis: a new method for differentiating mass-forming focal pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ma Xiaohong , Zhao Xinming , Ouyang Han , Sun Fei , Zhang Hongmei , Zhou Chunwu
Published: October 2013

Background

As their prognosis and management are different, differentiation of mass-forming focal pancreatitis (FP) from pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) is important. However, the similar clinical presentations and imaging features of these conditions, along with inconclusive biopsy results can make such differentiation difficult.

Purpose

To determine whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis can discriminate between a normal pancreas, FP, and PC.

Material and Methods

In a retrospective study, 25 PC patients, 14 FP patients, and 25 subjects with a normal pancreas underwent breath-hold diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) on a 3.0 T magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on the normal pancreases and on the entire focal lesions of both PC and FP. The ADC value was averaged from the lowest to 10th, 30th, 50th, and 100th percentile of the histogram (i.e. ADC10, ADC30, ADC50, and ADC100, respectively), and the results were analyzed statistically.

Results

There were no significant differences among the head, body, and tail of normal pancreases for any of the mean ADC values ( P > 0.05). ADC10, ADC30, and ADC50 values demonstrated significant differences between lesion and non-lesion areas of both PC ( P < 0.05) and FP ( P < 0.05). Differences in lesion areas between PC and FP were found with ADC50 and ADC100 values ( P < 0.05), and helped differentiate a normal pancreas from FP and PC, and FP from PC.

Conclusion

Quantified ADC histogram can specifically reflect tissue heterogeneity and help differentiate a normal pancreas from FP and PC.
Preparation and characterization of PMMA/stone waste nanocomposites for marmoreal artificial stone industry
Authors: El-Bashir Samah M , Binhussain Mohammed A , Al-Thumairi Nouf A , AlZayed Naser
Published: October 2013

The current study concerns the preparation and characterization of marmoreal solid surface materials based on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites filled with waste stones of marble, granite and basalt. Hydrophilic nanosilica and clay Halloysite nanotubules (HNTs) were the two types of nanofillers used to prepare PMMA/stone waste nanocomposites. The effect of nanofiller type and stone nature was investigated by Rockwell hardness, flexural strength, impact toughness, abrasion loss, water absorption and luminous transmittance measurements. The prepared artificial stone samples have an eye-catching decorative effect of alabaster when lighted from rear using a low energy light source.
Development of a dual-acting axial piston pump for displacement-controlled system
Authors: Huang Jiahai , Quan Long , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: October 2013

Pump-controlled hydraulic systems can effectively eliminate throttling losses, but one issue is the unequal flow rate through an asymmetric actuator, which is widely used in hydraulic systems. In this study, a new concept of asymmetric pump is presented, which is a kind of swash plate axial piston pump, with four ports, that intakes and discharges oil twice in one revolution cycle. According to the area ratio of a single-rod cylinder, λ, flow rate ratio of its two delivery ports was designed as (1 − λ): λ, and then a basic equation about the distribution method of the asymmetric pump was obtained. Based on that, a fixed displacement dual-acting axial piston pump was designed and manufactured. Simulation and experimental results show that the operation principle of the displacement dual-acting axial piston pump is feasible. Finally, qualitative tests of displacement dual-acting axial piston pump–controlled system were carried out in the laboratory. The test results reveal that displacement dual-acting axial piston pump can be used in a closed-circuit hydraulic system, demonstrating that the analysis of this study might be a groundwork for a new exploration in displacement-controlled systems.
Vibration attenuation analysis of compressional gas cushion press nanoimprint lithography system
Authors: Chaoran Liu , Jinzhao Yue , Tianhao Li , Weiwei Xia , Dongxue Li , Zhiyong Duan
Published: October 2013

Nanoimprint lithography has a great development in decades. Compressional gas cushion press is a novel method in improving the uniformity in nanoimprint lithography process. Based on compressional gas cushion press nanoimprint lithography system, an attenuation ring is added between the chamber wall and the pedestal. The attenuation ring decreases the influence of system vibration on the fidelity of patterning. The physical parameters of the attenuation material are optimized based on the theoretical models of the vibration attenuation and mechanical calculation. According to the optimization physical parameters, Young's modulus of a perfect material of attenuation ring should be smaller than 8 MPa, and Poisson's ratio should be close to 0.5. Therefore, natural rubber is employed as the material of attenuation ring. The simulation results based on COMSOL indicate that nested rectangular structure has the best attenuation effect among the four simulated internal structures. It provides technological supporting for the establishment of attenuation ring in compressional gas cushion press nanoimprint lithography system.
Saccades Toward the Target Are Planned as Sequences Rather Than as Single Steps
Authors: De Vries Jelmer P. , Hooge Ignace T. C. , Verstraten Frans A. J.
Published: October 2013

To find a target during visual search, observers often need to make multiple eye movements, which results in a scan path. It is an open question whether the saccade destinations in scan paths are planned ahead. In the two experiments reported here, we investigated this question by focusing on the observer’s ability to deviate from potentially planned paths. In the first experiment, the stimulus configuration could change during the initial saccade. We found that the observer’s ability to deviate from potentially planned paths crucially depended on whether altered configurations could be processed with sufficient rapidity. In a follow-up experiment, we asked whether planned paths can include more than two saccade destinations. Investigating the influence of potentially planned paths on a secondary task demonstrated that planned paths can include at least three saccade destinations. Together, these experiments provide the first evidence of scan-path planning in visual search.
The Morning Morality Effect
Authors: Kouchaki Maryam , Smith Isaac H.
Published: October 2013

Are people more moral in the morning than in the afternoon? We propose that the normal, unremarkable experiences associated with everyday living can deplete one’s capacity to resist moral temptations. In a series of four experiments, both undergraduate students and a sample of U.S. adults engaged in less unethical behavior (e.g., less lying and cheating) on tasks performed in the morning than on the same tasks performed in the afternoon. This morning morality effect was mediated by decreases in moral awareness and self-control in the afternoon. Furthermore, the effect of time of day on unethical behavior was found to be stronger for people with a lower propensity to morally disengage. These findings highlight a simple yet pervasive factor (i.e., the time of day) that has important implications for moral behavior.
Development of a Low-Cost Ergonomic Armrest
Authors: Sharif Hosseini Mohammad , Yeow Paul H. P. , Ahmad Khalili , Hashemi Jahani H.
Published: October 2013

Computer operators need special armrests to reduce musculoskeletal disorders related to holding the arms, bending the wrists, and adopting other work postures of the hand and arm. It is expensive to replace the existing conventional fixed/no-armrest chairs with ergonomic chairs that have special armrests. This article presents a low-cost and ergonomic solution: a portable, adjustable armrest that can be attached to a chair. The armrest enables vertical (height) adjustment and horizontal movement (i.e., length, width, and direction/rotation movements) to suit various arm positions for keying and mousing tasks. Usability tests show user acceptance and improvements in forearm, hand, and wrist postures.
Adherence Engineering
Authors: Drews Frank A.
Published: October 2013

Checklists, with their goal to increase adherence to protocols, are gaining popularity in health care despite some serious limitations. Here I present adherence engineering (AE), a conceptual framework that aims to increase adherence to protocols. AE provides guidance for the development of equipment that supports the successful completion of structured tasks. An example of how AE principles might be implemented is shown in the context of a clinical task in health care. Nonadherence to protocol when performing this task can have severe consequences for patient safety. The application of AE has the potential to improve human performance in a wide range of contexts.
How Many People – Besides You – Can Answer Your Security Questions?
Authors: Moallem Abbas
Published: October 2013

To determine if someone other than the user who needs to reset a user ID or password might be able to answer security access questions to accomplish the reset, I conducted a quantitative study survey that resulted in responses from 390 people with different levels of expertise in computer use. The results show that for most of these common password reset questions, participants knew the answer for one or more persons.
Short to Midterm Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of the Salto Total Ankle Prosthesis
Authors: Nodzo Scott R. , Miladore Michael P. , Kaplan Nathan B. , Ritter Christopher A.
Published: October 2013

Background:

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has become an increasingly effective treatment option for tibiotalar arthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short to midterm clinical and radiographic outcomes of the Salto fixed bearing total ankle prosthesis.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the radiographs and patient records of 74 consecutive patients with 75 TAA implants from January 2007 to April 2011. The average age was 60.6 years (range, 41-82) with 41 females and 33 males. The average clinical follow-up was 43 months (range, 24-73 months). Radiographs were reviewed for areas of radiolucency and cystic changes around the talar and tibial implants, as well as for implant migration using standardized tibal, talar, talocalcaneal, and tibial slope angular measurements. The validated Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Short Form-12 (SF-12), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used as subjective patient outcome measures. Kaplan Meier (K-M) curves were created for implant survivorship with revision of components as an endpoint and for return to the operating room for any reason.

Results:

Total ankle survivorship was 98%. Thirteen patients returned to the operating room for any reason. There was 1 deep infection, and no ankles were converted to an arthrodesis. Average ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion improved from 4.3 ± 3.3 to 8.7 ± 5.6 degrees ( P = .0008) and 24 ± 11 to 29 ± 7 degrees ( P = .04), respectively. Patients showed significant improvements in all subscales of the FAOS ( P < .0001). The physical component of the SF-12 significantly improved from 30 ± 8 to 41 ± 13 ( P < .0001), but this was not observed with the mental component (52 ± 1 vs 53 ± 1, P = .55). The mean VAS for patient satisfaction was 9 (range, 2-10). Two patients had component migration (1 tibial and 1 talar component), neither of which required a revision procedure. Six ankles had a total of 9 radiolucent lines with a radiographically stable implant, and no patients had cystic changes.

Conclusion:

This is one of the first articles to report clinical and radiographic outcome data for the fixed bearing version of this prosthesis. We observed significant improvements in subjective outcome measures and range of motion with a 98% component survivorship at short to midterm follow-up. Longer follow-up will be necessary to determine the durability of this implant.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Sunitinib-induced severe hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient
Authors: Demirci Ayşe , Bal Öznur , Durnali Ayşe , Ekinci Ahmet Ş , Eşbah Onur , Alkiş Necati , Öksüzoğlu Berna
Published: October 2013

Introduction:

Sunitinib is an oral inhibitor of tyrosine kinase that was used for the treatment of mRCC. The general side effects are fatigue, asthenia, diarrhea, mucositis, nausea, vomiting, skin changes, hypertension, hypothyroidism and hematologic side effects. In addition, sunitinib-induced hypoglycemia has also been reported. There are limited number of case reports related to sunitinib-induced hypoglycemia.

Case presentation:

In this case report, we have presented a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with emerging severe hypoglycemia after sunitinib treatment. It was shown that blood glucose levels were normalized two weeks after the interruption of sunitinib.

Conclusion:

Although the underlying mechanism of sunitinib-induced hypoglycemia is not completely understood, sunitinib can be regarded to have an antidiabetic effect. In the literature, there are some reports about sunitinib/other TKI induced hypoglycemia; however, life threatening hypoglycemia is rare. There is no case report of severe hypoglycemia due to imatinib; however, there are two case reports with severe hypoglycemia due to sunitinib treatment. Symptomatic hypoglycemic episodes due to sunitinib may lead to hospital admission. Diabetic patients may develop severe hypoglycaemia and it should be kept in mind that the discontinuation of antihyperglycemic treatment may be required. Therefore, blood glucose levels should be closely monitored in diabetic patients with mRCC during sunitinib therapy.
Reconstructing professional learning community as collective creation
Authors: Allen David
Published: October 2013

The article presents a cross-domain inquiry into schoolwide professional learning community. It examines tensions in how professional learning community is conceptualized and how it is enacted in the processes of teacher groups. Drawing on a study of contemporary theatre arts practices, it proposes a model of collective creation that highlights three interacting elements of a group’s activity: means, materials, and modes of engagement. The article conducts a paired analysis of a primary school teacher group meeting. In the first analysis, it investigates how the group’s discussion reveals features of professional learning community, especially collaboration, inquiry, and collective responsibility for student learning, as well as tensions in how these are enacted. In the second, it considers how the discussion manifests elements of collective creation, and proposes how these could be strengthened. The article argues for a reconceptualization of professional learning community that preserves the features identified above but extends these through the collective creation of instructional and conceptual resources for teacher learning and instructional improvement.
Issues of teacher professional learning within ‘non-traditional’ classroom environments
Authors: Campbell Matthew , Saltmarsh Sue , Chapman Amy , Drew Christopher
Published: October 2013

In response to the demands of the ‘21st century learner’, classroom environments are increasingly moving away from traditional models of a single-teacher isolated in their classroom. There is an advent of ‘non-traditional’ environments that challenge long-held practices in teaching. To support these changes there is a pressing need to create opportunities for professional learning. This article reports on a study undertaken within three primary schools that had recently adopted ‘non-traditional’ classroom environments. The study aimed to identify how these new spaces were shaping teaching practices and the challenges that they presented for professional learning. This article presents findings from this study with recommendations for how systems and schools can better manage the opportunities presented by these ‘non-traditional’ environments.
School improvements in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Asking the ‘expert witnesses’
Authors: Dickson Martina
Published: October 2013

Government schools in Abu Dhabi, as part of wide-scale educational reforms undertaken in the whole of the United Arab Emirates, have undergone massive school improvement developments over the past seven years. Over the course of these years, the reality of student life for those in government schools has been widely altered. This research explores Abu Dhabi government secondary school students’ perceptions of the school improvements, and whether these are influencing their ideas about what it means to be a teacher today. Perceptions of Emirati students were compared to those of non-Emirati students. A total of 471 students were surveyed in order to answer the questions: what are their perceptions of the educational reform in Abu Dhabi and what are the implications of these to teacher recruitment?
Cognitive and socio-affective outcomes of project-based learning: Perceptions of Greek Second Chance School students
Authors: Koutrouba Konstantina , Karageorgou Elissavet
Published: October 2013

The present questionnaire-based study was conducted in 2010 in order to examine 677 Greek Second Chance School (SCS) students’ perceptions about the cognitive and socio-affective outcomes of project-based learning. Data elaboration, statistical and factor analysis showed that the participants found that project-based learning offered a second chance to develop various cognitive skills regarded as professional qualities facilitating their re-integration in society. It also showed that socio-affective skills are developed during project-based learning. The successful acquisition of skills such as persistence, willingness, cooperativeness, creativity and initiative, according to the present work, depends on and is linked to each learner’s personal experiences, traits, needs, interests and objectives which during project-based learning are engaged but subordinated to social, cooperative objectives and expectations. Project-based learning provided in SCSs is, therefore, considered to be a powerful means in fighting social marginalization, stigmatization and labelling of school dropouts.
Two high schools and the road to full inclusion: A comparison study
Authors: Pierson Melinda R , Howell Erica J
Published: October 2013

This article documents a roadmap for developing fully inclusive school sites at the secondary level. Full inclusion is defined as placement in the general education classroom for all students with disabilities. Specifically, two large high schools located in suburban areas attempted to fully include over 300 students identified as needing special services. Students had varying disabilities, but each school attempted to fully include every student. Although one school was an established high school and the other was brand new, both experienced similar benefits and challenges when transitioning to a full inclusion model. This article aims to share specific strategies which contributed to the success of full inclusion at each school site and to discuss challenges that arose during planning and implementation.
Consumption as biopower: Governing bodies with loyalty cards
Authors: Coll Sami
Published: October 2013

For more than a decade, many retail companies have been collecting large volumes of data on a daily basis through loyalty card programmes. These programmes gather, at point-of-purchase, the identity of the consumer, date and time of the transaction, and the list of products purchased. With the help of data mining techniques, companies can use this data to get a better knowledge of their customer and to address them personally with targeted advertisement. This “mass customization”, which is at the core of the relationship marketing paradigm, has traditionally been viewed as a means of customizing services to meet the needs of an existing market. However, it appears also to be invested in actually customizing consumers to meet market needs. To investigate this aspect of relationship marketing, a study was conducted to examine the extent to which companies in Switzerland use data-mining technologies and strategies, their data collection and analysis practices, the privacy risks posed by such practices, and the modalities of power they create. As a result, and as it will be developed in this article, I finally theorized surveillance of consumption as being a much elaborated form of biopower, which strongly relies on the use of data mining to reveal patterns in consumption. This biopower is actually growing as data collected through loyalty programmes is now becoming a prime target for other purposes than pure marketing, such as helping the fight of health policies against obesity, or to control the consumer’s intake of food additive. These new kind of practices bring major ethical issues that are also discussed in this article.
Accuracy of Within-household Selection in Web and Mail Surveys of the General Population
Authors: Olson Kristen , Smyth Jolene D.
Published: October 2013

Household surveys are moving from interviewer-administered modes to self-administered modes for data collection, but many households do not accurately follow within-household selection procedures in mail surveys. In this article, we examine accuracy of within-household selection using an oldest adult/youngest adult method in web, mail, and mixed-mode surveys. The frame for this study comes from a telephone survey conducted with Nebraska residents in which the oldest adult/youngest adult method is used to select the initial respondent. One year later, these telephone participants are followed up using identical household selection methods. This article examines characteristics of people who followed the selection procedures compared to those who did not.
Global Long Interspersed Nuclear Element 1 DNA Methylation in a Colombian Sample of Patients With Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Hernández Hernán G. , Mahecha María F. , Mejía Adriana , Arboleda Humberto , Forero Diego A.
Published: October 2013

Alterations in DNA methylation have implicated as an epigenetic event in the pathogenesis of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). The objective of this work was to evaluate global DNA methylation levels for long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) repetitive sequences in Colombian patients with LOAD and controls. The LINE-1 DNA methylation levels in peripheral blood samples from 28 Colombian patients with LOAD and 30 healthy participants were assessed using a methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) quantitative assay. We did not find differences in LINE-1 methylation levels between patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD; median 76.2%, interquartile range [IQR]: 69.8-81.9) and control participants (median 79.8%, IQR: 73.2-83.8; P = .3). Additional stratified analyses did not show differences in LINE-1 methylation levels for male or female patients versus controls nor for apolipoprotein E4 carriers and noncarriers. This is the first report of LINE-1 methylation levels in patients with LOAD using the cost-effective MS-HRM technique, and this is the first global DNA methylation study in Latin American patients with AD.
Maternal beef and postweaning herring diets increase bone mineral density and strength in mouse offspring
Authors: Hussain Aysha , Olausson Hanna , Nilsson Staffan , Nookaew Intawat , Khoomrung Sakda , Andersson Louise , Koskela Antti , Tuukkanen Juha , Ohlsson Claes , Holmäng Agneta
Published: October 2013

The maternal diet during gestation and lactation affects the long-term health of the offspring. We sought to determine whether maternal and postweaning crossover isocaloric diets based on fish or meat affect the geometry, mineral density, and biomechanical properties of bone in mouse offspring in adulthood. During gestation and lactation, C57BL/6 dams were fed a herring- or beef-based diet. After weaning, half of the pups in each group were fed the same diet as their dams, and half were fed the other diet. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the whole body and lumbar spine were measured in the offspring by dual X-ray absorptiometry at 9 and 21 weeks of age. At 22–26 weeks, tibia bone geometry (length, cortical volumetric (v) BMD, BMC, area and thickness) was analyzed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and the biomechanical properties of the tibia were analyzed by the three-point bending test. Plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 was analyzed at 12 weeks. In comparison to the maternal herring diet, the maternal beef diet increased aBMD and BMC in the whole body and lumbar spine of adult offspring, as well as cortical vBMD, BMC, bone area, and thickness at the mid-diaphyseal region of the tibia and the biomechanical properties of tibia strength. In contrast, a postweaning beef diet decreased aBMD in the lumbar spine and BMC in the whole body and lumbar spine compared with a postweaning herring diet, which instead increased plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 levels. The change from a maternal beef diet before weaning to a herring diet after weaning decreased body weight and increased the cortical area, vBMD, BMC, thickness, and strength of the tibia. These significant crossover effects indicate that a preweaning maternal beef diet and a postweaning herring diet are optimal for increasing BMC and bone strength in offspring in adulthood.
Estimating autozygosity from high-throughput information: effects of SNP density and genotyping errors
Authors: Ferenčaković Maja , Sölkner Johann , Curik Ino
Published: October 2013

Background

Runs of homozygosity are long, uninterrupted stretches of homozygous genotypes that enable reliable estimation of levels of inbreeding (i.e., autozygosity) based on high-throughput, chip-based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes. While the theoretical definition of runs of homozygosity is straightforward, their empirical identification depends on the type of SNP chip used to obtain the data and on a number of factors, including the number of heterozygous calls allowed to account for genotyping errors. We analyzed how SNP chip density and genotyping errors affect estimates of autozygosity based on runs of homozygosity in three cattle populations, using genotype data from an SNP chip with 777 972 SNPs and a 50 k chip.

Results

Data from the 50 k chip led to overestimation of the number of runs of homozygosity that are shorter than 4 Mb, since the analysis could not identify heterozygous SNPs that were present on the denser chip. Conversely, data from the denser chip led to underestimation of the number of runs of homozygosity that were longer than 8 Mb, unless the presence of a small number of heterozygous SNP genotypes was allowed within a run of homozygosity.

Conclusions

We have shown that SNP chip density and genotyping errors introduce patterns of bias in the estimation of autozygosity based on runs of homozygosity. SNP chips with 50 000 to 60 000 markers are frequently available for livestock species and their information leads to a conservative prediction of autozygosity from runs of homozygosity longer than 4 Mb. Not allowing heterozygous SNP genotypes to be present in a homozygosity run, as has been advocated for human populations, is not adequate for livestock populations because they have much higher levels of autozygosity and therefore longer runs of homozygosity. When allowing a small number of heterozygous calls, current software does not differentiate between situations where these calls are adjacent and therefore indicative of an actual break of the run versus those where they are scattered across the length of the homozygous segment. Simple graphical tests that are used in this paper are a current, yet tedious solution.
Ser1333 phosphorylation indicates ROCKI activation
Authors: Chuang Hsiang-Hao , Liang Shao-Wei , Chang Zee-Fen , Lee Hsiao-Hui
Published: October 2013

Background

Two isoforms of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), ROCKI and ROCKII, play a pivotal role in regulation of cytoskeleton and are involved in multiple cellular processes in mammalian cells. Knockout mice experiments have indicated that the functions of ROCKI and II are probably non-redundant in physiology. However, it is difficult to differentiate the activation status of ROCKI and ROCKII in biological samples. Previously, we have identified phosphorylation site of ROCKII at Ser1366 residue sensitive to ROCK inhibition. We further investigated the activity-dependent phosphorylation site in ROCKI to establish the reagents that can be used to detect their individual activation.

Results

The phosphorylation site of ROCKI sensitive to its inhibition was identified to be the Ser1333 residue. The ROCKI pSer1333-specific antibody does not cross-react with phosphorylated ROCKII. The extent of S1333 phosphorylation of ROCKI correlates with myosin II light chain phosphorylation in cells in response to RhoA stimulation.

Conclusions

Active ROCKI is phosphorylated at Ser1333 site. Antibodies that recognize phospho-Ser1333 of ROCKI and phospho-S1366 residues of ROCKII offer a means to discriminate their individual active status in cells and tissues.
Differential requirement for Dab2 in the development of embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues
Authors: Moore Robert , Cai Kathy Qi , Tao Wensi , Smith Elizabeth R , Xu Xiang-Xi
Published: October 2013

Background

Disabled-2 (Dab2) is an endocytic adaptor protein involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis and cargo trafficking. Since its expression is lost in several cancer types, Dab2 has been suggested to be a tumor suppressor. In vitro studies indicate that Dab2 establishes epithelial cell polarity and organization by directing endocytic trafficking of membrane glycoproteins. Dab2 also modulates cellular signaling pathways by mediating the endocytosis and recycling of surface receptors and associated signaling components. Previously, two independent gene knockout studies have been reported, with some discrepancies in the observed embryonic phenotypes. To further clarify the in vivo roles of Dab2 in development and physiology, we designed a new floxed allele to delete dab2 gene.

Results

The constitutive dab2 deleted embryos showed a spectrum in the degree of endoderm disorganization in E5.5 and no mutant embryos persisted at E9.5. However, the mice were grossly normal when dab2 deletion was restricted to the embryo proper and the gene was retained in extraembryonic tissues using Meox2-Cre and Sox2-Cre. Adult Dab2-deficient mice had a small but statistically significant increase in serum cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

The study of the new dab2 mutant allele in embryos and embryoid bodies confirms a role for Dab2 in extraembryonic endoderm development and epithelial organization. Experimental results with embryoid bodies suggest that additional endocytic adaptors such as Arh and Numb could partially compensate for Dab2 loss. Conditional deletion indicates that Dab2 is dispensable for organ development, when the vast majority of the embryonic cells are dab2 null. However, Dab2 has a physiological role in the endocytosis of lipoproteins and cholesterol metabolism.
Risk factors for second primary neoplasia of esophagus in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients: a case–control study
Authors: Chung Chen-Shuan , Liao Li-Jen , Lo Wu-Chia , Chou Yueh-Hung , Chang Yi-Chen , Lin Yu-Chin , Hsu Wei-Fan , Shueng Pei-Wei , Lee Tzong-Hsi
Published: October 2013

Background

The prevalence of esophageal neoplasia in head and neck (H&N) cancer patients is not low; however, routine esophageal surveillance is not included in staging of newly-diagnosed H&N cancers. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for synchronous esophageal neoplasia and the impact of endoscopy on management of H&N cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 129 newly diagnosed H&N cancer patients who underwent endoscopy with white-light imaging, narrow-band imaging (NBI) with magnifying endoscopy (ME), and chromoendoscopy with 1.5% Lugol’s solution, before definite treatment were enrolled prospectively.

Results

60 esophageal lesions were biopsied from 53 (41.1%) patients, including 11 low-grade, 14 high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and 12 invasive carcinoma in 30 (23.3%) patients. Alcohol consumption [odds ratio (OR) 5.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23-26.44], advanced stage (stage III and IV) of index H&N cancers (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.11-7.99), and lower body mass index (BMI) (every 1-kg/m2 increment with OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.76-0.99) were independent risk factors for synchronous esophageal neoplasia. NBI with ME was the ideal screening tool (sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 97.3%, 94.1%, and 96.3%, respectively, for detection of dysplastic and cancerous esophageal lesions). The treatment strategy was modified after endoscopy in 20 (15.5%) patients. The number needed to screen was 6.45 (95% CI 4.60-10.90).

Conclusions

NBI-ME surveillance of esophagus should be done in newly-diagnosed H&N cancer patients, especially those with alcohol drinking, lower BMI, and advanced stage of primary tumor.
Scale-up and evaluation of high solid ionic liquid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of switchgrass
Authors: Li Chenlin , Tanjore Deepti , He Wei , Wong Jessica , Gardner James L , Sale Kenneth L , Simmons Blake A , Singh Seema
Published: October 2013

Background

Ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment is receiving significant attention as a potential process that enables fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass and produces high yields of fermentable sugars suitable for the production of renewable fuels. However, successful optimization and scale up of IL pretreatment involves challenges, such as high solids loading, biomass handling and transfer, washing of pretreated solids and formation of inhibitors, which are not addressed during the development stages at the small scale in a laboratory environment. As a first in the research community, the Joint BioEnergy Institute, in collaboration with the Advanced Biofuels Process Demonstration Unit, a Department of Energy funded facility that supports academic and industrial entities in scaling their novel biofuels enabling technologies, have performed benchmark studies to identify key challenges associated with IL pretreatment using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate and subsequent enzymatic saccharification beyond bench scale.

Results

Using switchgrass as the model feedstock, we have successfully executed 600-fold, relative to the bench scale (6 L vs 0.01 L), scale-up of IL pretreatment at 15% (w/w) biomass loading. Results show that IL pretreatment at 15% biomass generates a product containing 87.5% of glucan, 42.6% of xylan and only 22.8% of lignin relative to the starting material. The pretreated biomass is efficiently converted into monosaccharides during subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis at 10% loading over a 150-fold scale of operations (1.5 L vs 0.01 L) with 99.8% fermentable sugar conversion. The yield of glucose and xylose in the liquid streams were 94.8% and 62.2%, respectively, and the hydrolysate generated contains high titers of fermentable sugars (62.1 g/L of glucose and 5.4 g/L cellobiose). The overall glucan and xylan balance from pretreatment and saccharification were 95.0% and 77.1%, respectively. Enzymatic inhibition by [C2mim][OAc] at high solids loadings requires further process optimization to obtain higher yields of fermentable sugars.

Conclusion

Results from this initial scale up evaluation indicate that the IL-based conversion technology can be effectively scaled to larger operations and the current study establishes the first scaling parameters for this conversion pathway but several issues must be addressed before a commercially viable technology can be realized, most notably reduction in water consumption and efficient IL recycle.
The phylogeography of trypanosomes from South American alligatorids and African crocodilids is consistent with the geological history of South American river basins and the transoceanic dispersal of Crocodylus at the Miocene
Authors: Fermino Bruno R , Viola Laerte B , Paiva Fernando , Garcia Herakles A , de Paula Catia D , Botero-Arias Robinson , Takata Carmen S A , Campaner Marta , Hamilton Patrick B , Camargo Erney P , Teixeira Marta MG
Published: October 2013

Background

Little is known about the diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and biogeography of trypanosomes infecting non-mammalian hosts. In this study, we investigated the influence of host species and biogeography on shaping the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationship, and distribution of trypanosomes from South American alligatorids and African crocodilids.

Methods

Small Subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) and glycosomal Glyceraldehyde Phosphate Dehydrogenase (gGAPDH) genes were employed for phylogenetic inferences. Trypanosomes from crocodilians were obtained by haemoculturing. Growth behaviour, morphology, and ultrastructural features complement the molecular description of two new species strongly supported by phylogenetic analyses.

Results

The inferred phylogenies disclosed a strongly supported crocodilian-restricted clade comprising three subclades. The subclade T. grayi comprised the African Trypanosoma grayi from Crocodylus niloticus and tsetse flies. The subclade T. ralphi comprised alligatorid trypanosomes represented by Trypanosoma ralphi n. sp. from Melanosuchus niger, Caiman crocodilus and Caiman yacare from Brazilian river basins. T. grayi and T. ralphi were sister subclades. The basal subclade T. terena comprised alligatorid trypanosomes represented by Trypanosoma terena n. sp. from Ca. yacare sharing hosts and basins with the distantly genetic related T. ralphi. This subclade also included the trypanosome from Ca. crocodilus from the Orinoco basin in Venezuela and, unexpectedly, a trypanosome from the African crocodilian Osteolaemus tetraspis.

Conclusion

The close relationship between South American and African trypanosomes is consistent with paleontological evidence of recent transoceanic dispersal of Crocodylus at the Miocene/Pliocene boundaries (4–5 mya), and host-switching of trypanosomes throughout the geological configuration of South American hydrographical basins shaping the evolutionary histories of the crocodilians and their trypanosomes.
Physiological and psychological effects of walking on young males in urban parks in winter
Authors: Song Chorong , Joung Dawou , Ikei Harumi , Igarashi Miho , Aga Mariko , Park Bum-Jin , Miwa Masayuki , Takagaki Michiko , Miyazaki Yoshifumi
Published: October 2013

Background

Interaction with nature has a relaxing effect on humans. Increasing attention has been focused on the therapeutic effects of urban green space; however, there is a lack of evidence-based field research. This study provided scientific evidence supporting the physiological and psychological effects of walking on young males in urban parks in winter.

Findings

Subjects (13 males aged 22.5 ± 3.1 years) were instructed to walk predetermined 15-minute courses in an urban park (test) and in the city area (control). Heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured to assess physiological responses. The semantic differential (SD) method, Profile of Mood States (POMS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to determine psychological responses.

Heart rate was significantly lower and the natural logarithm of the high frequency component of HRV was significantly higher when walking through the urban park than through the city area. The results of three questionnaires indicated that walking in the urban park improved mood and decreased negative feelings and anxiety.

Conclusions

Physiological and psychological data from this field experiment provide important scientific evidence regarding the health benefits of walking in an urban park. The results support the premise that walking in an urban park has relaxing effects even in winter.
Isolation and partial characterization of a L-rhamnose-binding lectin from the globiferous pedicellariae of the toxopneustid sea urchin, Toxopneustes pileolus
Authors: Sakai Hitomi , Edo Kozue , Nakagawa Hideyuki , Shinohara Mitsuko , Nishiitsutsuji Rie , Ohura Kiyoshi
Published: October 2013

A novel lectin from the large globiferous pedicellariae of the toxopneustid sea urchin, Toxopneustes pileolus, was isolated by a combination of gel permeation chromatography and affinity chromatography techniques. On an SDS-PAGE gel, single bands were detected with relative molecular weights of 28 and 170 kDa in the presence and absence of 2-mercaptoethanol, respectively, suggesting that this lectin is present as a homohexamer. The 170-kDa lectin was named sea urchin lectin-III (SUL-III). The N-terminal partial amino acid sequence of the intact 28-kDa subunit of SUL-III was determined as follows: RCPQPAALPYRIAQIGNRFL. Agglutination of rabbit erythrocytes by SUL-III was most effectively inhibited by L-rhamnose. SUL-III induced mitogenic stimulation on murine splenocytes. These results suggest that SUL-III may be a novel L-rhamnose-binding lectin with potent bioactivity.
Ependymal cells of the mouse brain express urate transporter 1 (URAT1)
Authors: Tomioka Naoko H , Nakamura Makiko , Doshi Masaru , Deguchi Yoshiharu , Ichida Kimiyoshi , Morisaki Takayuki , Hosoyamada Makoto
Published: October 2013

Background

Elevated uric acid (UA) is commonly associated with gout and it is also a known cardiovascular disease risk factor. In contrast to such deleterious effects, UA possesses neuroprotective properties in the brain and elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved may have significant value regarding the therapeutic treatment of neurodegenerative disease. However, it is not yet fully established how UA levels are regulated in the brain. In this study, we investigated the distribution of mouse urate transporter 1 (URAT1) in the brain. URAT1 is a major reabsorptive urate transporter predominantly found in the kidney.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry of wild type and URAT1 knockout mouse brain using paraffin or frozen sections and a rabbit polyclonal anti-mouse URAT1 antibody were employed.

Results

Antibody specificity was confirmed by the lack of immunostaining in brain tissue from URAT1 knockout mice. URAT1 was distributed throughout the ventricular walls of the lateral ventricle, dorsal third ventricle, ventral third ventricle, aqueduct, and fourth ventricle, but not in the non-ciliated tanycytes in the lower part of the ventral third ventricle. URAT1 was localized to the apical membrane, including the cilia, of ependymal cells lining the wall of the ventricles that separates cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissue.

Conclusion

In this study, we report that URAT1 is expressed on cilia and the apical surface of ventricular ependymal cells. This is the first report to demonstrate expression of the urate transporter in ventricular ependymal cells and thus raises the possibility of a novel urate transport system involving CSF.
Retraction Note
Authors: Sun Yunchuan , Yan Hongli , Lu Cheng , Bie Rongfang , Thomas Peter
Published: October 2013

A retraction article was published for this article. It is available from the following link; http://www.comcjournal.com/content/1/1/4.
Crime and immigration: new evidence from England and Wales
Authors: Jaitman Laura , Machin Stephen
Published: October 2013

We study a high profile public policy question on immigration, namely the link between crime and immigration, presenting new evidence from England and Wales in the 2000s. For studying immigration impacts, this period is of considerable interest as the composition of migration to the UK altered dramatically with the accession of Eastern European countries (the A8) to the European Union in 2004. As we show, this has important implications for ensuring a causal impact of immigration can be identified. When we are able to implement a credible research design with statistical power, we find no evidence of an average causal impact of immigration on crime, nor do we when we consider A8 and Non-A8 immigration separately. We also study London by itself as the immigration changes over time in the capital city were large. Again, we find no causal impact of immigration on crime from our spatial econometric analysis and also present evidence from unique data on arrests of natives and immigrants in London which shows no immigrant differences in the likelihood of being arrested.

JEL keywords: Crime; Immigration; Enclaves; A8

JEL classifications: F22, K42
From Emergency Response to Recovery: Multiple Impacts and Lessons Learned from the 2011 Van Earthquakes
Authors: Erkan Burcak Basbug , Karanci A. Nuray , Kalaycıoğlu Sibel , Özden A. Tolga , Çalışkan Idil , Özakşehir Gamze
Published: October 2013

On 23 October 2011, and then on 9 November 2011, two earthquakes struck the province of Van in eastern Turkey. One month after the first earthquake, between 25 November and 27 November 2011, a reconnaissance team from the Middle East Technical University, Disaster Management Implementation and Research Center (METU DMC) visited the region. The team focused on disaster management activities such as emergency relief, damage assessment, psychosocial support, and economic impacts. Field observations and personal interviews concluded that deficits in mitigation led to shortcomings in the response and rehabilitation operations in Van. Although search and rescue activities were evaluated as satisfactory, there were problems in the organization of support services, temporary accommodation, and delivery of basic needs. This paper presents a reconnaissance report outlining the observations of the interdisciplinary team in the field. It suggests some policies for improvement in the disaster management system in the future.
Sibling Donor and Recipient Immune Modulation With Atorvastatin for the Prophylaxis of Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Hamadani Mehdi , Gibson Laura F. , Remick Scot C. , Wen Sijin , Petros William , Tse William , Brundage Kathleen M. , Vos Jeffrey A. , Cumpston Aaron , Bunner Pamela , Craig Michael D.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Atorvastatin is a potent immunomodulatory agent that holds promise as a novel and safe agent for acute GVHD prophylaxis.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a phase II trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of atorvastatin administration for GVHD prophylaxis in both adult donors and recipients of matched sibling allogeneic HCT. Atorvastatin (40 mg per day orally) was administered to sibling donors, starting 14 to 28 days before the anticipated first day of stem-cell collection. In HCT recipients (n = 30), GVHD prophylaxis consisted of tacrolimus, short-course methotrexate, and atorvastatin (40 mg per day orally).

Results

Atorvastatin administration in healthy donors and recipients was not associated with any grade 3 to 4 adverse events. Cumulative incidence rates of grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD at days +100 and +180 were 3.3% (95% CI, 0.2% to 14.8%) and 11.1% (95% CI, 2.7% to 26.4%), respectively. One-year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 52.3% (95% CI, 27.6% to 72.1%). Viral and fungal infections were infrequent. One-year cumulative incidences of nonrelapse mortality and relapse were 9.8% (95% CI, 1.4% to 28%) and 25.4% (95% CI, 10.9% to 42.9%), respectively. One-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 74% (95% CI, 58% to 96%) and 65% (95% CI, 48% to 87%), respectively. Compared with baseline, atorvastatin administration in sibling donors was associated with a trend toward increased mean plasma interleukin-10 concentrations (5.6 v 7.1 pg/mL; P = .06).

Conclusion

A novel two-pronged strategy of atorvastatin administration in both donors and recipients of matched sibling allogeneic HCT seems to be a feasible, safe, and potentially effective strategy to prevent acute GVHD.