bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extent of Resection of Glioblastoma Revisited: Personalized Survival Modeling Facilitates More Accurate Survival Prediction and Supports a Maximum-Safe-Resection Approach to Surgery
Authors: Marko Nicholas F. , Weil Robert J. , Schroeder Jason L. , Lang Frederick F. , Suki Dima , Sawaya Raymond E.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

Approximately 12,000 glioblastomas are diagnosed annually in the United States. The median survival rate for this disease is 12 months, but individual survival rates can vary with patient-specific factors, including extent of surgical resection (EOR). The goal of our investigation is to develop a reliable strategy for personalized survival prediction and for quantifying the relationship between survival, EOR, and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Patients and Methods

We used accelerated failure time (AFT) modeling using data from 721 newly diagnosed patients with glioblastoma (from 1993 to 2010) to model the factors affecting individualized survival after surgical resection, and we used the model to construct probabilistic, patient-specific tools for survival prediction. We validated this model with independent data from 109 patients from a second institution.

Results

AFT modeling using age, Karnofsky performance score, EOR, and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy produced a continuous, nonlinear, multivariable survival model for glioblastoma. The median personalized predictive error was 4.37 months, representing a more than 20% improvement over current methods. Subsequent model-based calculations yield patient-specific predictions of the incremental effects of EOR and adjuvant therapy on survival.

Conclusion

Nonlinear, multivariable AFT modeling outperforms current methods for estimating individual survival after glioblastoma resection. The model produces personalized survival curves and quantifies the relationship between variables modulating patient-specific survival. This approach provides comprehensive, personalized, probabilistic, and clinically relevant information regarding the anticipated course of disease, the overall prognosis, and the patient-specific influence of EOR and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The continuous, nonlinear relationship identified between expected median survival and EOR argues against a surgical management strategy based on rigid EOR thresholds and instead provides the first explicit evidence supporting a maximum safe resection approach to glioblastoma surgery.
Mature Results of a Phase II Study of Rituximab Therapy for Nodular Lymphocyte–Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Advani Ranjana H. , Horning Sandra J. , Hoppe Richard T. , Daadi Sarah , Allen John , Natkunam Yasodha , Bartlett Nancy L.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

Universal expression of CD20 by malignant cells in nodular lymphocyte–predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) led us to evaluate rituximab (R) as a therapeutic option.

Patient and Methods

Patients with previously treated or newly diagnosed NLPHL were treated with R (375 mg/m2 once per week for 4 weeks) or, after a protocol amendment, with R plus R maintenance (MR; administered once every 6 months for 2 years). Primary and secondary outcome measures were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall response rate (ORR), respectively.

Results

A total of 39 patients were enrolled (R, n = 23; R + MR, n = 16). After four once-per-week treatments, ORR was 100% (complete response, 67%; partial response, 33%). At median follow-ups of 9.8 years for R and 5 years for R + MR, median PFS were 3 and 5.6 years (P = .26), respectively; median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Estimated 5-year PFS and OS for patients treated with R versus R + MR were 39.1% (95% CI, 23.5 to 65.1) and 95.7% (95% CI, 87.7 to 100) versus 58.9% (95% CI, 38.0 to 91.2) and 85.7% (95% CI, 69.2 to 100), respectively. Nine of 23 patients experiencing relapse had evidence of transformation to aggressive B-cell lymphoma; six of these patients had infradiaphragmatic involvement at study entry.

Conclusion

R is an active agent in NLPHL. Although responses are not durable in most patients, a significant minority experience remissions lasting > 5 years. R + MR results in a nonsignificant increase in PFS compared with R. R may be considered in the relapsed setting for NLPHL. The potential for transformation of NLPHL to aggressive B-cell lymphoma underscores the importance of rebiopsy and long-term follow-up.
Society of Surgical Oncology–American Society for Radiation Oncology Consensus Guideline on Margins for Breast-Conserving Surgery With Whole-Breast Irradiation in Stages I and II Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Moran Meena S. , Schnitt Stuart J. , Giuliano Armando E. , Harris Jay R. , Khan Seema A. , Horton Janet , Klimberg Suzanne , Chavez-MacGregor Mariana , Freedman Gary , Houssami Nehmat , Johnson Peggy L. , Morrow Monica
Published: February 2014

Purpose

Controversy exists regarding the optimal margin width in breast-conserving surgery for invasive breast cancer.

Methods

A multidisciplinary consensus panel used a meta-analysis of margin width and ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) from a systematic review of 33 studies including 28,162 patients as the primary evidence base for consensus.

Results

Positive margins (ink on invasive carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ) are associated with a two-fold increase in the risk of IBTR compared with negative margins. This increased risk is not mitigated by favorable biology, endocrine therapy, or a radiation boost. More widely clear margins do not significantly decrease the rate of IBTR compared with no ink on tumor. There is no evidence that more widely clear margins reduce IBTR for young patients or for those with unfavorable biology, lobular cancers, or cancers with an extensive intraductal component.

Conclusion

The use of no ink on tumor as the standard for an adequate margin in invasive cancer in the era of multidisciplinary therapy is associated with low rates of IBTR and has the potential to decrease re-excision rates, improve cosmetic outcomes, and decrease health care costs. J Clin Oncol 32. 2014 American Society of Clinical Oncology®, American Society for Radiation Oncology®, and Society of Surgical Oncology®. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society for Radiation Oncology, and Society of Surgical Oncology.
In a Nongenomic Action, Steroid Hormone 20-Hydroxyecdysone Induces Phosphorylation of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 10 to Promote Gene Transcription
Authors: Liu Wen , Cai Mei-Juan , Wang Jin-Xing , Zhao Xiao-Fan
Published: February 2014

The insect steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) regulates gene transcription via a genomic pathway by forming a transcription complex that binds to DNA with the help of the chaperone proteins, heat shock proteins (Hsps) Hsc70 and Hsp90. However, the nongenomic mechanisms by which 20E regulates gene expression remain unclear. In this study, we found that 20E regulated the phosphorylation of serine/threonine protein kinase cyclin-dependent kinase 10 (CDK10) through a nongenomic pathway to mediate gene transcription in the lepidopteran Helicoverpa armigera. The down-regulation of CDK10 by RNA interference in larvae and the epidermal cell line delayed development and suppressed 20E-induced gene transcription. CDK10 was localized to the nucleus via its KKRR motif, and this nuclear localization and the ATPase motif were necessary for the efficient expression of the 20E-inducible gene. The rapid phosphorylation of CDK10 was induced by 20E, whereas it was repressed by the inhibitors of G-protein–coupled receptors, phospholipase C, and Ca2+ channels. Phosphorylated CDK10 exhibited increased interactions with Hsps Hsc70 and Hsp90 and then promoted the interactions between Hsps and ecdysone receptor EcRB1 and the binding of the Hsps-EcRB1 complex to the 20E response element for the regulation of gene transcription. CDK10 depletion suppressed the formation of the Hsps-EcRB1 complex at the hormone receptor 3 promoter. These results suggest that 20E induces CDK10 phosphorylation via a nongenomic pathway to regulate gene transcription in the nucleus.
Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) Is Up-Regulated in Thyroid Carcinoma and Drives the Development of an Immunosuppressant Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Moretti Sonia , Menicali Elisa , Voce Pasquale , Morelli Silvia , Cantarelli Sara , Sponziello Marialuisa , Colella Renato , Fallarino Francesca , Orabona Ciriana , Alunno Alessia , de Biase Dario , Bini Vittorio , Mameli Maria Grazia , Filetti Sebastiano , Gerli Roberto , Macchiarulo Antonio , Melillo Rosa Marina , Tallini Giovanni , Santoro Massimo , Puccetti Paolo , Avenia Nicola , Puxeddu Efisio
Published: February 2014

Context:

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a single chain oxidoreductase that catalyzes tryptophan degradation to kynurenine. In cancer, it appears to exert an immunosuppressive function as part of an acquired mechanism of immune escape mediated by the inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation and survival and by the induction of FoxP3+ T regulatory cells.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to evaluate IDO1 expression in thyroid carcinoma and demonstrate its immunosuppressive function in the context of thyroid tumors.

Setting:

IDO1 expression was evaluated by quantitative PCR in 105 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), 11 medullary thyroid carcinomas, six anaplastic thyroid carcinomas, and five thyroid carcinoma cell lines (TCCLs), by immunohistochemistry in 55 PTCs and by Western blotting in five TCCLs. FoxP3+ Treg lymphocyte density was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 29 PTCs. IDO1 inhibitory effect on lymphocyte proliferation was tested in coculture experiments of TCCLs and activated lymphocytes.

Results:

IDO1 mRNA expression resulted significantly higher in all the analyzed thyroid carcinoma histotypes compared with normal thyroid. Interestingly, an increase of IDO1 mRNA expression magnitude could be observed with gain of aggressiveness (PTCs and medullary thyroid carcinomas ≪ anaplastic thyroid carcinomas). In PTCs, IDO1 mRNA expression magnitude correlated with IDO1 immunostaining intensity in cancer cells and with FoxP3+ Treg lymphocyte density in the tumor microenvironment. IDO1 was expressed in human thyroid cancer cell lines in vitro, and FTC-133 cells showed high kynurenine concentration in the conditioned medium and a strong suppressive action on the proliferation of activated lymphocytes in coculture experiments.

Conclusions:

For the first time, this study demonstrates a pivotal role of IDO1 in the suppression of lymphocyte function in thyroid carcinoma microenvironment.
Cerebral venous thrombosis in post-lumbar puncture intracranial hypotension: case report and review of literature
Authors: Kate Mahesh P. , Thomas Bejoy , Sylaja P.N.
Published: February 2014

The spectrum of presentation of intracranial hypotension is clinically perplexing. We report a case of 31-year-old post-partum woman who underwent an uneventful caesarean section under spinal anesthesia. From the second day of surgery she developed postural headache, the headache lost its postural character after few days. She then developed seizures and ataxic hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed features of severe intracranial hypotension in the brain and the spinal cord, and magnetic resonance venography showed cortical vein and partial superior sagittal sinus thrombosis. Prothrombotic (etiological) work-up showed Protein C and S deficiency. She responded to anticoagulation therapy and recovered completely. On review of literature two distinct groups could be identified obstetric and non-obstetric. The non-obstetric group included patients who underwent diagnostic lumbar puncture, intrathecal injection of medications and epidural anesthesia for non-obstetric surgeries. Poor outcome and mortality was noted in non-obstetric group, while obstetric group had an excellent recovery.
Optimization of the Algebraic Model of Constructive Logic
Authors: Хромушин  , Khromushin Oleg , Хромушин  , Khromushin Viktor , Дзасохов  , Dzasokhov Aleksey , Бучель  , Buchel V.
Published: February 2014

The authors proposed and evaluated options of optimization of the algebraic model of constructive logic, designed to construct multichannel non-linear mathematical model often used in Russia in the in-depth analysis in medicine and biology. In the basis of optimization of this model are procedures for finding duplicate cases (rows base), relevant to the achievement of goals, and excluding those resulting components that are duplicated other cases the resulting components.

Procedures for reviewing the results of the components of a top-down or bottom-up and comparing the numbers corresponding to achievement of objectives are the basis of optimization. If all the numbers viewing the resulting component will be present in other watched the resulting components, then it is removed as redundant. As a result of identifying and eliminating redundant coatings target lines are reducing the number of resulting parts. Reduction of number of resulting components is achieved by identifying and eliminating redundant coatings target lines.

The results of two variants of optimization of mathematical model are shown on the example of the mathematical model identification features of the method of oxygen therapy in the treatment of oncological pathology. The authors suggested the possibility of practical use of various optimization algorithms to choose model with a minimal number of components of the resulting/
A Study of the Prevalence of Various Motives Conception (the Pregnancy) and Their Relationship with the Level of Anxiety in the Primaparous and Multyparous Women in the 3-rd Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Перова  , Perova E. , Бронфман  , Bronfman S. , Кудаева  , Kudaeva L.
Published: February 2014

After the analysis of the frequency of occurrence of various motives conception (the pregnancy), the authors concluded that only 20% of women are such motives as « pregnancy for a child» and «pregnancy from a loved one to» (positive in relation to the unborn child), which is significantly less (p<0.05) than the predominance of non-structural motifs. In the primaparous women with low anxiety level the most prevalent conception motive was "to comply with social expectations" (75%) and "to preserve own health" (25%). In the primaparous women with high anxiety level the most prevalent motive was "pregnancy for the sake of a child" (65%), and also "to preserve relationship" (25%) and "to preserve health" (10%). In the primaparous women with "nominally normal" anxiety level (for a pregnancy) the most prevalent motives were "pregnancy to preserve relationship" (55%) and "to comply with social expectations" (40%). In the multiparous women the main motives were "to comply with social expectations" (25%) "to preserve relationship with a man» (35%) and "to preserve health" (15%). In summary, according to the obtained data, in the primaparous women with low anxiety level the most prevalent motives were not positive with regard to the expected child (or associated with a beloved spouse), but driven by rational ideas of "compliance" and "health benefit". In contrast, the primaparous women with high anxiety level were frequently more positively motivated with regard to the expected child (i.e. high anxiety level was frequently caused by the worries about the expected child).
An Evaluation of the Activity of Smoking Cessation Practitioners in New Zealand Following Smoking Cessation Training
Authors: McRobbie Hayden , Barlow Denise , Bullen Chris , Eadie Stewart , Wallace-Bell Mark , Whittaker Robyn
Published: February 2014

Health care professionals (HCPs) in New Zealand have access to free smoking cessation training that enables them to deliver smoking cessation support and provide Government subsidised nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). However, it is unknown how many trainees go on to provide cessation services or what level of smoking cessation support activity they undertake. A questionnaire was sent to 1183 HCPs to assess this and also enquire about barriers to establishing and/or providing a cessation service. Despite a low response rate (11%) a number of important issues were identified; 84% of respondents had provided smoking cessation treatment and the majority of these (92%) were still providing treatment. The most frequent barriers reported were lack of dedicated time and funding to provide treatment. Support in establishing smoking cessation treatment and ongoing training support were the 2 main trainee needs. Smoking cessation specialists are a relatively new group of HCPs whose numbers are likely to grow. Smoking cessation training should address the needs of HCPs and a range of barriers to implementing treatment.
Doctors' Attitude Towards Current Smokers With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Its Impact on Delivering Smoking Cessation Advice
Authors: Winstanley Laura , Daunt Matthew , Macfarlane James
Published: February 2014

Objective: To explore the attitudes of hospital doctors towards current smokers with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Methods: We surveyed 184 hospital doctors of all grades regarding their attitudes to four patient scenarios including: current excess alcohol drinker, current smoker limited by angina, current intravenous drug user and current smoker limited by COPD. Doctors scored to what degree they felt the patients were at fault for their condition and in control of their future health. Results: Most doctors agreed/strongly agreed that current smokers with COPD were the most ‘at fault’ for their condition and when asked to rank the four patients from most to blame to least to blame for their own ill health, 80% doctors ranked smokers with COPD more to blame than smokers with angina. In the last 2 weeks almost all doctors had managed smokers, but only two thirds had offered any form of cessation advice. Comment: A significant proportion of doctors believe that patients with COPD are at fault for their condition; however, they appear to believe there is scope for change in smokers and other addicted patients. By implementing smoking cessation training, doctors can improve the care offered to smokers and avoid the negative attitude towards smokers with COPD.
Γραμματική in Plato and Aristotle
Authors: Graham Daniel , Barney Justin
Published: February 2014

The term
P. Oxy. XXV 2434 Fr. 5–6
Authors: Benelli Luca
Published: February 2014

Critical Notes on P.Oxy. XXV 2434 Fr. 5-6 (Commentary on Simonides?)
Bibliometrie – ein Aufgabengebiet von Bibliotheken?
Authors: May Monika
Published: February 2014

Bibliometrie zur Evaluation wissenschaftlicher Leistung gewinnt zunehmend an Bedeutung. Vor allem für Hochschulleitungen sind bibliometrische Indices zur Leistungsbeurteilung ihrer Wissenschaftler attraktiv. Die Wissenschaftler hingegen stehen den bibliometrischen Analysen skeptisch gegenüber und nehmen die Indices nur zögerlich an, wie die geringe Nutzung auf ihren Homepages im Internet zeigt. Für Bibliotheken ergibt sich eine neue Aufgabe. Sie sollten sich als Partner beider Gruppen positionieren und durch aktive Beratung ihre Kompetenz auf diesem Feld einbringen.
Forum Confluentes: Kunst, Kultur, Bildung
Authors: Ott Susanne
Published: February 2014

Im Juni 2013 wurde der Kulturbau Forum Confluentes in Koblenz eröffnet. Der Neubau beherbergt die Stadtbibliothek Koblenz, das Mittelrhein-Museum, die Tourist-Information und das sogenannte Romanticum. Er ist im Zusammenhang mit der Neugestaltung des Zentralplatzes zu sehen, die einen „Nutzungsmix“ von Einzelhandel, Kultur und Tourismus zum Ziel hatte. Die verschiedenen Bereiche im Stadtzentrum sollen einen Anziehungspunkt schaffen, der zur Belebung der Innenstadt beiträgt.
Transthyretin: a multifaceted protein
Authors: Vieira Marta , Saraiva Maria João
Published: February 2014

Transthyretin is a highly conserved homotetrameric protein, mainly synthetized by the liver and the choroid plexus of brain. The carrier role of TTR is well-known; however, many other functions have emerged, namely in the nervous system. Behavior, cognition, neuropeptide amidation, neurogenesis, nerve regeneration, axonal growth and 14-3-3ζ metabolism are some of the processes where TTR has an important role. TTR aggregates are responsible for many amyloidosis such as familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy. Normal TTR can also aggregate and deposit in the heart of old people and in preeclampsia placental tissue. Differences in TTR levels have been found in several neuropathologies, but its neuroprotective role, until now, was described in ischemia and Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of this review is to stress the relevance of TTR, besides its well-known role on transport of thyroxine and retinol-binding protein.
Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy: a comparison of associated conditions, treatments and complications
Authors: Gilbert Audrey , Patenaude Valerie , Abenhaim Haim A.
Published: February 2014

Objective: Acute pancreatitis is a rare condition in pregnancy. The aim of this study is to compare associated conditions, treatments and complications of pancreatitis in pregnant and age-matched non-pregnant controls.

Methods: We carried out a population-based retrospective cohort study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) from 2003 to 2010. A cohort of pregnant women with acute pancreatitis was created and compared to a created age-matched cohort of non-pregnant women with acute pancreatitis at a 1:4 ratio. Comparisons of associated conditions, treatment types, and complications were carried out using unconditional logistic regression.

Results: We identified 7725 cases of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy. As compared to non-pregnant controls, pancreatitis in pregnancy was more likely to be associated with cholelithiasis and less likely with hyperlipidemia and alcohol abuse. Pancreatitis in pregnancy was more likely to be treated with parenteral nutrition and less likely to undergo endoscopic sphincterotomy. As compared to non-pregnant controls, pregnant women with pancreatitis were less likely to have pancreatic pseudocysts/hemorrhage/necrosis, generalized peritonitis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and death.

Conclusion: Pancreatitis in pregnancy is predominantly caused by cholelithiasis, and unlike in the non-pregnant state, usually has a milder course.
Against the Beat
Authors: Smyth J. E.
Published: February 2014

The opening sequence of Ragtime (1981) takes place in a theater during the silent film era where the protagonist, Coalhouse Walker Jr. (Howard Rollins, Jr.), accompanies a newsreel featuring the stars of American public life in the early decades of the twentieth century. While postmodern theorists and film historians have linked the content and form of textual and visual fictions with their historical counterparts, less attention has been given to musical and aural styles as historiographic interventions. And while new research in historical film studies has revealed the flirtations of mainstream feature films with postmodern critique, much of this work skirts the racially coded structures of historiography. This article explores screenwriter Michael Weller and director Milos Forman’s decision to focus on Coalhouse’s story (over novelist E. L. Doctorow’s objections) and to deploy ragtime as both African American counter-beat and explosive historical style.
Mutation of a Cuticular Protein,BmorCPR2, Alters Larval Body Shape and Adaptability in Silkworm,Bombyx mori
Authors: Qiao Liang , Xiong Gao , Wang Ri-xin , He Song-zhen , Chen Jie , Tong Xiao-ling , Hu Hai , Li Chun-lin , Gai Ting-ting , Xin Ya-qun , Liu Xiao-fan , Chen Bin , Xiang Zhong-huai , Lu Cheng , Dai Fang-yin
Published: February 2014

Cuticular proteins (CPs) are crucial components of the insect cuticle. Although numerous genes encoding cuticular proteins have been identified in known insect genomes to date, their functions in maintaining insect body shape and adaptability remain largely unknown. In the current study, positional cloning led to the identification of a gene encoding an RR1-type cuticular protein, BmorCPR2, highly expressed in larval chitin-rich tissues and at the mulberry leaf-eating stages, which is responsible for the silkworm stony mutant. In the Dazao-stony strain, the BmorCPR2 allele is a deletion mutation with significantly lower expression, compared to the wild-type Dazao strain. Dysfunctional BmorCPR2 in the stony mutant lost chitin binding ability, leading to reduced chitin content in larval cuticle, limitation of cuticle extension, abatement of cuticle tensile properties, and aberrant ratio between internodes and intersegmental folds. These variations induce a significant decrease in cuticle capacity to hold the growing internal organs in the larval development process, resulting in whole-body stiffness, tightness, and hardness, bulging intersegmental folds, and serious defects in larval adaptability. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the corresponding phenotype of stony in insects caused by mutation of RR1-type cuticular protein. Our findings collectively shed light on the specific role of cuticular proteins in maintaining normal larval body shape and will aid in the development of pest control strategies for the management of Lepidoptera.
The Genetic Architecture Of Maize Height
Authors: Peiffer Jason A , Romay Maria C , Gore Michael A , Flint-Garcia Sherry A , Zhang Zhiwu , Millard Mark J , Gardner Candice A C , McMullen Michael D , Holland James B , Bradbury Peter J , Buckler Edward S
Published: February 2014

Height is one of the most heritable and easily measured traits in maize (Zea mays L.). Given a pedigree or estimates of the genomic identity-by-state among related plants, height is also accurately predictable. But, mapping alleles explaining natural variation in maize height remains a formidable challenge. To address this challenge, we measured the plant height, ear height, flowering time, and node counts of plants grown in >64,500 plots across 13 environments. These plots contained >7300 inbreds representing most publically available maize inbreds in the United States and families of the maize Nested Association Mapping (NAM) panel. Joint-linkage mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL), fine mapping in near isogenic lines (NILs), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) were performed. The heritability of maize height was estimated to be >90%. Mapping NAM family-nested QTL revealed the largest explained 2.1 ± 0.9% of height variation. The effects of two tropical alleles at this QTL were independently validated by fine mapping in NIL families. Several significant associations found by GWAS colocalized with established height loci, including brassinosteroid-deficient dwarf1, dwarf plant1, and semi-dwarf2. GBLUP explained >80% of height variation in the panels and outperformed bootstrap aggregation of family-nested QTL models in evaluations of prediction accuracy. These results revealed maize height was under strong genetic control and had a highly polygenic genetic architecture. They also showed that multiple models of genetic architecture differing in polygenicity and effect sizes can plausibly explain a population’s variation in maize height, but they may vary in predictive efficacy.
Degradation of Centromeric Histone H3 Variant Cse4 Requires the Fpr3 Peptidyl-prolyl Cis–Trans Isomerase
Authors: Ohkuni Kentaro , Abdulle Rashid , Kitagawa Katsumi
Published: February 2014

The centromeric histone H3 variant Cse4 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is polyubiquitylated and degraded in a proteasome-dependent manner. We report here that the proline isomerase Fpr3 regulates Cse4 proteolysis. Structural change in Cse4 by Fpr3 might be important for the interaction between Cse4 and the E3 ubiquitin ligase Psh1.
Adult Talk in the NICU With Preterm Infants and Developmental Outcomes
Authors: Caskey Melinda , Stephens Bonnie , Tucker Richard , Vohr Betty
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this study was to test the association of mean adult word counts at 32 and 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age in the NICU with Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd Edition (Bayley-III), cognitive and language scores. It was hypothesized that preterm infants exposed to higher word counts would have higher cognitive and language scores at 7 and 18 months’ corrected age.

METHODS:

This prospective cohort study included 36 preterm infants with a birth weight ≤1250 g. Sixteen-hour recordings were made in the NICU by using a digital language processor at 32 and 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age. Regression analyses were performed on adult word count per hour, with Bayley-III measures correcting for birth weight.

RESULTS:

Adult word counts in the NICU were positively correlated with 7- and 18-month Bayley-III scores. For the 32-week recording, in regression analyses adjusting for birth weight, adult word count per hour independently accounted for 12% of the variance in language composite scores (P = .04) and 20% of the variance in expressive communication scores at 18 months (P = .008). For the 36-week recording, adult word count per hour independently accounted for 26% of the variance in cognitive composite scores at 7 months (P = .0049).

CONCLUSIONS:

Increased amount of parent talk with preterm infants in the NICU was associated with higher 7- and 18-month corrected age Bayley-III language and cognitive scores. These findings offer an opportunity for language intervention starting in the NICU.
Income Inequality and Child Maltreatment in the United States
Authors: Eckenrode John , Smith Elliott G. , McCarthy Margaret E. , Dineen Michael
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the relation between county-level income inequality and rates of child maltreatment.

METHODS:

Data on substantiated reports of child abuse and neglect from 2005 to 2009 were obtained from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System. County-level data on income inequality and children in poverty were obtained from the American Community Survey. Data for additional control variables were obtained from the American Community Survey and the Health Resources and Services Administration Area Resource File. The Gini coefficient was used as the measure of income inequality. Generalized additive models were estimated to explore linear and nonlinear relations among income inequality, poverty, and child maltreatment. In all models, state was included as a fixed effect to control for state-level differences in victim rates.

RESULTS:

Considerable variation in income inequality and child maltreatment rates was found across the 3142 US counties. Income inequality, as well as child poverty rate, was positively and significantly correlated with child maltreatment rates at the county level. Controlling for child poverty, demographic and economic control variables, and state-level variation in maltreatment rates, there was a significant linear effect of inequality on child maltreatment rates (P < .0001). This effect was stronger for counties with moderate to high levels of child poverty.

CONCLUSIONS:

Higher income inequality across US counties was significantly associated with higher county-level rates of child maltreatment. The findings contribute to the growing literature linking greater income inequality to a range of poor health and well-being outcomes in infants and children.
Fertility Rate Trends Among Adolescent Girls With Major Mental Illness: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Vigod Simone N. , Dennis Cindy Lee , Kurdyak Paul A. , Cairney John , Guttmann Astrid , Taylor Valerie H.
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE:

Fertility rates among adolescents have decreased substantially in recent years, yet fertility rates among adolescent girls with mental illness have not been studied. We examined temporal trends in fertility rates among adolescent girls with major mental illness.

METHODS:

We conducted a repeated annual cross-sectional study of fertility rates among girls aged 15 to 19 years in Ontario, Canada (1999–2009). Girls with major mental illness were identified through administrative health data indicating the presence of a psychotic, bipolar, or major depressive disorder within 5 years preceding pregnancy (60 228 person-years). The remaining girls were classified into the comparison group (4 496 317 person-years). The age-specific fertility rate (number of live births per 1000 girls) was calculated annually and by using 3-year moving averages for both groups.

RESULTS:

The incidence of births to girls with major mental illness was 1 in 25. The age-specific fertility rate for girls with major mental illness was 44.9 per 1000 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 43.3–46.7) compared with 15.2 per 1000 (95% CI: 15.1–15.3) in unaffected girls (rate ratio: 2.95; 95% CI: 2.84–3.07). Over time, girls with major mental illness had a smaller reduction in fertility rate (relative rate: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.78–0.96) than did unaffected girls (relative rate: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.76–0.79).

CONCLUSIONS:

These results have key clinical and public policy implications. Our findings highlight the importance of considering major mental illness in the design and implementation of pregnancy prevention programs as well as in targeted antenatal and postnatal programs to ensure maternal and child well-being.
Local Food Prices and Their Associations With Children’s Weight and Food Security
Authors: Morrissey Taryn W. , Jacknowitz Alison , Vinopal Katie
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVES:

Both obesity and food insecurity are important public health problems facing young children in the United States. A lack of affordable, healthy foods is one of the neighborhood factors presumed to underlie both food insecurity and obesity among children. We examine associations between local food prices and children’s BMI, weight, and food security outcomes.

METHODS:

We linked data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, a nationally representative study of children from infancy to age 5, to local food price data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) Cost-of-Living Index (n = 11 700 observations). Using ordinary least squares (OLS), linear probability, and within-child fixed effects (FE) models, we exploit the variability in food price data over time and among children who move residences focusing on a subsample of households under 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.

RESULTS:

Results from ordinary least squares and FE models indicate that higher-priced fruits and vegetables are associated with higher child BMI, and this relationship is driven by the prices of fresh (versus frozen or canned) fruits and vegetables. In the FE models, higher-priced soft drinks are associated with a lower likelihood of being overweight, and surprisingly, higher fast food prices are associated with a greater likelihood of being overweight.

CONCLUSIONS:

Policies that reduce the costs of fresh fruits and vegetables may be effective in promoting healthy weight outcomes among young children.
Friction and wear behavior of a PMMA-SiO2 coating on hardened steel
Authors: Torres-Parga Luis E. , Hernández-Navarro Carolina , Moreno-Bello Karla J. , García-Miranda J.S. , Aguilera-Camacho Luis D. , Lesso-Arroyo Raúl , Arroyo-Ramírez Benjamín , Sánchez-Rodríguez Álvaro
Published: February 2014

Sol-gel coatings show an excellent chemical stability, oxidation control and enhanced corrosion resistance for metal substrates. An organic-inorganic hybrid consisting of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and silica (SiO2) was successfully synthesized in the form of solution, by using 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (TMSPM) as a coupling agent and cohydrolyzed with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) to afford chemical bondings to the forming silica networks by a sol-gel method. The as-synthesized hybrid material was subsequently characterized by Fourier Transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. PMMA-SiO2 was applied as a protective film on hardness steel substrates by dip-coating. The thickness of the coating was 25 µm, while the roughness Ra = 0.6 µm. The wear and friction behavior of the coating on hardened steel (HS) was evaluated by a ball-on-disk test in dry conditions with a AISI steel ball as counterface applying 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 N normal loads. Friction coefficient values (µk) were in the range of 0.76 to 0.99, whereas the lowest wear rate (k) was observed at 6N with a value of 1.30x10-4 (mm3(Nm)-1).
Enhanced Structural Behavior of Systems Polypropylene-Carbon Nanotubes in Acidic Medium
Authors: Avalos-Belmontes Felipe , Flores-Godina Miguel , Narro-Cespedes Rosa , Castañeda-Facio Adali , Castañeda-Flores Martha , Tellez-Rosas Maura , Ramos-deValle Luis , Zitzumbo-Guzman Roberto
Published: February 2014

The effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the thermal and chemical stability of polypropylene (PP) when subjected to oxidation in a fuming nitric was evaluated. The effect of CNTs on the crystalline morphology and melting and crystallization temperature of PP was studied. The results shown a thermal stability increased markedly; the decomposition temperature, increased from 293°C for pure PP to 320°C for PP with CNTs. The crystallization temperature increased perceptibly in presence of CNTs. The oxidative degradation with nitric acid produced a reduction in molecular weight; however, this negative effect was less pronounced in the PP compositions with carbon nanoparticles. The morphological changes evaluated with X-ray diffraction showed that the alpha type crystallinity remains, irrespective of the nucleating agent, and the intensity ratios between reflections peaks was taken as an indication of an increasing nucleating efficiency.
Effect of Microtubules Hierarchy on Photoinduced Hydrogen Generation and Application to Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: Okeyoshi Kosuke , Ryuzo Kawamura , Yoshida Ryo , Osada Yoshihito
Published: February 2014

Several strategies have been explored from viewpoint of biomimetics to accomplish artificial photosynthesis by using macromolecules as a medium such as liposomes, supramolecules, and hydrogels.1 Differing from disordered solution systems in which multiple components such as photosensitizer and catalytic nanoparticle are diffusively mixed, the photochemical reactions occur efficiently in medium due to maintenance of the dipersibility of the components and specific molecular arrangement. Here we attempt to clarify the effect of medium hierarchy for photoinduced electronic transmission among multiple components. By conjugating each component on tubulin and integrating them via self-assembly to microtubules, ideal component arrangements with optimum distance for the electronic transmission will be possible.
Fabrication and characterization of solution-processed carbon nanotube supercapacitors
Authors: Lehtimäki Suvi , Pörhönen Juho , Tuukkanen Sampo , Moilanen Pasi , Virtanen Jorma , Lupo Donald
Published: February 2014

We report the fabrication and characterization of supercapacitors prepared on a flexible substrate using a printable, high-viscosity carbon nanotube (CNT) ink. The CNT-hemicellulose composite ink was prepared using ultrasonication and applied on the substrate with a doctor blade. Aqueous sodium chloride was used as electrolyte. The capacitance of the supercapacitors was 16 mF for a device size of 2 cm2. The measurements were carried out in accordance to an international standard for electric double layer capacitors.
Interactions and Dynamics in Charge-Stabilized Colloids
Authors: Crocker John C. , Grier David G.
Published: February 2014

Perhaps the most remarkable observation one can make about colloidal suspensions is that they exist at all. Particles dispersed in a fluid medium have a natural tendency to aggregate under the influence of van der Waals attraction. Yet the fortunes of a great many natural and industrial processes require colloidal particles to remain dispersed or at least to aggregate at a controlled rate. The existence of colloidal suspensions as varied as milk, inks, and metallic sols attests to the efficacy of a variety of stabilizing mechanisms. As early as 1809, Russel realized that many naturally occurring colloidal particles are charged. By the end of the century, Schultz and Hardy demonstrated that the resulting electro-static repulsions were strong enough to stabilize their suspensions against flocculating. This mechanism—arguably the best understood—continues to yield new surprises despite more than a century of analysis. The most recent burst of activity has been driven by the development of new and quite general techniques for measuring colloidal and macromolecular interactions. Its counterintuitive result—that like-charged particles some-times attract each other—may have ramifications in areas as diverse as protein crystallization, self-assembly of nano-structures, and the stabilization of industrial suspensions. This article touches briefly on the well-established theory of electrostatic stabilization in colloidal suspensions. The emphasis here is on the approximations that have provided the community with an analytical theory at the expense of overlooking recently discovered effects.
Effects of saline fluid on compressibility of clay minerals
Authors: Tiwari Binod , Ajmera Beena
Published: February 2014

Compressibility of the soil may change when it comes in contact with pore fluids of different chemistry. The possibility of having soil mass come in contact with saline pore fluid is always high for various reasons including the production of saline leachate in landfill sites, the movement of sea water into the groundwater when the latter is lower due to various reasons and frequent contact of soil along the coast with sea water. Forty-one soil samples were prepared in this study by mixing different proportions of various clay minerals such as montmorillonite, kaolinite and illite with each other and quartz. The liquid limits of these samples, measured with the distilled water, ranged from 12 to 486. These samples were mixed with 0·5 M sodium chloride (NaCl) solution to evaluate the effect of NaCl solution on the geotechnical properties of soil. A significant particle aggregation was observed in the NaCl-treated montmorillonite-dominated soils, which significantly reduced the clay fraction, Atterberg limits and compression indices. The effect of NaCl solution on changing geotechnical properties of illite and kaolinite was insignificant compared to the effect in montmorillonite. However, the NaCl-treated montmorillonite-dominated soils behaved similar to the illite- and kaolinite-dominated soils.
Point estimation of water retention in smectitic soils
Authors: Javanshir Shabnam , Bayat Hossein , Neyshaburi Mohammad Reza , Davatgar Naser
Published: February 2014

Soil hydraulic properties are needed for the modelling of water and substance movement in unsaturated soils. Their direct measurements are difficult, time consuming and expensive. Therefore, these properties need to be estimated using indirect methods. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of microaggregates on the estimation of soil water retention. In this study, 74 disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were taken from Guilan province, northern Iran. Bulk density; water content at matric suctions of 5, 25, 33, 100 and 1500 kPa; and microaggregate-size distribution (MASD) were measured. The fractal parameters of the MASD were calculated and used to estimate water content. Estimation of water contents at different matric suctions was improved significantly by adding the fractal parameters of the MASD to the pedotransfer functions. The most improvement occurred for θ1500 prediction with relative improvements of 12·5% and 45·2% for training and testing, respectively. It can be due to the influence of soil microstructure on water retention at high matric suctions. Smectite clay with high specific surface area affects soil structure and microaggregates and, consequently, water retention. Using the MASD would be useful in the estimation of soil water content in smectitic soils.
Structural-grade concrete containing FBC and PCC residues. Part I: Non-cement concrete
Authors: Ghafoori Nader , Najimi Meysam
Published: February 2014

This research study aimed to evaluate the extent to which by-products of two distinct coal combustion technologies – pulverised coal combustion (PCC) fly ash and fluidised bed combustion ash (FBC spent bed) – can be used in the production of non-cement and partial-cement structural-grade concretes. The first part of this work focuses on fresh properties, strength and dimensional stability of non-cement concretes having various dosages of PCC fly ash as a binder and FBC spent bed as a primary fine aggregate. The test results revealed that non-cement concretes could produce adequate strength for structural applications, particularly for FBC spent bed to PCC fly ash ratio of 3/1 and up to 40% substitution of FBC spent bed by natural fine aggregate. While the performance of the non-cement concretes was acceptable under dry and sealed conditions, high dimensional instability was observed under soaked conditions due to high sulfate-induced expansion. The setting times of the non-cement concretes were extremely long, capable of limiting their applications. An extension of this study (presented as Part II of this study) included the use of Portland cement as a secondary binder in order to mitigate the concerns over extreme setting times and soaked expansions.
Fundamental period formulae for RC staggered wall buildings
Authors: Kim Jinkoo , Lee Minhee
Published: February 2014

The objective of this work was to derive empirical formulae for the fundamental natural period of reinforced concrete staggered wall system structures using modal analysis results. To this end, 32 model structures of varying height and span length were designed and their fundamental natural periods were computed by modal analysis. The proposed formulae for the natural period of staggered wall structures with and without a middle corridor were determined from regression analysis. To validate the proposed formulae, the seismic performance of selected model structures designed using the formulae was investigated. According to the regression analysis, the computed best-fit formulae for the model structures represent the natural periods precisely. The structures designed using the proposed formulae showed satisfactory performance against the design seismic load.
Effect of coarse aggregate on the interfacial transition zone of concrete based on grey correlation
Authors: Kong Lijuan , Gao Lixiong , Du Yuanbo
Published: February 2014

In order to investigate quantitatively the influence of multiple aggregate factors on the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and to determine the major and minor factors, it is necessary to adopt a mathematic model. A mathematic model of the interface influence factor (KI) is proposed, based on a previous formula of the volume fraction of the ITZ and combined with microhardness test results. Using the model, the positive and negative influences on the ITZ of coarse aggregate of different types, volume fractions and grading can be quantitatively assessed. Furthermore, the grey correlation degree between the coarse aggregate and KI is analysed. The results show that, for normal weight aggregate (NWA), the aggregate grading is the major influencing factor and, for lightweight aggregate (LWA), water absorption is the major influencing factor; both of these factors have the highest correlation degree with KI. Therefore, to improve the microstructure of the ITZ in concrete, NWA with a large average particle size and LWA with a high water absorption should be used to prepare the concrete, on the premise of meeting the necessary workability and mechanical properties of the concrete. The grey correlation model can be successfully applied to sensitivity analysis of the influence of coarse aggregate with various factors on the ITZ.