bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot study on the application of a symptom-based score for the diagnosis of cow’s milk protein allergy
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan ,   Althera Study Group, Steenhout Philippe , Grathwohl Dominik
Published: February 2014

Objective:

A challenge is the recommended test to diagnose cow’s milk protein allergy. However, many parents and physicians prefer to not challenge because the procedure may cause (severe) symptoms. In clinical routine, diagnostic testing is only available for IgE-mediated allergy. The aim of this study was to test the diagnostic accuracy of a symptom-based score to select infants at risk of having cow’s milk protein allergy.

Methods:

A symptom-based score was developed and consensus was reached that a score of ≥12 would select infants at risk of cow’s milk protein allergy. Diagnosis of cow’s milk protein allergy was demonstrated with a positive challenge after 1-month elimination diet.

Results:

An open challenge was performed in 85/116 (73%) infants suspected of cow’s milk protein allergy based on a symptom-based score ≥ 12 and was positive in 59/85 (69%). Although “a challenge test” was planned in the protocol, 27% of the parents refused the challenge. The mean decrease after 1 month of elimination diet with an extensive hydrolysate was −8.07 (95% confidence interval = −8.74, −7.40). If the symptom-based score during the elimination diet decreased to 6 or lower, 80% of the infants had a positive challenge test. If the symptom-based score remained >7, the challenge test was positive in only 48% ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In daily practice, a symptom-based score of ≥12 is a useful tool to select infants at risk of cow’s milk protein allergy. If an elimination diet reduces the symptom-based score to ≤6, the challenge test is positive in 80%.
Genetic lesions associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia chemo-refractoriness
Authors: Messina Monica , Del Giudice Ilaria , Khiabanian Hossein , Rossi Davide , Chiaretti Sabina , Rasi Silvia , Spina Valeria , Holmes Antony B. , Marinelli Marilisa , Fabbri Giulia , Piciocchi Alfonso , Mauro Francesca R. , Guarini Anna , Gaidano Gianluca , Dalla-Favera Riccardo , Pasqualucci Laura , Rabadan Raul , Foà Robin
Published: February 2014

Key Points

The coding genome of fludarabine-refractory CLL patients is characterized by 16 mutations/case and 4 copy number aberrations per case on average. Fludarabine-refractory CLL cases are enriched in FAT1 mutations occurring in 10% of patients, suggesting a role in the refractoriness event.
XMEN disease: a new primary immunodeficiency affecting Mg2+ regulation of immunity against Epstein-Barr virus
Authors: Li Feng-Yen , Chaigne-Delalande Benjamin , Su Helen , Uzel Gulbu , Matthews Helen , Lenardo Michael J.
Published: February 2014

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic gammaherpesvirus that infects and persists in 95% of adults worldwide and has the potential to cause fatal disease, especially lymphoma, in immunocompromised hosts. Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) that predispose to EBV-associated malignancies have provided novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of immune defense against EBV. We have recently characterized a novel PID now named “X-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect, EBV infection, and neoplasia” (XMEN) disease characterized by loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding magnesium transporter 1 (MAGT1), chronic high-level EBV with increased EBV-infected B cells, and heightened susceptibility to EBV-associated lymphomas. The genetic etiology of XMEN disease has revealed an unexpected quantitative role for intracellular free magnesium in immune functions and has led to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Here, we review the clinical presentation, genetic mutation spectrum, molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis, and diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for this previously unrecognized disease.
Fit for surgery? Assessment of marginal lung cancer patients
Authors: Subotic D.
Published: February 2014

Educational aims

Outline the risks of surgery for lung cancer and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) patients.

Define the risks of lung resection in patients with lung cancer and cardiac comorbidity.

Describe complications with lung resection in the elderly.

Examine the ideal operative procedure for lung resection.

Surgical treatment is still a treatment of choice for many stage I–IIIA lung cancer patients. Owing to modern methods of risk assessment, the option of surgery has now extended to patient groups that would have been rejected from surgery 10–15 yrs ago. Patients with COPD constitute the majority of such patients, followed by patients with associated cardiac comorbidity and elderly patients undergoing lung resection. In these patients, the risk of post-operative complications and death exists independently of the level of surgical skills and post-operative care. Similarly, patients undergoing lung resection after neoadjuvant treatment and previous pleural empyema, or patients requiring very extended resections, are exposed to an increased risk of operative morbidity and mortality. The possibility of unpredicted complications makes the pre-operative selection even more delicate. Each of these patient groups requires a specific, multidisciplinary approach that necessitates close collaboration between pulmonary physicians, thoracic oncologists and thoracic surgeons.
The pathogenesis of pre-invasive lesion development
Authors: Brambilla E.
Published: February 2014

Educational aims

To describe the progression of pre-invasive bronchial lesions.

To highlight malignant transformation causes and risks.

To explain somatic and epigenetic abnormalities contributing to lesions.

The progression of pre-invasive bronchial lesions is a multifocal and multistep process. Morphological malignant transformation is driven by the accumulation of multiple genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, the rate and number of which determines the risk and rate of progression toward cancer. The field effect of mutagenesis in airways is characterised by the multifocality of the lesions. To date, no evidence has been presented for genetic alterations accumulating in a known sequence. No individual alteration is sufficient to predict the occurrence of invasive cancer in the bronchial tree.
Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis: pros and cons
Authors: Dankert-Roelse J.E. , Vernooij-van Langen A.
Published: February 2014

Educational aims

To give an insight into the arguments that have led to the implementation of newborn screening for cystic fibrosis in routine screening programmes.

To understand the drawbacks specifically associated with newborn screening for cystic fibrosis and how these can be handled or avoided.

During the past decade, newborn screening for cystic fibrosis has been introduced in many countries. However, the disadvantages associated with newborn screening for CF hamper its introduction in other areas.
QTL detection for coccidiosis (Eimeria tenella) resistance in a Fayoumi × Leghorn F2 cross, using a medium-density SNP panel
Authors: Bacciu Nicola , Bed’Hom Bertrand , Filangi Olivier , Romé Hélène , Gourichon David , Répérant Jean-Michel , Le Roy Pascale , Pinard-van der Laan Marie-Hélène , Demeure Olivier
Published: February 2014

Background

Coccidiosis is a major parasitic disease that causes huge economic losses to the poultry industry. Its pathogenicity leads to depression of body weight gain, lesions and, in the most serious cases, death in affected animals. Genetic variability for resistance to coccidiosis in the chicken has been demonstrated and if this natural resistance could be exploited, it would reduce the costs of the disease. Previously, a design to characterize the genetic regulation ofEimeria tenellaresistance was set up in a Fayoumi × Leghorn F2cross. The 860 F2animals of this design were phenotyped for weight gain, plasma coloration, hematocrit level, intestinal lesion score and body temperature. In the work reported here, the 860 animals were genotyped for a panel of 1393 (157 microsatellites and 1236 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers that cover the sequenced genome (i.e. the 28 first autosomes and the Z chromosome). In addition, with the aim of finding an index capable of explaining a large amount of the variance associated with resistance to coccidiosis, a composite factor was derived by combining the variables of all these traits in a single variable. QTL detection was performed by linkage analysis using GridQTL and QTLMap. Single and multi-QTL models were applied.

Results

Thirty-one QTL were identified i.e. 27 with the single-QTL model and four with the multi-QTL model and the average confidence interval was 5.9 cM. Only a few QTL were common with the previous study that used the same design but focused on the 260 more extreme animals that were genotyped with the 157 microsatellites only. Major differences were also found between results obtained with QTLMap and GridQTL.

Conclusions

The medium-density SNP panel made it possible to genotype new regions of the chicken genome (including micro-chromosomes) that were involved in the genetic control of the traits investigated. This study also highlights the strong variations in QTL detection between different models and marker densities.
Strategies and hurdles using DNA vaccines to fish
Authors: Hølvold Linn B , Myhr Anne I , Dalmo Roy A
Published: February 2014

DNA vaccinations against fish viral diseases as IHNV at commercial level in Canada against VHSV at experimental level are both success stories. DNA vaccination strategies against many other viral diseases have, however, not yet yielded sufficient results in terms of protection. There is an obvious need to combat many other viral diseases within aquaculture where inactivated vaccines fail. There are many explanations to why DNA vaccine strategies against other viral diseases fail to induce protective immune responses in fish. These obstacles include: 1) too low immunogenicity of the transgene, 2) too low expression of the transgene that is supposed to induce protection, 3) suboptimal immune responses, and 4) too high degradation rate of the delivered plasmid DNA. There are also uncertainties with regard distribution and degradation of DNA vaccines that may have implications for safety and regulatory requirements that need to be clarified. By combining plasmid DNA with different kind of adjuvants one can increase the immunogenicity of the transgene antigen – and perhaps increase the vaccine efficacy. By using molecular adjuvants with or without in combination with targeting assemblies one may expect different responses compared with naked DNA. This includes targeting of DNA vaccines to antigen presenting cells as a central factor in improving their potencies and efficacies by means of encapsulating the DNA vaccine in certain carriers systems that may increase transgene and MHC expression. This review will focus on DNA vaccine delivery, by the use of biodegradable PLGA particles as vehicles for plasmid DNA mainly in fish.
Looking for the bird Kiss: evolutionary scenario in sauropsids
Authors: Pasquier Jérémy , Lafont Anne-Gaëlle , Rousseau Karine , Quérat Bruno , Chemineau Philippe , Dufour Sylvie
Published: February 2014

Background

The neuropeptide Kiss and its receptor KissR are key-actors in the brain control of reproduction in mammals, where they are responsible for the stimulation of the activity of GnRH neurones. Investigation in other vertebrates revealed up to 3Kissand 4KissRparalogs, originating from the two rounds of whole genome duplication in early vertebrates. In contrast, the absence ofKissandKissRhas been suggested in birds, as no homologs of these genes could be found in current genomic databases. This study aims at addressing the question of the existence, from an evolutionary perspective, of the Kisspeptin system in birds. It provides the first large-scale investigation of the Kisspeptin system in the sauropsid lineage, including ophidian, chelonian, crocodilian, and avian lineages.

Results

Sauropsid Kiss and KissR genes were predicted from multiple genome and transcriptome databases by TBLASTN. Phylogenetic and syntenic analyses were performed to classify predicted sauropsid Kiss and KissR genes and to re-construct the evolutionary scenarios of both gene families across the sauropsid radiation.

Genome search, phylogenetic and synteny analyses, demonstrated the presence of twoKissgenes (Kiss1andKiss2types) and of twoKissRgenes (KissR1andKissR4types) in the sauropsid lineage. These four genes, also present in the mammalian lineage, would have been inherited from their common amniote ancestor. In contrast, synteny analyses supported that the otherKissandKissRparalogs are missing in sauropsids as in mammals, indicating their absence in the amniote lineage. Among sauropsids, in the avian lineage, we demonstrated the existence of aKiss2-likegene in three bird genomes. The divergence of these avianKiss2-likesequences from those of other vertebrates, as well as their absence in the genomes of some other birds, revealed the processes ofKiss2gene degeneration and loss in the avian lineage.

Conclusion

These findings contribute to trace back the evolutionary history of the Kisspeptin system in amniotes and sauropsids, and provide the first molecular evidence of the existence and fate of aKissgene in birds.
Clinical relevance of the cagA, tnpA and tnpB genes in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Abadi Amin Talebi Bezmin , Mobarez Ashraf Mohhabati , Bonten Marc JM , Wagenaar Jaap A , Kusters Johannes G
Published: February 2014

Background

Numerous proteins have been proposed as virulence factors for the gram negative gastric bacterium Helicobacter pylori but only for a few this has unequivocally been demonstrated. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the association of the putative virulence factors tnpA and tnpB (no cagA) with H. pylori associated gastroduodenal diseases.

Methods

A PCR based assay was used to determine the presence of the tnpA and tnpB genes, as well as of cagA, in 360H. pylori strains isolated from H. pylori infected patients.

Results

Of 360H. pylori culture positive patients (196 men, 164 women; average age 42.1 years (range 17–73), 95 had gastritis, 92 had gastric ulcers, 108 had duodenal ulcers, and 65 had gastric cancer. Using the gastritis group as a reference a significantly aberrant gene distribution was observed for the tnpA (Relative risk: 1.45; 95% CI 1.04-1.93), the cagA (Relative risk: 1.81; 95% CI 1.44-2.29), but not the tnpB gene in the gastric cancer group.

Conclusions

The increased incidence of the tnpA gene in gastric cancer patients suggests a role of the tnpA gene in the development of H. pylori induced gastric cancer.
A 4-month-old baby boy presenting with anaphylaxis to a banana: a case report
Authors: O’Keefe Andrew W , Ben-Shoshan Moshe
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Food allergy is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in children and recent studies suggest increased prevalence of both food allergy and anaphylaxis. Among foods, fruits are rarely implicated as the cause of anaphylaxis. Furthermore, anaphylaxis to fruit in the first months of life is rare. Although banana allergy has been well described in adults, there are only two case reports of anaphylaxis to banana in children.

Case presentation

A 4-month-old Hispanic baby boy with a history of eczema presented to our emergency room with vomiting, urticaria and cyanosis following first exposure to a banana. He improved with administration of intramuscular epinephrine. Skin prick tests showed positive results for both fresh banana (4mm wheal/15mm erythema) and banana extract (8mm wheal/20mm erythema).

Conclusions

Banana is not considered a highly allergenic food. However, as food allergy becomes more common and solid foods are being introduced earlier in babies, banana may become an important allergen to consider in cases of babies presenting with anaphylaxis.
A comparative analysis of machine learning methods for classification type decision problems in healthcare
Authors: Emanet Nahit , Öz Halil R , Bayram Nazan , Delen Dursun
Published: February 2014

Advanced analytical techniques are gaining popularity in addressing complex classification type decision problems in many fields including healthcare and medicine. In this exemplary study, using digitized signal data, we developed predictive models employing three machine learning methods to diagnose an asthma patient based solely on the sounds acquired from the chest of the patient in a clinical laboratory. Although, the performances varied slightly, ensemble models (i.e., Random Forest and AdaBoost combined with Random Forest) achieved about 90% accuracy on predicting asthma patients, compared to artificial neural networks models that achieved about 80% predictive accuracy. Our results show that non-invasive, computerized lung sound analysis that rely on low-cost microphones and an embedded real-time microprocessor system would help physicians to make faster and better diagnostic decisions, especially in situations where x-ray and CT-scans are not reachable or not available. This study is a testament to the improving capabilities of analytic techniques in support of better decision making, especially in situations constraint by limited resources.
Diversion of the host humoral response: a novel virulence mechanism ofHaemophilus influenzaemediated via outer membrane vesicles
Authors: Deknuydt Florence , Nordström Therése , Riesbeck Kristian
Published: February 2014

The respiratory tract pathogen Haemophilus influenzae frequently causes infections in humans. In parallel with all Gram-negative bacteria, H. influenzae has the capacity to release OMV. The production of these nanoparticles is an intriguing and partly unexplored phenomenon in pathogenesis. Here, we investigated how purified human peripheral blood B lymphocytes respond to OMV derived from unencapsulated, i.e., NTHi and the nonpathogenic Haemophilus parainfluenzae. We found that H. influenzae OMV directly interacted with the IgD BCR, as revealed by anti-IgD pAb and flow cytometry. Importantly, H. influenzae OMV-induced cellular activation via IgD BCR cross-linking and TLR9 resulted in a significant proliferative response. OMV isolated from the related species H. parainfluenzae did not, however, interact with B cells excluding that the effect by H. influenzae OMV was linked to common membrane components, such as the LOS. We also observed an up-regulation of the cell surface molecules CD69 and CD86, and an increased IgM and IgG secretion by B cells incubated with H. influenzae OMV. The Igs produced did not recognize H. influenzae, suggesting a polyclonal B cell activation. Interestingly, the density of the cell surface receptor TACI was increased in the presence of OMV that sensitized further the B cells to BAFF, resulting in an enhanced IgG class-switch. In conclusion, the ability of NTHi OMV to activate B cells in a T cell-independent manner may divert the adaptive humoral immune response that consequently promotes bacterial survival within the human host.
Event-Free Survival at 24 Months Is a Robust End Point for Disease-Related Outcome in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treated With Immunochemotherapy
Authors: Maurer Matthew J. , Ghesquières Hervé , Jais Jean-Philippe , Witzig Thomas E. , Haioun Corinne , Thompson Carrie A. , Delarue Richard , Micallef Ivana N. , Peyrade Frédéric , Macon William R. , Jo Molina Thierry , Ketterer Nicolas , Syrbu Sergei I. , Fitoussi Olivier , Kurtin Paul J. , Allmer Cristine , Nicolas-Virelizier Emmanuelle , Slager Susan L. , Habermann Thomas M. , Link Brian K. , Salles Gilles , Tilly Hervé , Cerhan James R.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

Studies of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are typically evaluated by using a time-to-event approach with relapse, re-treatment, and death commonly used as the events. We evaluated the timing and type of events in newly diagnosed DLBCL and compared patient outcome with reference population data.

Patients and Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL treated with immunochemotherapy were prospectively enrolled onto the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Specialized Program of Research Excellence Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER) and the North Central Cancer Treatment Group NCCTG-N0489 clinical trial from 2002 to 2009. Patient outcomes were evaluated at diagnosis and in the subsets of patients achieving event-free status at 12 months (EFS12) and 24 months (EFS24) from diagnosis. Overall survival was compared with age- and sex-matched population data. Results were replicated in an external validation cohort from the Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes de l'Adulte (GELA) Lymphome Non Hodgkinien 2003 (LNH2003) program and a registry based in Lyon, France.

Results

In all, 767 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL who had a median age of 63 years were enrolled onto the MER and NCCTG studies. At a median follow-up of 60 months (range, 8 to 116 months), 299 patients had an event and 210 patients had died. Patients achieving EFS24 had an overall survival equivalent to that of the age- and sex-matched general population (standardized mortality ratio [SMR], 1.18; P = .25). This result was confirmed in 820 patients from the GELA study and registry in Lyon (SMR, 1.09; P = .71). Simulation studies showed that EFS24 has comparable power to continuous EFS when evaluating clinical trials in DLBCL.

Conclusion

Patients with DLBCL who achieve EFS24 have a subsequent overall survival equivalent to that of the age- and sex-matched general population. EFS24 will be useful in patient counseling and should be considered as an end point for future studies of newly diagnosed DLBCL.
Trends and Variation in Use of Breast Reconstruction in Patients With Breast Cancer Undergoing Mastectomy in the United States
Authors: Jagsi Reshma , Jiang Jing , Momoh Adeyiza O. , Alderman Amy , Giordano Sharon H. , Buchholz Thomas A. , Kronowitz Steven J. , Smith Benjamin D.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

Concerns exist regarding breast cancer patients' access to breast reconstruction, which provides important psychosocial benefits.

Patients and Methods

Using the MarketScan database, a claims-based data set of US patients with employment-based insurance, we identified 20,560 women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer from 1998 to 2007. We evaluated time trends using the Cochran-Armitage test and correlated reconstruction use with plastic-surgery workforce density and other treatments using multivariable regression.

Results

Median age of our sample was 51 years. Reconstruction use increased from 46% in 1998 to 63% in 2007 (P < .001), with increased use of implants and decreased use of autologous techniques over time (P < .001). Receipt of bilateral mastectomy also increased: from 3% in 1998 to 18% in 2007 (P < .001). Patients receiving bilateral mastectomy were more likely to receive reconstruction (odds ratio [OR], 2.3; P < .001) and patients receiving radiation were less likely to receive reconstruction (OR, 0.44; P < .001). Rates of reconstruction receipt varied dramatically by geographic region, with associations with plastic surgeon density in each state and county-level income. Autologous techniques were more often used in patients who received both reconstruction and radiation (OR, 1.8; P < .001) and less frequently used in patients with capitated insurance (OR, 0.7; P < .001), patients undergoing bilateral mastectomy (OR, 0.5; P < .001), or patients in the highest income quartile (OR, 0.7; P = .006). Delayed reconstruction was performed in 21% of patients who underwent reconstruction.

Conclusion

Breast reconstruction has increased over time, but it has wide geographic variability. Receipt of other treatments correlates with the use of and approaches toward reconstruction. Further research and interventions are needed to ensure equitable access to this important component of multidisciplinary treatment of breast cancer.
The Orphan Nuclear Receptor Nr5a2 Is Essential for Luteinization in the Female Mouse Ovary
Authors: Bertolin Kalyne , Gossen Jan , Schoonjans Kristina , Murphy Bruce D.
Published: February 2014

In the ovary, the follicular granulosa cells express the nuclear receptor Nr5a2 (nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 2), also known as liver receptor homolog-1, and after ovulation, Nr5a2 expression persists in the corpus luteum. Previous studies demonstrated that Nr5a2 is required for both ovulation and luteal steroid synthesis. Our objectives were to analyze the temporal sequence in the regulatory effects of Nr5a2 in the ovary, with focus on its contribution to luteal function. We developed a female mouse model of granulosa-specific targeted disruption from the formation of the antral follicles forward (genotype Nr5a2Cyp19−/−). Mice lacking Nr5a2 in granulosa cells of antral follicles are infertile. Although their cumulus cells undergo expansion after gonadotropin stimulation, ovulation is disrupted in those mice, at least in part, due to the down-regulation of the progesterone receptor (Pgr) gene. The depletion of Nr5a2 in antral follicles permits formation of luteal-like structures but not functional corpora lutea, as evidenced by reduced progesterone levels and failure to support pseudopregnancy. Progesterone synthesis is affected by depletion of Nr5a2 due to, among others, defects in the transport of cholesterol, evidenced by down-regulation of Scarb1, Ldlr, and Star. Comparison of this mouse line with the models in which Nr5a2 is depleted from the primary follicle forward (genotype Nr5a2Amhr2−/−) and after the ovulatory signal (genotype Nr5a2Pgr−/−) demonstrates that Nr5a2 differentially regulates female fertility across the trajectory of follicular development.
Notch Signaling Regulates Ovarian Follicle Formation and Coordinates Follicular Growth
Authors: Vanorny Dallas A. , Prasasya Rexxi D. , Chalpe Abha J. , Kilen Signe M. , Mayo Kelly E.
Published: February 2014

Ovarian follicles form through a process in which somatic pregranulosa cells encapsulate individual germ cells from germ cell syncytia. Complementary expression of the Notch ligand, Jagged1, in germ cells and the Notch receptor, Notch2, in pregranulosa cells suggests a role for Notch signaling in mediating cellular interactions during follicle assembly. Using a Notch reporter mouse, we demonstrate that Notch signaling is active within somatic cells of the embryonic ovary, and these cells undergo dramatic reorganization during follicle histogenesis. This coincides with a significant increase in the expression of the ligands, Jagged1 and Jagged2; the receptor, Notch2; and the target genes, Hes1 and Hey2. Histological examination of ovaries from mice with conditional deletion of Jagged1 within germ cells (J1 knockout [J1KO]) or Notch2 within granulosa cells (N2 knockout [N2KO]) reveals changes in follicle dynamics, including perturbations in the primordial follicle pool and antral follicle development. J1KO and N2KO ovaries also contain multi-oocytic follicles, which represent a failure to resolve germ cell syncytia, and follicles with enlarged oocytes but lacking somatic cell growth, signifying a potential role of Notch signaling in follicle activation and the coordination of follicle development. We also observed decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in the somatic cells of both conditional knockout lines. As a consequence of these defects, J1KO female mice are subfertile; however, N2KO female mice remain fertile. This study demonstrates important functions for Jagged1 and Notch2 in the resolution of germ cell syncytia and the coordination of somatic and germ cell growth within follicles of the mouse ovary.
The roles of SSU processome components and surveillance factors in the initial processing of human ribosomal RNA
Authors: Sloan Katherine E. , Bohnsack Markus T. , Schneider Claudia , Watkins Nicholas J.
Published: February 2014

During eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis, three of the mature ribosomal (r)RNAs are released from a single precursor transcript (pre-rRNA) by an ordered series of endonucleolytic cleavages and exonucleolytic processing steps. Production of the 18S rRNA requires the removal of the 5′ external transcribed spacer (5′ETS) by endonucleolytic cleavages at sites A0 and A1/site 1. In metazoans, an additional cleavage in the 5′ETS, at site A′, upstream of A0, has also been reported. Here, we have investigated how A′ processing is coordinated with assembly of the early preribosomal complex. We find that only the tUTP (UTP-A) complex is critical for A′ cleavage, while components of the bUTP (UTP-B) and U3 snoRNP are important, but not essential, for efficient processing at this site. All other factors involved in the early stages of 18S rRNA processing that were tested here function downstream from this processing step. Interestingly, we show that the RNA surveillance factors XRN2 and MTR4 are also involved in A′ cleavage in humans. A′ cleavage is largely bypassed when XRN2 is depleted, and we also discover that A′ cleavage is not always the initial processing event in all cell types. Together, our data suggest that A′ cleavage is not a prerequisite for downstream pre-rRNA processing steps and may, in fact, represent a quality control step for initial pre-rRNA transcripts. Furthermore, we show that components of the RNA surveillance machinery, including the exosome and TRAMP complexes, also play key roles in the recycling of excised spacer fragments and degradation of aberrant pre-rRNAs in human cells.
Depth-dependent mortality of reef corals following a severe bleaching event: implications for thermal refuges and population recovery
Authors: Bridge Tom C. L. , Hoey Andrew S , Campbell Stuart J , Muttaqin Efin , Rudi Edi , Fadli Nur , Baird Andrew H
Published: February 2014

Coral bleaching caused by rising sea temperature is a primary cause of coral reef degradation. However, bleaching patterns often show significant spatial variability, therefore identifying locations where local conditions may provide thermal refuges is a high conservation priority. Coral bleaching mortality often diminishes with increasing depth, but clear depth zonation of coral communities and putative limited overlap in species composition between deep and shallow reef habitats has led to the conclusion that deeper reef habitats will provide limited refuge from bleaching for most species. Here, we show that coral mortality following a severe bleaching event diminished sharply with depth.Bleaching-induced mortality ofAcroporawas approximately 90% at 0-2m, 60% at 3-4 m, yet at 6-8m there was negligible mortality. Importantly, at least two-thirds of the shallow-water (2-3 m)Acroporaassemblage had a depth range that straddled the transition from high to low mortality. Cold-water upwelling may have contributed to the lower mortality observed in all but the shallowest depths. Our results demonstrate that, in this instance, depth provided a refuge for individuals from a high proportion of species in thisAcropora-dominated assemblage. The persistence of deeper populations may provide a critical source of propagules to assist recovery of adjacent shallow-water reefs.
In regards to the question of Christian philosophy of law (from Russian history of legal thought)
Authors: Рутман Владимир , Rutman Vladimir
Published: February 2014

The article is dedicated to relationships between human

morality and religion. Main emphasis is put to the analysis of views

of E.V. Spektorsky (1875–1951), a famous Russian lawyer, sociologist

and philosopher, who has established a positive value of Christianity

to the culture in general, and to development of law and the

state in particular.
The Role of the State in Strategic HRM at Enterprises in Agriculture
Authors: Мельникова  , Melnikova Marina , Анисимова  , Anisimova Galina , Дроздова  , Drozdova Ekaterina , Палагутина  , Palagutina N.
Published: February 2014

Urgency of enterprises and personnel strategic management is constantly growing, especially after Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization. The

subject and essence of strategic human resource management (HRM) are considered, peculiarities of agricultural enterprises functioning in this country are

highlighted, and in particllar — the case of the JSC «Zelenoye pole» enterprise. Based on the revealed problems and forecasted perspectives of the Primorsky

Krai agricultural enterprises’s sufficiency with qualified personnel, the authors prove the need for strategic HRM and specify the role of state in formation and

development of labor potential in agriculture. Among the primary aspects of strategic HRM at agricultural enterprises the authors emphasize the need to

carry out career guidance and vocational education and training of highly professional engineering staff with the state participation and support. The proposals,

presented in this paper, are of profound practical value.
Further Training and Professional Retraining Standard As a Tool for Human Resource Training Management
Authors: Садовникова  , Sadovnikova Nadezhda
Published: February 2014

Human resource training is one of the major ways to enrich organization’s HR-potential. So the ever-urgent issue is how to design and then manage the HReducation/

training system. Based on analytical review of foreign and domestic authors’ works the concept of “personnel training” is defined; types of education/

training are featured and essence of training for the staff of any organization is proved. Main elements of the HR-training system are outlined the essence of

consistency and continuity principles application for the efficiency of teaching process in emphasized. Further Training and Professional Retraining Standard

is suggested as a tool for the HR-education process management. The Standard is a document reflecting sets of standards, rules and requirement serving as a

model for designing HR-education process in the organization. The Standard is applicable to all units and all types of workers (new recruits and old-timers), as

well as to students of higher educational and vocational education establishments, who undergo their internship in the organization.
Recruitment of Graduates Specifics
Authors: Дмитриева  , Dmitriyeva Yuliya
Published: February 2014

The article discusses features of the recruitment of one of the most interesting and at the same time «riskogennoy» category of workers for employers — graduates. The practice of evaluation and selection of graduates large and medium-sized companies with Russian and Western capital. Clarifies the reasons behind the introduction of a special approach to the evaluation and selection of graduates. Ranks the companies that would suit most rigorous competitive selection among the graduates as Russian companies , so Western . Details disclosed are methods of work with university graduates , given their comparative evaluation. The article presents the current data HR- practices of the most popular methods and criteria for evaluation of graduates Russian employers .An algorithm for the evaluation and selection of graduates. Particular attention is paid to the best method of attracting graduates - Graduate Recruitment Program, the peculiarities of its application in practice of Russian companies. Inconclusion, high lighted new trends in recruitment graduates.
Positive Image as a Contemporary Resource for a Kindergarten Development
Authors: Воробьёва  , Vorobeva Marina
Published: February 2014

The recent years has seen much discussions concerning ways to emphasize uniqueness of an educational establishment and its operational specifics. Partial solution to these issues is achieved through elaboration and documentation of Concepts, “Educational programs”, “Development programs” for various educational institutions. This is not enough for creation of kindergarten’s outer informational field as an open socio-pedagogic system for prospective customers and consumers of educational services. Thus it is necessary to develop ingenious individualized informational documents for each preschool educational institution. The problem of kindergarten management and quality of education maintenance is discussed. The author concludes, that the positive image enhances competitiveness of a preschool educational institution at the educational services market and should be considered as a crucial resource of preschool educational institution management.
Postsecondary Education for People With Intellectual Disability: Current Issues and Critical Challenges
Authors: Grigal Meg , Hart Debra , Weir Cate
Published: February 2014

Increasingly, people with intellectual disability are seeking, accessing, and benefiting from higher education. This article presents an overview of current legislative and policy issues as they related to postsecondary education for people with intellectual disability, including the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and state vocational rehabilitation program policies. Policy actions are suggested. In describing existing and emerging practices, critical issues and future challenges are reviewed by the authors. Finally, current research on the impact of postsecondary education on the systems and people involved is shared and recommendations for future areas of exploration are provided.
Adapting outdated content standards: Complications of teaching the Middle East in the California K-12 setting
Authors: Hall Barbara
Published: February 2014

This article examines why California secondary school teachers rarely include units on the Middle East in their classrooms despite the importance of the region in the world today. In order to explain this gap, it will consider the massive knowledge demands on history teachers, state and federal testing practices, content standards that define what teachers must cover and how the students and parents themselves all limit a teacher’s ability to include the Middle East in the public school classroom from kindergarten through grade twelve. After an examination of the issues involved, a few solutions are offered to assist in increasing education about the Middle East.
Review
Authors: Sullivan Antony T.
Published: February 2014

Reclaiming Iraq: The 1920 Revolution and the founding of the modern state, ‘Abbas Kadhim (2012) Austin: University of Texas Press, Contains index, 213 pp., ISBN 978 0292739246 (hbk), $55.00.
Issues in the sustainability of products designed for multi-lifecycle
Authors: Dunmade Israel
Published: February 2014

Design for multi-lifecycle (DFML) is a sustainable design approach that seeks to maximize the utility of resources used in developing a product by incorporating features that enable the elongation of the techno-economic service life of that product at the design stage. The goal of DFML is indefinite use of the resources invested/embodied in a product without compromising its economic value, technological soundness and socio-cultural acceptability. However, there is a limit to how many times a product designed for multi-lifecycle can be cycled. The aim of this research is to identify issues affecting how many times products designed for multi-lifecycle could be cycled. Another goal of this study is to articulate how the understanding of these issues can be utilized in improving product design for multi-lifecycle. This study is based on intensive literature survey and on over twenty years experience in conventional- and in sustainable design and development of agri-food machinery. From the study we learned that the sustainability of products and equipment designed for multi-lifecycle depends, among other things, on the durability of the core components, the required performance standard, resource consumption tipping point, economic advantage eradication point, changes in consumer taste, and regulatory changes. It means that the number of times that resources invested in a product designed for multi-lifecycles can be cycled is increasable by improving the durability of the structure and core components of the product. It also means that designers would be able to improve the sustainability of machinery designed for multi-lifecycles by incorporating features that facilitate easy reconfiguration and upgrading of the product at reasonable cost as consumer taste and regulations changes. Keywords: Design for multi-lifecycle, design for environment, sustainable design, sustainability, Eco design.
Magneto-Mechano-Electric (MME) Energy Harvesting Properties of Piezoelectric Macro-fiber Composite/Ni Magnetoelectric Generator
Authors: Kambale Rahul C. , Kang Ju-Eun , Yoon Woon-Ha , Park Dong-Soo , Choi Jong-Jin , Ahn Cheol-Woo , Kim Jong-Woo , Hahn Byung-Dong , Jeong Dae-Yong , Kim Yang-Do , Dong Shuxiang , Ryu Jungho
Published: February 2014

Asymmetric and symmetric magnetoelectric (ME) laminates structures of piezoelectric macro-fiber composite (MFC)/nickel (Ni) were fabricated and investigated their ME and magneto-mechano-electric (MME) energy harvesting responses to an applied magnetic/mechanical stimulations. Both the structures strongly revealed the dependence of ME voltage coefficient (α
ME) on applied magnetic field directions with an important feature of a zero-bias field ME response. This is much more beneficial for designing the magnetic field sensors. The fabricated MFC/Ni structures exhibited good energy harvesting response to applied simultaneous magnetic/mechanical vibrations of lab magnetic stirrer. The electric power was successfully harnessed from magneto-mechanical stimulations; the resulting potential and power were up to ~20 V
p–p
and ~6 μW respectively, which are quite enough power to light a commercial red LED with traditional rectifier circuit and capacitor. Hence, the present MFC/Ni ME generators provide their future feasibility having self-biasing feature for designing the magnetic field sensors as well as for powering small consumer electronic devices and wireless sensor network systems by exploiting mechanical/magnetic stimulations from surrounding.
On the
upper bound for Bi
(K)Bi
(K*
)
Authors: Zhao Chang-Jian
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we establish the least upper bound
of the product Bi
(K)Bi
(K*
) for width-integrals of index i
of a convex body K. Further, the least upper bound of the product
A

p,i
(K)A

q,i
(K*
) for mixed width-integrals of index p
(q) is given.
Use of Experimental Designs to Establish a Kinetic Law for a Gas Phase Photocatalytic Process
Authors: Raillard Cécile , Maudhuit Audrey , Héquet Valérie , Le Coq Laurence , Sablayrolles Jean , Molins Laurent
Published: February 2014

The photocatalytic degradation of three common indoor VOCs – acetone, toluene and heptane – is investigated in a dynamic photocatalytic oxidation loop using Box–Behnken designs of experiments. Thanks to the experimental results and the establishment of a kinetic rate law based on a simplified mechanism, a predictive model for the VOC degradation involving independent factors is developed. The parameters under investigation are initial concentration, light intensity and air velocity through the photocatalytic medium. The obtained model fits properly the experimental curves in the range of concentration, light intensity and air flow studied.
Imaging of fetal thymus in pregnant women with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Warby Ann-Christin , Amler Susanne , Jacobi Annett M. , Hammer Kerstin , Möllmann Ute , Falkenberg Maria K. , Möllers Mareike , Kiesel Ludwig , Klockenbusch Walter , Schmitz Ralf
Published: February 2014

Objective: To determine whether certain rheumatic diseases will affect the fetal thymus diameter when compared to uncomplicated singleton pregnancies. Additionally, we created a reference chart for fetal thymus size in healthy singleton pregnancies from 19 to 37 weeks of gestation.

Methods: Sonographic fetal thymus size was retrospectively evaluated in 190 healthy pregnant women, and 84 pregnancies of mothers suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), or Sjögren’s syndrome between 19 and 37 weeks of gestation. These fetuses were matched one-to-one for gestational age with control fetuses. The thymic-thoracic ratio (TT-ratio) was defined as the quotient of the anteroposterior thymic and the intrathoracic mediastinal diameter.

Results: Rheumatic diseases often affect pregnancy outcome, especially in case of primary APS. The TT ratio of fetuses of mothers suffering from rheumatic disease was equal to controls (P=0.807).

Conclusions: Ours is the first study to assess the correlation of fetal thymus size in high-risk pregnancies with rheumatic diseases in comparison to controls. Women with rheumatic diseases deal with pregnancy complications more frequently than controls. Our data suggest that maternal rheumatic diseases do not affect the fetal thymus size.
Bioaccessibility, release kinetics, and molecular speciation of arsenic and lead in geo-dusts from the Iron King Mine Federal Superfund site in Humboldt, Arizona
Authors: Menka Nazune , Root Rob , Chorover Jon
Published: February 2014

Mine tailings contain multiple toxic metal(loid)s that pose a threat to human health via inhalation and ingestion. The goals of this research include understanding the speciation and molecular environment of these toxic metal(loid)s (arsenic and lead) as well as the impacts particle size and residence time have on their bioaccessibilty in simulated gastric and lung fluid. Additionally, future work will include smaller size fractions (PM10 and PM2.5) of surface mine tailings, with the goal of increasing our understanding of multi-metal release from contaminated geo-dusts in simulated bio-fluids. This research is important to environmental human health risk assessment as it increases the accuracy of exposure estimations to toxic metal(loid)s.
The Emmaus Disciples and the Kerygma of the Resurrection (Lk 24,34)
Authors: Ramelli Ilaria
Published: February 2014

Abstract: In Lk 24,34 weist λέγοντας darauf hin, dass diejenigen, die sagen, dass der Herr auferstanden und Simon erschienenen ist, die Elf und die mit ihnen sind. Die damit verbundenen Probleme sind den altkirchlichen Auslegern nicht verborgen geblieben. Der Codex Bezae Cantabrigiensis liest jedoch λέγοντες, was in den kritischen Apparaten und in den Kommentaren in der Regel übergangen wird. Diese Variante wird durch die alten syrischen, koptischen und lateinischen Versionen sowie durch frühe Traditionen über Simon von Emmaus und Clopas unterstützt. In den Handschriften wurde λέγοντες zu λέγοντας, weil Letzteres lectio facilior ist oder weil man Jesu Erscheinung vor Simon in Lk 24,34 mit der vor Petrus in 1Kor
15,5 zu harmonisieren suchte. Die genannte Variante sollte in allen kritischen Apparaten verzeichnet und die ältesten syrischen Versionen sollten in der neutestamentlichen Textkritik gewürdigt werden.
“For Sinai is a Mountain in Arabia”
Authors: Carlson Stephen C.
Published: February 2014

Abstract: Seit Richard Bentley haben sich Textkritiker und Exegeten erstaunt über die Notiz in Gal 4,25a gezeigt, dass der Sinai ein Berg in Arabien ist. Frühe und wichtige Textzeugen bieten verschiedene Lesarten, und der Satz ist – in seinen vier Hauptvarianten – nicht nur grammatikalisch mit Problemen behaftet, sondern auch im Blick auf seine Stellung in Paulus’ Argumentationsduktus. Der Beitrag greift die textkritische Problematik auf und gelangt zu den folgenden Ergebnissen: Äußere Bezeugung, transkriptionale Wahrscheinlichkeitserwägungen wie innere Textkritik legen nahe, dass in V. 25a τὸ γὰρ Σινᾶ ὄρος ἐστὶν ἐν τῇ Ἀραβίᾳ zu lesen ist, so dass diese Lesart im kritischen Text geboten werden sollte. Darüber hinaus führen andere Hinweise
zu der Annahme, dass V. 25a ursprünglich eine Randnotiz war. Kritische Editionen sollten anzeigen, dass der Satz nicht zum ursprünglichen Haupttext des Briefes gehört.