bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Transgenic Mouse Model of OI Type V Supports a Neomorphic Mechanism of the IFITM5 Mutation
Authors: Lietman Caressa D , Marom Ronit , Munivez Elda , Bertin Terry K , Jiang Ming-Ming , Chen Yuqing , Dawson Brian , Weis Mary Ann , Eyre David , Lee Brendan
Published: September 2014

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type V is characterized by increased bone fragility, long bone deformities, hyperplastic callus formation, and calcification of interosseous membranes. It is caused by a recurrent mutation in the 5' UTR of the IFITM5 gene (c.-14C > T). This mutation introduces an alternative start codon, adding 5 amino acid residues to the N-terminus of the protein. The mechanism whereby this novel IFITM5 protein causes OI type V is yet to be defined. To address this, we created transgenic mice expressing either the wild-type or the OI type V mutant IFITM5 under the control of an osteoblast-specific Col1a1 2.3-kb promoter. These mutant IFITM5 transgenic mice exhibited perinatal lethality, whereas wild-type IFITM5 transgenic mice showed normal growth and development. Skeletal preparations and radiographs performed on E15.5 and E18.5 OI type V transgenic embryos revealed delayed/abnormal mineralization and skeletal defects, including abnormal rib cage formation, long bone deformities, and fractures. Primary osteoblast cultures, derived from mutant mice calvaria at E18.5, showed decreased mineralization by Alizarin red staining, and RNA isolated from calvaria showed reduced expression of osteoblast differentiation markers such as Osteocalcin, compared with nontransgenic littermates and wild-type mice calvaria, consistent with the in vivo phenotype. Importantly, overexpression of wild-type Ifitm5 did not manifest a significant bone phenotype. Collectively, our results suggest that expression of mutant IFITM5 causes abnormal skeletal development, low bone mass, and abnormal osteoblast differentiation. Given that neither overexpression of the wild-type Ifitm5, as shown in our model, nor knock-out of Ifitm5, as previously published, showed significant bone abnormalities, we conclude that the IFITM5 mutation in OI type V acts in a neomorphic fashion. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Synthesis of Optically Active 2‐Amino‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles and their Hybrid Peptides
Authors: Madhu Chilakapati , Prabhu Girish , Pal Rumpa , Guru Row T. N. , Sureshbabu Vommina V.
Published: September 2014

Synthesis of 2‐amino‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives of Nα‐Cbz(benzyloxycarbonyl)/Boc‐protected amino/peptide acids under sonication is described. The conditions involved in the present protocol are simple, mild, and racemization free. The utility of 2‐amino group in the substituted oxadiazoles for the incorporation of peptide and ureido bonds to obtain hybrid peptidomimetics is also delineated. The 2‐amino‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole 3b was obtained as a single crystal, and its molecular structure has been confirmed through X‐ray crystallographic study.
Correlation between mechanical stress by finite element analysis and 18F‐fluoride PET uptake in hip osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Hirata Yasuhide , Inaba Yutaka , Kobayashi Naomi , Ike Hiroyuki , Yukizawa Yohei , Fujimaki Hiroshi , Tezuka Taro , Tateishi Ukihide , Inoue Tomio , Saito Tomoyuki
Published: September 2014

18F‐fluoride positron emission tomography (18F‐fluoride PET) is a functional imaging modality used primarily to detect increased bone metabolism. Increased 18F‐fluoride PET uptake suggests an association between increased bone metabolism and load stress at the subchondral level. This study therefore examined the relationship between equivalent stress distribution calculated by finite element analysis and 18F‐fluoride PET uptake in patients with hip osteoarthritis. The study examined 34 hips of 17 patients who presented to our clinic with hip pain, and were diagnosed with osteoarthritis or pre‐osteoarthritis. The hips with trauma, infection, or bone metastasis of cancer were excluded. Three‐dimensional models of each hip were created from computed tomography data to calculate the maximum equivalent stress by finite element analysis, which was compared with the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) examined by 18F‐fluoride PET. The SUVmax and equivalent stress were correlated (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient ρ = 0.752), and higher equivalent stress values were noted in higher SUVmax patients. The correlation between SUVmax and maximum equivalent stress in osteoarthritic hips suggests the possibility that 18F‐fluoride PET detect increased bone metabolism at sites of stress concentration. This study demonstrates the correlation between mechanical stress and bone remodeling acceleration in hip osteoarthritis. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:78–83, 2015.
Rutin upregulates neurotrophic factors resulting in attenuation of ethanol‐induced oxidative stress in HT22 hippocampal neuronal cells
Authors: Song Kibbeum , Na Ji‐Young , Kim Sokho , Kwon Jungkee
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

Alcoholism, which refers to the excessive consumption of alcohol, has deleterious effects on personal and social health worldwide. Oxidative stress evoked by ethanol plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Rutin is a bioflavonoid that has been demonstrated to scavenge superoxide radicals. However, the effects of rutin on neuronal toxicity following ethanol‐induced oxidative stress have not previously been investigated. Thus we investigated the antioxidant effect of rutin in hippocampal neuronal cells (HT22 cells) exposed to ethanol.

RESULTS

We found that rutin pretreatment prevented the ethanol‐induced decrease in protein level expression of nerve growth factor, glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in HT22 cells. Cell viability as analyzed by the MTT method revealed a significant increase in cell viability in the rutin‐treated group compared with the ethanol‐only treated group. Antioxidant effect of rutin was confirmed to be due to reduction of intracellular reactive oxidative species production in ethanol‐treated HT22 cells. Moreover, rutin significantly increased the level of the antioxidant glutathione, and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that rutin has potential as a therapeutic agent to treat alcohol‐related neurodegenerative disorders. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetic and Mechanistic Aspects of Reactivity of the Oxidation of Some Fe(II)–Tris Schiff Base Complexes by Peroxydisulfate: Spectrophotometric Tracer and Solvent Effect on the Reactivity
Authors: Ebaid Nassr Lobna Abdel‐Mohsen , Shaker Ali Momamad
Published: September 2014

The kinetics of the oxidation of some Fe(II)–Tris Schiff base complexes by peroxydisulfate was studied spectrophotometrically in the aqueous medium and in the organic–aqua binary mixture. The inspected complexes were derived from the condensation of 2‐acetylpyridine and substituted benzylamines. The oxidation reaction of the studied complexes was followed at 303 K under pseudo–first‐order conditions. It was found that the oxidation reaction by S2O82− consists of two steps. The first step is the formation of an ion pair from the reactants, and the second step is an electron transfer from the metal center to the peroxydisulfate oxidant, with an associated peroxo bond fissure. A mechanism, based on the experimental results, was proposed, and the rate law was derived. The effect of organic solvent on the reaction rate was studied in the presence of different ratios (v/v) of methanol–water and acetone–water mixtures. Moreover, the changes in the activation barrier from water to water–methanol and water–acetone mixtures were estimated from the kinetic data. The transfer chemical potentials of the initial and transition states from water into mixed solvents were determined from solubility measurements. Solvent effects on the reaction rate were discussed in terms of initial state versus transition state solvation.
Poly(isobutylene) Nanoparticles via Cationic Polymerization in Nonaqueous Emulsions
Authors: Schuster Thomas , Golling Florian E. , Krumpfer Joseph W. , Wagner Manfred , Graf Robert , Alsaygh Abdulhamid A. , Klapper Markus , Müllen Klaus
Published: September 2014

The preparation of poly(isobutylene) (PIB) nanoparticles via cationic emulsion polymerization is presented. As a requirement, an oil‐in‐perfluoroalkane nonaqueous emulsion is developed, which is inert under the carbocationic polymerization conditions. To stabilize the dichloromethane/hexane droplets in the fluorinated, continuous phase, an amphiphilic block copolymer emulsifier is prepared containing PIB and 1H,1H‐perfluoroalkylated poly(pentafluorostyrene) blocks. This system allows for the polymerization of isobutylene with number‐average molecular weights () up to 27 000 g mol−1. The particle morphologies are characterized via dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy. For > 20 000 g mol−1, the particles exhibit shape‐persistence at room temperature and are ≈100 nm in diameter.

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HIV and the spectrum of human disease
Authors: Lucas Sebastian , Nelson Ann Marie
Published: September 2014

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes systemic T cell destruction and reduced cell‐mediated immunity that leads to a wide range of opportunistic infections and cancers. Second, it directly damages many tissues – gut, brain, lung – through mononuclear cell infection and activation. Third, through immune activation and effects on endothelia, it can cause more subtle systemic organ damage, such as chronic cardiovascular, hepatic, pulmonary and central nervous system disease. Antiretroviral treatment has enabled HIV‐infected persons to live with chronic infection, although with some side‐effects and mortality, including reactions due to the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). As cohorts of infected people get older, age‐related diseases will combine with chronic HIV infection to produce disabilities whose scale is not yet understood. HIV is detectable in tissues by immunohistochemistry when infection loads are high, such as at first presentation. Pathologists should proactively consider HIV disease in routine diagnostic work, so as to identify more HIV‐infected patients and enable their optimal management. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Construction and assessment of individualized proteogenomic databases for large‐scale analysis of nonsynonymous single nucleotide variants
Authors: Krug Karsten , Popic Sasa , Carpy Alejandro , Taumer Christoph , Macek Boris
Published: September 2014

Next‐generation sequencing projects focusing on genomes and transcriptomes identify millions of single nucleotide variants (SNVs), many of which result in single amino acid substitutions. These nonsynonymous (ns) SNVs are typically not incorporated into protein sequence databases used to identify MS/MS data. Here, we perform a comparative analysis of the assembly of nsSNV‐containing proteogenomic databases. We use a comprehensive transcriptome and proteome dataset of HeLa cells from the literature to derive and to incorporate SNVs into databases applicable to proteomics search engines, and to assess their performance in the identification of nsSNVs. We assemble the databases by (1) translation of SNV‐containing transcripts into all possible reading frames, (2) translation of predicted reading frame, (3) prediction of nsSNVs and subsequent incorporation into canonical protein sequences. We show substantial differences between generated databases in terms of represented nsSNVs and theoretical search space, affecting sensitivity and specificity of database search. We query the databases with >2.2M high‐resolution MS/MS spectra using MaxQuant software and identify 451 variant peptides, containing 401 nsSNVs. We conclude that prediction of reading frame and, if applicable, SNV effect result in comprehensive yet compact databases necessary to retain sensitivity in large‐scale analysis of nsSNVs called from transcriptomics data.
Encapsulation of SnO2/Sn Nanoparticles into Mesoporous Carbon Nanowires and its Excellent Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Tian Qinghua , Zhang Zhengxi , Yang Li , Hirano Shin‐ichi
Published: September 2014

A peculiar nanostructure of encapsulation of SnO2/Sn nanoparticles into mesoporous carbon nanowires (CNWs) has been successfully fabricated by a facile strategy and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution TEM (HRTEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), BET, energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectrometer, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterizations. The 1D mesoporous CNWs effectively accommodate the strain of volume change, prevent the aggregation and pulverization of nanostructured SnO2/Sn, and facilitate electron and ion transport throughout the electrode. Moreover, the void space surrounding SnO2/Sn nanoparticles also provides buffer spaces for the volumetric change of SnO2/Sn during cycling, thus resulting in excellent cycling performance as potential anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries. Even after 499 cycles, a reversible capacity of 949.4 mAh g−1 is retained at 800 mA g−1. Its unique architecture should be responsible for the superior electrochemical performance.
Mind the correct basis set: A case study for predicting gas phase acidities of small compounds using calculations from first principles
Authors: Tymińska Nina , Włoch Marta , Royappa A. Timothy
Published: September 2014

Some of the most popular computational methods have been utilized to determine a dependency of the acidity trend of the first‐row hydrides on a choice of basis set. For about three decades, methyl anion (
) was known as the strongest base but after Tian et al. were able to produce the gas phase lithium monoxide anion (LiO–) they discovered it was a stronger base than
(Tian et al., Proc Natl Acad Soc USA 2008, 105, 7647). Furthermore, the authors confirmed their experimental results using high‐level ab initio methods, namely W1 and W2C composite methods, as well as complete active space‐averaged quadratic coupled cluster and Brueckner Doubles with triple excitation contribution (BD(T)) within the aug‐cc‐pVQZ basis set. These methods are highly demanding in terms of the computational effort as well as a level of expertise needed from the user to correctly conduct such calculations. We have shown that the proper acidity trend, that is,
, can be obtained with less expensive, ”black‐box” type methods if only the basis set is properly chosen. Our results prove that the diffuse augmented basis sets are absolutely necessary for appropriate predictions of acidities. Our calculations show that the correct order of
is achieved by augmenting relatively small cc‐pVXZ (X = D,T) basis sets. A similar effect is observed for the family of Pople's basis sets. Our estimate for
with CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVTZ was 423.8 kcal/mol, which agrees very well with the experimental value 425.7 ± 6.1 kcal/mol. An important finding is that the proper acidity trend may be reversed if the basis sets are not correctly selected. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A closed‐form expression for the total degradation in OFDM systems
Authors: Rosati Stefano , Candreva Enzo Alberto , Vanelli‐Coralli Alessandro , Corazza Giovanni E.
Published: September 2014

In this paper, building upon Bussgang's theorem, we present a new expression for the total degradation (TD) in OFDM systems. This novel expression is applicable to any high power amplifier (HPA) model. In case of ideal clipping HPA model and for particular realizations of Rapp and Saleh HPA models, it and can be expressed in closed form. It enables a significant speed‐up in computing TD, because it avoids end‐to‐end system simulations. As a consequence, it simplifies the evaluation of TD as a function of the back‐off, yielding a more accurate evaluation of the optimum HPA back‐off (i.e., the back‐off value that minimizes TD). Numerical results show a perfect agreement between the proposed analytical framework and the Monte Carlo simulation results.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research‐Driven Practice in Fraternity and Sorority Life
Authors: Hevel Michael S. , Bureau Daniel A.
Published: September 2014

This chapter examines the findings, implications for practice, and directions for future research provided by the WNS research that focused on fraternities and sororities.
Making Diversity Work to Improve College Student Learning
Authors: Goodman Kathleen M. , Bowman Nicholas A.
Published: September 2014

This chapter summarizes how diversity experiences influence college students’ educational outcomes and offers recommendations for practice to maximize these benefits on all campuses.
The Effects of Student Interactions With Student Affairs Professionals on College Outcomes
Authors: Martin Georgianna L. , McGee Melandie
Published: September 2014

This chapter explores how students’ interactions with student affairs professionals influence college outcomes with a particular focus on applying findings to student affairs practice.
What the Wabash National Study Can Teach Us About At‐Risk Student Populations
Authors: Trolian Teniell L.
Published: September 2014

This chapter surveys WNS findings that explored how “at‐risk” identities affect students’ educational outcomes and offers advice on how to ensure the success of these students.
Becoming a Scholar‐Practitioner in Student Affairs
Authors: Kupo V. Leilani
Published: September 2014

This chapter explores the meanings of “scholar‐practitioner” and explores habits of mind that encourage participation in scholarly activities and incorporating evidence in professional practice.
Low rate of prenatal diagnosis among neonates with critical aortic stenosis: insight into the natural history in utero
Authors: Freud L. R. , Moon‐Grady A. , Escobar‐Diaz M. C. , Gotteiner N. L. , Young L. T. , McElhinney D. B. , Tworetzky W.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To better understand the natural history and spectrum of fetal aortic stenosis (AS), we aimed to (1) determine the prenatal diagnosis rate of neonates with critical AS and a biventricular (BV) outcome, and (2) describe the findings at fetal echocardiography in patients diagnosed prenatally.

Methods

A multicenter, retrospective study was performed on neonates who presented with critical AS and who were discharged with a BV outcome from 2000 to 2013. The prenatal diagnosis rate was compared with that reported for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). We reviewed fetal echocardiographic findings in patients who were diagnosed prenatally.

Results

In only 10 (8.5%) of 117 neonates with critical AS and a BV outcome was the diagnosis made prenatally, a rate significantly lower than that for HLHS in the contemporary era (82%; P < 0.0001). Of the 10 patients diagnosed prenatally, all had developed left ventricular dysfunction by a median gestational age of 33 (range, 28–35) weeks. When present, Doppler abnormalities such as retrograde flow in the aortic arch (n = 2), monophasic mitral inflow (n = 3) and left‐to‐right flow across the foramen ovale (n = 8) developed late in gestation (median 33 weeks).

Conclusion

The prenatal diagnosis rate of critical AS and a BV outcome among neonates is very low, probably owing to a relatively normal four‐chamber view in mid‐gestation with development of significant obstruction in the third trimester. The natural history contrasts with that of severe mid‐gestation AS with evolving HLHS and suggests that the gestational timing of development of significant AS has an important impact on subsequent left‐heart growth in utero. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Thoracoscopic Removal of Hypertrophic Mediastinal Parathyroid Glands in Recurrent Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Lu Hung‐I , Chou Fong‐Fu , Chi Shun‐Yu , Huang Shun‐Chen
Published: September 2014

Background

Hypertrophic mediastinal parathyroid glands (HMPGs) play a role in recurrent secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Thoracoscopic retrieval of HMPGs has been proposed.

Methods

Twelve patients with recurrent SHPT owing to HMPGs were enrolled. We divided the locations of HMPGs below the innominate vein and right to the ascending aorta as Zone I, those below the innominate vein and left to the ascending aorta as Zone II, and those between the aortic arch and pulmonary artery as Zone III. Sestamibi scans combined with computed tomography (CT) scans were arranged to identify the location of HMPGs. Three trocars of the right or left thoracoscopic approach were applied for Zone I or Zone II; four trocars of the left thoracoscopic approach were applied for Zone III.

Results

Sestamibi and CT scans could positively find the 15 parathyroid glands of the 12 patients. Thirteen HMPGs were retrieved successfully with a thoracoscopic approach. The mean operation time was 155 min (range 80–292) and the mean hospital stay was 5.9 days (4–8). After a mean follow‐up of 29.6 months (3–61), calcium and intact parathyroid hormone levels returned to normal ranges in all patients except for one who preferred two‐stage surgery. Neither perioperative mortality, nor major complications occurred.

Conclusions

HMPGs in recurrent SHPT may be multiple. Sestamibi scans combined with CT scans can guide optimal approaches. The thoracoscopic approach provides a safe and feasible technique in retrieving HMPGs in Zones I or II using 3 trocars. For HMPGs in Zone III, they should be handled with care using 4 trocars.
A quantitative PCR protocol for detecting specific Haemoproteus lineages: molecular characterization of blood parasites in a Sedge Warbler population from southern Poland
Authors: Biedrzycka Aleksandra , Migalska Magdalena , Bielański Wojciech
Published: September 2014

In evolutionary studies, blood parasites in avian populations are commonly used as a model of host–parasite interactions. The effect of mixed infections on avian hosts has recently drawn more interest, but the effects of infection with multiple blood parasites and specific parasite lineages are poorly known. A protocol for reliable detection and quantification of lineages is essential to this type of research. Here, we present a newly developed quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay using SYBR Green I to assess the infection intensity of SW1 and SW3 Haemoproteus belopolskyi lineages in a Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) population from southern Poland. These Haemoproteus lineages are not specific to the Sedge Warbler, so the proposed protocol should prove useful for many avian malaria studies. The assay is based on nucleotide primers designed to amplify a fragment of the cytochrome b gene, allowing the two avian malaria lineages to be differentiated. Using this assay, specific host–parasite interactions can be identified and the impact of mixed infections on a host population can be assessed. Most of the parasitized birds in our study were in a low-intensity, chronic phase of infection. In those with mixed SW1/SW3 infections, we detected significantly higher parasitemia caused by the SW3 lineage, whose prevalence was underestimated by the commonly used method, nested PCR. The prevalence of avian malaria parasites in the studied population as estimated by nested PCR was 61 % and did not differ between years, though the prevalence of the SW1 lineage showed significant annual variation. Altogether, two Haemoproteus and five Plasmodium lineages were detected. The two Haemoproteus lineages (SW1, SW3) were most prevalent in the population and comprised 93 % of all infections. We detected significantly higher haemoparasite prevalence and intensity in males, which were sampled immediately after arrival from wintering grounds, suggesting decreased immunoprotection as a result of adaptive resource allocation during migration.
Detailed assessment of gene activation levels by multiple hypoxia-responsive elements under various hypoxic conditions
Authors: Takeuchi Yasuto , Inubushi Masayuki , Jin Yong-Nan , Murai Chika , Tsuji Atsushi B. , Hata Hironobu , Kitagawa Yoshimasa , Saga Tsuneo
Published: September 2014

Objective

HIF-1/HRE pathway is a promising target for the imaging and the treatment of intractable malignancy (HIF-1; hypoxia-inducible factor 1, HRE; hypoxia-responsive element). The purposes of our study are: (1) to assess the gene activation levels resulting from various numbers of HREs under various hypoxic conditions, (2) to evaluate the bidirectional activity of multiple HREs, and (3) to confirm whether multiple HREs can induce gene expression in vivo.

Methods

Human colon carcinoma HCT116 cells were transiently transfected by the constructs containing a firefly luciferase reporter gene and various numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12) of HREs (nHRE+, nHRE−). The relative luciferase activities were measured under various durations of hypoxia (6, 12, 18, and 24 h), O2 concentrations (1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 %), and various concentrations of deferoxamine mesylate (20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 µg/mL growth medium). The bidirectional gene activation levels by HREs were examined in the constructs (dual-luc-nHREs) containing firefly and Renilla luciferase reporter genes at each side of nHREs. Finally, to test whether the construct containing 12HRE and the NIS reporter gene (12HRE-NIS) can induce gene expression in vivo, SPECT imaging was performed in a mouse xenograft model.

Results

(1) gene activation levels by HREs tended to increase with increasing HRE copy number, but a saturation effect was observed in constructs with more than 6 or 8 copies of an HRE, (2) gene activation levels by HREs increased remarkably during 6–12 h of hypoxia, but not beyond 12 h, (3) gene activation levels by HREs decreased with increasing O2 concentrations, but could be detected even under mild hypoxia at 16 % O2, (4) the bidirectionally proportional activity of the HRE was confirmed regardless of the hypoxic severity, and (5) NIS expression driven by 12 tandem copies of an HRE in response to hypoxia could be visualized on in vivo SPECT imaging.

Conclusion

The results of this study will help in the understanding and assessment of the activity of multiple HREs under hypoxia and become the basis for hypoxia-targeted imaging and therapy in the future.
Awe of God, Congregational Embeddedness, and Religious Meaning in Life
Authors: Krause Neal , Hayward R. David
Published: September 2014

Researchers have argued for some time that emotions play a significant role in religious life. The purpose of this study is to focus on a religious emotion—awe of God—that has received relatively little attention in the literature. A latent variable model was developed to assess the following core relationships: (1) people who attend worship services more often will be more likely to experience awe of God; (2) greater awe of God will promote a greater sense of congregational cohesiveness (i.e., the belief that fellow church members share common values and beliefs); (3) individuals who participate in cohesive congregations will be more likely to feel they belong in the place where they worship; and (4) a greater sense of belonging in a congregation will be associated with a stronger sense of religious meaning in life. Analysis of data provided by a nationwide sample of middle-aged and older adults provides support for each of these relationships.
Amphiregulin induces human ovarian cancer cell invasion by down‐regulating E‐cadherin expression
Authors: So Wai-Kin , Fan Qianlan , Lau Man-Tat , Qiu Xin , Cheng Jung-Chien , Leung Peter C.K.
Published: September 2014

Aberrant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation is associated with ovarian cancer progression. In this study, we report that the EGFR ligand amphiregulin (AREG) stimulates cell invasion and down‐regulates E‐cadherin expression in two human ovarian cancer cell lines, SKOV3 and OVCAR5. In addition, AREG increases the expression of transcriptional repressors of E‐cadherin including SNAIL, SLUG and ZEB1. siRNA targeting SNAIL or SLUG abolishes AREG‐induced cell invasion. Moreover, ERK1/2 and AKT pathways are involved in AREG‐induced E‐cadherin down‐regulation and cell invasion. Finally, we show that three EGFR ligands, AREG, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor‐α (TGF‐α), exhibit comparable effects in down‐regulating E‐cadherin and promoting cell invasion. This study demonstrates that AREG induces ovarian cancer cell invasion by down‐regulating E‐cadherin expression.
The Yangtze River Deposition in Southern Yellow Sea during Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 3 and its Implications for Sea-Level Changes
Authors: Sun Zhuyou , Li Gang , Yin Yong
Published: September 2014

The depositional history of the lower Yangtze River and sea-level changes during Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 was established using three long drill cores from the northern Yangtze deltaic plain and southern Yellow Sea by using sedimentary analysis and AMS14C dates. Voluminous channel deposits of the lower Yangtze River in MIS 3 were found from the northern deltaic plain and offshore area, with a thickness of over 30 m. The thick channel deposits are characterized by massive medium-to-fine sand deposits with sporadic tidal influence. During MIS 3, the Yangtze River appears to have mainly migrated between the modern river mouth and middle Jiangsu coastal plain, and likely built a delta complex in the field of Yangtze Sand Shoal in northern East China Sea. A large sediment supply and rapid sea-level variations promoted rapid progradation of the delta onto the flat shelf. The highest sea levels during MIS 3 are estimated to have reached 25 ± 5 m below the present sea level.
Heeding the Sirens: The Politics of IMF Program Participation
Authors: Nooruddin Irfan , Woo Byungwon
Published: September 2014

Given similar economic distress indicators, why do some states enter into International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs while others do not? Building on extant studies of IMF program participation that highlight the importance of various economic and political determinants, this article proposes an argument focusing on the political incentives of the IMF and a borrowing country when they engage in IMF program negotiations. Specifically, the study develops a domestic politics argument to highlight the interactions among sovereignty costs, competence costs, economic conditions and domestic regime types, and tests the argument using a cross-national time-series dataset of all IMF agreements between 1970 and 2006. It finds that when the economic crisis is mild, democracies are less likely than non-democracies to enter IMF programs, but that when the economic crisis is severe, democracies are more likely to do so than their autocratic counterparts. The article attributes this tendency to democratic leaders’ electoral vulnerability and shows that these patterns become more pronounced as elections draw near.
Do patients living with ulcerative colitis adhere to healthy eating guidelines? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Walton Michelle , Alaunyte Ieva
Published: September 2014

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes gastrointestinal lesions, bleeding, diarrhoea and nutritional complications. Insufficient nutrient intake can additionally deteriorate nutritional status. The present cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether UC patients adhere to national dietary guidelines and to assess their dietary habits. An online questionnaire (n 93) was used to assess health-related conditions, current nutritional knowledge, professional dietary guidance and food avoidance. A 24 h dietary recall (n 81) was used to assess nutrient intakes, which were then compared with the national recommended intake values. The results showed that the nutritional knowledge of participants was limited with unofficial sources being used, including websites. Numerous food groups, predominantly fibre-rich foods and fruit and vegetables, were largely avoided by the participants. Almost half of the study population eliminated foods such as dairy products to alleviate symptoms, possibly unnecessarily. Energy intakes were significantly (P< 0·05) lower than the national recommended intake values in women aged 18–65 years and men aged 18–60 years. Fat intake exceeded the national recommended intake values (P< 0·0001), at the expense of carbohydrate and fibre intakes, which were significantly (P< 0·005) lower than the national recommended intake values. Protein intake was significantly high in women aged 19–50 years (P< 0·00) and men aged 19–50 years (P< 0·005). Vitamin C, vitamin B12 and Ca intake levels were overachieved by all participants (P< 0·001), while women aged 19–50 years did not achieve their dietary Fe reference nutrient intake levels (P< 0·001). Osteopaenia, osteoporosis and anaemia were reported by 12, 6 and 31 % of the participants, respectively. Findings indicate that food avoidance may contribute to nutrient deficiencies in UC patients. Low intakes of these food groups, especially during remission, are preventing patients from adhering to dietary guidelines.
Modulation of 3′,5′-cyclic AMP homeostasis in human platelets by coffee and individual coffee constituents
Authors: Montoya Gina A. , Bakuradze Tamara , Eirich Marion , Erk Thomas , Baum Matthias , Habermeyer Michael , Eisenbrand Gerhard , Richling Elke
Published: September 2014

3′,5′-Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is one of the most important second messengers in mammalian cells, mediating a multitude of diverse cellular signalling responses. Its homeostasis is primarily regulated by adenylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases (PDE), the activities of which are partially dependent on the downstream events of adenosine receptor signalling. The present study was conducted to determine whether coffee constituents other than caffeine can influence the homeostasis of intracellular cAMP in vitro and in vivo by evaluating the effects of selected constituents present in coffee, coffee brews and coffee extracts on platelet PDE activity. In addition, to evaluate the potential effects of these constituents on platelet cAMP concentrations and PDE activity in humans, a 7-week pilot intervention study with eight subjects was conducted. The subjects consumed a regular commercial coffee and a low-caffeine coffee at a rate of 750 ml/d for 2 weeks each. The in vivo results revealed a highly significant inhibition of PDE activity (P< 0·001) after coffee intervention that was not directly dependent on the caffeine content of coffee. Although our in vitro and in vivo findings suggest that caffeine plays some role in the modulation of platelet cAMP status, other natural and roasting-associated compounds such as pyrazines and other currently unidentified species also appear to contribute significantly. In conclusion, moderate consumption of coffee can modulate platelet PDE activity and cAMP concentrations in humans, which may contribute to the putative beneficial health effects of coffee. Further detailed mechanistic investigations will be required to substantiate these beneficial effects and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Effect of vitamin E intake from food and supplement sources on plasma α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations in a healthy Irish adult population
Authors: Zhao Yang , Monahan Frank J. , McNulty Breige A. , Gibney Mike J. , Gibney Eileen R.
Published: September 2014

Vitamin E is believed to play a preventive role in diseases associated with oxidative stress. The aims of the present study were to quantify vitamin E intake levels and plasma concentrations and to assess dietary vitamin E adequacy in Irish adults. Intake data from the National Adult Nutrition Survey were used; plasma samples were obtained from a representative cohort of survey participants. Plasma α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations were measured by HPLC. The main sources of vitamin E in the diet were ‘butter, spreadable fats and oils’ and ‘vegetables and vegetable dishes’. When vitamin E intake from supplements was taken into account, supplements were found to be the main contributor, making a contribution of 29·2 % to vitamin E intake in the total population. Supplement consumers had significantly higher plasma α-tocopherol concentrations and lower plasma γ-tocopherol concentrations when compared with non-consumers. Consumers of ‘vitamin E’ supplements had significantly higher vitamin E intake levels and plasma α-tocopherol concentrations compared with consumers of other types of supplements, such as multivitamin and fish oil. Comparison with the Institute of Medicine Estimated Average Requirement of 12 mg/d indicated that when vitamin E intake from food and supplement sources was taken into account, 100 % of the study participants achieved the recommended intake levels. When vitamin E intake from food sources was taken into account, only 68·4 % of the females were found to achieve the recommended intake levels compared with 99·2 % of the males. The results of the present study show that dietary vitamin E intake has a significant effect on plasma α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations. Furthermore, they show that the consumption of supplements is a major contributor to overall intake and has a significant effect on plasma vitamin E concentrations in the Irish population.
VOTIVE OFFERINGS FROM THE SANCTUARY OF ARTEMIS ORTHIA, SPARTA, IN LIVERPOOL COLLECTIONS
Authors: Muskett Georgina
Published: September 2014

Two museums in the city of Liverpool have material from the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, Sparta: the Garstang Museum of Archaeology in the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology at the University of Liverpool, and World Museum, part of National Museums Liverpool.

The artefacts from the Artemis Orthia sanctuary which are now in the collections in Liverpool represent all periods of the use of the sanctuary, between the eighth century bc and the third century ad. They comprise lead figurines and miniature vessels, both characteristic of Laconian sites, as well as other types of pottery and terracotta figurines. Large and more extravagant offerings, such as items made from ivory or bronze, are not represented. However, the range of artefacts, particularly lead figurines, is impressive, and complements the material from the sanctuary which has already been published, primarily in the volume edited by Dawkins and published in 1929. In addition, the collections include a few objects of exceptional interest, mentioned in the article with further details in the Appendix. A full listing of votive offerings from the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia in Liverpool collections complements the article.
Processing and interpretation of surface electromyogram signal to design prosthetic device
Authors: Veer Karan , Agarwal Ravinder , Kumar Amod
Published: September 2014

The study of arm muscles for independent operations leading to prosthetic design was carried out. Feature extraction was done on the recorded signal for investigating the voluntary muscular contraction relationship for different arm motions and then repeated factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was implemented to analyze effectiveness of signal. The electronic design consisted of analog and digital signal processing and controlling circuit and mechanical assembly consisted of wrist, palm and the fingers to grip the object in addition to a screw arrangement connected to a low power DC motor and gear assembly to open or close the hand. The wrist is mechanically rotated to orient the hand in a direction suitable to pick up/hold the object. The entire set up is placed in a casing which provides a cosmetic appeal to the artificial hand and the connected arm. The design criteria include electronic control, reliability, light weight, variable grip force with ease of attachment for simple operations like opening, grasping and lifting objects of different weight with grip force slightly more than enough just like that of a natural hand.
IDENTIFICATION IN DISCRETE MARKOV DECISION MODELS
Authors: Srisuma Sorawoot
Published: September 2014

We derive conditions for the identification of the structural parameters in Markov decision model under the assumptions of Rust (1987, Econometrica 55, 999–1033) when the payoff function is parametrically specified. Identification in this class of dynamic problems is difficult to establish since the parameters of interest enter the value function nonlinearly, and the value function is only defined implicitly as a fixed point of some functional equation. We show it is sufficient to verify identification in the pseudomodel, which is more tractable as it is originally designed to reduce the computational burden in the estimation problem, for the identification of the data generating parameter of the underling model. Our results extend naturally to a class of dynamic discrete action games commonly used in empirical industrial organizations.
Bridging GPS Outages for Fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Zhao Wenjie , Fang Zhou , Li Ping
Published: September 2014

This paper reports on a new navigation algorithm for fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to bridge Global Position System (GPS) outages, based on a common navigation system configuration. The ground velocity is obtained from wind-compensated airspeed, and a centripetal force model is introduced to estimate the motion acceleration. Compensated by this acceleration, the gravity vector can be extracted from the accelerometer measurement. Finally, fusing the information of the ground velocity, magnetic heading, barometric height, and gravity vector, the Integrated Navigation System (INS) is reconstructed, and an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is used to estimate INS errors. Hardware-in-loop simulation results show that compared with INS-only solutions, the proposed method effectively resists long-term drift of INS errors and significantly improves the accuracy for dynamic navigation during GPS outages.
Spouse and Adult Child Differences in Caregiving Burden
Authors: Chappell Neena L. , Dujela Carren , Smith André
Published: September 2014

Cette étude a comparé les corrélats de la charge pour le conjoint et les soignants qui sont enfants adultes à deux moments dans le temps et a évalué si les corrélats de T1à T2prédit la charge. L'échantillon était constitué de 878 soignants pour les adultes plus âgés de la Colombie-Britannique auxquels on a prescrit des inhibiteurs de la cholinestérase. La charge a été mesurée six mois après la personne âgée a été prescrit le médicament et un an plus tard (n= 759). Les résultats suggèrent que les enfants adultes sentent plus fort la charge que les conjoints à T1et T2, avec les enfants adultes, mais pas les conjoints, diminuant leur fardeau au fil du temps. Les corrélats de la charge de T1ont expliqué des quantités importantes de variance, révélant la corrélation différentielle pour les deux groupes et l'importance des caractéristiques des soignants sur les caractéristiques des patients. La charge au T2s'explique principalement par les facteurs de T2, plus la charge de T1, suggérant l'importance des facteurs relativement immédiats des effets directs sur la charge des soignants. Les effets indirects étaient operationnels par la charge de T1.
Ionic composition of terrestrial surface waters in Maritime Antarctic and the processes involved in formation
Authors: Nędzarek Arkadiusz , Tórz Agnieszka , Podlasińska Joanna
Published: September 2014

The qualitative and quantitative composition of major ions and nutrient compounds in surface waters and soils of the west coast of Admiralty Bay (King George Island, West Antarctica) was investigated together with the effect of soil-forming processes and atmospheric precipitation on the ionic composition of surface waters. In the water bodies studied, Cl- and Na+ were dominant major ions (average concentrations: 1102.2 and 930.9 μM, respectively). Average concentrations of the other major anions ranged from 2.80 μM (F-) to 81.64 μM (SO42-) and major cations ranged from 12.46 μM (K+) to 130.76 μM (Mg2+). Average concentrations of total reactive phosphorus, N-NO2-, N-NO3- and N-NH4+ amounted to 1.374, 0.410, 6.299 and 1.490 μM, respectively. Average concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, K, N and P in the surface layer of the soil equalled 16.8, 15.9, 6.4, 3.6, 0.646 and 0.744 g kg-1, respectively. The calculated Na+/Cl-, Ca2+/Mg2+, Ca2+/Na+ and HCO3-/Cl- ratios revealed that atmospheric precipitation was the main source of major ions. We conclude that the ionic composition of the waters of the western coast of Admiralty Bay differ from surface waters of Continental Antarctica.
Population density and habitat preferences of the Black-cheeked Ant-tanagerHabia atrimaxillaris
Authors: CORNILS JESSICA S. , RIEDL ISABELL , FRICKE JULIAN , KATZ MORITZ , SCHULZE CHRISTIAN H.
Published: September 2014

The lowland forest on the southern Pacific slope of Costa Rica has an extremely diverse avifauna, including the Black-cheeked Ant-tanagerHabia atrimaxillaris. The only known remaining populations of this highly range-restricted species occur in the areas of Piedras Blancas and Corcovado National Park. It is assumed that the population is decreasing due to habitat loss and fragmentation. We assessed the species’ population density in a part of the Piedras Blancas National Park using distance sampling (in February–April 2009 and November 2010–January 2011) and territory mapping (November 2010–January 2011). We also examined habitat preferences based on vegetation structure at point count locations. Black-cheeked Ant-tanagers were exclusively found in old-growth forest. The species’ likelihood of occurrence at census points increased with forest cover (within a radius of 200 m around census points), canopy closure, and density of trees (with diameter at breast height >10 cm). Average population density estimated by distance sampling was 24–27 individuals per km², which is in accordance with the population size estimated by territory mapping (17–25 birds per km²). Based on these estimates, an overall population size of 12,432–20,720 birds is predicted for the remaining 592 km² lowland forest area of the Golfo Dulce region. The Black-cheeked Ant-tanager was only recorded in old-growth forest, but not in gallery forests embedded in a human-dominated landscape matrix. Since the species appears to avoid forest edges, further forest degradation and fragmentation will have a strong negative impact and should be rapidly reduced by adequate conservation measures.
Holes and channels between the ventricles revisited
Authors: Crucean Adrian , Brawn William J. , Spicer Diane E. , Franklin Rodney C. , Anderson Robert H.
Published: September 2014

Background

Although holes, or channels, between the ventricles are the commonest congenital cardiac malformations, there is still no consensus as to how they can best be described and categorised. So as to assess whether it is possible to produce a potentially universally acceptable system, we have analysed the hearts categorised as having ventricular septal defects in a large archive held at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Materials and methods

We analysed all the hearts categorised as having isolated ventricular septal defects, or those associated with aortic coarctation or interruption in the setting of concordant ventriculo-arterial connections, in the archive of autopsied hearts held at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, United Kingdom.

Results

We found 147 hearts within the archive fulfilling our criterions for inclusion. All could be classified within one of three groups depending on their borders as seen from the right ventricle. To provide full description, however, it was also necessary to take account of the way the defects opened to the right ventricle, and the presence or absence of alignment between the septal components.

Conclusions

By combining information on the phenotypic specificity defined on the basis of their borders, the direction of opening into the right ventricle, and the presence or absence of septal malalignment, it proved possible to categorise all hearts examined within the archive of Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Our findings have necessitated creation of new numbers within the European Paediatric Cardiac Code.