bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurological and Biological Foundations of Children’s Social and Emotional Development
Authors: Nelson Helen Jean , Kendall Garth Edward , Shields Linda
Published: November 2013

This article provides an integrated review of the expert literature on developmental processes that combine social, biological, and neurological pathways, and the mechanisms through which these pathways may influence school success and health. It begins with a historical overview of the current understanding of how attachment relationships and social environments influence brain development and plasticity and are, therefore, central to the physical and mental health of individuals and populations. It then expands on the effect of plasticity in relation to behavior and learning at school. This article concludes with a discussion of the role the school nurse may play in supporting health and learning by recognizing signs of relational stress and by advocating for prevention strategies.
Acceptability of Aloysia citriodora-supplemented peach jams
Authors: Gámbaro Adriana , Miraballes Marcelo , Purtscher Irene , Deandréis Inés , Martínez Mariana
Published: November 2013

An unsupplemented peach jam and four peach jam samples prepared by supplementing the former with increasing amounts of Aloysia citriodora aqueous extract were subjected to sensory testing. A trained panel of eight assessors initially identified (reaching consensus) the relevant sensory attributes and then rated the jam samples on an individual basis. The jam samples were later evaluated for overall liking and willingness to purchase by a group of 95 interested consumers, who also provided their individual appraisal of the sensory features of the various samples by responding to an open-ended question. Overall, consumers appeared not to accept the sensory modifications introduced in traditional peach jam by the addition of A. citriodora extract, even though they were expressly acquainted with its health benefits. The degree of acceptance of the extract supplement decreased significantly with increasing amounts of extract in the jam. The groups identified to have the least and the greatest tolerance to the sensory modifications introduced in the supplemented jams differed in gender distribution, with male consumers having a greater tolerance than females.
Measuring repetitive behaviors as a treatment endpoint in youth with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Scahill Lawrence , Aman Michael G , Lecavalier Luc , Halladay Alycia K , Bishop Somer L , Bodfish James W , Grondhuis Sabrina , Jones Nancy , Horrigan Joseph P , Cook Edwin H , Handen Benjamin L , King Bryan H , Pearson Deborah A , McCracken James T , Sullivan Katherine Anne , Dawson Geraldine
Published: November 2013

Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors vary widely in type, frequency, and intensity among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. They can be stigmatizing and interfere with more constructive activities. Accordingly, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors may be a target of intervention. Several standardized instruments have been developed to assess restricted interests and repetitive behaviors in the autism spectrum disorder population, but the rigor of psychometric assessment is variable. This article evaluated the readiness of available measures for use as outcome measures in clinical trials. The Autism Speaks Foundation assembled a panel of experts to examine available instruments used to measure restricted interests and repetitive behaviors in youth with autism spectrum disorder. The panel held monthly conference calls and two face-to-face meetings over 14 months to develop and apply evaluative criteria for available instruments. Twenty-four instruments were evaluated and five were considered “appropriate with conditions” for use as outcome measures in clinical trials. Ideally, primary outcome measures should be relevant to the clinical target, be reliable and valid, and cover the symptom domain without being burdensome to subjects. The goal of the report was to promote consensus across funding agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and clinical investigators about advantages and disadvantages of existing outcome measures.
Variables predicting low infant developmental scores: Maternal age above 30 years is a main predictor
Authors: Alvik Astrid
Published: November 2013

Aim: To explore variables predicting low developmental scores in 6-month-old infants in a population-based study. Methods: In a longitudinal study representative of pregnant women in Oslo, Norway, questionnaires were answered at 17 and 30 weeks of pregnancy and 6 months after term; N = 1053 after exclusions (women with non-Scandinavian ethnicity, twin births, infants <5.0 or >7.0 months corrected age, and birth weight <2.5 kg), and data were collected from the Norwegian Birth Registry. Measures included sociodemographic variables, maternal mental health and pregnancy life style, data concerning the birth/newborn, and the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) for 6-month-olds. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify variables predicting an ASQ score ≤15th percentile. Results: In adjusted analyses, only increasing maternal age and infant having older siblings predicted a low score on ASQ Total. These variables also predicted low scores on several ASQ areas (i.e. Communication, Gross motor, Fine motor, Problem-solving and Personal social), together with maternal major lifetime depression and feeling lonely. Protective variables were increasing infant birth weight (Gross motor) and pregnancy smoking (Communication). Other maternal sociodemographic variables, and infant sex, had no predictive power. Already at a maternal age of 31, the mean age of the pregnant women, the possibility of a low infant score increased significantly. Conclusions: In this population-based study, higher maternal age, having older siblings, and a history of maternal major lifetime depression, mainly predicts low developmental scores in 6-month-old infants.
The spatial distribution of carbon dioxide in rooms with particular application to classrooms
Authors: Mahyuddin N. , Awbi H. B. , Alshitawi M.
Published: November 2013

In most buildings, occupants are the main source of indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) due to exhalation. Although CO2 is not considered to pose serious health risks to occupants, elevated levels of CO2 may serve as an indicator of insufficient ventilation. This study examines how CO2 is distributed within a complex indoor environment of a classroom and how this distribution is affected by different parameters. Measuring CO2 concentrations at a single location or height may not act as a true representation of an entire space, unless it is measured in a very small confined space. In this study, it was observed that higher CO2 concentration values can be found at higher levels in a room and not only at a height between 1 m and 1.2 m as claimed by many researchers. Therefore, if CO2 concentration levels vary significantly, deviations from the average measured values could become large. It was also found that the CO2 concentration reflects the dynamic relationship among the occupants, their activity levels and occupancy periods. The findings present a useful contribution for future researchers to efficiently and strategically design experimental set ups with well-organised positioning of sensors for CO2 monitoring purposes.
Integrating Psychodynamic Treatment and Trauma Focused Intervention in the Case of an Unaccompanied Minor With PTSD
Authors: Katsounari Ioanna
Published: November 2013

The United States is facing the challenge of a growing number of migrating unaccompanied minors. These children have often witnessed and experienced severe traumatic events before and during their journey to a foreign country. In addition, they face cultural shock, loss of social network, and language barriers while navigating complicated asylum procedures and the possibility of being returned back to their country of origin. As a result, they present with several emotional and behavioral difficulties, but also profound amounts of resiliency. This case study presents the treatment of a young unaccompanied minor experiencing severe post-traumatic stress disorder. A relational psychodynamic approach, integrated with trauma focused intervention, is illustrated.
Limb Salvage in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease Managed by Endovascular First Approach
Authors: May Kyin Kyin , Robless Peter Ashley , Sidhu Harvinder Raj Singh , Chua Ben Soo Yeng , Ho Pei
Published: November 2013

This study aims to review the outcome of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) managed with endovascular first approach for revascularization in a tertiary referral center. Revascularization procedures were performed in 202 patients with 229 symptomatic limbs. Angiogram was performed in all patients except those contraindicated for contrast agent. Angioplasty revascularization was carried out on the same setting whenever feasible based on the angiogram findings. Bypass surgery was performed in patients with arterial condition not feasible for endovascular intervention or in those with unsatisfactory revascularization after endovascular treatment. Endovascular intervention was successfully performed in 198 limbs. Bypass surgery was required in 31 patients. Another 16 patients required a bypass after endovascular intervention due to unsatisfactory wound healing. The Kaplan-Meier estimated survival and amputation-free survival were 80% and 75.5% at 1 year and 73% and 57.6% at 2 years, respectively. Satisfactory limb salvage rate can be achieved in patients with PAD managed with endovascular first approach.
Symptomatic carotid stenosis in the setting of bilateral disease and coexisting carotid body tumor: management with a carotid stent and staged excision
Authors: Smeds Matthew , Jacobs Donald
Published: November 2013

The aim of the paper is to describe the management of a patient with bilateral carotid artery stenosis, symptomatic on the left, with coexisting left carotid body tumor with left carotid stenting followed by right carotid endarterectomy and excision of carotid body tumor. A 60-year-old man with significant bilateral carotid stenosis was referred to us with symptomatic left carotid disease and concomitant left carotid body tumor. A Precise nitinol carotid stent (Cordis Endovascular, Miami Lakes, FL, USA) was placed in his left carotid artery followed by interval carotid endarterectomy on the right. Excision of the carotid body tumor was then performed. Carotid stenting is a treatment option in patients with carotid stenosis and coexisting carotid body tumor. To our knowledge, this is the first reported carotid stent for symptomatic carotid stenosis in a patient with a concomitant carotid body tumor.
Dissecting the Sociality of Emotion: A Multilevel Approach
Authors: Rogers Kimberly B. , Schröder Tobias , von Scheve Christian
Published: November 2013

In recent years, scholars have come to understand emotions as dynamic and socially constructed—the product of interdependent cultural, relational, situational, and biological influences. While researchers have called for a multilevel theory of emotion construction, any progress toward such a theory must overcome the fragmentation of relevant research across various disciplines and theoretical frameworks. We present affect control theory as a launching point for cross-disciplinary collaboration because of its empirically grounded conceptualization of social mechanisms operating at the interaction, relationship, and cultural levels, and its specification of processes linking social and individual aspects of emotion. After introducing the theory, we illustrate its correspondence with major theories of emotion construction framed at each of four analytical levels: cultural, interactional, individual, and neural.
Sickle Cell Disease and HIV
Authors: Odera Esther Brenda , Kwobah Charles , Stone Geren , Some Faraj , Vreeman Rachel Christine
Published: November 2013

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder resulting from a mutation in the hemoglobin (Hb) gene. Sickle cell disease results in chronic anemia and a variety of acute and chronic complications that can lead to early mortality. A child with both SCD and HIV presents a management challenge, particularly in a resource-limited setting. In this case report, we describe the case of an 18-month-old Kenyan girl with SCD and HIV who developed a severe hypersensitivity reaction to first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). Selecting an appropriate drug substitute for a child with SCD and HIV presents a management dilemma when the available options have problematic side effect profiles or are inaccessible or inappropriate according to national guidelines. The challenges in choosing an appropriate ART regimen for a child with SCD and HIV highlight the lack of data and scarcity of treatment options for pediatric patients.
Probabilistic alignment leads to improved accuracy and read coverage for bisulfite sequencing data
Authors: Hong Changjin , Clement Nathan L , Clement Spencer , Hammoud Saher Sue , Carrell Douglas T , Cairns Bradley R , Snell Quinn , Clement Mark J , Johnson William Evan
Published: November 2013

Background

DNA methylation has been linked to many important biological phenomena. Researchers have recently begun to sequence bisulfite treated DNA to determine its pattern of methylation. However, sequencing reads from bisulfite-converted DNA can vary significantly from the reference genome because of incomplete bisulfite conversion, genome variation, sequencing errors, and poor quality bases. Therefore, it is often difficult to align reads to the correct locations in the reference genome. Furthermore, bisulfite sequencing experiments have the additional complexity of having to estimate the DNA methylation levels within the sample.

Results

Here, we present a highly accurate probabilistic algorithm, which is an extension of the Genomic Next-generation Universal MAPper to accommodate bisulfite sequencing data (GNUMAP-bs), that addresses the computational problems associated with aligning bisulfite sequencing data to a reference genome. GNUMAP-bs integrates uncertainty from read and mapping qualities to help resolve the difference between poor quality bases and the ambiguity inherent in bisulfite conversion. We tested GNUMAP-bs and other commonly-used bisulfite alignment methods using both simulated and real bisulfite reads and found that GNUMAP-bs and other dynamic programming methods were more accurate than the more heuristic methods.

Conclusions

The GNUMAP-bs aligner is a highly accurate alignment approach for processing the data from bisulfite sequencing experiments. The GNUMAP-bs algorithm is freely available for download at: http://dna.cs.byu.edu/gnumap. The software runs on multiple threads and multiple processors to increase the alignment speed.
Estimate of the global burden of cervical adenocarcinoma and potential impact of prophylactic human papillomavirus vaccination
Authors: Pimenta Jeanne M , Galindo Claudia , Jenkins David , Taylor Sylvia M
Published: November 2013

Background

Data on the current burden of adenocarcinoma (ADC) and histology-specific human papillomavirus (HPV) type distribution are relevant to predict the future impact of prophylactic HPV vaccines.

Methods

We estimate the proportion of ADC in invasive cervical cancer, the global number of cases of cervical ADC in 2015, the effect of cervical screening on ADC, the number of ADC cases attributable to high-risk HPV types -16, -18, -45, -31 and -33, and the potential impact of HPV vaccination using a variety of data sources including: GLOBOCAN 2008, Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) Volume IX, cervical screening data from the World Health Organization/Institut Català d'Oncologia Information Centre on HPV and cervical cancer, and published literature.

Results

ADC represents 9.4% of all ICC although its contribution varies greatly by country and region. The global crude incidence rate of cervical ADC in 2015 is estimated at 1.6 cases per 100,000 women, and the projected worldwide incidence of ADC in 2015 is 56,805 new cases. Current detection rates for HPV DNA in cervical ADC tend to range around 80–85%; the lower HPV detection rates in cervical ADC versus squamous cell carcinoma may be due to technical artefacts or to misdiagnosis of endometrial carcinoma as cervical ADC. Published data indicate that the five most common HPV types found in cervical ADC are HPV-16 (41.6%), -18 (38.7%), -45 (7.0%), -31 (2.2%) and -33 (2.1%), together comprising 92% of all HPV positive cases. Future projections using 2015 data, assuming 100% vaccine coverage and a true HPV causal relation of 100%, suggest that vaccines providing protection against HPV-16/18 may theoretically prevent 79% of new HPV-related ADC cases (44,702 cases annually) and vaccines additionally providing cross-protection against HPV-31/33/45 may prevent 89% of new HPV-related ADC cases (50,769 cases annually).

Conclusions

It is predicted that the currently available HPV vaccines will be highly effective in preventing HPV-related cervical ADC.
Glutamate acid decarboxylase 1 promotes metastasis of human oral cancer by β-catenin translocation and MMP7 activation
Authors: Kimura Ryota , Kasamatsu Atsushi , Koyama Tomoyoshi , Fukumoto Chonji , Kouzu Yukinao , Higo Morihiro , Endo-Sakamoto Yosuke , Ogawara Katsunori , Shiiba Masashi , Tanzawa Hideki , Uzawa Katsuhiro
Published: November 2013

Background

Glutamate decarboxylase 1 (GAD1), a rate-limiting enzyme in the production of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), is found in the GABAergic neurons of the central nervous system. Little is known about the relevance of GAD1 to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We investigated the expression status of GAD1 and its functional mechanisms in OSCCs.

Methods

We evaluated GAD1 mRNA and protein expressions in OSCC-derived cells using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunoblotting analyses. To assess the critical functions of GAD1, i.e., cellular proliferation, invasiveness, and migration, OSCC-derived cells were treated with the shRNA and specific GAD1 inhibitor, 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA). GAD1 expression in 80 patients with primary OSCCs was analyzed and compared to the clinicopathological behaviors of OSCC.

Results

qRT-PCR and immunoblotting analyses detected frequent up-regulation of GAD1 in OSCC-derived cells compared to human normal oral keratinocytes. Suppression of nuclear localization of β-catenin and MMP7 secretion was observed in GAD1 knockdown and 3-MPA-treated cells. We also found low cellular invasiveness and migratory abilities in GAD1 knockdown and 3-MPA-treated cells. In the clinical samples, GAD1 expression in the primary OSCCs was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in normal counterparts and was correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with regional lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions

Our data showed that up-regulation of GAD1 was a characteristic event in OSCCs and that GAD1 was correlated with cellular invasiveness and migration by regulating β-catenin translocation and MMP7 activation. GAD1 might play an important role in controlling tumoral invasiveness and metastasis in oral cancer.
Ardipusilloside I induces apoptosis by regulating Bcl-2 family proteins in human mucoepidermoid carcinoma Mc3 cells
Authors: Xu Xiao-Fang , Zhang Tao-Li , Jin Song , Wang Rong , Xiao Xin , Zhang Wei-Dong , Wang Peng-Yuan , Wang Xiao-Juan
Published: November 2013

Background

Ardisia pusilla A. DC., family Myrsinaceae, is a traditional Chinese medicine named Jiu Jie Long with a variety of pharmacological functions including anti-cancer activities. In this study, we purified a natural triterpenoid saponin, ardipusilloside I, from Ardisia pusilla, and show that it exhibits inhibitory activities in human mucoepidermoid carcinoma Mc3 cells. We also investigated the underlying mechanisms of proliferation inhibition that ardipusilloside I exerts on Mc3 cells.

Methods

MTT test was used to detect cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was detected by transmission electron microscopy, Hoechst-33342 staining, DNA fragmentation detection, and flow cytometry. We also used western blot analysis to detect the potential mechanisms of apoptosis.

Results

Ardipusilloside I affected the viability of Mc3 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The IC50 of ardipusilloside I was approximately 9.98 μg/ml at 48 h of treatment. Characteristic morphological changes of apoptosis, including nuclear condensation, boundary aggregation and splitting, and DNA fragmentation, were seen after treatment with 10 μg/ml ardipusilloside I for 48 h. Western blots demonstrated that ardipusilloside I caused Mc3 cell death through the induction of apoptosis by downregulation of Bcl-2 protein levels and upregulation of Bax and caspase-3 protein levels.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that ardipusilloside I could be a new active substance for mucoepidermoid carcinoma treatment. We demonstrated that the potential mechanism of inhibition might be through the induction of apoptosis by regulation of Bcl-2 family protein levels. This suggests a further rationale for the development of ardipusilloside I as an anti-cancer agent.
Low frequency mechanical actuation accelerates reperfusion in-vitro
Authors: Marzencki Marcin , Kajbafzadeh Behrad , Khosrow-khavar Farzad , Tavakolian Kouhyar , Soleimani-Nouri Maxim , Hamburger Jaap , Kaminska Bozena , Menon Carlo
Published: November 2013

Background

Rapid restoration of vessel patency after acute myocardial infarction is key to reducing myocardial muscle death and increases survival rates. Standard therapies include thrombolysis and direct PTCA. Alternative or adjunctive emergency therapies that could be initiated by minimally trained personnel in the field are of potential clinical benefit. This paper evaluates a method of accelerating reperfusion through application of low frequency mechanical stimulus to the blood carrying vessels.

Materials and method

We consider a stenosed, heparinized flow system with aortic-like pressure variations subject to direct vessel vibration at the occlusion site or vessel deformation proximal and distal to the occlusion site, versus a reference system lacking any form of mechanical stimulus on the vessels.

Results

The experimental results show limited effectiveness of the direct mechanical vibration method and a drastic increase in the patency rate when vessel deformation is induced. For vessel deformation at occlusion site 95% of clots perfused within 11 minutes of application of mechanical stimulus, for vessel deformation 60 centimeters from the occlusion site 95% percent of clots perfused within 16 minutes of stimulus application, while only 2.3% of clots perfused within 20 minutes in the reference system.

Conclusion

The presented in-vitro results suggest that low frequency mechanical actuation applied during the pre-hospitalization phase in patients with acute myocardial infarction have potential of being a simple and efficient adjunct therapy.
Indium-doped ZnO nanowires with infrequent growth orientation, rough surfaces and low-density surface traps
Authors: Duan Hongfeng , He Haiping , Sun Luwei , Song Shiyan , Ye Zhizhen
Published: November 2013

Indium-doped ZnO nanowires have been prepared by vapor transport deposition. With increasing In content, the growth orientation of the nanowires switches from [10

1
_

0] to infrequent [02

2
_

3] and the surface becomes rough. No surface-related exciton emission is observed in these nanowires. The results indicate that large surface-to-volume ratio, high free electron concentration, and low density of surface traps can be achieved simultaneously in ZnO nanowires via In doping. These unique properties make In-doped ZnO nanowire a potential material for photocatalysis application, which is demonstrated by the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B.
Dual inhibition of HIV-1 replication by integrase-LEDGF allosteric inhibitors is predominant at the post-integration stage
Authors: Le Rouzic Erwann , Bonnard Damien , Chasset Sophie , Bruneau Jean-Michel , Chevreuil Francis , Le Strat Frédéric , Nguyen Juliette , Beauvoir Roxane , Amadori Céline , Brias Julie , Vomscheid Sophie , Eiler Sylvia , Lévy Nicolas , Delelis Olivier , Deprez Eric , Saïb Ali , Zamborlini Alessia , Emiliani Stéphane , Ruff Marc , Ledoussal Benoit , Moreau François , Benarous Richard
Published: November 2013

Background

LEDGF/p75 (LEDGF) is the main cellular cofactor of HIV-1 integrase (IN). It acts as a tethering factor for IN, and targets the integration of HIV in actively transcribed gene regions of chromatin. A recently developed class of IN allosteric inhibitors can inhibit the LEDGF-IN interaction.

Results

We describe a new series of IN-LEDGF allosteric inhibitors, the most active of which is Mut101. We determined the crystal structure of Mut101 in complex with IN and showed that the compound binds to the LEDGF-binding pocket, promoting conformational changes of IN which explain at the atomic level the allosteric effect of the IN/LEDGF interaction inhibitor on IN functions. In vitro, Mut101 inhibited both IN-LEDGF interaction and IN strand transfer activity while enhancing IN-IN interaction. Time of addition experiments indicated that Mut101 behaved as an integration inhibitor. Mut101 was fully active on HIV-1 mutants resistant to INSTIs and other classes of anti-HIV drugs, indicative that this compound has a new mode of action. However, we found that Mut101 also displayed a more potent antiretroviral activity at a post-integration step. Infectivity of viral particles produced in presence of Mut101 was severely decreased. This latter effect also required the binding of the compound to the LEDGF-binding pocket.

Conclusion

Mut101 has dual anti-HIV-1 activity, at integration and post-integration steps of the viral replication cycle, by binding to a unique target on IN (the LEDGF-binding pocket). The post-integration block of HIV-1 replication in virus-producer cells is the mechanism by which Mut101 is most active as an antiretroviral. To explain this difference between Mut101 antiretroviral activity at integration and post-integration stages, we propose the following model: LEDGF is a nuclear, chromatin-bound protein that is absent in the cytoplasm. Therefore, LEDGF can outcompete compound binding to IN in the nucleus of target cells lowering its antiretroviral activity at integration, but not in the cytoplasm where post-integration production of infectious viral particles takes place.
MC3: a steady-state model and constraint consistency checker for biochemical networks
Authors: Yousofshahi Mona , Ullah Ehsan , Stern Russell , Hassoun Soha
Published: November 2013

Background

Stoichiometric models provide a structural framework for analyzing steady-state cellular behavior. Models are developed either through augmentations of existing models or more recently through automatic reconstruction tools. There is currently no standardized practice or method for validating the properties of a model before placing it in the public domain. Considerable effort is often required to understand a model’s inconsistencies before its reuse within new research efforts.

Results

We present a review of common issues in stoichiometric models typically uncovered during pathway analysis and constraint-based optimization, and we detail succinct and efficient ways to find them. We present MC3, Model and Constraint Consistency Checker, a computational tool that can be used for two purposes: (a) identifying potential connectivity and topological issues for a given stoichiometric matrix, S, and (b) flagging issues that arise during constraint-based optimization. The MC3 tool includes three distinct checking components. The first examines the results of computing the basis for the null space for Sv = 0; the second uses connectivity analysis; and the third utilizes Flux Variability Analysis. MC3 takes as input a stoichiometric matrix and flux constraints, and generates a report summarizing issues.

Conclusions

We report the results of applying MC3 to published models for several systems including Escherichia coli, an adipocyte cell, a Chinese Hamster Ovary cell, and Leishmania major. Several issues with no prior documentation are identified. MC3 provides a standalone MATLAB-based comprehensive tool for model validation, a task currently performed either ad hoc or implemented in part within other computational tools.
Ltbp1Lis focally induced in embryonic mammary mesenchyme, demarcates the ductal luminal lineage and is upregulated during involution
Authors: Chandramouli Anupama , Simundza Julia , Pinderhughes Alicia , Hiremath Minoti , Droguett Gustavo , Frendewey David , Cowin Pamela
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Latent TGFβ binding proteins (LTBPs) govern TGFβ presentation and activation and are important for elastogenesis. Although TGFβ is well-known as a tumor suppressor and metastasis promoter, and LTBP1 is elevated in two distinct breast cancer metastasis signatures, LTBPs have not been studied in the normal mammary gland.

Methods

To address this we have examined Ltbp1 promoter activity throughout mammary development using an Ltbp1L-LacZ reporter as well as expression of both Ltbp1L and 1S mRNA and protein by qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry.

Results

Our data show that Ltbp1L is transcribed coincident with lumen formation, providing a rare marker distinguishing ductal from alveolar luminal lineages. Ltbp1L and Ltbp1S are silent during lactation but robustly induced during involution, peaking at the stage when the remodeling process becomes irreversible. Ltbp1L is also induced within the embryonic mammary mesenchyme and maintained within nipple smooth muscle cells and myofibroblasts. Ltbp1 protein exclusively ensheaths ducts and side branches.

Conclusions

These data show Ltbp1 is transcriptionally regulated in a dynamic manner that is likely to impose significant spatial restriction on TGFβ bioavailability during mammary development. We hypothesize that Ltbp1 functions in a mechanosensory capacity to establish and maintain ductal luminal cell fate, support and detect ductal distension, trigger irreversible involution, and facilitate nipple sphincter function.
Quantifying background magnetic-field inhomogeneity for improved interpretation of free induction decay measurements
Authors: Grombacher Denys , Walbrecker Jan O. , Knight Rosemary
Published: November 2013

Nuclear magnetic resonance measurements provide useful insight into pore-scale properties of porous media. One influence affecting the measurement is inhomogeneity in the static background magnetic field ([Formula: see text]). This inhomogeneity can significantly alter the relaxation signal and potentially obscure pore-scale information. To improve the understanding of this effect on the free-induction decay (FID), a measurement still commonly used in practice, a novel methodology is developed to estimate the statistical distribution of [Formula: see text]. A suite of preparatory pulse sequences is developed to encode information about the [Formula: see text] field in the initial amplitude and phase of the FID following each sequence and an inversion is employed to predict the statistical distribution of [Formula: see text]. Knowledge of the [Formula: see text] distribution is then used to correct for the impact of [Formula: see text] inhomogeneity on the FID measurement; this is essential for improving the usefulness of FID measurements for the estimation of pore-scale properties. Results are presented for both numerical and laboratory studies verifying the feasibility of the developed methodology in a controlled laboratory environment, and demonstrating that knowledge of the statistical distribution of [Formula: see text] is sufficient to estimate the impact of [Formula: see text] inhomogeneity on the FID in cases where [Formula: see text] inhomogeneity causes less than an order of magnitude decrease in the relaxation times governing the FID.
Mental health and psychological support in UK armed forces
personnel deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2011
Authors: Jones Norman , Mitchell Paul , Clack John , Fertout Mohammed , Fear Nicola T. , Wessely Simon , Greenberg Neil
Published: November 2013

Background

Most accounts of deployment mental health in UK armed forces personnel
rely on retrospective assessments.

Aims

We present data relating to the burden of mental ill health and the
effect of support measures including operational, family, welfare and
medical support obtained on two occasions some 18 months apart.

Method

A total of 2794 personnel completed a survey while deployed to
Afghanistan; 1363 in 2011 and 1431 in 2010. Their responses were compared
and contrasted.

Results

The prevalence of self-report mental health disorder was low and not
significantly different between the surveys; the rates of probable
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were 2.8% in 2010 and 1.8% in 2011;
for common mental health disorders the rates were 17.0% and 16.0%
respectively. Remembering receiving predeployment psychoeducation,
perceptions of good leadership and good family support were all
significantly associated with better mental health. Seeking support from
non-medical sources and reporting sick for medical reasons were both
significantly associated with poorer mental health.

Conclusions

Over a period of 18 months, deployment mental health symptoms in UK armed
forces personnel were fewer than those obtained from a military
population sample despite continuing deployment in a high-threat context
and were associated with perceptions of support.
Machine learning in cell biology – teaching computers to recognize phenotypes
Authors: Sommer Christoph , Gerlich Daniel W.
Published: November 2013

Recent advances in microscope automation provide new opportunities for high-throughput cell biology, such as image-based screening. High-complex image analysis tasks often make the implementation of static and predefined processing rules a cumbersome effort. Machine-learning methods, instead, seek to use intrinsic data structure, as well as the expert annotations of biologists to infer models that can be used to solve versatile data analysis tasks. Here, we explain how machine-learning methods work and what needs to be considered for their successful application in cell biology. We outline how microscopy images can be converted into a data representation suitable for machine learning, and then introduce various state-of-the-art machine-learning algorithms, highlighting recent applications in image-based screening. Our Commentary aims to provide the biologist with a guide to the application of machine learning to microscopy assays and we therefore include extensive discussion on how to optimize experimental workflow as well as the data analysis pipeline.
Variable immune molecules in invertebrates
Authors: Cerenius Lage , Söderhäll Kenneth
Published: November 2013

Recently it has become evident that invertebrates may mount a highly variable immune response that is dependent on which pathogen is involved. The molecular mechanisms behind this diversity are beginning to be unravelled and in several invertebrate taxa immune proteins exhibiting a broad range of diversity have been found. In some cases, evidence has been gathered suggesting that this molecular diversity translates into the ability of an affected invertebrate to mount a defence that is specifically aimed at a particular pathogen.
The role of reduced oxygen in the developmental physiology of growth and metamorphosis initiation inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Callier Viviane , Shingleton Alexander W. , Brent Colin S. , Ghosh Shampa M. , Kim Jinkyu , Harrison Jon F.
Published: November 2013

Rearing oxygen level is known to affect final body size in a variety of insects, but the physiological mechanisms by which oxygen affects size are incompletely understood. In Manduca sexta and Drosophila melanogaster, the larval size at which metamorphosis is initiated largely determines adult size, and metamorphosis is initiated when larvae attain a critical mass. We hypothesized that oxygen effects on final size might be mediated by oxygen effects on the critical weight and the ecdysone titers, which regulate growth rate and the timing of developmental transitions. Our results showed that oxygen affected critical weight, the basal ecdysone titers and the timing of the ecdysone peak, providing clear evidence that oxygen affected growth rate and developmental rate. Hypoxic third instar larvae (10% oxygen) exhibited a reduced critical weight, slower growth rate, delayed pupariation, elevated baseline ecdysone levels and a delayed ecdysone peak that occurred at a lower larval mass. Hyperoxic larvae exhibited increased basal ecdysone levels, but no change in critical weight compared with normoxic larvae and no significant change in timing of pupariation. Previous studies have shown that nutrition is crucial for regulating growth rate and the timing of developmental transitions. Here we show that oxygen level is one of multiple cues that together regulate adult size and the timing and dynamics of growth, developmental rate and ecdysone signaling.
Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Nitronyl Nitroxides with an Adjacent Chiral Group
Authors: Tanimoto Ryu , Suzuki Shuichi , Kozaki Masatoshi , Shiomi Daisuke , Sato Kazunobu , Takui Takeji , Okada Keiji
Published: November 2013

We have designed and synthesized chiral molecules with nitronyl nitroxide (NN) radicals directly bound to the chiral centers, (S)-1,3-dioxolane-4-NN (1) and (R)-oxazolidine-4-NN (2). These radicals were synthesized from d-mannitol in four steps for 1 and from l-serine in six steps for 2 in moderate yields. They were characterized by means of mass spectrometry, electron spin resonance, elemental analyses, and X-ray crystal structure analyses. Their magnetic properties were also investigated using a SQUID magnetometer. The temperature dependence of paramagnetic susceptibility (χp) indicates the presence of a weak antiferromagnetic intermolecular interaction with J/kB = −3.1 K and θ = −5.5 K for 1, and a weak ferromagnetic intermolecular interaction with J/kB = +0.5 K for 2. We also succeeded in preparing the metal complex [Mn(hfac)2(2)]2–[Cu(hfac)2], which was characterized by a strong antiferromagnetic interaction (J/kB = −140 K) between [Mn(hfac)2] and 2 along with a much weaker antiferromagnetic interaction (J/kB = −0.11 K) between the [Mn(hfac)2(2)] unit and [Cu(hfac)2].
Large Pseudocapacitance in Quinone-Functionalized Zeolite-Templated Carbon
Authors: Itoi Hiroyuki , Nishihara Hirotomo , Ishii Takafumi , Nueangnoraj Khanin , Berenguer-Betrián Raúl , Kyotani Takashi
Published: November 2013

Zeolite-templated carbon (ZTC), which can be obtained as a negative replica of a zeolite, consists of buckybowl-like nanographenes assembled into a three-dimensional regular network. ZTC is characterized not only by this unique framework structure but also by a very large number of carbon edge sites. In this paper, we report that the edge sites of ZTC are easily functionalized by a large amount of quinone groups through electrochemical oxidation unlike general carbonaceous materials, and the quinone-functionalized ZTC shows a high electrochemical capacitance (ca. 300–500 F g−1) in an aqueous electrolyte solution (1 M H2SO4) as a result of the large pseudocapacitance derived from a quinone/hydroquinone redox couple. Moreover, ZTC keeps its high capacitance even after thousands of charge–discharge cycles.
Thousands of exon skipping events differentiate among splicing patterns in sixteen human tissues
Authors: Florea Liliana , Song Li , Salzberg Steven L
Published: November 2013

Alternative splicing is widely recognized for its roles in regulating genes and creating gene diversity. However, despite many efforts, the repertoire of gene splicing variation is still incompletely characterized, even in humans. Here we describe a new computational system, ASprofile, and its application to RNA-seq data from Illumina’s Human Body Map project (>2.5 billion reads).  Using the system, we identified putative alternative splicing events in 16 different human tissues, which provide a dynamic picture of splicing variation across the tissues. We detected 26,989 potential exon skipping events representing differences in splicing patterns among the tissues. A large proportion of the events (>60%) were novel, involving new exons (~3000), new introns (~16000), or both. When tracing these events across the sixteen tissues, only a small number (4-7%) appeared to be differentially expressed (‘switched’) between two tissues, while 30-45% showed little variation, and the remaining 50-65% were not present in one or both tissues compared.  Novel exon skipping events appeared to be slightly less variable than known events, but were more tissue-specific. Our study represents the first effort to build a comprehensive catalog of alternative splicing in normal human tissues from RNA-seq data, while providing insights into the role of alternative splicing in shaping tissue transcriptome differences. The catalog of events and the ASprofile software are freely available from the Zenodo repository

(http://zenodo.org/record/7068; doi:10.5281/zenodo.7068) and from our web site http://ccb.jhu.edu/software/ASprofile.
Potential Instruments That the ECB Could Take in Order to Face the Euro Zone Crisis
Authors: Maier Myriam J.
Published: November 2013

The Euro Zone crisis involves a wide range of situations in which economies, financial institutions and assets have lost a substantial portion of their value. The economic impact of the crisis has propelled economies to devise more aggressive strategies to face the crisis as discussed in the context of this review which adds to the body of knowledge available for economists to face future crises.
Strategies for Creating New Business, a Sociocultural and Institutional Approach
Authors: Vargas-Hernandez Jose G.
Published: November 2013

This paper aims to summarize the main theories from socio-cultural or institutional approach to encourage the creation of new businesses. Given this context, it raised the importance of theoretical study of the factors that influence decision making in the development of new businesses and how it affects the environment in which they operate the same business. The research method used was to review the existing literature by analyzing the major theories involved in the creation of companies, emphasizing the socio-cultural approach. The analysis concludes the activity of entrepreneurship to encouraging the creation of companies, being an important factor in economic development.
Strukturalizm a lingwistyka funkcjonalna
Authors: Kiklewicz Aleksander
Published: November 2013

Structuralism and functional linguistics

The article investigates the relationship between two directions in modern linguistics, the structural and the functional. The author critically appreciates the commonly held opinion about the opposition of these linguistic paradigms, and shows that structuralism largely bases on a functional analysis. Structuralism was a continuation of the functional approach, which diffused across the humanities in the 19th century, and it is from this perspective that the present paper discusses structuralist studies in the fields of lexicology, morphology, and syntax. Particular attention is paid to the functional aspects of distributional analysis, and to integrative approaches in structural linguistics
Komunikacyjny model przekładu tekstu prawnego
Authors: Nawacka Joanna , Nawacki Maciej
Published: November 2013

A communicative model of a legal text translation

The article constitutes an attempt at constructing a model of a legal text translation on the basis of a general scheme of linguistic communication. It takes into account the normative aspect of a legal text, as a result of which the message is received on the descriptive level, i.e. the level of language and legal regulations, as well as on the directive level, which is semantically much deeper and requires applying specific statutory interpretation rules and even validation rules in order to describe legal norms. The presented communication schemes illustrate problems which result from superseding the recipient of a normative message with a replacement recipient, i.e. a translator, who is limited – or not – by their own legal intuition, i.e. the images they have in their mind. The schemes also refer to communication limitations which arise due to the linguistic channel, i.e. the written medium, which comes as a result of the matter that undergoes translation. The schematic approach to the model allows the author to analyze the problems of untranslatability of a legal text.
Do Individuals Have Preferences Used in Macro-Finance Models? An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Brown Alexander L. , Kim Hwagyun
Published: November 2013

Recent financial studies often assume that agents have Epstein–Zin preferences—preferences that require agents to care about when uncertainty is resolved. Under this “recursive-preference” framework, the preference for uncertainty resolution is entirely determined by an agent's preferences for risk and intertemporal substitution. To test the implications of this model, this paper presents an experiment designed to elicit subject preferences on risk, time, intertemporal substitution, and uncertainty resolution. Results reveal that most subjects prefer early resolution of uncertainty and have relative risk aversion greater than the reciprocal of the elasticity of intertemporal substitution, consistent with the predictions by recursive preferences. Subjects are classified in a finite mixture model by their risk, time, and intertemporal-substitution parameters. Regression results show that types predicted by the Epstein–Zin model to prefer early resolution choose early resolution with 20%–50% higher probability.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1794

This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, finance.
Media policy-making in Greece: Lessons from digital terrestrial television and the restructuring of public service broadcasting
Authors: Psychogiopoulou Evangelia , Kandyla Anna
Published: November 2013

This paper probes into the institutional arrangements and the processes through which state and non-state actors engage with and define media policy in Greece. The development of the media and media regulation in Greece has been characterized for years by strong state intervention mostly in the pursuit of particularistic interests. Presently, technological developments and straitened economic conditions transform the media context and create potential for a re-appraisal of the state’s media policy. Drawing on recent regulatory developments concerning the passage to digital terrestrial television and the restructuring of public audiovisual media services, the analysis identifies and discusses the main features of the policy-making process, focusing on its institutional stability, policy objectives, accessibility, transparency and sources of information.
Fashionable (dis-)order in politics: Gender, power and the dilemma of the suit
Authors: Flicker Eva
Published: November 2013

Women in political leadership are imprisoned in a double-bind communication: when they perform and dress along feminine patterns, they might be looked as deficient actors in the hard field of politics. When they refuse typical female looks and submit to male dress code, their performance is commented as conspicuous. The global visual political communication in media sends clear signals: nothing changes. Women are still the exception, ‘the other’. The visualized lose-lose situation for female politicians is conceived as symbolical violence. In this article the central piece of clothing - the dark suit – is discussed under cultural perspective, along macro-structural principles of the gender order, as instrument in the repetitive practice of exclusion in politics and within the distribution of media pictures. A visual discourse analysis - a ‘vis-course analysis’ - of international group photos from political events like summits traces fashion practices marking the fields of masculinity and power.