bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lichens in the rural landscape of the Warmia Plain
Authors: Szymczyk Rafał , Zalewska Anna
Published: December 2013

Lichens and lichenicolous fungi in the rural landscape of the Warmia Plain were studied. Lichen species were observed on old wooden fences, roadside trees, fruit trees, pylons, farm machinery, buildings and bridges. The analysed biota consists of 104 taxa with several noteworthy and rare lichens.
New localities of Chamonixia caespitosa (hypogeous Boletaceae) in Central Europe
Authors: Mleczko Piotr , Kozak Maciej , Ławrynowicz Maria , Górczyk Anna
Published: December 2013

Chamonixia caespitosa Rolland, has been recently found in Poland for the first time after 1945. The basidiocarps, partially exposed from the humus layer, were found in two localities: in the spruce forest in the Polish Tatra Mts., at the elevation of 1540 m a.s.l., and in the mixed forest with spruce and fir in the Beskid Niski Mts. at the elevation of app. 400 m a.s.l. The description of the Polish specimens generally agrees with descriptions of the specimens found in other Central European countries. The roundish to tuberculate basidiocarps were characterized by the presence of highly reduced stipe, whitish colour of the peridium changing rapidly to blue after exposure to air, small, complete or incomplete columella and brown, spongy gleba. Typically 4-spored basidia were present which produced ellipsoid, brown spores with the ornamentation in the form of rough, interconnected ridges. Taxonomic position, ecology and chorology of the species, the ontogeny of basidiocarps and description of ectomycorrhizae are summarized in the paper.
Volvariella caesiotincta P. D. Orton, a new species in the mycobiota of Poland
Authors: Halama Marek
Published: December 2013

The article presents the first record of Volvariella caesiotincta P.D. Orton in Poland. Fruit body of the species was found on 22nd July 2002 in an oak-hornbeam/elm-ash municipal wood in the eastern part of Wrocław. The saproxylic Volvariella caesiotincta produced its carpophore on the base of rotten log of Quercus robur. The article brings closer taxonomic profile, ecological requirements and distribution pattern of the species. It also describes macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the discovered specimens and presents the specification of habitat the fungus concerned.
Macrofungi of wooded patches in the agricultural landscape. I. Species diversity
Authors: Kujawa Anna
Published: December 2013

This article begins a four-part series, which presents the results of mycological research carried out in 2000-2007 in the agricultural landscape of the General Dezydery Chłapowski Landscape Park. This part includes description of the study area and field research methods, as well as a list and localities of 617 macrofungal taxa recorded in the Park. The next parts of this series will deal with: species that are rare, protected by law or recorded for the first time in Poland; the role of wooded patches for preservation of fungal diversity in the agricultural landscape; and changes in species diversity and structure of fungal communities in forest communities under strong human pressure.
The development of Erysiphe alphitoides and E. hypophylla in the urban environment
Authors: Sucharzewska Ewa
Published: December 2013

Differentiated responses of Erysiphe alphitoides and E. hypophylla in urban conditions are described. The influence of transport pollution on the morphology of the mycelium, chasmotecium development and individual stages of the developmental cycle is discussed.
Some lichens from the vicinity of Ribeiro Frio (Madeira, Macaronesia)
Authors: Pišút Ivan
Published: December 2013

A list of 49 lichens recently collected in the vicinity of Ribeiro Frio in Madeira is given. The species Ramalina nodosa and Peltigera neckeri are probably new to the island. Collections of Cladonia stereoclada, Hypogymnia madeirensis, Megalospora maderensis, Peltigera degenii and Phlyctis agelaea are interesting as well.
The lichen family Parmeliaceae in Poland. I. The genus Parmotrema
Authors: Jabłońska Agnieszka , Oset Magdalena , Kukwa Marta
Published: December 2013

The paper presents the results of study on four Parmotrema species in Poland, P. arnoldii, P. crinitum, P. perlatum and P. stuppeum. They are mainly known from southern part of the country, mostly in the Carpathians. P. perlatum is reported also from Northern Poland and Central Poland. For P. stuppeum, so far known from single locality only, three new sites are reported. All the species seem to be rare and endangered in Poland. This work is the first part of a larger series which will present data on selected genera of the lichen family Parmeliaceae in Poland.
Ambispora gerdemannii and Glomus badium, two species of arbuscular fungi (Glomeromycota) new for Europe and Poland, respectively
Authors: Błaszkowski Janusz , Czerniawska Beata , Kowalczyk Sławomir , Turnau Katarzyna , Zubek Szymon
Published: December 2013

Morphological characters of spores, as well as sporocarps and spores of Ambispora gerdemannii and Glomus badium, respectively, arbuscular fungi of the phylum Glomeromycota, are described and illustrated. Additionally, the known distribution of these species in both Poland and the other regions of the world is presented. Ambispora gerdemannii was not earlier reported from Europe, and G. badium is a new fungus for Poland.
On some agarics occurring in carr forests
Authors: Bujakiewicz Anna
Published: December 2013

Remarks on ecology of several small agarics growing in carr forests of Querco-Ulmetum minoris and Astrantio-Fraxinetum type are presented and discussed. They all occupy special microhabitat (bare ground), belong to certain functional group (saprotrophs) and seem to be connected with carr forest habitat. The base rich or neutral soil humus, generally not favoured by fungi, together with extreme moisture and fast decomposition of litter causes that some humicolous macrofungi in carr forests form mostly small and short-living fruit bodies of hygrophyte character. They represent several genera: Conocybe, Coprinus, Cystolepiota, Entoloma, Flammulaster, Lepiota, Melanophyllum and Pholiotina of the order Agaricales. New localities are given, ecological amplitude is analised and preliminary mycosynusial consideration is presented.
The calcareous mires in South-East Poland are home to two rare Anthracoidea species
Authors: Piątek Marcin , Mułenko Wiesław
Published: December 2013

The new collections of Anthracoidea buxbaumii Kukkonen on Carex buxbaumii Wahlenb. and Anthracoidea hostianae B.Lindeb. ex Nannf. on Carex lepidocarpa Tausch recorded in the calcareous mires in South-East Poland are described, illustrated and discussed. The holotype of the latter smut is also re-examined, described and illustrated in detail. Anthracoidea buxbaumii is reported for the second time from Poland on a new host plant. Anthracoidea hostianae is new to Poland. The variability of spore sizes of both species is discussed. The conspecificity of Anthracoidea buxbaumii and A. hostianae suggested in the literature is analyzed.
Some observations of slime moulds on wood and litter of beech forests
Authors: Ślusarczyk Dominika
Published: December 2013

The results of research into slime moulds in beech forest reserves in Central Poland are discussed. Thirty species of slime moulds directly associated with beech wood and beech litter were recorded. Species associated with different decay phases of beech wood and litter were identified.
Review and Latest Trends in Mobile Robots Used on Power Transmission Lines
Authors: Gonçalves Rogério Sales , Carvalho João Carlos Mendes
Published: December 2013

This paper presents the current state of the art in mobile robots used on power transmission lines. Many theoretical and experimental studies have been conducted in order to develop autonomous machines to travel along transmission lines to perform inspection and/or repair work. These machines can improve efficiency, reduce labour costs and are expected to reduce the risk of injury to maintenance personnel. Despite there already being a number of pieces of theoretical research and technological developments in this area, problems related to stability, ability and autonomy still exist. As such, first this paper presents the main studies already carried out and the devices generally used on power transmission lines. After the latest trends have been presented, a new idea for module robots carrying out inspections/maintenance of power transmission lines is presented. Finally, the future of mobile robots applied to power transmission lines is discussed.
Utility Goes Paperless, Eliminates Logjam
Authors: Sletten Hazel , Barclay Brian
Published: December 2013

Approximately two years ago, City of Grand Forks (N.D.) Water Utility personnel decided to find a better way to blend data from their supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), inventory, and bench‐testing systems. Operators were handwriting data in logs to pass information among shift operators whose schedules rarely intersected and to produce regulatory compliance reports. Some of the material was difficult to read, and the large amount of paper in the binders made it difficult to search for and find particular information.
Using Open-Source Data to Study Bias Homicide Against Homeless Persons
Authors: Gruenewald Jeff A.
Published: December 2013

Despite their high-profile nature, there has been a lack of scholarly research on bias-motivated homicide in the United States. One explanation for this dearth of prior research is the lack of official data available on this type of crime. In response, the current study proposes an alternative method for studying one form of bias crime, homicides targeting homeless persons, using open-source data (e.g., court documents, news media reports, advocacy group chronologies, etc.). To demonstrate their utility, open-source data are employed to empirically examine anti-homeless homicide incident, suspect, and victim characteristics. Findings reveal that anti-homeless homicide tends to be committed in public parks with blunt objects by groups of young males against older, solitary male victims. Implications for policy are briefly discussed.
PI3K/Akt1 signalling specifies foregut precursors by generating regionalized extra-cellular matrix
Authors: Villegas S Nahuel , Rothová Michaela , Barrios-Llerena Martin E , Pulina Maria , Hadjantonakis Anna-Katerina , Le Bihan Thierry , Astrof Sophie , Brickman Joshua M
Published: December 2013

During embryonic development signalling pathways act repeatedly in different contexts to pattern the emerging germ layers. Understanding how these different responses are regulated is a central question for developmental biology. In this study, we used mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) differentiation to uncover a new mechanism for PI3K signalling that is required for endoderm specification. We found that PI3K signalling promotes the transition from naïve endoderm precursors into committed anterior endoderm. PI3K promoted commitment via an atypical activity that delimited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Akt1 transduced this activity via modifications to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and appropriate ECM could itself induce anterior endodermal identity in the absence of PI3K signalling. PI3K/Akt1-modified ECM contained low levels of Fibronectin (Fn1) and we found that Fn1 dose was key to specifying anterior endodermal identity in vivo and in vitro. Thus, localized PI3K activity affects ECM composition and ECM in turn patterns the endoderm.
Inflammation produces catecholamine resistance in obesity via activation of PDE3B by the protein kinases IKKε and TBK1
Authors: Mowers Jonathan , Uhm Maeran , Reilly Shannon M , Simon Joshua , Leto Dara , Chiang Shian-Huey , Chang Louise , Saltiel Alan R
Published: December 2013

Obesity produces a chronic inflammatory state involving the NFκB pathway, resulting in persistent elevation of the noncanonical IκB kinases IKKε and TBK1. In this study, we report that these kinases attenuate β-adrenergic signaling in white adipose tissue. Treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with specific inhibitors of these kinases restored β-adrenergic signaling and lipolysis attenuated by TNFα and Poly (I:C). Conversely, overexpression of the kinases reduced induction of Ucp1, lipolysis, cAMP levels, and phosphorylation of hormone sensitive lipase in response to isoproterenol or forskolin. Noncanonical IKKs reduce catecholamine sensitivity by phosphorylating and activating the major adipocyte phosphodiesterase PDE3B. In vivo inhibition of these kinases by treatment of obese mice with the drug amlexanox reversed obesity-induced catecholamine resistance, and restored PKA signaling in response to injection of a β-3 adrenergic agonist. These studies suggest that by reducing production of cAMP in adipocytes, IKKε and TBK1 may contribute to the repression of energy expenditure during obesity.
Synchronous and asynchronous modes of synaptic transmission utilize different calcium sources
Authors: Wen Hua , Hubbard Jeffrey M , Rakela Benjamin , Linhoff Michael W , Mandel Gail , Brehm Paul
Published: December 2013

Asynchronous transmission plays a prominent role at certain synapses but lacks the mechanistic insights of its synchronous counterpart. The current view posits that triggering of asynchronous release during repetitive stimulation involves expansion of the same calcium domains underlying synchronous transmission. In this study, live imaging and paired patch clamp recording at the zebrafish neuromuscular synapse reveal contributions by spatially distinct calcium sources. Synchronous release is tied to calcium entry into synaptic boutons via P/Q type calcium channels, whereas asynchronous release is boosted by a propagating intracellular calcium source initiated at off-synaptic locations in the axon and axonal branch points. This secondary calcium source fully accounts for the persistence following termination of the stimulus and sensitivity to slow calcium buffers reported for asynchronous release. The neuromuscular junction and CNS neurons share these features, raising the possibility that secondary calcium sources are common among synapses with prominent asynchronous release.
Regulated aggregative multicellularity in a close unicellular relative of metazoa
Authors: Sebé-Pedrós Arnau , Irimia Manuel , del Campo Javier , Parra-Acero Helena , Russ Carsten , Nusbaum Chad , Blencowe Benjamin J , Ruiz-Trillo Iñaki
Published: December 2013

The evolution of metazoans from their unicellular ancestors was one of the most important events in the history of life. However, the cellular and genetic changes that ultimately led to the evolution of multicellularity are not known. In this study, we describe an aggregative multicellular stage in the protist Capsaspora owczarzaki, a close unicellular relative of metazoans. Remarkably, transition to the aggregative stage is associated with significant upregulation of orthologs of genes known to establish multicellularity and tissue architecture in metazoans. We further observe transitions in regulated alternative splicing during the C. owczarzaki life cycle, including the deployment of an exon network associated with signaling, a feature of splicing regulation so far only observed in metazoans. Our results reveal the existence of a highly regulated aggregative stage in C. owczarzaki and further suggest that features of aggregative behavior in an ancestral protist may had been co-opted to develop some multicellular properties currently seen in metazoans.
Using GPS to Study the Terrestrial Water Cycle
Authors: Larson Kristine M. , Small Eric E.
Published: December 2013

Researchers are using GPS—usually thought of as a way to measure position—to measure water cycle properties, including surface soil moisture, snow depth, and vegetation growth, which are important for climate studies and satellite validation. Water managers need these data to predict, and possibly mitigate, hazards such as floods and droughts. While there are strong international efforts to use ground networks to measure and archive data for these quantities, the GPS‐based water cycle data have the advantage that existing instrumentation can be used, significantly reducing the cost of operating this new terrestrial water cycle network.
Current Status and Future Earth System Studies in Northern Eurasia
Authors: Groisman Pavel , Gordov Evgeny , Maksyutov Shamil
Published: December 2013

Northern Eurasia is a sensitive and rapidly changing area with the signal of climate change effects already observed in many components of the Earth's system. The ongoing warming in the Northern Eurasia Earth Science Partnership Initiative (NEESPI) domain was substantially larger than for the globe and during the past 50 years, with a rate of the annual temperature increase of 0.33°C per decade. In addition, this region experienced impacts of abrupt institutional and economic changes in the former Soviet Union countries, east Europe, Mongolia, and China.
Generalization and Extrapolation of Treatment Effects From Clinical Studies in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Nair Sandhya C. , Kievit Wietske , Janse Rosan W. , Bijlsma Johannes W. J. , Fransen Jaap , Lafeber Floris P. J. , Welsing Paco M. J.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Pragmatic clinical trials have been proposed as a solution for nongeneralizability of randomized clinical trial (RCT) results. We investigated whether treatment effects of pragmatic clinical trials are indeed generalizable to clinical practice and how efficacy estimates from published RCTs can be translated to daily practice populations.

Methods

Data from pragmatic clinical trials of the Utrecht Rheumatoid Arthritis Cohort and the observational Nijmegen Early Rheumatoid Arthritis inception cohort were used. The treatment effects of methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine as opposed to the pyramid approach were compared between the trials and observational study using a modified comprehensive cohort design analysis. The changes from baseline in disease activity (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints [DAS28]) and functional disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ]) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response at 6 months were studied. The influence of population and treatment characteristics on the American College of Rheumatology 50% improvement criteria response compared with control therapy also at 6 months from RCTs was assessed using the relative risk (RR) and risk difference (RD).

Results

The DAS28 and HAQ generally improved more in patients in the pragmatic trials than in daily practice. However, using EULAR response as outcome, the treatment effect was not found to be different. In published RCT data, higher glucocorticoid use, disease duration, and cotreatment with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs increased the RR. Use of glucocorticoids increased the RD, and higher values of baseline DAS28 and HAQ decreased the RR and RD.

Conclusion

Pragmatic clinical trials might be directly generalizable only regarding relative treatment response. In extrapolating published RCT results to daily practice, population characteristics associated with disease severity, disease duration, and treatment history or cotreatment need to be taken into account.
Design, synthesis, and characterization of a potential flame retardant poly(lactic acid‐co‐pyrimidine‐2,4,5,6‐tetramine) via direct melt polycondensation
Authors: Xiong Jin‐Feng , Wang Qun‐Fang , Peng Pai , Shi Jie , Wang Zhao‐Yang , Yang Chong‐ling
Published: December 2013

Directly starting from d,l‐lactic acid (LA) and pyrimidine‐2,4,5,6‐tetramine (PTA), the copolymer P(LA‐co‐PTA) as a novel potential solid compatible polymeric flame retardant is synthesized as designed via melt polycondensation. When the molar feed ratio LA/PTA is 60/1, the optimal synthetic conditions are discussed. After the prepolymerization at 140°C for 8 h, using 0.5 wt % stannous oxide as the catalyst, the melt copolymerization at 160°C for 4 h gives the copolymer with the biggest intrinsic viscosity 0.88 dL g−1. The structures and properties of P(LA‐co‐PTA)s at different molar feed ratios are characterized by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, GPC, XRD, DSC, and TGA. The decomposition temperatures of P(LA‐co‐PTA)s are higher than these of homopolymer poly(d,l‐lactic acid) (PDLLA). All copolymers have higher char yield than PDLLA, and the more PTA in the feed content, the higher char yield. What's more, there are some residues at 700–800°C, indicating that P(LA‐co‐PTA)s have good charring ability. When the monomer PTA is introduced into polylactic acid by chemical bonding as purine (PU) unit formed during the condensation, both the PTA's relatively higher nitrogen content and the PU's similar structure with flame retardant benzimidazole are beneficial to improve the thermal stability and charring ability, especially the latter. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40275.
AT‐Rich–Interactive Domain–Containing Protein 5A Functions as a Negative Regulator of Retinoic Acid Receptor–Related Orphan Nuclear Receptor γt–Induced Th17 Cell Differentiation
Authors: Saito Yukari , Kagami Shin‐Ichiro , Sanayama Yoshie , Ikeda Kei , Suto Akira , Kashiwakuma Daisuke , Furuta Shunsuke , Iwamoto Itsuo , Nonaka Ken , Ohara Osamu , Nakajima Hiroshi
Published: December 2013

Objective

The proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and the Th17 cell cytokine IL‐17A are implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the blockade of these cytokines by biologic agents provides clinical benefits for RA patients. We undertook this study to clarify the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of IL‐6 blockade in RA and to find a novel target for treatment of RA.

Methods

We examined gene expression profiles of CD4+ T cells by DNA microarray analysis before and after treatment with an anti–IL‐6 receptor antibody, tocilizumab (TCZ), in RA patients who exhibited good clinical responses to the treatment. Using murine CD4+ T cells, we then examined the roles of a newly identified molecule whose expression was significantly reduced in CD4+ T cells by TCZ therapy. We also examined the effect of the forced expression of the molecule on retinoic acid receptor–related orphan nuclear receptor γt (RORγt)–induced IL‐17A production in CD4+ T cells and on RORγt‐induced IL‐17A promoter activation.

Results

We identified AT‐rich–interactive domain– containing protein 5A (ARID‐5A) as a new molecule down‐regulated by IL‐6 blockade in the form of TCZ therapy. IL‐6 induced the expression of ARID‐5A in CD4+ T cells during Th17 cell differentiation by a STAT‐3–dependent mechanism, whereas IL‐6–induced ARID‐5A expression was not affected by the absence of RORγt, a lineage‐specifying transcription factor of Th17 cells. Furthermore, ARID‐5A physically associated with RORγt through its N‐terminal region and inhibited RORγt‐induced Th17 cell differentiation.

Conclusion

ARID‐5A is a lineage‐specific attenuator of Th17 cell differentiation and may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA.
Inactivation of Patched1 in Murine Chondrocytes Causes Spinal Fusion Without Inflammation
Authors: Dittmann Kai , Wuelling Manuela , Uhmann Anja , Dullin Christian , Hahn Heidi , Schweyer Stefan , Vortkamp Andrea , Wienands Jürgen
Published: December 2013

Objective

During development of the vertebrate skeleton, chondrocytes form a cartilage template that is gradually replaced by bone. Hormones of the Hedgehog (HH) family have been implicated in the ossification process, but their exact relationship to normal or pathogenic bone formation is unclear. This study was undertaken to establish a genetic tool that allows the discrete inactivation of genes in spinal chondrocytes, and to investigate in vivo how chondrocyte‐specific ablation of the inhibitory HH receptor Patched 1 (Ptch1) affects skeleton integrity.

Methods

A Cre‐deleter mouse strain, mb1‐Cre, for selective gene recombination in spinal chondrocytes was identified by in situ hybridization and histologic analysis. The mb1‐Cre+/− animals were crossed with mice that harbor a loxP‐flanked Ptch1 gene (Ptch1flox/flox) to abrogate the inhibition of the HH signaling pathway in chondrocytes. The skeletal integrity of F1 mice was characterized by high‐resolution flat‐panel–based volume computed tomography and histologic staining procedures.

Results

During the first weeks after birth, all mb1‐Cre+/−/Ptch1flox/flox mice developed progressive spinal fusion with malformation of the vertebrae. This phenotype was caused by aberrant chondrocyte proliferation in the intervertebral discs that blocked endochondral ossification. Importantly, the disease pattern occurred in an inflammation‐independent manner.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that chronic activation of the HH signal pathway in spinal chondrocytes can trigger an ankylosing spine morphology without immune cell contributions. Hence, the destruction of cartilage and loss of axial joint integrity can result from chondrocyte‐intrinsic defects of monogenic origin.
Proliferation rate of stem cells derived from human dental pulp and identification of differentially expressed genes
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Fawwaz , Abdullah Siti Fadilah , Omar Nor Shamsuria , Mahmood Zuliani , Fazliah Mohd Noor Siti Noor , Kannan Thirumulu Ponnuraj , Mokhtar Khairani Idah
Published: December 2013

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) obtained from the dental pulp of human extracted tooth were cultured and characterized to confirm that these were mesenchymal stem cells. The proliferation rate was assessed using AlamarBlue® cell assay. The differentially expressed genes in SHED and DPSCs were identified using the GeneFishing™ technique. The proliferation rate of SHED (P < 0.05) was significantly higher than DPSCs while SHED had a lower multiplication rate and shorter population doubling time (0.01429, 60.57 h) than DPSCs (0.00286, 472.43 h). Two bands were highly expressed in SHED and three bands in DPSCs. Sequencing analysis showed these to be TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1), and ribosomal protein s8, (RPS8) in SHED and collagen, type I, alpha 1, (COL1A1), follistatin‐like 1 (FSTL1), lectin, galactoside‐binding, soluble, 1, (LGALS1) in DPSCs. TIMP1 is involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix, cell proliferation and anti‐apoptotic function and RPS8 is involved as a rate‐limiting factor in translational regulation; COL1A1 is involved in the resistance and elasticity of the tissues; FSTL1 is an autoantigen associated with rheumatoid arthritis; LGALS1 is involved in cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, RNA processing, apoptosis and malignant transformation. This, along with further protein expression analysis, holds promise in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Pattern and process during sea urchin gut morphogenesis: The regulatory landscape
Authors: Annunziata Rossella , Perillo Margherita , Andrikou Carmen , Cole Alison G. , Martinez Pedro , Arnone Maria I.
Published: December 2013

The development of the endoderm is a multistage process. From the initial specification of the endodermal domain in the embryo to the final regionalization of the gut, there are multiple stages that require the involvement of complex gene regulatory networks. In one concrete case, the sea urchin embryo, some of these stages and their genetic control are (relatively) well understood. Several studies have underscored the relevance of individual transcription factor activities in the process, but very few have focused the attention on gene interactions within specific gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Sea urchins offer an ideal system to study the different factors involved in the morphogenesis of the gut. Here we review the knowledge gained over the last 10 years on the process and its regulation, from the early specification of endodermal lineages to the late events linked to the patterning of functional domains in the gut. A lesson of remarkable importance has been learnt from comparison of the mechanisms involved in gut formation in different bilaterian animals; some of these genetic mechanisms are particularly well conserved. Patterning the gut seems to involve common molecular players and shared interactions, whether we look at mammals or echinoderms. This astounding degree of conservation reveals some key aspects of deep homology that are most probably shared by all bilaterian guts. genesis 52:251–268. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Occurrence and dissipation of benzotriazoles and benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers in biosolid-amended soils
Authors: Lai Hua-Jie , Ying Guang-Guo , Ma Yi-Bing , Chen Zhi-Feng , Chen Feng , Liu You-Sheng
Published: December 2013

Benzotriazoles (BTs) and benzotriazole ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers (BUVSs) are commonly used industrial and household chemicals, but little is known about their dissipation behavior in the soil environment associated with biosolid application. The authors investigated the occurrence and dissipation of 4 BTs (BT, 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole [5-TT], 5-chloro-1H-benzotriazole [CBT], and 5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzotriazole [XT]) and 5 BUVSs (UV-326, UV-327, UV-328, UV-329, and UV-P) in biosolid-amended soil of 3 trial sites (Zhejiang, Hunan, and Shandong) in China following 2 treatments (treatment 1: a single application of biosolid; treatment 2: repeated application of biosolid). The results showed that except for CBT and XT, the other 7 compounds could be detected in most of the biosolid and biosolid-amended soils at levels of a few to tens of nanograms per gram and that the concentrations of the 7 compounds for treatment 2 were obviously higher than those for treatment 1. In the 1-yr monitoring of the Shandong site, 2 BTs (BT and 5-TT) and 5 BUVSs (UV-326, UV-327, UV-328, UV-329, and UV-P) were significantly dissipated in the biosolid-amended soils. The field half-lives of BT and 5-TT ranged from 217 d to 345 d, while those for the BUVSs ranged between 75 d and 218 d. The field half-lives of target compounds in soil were found to be comparable to the modeling results. The results suggest the persistence of BTs and BUVSs in soil environments with quite slow dissipation rates. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:761–767. © 2013 SETAC
Solitary dural metastasis at presentation in a patient with untreated human papillomavirus–associated squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx
Authors: Al‐Khudari Samer , Guo Susan , Chen Yunwei , Nwizu Tobenna , Greskovich John F. , Lorenz Robert , Burkey Brian B. , Adelstein David J. , Koyfman Shlomo A.
Published: December 2013

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is associated with high cure rates and distant metastases are rare.

Methods and Results

We report a case of a 61‐year‐old man presenting with acute left‐sided weakness. An enhancing dural mass was noted and resected. Histology revealed p16‐positive SCC. Further workup revealed a p16‐positive right tonsillar primary with ipsilateral nodal disease and was classified as T2N2bM1. The patient underwent whole brain irradiation and definitive chemoradiation with curative intent. Complete clinical response was achieved and the patient continues to be disease‐free 6 months posttreatment.

Conclusion

HPV‐associated oligometastatic oropharyngeal SCC is a rare entity that may have a unique natural history and behavior. Given the excellent treatment response and prognosis of HPV‐positive disease in general, these patients may be appropriate for definitive treatment approaches. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 36: E103–E105, 2014
Low‐pass filter of suspended stripline design with finite transmission zeros for stop‐band rejection improvement
Authors: Ho Min‐Hua , Hong Wanchu , Lin Li‐Jing
Published: December 2013

In this article, we present the design of the suspended stripline low‐pass filter (LPF) with finite frequency transmission zeros for enhancing band‐edge roll‐off and increasing stop‐band signal rejection levels. The proposed LPF is a seventh‐order circuit which exhibits two transmission zeros in the stop‐band region. The LPF has achieved the benefits of size compactness, low dispersion, high immunity to the noise inference, and low insertion losses. An equivalent circuit model composed of lumped elements is developed to predict filter's characteristics, and ultimately it is used to calculate the LPF's frequency responses during the design. The equivalent circuit model is used to accelerate the proposed LPF design in the early stage with its calculated data validated by a commercial electromagnetic software simulation. Experiment is conducted to verify the LPF's design and its performance. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:297–301, 2014
A bidirectional waveguide antenna with polarization reconfigurable capability
Authors: Zhao Yang , Wei Kunpeng , Zhang Zhijun , Feng Zhenghe
Published: December 2013

A bidirectional metallic waveguide antenna with polarization reconfigurable capability is presented in this study. The polarization states of the proposed design can be flexibly reconfigured among two orthogonal circular polarizations (CP) and linear polarization (LP) simply by selecting four different combinations of microstrip feeding branches with switches. Two identical rectangular metal sheets perpendicular to each other were inserted into the diagonal directions of a waveguide aperture. They were excited with the same amplitude, but with 0°, 180°, 90°, or 270° phase difference by choosing two of four microstrip feeding segments each time, and left‐band CP, right‐hand CP, and LP could be generated, respectively. Meanwhile, the sense of CP in two opposite radiating directions was also the same for either sense of CP. The proposed reconfigurable antenna can provide link reliability and polarization diversity for mobile wireless communications in a multipath propagation environment. In addition, it alone can realize multifunctional operations and thus reduce system complexity and cost. Details of antenna design are shown, and measured results for the constructed prototype are exhibited and discussed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:422–427, 2014
Broadband CPW‐FED square slot antenna loaded with parasitic element for WLAN/WiMAX applications
Authors: Pouyanfar Negin
Published: December 2013

A novel broadband coplanar waveguide‐fed slot antenna with a parasitic element for WLAN and WiMax applications is proposed. The proposed antenna is composed of a crooked F‐shaped feed line and an inverted‐L strip in the right bottom corner of the square slot ground to achieve broadband characteristic. By using the inverted L‐shaped strip, antenna can achieve wide impedance bandwidth to cover desired frequency bands while maintaining compact size and simple configuration. The proposed antenna is fabricated and tested. The simulated and measured results show that the antenna has the fractional impedance bandwidth of more than 44% (2.4–6 GHz), which can cover both WLAN and WiMax bands. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:338–340, 2014
Design of a dielectric waveguide filter with embedded metamaterial using mode matching technique
Authors: Murphy Luke , Mautz J. , Yazdani M. , Arvas E. , Tozin S.
Published: December 2013

Using derived dispersion relations, dielectric filters with embedded metamaterials are analyzed with the mode matching technique, and the results are applied to a Ka band SIW filter. This same filter is then compared to an identical filter in the absence of metamaterials to illustrate the effect on performance. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:443–446, 2014
Analysis on spectral regrowth of chirp bandwidth expansion technique in high‐resolution SAR system
Authors: Kim Se Young , Sung Jin Bong
Published: December 2013

This article presents an analysis of the root causes of the spectral regrowth due to the higher‐order intermodulation in a chirp bandwidth expansion scheme using a single‐sideband modulator and frequency multipliers. The spectral regrowth of synthetic aperture radar waveform was reduced by minimizing the gain and phase imbalances between the I and the Q channels. Further, the gain and phase imbalance requirements were defined on the basis of the evaluation of the impulse response function. The 150‐MHz bandwidth of a chirp signal at 2.4 GHz was expanded to 600 MHz at 9.6 GHz. By adjusting the dc offset and the gain imbalance between the I and the Q channels, the carrier level was reduced from −28.7 to −53.4 dBm and the sidelobe levels caused by the spectral regrowth were reduced by approximately 8–9 dB. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:400–404, 2014
A compact monopole antenna for WLAN applications
Authors: Sun X. L. , Cheung S. W. , Yuk T. I.
Published: December 2013

The design of a compact antenna for use in wireless devices of the 2.4/5.2/5.8‐GHz wireless‐local‐area network (WLAN) is presented. The antenna consists of an L‐shaped monopole radiator (L‐element) with microstrip‐fed on one side of the substrate and a protruding meander‐microstrip ground stub (M‐stub) on the other side. The L‐element and the M‐stub generate a high‐frequency band at around 5.4 GHz for the high WLAN bands and a low‐frequency band at around 2.44 GHz for the low WLAN band, respectively. The antenna has a very compact size of only 25 × 25mm2, including the ground plane. Computer simulation is used to study, design, and optimize the antenna. For verification of the simulated performance, the antenna is fabricated and measured using the antenna measurement system, Satimo Stargate. The effects of the feeding cable used in measurement cause discrepancies between the simulated and measured performances. To verify the cable effects, the feeding cable is modeled in simulation. With the use of the cable model, the simulated and measured performances show very good agreements. A practical application of the proposed antenna is also studied by installing it on a printed‐circuit board having the similar size of a smartphone. The impedance bandwidth, radiation pattern, peak gain, and efficiency of the antenna are studied and presented. Results show that the antenna is a potential candidate for small WLAN wireless devices. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:469–475, 2014
Simulation technique for ACLR of a class‐S power amplifier with a delta‐sigma modulator
Authors: Lee Sung Jun , Jung Jae Ho , Lee Kwang Chun
Published: December 2013

A simulation technique for an adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) of a class‐S power amplifier (PA) with a delta‐sigma modulator is proposed. This technique is based on three basic points. The first is a proper baseband signal, which must provide a fairly better ACLR than the target value of a PA as well as a tolerable total amount of time that can be handled by a transient circuit simulation. The second point is a carrier frequency adjustment for the observations free from spectrum leakage distortion due to a limited total amount of simulated time. The last is an ACLR calculation using only a steady‐state output. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:462–465, 2014
A contactless power transmission system using a capacity resonator and a stripline structure
Authors: Chang Tae‐Soon
Published: December 2013

This study introduces a contactless power transmission system that is implemented to transfer power using a cavity resonator and a stripline structure. In a cavity resonator equipped with input and output ports with a stripline structure, a receiver was made to be detachable by removing part of the output port, with all other parts included in a transmitter, thus creating a transceiver. By combining the receiver and the transmitter, power is transferred from an input port to an output port within a single resonator. The center frequency of the contactless power transmission system created in this study was 5.76 GHz, and the S21 value measured at this time was −1.26 dB, confirming that the proposed system offers a power transmission rate of approximately 75%. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:388–391, 2014
It's all about the pentiums: The use, manipulation, and storage of digital microscopy imaging data for the biological sciences
Authors: Hornick Jessica E. , Hinchcliffe Edward H.
Published: December 2013

Digital microscopy has revolutionized quantitative imaging, with binary‐encoded computer files serving to capture and store imaging data sets for analysis. With the ever‐present use of computers to generate and store imaging data, it becomes increasingly important to understand how these files are created, and how they can be both used and mis‐used. This is a particularly important task for the biologist who may have limited background in computer science. Here we discuss some of the basic aspects of digital data storage and use, including file types, storage media, and the choice between commercial and open‐source software. Often, open‐source software is written by a user or group of users, and then distributed to the scientific community at large. These can be important tools, but there are some hidden costs to this freeware that we will discuss. We will also compare open‐source software to commercial imaging software, which is often written for use by non‐computer scientists. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 508–517, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance of the timed “up & go” test in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Dunaway Sally , Montes Jacqueline , Garber Carol Ewing , Carr Brendan , Kramer Samantha S. , Kamil‐Rosenberg Shirit , Strauss Nancy , Sproule Douglas , De Vivo Darryl C.
Published: December 2013

Introduction

The timed “up & go” (TUG) test is a quick measure of balance and mobility. TUG scores correlate with clinical, functional, and strength assessment and decline linearly over time. Reliability and validity have not been tested in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Methods: Fifteen ambulatory SMA participants performed TUG testing and strength, functional, and clinical assessments. Intraclass correlation coefficients quantified test–retest reliability. Convergent validity was determined using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: Test–retest reliability was excellent for all participants. TUG was associated significantly with total leg and knee flexor strength, as well as the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded, the 10‐meter walk/run, and 6‐minute walk tests. TUG findings were not associated with knee extensor strength, pulmonary function, or fatigue. Conclusions: In SMA, the TUG test is easily administered, reliable, and correlates with established outcome measures. TUG testing is a potentially useful outcome measure for clinical trials and a measure of disability in ambulatory patients with SMA. Muscle Nerve 50:273–277, 2014
Treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in central America: A lower‐middle income countries experience
Authors: Navarrete M. , Rossi E. , Brivio E. , Carrillo J.M. , Bonilla M. , Vasquez R. , Peña A. , Fu L. , Martinez R. , Espinoza C.M. Pacheco , Lacayo L.F. Baez , Rodriguez H. , Batista R. , Barr R. , Howard S.C. , Ribeiro R.C. , Masera G. , Biondi A. , Conter V. , Valsecchi M.G.
Published: December 2013

Background

Five Asociación de Hemato‐Oncología de Centroamérica (AHOPCA) countries have used an adapted BFM‐based protocol for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Procedure

In the AHOPCA‐ALL 2008 protocol, patients were stratified by age, white blood cell count, immunophenotype, central nervous system involvement, day 8 prednisone response, and morphologic bone marrow response to induction therapy. Patients at Standard Risk (SR) received a three‐drug induction regimen, a reinduction phase, and maintenance with protracted intrathecal therapy. Those at Intermediate (IR) and High Risk (HR) received, in addition, daunorubicin during induction therapy, a consolidation phase and two or three reinduction phases respectively.

Results

From August 2008 through July 2012, 1,313 patients were enrolled: 353 in SR, 548 in IR, 412 in HR. During induction therapy, 3.0% of patients died, 2.7% abandoned treatment, 1.1% had resistant ALL, and 93.2% achieved morphological complete remission (CR). Deaths and abandonment in first CR occurred in 2.7% and in 7.0% of patients, respectively. The relapse rate at a median observation time of 2.1 years was 15.0%. At 3 years, the event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS), with abandonment considered as an event, were 59.4% (SE 1.7) and 68.2% (SE 1.6). Three‐year EFS was 68.5% (SE 3.0), 62.1% (SE 2.6), and 47.8% (SE 3.2) for SR, IR, and HR groups. Adolescents had a significantly higher relapse rate (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

This experience shows that common international studies are feasible in lower‐middle income countries. Toxic deaths, abandonment of treatment, and relapses remain major obstacles to the successful treatment. Alternative treatment strategies may be beneficial. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:803–809. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of Azotobacter vinelandii FdxN in FeMo‐co biosynthesis
Authors: Jiménez-Vicente Emilio , Navarro-Rodríguez Mónica , Poza-Carrión César , Rubio Luis M.
Published: December 2013

Biosynthesis of metal clusters for the nitrogenase component proteins NifH and NifDK involves electron donation events. Yet, electron donors specific to the biosynthetic pathways of the [4Fe–4S] cluster of NifH, or the P‐cluster and the FeMo‐co of NifDK, have not been identified. Here we show that an Azotobacter vinelandii mutant lacking fdxN was specifically impaired in FeMo‐co biosynthesis. The ΔfdxN mutant produced 5‐fold less NifB‐co, an early FeMo‐co biosynthetic intermediate, than wild type. As a consequence, it accumulated FeMo‐co‐deficient apo‐NifDK and was impaired in NifDK activity. We conclude that FdxN plays a role in FeMo‐co biosynthesis, presumably by donating electrons to support NifB‐co synthesis by NifB. This is the first role in nitrogenase biosynthesis unequivocally assigned to any A. vinelandii ferredoxin.
Brustkrebspatientinnen mit minderjährigen Kindern – Psychosoziale Belastung und Unterstützungswünsche
Authors: Götze Heide , Zenger Markus , Brähler Elmar , Romer Georg , Ernst Jochen
Published: December 2013

Hintergrund und Fragestellung: Viele Frauen mit Brustkrebs sind infolge von Krankheit und Therapie psychisch stark belastet. Bei Brustkrebspatientinnen mit minderjährigen Kindern können diesbezügliche Problemlagen kumulieren. Allerdings gibt es zu hierzu kaum Forschungsbefunde. Deshalb untersucht diese Studie Ängstlichkeit und Depressivität von Brustkrebspatientinnen mit minderjährigen Kindern. Methodik: 70 Brustkrebspatientinnen (Alter: M = 40,8, SD = 5,9) mit minderjährigen Kindern nahmen an der Querschnittsstudie teil. Nach der Akutbehandlung wurden Ängstlichkeit und Depressivität (HADS) sowie die Unterstützungswünsche erfasst. Es erfolgte ein Vergleich mit Frauen aus der Allgemeinbevölkerung sowie mit Brustkrebspatientinnen mit erwachsenen Kindern. Ergebnisse: Unter klinisch relevanter Ängstlichkeit litt etwa jede 6. Brustkrebspatientin mit minderjährigen Kindern (Cut-off > 10: 17,4 %), im Bereich Depressivität ist es jede 10. (Cut-off > 10: 10,1 %). Die Patientinnen mit Kindern unter 18 Jahren unterschieden sich bezüglich ihrer Ängstlichkeit und Depressivität nicht signifikant von den Patientinnen mit erwachsenen Kindern. Die Vergleichsgruppe aus der Allgemeinbevölkerung war signifikant weniger ängstlich als die Brustkrebspatientinnen mit minderjährigen Kindern. Folgende Variablen zeigten einen signifikanten Zusammenhang zur psychischen Belastung der Brustkrebspatientinnen mit minderjährigen Kindern: Anzahl der Kinder, Diagnosezeitpunkt, Erwerbstätigkeit. Schlussfolgerung: Im ambulanten Kontext ist eine stärkere Sensibilisierung für langfristige Anpassungsprobleme bei den betroffenen Frauen erforderlich, da Brustkrebspatientinnen vor allem nach Abschluss der Akutbehandlung eine hohe psychische Belastung zeigen. Es ergeben sich Anzeichen, dass Krebspatientinnen mit mehreren Kindern über zusätzliche familiäre Bewältigungsressourcen und eine tragfähigere Familienstruktur verfügen.