bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Omics of Triple-Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Xu Hong , Eirew Peter , Mullaly Sarah C , Aparicio Samuel
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) do not represent a single disease subgroup and are often aggressive breast cancers with poor prognoses. Unlike estrogen/progesterone receptor and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) breast cancers, which are responsive to targeted treatments, there is no effective targeted therapy for TNBC, although approximately 50% of patients respond to conventional chemotherapies, including taxanes, anthracyclines, cyclophosphamide, and platinum salts.

CONTENT

Genomic studies have helped clarify some of the possible disease groupings that make up TNBC. We discuss the findings, including copy number–transcriptome analysis, whole genome sequencing, and exome sequencing, in terms of the biological properties and phenotypes that make up the constellation of TNBC. The relationships between subgroups defined by transcriptome and genome analysis are discussed.

TNBC is not a uniform molecular or disease entity but a constellation of variably well-defined biological properties whose relationship to each other is not understood. There is good support for the existence of a basal expression subtype, p53 mutated, high–genomic instability subtype of TNBC. This should be considered a distinct TNBC subtype. Other subtypes with variable degrees of supporting evidence exist within the nonbasal/p53wt (wild-type p53) TNBC, including a group of TNBC with PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) pathway activation that have better overall prognosis than the basal TNBC. Consistent molecular phenotyping of TNBC by whole genome sequencing, transcriptomics, and functional studies with patient-derived tumor xenograft models will be essential components in clinical and biological studies as means of resolving this heterogeneity.
Fasting in Countries Where The Day is Very Long or Very Short: A Study of Muslims in the Netherlands
Authors: Burhani Ahmad Najib
Published: December 2013

Ramadan falls both during winter and autumn months, when the days are cool and short, and spring and summer months, when the days are long and hot. Fasting in areas where the climate is extremely hot and the day is more than twenty hours is a double hardship that can be a dangerous assault on physical condition. In contrast to that, fasting in areas where the day is very short is, to some extent, like an interval between breakfast and lunch or between lunch and dinner. This article, therefore, intends to discover how Muslims in the countries where the day is either very long or very short deal with the problem of the fasting time. This research is based on the practices of some Muslims in the Netherlands with a variety of countries of origin. This article attempts to answer the following questions: How did they manage their fasting time in the summer or when the day is very long? How did they manage their fasting time in the winter or when the day is very short? What kind of fiqh book or fatwā did they use as reference? Did they think that fasting obligation was dangerous for their health when the day was very long?

 [Bulan Ramadan bisa tiba pada musim dingin dan musim gugur, ketika siang hari pendek dan sejuk, tetapi Ramadan juga bisa tiba pada musim semi dan musim panas, ketika siang hari sangat panjang dan panas. Puasa di tempat yang sangat panas dan dengan panjang siang hari lebih dari dua puluh jam adalah beban yang berat dan bisa berbahaya bagi kondisi fisik pelakunya. Sebaliknya, puasa di tempat yang siang harinya sangat pendek terasa tak seperti puasa karena ia hanya seperti interval antara makan pagi dan makan siang atau antara makan siang dan makan malam. Tulisan ini didasarkan pada penelitian terhadap praktik berpuasa orang-orang Islam di Belanda dari berbagai negara asal. Pertanyaan yang ingin dijawab dalam tulisan ini adalah: Bagaimana umat Islam Belanda melaksanakan puasa pada musim panas atau ketika siang hari teramat panjang? Bagaimana pula mereka menjalankan puasa pada musim gugur atau ketika siang hari sangat pendek? Buku fikih apa atau fatwa dari siapa yang mereka pakai sebagai dasar praktik ibadah puasa itu? Apakah mereka berpikir bahwa praktik puasa di musim yang siang harinya sangat panjang akan berbahaya bagi kesehatan mereka?
Does dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibition prevent the diabetogenic effects of glucocorticoids in men with the metabolic syndrome? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: van Genugten Renate E , van Raalte Daniël H , Muskiet Marcel H , Heymans Martijn W , Pouwels Petra J W , Ouwens D Margriet , Mari Andrea , Diamant Michaela
Published: December 2013

Objective

Anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid (GC) therapy often induces hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance and islet-cell dysfunction. Incretin-based therapies may preserve glucose tolerance and pancreatic islet-cell function. In this study, we hypothesized that concomitant administration of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor sitagliptin and prednisolone in men at high risk to develop type 2 diabetes could protect against the GC-induced diabetogenic effects.

Design and methods

Men with the metabolic syndrome but without diabetes received prednisolone 30 mg once daily plus sitagliptin 100 mg once daily (n=14), prednisolone (n=12) or sitagliptin alone (n=14) or placebo (n=12) for 14 days in a double-blind 2×2 randomized-controlled study. Glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and glucagon were measured in the fasted state and following a standardized mixed-meal test. β-cell function parameters were assessed both from a hyperglycemic–arginine clamp procedure and from the meal test. Insulin sensitivity (M-value) was measured by euglycemic clamp.

Results

Prednisolone increased postprandial area under the curve (AUC)-glucose by 17% (P<0.001 vs placebo) and postprandial AUC-glucagon by 50% (P<0.001). Prednisolone reduced 1st and 2nd phase glucose-stimulated- and combined hyperglycemia–arginine-stimulated C-peptide secretion (all P≤0.001). When sitagliptin was added, both clamp-measured β-cell function (P=NS for 1st and 2nd phase vs placebo) and postprandial hyperglucagonemia (P=NS vs placebo) remained unaffected. However, administration of sitagliptin could not prevent prednisolone-induced increment in postprandial glucose concentrations (P<0.001 vs placebo). M-value was not altered by any treatment.

Conclusion

Fourteen-day treatment with high-dose prednisolone impaired postprandial glucose metabolism in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Concomitant treatment with sitagliptin improved various aspects of pancreatic islet-cell function, but did not prevent deterioration of glucose tolerance by GC treatment.
Post-testicular sperm maturation and identification of an epididymal protein in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors: Nixon Brett , Ewen Katherine A , Krivanek Klara M , Clulow John , Kidd Grahame , Ecroyd Heath , Jones Russell C
Published: December 2013

The role of the avian epididymis in post-testicular development and capacitation was examined to assess whether avian spermatozoa undergo any processes similar to those characteristic of mammalian sperm development. We found no evidence of a need for quail sperm to undergo capacitation and 90% of testicular sperm could bind to a perivitelline membrane and acrosome react. However, computer-assisted sperm analysis showed that 20% of testicular sperm from the quail were capable of movement and only about 12% of the motile sperm would have a curvilinear velocity greater than the mean for sperm from the distal epididymis. Nevertheless, epididymal transit was associated with increases in mean sperm velocity and the proportion of motile sperm. Together, these findings explain why earlier workers have achieved some fertilizations following inseminations of testicular spermatozoa and also demonstrate the need for some epididymal maturation of avian spermatozoa. Analysis of the electrophoretic profile of quail epididymal luminal proteins revealed that only one major protein (∼16 kDa) is secreted by the epididymis and it was virtually the only protein secreted by the ipsilateral epididymis following unilateral orchidectomy. Mass spectrometry showed that this protein is hemoglobin; this finding was confirmed using anti-hemoglobin antibodies. It is suggested that hemoglobin may support sperm metabolism in the quail epididymis, aid in motility, and/or serve as an antioxidant.
SMG-ly Knocking Out Gene Expression in Specific Cells: An Educational Primer for Use with “A Novel Strategy for Cell-Autonomous Gene Knockdown in Caenorhabditis elegans Defines a Cell-Specific Function for the G-Protein Subunit GOA-1”
Authors: Meneely Philip M , Bloom Jordana C
Published: December 2013

A recent article by Maher et al. in GENETICS introduces an alternative approach to cell-type-specific gene knockdown in Caenorhabditis elegans, using nonsense-mediated decay. This strategy has the potential to be applicable to other organisms (this strategy requires that animals can survive without nonsense-mediated decay—not all can). This Primer article provides a guide and resource for educators and students by describing different gene knockdown methodologies, by assisting with the technically difficult portions of the Maher et al. article, and by providing conceptual questions relating to the article.

Related article in GENETICS: Maher, K. N., A. Swaminathan, P. Patel, and D. L. Chase, 2013 A novel strategy for cell-autonomous gene knockdown in Caenorhabditis elegans defines a cell-specific function for the G-protein subunit GOA-1. Genetics 194: 363–373.
The Sister Chromatid Cohesion Pathway Suppresses Multiple Chromosome Gain and Chromosome Amplification
Authors: Covo Shay , Puccia Christopher M , Argueso Juan Lucas , Gordenin Dmitry A , Resnick Michael A
Published: December 2013

Gain or loss of chromosomes resulting in aneuploidy can be important factors in cancer and adaptive evolution. Although chromosome gain is a frequent event in eukaryotes, there is limited information on its genetic control. Here we measured the rates of chromosome gain in wild-type yeast and sister chromatid cohesion (SCC) compromised strains. SCC tethers the newly replicated chromatids until anaphase via the cohesin complex. Chromosome gain was measured by selecting and characterizing copper-resistant colonies that emerged due to increased copies of the metallothionein gene CUP1. Although all defective SCC diploid strains exhibited increased rates of chromosome gain, there were 15-fold differences between them. Of all mutants examined, a hypomorphic mutation at the cohesin complex caused the highest rate of chromosome gain while disruption of WPL1, an important regulator of SCC and chromosome condensation, resulted in the smallest increase in chromosome gain. In addition to defects in SCC, yeast cell type contributed significantly to chromosome gain, with the greatest rates observed for homozygous mating-type diploids, followed by heterozygous mating type, and smallest in haploids. In fact, wpl1-deficient haploids did not show any difference in chromosome gain rates compared to wild-type haploids. Genomic analysis of copper-resistant colonies revealed that the “driver” chromosome for which selection was applied could be amplified to over five copies per diploid cell. In addition, an increase in the expected driver chromosome was often accompanied by a gain of a small number of other chromosomes. We suggest that while chromosome gain due to SCC malfunction can have negative effects through gene imbalance, it could also facilitate opportunities for adaptive changes. In multicellular organisms, both factors could lead to somatic diseases including cancer.
Screening for Behavioral Health Issues in Children Enrolled in Massachusetts Medicaid
Authors: Hacker Karen A. , Penfold Robert , Arsenault Lisa , Zhang Fang , Murphy Michael , Wissow Larry
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVES:

To understand mandated behavioral health (BH) screening in Massachusetts Medicaid including characteristics of screened children, predictors of positive screens, and whether screening identifies children without a previous BH history.

METHODS:

Massachusetts mandated BH screening in particularly among underidentified groups. 2008. Providers used a billing code and modifier to indicate a completed screen and whether a BH need was identified. Using MassHealth claims data, children with ≥300 days of eligibility in fiscal year (FY) 2009 were identified and categorized into groups based on first use of the modifier, screening code, or claim. Bivariate analyses were conducted to determine differences among groups. BH history was examined by limiting the sample to those continuously enrolled in FY 2008 and 2009. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of positive screens.

RESULTS:

Of 355 490 eligible children, 46% had evidence of screening. Of those with modifiers, 12% were positive. Among continuously enrolled children (FY 2008 and FY 2009) with evidence of screening, 43% with positive modifiers had no BH history. This “newly identified” group were more likely to be female, younger, minority, and from rural residences (P < .0001). Among children with modifiers; gender (male), age (5–7), being in foster care, recent BH history, and Hispanic ethnicity predicted having a positive modifier.

CONCLUSIONS:

The high rate of newly identified Medicaid children with a BH need suggests that screening is performing well, particularly among underidentified groups. To better assess screening value, future work on cost-effectiveness and the impact on subsequent mental health treatment is needed.
Determining aggregate reactivity in various alkaline solutions
Authors: Ghanem Hassan , Zollinger Dan , Lytton Robert , Ghanem Noha
Published: December 2013

Alkali–silica reaction was and still is a major issue of worldwide interest as it continues to have a detrimental effect on the long-term performance of concrete. Many researchers who focused over the years on the kinetics of alkali-silica reaction have found that the activation energy concept of alkali-silica reaction can serve as a material property to represent this kinetic-type combined effect of temperature, alkalinity, and time to evaluate alkali-silica reaction susceptibility of aggregate. However, a relationship determining the activation energy of alkali-silica reaction in various alkaline solutions is still lacking. To achieve this objective, a detailed study was conducted on different types of aggregates of different reactivity in order to formulate an aggregate test protocol that takes into account the main factors affecting alkali-silica reaction, such as alkalinity, temperature, and calcium concentration. Mathematical models have been proposed to determine alkali-silica reaction aggregate characteristics. Results indicate that the relationship between the activation energy and alkalinity appears to follow a power curve and that increasing the alkalinity of the solution beyond a certain level will only induce minimal change on the activation energy values. The chemistry of the alkali solution validates the laboratory research findings.
Relationship between water pressure and inflow rate in underwater tunnels and buried pipes
Authors: JOO E.J. , SHIN J.H.
Published: December 2013

The design of tunnels and groundwater collection and filtration systems requires evaluation of water pressure on the structures and/or leakage (inflow rate) into the structures. However, a great deal of uncertainty remains concerning the control of pore-water pressure and inflow rate in underwater tunnels, because there are various factors that influence the hydraulic interaction between the structure and the groundwater. In this paper the relationship between pore-water pressure (p) and inflow rate (Q) is investigated using a theoretical method for laminar and turbulent flow. The p–Q relationship is validated by performing simple experimental studies.
Pile response in sand: experimental development and study
Authors: Le Kouby Alain , Dupla Jean Claude , Canou Jean , Francis Roméo
Published: December 2013

Pile response in sand remains an important issue in the field of foundations. The influence of such parameters as the consolidation stress, the density ratio, the direction of loading (tension or compression) and the installation method significantly affects pile behaviour. As part of the Forever research project on micropiles in France, a parametric study was undertaken in a calibration chamber to analyse the influence of these parameters on pile response. A pile was designed with specific instruments independently to measure the tip resistance and shaft friction for a given pile segment. Two installation methods were tested: displacement piles (DPs) and non-displacement piles (NDPs). Significant differences in tip resistance were associated with the two installation methods. The shaft friction exhibited a stiffer response during the compression tests of the NDP, but the difference in capacity was less distinct. The effect of loading was highly symmetrical for the NDP, but for the jacked pile the shaft friction was smaller under tension loading. A comparison of the results with data presented in the literature (laboratory and field tests) showed satisfactory agreement. In addition, hyperbolic transfer laws were proposed for the tip resistance and the shaft friction and validated for the experimental results.
Briefing: More for less
Authors: Jenkinson Ian , Thomson John , Morris Andy
Published: December 2013

This briefing paper is about delivering ‘more for less’ within the public sector. A crude cost-cutting approach is rejected and instead it is recommended that councils and their professional advisors develop a deep understanding of what is required for people to live civilised lives. It is argued that only when these questions are properly understood can the issue of affordability be addressed. In order to achieve this, the engineer needs to do many things: keep up to date with technological developments; collaborate with others to ensure that materials and processes are widely available and economically produced; and ensure that all procurement decisions are made with regard to the whole-life cost of the project. In order to develop this approach the Municipal Engineering Expert Panel has published case studies on the Institution of Civil Engineers website and provided links to other websites where best practice is available. In addition they are seeking data about the public perception of the quality of local infrastructure and the boundaries between which economic activity is encouraged and those places that people avoid visiting. By understanding this relationship, the engineer can make better recommendations about the investment required to make a project both a success and affordable.
The landscape of fear: the missing link to understand top‐down and bottom‐up controls of prey abundance?
Authors: Laundré John W. , Hernández Lucina , Medina Perla López , Campanella Andrea , López-Portillo Jorge , González-Romero Alberto , Grajales-Tam Karina M. , Burke Anna M. , Gronemeyer Peg , Browning Dawn M.
Published: December 2013

Identifying factors that may be responsible for regulating the size of animal populations is a cornerstone in understanding population ecology. The main factors that are thought to influence population size are either resources (bottom‐up), or predation (top‐down), or interspecific competition (parallel). However, there are highly variable and often contradictory results regarding their relative strengths and influence. These varied results are often interpreted as indicating “shifting control” among the three main factors, or a complex, nonlinear relationship among environmental variables, resource availability, predation, and competition. We argue here that there is a “missing link” in our understanding of predator–prey dynamics. We explore whether the landscape‐of‐fear model can help us clarify the inconsistencies and increase our understanding of the roles, extent, and possible interactions of top‐down, bottom‐up, and parallel factors on prey population abundance. We propose two main predictions derived from the landscape‐of‐fear model: (1) for a single species, we suggest that as the makeup of the landscape of fear changes from relatively safe to relatively risky, bottom‐up impacts switch from strong to weak as top‐down impacts go from weak to strong; (2) for two or more species, interspecific competitive interactions produce various combinations of bottom‐up, top‐down, and parallel impacts depending on the dominant competing species and whether the landscapes of fear are shared or distinctive among competing species. We contend that these predictions could successfully explain many of the complex and contradictory results of current research. We test some of these predictions based on long‐term data for small mammals from the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States. and Mexico. We conclude that the landscape‐of‐fear model does provide reasonable explanations for many of the reported studies and should be tested further to better understand the effects of bottom‐up, top‐down, and parallel factors on population dynamics.
Climatic turning point for beech and oak under climate change in Central Europe
Authors: Mette Tobias , Dolos Klara , Meinardus Cathrin , Bräuning Achim , Reineking Björn , Blaschke Markus , Pretzsch Hans , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Gohlke Andreas , Wellstein Camilla
Published: December 2013

The growth behavior of coexisting tree species under climate change is important from an ecological, silvicultural and economic perspective. While many previous studies are concerned with climatic limits for species occurrence, we focus on climate related shifts in interspecific competition. A landmark for these changes in competition is the ‘climatic turning point' (CTP): those climate conditions under which a rank reversal between key tree species occurs. Here, we used a common type of temperate mixed forest in Central Europe with European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea(Matt.) Liebl.) to explore the CTP under a future climate projection of increasing temperature and aridity. We selected a dry region where the prerequisite of differential climate sensitivity in mixed beech‐oak forests was fulfilled: In‐situ dendrochronological analyses demonstrated that the currently more competitive beech was more drought sensitive than sessile oak. We then used two complementary forest growth models, namely SILVA and LandClim, to investigate the climate induced rank‐reversal in species dominance and to quantify it as the CTP from beech to oak by simulating future forest development from the WETTREG 2010 A1B climate projection. Utilizing two models allowed us to draw conclusions robust against the assumptions of a particular model. Both models projected a CTP at a mean annual temperature of 11–12°C (July temperature >18°C) and a precipitation sum of 500–530 mm. However, the change in tree species composition can exhibit a time‐lag of several decades depending on past stand development and current stand structure. We conclude that the climatic turning point is a simple yet effective reference measure to study climate related changes in interspecific competition, and confirm the importance of competition sensitivity in climate change modeling.
Fuel Formation and Conversion During In-Situ Combustion of Crude Oil
Authors: Hascakir Berna , Ross Cynthia M. , Castanier Louis M. , Kovscek Anthony R.
Published: December 2013

In-situ combustion (ISC) is a successful method with great potential for thermal enhanced oil recovery. Field applications of ISC are limited, however, because the process is complex and not well-understood. A significant open question for ISC is the formation of coke or "fuel" in correct quantities that is sufficiently reactive to sustain combustion. We study ISC from a laboratory perspective in 1 m long combustion tubes that allow the monitoring of the progress of the combustion front by use of X-ray computed tomography (CT) and temperature profiles. Two crude oils—12°API (986 kg/m3) and 9°API (1007 kg/m3)—are studied. Cross-sectional images of oil movement and banking in situ are obtained through the appropriate analysis of the spatially and temporally varying CT numbers. Combustion-tube runs are quenched before front breakthrough at the production end, thereby permitting a post-mortem analysis of combustion products and, in particular, the fuel (coke and coke-like residues) just downstream of the combustion front. Fuel is analyzed with both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS and SEM results are used to identify the shape, texture, and elemental composition of fuel in the X-ray CT images. The SEM and XPS results aid efforts to differentiate among combustion-tube results with significant and negligible amounts of clay minerals. Initial results indicate that clays increase the surface area of fuel deposits formed, and this aids combustion. In addition, comparisons are made of coke-like residues formed during experiments under an inert nitrogen atmosphere and from in-situ combustion. Study results contribute to an improved mechanistic understanding of ISC, fuel formation, and the role of mineral substrates in either aiding or impeding combustion. CT imaging permits inference of the width and movement of the fuel zone in situ.
Comparative Pedagogy: Making Sense of Cultural Complexity
Authors: Kelly Peter
Published: December 2013

One challenge for comparative research is providing a convincing and comprehensive account of how social and political value positions translate into situated acts of teaching; or bringing values and practice together to allow teaching embedded in one context to be compared with teaching embedded in another so as to better inform educationalists and policy makers. This can be done through a focus on and comparison of pedagogy. Following a theorisation of pedagogy, this article discusses methodological approaches which allow researchers to identify patterns in complex social practice in order to make comparisons across contexts. Such approaches allow implications to be drawn with some confidence without losing the richness and messiness of real life. The approaches suggested attempt to be relatively straightforward to avoid hindering comparison by adding further to an already contextually complex picture.
Impact of Type 2 Diabetes Susceptibility Variants on Quantitative Glycemic Traits Reveals Mechanistic Heterogeneity
Authors: Dimas Antigone S. , Lagou Vasiliki , Barker Adam , Knowles Joshua W. , Mägi Reedik , Hivert Marie-France , Benazzo Andrea , Rybin Denis , Jackson Anne U. , Stringham Heather M. , Song Ci , Fischer-Rosinsky Antje , Boesgaard Trine Welløv , Grarup Niels , Abbasi Fahim A. , Assimes Themistocles L. , Hao Ke , Yang Xia , Lecoeur Cécile , Barroso Inês , Bonnycastle Lori L. , Böttcher Yvonne , Bumpstead Suzannah , Chines Peter S. , Erdos Michael R. , Graessler Jurgen , Kovacs Peter , Morken Mario A. , Narisu Narisu , Payne Felicity , Stancakova Alena , Swift Amy J. , Tönjes Anke , Bornstein Stefan R. , Cauchi Stéphane , Froguel Philippe , Meyre David , Schwarz Peter E.H. , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Smith Ulf , Boehnke Michael , Bergman Richard N. , Collins Francis S. , Mohlke Karen L. , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Quertemous Thomas , Lind Lars , Hansen Torben , Pedersen Oluf , Walker Mark , Pfeiffer Andreas F.H. , Spranger Joachim , Stumvoll Michael , Meigs James B. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Kuusisto Johanna , Laakso Markku , Langenberg Claudia , Dupuis Josée , Watanabe Richard M. , Florez Jose C. , Ingelsson Erik , McCarthy Mark I. , Prokopenko Inga ,   on behalf of the MAGIC Investigators
Published: December 2013

Patients with established type 2 diabetes display both β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. To define fundamental processes leading to the diabetic state, we examined the relationship between type 2 diabetes risk variants at 37 established susceptibility loci, and indices of proinsulin processing, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity. We included data from up to 58,614 nondiabetic subjects with basal measures and 17,327 with dynamic measures. We used additive genetic models with adjustment for sex, age, and BMI, followed by fixed-effects, inverse-variance meta-analyses. Cluster analyses grouped risk loci into five major categories based on their relationship to these continuous glycemic phenotypes. The first cluster (PPARG, KLF14, IRS1, GCKR) was characterized by primary effects on insulin sensitivity. The second cluster (MTNR1B, GCK) featured risk alleles associated with reduced insulin secretion and fasting hyperglycemia. ARAP1 constituted a third cluster characterized by defects in insulin processing. A fourth cluster (TCF7L2, SLC30A8, HHEX/IDE, CDKAL1, CDKN2A/2B) was defined by loci influencing insulin processing and secretion without a detectable change in fasting glucose levels. The final group contained 20 risk loci with no clear-cut associations to continuous glycemic traits. By assembling extensive data on continuous glycemic traits, we have exposed the diverse mechanisms whereby type 2 diabetes risk variants impact disease predisposition.
Association Between Glycemic Control and Morning Blood Pressure Surge With Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Yoda Koichiro , Inaba Masaaki , Hamamoto Kae , Yoda Maki , Tsuda Akihiro , Mori Katsuhito , Yamada Shinsuke , Emoto Masanori , Koyama Hidenori , Imanishi Yasuo
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVE

Morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. However, little is known about the association between glycemic control and MBPS, and its effect on vascular injury in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study examined the association between glycemic control and MBPS, and the involvement of MBPS in the development of vascular dysfunction in T2DM patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined MBPS in T2DM patients (25 male patients/25 female patients; mean age, 60.1 ± 13.2 years; n = 50) using 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and assessed vascular function by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD).

RESULTS

HbA1c (ρ = 0.373, P = 0.009) and triglyceride (TG) (ρ = 0.375, P = 0.009) levels correlated significantly and positively with MBPS. In multiple regression analysis, including TG and HbA1c levels in addition to age and 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP) as independent variables, HbA1c (β = 0.328, P = 0.016) and TG (β = 0.358, P = 0.014) were associated significantly in a positive manner with MBPS. In a noninsulin user, when homeostasis model assessment ratio (HOMA-R) was included in place of TG, HOMA-R emerged as a significant factor. MBPS (ρ = −0.289, P = 0.043) and HbA1c (ρ = −0.301, P = 0.035) correlated significantly and negatively with FMD, whereas 24-h SBP correlated with both FMD (ρ = −0.359, P = 0.012) and NMD (ρ = −0.478, P = 0.004). In multiple regression analysis, including age, gender, 24-h SBP, MBPS, LDL cholesterol, and HbA1c, MBPS (β = −0.284, P = 0.044) alone associated significantly in a negative manner with FMD, but not with NMD.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrated that poor glycemic control and insulin resistance are independently associated with the occurrence of MBPS in T2DM patients, which might be significantly associated with endothelial dysfunction.
Effects of Different Surface Treatments on Bond Strength Between Resin Cements and Zirconia Ceramics
Authors: Erdem A , Akar GC , Erdem A , Kose T
Published: December 2013

This study compares the bond strength of resin cement and yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) ceramic with different surface conditioning methods. Two hundred presintered Y-TZP ceramic specimens were prepared, sintered (4 × 4 × 4 mm), and randomly assigned to four equal groups as control (C, no conditioning); airborne particle abraded (APA, air abrasion with 11 μm Al2O3); tribochemical silica coating/silane coupling system (TSC, Rocatec, air abrasion with 110 μm Al2O3, 30 μm silica-coated Al2O3 and silane); and laser (L, Er:YAG laser irradiation treated at a power setting of 200 mJ). After specimen preparation, composite resin cylinders were prepared and cemented with resin cements (Clearfil Esthetic, Panavia F 2.0, Rely X-U100, Super Bond C&B, and Multilink Automix) on the ceramic surfaces and kept in an incubator at 37°C for 60 days. All specimens were tested for shear bond strength with a universal testing machine, and fractured surfaces were evaluated by environmental scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests (α=0.05). The bond strengths for C and L groups were not significantly different according to adhesive resin cement. APA and TSC resulted in increased bond strength for Panavia F 2.0 and Rely X-U100 resin cements. Additionally, TSC presented higher bond strength with Multilink Automix. Adhesive fracture between the ceramic and resin cement was the most common failure. Complete cohesive fracture at the ceramic or composite cylinders was not observed. Regardless of the adhesive resin cement used, laser treatment did not improve resin bond strength.
Laser absorptivity on wavy molten metal surfaces: Categorization of different metals and wavelengths
Authors: Kaplan A. F. H.
Published: December 2013

The absorptivity of a laser beam interacting at grazing incidence with the processing front during laser welding, cutting, or drilling depends on the metal to be processed and on the laser wavelength. The absorptivity on a smooth processing front is homogeneously governed by the angle-dependent operating range of the corresponding Fresnel-curve. In contrast, a wavy processing front strongly modulates the absorptivity across the surface. The calculated absorptivity modulation is presented for five different metals and four laser wavelengths. A discussion based on the respective optical constants and Fresnel-curves leads to a categorization of the absorption behavior, mainly dividing into low and high electrical conductivity metals as well as into short and 10.6 μm long laser wavelength. Six categories are distinguished. In particular, highly conductive metals remain highly reflective for short laser wavelength, even for a wavy processing front. Exceptions of higher overall absorptance are Cu for 532 nm and Al for 808 or 532 nm.
Co-occurrence of potentially preventable factors in 256 dog bite–related fatalities in the United States (2000–2009)
Authors: Patronek Gary J. , Sacks Jeffrey J. , Delise Karen M. , Cleary Donald V. , Marder Amy R.
Published: December 2013

Objective—To examine potentially preventable factors in human dog bite–related fatalities (DBRFs) on the basis of data from sources that were more complete, verifiable, and accurate than media reports used in previous studies.

Design—Prospective case series.

Sample—256 DBRFs occurring in the United States from 2000 to 2009.

Procedures—DBRFs were identified from media reports and detailed histories were compiled on the basis of reports from homicide detectives, animal control reports, and interviews with investigators for coding and descriptive analysis.

Results—Major co-occurrent factors for the 256 DBRFs included absence of an able-bodied person to intervene (n = 223 [87.1%]), incidental or no familiar relationship of victims with dogs (218 [85.2%]), owner failure to neuter dogs (216 [84.4%]), compromised ability of victims to interact appropriately with dogs (198 [77.4%]), dogs kept isolated from regular positive human interactions versus family dogs (195 [76.2%]), owners’ prior mismanagement of dogs (96 [37.5%]), and owners’ history of abuse or neglect of dogs (54 [21.1%]). Four or more of these factors co-occurred in 206 (80.5%) deaths. For 401 dogs described in various media accounts, reported breed differed for 124 (30.9%); for 346 dogs with both media and animal control breed reports, breed differed for 139 (40.2%). Valid breed determination was possible for only 45 (17.6%) DBRFs; 20 breeds, including 2 known mixes, were identified.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Most DBRFs were characterized by coincident, preventable factors; breed was not one of these. Study results supported previous recommendations for multifactorial approaches, instead of single-factor solutions such as breed-specific legislation, for dog bite prevention.
Idiopathic ischemic necrosis of an accessory carpal bone in a dog
Authors: Harris Karen P. , Langley-Hobbs Sorrel J.
Published: December 2013

Case Description—A 6-year-old neutered female mixed-breed dog was evaluated because of a 6-week history of left forelimb lameness that varied in severity.

Clinical Findings—Radiography revealed expansile and lytic changes of the left accessory carpal bone (ACB). Results of histologic evaluation of ACB core biopsy specimens indicated areas of bone necrosis. The entire left ACB was excised and submitted for histologic evaluation; results confirmed a diagnosis of idiopathic ischemic necrosis.

Treatment and Outcome—Left pancarpal arthrodesis was performed to treat carpal hyperextension and persistent lameness. The dog had an excellent functional outcome with no other problems related to the carpus until its death 4 years later, further decreasing suspicion that the problem was attributable to an undetected neoplasm or bacterial or fungal osteomyelitis.

Clinical Relevance—The radiographic and histologic findings for the dog of this report were similar to previously reported findings for dogs with ischemic femoral head necrosis and humans with ischemic carpal (pisiform or lunate bone) necrosis. The etiology of the ischemic ACB necrosis in this dog was not determined. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a dog with idiopathic ischemic ACB necrosis. Idiopathic ischemic necrosis should be included as a differential diagnosis for dogs with lameness and destructive and expansile ACB radiographic lesions. An excellent functional outcome may be attained by means of ACB excision and pancarpal arthrodesis.
Corneal sequestrum in a dog with chronic unilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Authors: Dubin Alexis J. , Pizzirani Stefano , Beamer Gillian L.
Published: December 2013

Case Description—A 14-year-old 8.2-kg (18.04-lb) castrated male Cairn Terrier with chronic keratoconjunctivitis sicca in the left eye was evaluated because of severe blepharospasm and a black plaque of 3 weeks’ duration.

Clinical Findings—Abnormalities of the left eye included a decreased Schirmer tear test value and the presence of a brownish-black plaque in the center of the cornea. The plaque was surrounded by fibrovascular tissue except at the medial aspect where there was mild malacia of the adjacent corneal stroma.

Treatment and Outcome—The plaque was removed by superficial keratectomy, and a conjunctival graft was performed. Histologic evaluation of the plaque and surrounding cornea revealed ulceration, stromal necrosis, and chronic suppurative keratitis with fibrosis and neovascularization. Evaluation of plaque sections that were stained with Gram and Von-Kossa stains yielded negative results for bacteria and mineralization, respectively; examination of sections stained with periodic acid–Schiff stain revealed multiple intracytoplasmic inclusions in macrophages. Virus isolation and a PCR assay for canine herpesvirus yielded negative results. Transmission electron microscopy revealed collagen disruption with interspersed macrophages and apoptotic keratocytes; no viral particles or evidence of other infectious agents was observed. The graft healed without complication and was trimmed 2 weeks after surgery. Four months after surgery, the Schirmer tear test value remained decreased from reference limits despite topical tacrolimus treatment, and pigmentary keratopathy was present surrounding the graft.

Clinical Relevance—Corneal sequestra are rare in species other than cats. In this dog, it was possible that chronic keratoconjunctivitis sicca might have contributed to the development of the corneal sequestrum.
Towards Making a Green City: A Case Study of Ilam Municipality
Authors: Poudel Pratik , Hong Shao Ying
Published: December 2013

This article reports a brief household survey done in every ward of Ilam municipality about the statuses of various prerequisites of a green city. The surveyer found out that the general household has only little knowledge about the concept of a green city. Similarly, chemical fertilizer was least used, which is a good sign. Many households still have traditional cooking stove which emits more smokes. Almost all households surveyed had a well-equipped sanitational facility. Many households complained that they were not receiving adequate drinking water. Even in the irrigation part, there were not enough irrigation sources DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bodhi.v6i0.9244 Bodhi Vol.6 2013: 36-49
Nepalese Journalists’ Democracy Building Roles and News Coverage Practices
Authors: Dahal Sudarshan Prasad
Published: December 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bodhi.v6i0.9246 Bodhi Vol.6 2013: 65-108
The Liminality of Contemporary Culture
Authors: Sharma Mahesh
Published: December 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bodhi.v6i0.9247 Bodhi Vol.6 2013: 109-119
Mapscapes on the Urban Surface: Notes in the Form of a Photo Essay (Istanbul, 2010)
Authors: Rossetto Tania
Published: December 2013

Historical maps displayed in power-related settings have often been considered from a critical, representational perspective and have been researched with regard to their predictive, ideological content. With the recent emergence of a post-representational approach to cartography, a call for contextual creative research on maps “in the wild” has emerged. The consideration of pervasive digital cartography has increased attention toward aspects such as context-specific design, display formats, and areas. Common people encounter these digital “cartifacts,” as well as more traditional ones, within the everyday urban environment (mainly as part of city wallscapes). Photography could be used to profitably research “mapscapes” as they are perceived, lived, and felt. The photographic selective reading of cartographic signs on urban surfaces, beyond being a means of playfully engaging the material spatialities of maps, could also serve as a tool for generating map theorization. A photo essay based on cartographic encounters in Istanbul in 2010 is provided here as an example of creative exchange between map studies and visual methodologies.
Effects of some indigenous plant seed extracts on the Haematology of a predatory fish Singhi Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Authors: Nasiruddin Munira , Azadi Mohammad Ali , Rahman Monika , Rahman Israt Ara Shazia
Published: December 2013

Haemolytic effects of different extracts of five indigenous plant seeds viz. Datura innoxia (Mill) (Shada Dhutra), Clerodendrum viscosum (Vent.) (Vat), Amoora rohituka (Roxb.) Wt. ct. Arnott (Pitraj), Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. Ex. Benth. (Akashmoni) and Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (Karinja) were studied upon a predatory fish, Singhi, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) under laboratory conditions. Toxicants inducing effects on the blood parameters included decreased RBC and WBC counts, low haemoglobin percentage and decreased PCV (packed cell volume), MCV (mean corpuscular volume) and MCH (mean corpuscular haemoglobin). Haemolysis action included shrunken or swollen RBCs, granulated nuclei of RBCs and pyknotic nuclei of WBCs, clumping of RBCs and syncitium of RBC matrix. Damage of blood cells with absolute ethyl alcohol extract was most pronounced with all of the seed extracts. The order of toxicity of the five seed extracts on the blood parameters of Singhi was: D. innoxia < A. auriculaerformis < P. pinnata < C. viscosum < A. rohituka seed extracts. On the basis of haemolysis the toxicity was: A. rohituka > C. viscosum > P. pinnata > D. innoxia > A. auriculiformis seed extracts. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v6i1-2.17078 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1&2):11-25, 2011
Toxic response of three predatory fishes to four indigenous plant seed extracts
Authors: Nasiruddin Munira , Azadi Mohammad Ali , Rahman Tania , Ashrafunnessa Mst
Published: December 2013

Toxicity of seed extracts of four indigenous plants, Luffa acutangula (Roxb.), Areca catechue (Linn.), Brassica nigra (Linn. Koch.) and Brassica hirta (Monech) was tested on three predatory fishes- Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch), Anabas testudineus (Bloch) and Channa punctatus (Bloch) under normal laboratory conditions. Due to the toxic effect of different seed extracts and concentrations, mortality rate varied. It also varied from species to species. On the basis of LC50 values of absolute ethyl alcohol extracts, L. acutangula seed extracts were more toxic for H. fossilis and A. testudineus. A. catechue seed extracts were of medium toxicity for all the experimental fishes. B. nigra seed extracts were less toxic whereas B. hirta seed extracts showed differential toxicity being more toxic for C. punctatus, medium for A. testudineus and less toxic for H. fossilis. The susceptibility pattern also varied in the three fish species. In case of L. acutangula, A. catechue and B. nigra seed extracts, the susceptibility was in the same order: H. fossilis > A. testudineus > C. punctatus but the effect of B. hirta seed extracts was reverse. To determine the ichthyotoxicity of the four seed extracts on the three predatory fishes, the present study was undertaken. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v6i1-2.17079 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1&2):27-39, 2011
Influence of Sterilized Human Fecal Extract on the Sensitivity of Salmonella enterica ATCC 13076 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313 to Enrofloxacin
Authors: Ahn Youngbeom , Stuckey Ryan , Sung Kidon , Rafii Fatemeh , Cerniglia Carl
Published: December 2013

There is much debate on whether continuous exposure of commensal bacteria and potential pathogens residing in the human intestinal tract to low levels of antimicrobial agents from treated food animals pose a public health concern. To investigate antimicrobial effects on bacteria under colonic conditions, we studied resistance development in Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes exposed to enrofloxacin in the presence of fecal extract. The bacteria were incubated at 37 °C in Mueller-Hinton broth, with and without 0.01~0.5 μg/mL enrofloxacin, in the presence and absence of sucrose, and with 1% or 2.5% filter-sterilized fecal extract, for three passages. In the second and third passages, only the bacteria incubated in the media containing sterilized fecal extract grew in 0.5 μg/mL of enrofloxacin. Fecal extract (1% and 2.5%) decreased the sensitivity of S. enterica to enrofloxacin in the medium containing the efflux pump inhibitors reserpine and carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) and affected the accumulation of ethidium bromide (EtBr) in this bacterium. Enrofloxacin (0.06 µg/mL) and fecal extract altered the composition of fatty acids in S. enterica and L. monocytogenes. We conclude that fecal extract decreased the susceptibilities of S. enterica and L. monocytogenes to concentrations of enrofloxacin higher than the MIC and resulted in rapid resistance selection.