bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Instrument for Intrahepatic Access of Glissonian Pedicles During Anatomical Liver Resections
Authors: Makdissi Fabio F. , Machado Marcel Autran C. , Surjan Rodrigo C.
Published: October 2013

The knowledge of liver anatomy has led to a rapid evolution based on the intrahepatic distribution of the portal pedicle. One great advance in liver surgery was the used of segment-based liver resections. Techniques based with intrahepatic Glissonian access of portal pedicles were described to safely perform anatomical liver resections. We have earlier described a standardized intrahepatic access to right and left liver segments’ pedicles without hilar dissection for anatomical hepatectomies. To improve the intrahepatic Glissonian technique, we designed a new atraumatic instrument for liver pedicle retrieval based on the anatomical liver landmarks. This new instrument was successfully employed in seventeen consecutive liver resections with minimum blood loss and without any complications related to its use. This new instrument, atraumatic retriever, replaces the right angle dissector or Gray clamp. The new instrument can slide easily and smoothly around Glissonian pedicle with a simple movement. This new instrument is a useful adjunct for performing intrahepatic access for liver resections. It can also be used to compass delicate anatomical structures such as esophagus and major abdominal vessels. The retriever can further be used in other common situations, including access for Pringle maneuver, encircling proximal esophagus during total gastrectomies or esophagectomies, and access for total vascular exclusion of the liver. This instrument can also be adapted to be used for laparoscopic liver resections.
Statins and Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women
Authors: Ijioma Nkechinyere , Robinson Jennifer G.
Published: October 2013

Objectives. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses evaluating the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of statins in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women without cardiovascular disease. Background. Several meta-analyses have been performed evaluating statins in CVD primary prevention trials involving women. This review is an update incorporating the results of recent CVD primary prevention trials in women and the recent concerns of statins and new-onset diabetes. Method. PubMed database was searched for primary prevention trials and meta-analyses. The key terms “statins, cardiovascular disease, primary prevention in women” were used. Search was limited to all English publications published up to October 2012. Results. Statin use led to a trend towards reduction in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in women. No significant increased risk in adverse events was observed. The slight increased incidence of diabetes is outweighed by the greater cardiovascular benefit derived from statin use. Conclusions. The data support the use of statins for primary prevention of CVD in women at higher risk of CVD. The lack of statistical significance in prior randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses is attributable to the lower numbers of women enrolled in these trials and the lower CVD risk of women in the trials resulting in the inadequate powering of these studies. Higher risk women who may benefit from CVD primary prevention with statins may be identified using validated tools such as the Reynolds scoring system, the 2011 American Heart Association risk algorithm for women, and the forthcoming National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute risk equations.
An interview study of young adults born to mothers with mild intellectual disability
Authors: Lindblad Ida , Billstedt Eva , Gillberg Christopher , Fernell Elisabeth
Published: October 2013

A group of 10 young adults from a population-based series in Sweden, of originally 42 individuals, born to mothers with mild intellectual disability (ID), were interviewed with regard to their experiences during childhood, adolescence, and their current situation. The interview revealed that 6 of the 10 individuals had been removed from their biological parents during childhood, 6 reported clear child abuse and/or neglect, and 6 individuals had mild ID. The majority of the individuals reported difficulties in their relations with family and in school. The small number of participants ( n = 10) who could be personally interviewed reflected the major problems that were encountered in the process of making contact with this group of young individuals. In conclusion, this study adds to other reports that children of mothers with ID constitute an extremely vulnerable group. Therefore, these families need full and continuous attention from the supportive systems in society.
Caribbean journalism’s media economy
Authors: Storr Juliette
Published: October 2013

Since the turn of the 21st century, the Caribbean news industry has experienced an economic phase of growth, a trend that contradicts the experience in the United States and Europe, and rapid changes brought on by technological innovations. However, Caribbean journalism is constrained by political, economic, and social forces that limit its effectiveness in upholding the ideals of democracy. This article examines journalism and the news industry in the English-speaking Caribbean. The analysis focuses mainly on the newspaper industry but also includes broadcast media. Media economic theories are used to explain the key forces that are influencing the growth of Caribbean media and the impact on the practice and profession of journalism in the region.
Identification of CD300a as a new hypoxia-inducible gene and a regulator of CCL20 and VEGF production by human monocytes and macrophages
Authors: Raggi Federica , Blengio Fabiola , Eva Alessandra , Pende Daniela , Varesio Luigi , Bosco Maria Carla
Published: October 2013

Peripheral blood monocytes are recruited to inflammatory and tumor lesions where they undergo terminal differentiation into macrophages. Monocytes/macrophages integrate stimulatory and inhibitory signals present in the pathologic microenvironment through a defined repertoire of cell surface receptors, and deregulated expression of these molecules may result in amplification of inflammation or establishment of immune escape mechanisms. Characterization of the expression and function of these receptors is required for a better understanding of the regulation of monocyte/macrophage activity at pathologic sites. Hypoxia is a common feature of many pathological situations and an important regulator of monocyte/macrophage pro-inflammatory responses. In this study, we identify the leukocyte membrane antigen, CD300a, a member of the CD300 superfamily of immunoregulatory receptors, as a new hypoxia-inducible gene in primary human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages. CD300a mRNA up-regulation by hypoxia was rapid and reversible, paralleled by increased surface protein expression, and mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. CD300a induction was also triggered by the hypoxia-mimetic agent, desferrioxamine. CD300a exhibited both activating and inhibitory potential, differentially regulating CCL20 and vascular endothelial growth factor pro-inflammatory cytokine production by monocytes/macrophages upon triggering by an agonist Ab. These results suggest that CD300a induction by the hypoxic environment represents a mechanism of regulation of monocyte/macrophage pro-inflammatory responses at pathologic sites.
Method analysis of accelerometers and gyroscopes in running gait: A systematic review
Authors: Norris Michelle , Anderson Ross , Kenny Ian C
Published: October 2013

To review articles utilising accelerometers and gyroscopes to measure running gait and assess various methodology utilised when doing so. To identify research- and coaching-orientated parameters which have been previously investigated and offer evidence based recommendations as to future methodology employed when investigating these parameters. Electronic databases were searched using key-related terminology such as accelerometer(s) and gyroscope(s) and/or running gait. Articles returned were then visually inspected and subjected to an inclusion and exclusion criteria after which citations were inspected for further relevance. A total of 38 articles were then included in the review. Accelerometers, gyroscopes plus combined units have been successfully utilised in the generation of research-orientated parameters such as head/tibial acceleration, vertical parameters and angular velocity and also coach-orientated parameters such as stride parameters and gait pattern. Placement of sensors closest to the area of interest along with the use of bi/tri- axial accelerometers appear to provide the most accurate results. Accelerometers and gyroscopes have proven to provide accurate and reliable results in running gait measurement. The temporal and spatial running parameters require sensor placement close to the area of interest and the use of bi/triaxial sensors. Post data analysis is critical for generating valid results.
The Moderating Influence of Situational Motivation on the Relationship Between Preferred Exercise and Positive Affect
Authors: Guérin Eva , Fortier Michelle S.
Published: October 2013

Despite convincing evidence supporting the association between exercise and positive affect, this complex relationship requires further theoretical and person-centered explanation. The nature of one’s motivation for exercise, as postulated by Self-Determination Theory (SDT), may supply a missing and understudied link. The primary aim of this experimental study was to examine the moderating influence of situational motivation from SDT on the relationship between an acute bout of preferred exercise, namely running (vs. control), and changes in positive affect. Forty-one active women attended two sessions to engage in (a) a 30-min moderate-intensity self-paced treadmill run and (b) a 30-min quiet activity (i.e., newspaper reading). Participants with high introjection versus those with low introjection reported a greater increase in positive affect from pre- to postrunning and a greater decrease in positive affect from pre- to postcontrol. A “relief from guilt” effect was postulated to explain these results. Motivational variables accounted for 7% of variance in postrun positive affect. Consistent with SDT, running because one values this behavior and its benefits (i.e., identified regulation) was significantly associated with postrun positive affect.
The British Royal Family’s Circumcision Tradition
Authors: Darby Robert , Cozijn John
Published: October 2013

The birth of Prince William’s son in July 2013 was the occasion for an outpouring of media speculation about the fate of the royal baby’s foreskin. The possibility that he might be circumcised was connected to a purported tradition of circumcision within the British royal family, said to be have been initiated either by Queen Victoria or by George I. In this article, we trace the origins and evolution of these stories and assess their validity. Our conclusion is that belief in a royal circumcision tradition derives from the reported circumcision of Prince Charles by the mohel Jacob Snowman in 1948, and the efforts of the British Israelite movement to concoct a “lost tribes of Israel” origin for the British race. These elements merged into a fully developed narrative that was widely disseminated from the late 1990s. The initially separate claim that the tradition was imported from Hanover by George I can be sourced precisely to 2012. We further show that these stories are inventions, and that the royal family circumcision tradition should be regarded as a classic instance of a contemporary legend or urban myth.
Distribution of porcine monocytes in different lymphoid tissues and the lungs during experimental Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection and the role of chemokines
Authors: Ondrackova Petra , Leva Lenka , Kucerova Zdenka , Vicenova Monika , Mensikova Marketa , Faldyna Martin
Published: October 2013

Monocytes play an essential role in the defense against bacterial pathogens. Bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) monocytes in pigs consist of the main “steady-state” subpopulations: CD14hi/CD163-/SLA-DR- and CD14low/CD163+/SLA-DR+. During inflammation, the subpopulation of “inflammatory” monocytes expressing very high levels of CD163, but lacking the SLA-DR molecule (being CD14low/CD163+/SLA-DR-) appears in the BM and PB and replaces the CD14low/CD163+/SLA-DR+ subpopulation. However, current knowledge of monocyte migration into inflamed tissues in pigs is limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the distribution of “inflammatory” CD14low/CD163+/SLA-DR- monocytes during experimental inflammation induced by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) and a possible role for chemokines in attracting “inflammatory” CD14low/CD163+/SLA-DR- monocytes into the tissues. Monocyte subpopulations were detected by flow cytometry. Chemokines and chemokine receptors were detected by RT-qPCR. The “steady-state” monocytes were found in the BM, PB, spleen and lungs of control pigs. After APP-infection, “inflammatory” monocytes replaced the “steady-state” subpopulation in BM, PB, spleen and moreover, they appeared in an unaffected area, demarcation zone and necrotic area of the lungs and in tracheobronchial lymph nodes. They did not appear in mesenteric lymph nodes. Levels of mRNA for various chemokines with their appropriate receptors were found to be elevated in BM (CCL3-CCR1/CCR5, CCL8-CCR2/CCR5, CCL19-CCR7), necrotic area of the lungs (CCL3-CCR1, CCL5-CCR1/CCR3, CCL11-CCR3, CCL22/CCR4) and tracheobronchial lymph nodes (CCL3-CCR1) and therefore they could play a role in attracting monocytes into inflamed tissues. In conclusion, “inflammatory” monocytes appear in different lymphoid tissues and the lungs after APP infection in pigs. Various chemokines could drive this process.
The role of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha in metastatic tumor formation of hepatocellular carcinoma and its close relationship with the mesenchymal–epithelial transition markers
Authors: Yao Dianbo , Peng Songlin , Dai Chaoliu
Published: October 2013

Background

Mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) is now suggested to participate in the process of metastatic tumor formation. However, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) the process is still not well revealed.

Methods

Paraffin-embedded tissue samples were obtained from 13 patients with HCC in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. The expression of E-cadherin, Fibronectin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha), Snail and Slug was assessed in primary tumors and their corresponding metastases by immunohistochemical staining. Next, the expression of HNF4alpha and E-cadherin in four HCC cell lines was examined. Furthermore, SK-Hep-1 cells were transfected with human HNF4alpha expression vector, and the change of E-cadherin expression was assessed.

Results

45.2% (14/31) of the lesions in the metastases showed increased E-cadherin expression compared with the primaries, suggesting the possible occurrence of MET in metastatic tumor formation of HCC, as re-expression of E-cadherin is proposed to be the important hallmark of MET. The occurrence of MET was also confirmed by the reduced expression of Fibronectin (54.8%, 17/31), N-cadherin (38.7%, 12/31) and Vimentin (61.3%, 19/31) in the metastases. 45.2% (14/31) of the lesions in the metastases also showed increased HNF4alpha expression, and 67.7% (21/31) and 48.4% (15/31) of metastases showed decreased Snail and Slug expression respectively. Statistical results showed that the expression of HNF4alpha was positively related with that of E-cadherin, and negatively correlated with that of Snail, Slug and Fibronectin, suggesting that the expression change of the MET markers in the metastatic lesions might be associated with HNF4alpha. Among the four HCC cell lines, both HNF4alpha and E-cadherin expressed high in Hep3B and Huh-7 cells, but low in SK-Hep-1 and Bel-7402 cells. Furthermore, the expression of E-cadherin increased accordingly when SK-Hep-1 cells were transfected with human HNF4alpha expression vector, further confirming the role of HNF4alpha in the regulation of E-cadherin expression.

Conclusions

Our clinical observations and experimental data indicate that HNF4alpha might play a crucial role in the metastatic tumor formation of HCC, and the mechanism may be related with the process of phenotype transition.
An analysis of oligomerization interfaces in transmembrane proteins
Authors: Duarte Jose M , Biyani Nikhil , Baskaran Kumaran , Capitani Guido
Published: October 2013

Background

The amount of transmembrane protein (TM) structures solved to date is now large enough to attempt large scale analyses. In particular, extensive studies of oligomeric interfaces in the transmembrane region are now possible.

Results

We have compiled the first fully comprehensive set of validated transmembrane protein interfaces in order to study their features and assess what differentiates them from their soluble counterparts.

Conclusions

The general features of TM interfaces do not differ much from those of soluble proteins: they are large, tightly packed and possess many interface core residues. In our set, membrane lipids were not found to significantly mediate protein-protein interfaces. Although no G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) was included in the validated set, we analyzed the crystallographic dimerization interfaces proposed in the literature. We found that the putative dimer interfaces proposed for class A GPCRs do not show the usual patterns of stable biological interfaces, neither in terms of evolution nor of packing, thus they likely correspond to crystal interfaces. We cannot however rule out the possibility that they constitute transient or weak interfaces. In contrast we do observe a clear signature of biological interface for the proposed dimer of the class F human Smoothened receptor.
Synthesis and electroluminescence property of new hexaphenylbenzene derivatives including amine group for blue emitters
Authors: Shin Hwangyu , Wang Yun-Fan , Kim Jong-Hyung , Lee Jaehyun , Kay Kwang-Yol , Park Jongwook
Published: October 2013

Three new blue-emitting compounds of 5P-VA, 5P-VTPA, and 5P-DVTPA for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) based on hexaphenylbenzene moiety were demonstrated. Physical properties by the change of the substitution groups of the synthesized materials were systematically examined. Photoluminescence spectrum of the synthesized materials showed maximum emitting wavelengths of about 400 to 447 nm in solution state and 451 to 461 nm in film state, indicating deep blue emission color. OLED devices were fabricated by the synthesized compounds using vacuum deposit process as an emitting layer. The device structure was ITO/2-TNATA 60 nm/ NPB 15 nm/ EML 35 nm/ TPBi 20 nm/ LiF 1 nm/ Al 200 nm. External quantum efficiencies and CIE values of 5P-VA, 5P-VTPA, and 5P-DVTPA were 1.89%, 3.59%, 3.34%, and (0.154, 0.196), (0.150, 0.076), (0.148, 0.120), respectively. 5P-VTPA and 5P-DVTPA exhibited superior highly blue quality and thermal property such as high T
d of 448°C and 449°C.
Adsorption of gas molecules on monolayer MoS2 and effect of applied electric field
Authors: Yue Qu , Shao Zhengzheng , Chang Shengli , Li Jingbo
Published: October 2013

Using first-principles calculations, we investigate the adsorption of various gas molecules (H2, O2, H2O, NH3, NO, NO2, and CO) on monolayer MoS2. The most stable adsorption configuration, adsorption energy, and charge transfer are obtained. It is shown that all the molecules are weakly adsorbed on the monolayer MoS2 surface and act as charge acceptors for the monolayer, except NH3 which is found to be a charge donor. Furthermore, we show that charge transfer between the adsorbed molecule and MoS2 can be significantly modulated by a perpendicular electric field. Our theoretical results are consistent with the recent experiments and suggest MoS2 as a potential material for gas sensing application.
Stability and magnetically induced heating behavior of lipid-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Allam Ayat A , Sadat Md Ehsan , Potter Sarah J , Mast David B , Mohamed Dina F , Habib Fawzia S , Pauletti Giovanni M
Published: October 2013

Magnetic nanoparticles that are currently explored for various biomedical applications exhibit a high propensity to minimize total surface energy through aggregation. This study introduces a unique, thermoresponsive nanocomposite design demonstrating substantial colloidal stability of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (SPIONs) due to a surface-immobilized lipid layer. Lipid coating was accomplished in different buffer systems, pH 7.4, using an equimolar mixture of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and l-α-dipalmitoylphosphatidyl glycerol (DPPG). Particle size and zeta potential were measured by dynamic laser light scattering. Heating behavior within an alternating magnetic field was compared between the commercial MFG-1000 magnetic field generator at 7 mT (1 MHz) and an experimental, laboratory-made magnetic hyperthermia system at 16.6 mT (13.7 MHz). The results revealed that product quality of lipid-coated SPIONs was significantly dependent on the colloidal stability of uncoated SPIONs during the coating process. Greatest stability was achieved at 0.02 mg/mL in citrate buffer (mean diameter = 80.0 ± 1.7 nm; zeta potential = -47.1 ± 2.6 mV). Surface immobilization of an equimolar DPPC/DPPG layer effectively reduced the impact of buffer components on particle aggregation. Most stable suspensions of lipid-coated nanoparticles were obtained at 0.02 mg/mL in citrate buffer (mean diameter = 179.3 ± 13.9 nm; zeta potential = -19.1 ± 2.3 mV). The configuration of the magnetic field generator significantly affected the heating properties of fabricated SPIONs. Heating rates of uncoated nanoparticles were substantially dependent on buffer composition but less influenced by particle concentration. In contrast, thermal behavior of lipid-coated nanoparticles within an alternating magnetic field was less influenced by suspension vehicle but dramatically more sensitive to particle concentration. These results underline the advantages of lipid-coated SPIONs on colloidal stability without compromising magnetically induced hyperthermia properties. Since phospholipids are biocompatible, these unique lipid-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles offer exciting opportunities as thermoresponsive drug delivery carriers for targeted, stimulus-induced therapeutic interventions.

PACS

7550Mw; 7575Cd; 8185Qr
Structure deformation of indium oxide from nanoparticles into nanostructured polycrystalline films by in situ thermal radiation treatment
Authors: Chong Su Kong , Azizan Siti Nur Azieani , Chan Kee Wah , Nguyen Hong-Quan , Chiu Wee Siong , Aspanut Zarina , Dee Chang Fu , Rahman Saadah Abdul
Published: October 2013

A microstructure deformation of indium oxide (In2O3) nanoparticles by an in situ thermal radiation treatment in nitrous oxide plasma was investigated. The In2O3 nanoparticles were completely transformed into nanostructured In2O3 films upon 10 min of treatment time. The treated In2O3 nanoparticle sample showed improvement in crystallinity while maintaining a large surface area of nanostructure morphology. The direct transition optical absorption at higher photon energy and the electrical conductivity of the In2O3 nanoparticles were significantly enhanced by the treatment.
Low-temperature precipitation synthesis of flower-like ZnO with lignin amine and its optical properties
Authors: Miao Ting-Ting , Sun Dong-Xiao , Guo Yuan-Ru , Li Chuan , Ma Yan-Li , Fang Gui-Zhen , Pan Qing-Jiang
Published: October 2013

A facile precipitation method has been developed to synthesize ZnO with [bis(2-aminoethyl)amino]methyl lignin (lignin amine) that is chemically modified from low-cost pulp industrial lignin. The obtained ZnO crystallites have been characterized to exhibit a hexagonal wurtzite structure, and their sizes have been determined at ca. 24 nm (mean value). These ZnO nanocrystallites are of high purity and well crystallized. Our present synthetic approach apparently exempts the commonly used calcining purification procedure. It is found that the morphology of ZnO and its specific surface area are capable of being tuned by varying the added lignin amine amount. Using the optimal 10 mL lignin amine, the synthesized ZnO exhibits flower-like morphology with proper specific surface area. Additionally, photoluminescence property of the obtainable ZnO displays two emissive bands at 383 nm (sharp) and in the range of 480 to 600 nm (broad) at room temperature. Their intensities were revealed to depend on the added lignin amine amount as well as on the molar ratio of Zn2+/OH-. The present investigation demonstrates that our method is simple, eco-friendly, and cost-effective for the synthesis of small-size ZnO materials.
PAPR reduction of OFDM using invasive weed optimization-based optimal peak reduction tone set selection
Authors: Hung Ho-Lung , Cheng Chung-Hsen , Huang Yung-Fa
Published: October 2013

Tone reservation (TR) is one of the attractive techniques to reduce peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system. As conventional TR technique requires exhaustive searching over all the combinations of the given peak reduction tone (PRT) sets, it results in computational complexity that increases exponentially with the number of the subcarriers. In this paper, we aim to obtain a desirable PAPR reduction with low computational complexity. Since the process of searching the optimal PRT set can be categorized as combinatorial optimization with some variables and constraints, we propose a novel scheme, which is based on a nonlinear optimization approach named as invasive weed optimization method, to search the optimal combination of PRT set with low complexity. To validate the analytical results, extensive simulations have been conducted, showing that the proposed schemes can achieve significant reduction in computational complexity while keeping good PAPR reduction. As results of simulations, the proposed scheme shows almost the same PAPR reduction performance as compared with the genetic algorithm-based TR method which has been known to have the best performance and obtains near-optimal PRT sets.
An embedded multichannel telemetry unit for bone strain monitoring
Authors: Moiz Fahad , Kumar Sharika , Leon-Salas Walter D , Johnson Mark
Published: October 2013

An embedded telemetry unit for bone strain monitoring is presented. The telemetry unit is designed using commercially available components to lower design time and manufacturing costs. The unit can read up to eight strain gauges and measures 2.4 cm × 1.3 cm × 0.7 cm. The unit is powered from a small Li-polymer battery that can be recharged wirelessly through tissue, making it suitable for implanted applications. The average current consumption of the telemetry unit is 1.9 mA while transmitting at a rate of 75 kps and at a sampling rate of 20 Hz. The telemetry unit also features a power-down mode to minimize its power consumption when it is not in use. The telemetry unit operates in the 915-MHz ISM radio band. The unit was tested in an ex vivo setting with an ulna bone from a mouse and in a simulated in vivo setting with a phantom tissue. Bone strain data collected ex vivo shows that the telemetry unit can measure strain with an accuracy comparable to a more expensive benchtop data acquisition system.
Clinical, laboratory and molecular signs of immunodeficiency in patients with partial oculo-cutaneous albinism
Authors: Dotta Laura , Parolini Silvia , Prandini Alberto , Tabellini Giovanna , Antolini Maddalena , Kingsmore Stephen F , Badolato Raffaele
Published: October 2013

Hypopigmentation disorders that are associated with immunodeficiency feature both partial albinism of hair, skin and eyes together with leukocyte defects. These disorders include Chediak Higashi (CHS), Griscelli (GS), Hermansky-Pudlak (HPS) and MAPBP-interacting protein deficiency syndromes. These are heterogeneous autosomal recessive conditions in which the causal genes encode proteins with specific roles in the biogenesis, function and trafficking of secretory lysosomes. In certain specialized cells, these organelles serve as a storage compartment. Impaired secretion of specific effector proteins from that intracellular compartment affects biological activities. In particular, these intracellular granules are essential constituents of melanocytes, platelets, granulocytes, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. Thus, abnormalities affect pigmentation, primary hemostasis, blood cell counts and lymphocyte cytotoxic activity against microbial pathogens. Among eight genetically distinct types of HPS, only type 2 is characterized by immunodeficiency. Recently, a new subtype, HPS9, was defined in patients presenting with immunodeficiency and oculocutaneous albinism, associated with mutations in the pallidin-encoding gene, PLDN.

Hypopigmentation together with recurrent childhood bacterial or viral infections suggests syndromic albinism. T and NK cell cytotoxicity are generally impaired in patients with these disorders. Specific clinical and biochemical phenotypes can allow differential diagnoses among these disorders before molecular testing. Ocular symptoms, including nystagmus, that are usually evident at birth, are common in patients with HPS2 or CHS. Albinism with short stature is unique to MAPBP-interacting protein (MAPBPIP) deficiency, while hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) mainly suggests a diagnosis of CHS or GS type 2 (GS2). Neurological disease is a long-term complication of CHS, but is uncommon in other syndromic albinism. Chronic neutropenia is a feature of HPS2 and MAPBPIP-deficiency syndrome, whereas it is usually transient in CHS and GS2. In every patient, an accurate diagnosis is required for prompt and appropriate treatment, particularly in patients who develop HLH or in whom bone marrow transplant is required. This review describes the molecular and pathogenetic mechanisms of these diseases, focusing on clinical and biochemical aspects that allow early differential diagnosis.
The phylogeny of the Orthoptera (Insecta) as deduced from mitogenomic gene sequences
Authors: Zhang Hong-Li , Huang Yuan , Lin Li-Liang , Wang Xiao-Yang , Zheng Zhe-Min
Published: October 2013

Background

The phylogeny of the Orthoptera was analyzed based on 6 datasets from 47 orthopteran mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes). The phylogenetic signals in the mitogenomes were rigorously examined under analytical regimens of maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI), along with how gene types and different partitioning schemes influenced the phylogenetic reconstruction within the Orthoptera. The monophyly of the Orthoptera and its two suborders (Caelifera and Ensifera) was consistently recovered in the analyses based on most of the datasets we selected, regardless of the optimality criteria.

Results

When the seven NADH dehydrogenase subunits were concatenated into a single alignment (NADH) and were analyzed; a near-identical topology to the traditional morphological analysis was recovered, especially for BI_NADH. In both the concatenated cytochrome oxidase (COX) subunits and COX + cytochrome b (Cyt b) datasets, the small extent of sequence divergence seemed to be helpful for resolving relationships among major Orthoptera lineages (between suborders or among superfamilies). The conserved and variable domains of ribosomal (r)RNAs performed poorly when respectively analyzed but provided signals at some taxonomic levels.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the best phylogenetic inferences can be made when moderately divergent nucleotide data from mitogenomes are analyzed, and that the NADH dataset was suited for studying orthopteran phylogenetic relationships at different taxonomic levels, which may have been due to the larger amount of DNA sequence data and the larger number of phylogenetically informative sites.
A novel antifungal protein of Bacillus subtilis B25
Authors: Tan Zhiqiong , Lin Baoying , Zhang Rongyi
Published: October 2013

Bacillus subtilis B25 was isolated from banana rhizosphere soil. It has been confirmed for B25 to have stronger antagonism against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.cubense, Additionally B25 has good inhibitory to plant pathogens, including Corynespora cassiicola, Alternaria solani, Botrytis cinerea and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. The antagonistic substance can be extracted from cell-free culture broth supernatants by 70% (w/v) (NH4)2 SO4 saturation. Clear blank band was observed between the protein and a pathogen. The examination of antagonistic mechanism under light microscope showed that the antifungal protein of B25 appeared to inhibit pathogens by leading to mycelium and spores tumescence, distortion, abnormality. The isolation procedure comprised ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex Fast Flow and gel filtration chromatography on SephadexG-100. The purified antifungal fraction showed a single band in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The active fraction was identified by NanoLC-ESI-MS/MS The amino acid sequences of 17 peptides segments were obtained. The analysis of the protein suggested that it was a hypothetical protein (gi154685475), with a relative molecular mass of 38708.67 Da and isoelectric point (pI) of 5.63.
Termination-of-resuscitation rule for emergency department physicians treating out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients: an observational cohort study
Authors: Goto Yoshikazu , Maeda Tetsuo , Goto Yumiko Nakatsu
Published: October 2013

Introduction

The 2010 cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines recommend emergency medical services (EMS) personnel consider prehospital termination-of-resuscitation (TOR) rules for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) following basic life support and/or advanced life support efforts in the field. However, the rate of implementation of international TOR rules is still low. Here, we aimed to develop and validate a new TOR rule for emergency department physicians to replace the international TOR rules for EMS personnel in the field. This rule aims to guide physicians in deciding whether to withhold further resuscitation attempts or terminate on-going resuscitation immediately after patient arrival.

Methods

We analyzed data prospectively collected in a nationwide Utstein-style Japanese database between 2005 and 2009, from 495,607 adult patients with OHCA. Patients were divided into development (n = 390,577) and validation (n = 105,030) groups. The main outcome measures were specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the newly developed TOR rule.

Results

We developed a new TOR rule that includes 3 criteria based on the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis for predicting a 1-month death after OHCA: no prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 25.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 24.7–26.9), unshockable initial rhythm (adjusted OR, 2.76; 95% CI, 2.54–3.01), and unwitnessed by bystanders (adjusted OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 2.09–2.28). The specificity, PPV, and area under the ROC curve for this new TOR rule for predicting 1-month death in the validation group were 0.903 (95% CI, 0.894–0.911), 0.993 (95% CI, 0.992–0.993), and 0.874 (95% CI, 0.872–0.876), respectively.

Conclusions

We developed and validated a new TOR rule for emergency department physicians consisting of 3 prehospital variables (no prehospital ROSC, unshockable initial rhythm, and unwitnessed by bystanders) that is a >99% predictor of very poor outcome. However, the implementation of this new rule in other countries or EMS systems requires further validation studies.
Joint contrast source inversion of marine magnetotelluric and controlled-source electromagnetic data
Authors: Wiik Torgeir , Hokstad Ketil , Ursin Bjørn , Mütschard Lutz
Published: October 2013

We evaluated a joint contrast source inversion scheme for marine controlled-source electromagnetic (mCSEM) and magnetotelluric (MT) data based on a scattered field formulation. The scheme considered only contrasts in electric conductivity, and it allowed the medium to be transversely isotropic with a vertical symmetry axis. The method was based on the integral equation formulation of electromagnetic field propagation, and we demonstrated how the method solved the inverse problem of determining the conductivity structure of the subsurface. The method did not consider MT impedances as data input to inversion, but instead explicitly the field components, and the consequences of this approach, were discussed. Although there are challenges associated with source estimation and data noise, we found it easier to make connections to CSEM and it simplified some computational issues. Three synthetic examples were considered to demonstrate the method: a reservoir below an anisotropic overburden, a salt diapir, and a reservoir near a salt diapir. MT and CSEM data were first treated sequentially, first inverting the MT data and using the result as the initial model and in the regularization in CSEM inversion. The result of this approach was then compared to a joint inversion. The same approach was finally applied to a real data set. We found that sequential inversions in some situations produced similar results as joint inversions, and hence, joint inversion may not be necessary in all situations. Nonetheless, joint inversion could be useful for imaging salt diapirs and eventually hydrocarbons near salt. In particular, it was useful to map the spatial extent of the salt diapirs. It was, moreover, a useful tool for checking data consistency in different models with respect to several data types.
Emilin3 is required for notochord sheath integrity and interacts with Scube2 to regulate notochord-derived Hedgehog signals
Authors: Corallo Diana , Schiavinato Alvise , Trapani Valeria , Moro Enrico , Argenton Francesco , Bonaldo Paolo
Published: October 2013

The notochord is a transient and essential structure that provides both mechanical and signaling cues to the developing vertebrate embryo. In teleosts, the notochord is composed of a core of large vacuolated cells and an outer layer of cells that secrete the notochord sheath. In this work, we have identified the extracellular matrix glycoprotein Emilin3 as a novel essential component of the zebrafish notochord sheath. The development of the notochord sheath is impaired in Emilin3 knockdown embryos. The patterning activity of the notochord is also affected by Emilin3, as revealed by the increase of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in Emilin3-depleted embryos and the decreased Hh signaling in embryos overexpressing Emilin3 in the notochord. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that Emilin3 modulates the availability of Hh ligands by interacting with the permissive factor Scube2 in the notochord sheath. Overall, this study reveals a new role for an EMILIN protein and reinforces the concept that structure and function of the notochord are strictly linked.
A Pitx transcription factor controls the establishment and maintenance of the serotonergic lineage in planarians
Authors: März Martin , Seebeck Florian , Bartscherer Kerstin
Published: October 2013

In contrast to adult vertebrates, which have limited capacities for neurogenesis, adult planarians undergo constitutive cellular turnover during homeostasis and are even able to regenerate a whole brain after decapitation. This enormous plasticity derives from pluripotent stem cells residing in the planarian body in large numbers. It is still obscure how these stem cells are programmed for differentiation into specific cell lineages and how lineage identity is maintained. Here we identify a Pitx transcription factor of crucial importance for planarian regeneration. In addition to patterning defects that are co-dependent on the LIM homeobox transcription factor gene islet1, which is expressed with pitx at anterior and posterior regeneration poles, RNAi against pitx results in islet1-independent specific loss of serotonergic (SN) neurons during regeneration. Besides its expression in terminally differentiated SN neurons we found pitx in stem cell progeny committed to the SN fate. Also, intact pitx RNAi animals gradually lose SN markers, a phenotype that depends neither on increased apoptosis nor on stem cell-based turnover or transdifferentiation into other neurons. We propose that pitx is a terminal selector gene for SN neurons in planarians that controls not only their maturation but also their identity by regulating the expression of the Serotonin production and transport machinery. Finally, we made use of this function of pitx and compared the transcriptomes of regenerating planarians with and without functional SN neurons, identifying at least three new neuronal targets of Pitx.
Chasing maximal performance: a cautionary tale from the celebrated jumping frogs of Calaveras County
Authors: Astley H. C. , Abbott E. M. , Azizi E. , Marsh R. L. , Roberts T. J.
Published: October 2013

Maximal performance is an essential metric for understanding many aspects of an organism's biology, but it can be difficult to determine because a measured maximum may reflect only a peak level of effort, not a physiological limit. We used a unique opportunity provided by a frog jumping contest to evaluate the validity of existing laboratory estimates of maximum jumping performance in bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana). We recorded video of 3124 bullfrog jumps over the course of the 4-day contest at the Calaveras County Jumping Frog Jubilee, and determined jump distance from these images and a calibration of the jump arena. Frogs were divided into two groups: ‘rental’ frogs collected by fair organizers and jumped by the general public, and frogs collected and jumped by experienced, ‘professional’ teams. A total of 58% of recorded jumps surpassed the maximum jump distance in the literature (1.295 m), and the longest jump was 2.2 m. Compared with rental frogs, professionally jumped frogs jumped farther, and the distribution of jump distances for this group was skewed towards long jumps. Calculated muscular work, historical records and the skewed distribution of jump distances all suggest that the longest jumps represent the true performance limit for this species. Using resampling, we estimated the probability of observing a given jump distance for various sample sizes, showing that large sample sizes are required to detect rare maximal jumps. These results show the importance of sample size, animal motivation and physiological conditions for accurate maximal performance estimates.
Neoplatonic Sailors and Peripatetic Ships: Aristotle, Alexander, and Philoponus
Authors: Mittelmann Jorge
Published: October 2013

It has long since been acknowledged that Aristotle’s nautical analogy ( DA , 413a8–9) is hard to accommodate within the general framework of his hylomorphic psychology. This paper delves into two ancient accounts of the comparison which prove useful in dealing with its more intractable features. While Alexander of Aphrodisias tried to make sense of the analogy by turning the sailor into a dispositional state of his ship, Philoponus struggled to show how a separate substance can nonetheless behave as the ship’s “first actuality”. It is argued that neither Alexander’s psychological naturalism nor Philoponus’ ontological opportunism provide satisfactory readings of the analogy. Philoponus’s proposal, however, is preferred, as it preserves Alexander’s insights to a greater extent than the other way around. Further, Philoponus achieves this result at a lower theoretical price, since he does not need to distort the most obvious features of the nautical analogy.
Stomaching the Salon: The Sense of Taste in Le Tintamarr e’s “Boulangerie du Louvre” and Baudelaire’s Salon de 1846
Authors: Lewis Philippa R. G.
Published: October 2013

Baudelaire’s Salon de 1846 appears to be devoted to the textual transposition of visual experience. Yet the text features a coherent body of tropes pertaining to the sense of taste—the physiological sense of flavor perception—and the gastronomic field more generally. These, I argue, are central to Baudelaire’s attempt to engage with a non-elite and non-specialist audience. The gustatory tropes bespeak the influence of journalism on the Salon de 1846 , and in particular a contemporaneous strand of “gastronomic” art criticism: the 1840s “Boulangerie du Louvre” series from the “petit journal” Le Tintamarre , known and contributed to by Baudelaire. Through a comparative textual analysis of the two critical works, I show how Baudelaire adopts and adapts these culinary tropes. While Le Tintamarre uses the sense of taste to satirize the Salon, Baudelaire employs it to conceptualize and heighten the sensorial and corporeal pleasures of art for a bourgeois readership.
The Lessons of Champfleury
Authors: Pappas Sara
Published: October 2013

Until a flourishing of scholarship in the last decade, the writer Champfleury had been banished to relative obscurity. In this article, I examine what we can learn from Champfleury’s recent rescue, and what it suggests about the hybridity of realism. Close readings of specific works by Champfleury demonstrate how his texts play with seeming contradictions and this very self-conscious play encourages us to rethink our entire understanding of realism, even in its most “naïve” state. Furthermore, all of Champfleury’s work illustrates how realism became a relative term, able to pivot across the very categories it helped to establish.
Playing with Plants
Authors: Ryan Courtney
Published: October 2013

Contemporary performance and installation artist Vaughn Bell uproots urban plants from their expected places—the store, the garden, the greenhouse, the windowsill—and reimagines them in motion. Bell’s performance pieces feature plants “out of place,” plants on the move throughout busy urbanscapes, plants simultaneously rooted in soil and uprooted from fixed locations. Performing what this essay calls transplantment , Bell’s pieces quite literally traverse spatial demarcations of private/public, “nature”/culture, and plant/animal/human. In motion or prepared for movement, the plants perform material crossings throughout the city that inspire theoretical crossings as well. Through the transplantment of plants and place, Bell both critiques the taxonomic marginalization of plants and performs an alternate ecology in which plants and people are inter-embodied. Reimagining their socio-spatial relationship to each other, Bell signals an innovative engagement between urban plants and people—and with it a new form of interspecies performance.
Damage Analysis of Service Exposed Reformer Tubes in Petrochemical Industries
Authors: Raj A. , Goswami B. , Kumar S.B. , Krishna G. , Roy N. , Ray A.K.
Published: October 2013

Accelerated creep or stress rupture data is used for remaining life assessment for life management studies of elevated temperature components, e.g. for reformer tubes where packed nickel catalysts are used for synthesis of hydrogen, ammonia etc. This research has become a regular task because of large range of time for failure (3 to 15 years) compared to designed life (11.4 years or 100,000 hours) and huge loss associated to damage, production and safety hazards. Utilization of appropriate inspection during plant shut down has been strategic short term life assessment. Tests have been typically done by high temperature mechanical properties, microstructure analysis and accelerated creep. Inspection of micro-cracks, hot spot formation, carburization/metal dusting for inner wall and oxidation, tube diameter increment for outer wall inspection have been traditional symptoms of expiry of tubes after service exposure. Aim of this review has been to study damage analysis of reformer tube in response to so wide time frame for failures and accidents involved, even after stipulation of designed time schedules.