bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycosphaerella graminicola LysM Effector-Mediated Stealth Pathogenesis Subverts Recognition Through Both CERK1 and CEBiP Homologues in Wheat
Authors: Lee Wing-Sham , Rudd Jason J. , Hammond-Kosack Kim E. , Kanyuka Kostya
Published: September 2013

Fungal cell-wall chitin is a well-recognized pathogen-associated molecular pattern. Recognition of chitin in plants by pattern recognition receptors activates pathogen-triggered immunity (PTI). In Arabidopsis, this process is mediated by a plasma membrane receptor kinase, CERK1, whereas in rice, a receptor-like protein, CEBiP, in addition to CERK1 is required. Secreted chitin-binding lysin motif (LysM) containing fungal effector proteins, such as Ecp6 from the biotrophic fungus Cladosporium fulvum, have been reported to interfere with PTI. Here, we identified wheat homologues of CERK1 and CEBiP and investigated their role in the interaction with the nonbiotrophic pathogen of wheat Mycosphaerella graminicola (synonym Zymoseptoria tritici). We show that silencing of either CERK1 or CEBiP in wheat, using Barley stripe mosaic virus–mediated virus-induced gene silencing, is sufficient in allowing leaf colonization by the normally nonpathogenic M. graminicola Mg3LysM (homologue of Ecp6) deletion mutant, while the Mg1LysM deletion mutant was fully pathogenic toward both silenced and wild-type wheat leaves. These data indicate that Mg3LysM is important for fungal evasion of PTI in wheat leaf tissue and that both CERK1 and CEBiP are required for activation of chitin-induced defenses, a feature conserved between rice and wheat, and perhaps, also in other cereal species.
Antihyperalgesic/Antinociceptive Effects of Ceftriaxone and Its Synergistic Interactions with Different Analgesics in Inflammatory Pain in Rodents
Authors: Stepanovic´-Petrovic´ Radica M. , Micov Ana M. , Tomic´ Maja A. , Kovacˇevic´ Jovana M. , Boškovic´ Bogdan D.
Published: September 2013

Background:

The β-lactam antibiotic ceftriaxone stimulates glutamate transporter GLT-1 expression and is effective in neuropathic and visceral pain models. This study examined the effects of ceftriaxone and its interactions with different analgesics (ibuprofen, celecoxib, paracetamol, and levetiracetam) in somatic and visceral pain models in rodents.

Methods:

The effects of ceftriaxone (intraperitoneally/intraplantarly), analgesics (orally), and their combinations were examined in the carrageenan-induced paw inflammatory hyperalgesia model in rats (n = 6–12) and in the acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice (n = 6–10). The type of interaction between ceftriaxone and analgesics was determined by isobolographic analysis.

Results:

Pretreatment with intraperitoneally administered ceftriaxone (10–200 mg/kg per day) for 7 days produced a significant dose-dependent antihyperalgesia in the somatic inflammatory model. Acute administration of ceftriaxone, via either intraperitoneal (10–200 mg/kg) or intraplantar (0.05–0.2 mg per paw) routes, produced a significant and dose-dependent but less efficacious antihyperalgesia. In the visceral pain model, significant dose-dependent antinociception of ceftriaxone (25–200 mg/kg per day) was observed only after the 7-day pretreatment. Isobolographic analysis in the inflammatory hyperalgesia model revealed approximately 10-fold reduction of doses of both drugs in all examined combinations. In the visceral nociception model, more than 7- and 17-fold reduction of doses of both drugs was observed in combinations of ceftriaxone with ibuprofen/paracetamol and celecoxib/levetiracetam, respectively.

Conclusions:

Ceftriaxone exerts antihyperalgesia/antinociception in both somatic and visceral inflammatory pain. Its efficacy is higher after a 7-day pretreatment than after acute administration. The two-drug combinations of ceftriaxone and the nonsteroidal analgesics/levetiracetam have synergistic interactions in both pain models. These results suggest that ceftriaxone, particularly in combinations with ibuprofen, celecoxib, paracetamol, or levetiracetam, may provide useful approach to the clinical treatment of inflammation-related pain.
Zigzag polymer chains incatena-poly[[[triaqua(isobutyrato-κO)magnesium(II)]-μ-isobutyrato-κ2O:O′] monohydrate]
Authors: Malaestean Iurie L. , Schmitz Sebastian , Ellern Arkady , Kögerler Paul
Published: September 2013

The structure of the title compound, {[Mg(C4H7O2)2(H2O)3]·H2O}n, features one-dimensional ...(μ2-ib)Mg(μ2-ib)Mg... zigzag chains (ib is isobutyrate) parallel to thecaxis. The octahedral Mg environment is completed by threefac-oriented terminal water ligands, as well as one further monodentate end-on coordinated ib ligand. In the crystal structure, the hydrophobic ib groups are all oriented within one half of the coordination perimeter of each chain, whereas the water ligands, together with hydrogen-bonded noncoordinated solvent water molecules, define the other half. Along theaaxis, neighbouring strands are oriented so that both the hydrophilic and hydrophobic sides are adjacent to each other. This results in an extensive hydrogen-bonding network within the hydrophilic areas, also involving an additional solvent water molecule per formula unit. There are van der Waals contacts between the aliphatic isopropyl groups of the hydrophobic areas.
The Effect of Combined Flow and Temperature Maldistribution on Heat Exchangers: Characteristics of Deterioration Factor Ratio, Y
Authors: Meng Chin Wai
Published: September 2013

The magnitude of thermal performance degradation factor Dc for a heat exchanger as a result of combining the flow and temperature maldistribution is shown to depend on the magnitude of the shape index, S, and the statistical moments of probability density function for the flow maldistribution. In this paper, the theoretical basis describing the translational behavior of Dc with respect to S, and the influence of the statistical moments on the deterioration factor ratio Y, are given. The analysis is performed on a discretized model of an arbitrary heat exchanger. The flow distribution profile is also discretized to reveal the influence of statistical moments on Dc. The numerical calculations reveal that the combined thermal degradation factor, Dc, is a simple summation of the thermal degradation factor due to flow maldistribution alone, D, and a translational factor, XT. The value of S depends on the distribution profiles of flow and temperature. Large values of S, i.e., greater than the number N of discretized elements of the heat exchanger, and low standard deviation and high skew of the flow distribution are desirable for good thermal performance, as these reduce the magnitude of Dc and increase Y. At large values of S, maldistribution can lead, not to degradation but to augmentation of thermal performance in the heat exchanger. A critical normalized standard deviation, σ′cr, is used to characterize the transition to heat transfer augmentation for a given magnitude of S > N and skew. For any imposed flow and temperature maldistribution profiles defined by their statistical moments, these results allow development of correlation equations with the shape index and statistical moments, and enable prediction of the deterioration factor ratio Y to aid in the design of heat exchangers.
Characterization and photoluminescence of Co-doped SiC films
Authors: Sun Xianke , Jin Xin , Wang Shiqi , Liu Huarui , Sun Peng , An Yukai , Guo Ruisong , Liu Jiwen
Published: September 2013

Co-doped SiC films are fabricated on Si (100) substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering, and the crystal structure, composition, element valences, local structure, and photoluminescence of the films are studied. Crystal structure analysis identifies the film structure as 3C-SiC and shows that the Co dopant atoms form CoSi secondary phase compounds in the films. The composition and element valence analysis show that the Co dopant atoms substituting for C sites in the SiC lattice exist in the form of Co2+ ions, and that C clusters are present in the films, which increase in amount with increasing Co dopant concentration. The analysis of local structure reveals that Co clusters, CoO and Co3O4, are not present in the films, and CoSi secondary phase compounds exist. All of the films show a violet photoluminescence peak located at 413 nm, which becomes stronger with increased Co dopant concentration and annealing temperature, and is found to originate from the C clusters.
Architecture of an RNA Polymerase II Transcription Pre-Initiation Complex
Authors: Murakami Kenji , Elmlund Hans , Kalisman Nir , Bushnell David A. , Adams Christopher M. , Azubel Maia , Elmlund Dominika , Levi-Kalisman Yael , Liu Xin , Gibbons Brian J. , Levitt Michael , Kornberg Roger D.
Published: September 2013

Pre-Initiation Complex in 3D

The regulation of gene expression is critical for almost every aspect of biology. Transcription—generating an RNA copy of a gene—requires the assembly of a large pre-initiation complex (PIC) at every RNA polymerase II (pol II) promoter. Roughly 32 proteins—the subunits of pol II and the general transcription factors—form a PIC that can recognize a minimal TATA-box promoter, select a transcription start site, and synthesize a nascent transcript.

Murakami
et al.

(p.
10.1126/science.1238724
, published online 26 September; see the Perspective by

Malik and Roeder

) determined the three-dimensional map of the
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
30-subunit PIC using cryo-electron microscopy. The saddle-shaped TATA binding protein, the boot-shaped transcription factor IIA (TFIIA), and promoter DNA ∼27 bp downstream of the TATA-box could all be seen. Cross-linking and mass spectrometry was used to determine the spatial proximity of the 30 subunits, revealing that the PIC forms two lobes with TFIIF forming a bridge between them.
Deterministically Encoding Quantum Information Using 100-Photon Schrödinger Cat States
Authors: Vlastakis Brian , Kirchmair Gerhard , Leghtas Zaki , Nigg Simon E. , Frunzio Luigi , Girvin S. M. , Mirrahimi Mazyar , Devoret M. H. , Schoelkopf R. J.
Published: September 2013

Coherently Controlling Large Cats

The control and manipulation of quantum information based on superconducting circuits is an attractive route because of the possibility of scale-up.

Vlastakis
et al.

(p.
607
, published online 26 September; see the Perspective by

Leek

) were able to generate and control quantum entanglement between a superconducting qubit and hundreds of photons stored in a cavity resonator by using deterministic methods for on-demand generation of large Schrödinger cat states in a microwave cavity with arbitrary size and phase. The ability to map the state of a qubit to large Schrödinger cat states should provide a robust quantum resource in future quantum-based technologies.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Cytomegalovirus Towne-BAC (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) Isolate Maintained in Escherichia coli for 10 Years and Then Serially Passaged in Human Fibroblasts
Authors: Brechtel Teal , Tyner Molly , Tandon Ritesh
Published: September 2013

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of a cytomegalovirus, the Towne-BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome) isolate, which was maintained in bacterial cells for 10 years and then serially passaged in human fibroblasts for 10 passages. A total of 132 nucleotide differences were discovered in the Towne sequence compared to the reference sequence (GenBank accession no. AC146851).
Draft Genome Sequence of the Earliest Cronobacter sakazakii Sequence Type 4 Strain, NCIMB 8272
Authors: Masood Naqash , Moore Karen , Farbos Audrey , Hariri Sumyya , Paszkiewicz Konrad , Dickins Ben , McNally Alan , Forsythe Stephen
Published: September 2013

The
Cronobacter sakazakii
clonal lineage defined as sequence type 4 (ST4) is associated with severe cases of neonatal meningitis and persistence in powdered infant formula. For genome sequencing of the earliest deposited culture collection strain of
Cronobacter sakazakii
ST4, we used the strain NCIMB 8272, originally isolated from milk powder in 1950.
BRICOLAGE AS A MEANS OF INNOVATING IN A RESOURCE-SCARCE ENVIRONMENT: A STUDY OF INNOVATOR-ENTREPRENEURS AT THE BOP
Authors: LINNA PAULA
Published: September 2013

The aim of this study is to gain an insight on how bricolage is used as a method of innovation in a resource scarce context. Previous studies of entrepreneurship have emphasized the significance of bricolage especially as a way to mobilize resources. Although seen to be essential when entrepreneurs are facing resource constraints, no attention has been paid to bricolage in the context of local entrepreneurs in developing countries. This study is based on the analysis of innovation processes of Kenyan innovator-entrepreneurs who are designing low-cost renewable energy solutions for rural people at the Base of the Pyramid (BOP). In this study, three different types of bricolage were especially recognized: a social mindset combined with resourcefulness; making do with resources at hand; and improvization as way of proceeding. This research provides empirical evidence on how bricolage is used in different parts of the innovation process. The paper contributes significantly to the emerging discussion on innovation and entrepreneurship in the context of a developing country.
RAC1: An Emerging Therapeutic Option for Targeting Cancer Angiogenesis and Metastasis
Authors: Bid Hemant K. , Roberts Ryan D. , Manchanda Parmeet K. , Houghton Peter J.
Published: September 2013

Angiogenesis and metastasis are well recognized as processes fundamental to the development of malignancy. Both processes involve the coordination of multiple cellular and chemical activities through myriad signaling networks, providing a mass of potential targets for therapeutic intervention. This review will focus on one master regulator of cell motility, RAC1, and the existing data with regard to its role in cell motility, including particular roles for tumor angiogenesis and invasion/metastasis. We also emphasize the preclinical investigations carried out with RAC1 inhibitors to evaluate the therapeutic potential of this target. Herein, we explore potential future directions as well as the challenges of targeting RAC1 in the treatment of cancer. Recent insights at the molecular and cellular levels are paving the way for a more directed and detailed approach to target mechanisms of RAC1 regulating angiogenesis and metastasis. Understanding these mechanisms may provide insight into RAC1 signaling components as alternative therapeutic targets for tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(10); 1925–34. ©2013 AACR.
Big Punches Come in Nanosizes for Chemoprevention
Authors: Sharma Dipali , Sukumar Saraswati
Published: September 2013

Literature to support the chemopreventive potential of several bioactive molecules has been prolific and convincing, but the clinical development of these agents has been slow. Major hurdles for development of bioactive chemoprevention approaches include low potency, lack of reliable formulations with high bioavailability that are suitable for oral administration, and relevant preclinical primary prevention models that use meaningful doses that can be translated to humans. The paper presented in this issue (Grandhi and colleagues) is an important step forward in this direction. It shows the efficacy of an oral, low dose, solid-lipid nanoparticles encapsulated curcumin and aspirin combined with free sulforaphane for long-term chemoprevention of pancreatic cancer in a carcinogen-induced hamster model. Reproducing this benefit in multiple cancer models, accompanied by development of intermediate markers of response will allow rapid translation of these findings. It will constitute the first successful multipronged attack at key pathways known to initiate and promote carcinogenesis. Cancer Prev Res; 6(10); 1007–10. ©2013 AACR.
Prevalence of Sleep Problems and Relationship between Sleep Problems and School Refusal Behavior in School-Aged Children in Children's and Parents' Ratings
Authors: Hochadel Jochen , Frölich Jan , Wiater Alfred , Lehmkuhl Gerd , Fricke-Oerkermann Leonie
Published: September 2013

Objective: This cross-section study investigated the prevalence of sleep disorders and the relationship between sleep problems (insomnias, parasomnias, and daytime sleepiness) and school refusal behavior in school-age children (fourth grade elementary school in Cologne, Germany). Method: A sample of 1,490 children (age range: 8-11 years) and their parents each completed a sleep questionnaire and the School Refusal Assessment Scale. Results: The results indicate that sleep problems in childhood are frequent. Furthermore, the results of the study clearly indicate that there is a relationship between sleep problems and school refusal behavior. Children suffering from insomnias (sleep onset problems, difficulties maintaining sleep), parasomnias (nightmares, night terrors), and daytime sleepiness showed without exception significantly higher scores in 3 out of 4 school refusal behavior maintaining conditions compared to children without sleep problems. These three conditions are all associated with anxiety disorders (anxiety or depressive disorder, as well as separation anxiety disorder). Only in the fourth condition, which is associated with oppositional defiant or conduct disorders, truancy, or no disorder at all, were there no significant differences between children with and children without sleep problems. Conclusions: For research and clinical practice, it is important to view sleep problems and school refusal behavior in relation to each other rather than as isolated phenomena.
Gene × Environment Interactions in Obesity: The State of the Evidence
Authors: Ahmad Shafqat , Varga Tibor V. , Franks Paul W.
Published: September 2013

Background/Aims: Obesity is a pervasive and highly prevalent disease that poses substantial health risks to those it affects. The rapid emergence of obesity as a global epidemic and the patterns and distributions of the condition within and between populations suggest that interactions between inherited biological factors (e.g. genes) and relevant environmental factors (e.g. diet and physical activity) may underlie the current obesity epidemic. Methods: We discuss the rationale for the assertion that gene × lifestyle interactions cause obesity, systematically appraise relevant literature, and consider knowledge gaps future studies might seek to bridge. Results: We identified >200 relevant studies, of which most are relatively small scale and few provide replication data. Conclusion: Although studies on gene × lifestyle interactions in obesity point toward the presence of such interactions, improved data standardization, appropriate pooling of data and resources, innovative study designs, and the application of powerful statistical methods will be required if translatable examples of gene × lifestyle interactions in obesity are to be identified. Future studies, of which most will be observational, should ideally be accompanied by appropriate replication data and, where possible, by analogous findings from experimental settings where clinically relevant traits (e.g. weight regain and weight cycling) are outcomes.
Long-Term Results of Anterior versus Posterior Operations for Herniated Cervical Discs: Analysis of 6,000 Patients
Authors: Dohrmann George J. , Hsieh Joseph C.
Published: September 2013

Objective: To analyze the long-term outcomes of anterior versus posterior approaches for cervical disc herniation. Methods: The records of 6,000 patients who had operations for cervical disc herniation (radiating arm pain and/or motor symptoms involving the upper extremity) and who had been followed for at least 2 years (mean: 7.1 years) were culled from the world literature and included in this analysis. The outcome (good/excellent, according to the patient) of anterior versus posterior surgery was compared. Results: Of the 6,000 patients, 2,888 (48.1%) had anterior operations (anterior cervical discectomies, with or without fusion) and 3,112 (51.9%) patients were operated on posteriorly (laminoforaminotomies/‘keyhole' facetectomies). Although initially equal, in long-term follow-up, patients who had anterior operations had 80% good/excellent results, whereas patients with the posterior approach had 94% good/excellent results. The difference was significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The better long-term results with the posterior operation might be due to the more complete opening of the foramen for neural decompression at the time of the operation and thereafter.
Epigenetics and Obesity: A Relationship Waiting to Be Explained
Authors: Symonds Michael E. , Budge Helen , Frazier-Wood Alexis C.
Published: September 2013

Obesity can have multifactorial causes that may change with development and are not simply attributable to one's genetic constitution. To date, expensive and laborious genome-wide association studies have only ascribed a small contribution of genetic variants to obesity. The emergence of the field of epigenetics now offers a new paradigm with which to study excess fat mass. Currently, however, there are no compelling epigenetic studies to explain the role of epigenetics in obesity, especially from a developmental perspective. It is clear that until there are advances in the understanding of the main mechanisms by which different fat types, i.e. brown, beige, and white, are established and how these differ between depots and species, population-based studies designed to determine specific aspects of epigenetics will be potentially limited. Obesity is a slowly evolving condition that is not simply explained by changes in the intake of one macronutrient. The latest advances in epigenetics, coupled with the establishment of relevant longitudinal models of obesity, which incorporate functionally relevant end points, may now permit the precise contribution of epigenetic modifications to excess fat mass to be effectively studied.
Human Cardiovascular Disease IBC Chip-Wide Association with Weight Loss and Weight Regain in the Look AHEAD Trial
Authors: McCaffery Jeanne M. , Papandonatos George D. , Huggins Gordon S. , Peter Inga , Erar Bahar , Kahn Steven E. , Knowler William C. , Lipkin Edward W. , Kitabchi Abbas E. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Wing Rena R. ,   The Genetic Subgroup of Look AHEAD and The Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: September 2013

Background/Aims: The present study identified genetic predictors of weight change during behavioral weight loss treatment. Methods: Participants were 3,899 overweight/obese individuals with type 2 diabetes from Look AHEAD, a randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI), including weight loss and physical activity, relative to diabetes support and education, on cardiovascular outcomes. Analyses focused on associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the Illumina CARe iSelect (IBC) chip (minor allele frequency >5%; n = 31,959) with weight change at year 1 and year 4, and weight regain at year 4, among individuals who lost ≥3% at year 1. Results: Two novel regions of significant chip-wide association with year-1 weight loss in ILI were identified (p < 2.96E-06). ABCB11 rs484066 was associated with 1.16 kg higher weight per minor allele at year 1, whereas TNFRSF11A, or RANK, rs17069904 was associated with 1.70 kg lower weight per allele at year 1. Conclusions: This study, the largest to date on genetic predictors of weight loss and regain, indicates that SNPs within ABCB11, related to bile salt transfer, and TNFRSF11A, implicated in adipose tissue physiology, predict the magnitude of weight loss during behavioral intervention. These results provide new insights into potential biological mechanisms and may ultimately inform weight loss treatment.
Palmitic Acid Increases Medial Calcification by Inducing Oxidative Stress
Authors: Brodeur Mathieu R. , Bouvet Céline , Barrette Mathieu , Moreau Pierre
Published: September 2013

Background: Aortic medial calcification is a cellular-regulated process leading to arterial stiffness. Although epidemiological studies have suggested an association between the saturation of fatty acids (FA) and arterial stiffness, there is no evidence that saturated FA can induce arterial calcification. This study investigated the capacity of palmitic acid (PA) to induce medial calcification and the signaling pathway(s) implicated in this process. Methods: Rat aortic segments and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were exposed to calcification medium supplemented with PA. In vivo, rats were treated with warfarin to induce calcification and fed a PA-enriched diet. Results: In vitro and ex vivo, palmitate increases calcification and ROS production. Palmitate increases extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation and osteogenic gene expression. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase with apocynin or an siRNA prevents these effects. ERK1/2 inhibition attenuates the amplification of osteogenic gene expression and calcification induced by palmitate. In vivo, a PA-enriched diet amplified medial calcification and pulse wave velocity (PWV). These effects are mediated by ROS production as indicated by the inhibition of calcification and PWV normalization in rats concomitantly treated with apocynin. Conclusion: ROS induction by palmitate leads to ERK1/2 phosphorylation and subsequently induces the osteogenic differentiation of VSMC.
Mortality and Use of the Auxiliary Score in Extensive Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Patients Admitted to an Adult Burns Referral Centre
Authors: Mahar Patrick D. , Wasiak Jason , Cleland Heather , Watters David , Paul Eldho , Marsh Philip , Gin Douglas
Published: September 2013

Background: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare but fatal condition characterised by cutaneous exfoliation of the dermoepidermal layer and mucosal surfaces. Extensive TEN with epidermal detachment >30% of the total body surface area has been associated with a high mortality. Objective: This study aims to evaluate factors associated with mortality in extensive TEN. In the absence of data to qualify scoring systems such as SCORTEN, this study also aims to evaluate the use of the auxiliary score as a tool for calculating expected mortality. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients presenting to our burns service with extensive TEN was undertaken. Application and evaluation of the auxiliary score was also undertaken for this patient population. Results: In extensive TEN, age and delay in admission to a burns centre were factors associated with mortality. Applying the auxiliary score to our patient population, there were no significant differences between expected mortality and observed mortality. Conclusion: Mortality was associated with age and delay in definitive treatment in extensive TEN. Whilst SCORTEN is the gold standard prognostic tool for patients with TEN, in the absence of SCORTEN values, the auxiliary score provides an alternative scoring system to evaluate expected mortality.
Are the Three Canals Equally Susceptible to Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?
Authors: Soto-Varela Andrés , Santos-Perez Sofia , Rossi-Izquierdo Marcos , Sanchez-Sellero Ines
Published: September 2013

A prospective study of patients diagnosed with ‘single-canal' benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) was performed. Demographic, etiological and prognostic differences between patients with posterior, horizontal and superior canal BPPV were studied. A total of 614 patients diagnosed in a period of 11 years and with a follow-up period of at least 1 year were included in the study. The posterior semicircular canal was affected in 543 casas (88.4%), the horizontal in 39 (6.4%) and the superior canal in 32 (5.2%). Final status at the end of the follow-up period was better in posterior canal BPPV (95% cure) than in horizontal or superior canal BPPV (87% cure in both cases). This may be explained by two facts: a poorer initial response to repositioning maneuvers in anterior canal BPPV than in BPPV involving the other two canals, and a poorer response to maneuvers in recurrences of horizontal canal BPPV.
Successful Salvage Chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX for Recurrent Mixed Acinar Cell Carcinoma and Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas in an Adolescent Patient
Authors: Pfrommer Sarah , Weber Achim , Dutkowski Philipp , Schäfer Niklaus G. , Müllhaupt Beat , Bourquin Jean-Pierre , Breitenstein Stefan , Pestalozzi Bernhard C. , Stenner Frank , Renner Christoph , D'Addario Giannicola , Graf Hans-Jörg , Knuth Alexander , Clavien Pierre-Alain , Samaras Panagiotis
Published: September 2013

Pancreatic tumors are rare in children and adolescents. Here, we report the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with a mixed acinar cell carcinoma/ductal adenocarcinoma with blastomatous components. He received multimodal treatment including various chemotherapy regimens and multistep surgery including liver transplantation. Introduction of FOLFIRINOX after relapse repeatedly achieved a durable metabolic and clinical response with good quality of life.
Soluble Jagged1 Inhibits Pulmonary Hypertension by Attenuating Notch Signaling
Authors: Xiao Yongguang , Gong Dan , Wang Wei
Published: September 2013

Objective—

Notch signaling has been implicated in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) as reflected by increased expression of Notch member proteins that induce the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Soluble Jagged1 (sJag1) has been shown to inhibit Notch signaling in vitro and in vivo; however, its capacity to suppress PH remains unknown.

Approach and Results—

Notch1, Notch3, Jagged1, and Herp2 protein were highly expressed in both the mouse model of hypoxia-induced PH and the rat model of monocrotaline-induced PH. By attenuation and reversal of multiple pathological processes that were associated with PH, adenoviral sJag1 transfection significantly reduced the proliferation and enhanced the apoptosis of PASMCs in PH, whereas vehicle had no effect. The sJag1 inhibitory effect on Notch activation is likely related to its interference with ligand-induced signaling. Importantly, the administration with adenoviral sJag1 improved the survival rate of PH rats. Furthermore, sJag1 can restore the PH-PASMCs phenotype from the dedifferentiated to the differentiated state, by giving a positive effect on the physical binding of myocardin to the CC(A/T)
n
GG (CArG)-containing regions of vascular smooth muscle cells–specific promoters.

Conclusions—

Our results demonstrated that the potential therapeutic use of the sJag1 may not only inhibit the proliferation of PASMCs but also restore the PH-PASMCs phenotype from the dedifferentiated to the differentiated state through interference with Notch–Herp2 signaling.
Loss of Cellular Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein 2 Reduces Atherosclerosis in Atherogenic apoE
−/−
C57BL/6 Mice on High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Sleiman Lyne , Beanlands Rob , Hasu Mirela , Thabet Mohamed , Norgaard Alex , Chen YX , Holcik Martin , Whitman Stewart
Published: September 2013

Background

Cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2 (c
IAP
2) is predicted to participate in atherosclerosis; however, its direct role in atherosclerosis development has not been investigated. We aimed to examine and assess the loss of c
IAP
2 on atherosclerosis lesion development.

Methods and Results

We used
apoE
−/−
C57BL/6 male mice, either c
IAP
2
−/−
or c
IAP
2
+/+
. At 8 weeks, mice were fed a high‐fat diet (
HFD
) for 4 and 12 weeks. Aortic root was serially sectioned and stained with
Sudan
IV,
CD
68, α‐actin, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (
TUNEL
).

c
IAP
2

−/−
mice displayed a significant decrease in atherosclerotic lesion's macrophage number after 4 weeks of
HFD
. Similarly, decrease in lesion area at 4 and 12 weeks
HFD
was detected by use of en face analysis (

c
IAP
2

−/−
0.58±0.37% versus

c
IAP
2

+/+
1.51±0.79% [
P
=0.0056]); (

c
IAP
2

−/−
9.34±4.88% versus

c
IAP
2

+/+
17.65±6.24% [
P
=0.0019]). Aortic root lesion area after 4 and 12 weeks of
HFD
also decreased (

c
IAP
2

−/−
0.0328±0.014 mm
2
versus

c
IAP
2

+/+
0.0515±0.021 mm
2
[
P
=0.022]); (

c
IAP
2

−/−
0.3614±0.1157 mm
2
versus

c
IAP
2

+/+
0.4901±0.125 mm
2
[
P
=0.065]).
TUNEL
analysis after 4 and 12 weeks of
HFD
showed a 2.5‐fold increase in
TUNEL
+ cells (

c
IAP
2

−/−
4.47±2.26% versus

c
IAP
2

+/+
1.74±0.98% [
P
=0.036]); (

c
IAP
2

−/−
2.39±0.75% versus

c
IAP
2

+/+
1.29±0.47% [
P
=0.032]).
Smooth muscle cell
content in

c
IAP
2

−/−
mice was 3.075±3.3% compared with

c
IAP
2

+/+
with 0.085±0.1% (
P
=0.0071).

Conclusions

Results uncover a key role for c
IAP
2 in atherosclerotic lesion development, and targeting it may represent a novel therapeutic strategy.
Noninvasive MRI Monitoring of the Effect of Interventions on Endothelial Permeability in Murine Atherosclerosis Using an Albumin‐Binding Contrast Agent
Authors: Phinikaridou Alkystis , Andia Marcelo E. , Passacquale Gabriella , Ferro Albert , Botnar René M.
Published: September 2013

Background

Endothelial dysfunction promotes atherosclerosis. We investigated whether in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (
MRI
) using an albumin‐binding contrast agent, gadofosveset, could monitor the efficacy of minocycline and ebselen in reducing endothelial permeability and atherosclerotic burden in the brachiocephalic artery of high‐fat diet (
HFD
)–fed ApoE
−/−
mice.

Methods and Results

ApoE
−/−
mice were scanned 12 weeks after commencement of either a normal diet (controls) or an
HFD
.
HFD
‐fed ApoE
−/−
mice were either untreated or treated with minocycline or ebselen for 12 weeks. Delayed‐enhancement
MRI
and T
1
mapping of the brachiocephalic artery, 30 minutes after injection of gadofosveset, showed increased vessel wall enhancement and relaxation rate (R
1
, s
−1
) in untreated
HFD
‐fed ApoE
−/−
mice (R
1
=3.8±0.52 s
−1
) compared with controls (R
1
=2.15±0.34 s
−1
,
P
<0.001). Conversely, minocycline‐treated (R
1
=2.7±0.17 s
−1
,
P
<0.001) and ebselen‐treated (R
1
=2.7±0.23 s
−1
,
P
<0.001) ApoE
−/−
mice showed less vessel wall enhancement compared with untreated
HFD
‐fed ApoE
−/−
mice. Mass spectroscopy showed a lower gadolinium concentration in the brachiocephalic artery of treated (minocycline=28.5±3 μmol/L, ebselen=32.4±4 μmol/L) compared with untreated
HFD
‐fed ApoE
−/−
mice (191±4.8 μmol/L) (
P
<0.02). Both interventions resulted in a lower plaque burden as measured by delayed‐enhancement
MRI
(minocycline=0.14±0.02 mm
2
, ebselen=0.20±0.09 mm
2
, untreated=0.44±0.01 mm
2
;
P
<0.001) and histology (minocycline=0.13±0.05 mm
2
, ebselen=0.18±0.02 mm
2
, untreated=0.32±0.04 mm
2
;
P
<0.002). Endothelium cells displayed fewer structural changes and smaller gap junction width in treated compared with untreated animals as seen by electron microscopy (minocycline=42.3±8.4 nm, ebselen=56.5±17 nm, untreated=2400±39 nm;
P
<0.001). Tissue flow cytometry of the brachiocephalic artery showed lower monocyte/macrophage content in both ebselen‐ and minocycline‐treated mice (8.06±3.2% and 7.62±1.73%, respectively) compared with untreated animals (20.1±2.2%) (
P
=0.03), with significant attenuation of the proinflammatory Ly6C
high
subtype (untreated mice, 42.64±6.1% of total monocytes; ebselen, 14.07±9.5% of total monocytes; minocycline, 26.42±0.6% of total monocytes).

Conclusions

We demonstrate that contrast‐enhanced
MRI
with an albumin‐binding contrast agent can be used to noninvasively monitor the effect of interventions on endothelial permeability and plaque burden. Blood albumin leakage could be a surrogate marker for the in vivo evaluation of interventions that aim at restoring endothelial integrity.
Did they go native? Representations of first encounters and personal interrelations with First Nations Canadians in the writings of Susanna Moodie and Catharine Parr Traill
Authors: Bigot Corinne
Published: September 2013

Between 1836 and 1852, Susanna Moodie and Catharine Parr Traill, two British gentlewomen who had emigrated to Canada, published accounts of their lives in the backwoods of Canada for a British audience. Descriptions of their encounters with their Native neighbours, more particularly women, are prominent in their texts. A gradual sense of intimacy permeates the writings, battling with the prejudices of the times. I propose to read Traill’s main work, The Backwoods of Canada, her 1848 sketch, “A Visit to the Camp of the Chippewa Indians”, and Susanna Moodie’s Roughing it in the Bush as emblematic of the “discourses of difference” that Sara Mills identifies in nineteenth century texts by female travel writers. I would like to suggest that Moodie and Traill, in their own way, “went native”. Echoes with later texts such as Canadian Crusoes and Pearls and Pebbles will also be traced to show how the texts admit to an Indian presence that is more than merely exotic, and allow the voice of the First Nations Canadians to be heard, albeit on a small scale. Simultaneously, the texts also inscribe their empowerment.
Water absorption and blistering of glass fibre-reinforced polymer marine laminates with nanoparticle-modified coatings
Authors: Landowski M , Budzik M , Imielińska K
Published: September 2013

Macro and microstructural damage was studied in typical glass fibre-reinforced polymer laminates with two types of coating systems – (a) isophtalic gel coat: pure or mixed with SiO2 nanoparticles 5 wt% (5%N) or 10 wt% (10%N) and (b) a two-layer coating system: urethane-modified vinyl ester-based gel coat and additional polyester barrier coat layer. Accelerated tests were performed at 50℃ for 50 days for specimens with nanoparticle-modified gel and for the specimens with or without a barrier coat. Long-term ageing behaviour at 23℃ was assessed for the two-layer systems. Nanoparticle-reinforced specimens (10%) showed some advantage over ‘barrier coat systems' in terms of blister incubation time (16 and 13 days, respectively), while for 5% and 0% nanoparticles, blister incubation times were 3 and 7 days, respectively. Round and/or acicular blisters were observed on the examined surfaces. The varying size, shape and distribution of blisters was illustrated by macro and micrographs showing various failure modes associated with surface blisters.
Refugees, Social Capital, and Labour Market Integration in the UK
Authors: Cheung Sin Yi , Phillimore Jenny
Published: September 2013

This study examines the relationship between social capital and labour market integration of new refugees in the UK using the Survey of New Refugees (SNR). Our findings suggest that length of residency and language competency broaden one’s social networks. Contacts with religious and co-national groups bring help with employment and housing. The mere possession of networks is not enough to enhance access to employment. However, the absence of social networks does appear to have a detrimental effect on access to work. The type of social capital appears to have no significant impact on the permanency or quality of employment. Rather, language competency, pre-migration qualifications and occupations, and time in the UK are most important in accessing work. Our findings also have clear implications for both asylum and integration policy. The unequivocal importance of language ability for accessing employment points to a clear policy priority in improving competency.
Financial Risk-taking as a Sociological Gamble: Notes on the Development of a New Social Perspective
Authors: Ailon Galit
Published: September 2013

This article attempts to bring into focus a sociological aspect of financialization that has evaded theoretical attention. Integrating the findings of a growing body of literature on the sociology of finance, it assembles evidence that financial markets entail a particular awareness of, and perspective on, the social. This perspective is characterized by three attributes: a ‘reflexive social distancing’ whereby financial actors observe social processes in the market in a socially attentive but self-detached way and through which they recognize financial market prices as socially constituted; a ‘social forgetting’ inherent in stochastic configurations and engagement with financial chance; and ‘social dissociation’ with regard to the outcomes and implications of financial decisions. Taken as a whole, these elements constitute ‘financial risk-taking’ as a type of ‘sociological gamble’. The article discusses the importance of studying the social perspective inherent in financialization as a means of furthering our understanding of its character and implications.
Protocol‐Driven Enteral Nutrition in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Wong Judith Ju‐Ming , Ong Chengsi , Han Wee Meng , Lee Jan Hau
Published: September 2013

Enteral nutrition (EN) protocols are thought to improve clinical outcomes in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU); however, critical evaluation of their efficacy is limited. We conducted a systematic review with the aim of assessing the effect of EN protocols on important clinical outcomes in these children. We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Database for Reviews, Embase, and CINAHL using predetermined keywords and MESH terms. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that involved EN protocols in children admitted to the PICU for >24 hours. We included studies that reported at least 1 of our outcomes of interest. Studies that exclusively studied premature neonates or adults were excluded. Primary outcomes were PICU or hospital mortality, PICU or hospital length of stay (LOS), duration of mechanical ventilation, gastrointestinal (GI) complications, and infective complications. Secondary outcomes were time to initiate feeds and time to achieve goal feeds. In total, we included 9 studies (total 1564 children) in our systematic review (1 RCT, 4 before‐and‐after studies, 1 single‐arm cohort study, 1 prospective descriptive study, and 2 audits). There is low‐level evidence that the use of EN protocols is associated with a reduction in GI and infective complications and improved timeliness of feed initiation and achievement of goal feeds. Current medical literature does not have compelling data on the effects of an EN protocol on clinical outcomes among critically ill children. Future clinical trials should look into using standardized interventions and outcome measures to strengthen the existing evidence.
A constructed HLA-A2-restricted pMAGE-A1278–286 tetramer detects specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in tumour tissues in situ
Authors: Mongkhoune Sodaly , Xie Yu-An , Wang Yu-Qing , Chen Yue , Zhou Nuo , Peng Yi , He Jian , Yu Xia , Zhou Su-Fang , Luo Guo-Rong , Zhao Yong-Xiang , Lu Xiao-Ling
Published: September 2013

Objective

To construct a human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A2-restricted peptide 278–286 of melanoma-associated antigen family A, 1 (pMAGE-A1278–286) tetramer to analyse the distribution of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in tumour tissue and tumour-adjacent normal tissue.

Methods

A HLA-A2-pMAGE-A1278–286 tetramer was constructed. The distribution of pMAGE-A1278–286-specific CTLs was investigated in tumour tissues and tumour-adjacent normal tissues from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma using in situ HLA-A2-pMAGE-A1278–286 tetramer staining.

Results

Sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis indicated that HLA-A2 heavy and light chain proteins were successfully obtained. The successful construction of the HLA-A2-pMAGE-A1278–286 monomer was confirmed with Western blot analysis using W6/32 antibody. Flow cytometry confirmed the specific binding of HLA-A2-pMAGE-A1278–286 tetramer to pMAGE-A1278–286-specific CTLs. In situ HLA-A2-pMAGE-A1278–286 tetramer staining demonstrated that the number of pMAGE-A1278–286-specific CTLs in tumour tissues was significantly higher than in tumour-adjacent normal tissues.

Conclusions

The HLA-A2-pMAGE-A1278–286 tetramer was useful for the detection of pMAGE-A1278–286-specific CTLs in both tumour tissues and tumour-adjacent normal tissues. In situ tetramer staining is a powerful tool for investigating the distribution of pMAGE-A1278–286-specific CTLs in the tumour microenvironment.
Streetcars and Recovery
Authors: Guthrie Andrew , Fan Yingling
Published: September 2013

Researching traditional streetcars’ development impacts is challenging: most U.S. lines operate in downtown areas with many development stimuli. This article addresses that challenge through analysis of New Orleans building permits after Hurricane Katrina. We estimate how post-Katrina permit frequency changes with distance from streetcar stops, controlling for damage, proximity to commercial areas, and pre-Katrina demographics. We find that distance to stops strongly predicts building permits. Residential permits increase with distance to stops; commercial permits decrease. Findings confirm streetcars support commercial development, yet suggest potential displacement of residential uses. Implications for future streetcar projects in New Orleans and elsewhere are discussed.
Therapeutic Hypothermia With the Use of Intracranial Pressure Monitoring for Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis With Brainstem Lesion
Authors: Miyamoto Kenji , Kozu Seiki , Arakawa Akiko , Tsuboi Tatsuo , Hirao Jun-ichi , Ono Kazuyuki , Arisaka Osamu
Published: September 2013

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis confined to the brainstem is associated with poor prognosis. We describe a case of a 10-year-old boy with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in the brainstem that developed after influenza A infection. A 10-year-old boy presented with fever and prolonged disturbance of consciousness and was admitted to our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the midbrain, with T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images, suggested acute disseminated encephalomyelitis accompanied by a brainstem lesion. Lumbar puncture showed pleocytosis and increased protein content, including myelin basic protein, interleukin-6, and immunoglobulin G, all suggestive of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Treatments such as methylprednisolone pulse therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin, and therapeutic hypothermia were performed. Although the patient presented with anisocoria with increased intracranial pressure monitoring during hypothermia, prompt therapy with d-mannitol and dopamine was effective. Our case results suggest that hypothermia could be included in the choice of therapy for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis with brainstem lesions.
Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plans
Authors: Kilgour John G.
Published: September 2013

There are two types of deferred compensation plans allowed under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. They receive little attention in the benefits media, yet they are of considerable importance to certain employers and their employees. Section 457(b) plans are similar to the better known 401(k) and 403(b) but with important differences that make them important to state and local governments, especially for their public safety employees, and to certain other tax-exempt organizations. Section 457(f) plans are more akin to executive compensation arrangements that are predicated on the achievement of specified objectives or performance. Since the addition of Section 409A to the Internal Revenue Code in 2004 (effective 2005), 457(f) plans have been under scrutiny as to whether the compensation deferred is at substantial risk. This article examines both types of Section 457 plans.
Compensation, Benefits and Employee Turnover
Authors: Bryant Phil C. , Allen David G.
Published: September 2013

Employee turnover is recognized as costly and disruptive. The costs of employee turnover often exceed 100% of the annual salary for the vacated position. Yet managers are often unaware of the full range of tools and tactics available for effectively managing employee turnover. Based on award-winning research and professional experience, the article offers managers several strategies for effectively managing employee turnover. Strategies offered include both compensation and benefits–based solutions and solutions beyond compensation and benefits.