bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Racism is alive and well”: (Re)visiting the University of Florida’s Black Student Union’s history through composite counterstorytelling
Authors: Cowley Matthew , Dowie-Chin Tianna
Published: August 2024

This study centers on the origins of the Black Student Union (BSU) during the late 1960s and early 1970s at the University of Florida (UF) presented as a speculative fiction composite counterstory. The story presented in this manuscript serves as a cautionary tale of what the future of higher education will be, if white supremacy persists, even when white people will no longer represent a numerical majority. Though the findings utilized in this piece are decades old, we offer the current climate of public institutions and DEI initiatives to emphasize the importance of counterstories that underscore the resistance and activism that challenges oppressive systems and birthed such organizations as Black Student Unions, which are now increasingly under threat of elimination. Utilizing BlackCrit, we look backward to explore the permanence of anti-Black racism in our future. We invoke the genre of speculative fiction to give form to our findings - a fictional short story that posits a possible future world that runs counter to expectations for a post-racial future on college campuses and in the United States more broadly. Through a deeper understanding of how Black students drew upon their social networks during the Long Black Student Movement era, we aim to spark dialogue about the future of Black student advocacy at predominantly white American colleges and universities.
Students speak: Academic, career, and sociocultural experiences of African American college students
Authors: Toms Ozalle , W. Johnson Theodore , Lewis Devin
Published: August 2024

This manuscript presents the outcomes of a qualitative research investigation centered on the experiences of African American college students in terms of their preparation for high school, college, and careers within a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) situated in rural southeastern Wisconsin. At the time of this research, the comprehensive public university had an undergraduate enrollment of 10,196 students. Among these students, 82.1% self-identified as White, 7.8% as Hispanic or Latinx, 5.4% as African American, 3.2% as Asian or Southeast Asian, and 0.9% as American Indian or Alaskan Native. Using semi-structured interviews with willing student participants, the primary objectives of this study were twofold: (1) to recognize the sociocultural and institutional elements that influence the career trajectories of African American students attending the institution and (2) to effectively capture the educational and career viewpoints and voices of these students as they navigate the complex sociocultural and institutional landscape. Key findings from the research highlight the students’ perspectives on the substantial connections between their high school experiences, particularly those in and around a major urban center in the Midwest, and their subsequent college and career paths. Additionally, the study underscores the challenges these students encounter while navigating the physical and social spaces on a rural PWI campus. Recommendations are made for creating a more welcoming space for African American students and for supporting those engaged in the work.
An analysis of gender differences in industry-based certification attainment rates of Texas high school graduates
Authors: Hicks Robert Todd , Slate John R. , Hemmen Janene W.
Published: August 2024

In this statewide, multiyear study, industry-based certification attainment rates were examined by gender for Texas high school graduates. Industry-based certifications included in the study were vetted by the Texas Education Agency and reported through the Texas Academic Performance Reports for the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 school years. Inferential analyses revealed statistically significant differences in industry-based certification attainment rates for each of the three school years of data analyzed. Both boys and girls demonstrated increases in certification attainment across the years analyzed; however, the attainment rate of Texas male high school graduates increased at a faster rate than the attainment rate of Texas female high school graduates. Differences in attainment rates and associated attainment gaps between male and female graduates are presented for each of the three school years of data analyzed, as well as recommendations for future research.
Preparing early educators for the current context of social emotional learning: A content analysis of course descriptions
Authors: Thomas Rhianna , Liu Dongmei
Published: August 2024

Despite the well-established need for teacher preparation in child guidance and social emotional learning, studies have found a lack of robust course offerings in these areas. Further, the United States context for children’s social emotional development is changing due to the global pandemic, racial unrest, and increased gun violence. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has put forth updated teacher competencies to address the changing context as well as new research on early learning. However, little is known about how teacher education programs have implemented the updated guidelines around teacher competencies. For this journal article, we systematically examined 314 early childhood education programs of study from U.S. universities. We share a content analysis of 237 course descriptions from courses dedicated to children’s social emotional learning. We found 26% of programs require no course on social emotional learning. We also identifed the four most and three least represented competencies around social emotional learning. Our content analysis reveals that behaviorist theory is predominant in the design of courses and sociocultural influences are under-represented. We provide implications for regularly updating course descriptions to address the needs of children and families in the ever-changing context of education.
Reflection of the iceberg: Key issues and challenges of education in Balochistan
Authors: Coşkun Hüseyin Can
Published: August 2024

Education is widely recognized as a key driver of social and economic development. However, in Pakistan's Balochistan province, the education sector faces numerous challenges and issues that hinder its progress and development. This paper aims to identify and analyze the key issues and challenges facing the education sector in Balochistan. The research is based on a comprehensive review of the relevant literature, policy documents, and reports. The study identifies several key challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and facilities, inadequate funding, low teacher qualifications and training, high dropout rates, gender disparity, and limited access to education. Moreover, political instability, security concerns, and cultural barriers further exacerbate these challenges. The study proposes several recommendations to address these challenges, including increasing funding and investment in the education sector, improving teacher training and professional development programs, enhancing governance and management of schools, implementing targeted interventions to address gender and social disparities, and participation in education reform initiatives.
Autologu fibrīna matricu izstrāde medicīniskam pielietojumam
Authors:   , Egle Karina
Published: August 2024

Promocijas darbs sagatavots kā tematiski vienota zinātnisko publikāciju kopa, kas ietver četras publikācijas, kā arī kopsavilkumu latviešu un angļu valodā. Ar trombocītiem bagātināts fibrīns (PRF) ir autologs materiāls, ko centrifugēšanas ceļā var iegūt no cilvēka asinīm. Promocijas darbā izstrādātas PRF balstītas matricas, kas var nodrošināt antimikrobiālas īpašības, pievienojot zāles vai to piegādes sistēmas, kā arī nodrošināt kontrolētu PRF sastāvā esošo bioaktīvo molekulu piegādi, izvērtējot dažādus PRF nesējus.
Development of Autologous Fibrin Matrices for Medical Application
Authors:   , Egle Karina
Published: August 2024

The Doctoral Thesis is prepared as a thematically unified set of scientific publications, which includes four publications and a summary in Latvian and English. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous material that can be obtained from human blood by centrifugation. The Doctoral Thesis has developed PRF-based matrices that can provide antimicrobial properties by adding drugs or their delivery systems and provide controlled delivery of bioactive molecules contained in PRF by evaluating different PRF carriers.
Percussão orquestral brasileira: problemas editoriais e interpretativos
Authors: Flores Gianesella Eduardo
Published: August 2024

Com domínio de conhecimento, Eduardo Flores Gianesella nos oferece, de início, um panorama claro, fidedgno e detalhado do atual campo da percussão orquestral internacional e nacional. Nesse sentido, prepara o leitor para o entendimento das questões e análises que serão propostas nos capítulos seguintes. A partir do tema central – a percussão orquestral brasileira –, o autor analisa as fragilidades de editoração das obras sinfônicas brasileiras, seus problemas interpretativos e as peculiaridades dos instrumentos brasileiros de percussão – em especial do pandeiro. Com uma excelente escolha de registros de partituras (manuscritas ou editadas) dos compositores brasileiros mais expressivos dos século XIX e XX, o autor apresenta soluções para aqueles problemas de editoração e sugestões para as questões interpretativas. Com isso, Gianesella reabre o imenso campo da educação e da pesquisa em musicologia, etnomusicologia e história da música.
Spatially variable water table recharge and the hillslope hydrologic response: Analytical solutions to the linearized hillslope Boussinesq equation
Authors: Dralle David N. , Boisramé Gabrielle F.S. , Thompson Sally E.
Published: September 2014

The linearized hillslope Boussinesq equation, introduced by Brutsaert (1994), describes the dynamics of saturated, subsurface flow from hillslopes with shallow, unconfined aquifers. In this paper, we use a new analytical technique to solve the linearized hillslope Boussinesq equation to predict water table dynamics and hillslope discharge to channels. The new solutions extend previous analytical treatments of the linearized hillslope Boussinesq equation to account for the impact of spatiotemporal heterogeneity in water table recharge. The results indicate that the spatial character of recharge may significantly alter both steady state subsurface storage characteristics and the transient hillslope hydrologic response, depending strongly on similarity measures of controls on the subsurface flow dynamics. Additionally, we derive new analytical solutions for the linearized hillslope‐storage Boussinesq equation and explore the interaction effects of recharge structure and hillslope morphology on water storage and base flow recession characteristics. A theoretical recession analysis, for example, demonstrates that decreasing the relative amount of downslope recharge has a similar effect as increasing hillslope convergence. In general, the theory suggests that recharge heterogeneity can serve to diminish or enhance the hydrologic impacts of hillslope morphology.
Advances in Remote Sensing of Magnetic Fields
Authors: Purucker Michael
Published: September 2014

In sharp contrast to stellar magnetic fields, geomagnetic fields have never been remotely sensed. If geomagnetic fields could be measured remotely at the nanotesla (nT) level or better, our understanding of the processes that produce these fields would advance markedly. Unlike characteristics such as topography and temperature, measurements of the magnetic field are determined almost exclusively in situ. The inability to remotely sense these fields has hindered their utility. The Remote Atmospheric Magnetics Workshop highlighted advances in this frontier area, focusing on lab‐ and field‐based studies.
The biogeochemical cycling of zinc and zinc isotopes in the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Conway Tim M. , John Seth G.
Published: September 2014

Zinc (Zn) is a marine micronutrient, with an overall oceanic distribution mirroring the major macronutrients, especially silicate. Seawater Zn isotope ratios (δ66Zn) are a relatively new oceanographic parameter which may offer insights into the biogeochemical cycling of Zn. To date, the handful of published studies of seawater δ66Zn show the global deep ocean to be both remarkably homogeneous (approximately +0.5‰) and isotopically heavier than the marine sources of Zn (+0.1 to +0.3‰). Here we present the first high‐resolution oceanic section of δ66Zn, from the U.S. GEOTRACES GA03 North Atlantic Transect, from Lisbon to Woods Hole. Throughout the surface ocean, biological uptake and release of isotopically light Zn, together with scavenging of heavier Zn, leads to large variability in δ66Zn. In the ocean below 1000 m, δ66Zn is generally homogeneous (+0.50 ± 0.14‰; 2 SD), though deviations from +0.5‰ allow us to identify specific sources of Zn. The Mediterranean Outflow is characterized by δ66Zn of +0.1 to +0.3‰, while margin sediments are a source of isotopically light Zn (−0.5 to −0.8‰), which we attribute to release of nonregenerated biogenic Zn. Mid‐Atlantic Ridge hydrothermal vents are also a source of light Zn (close to −0.5‰), though Zn is not transported far from the vents. Understanding the biogeochemical cycling of Zn in the modern ocean begins to address the imbalance between the light δ66Zn signature of marine sources and the globally homogeneous deep oceans (δ66Zn of +0.5‰) on long timescales, with overall patterns pointing to sediments as an important sink for isotopically light Zn throughout the oceans.
Dynamic morphology of gas hydrate on a methane bubble in water: Observations and new insights for hydrate film models
Authors: Warzinski Robert P. , Lynn Ronald , Haljasmaa Igor , Leifer Ira , Shaffer Frank , Anderson Brian J. , Levine Jonathan S.
Published: September 2014

Predicting the fate of subsea hydrocarbon gases escaping into seawater is complicated by potential formation of hydrate on rising bubbles that can enhance their survival in the water column, allowing gas to reach shallower depths and the atmosphere. The precise nature and influence of hydrate coatings on bubble hydrodynamics and dissolution is largely unknown. Here we present high‐definition, experimental observations of complex surficial mechanisms governing methane bubble hydrate formation and dissociation during transit of a simulated oceanic water column that reveal a temporal progression of deep‐sea controlling mechanisms. Synergistic feedbacks between bubble hydrodynamics, hydrate morphology, and coverage characteristics were discovered. Morphological changes on the bubble surface appear analogous to macroscale, sea ice processes, presenting new mechanistic insights. An inverse linear relationship between hydrate coverage and bubble dissolution rate is indicated. Understanding and incorporating these phenomena into bubble and bubble plume models will be necessary to accurately predict global greenhouse gas budgets for warming ocean scenarios and hydrocarbon transport from anthropogenic or natural deep‐sea eruptions.
Diagnostics of an artificial relativistic electron beam interacting with the atmosphere
Authors: Marshall R. A. , Nicolls M. , Sanchez E. , Lehtinen N. G. , Neilson J.
Published: September 2014

We use a Monte Carlo model to simulate the interaction of a beam of relativistic (0.5–10 MeV) electrons with the upper atmosphere as they are injected downward from a notional high‐altitude (thermospheric/ionospheric) injection platform. The beam parameters, defined by realistic parameters of a compact linear accelerator, are used to create a distribution of thousands of electrons. Each electron is injected downward from 300 km altitude toward the dense atmosphere, where it undergoes elastic and inelastic collisions, leading to secondary ionization, optical emissions, and X‐rays via bremsstrahlung. In this report we describe the model initialization (i.e., development of the electron distribution), essential features of the Monte Carlo model, and secondary outputs, including optical emissions, X‐ray fluxes, secondary ionization, and backscattered energetic electron fluxes. Optical emissions are propagated to the ground through the lower atmosphere, including the effects of atmospheric absorption and scattering, to estimate the brightness of the emission column for a given beam current and energy. Similarly, X‐ray fluxes are propagated to hypothetical detectors on balloons and satellites. Secondary ionization is used to estimate the radar signal returns from various ground‐based radar facilities. Finally, simulated backscattered electron fluxes are measured at the injection location. The simulation results show that each of these diagnostics should be readily detectable by appropriate instruments.
On the radial evolution of κ distributions of pickup protons in the supersonic solar wind
Authors: Fahr Hans‐Jörg , Fichtner Horst , Scherer Klaus
Published: September 2014

It is well known that (pickup) ions in the inner heliosphere do not maintain Maxwellian distributions but tend to nonequilibrium distributions with extended suprathermal tails. Such states have been classified as quasi‐equilibria which in many cases can well be described by so‐called κ distributions. With the present study we start out from a phase space transport equation for pickup ions in the inner heliosphere that adequately describes the most important processes such as injection, convection, cooling, and diffusion in velocity space. Assuming that the underlying distribution functions are κ distributions, we proceed from this transport equation to a second‐order moment, i.e., pressure equation which represents an ordinary differential equation for the κ parameter as function of heliocentric distance. This strategy allows one to describe the transition from an initial Vasyliunas‐Siscoe distribution to κ distributions with gradually more pronounced suprathermal tails. While the velocity dependence of the velocity diffusion coefficient determines the systematic reduction of the parameter κ, the latter always has the (formal) asymptotic value . This translates into values of 1.5≤κTS≤2.2 in the upstream region of the (upwind) solar wind termination shock that defines the outer validity range of the model.
Rapid grounding line migration induced by internal ice stream variability
Authors: Robel A. A. , Schoof C. , Tziperman E.
Published: September 2014

Observations indicate that the grounding line position of West Antarctica is sensitive to both forced and unforced ice stream variabilities. This study endeavors to characterize and understand unforced ice stream variability and associated grounding line migration. We use a flowline ice stream model with an undrained plastic bed, lateral shear stresses, and a stretched grid refined in the grounding zone. This model exhibits parameter space structure and hysteresis behavior similar to simpler ice stream models. Low prescribed temperature at the ice surface or weak geothermal heating produces thermal oscillations between active and stagnant phases. As in previous spatially resolved ice flow models, thermal activation propagates as an “activation wave.” This model's fine resolution of the grounding zone allows for accurate simulations of transient, unforced grounding line migration. Upstream of the grounding zone, horizontal grid spacing of 1 km is required to accurately resolve activation waves. Activation waves induce the grounding line to migrate over 100 km at a rate that can exceed 1 km/yr. This is followed during the active phase by retreat, which then continues for the duration of the stagnant phase. Grounding line retreat is the result of a negative mass balance near the grounding line but is not necessarily associated with negative mass balance for the entire ice stream in our simulations of internal variability. The novel approach and experiments described in this study show that there can be large excursions in grounding line position in the absence of either external forcing or retrograde slopes.
Patterns of local and nonlocal water resource use across the western U.S. determined via stable isotope intercomparisons
Authors: Good Stephen P. , Kennedy Casey D. , Stalker Jeremy C. , Chesson Lesley A. , Valenzuela Luciano O. , Beasley Melanie M. , Ehleringer James R. , Bowen Gabriel. J.
Published: September 2014

In the western U.S., the mismatch between public water demands and natural water availability necessitates large interbasin transfers of water as well as groundwater mining of fossil aquifers. Here we identify probable situations of nonlocal water use in both space and time based on isotopic comparisons between tap waters and potential water resources within hydrologic basins. Our approach, which considers evaporative enrichment of heavy isotopes during storage and distribution, is used to determine the likelihood of local origin for 612 tap water samples collected from across the western U.S. We find that 64% of samples are isotopically distinct from precipitation falling within the local hydrologic basin, a proxy for groundwater with modern recharge, and 31% of samples are isotopically distinct from estimated surface water found within the local basin. Those samples inconsistent with local water sources, which we suggest are likely derived from water imported from other basins or extracted from fossil aquifers, are primarily clustered in southern California, the San Francisco Bay area, and central Arizona. Our isotope‐based estimates of nonlocal water use are correlated with both hydrogeomorphic and socioeconomic properties of basins, suggesting that these factors exert a predictable influence on the likelihood that nonlocal waters are used to supply tap water. We use these basin properties to develop a regional model of nonlocal water resource use that predicts (r2 = 0.64) isotopically inferred patterns and allows assessment of total interbasin transfer and/or fossil aquifer extraction volumes across the western U.S.
Platelet activation and arterial peripheral serotonin turnover in cardiac remodeling associated to aortic stenosis
Authors: Rouzaud‐Laborde Charlotte , Delmas Clément , Pizzinat Nathalie , Tortosa Florence , Garcia Cédric , Mialet‐Perez Jeanne , Payrastre Bernard , Sié Pierre , Spreux‐Varoquaux Odile , Sallerin Brigitte , Carrié Didier , Galinier Michel , Parini Angelo , Lairez Olivier
Published: September 2014

Peripheral serotonin (5‐HT) has been involved in adverse cardiac remodeling and valve fibrosis. The peripheral levels of 5‐HT mainly depend on its release from activated platelets and degradation by monoamine oxidase A (MAO‐A). The SERAOPI study investigated the relationship between arterial serotoninergic system, degree of platelet activation and cardiac remodeling, in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS). Thirty patients with severe AS and 15 control subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography, radial, and aortic arterial blood sampling. Measurements of 5‐HT and its MAO‐A‐dependent degradation product, 5‐HIAA, were performed by HPLC. Arterial platelet activation was assessed by flow cytometry analysis of platelet surface expression of P‐selectin and activated integrin GPIIb/IIIa. Activated platelets and arterial plasma 5‐HT increased in AS patients as compared to control subjects (P‐selectin 1.08 ± 0.2MFI vs. 0.49 ± 0.1MFI, P = 0.04; GPIIb/IIIa 0.71 ± 0.1MFI vs. 0.35 ± 0.1MFI; P = 0.0015 and arterial plasma 5‐HT 11.55 ± 1.6 nM vs. 6.18 ± 0.7 nM, P = 0.028, respectively). Moreover, 5‐HT was strongly correlated to left ventricular hypertrophy assessed by echocardiography. The correlation was independent of cardiovascular risk comorbidities and others echocardiographic AS parameters. Finally, plasma 5‐HIAA increased in AS patients (74.64 ± 9.7 nM vs. 37.16 ± 4.1 nM; P = 0.0002) indicating a higher 5‐HT degradation rate by MAO‐A. Platelet activation, arterial circulating serotonin, and serotonin degradation increased in patients with AS. These observations suggest that the serotoninergic system may contribute to the pathogenesis of AS including valve fibrosis and adverse ventricular remodeling. Am. J. Hematol. 90:15–19, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variable expressivity of pfeiffer syndrome in a family with FGFR1 p.Pro252Arg mutation
Authors: Bessenyei Beáta , Tihanyi Mariann , Hartwig Marianna , Szakszon Katalin , Oláh Éva
Published: September 2014

Pfeiffer syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder classically characterized by craniosynostosis, facial dysmorphism and limb anomalies. The majority of cases are caused by mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene. A specific, rare mutation p.Pro252Arg, located between the second and third extracellular immunoglobulin‐like domain of FGFR1, is associated with mild clinical signs. We report on a three‐generation family with five members having a heterozygous FGFR1 p.Pro252Arg mutation. Phenotypic features within the family showed high variability from the apparently normal skull and limbs to the characteristic brachycephaly and digital anomalies. The typical features of Pfeiffer syndrome appeared only in the third generation allowing us to unveil the syndrome in several further family members in two previous generations. Variable expressivity can complicate the recognition of Pfeiffer syndrome, principally the mild type 1, requiring careful phenotyping and genetic counseling. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of gut microbes in satisfying the nutritional demands of adult and juvenile wild, black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra)
Authors: Amato Katherine R. , Leigh Steven R. , Kent Angela , Mackie Roderick I. , Yeoman Carl J. , Stumpf Rebecca M. , Wilson Brenda A. , Nelson Karen E. , White Bryan A. , Garber Paul A.
Published: September 2014

In all mammals, growth, development, pregnancy, and lactation increase nutritional demands. Although primate field studies tend to focus on shifts in activity and diet as mechanisms to compensate for these demands, differences in digestive efficiency also are likely to be important. Because the gut microbiota can impact host digestive efficiency, we examined differences in activity budget, diet, and the gut microbial community among adult male (N = 4), adult female (N = 4), and juvenile (N = 5) wild black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) across a ten‐month period in Palenque National Park, Mexico to determine how adult females and juveniles compensate for increased nutritional demands. Results indicate that adult females and juveniles consumed more protein and energy than adult males. Adult males, adult females, and juveniles also possessed distinct gut microbial communities, unrelated to diet. Juveniles exhibited a gut microbiota characterized by bacteria from the phylum Firmicutes, such as Roseburia and Ruminococcus, and demonstrated high fecal volatile fatty acid content, suggesting increased microbial contributions to host energy balances. Adult females possessed a higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio, also suggesting increased energy production, and their gut microbiota was characterized by Lactococcus, which has been associated with folate biosynthesis. On the basis of these patterns, it appears that the gut microbiota differentially contributes to howler monkey nutrition during reproduction and growth. Determining the nutritional and energetic importance of shifts in activity, diet, and the gut microbiota in other nonhuman primate taxa, as well as humans, will transform our understanding of these life history processes and the role of host‐microbe relationships in primate evolution. Am J Phys Anthropol 155:652–664, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of body size on adult skeletal age estimation methods
Authors: Merritt Catherine E.
Published: September 2014

Accurate age estimations are essential to archaeological and forensic analyses. However, reliability for adult skeletal age estimations is poor, especially for individuals over the age of 40 years. This is the first study to show that body size influences skeletal age estimation. The İşcan et al., Lovejoy et al., Buckberry and Chamberlain, and Suchey‐Brooks age methods were tested on 764 adult skeletons from the Hamann‐Todd and William Bass Collections. Statures ranged from 1.30 to 1.93 m and body masses ranged from 24.0 to 99.8 kg. Transition analysis was used to evaluate the differences in the age estimations. For all four methods, the smallest individuals have the lowest ages at transition and the largest individuals have the highest ages at transition. Short and light individuals are consistently underaged, while tall and heavy individuals are consistently overaged. When femoral length and femoral head diameter are compared with the log‐age model, results show the same trend as the known stature and body mass measurements. The skeletal remains of underweight individuals have fewer age markers while those of obese individuals have increased surface degeneration and osteophytic lipping. Tissue type and mechanical loading have been shown to affect bone turnover rates, and may explain the differing patterns of skeletal aging. From an archaeological perspective, the underaging of light, short individuals suggests the need to revisit the current research consensus on the young mortality rates of past populations. From a forensic perspective, understanding the influence of body size will impact efforts to identify victims of mass disasters, genocides, and homicides. Am J Phys Anthropol 156:35–57, 2015 © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphological Restructuring of Myocardium During the Early Phase of Experimental Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Danilova I.G. , Sarapultsev P.A. , Medvedeva S.U. , Gette I.F. , Bulavintceva T.S. , Sarapultsev A.P.
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the specific features of the morphological restructuring of the myocardium in the early stage of experimental diabetes mellitus (DM). Experimental type 1 DM rat model was developed by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan solution at a dose of 30 mg per 100 g body mass. After 1 month, 3 mL of blood was drawn by heart puncture and the plasma separated by centrifugation for biochemical analysis. Plasma glucose, insulin, and glycosylated haemoglobin in whole blood were determined. Light microscopy and morphometric studies were conducted of histological slices of the hearts of experimental animals. The investigation of heart morphology showed a statistically significant alteration in chamber wall thickness in the right auricle in rats with alloxan‐induced DM. A change in cardiomyocyte diameter in myocardium slices was observed in all chambers of DM rats except for the left ventricle. Average cardiomyocyte diameter in rats with experimental DM increased by 26.6% and 15.5% in the right auricle and right ventricle, respectively, while average cardiomyocyte diameter in the left auricle decreased by 20.8%. Histological investigation of the heart following alloxan injection demonstrated, under the epicardium, distended vessels of the venous collecting microcirculatory system. Aggregation and agglutination of red blood cells and endothelial cell destruction were found in some vessels. In the early stage of DM development, structural alterations in the microcirculatory channels and myocardiocytes can be observed in the heart. These structural alterations were most evident in the right chambers of the heart. Anat Rec, 298:396–407, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
KCa1.1 Inhibition Attenuates Fibroblast‐like Synoviocyte Invasiveness and Ameliorates Disease in Rat Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Tanner Mark R. , Hu Xueyou , Huq Redwan , Tajhya Rajeev B. , Sun Liang , Khan Fatima S. , Laragione Teresina , Horrigan Frank T. , Gulko Pércio S. , Beeton Christine
Published: September 2014

Objective

Fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) participate in joint inflammation and damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its animal models. The purpose of this study was to define the importance of KCa1.1 (BK, Maxi‐K, Slo1, KCNMA1) channel expression and function in FLS and to establish these channels as potential new targets for RA therapy.

Methods

We compared KCa1.1 expression levels in FLS from rats with pristane‐induced arthritis (PIA) and in FLS from healthy rats. We then used ex vivo functional assays combined with small interfering RNA–induced knockdown, overexpression, and functional modulation of KCa1.1 in PIA FLS. Finally, we determined the effectiveness of modulating KCa1.1 in 2 rat models of RA, moderate PIA and severe collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).

Results

We found that PIA FLS expressed the KCa1.1 channel as their major potassium channel, as has been found in FLS from patients with RA. In contrast, FLS from healthy rats expressed fewer of these channels. Inhibiting the function or expression of KCa1.1 ex vivo reduced proliferation and invasive properties of, as well as protease production by, PIA FLS, whereas opening native KCa1.1 or overexpressing the channel enhanced the invasiveness of both FLS from rats with PIA and FLS from healthy rats. Treatment with a KCa1.1 channel blocker at the onset of clinical signs stopped disease progression in the PIA and CIA models, reduced joint and bone damage, and inhibited FLS invasiveness and proliferation.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate a critical role of KCa1.1 channels in the regulation of FLS invasiveness and suggest that KCa1.1 channels represent potential therapeutic targets in RA.
NPT1/SLC17A1 Is a Renal Urate Exporter in Humans and Its Common Gain‐of‐Function Variant Decreases the Risk of Renal Underexcretion Gout
Authors: Chiba Toshinori , Matsuo Hirotaka , Kawamura Yusuke , Nagamori Shushi , Nishiyama Takashi , Wei Ling , Nakayama Akiyoshi , Nakamura Takahiro , Sakiyama Masayuki , Takada Tappei , Taketani Yutaka , Suma Shino , Naito Mariko , Oda Takashi , Kumagai Hiroo , Moriyama Yoshinori , Ichida Kimiyoshi , Shimizu Toru , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Shinomiya Nariyoshi
Published: September 2014

Objective

Serum uric acid (SUA) levels in humans are mainly regulated by urate transporters. Recent genome‐wide association studies suggested that common variants of the human sodium‐dependent phosphate cotransporter type 1 gene (NPT1/SLC17A1) influence SUA. NPT1 has been reported to mediate urate transport, but its physiologic role in regulating SUA in humans remains unclear. Furthermore, the findings of replication studies of the relationship between NPT1 variants and gout have been inconsistent. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of NPT1 on gout and to determine its physiologic role.

Methods

Five hundred forty‐five male Japanese patients with gout and 1,115 male Japanese control subjects were genotyped for rs1165196 (I269T), a common missense variant in NPT1. Analyses of the association between rs1165196 and gout were then conducted, focusing especially on renal underexcretion (RUE) gout. Immunohistochemical analysis and functional analysis using Xenopus oocytes were also performed.

Results

Single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs1165196 significantly decreased the risk of RUE gout (odds ratio 0.73, P = 0.031) but did not confer a risk for all gout (P = 0.123). The immunohistochemical analysis revealed that human NPT1 is localized to the apical membrane of the renal proximal tubule. The functional analysis using Xenopus oocyte expression systems showed that rs1165196 increases NPT1‐mediated urate export.

Conclusion

This study showed that NPT1 is a urate exporter located in the renal proximal tubule in humans, and that its common gain‐of‐function variant, rs1165196, causes RUE gout, a major subtype of gout. These findings enable us to deepen our understanding of the physiologic role of NPT1 as a renal urate exporter as well as its pathophysiologic role in gout.
Evaluation of electric field distribution in electromagnetic stimulation of human femoral head
Authors: Su Yukun , Souffrant Robert , Kluess Daniel , Ellenrieder Martin , Mittelmeier Wolfram , van Rienen Ursula , Bader Rainer
Published: September 2014

Electromagnetic stimulation is a common therapy used to support bone healing in the case of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. In the present study, we investigated a bipolar induction screw system with an integrated coil. The aim was to analyse the influence of the screw parameters on the electric field distribution in the human femoral head. In addition, three kinds of design parameters (the shape of the screw tip, position of the screw in the femoral head, and size of the screw insulation) were varied. The electric field distribution in the bone was calculated using the finite element software Comsol Multiphysics. Moreover, a validation experiment was set up for an identical bone specimen with an implanted screw. The electric potential of points inside and on the surface of the bone were measured and compared to numerical data. The electric field distribution within the bone was clearly changed by the different implant parameters. Repositioning the screw by a maximum of 10 mm and changing the insulation length by a maximum of 4 mm resulted in electric field volume changes of 16% and 7%, respectively. By comparing the results of numerical simulation with the data of the validation experiment, on average, the electric potential difference of 19% and 24% occurred when the measuring points were at a depth of approximately 5 mm within the femoral bone and directly on the surface of the femoral bone, respectively. The results of the numerical simulations underline that the electro‐stimulation treatment of bone in clinical applications can be influenced by the implant parameters. Bioelectromagnetics 35:547–558, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the transition to 3D modes for channel flow past a square cylinder
Authors: Madhavan S. , Al‐Jahmany Yarub Y. , Minev P.D. , Nandakumar K.
Published: September 2014

We consider the case of transient three‐dimensional, incompressible and isothermal channel flow of a newtonian fluid past a symmetrically confined obstacle of square cross section at zero incidence. The blockage ratio (ratio of cylinder diameter to channel width) is fixed at 1/4. Results from both Laser Doppler (LDV) experiments and direct simulations upto Reynolds numbers have been reported.

Starting from the onset of instability (), close examination of the apparent region of influence that envelopes the cylinder reveals a clear vortex shedding signature which extends up to about three diameters upstream. While the fundamental vortex shedding frequency displays a fairly steady monotonic increase with Reynolds number, the Strouhal number (St) shows an inflexion point around . No signs of hysteresis were detected around this region. Furthermore, incommensurate harmonics observed for Reynolds numbers in the range suggest a quasi‐periodic transition to three‐dimensionality. This is shown to be followed by an intermediate periodic window starting around . Results from direct simulations performed using OpenFOAM (the Open Source CFD Toolbox) are used not only to enhance confidence in the accuracy of the reported LDV measurements, but also to help explain the observed phenomena through frequency power spectra and spanwise velocity correlations. Finally, it is concluded that only a parametric variation of transverse and spanwise blockage ratios can bring closure to the subject of bluff‐body wake transitions.
Comparative evaluation of local control strategies in localized Ewing sarcoma of bone: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: DuBois Steven G. , Krailo Mark D. , Gebhardt Mark C. , Donaldson Sarah S. , Marcus Karen J. , Dormans John , Shamberger Robert C. , Sailer Scott , Nicholas Richard W. , Healey John H. , Tarbell Nancy J. , Randall R. Lor , Devidas Meenakshi , Meyer James S. , Granowetter Linda , Womer Richard B. , Bernstein Mark , Marina Neyssa , Grier Holcombe E.
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

Patients with Ewing sarcoma require local primary tumor control with surgery, radiation, or both. The optimal choice of local control for overall and local disease control remains unclear.

METHODS

Patients with localized Ewing sarcoma of bone who were treated on 3 consecutive protocols with standard‐dose, 5‐drug chemotherapy every 3 weeks were included (n=465). Propensity scores were used to control for differences between local control groups by constructing multivariate models to assess the impact of local control type on clinical endpoints (event‐free survival [EFS], overall survival, local failure, and distant failure) independent of differences in their propensity to receive each local control type.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent surgery were younger (P=.02) and had more appendicular tumors (P<.001). Compared with surgery, radiation had higher unadjusted risks of any event (hazard ratio [HR], 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18‐2.44), death (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.18‐2.85), and local failure (HR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.37‐4.83). On multivariate analysis, compared with surgery, radiation had a higher risk of local failure (HR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.24‐4.68), although there were no significant differences in EFS (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.94‐2.14), overall survival (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.83‐2.26), or distant failure (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.70‐1.84) between local control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large group of similarly treated patients, choice of the mode of local control was not related significantly to EFS, overall survival, or distant failure, although the risk of local failure was greater for radiation compared with surgery. These data support surgical resection when appropriate, whereas radiotherapy remains a reasonable alternative in selected patients. Cancer 2015;121:467–475. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Generation of point‐mutant FAK knockin mice
Authors: Tavora B. , Batista S. , Alexopoulou A.N. , Kostourou V. , Fernandez I. , Robinson S.D. , Lees D.M. , Serrels B. , Hodivala‐Dilke K.
Published: September 2014

Focal adhesion kinase is a non‐receptor protein tyrosine kinase with signaling functions downstream of integrins and growth factor receptors. In addition to its role in adhesion, migration, and proliferation it also has non‐kinase scaffolding functions in the nucleus. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation involves the following: (1) ligand bound growth factors or clustered integrins activate FAK kinase domain; (2) FAK autophosphorylates tyrosine (Y) 397; (3) Src binds pY397 and phosphorylates FAK at various other sites including Y861; (4) downstream signaling of activated FAK elicits changes in cellular behavior. Although many studies have demonstrated roles for the kinase domain, Y397 and Y861 sites, in vitro much less is known about their functions in vivo. Here, we report the generation of a series of FAK‐mutant knockin mice where mutant FAK, either kinase dead, non‐phosphorylatable mutants Y397F and Y861F, or mutant Y397E—containing a phosphomimetic site that results in a constitutive active Y397, can be expressed in a Cre inducible fashion driven by the ROSA26 promoter. In future studies, intercrossing these mice with FAKflox/flox mice and inducible cre‐expressing mice will enable the in vivo study of mutant FAK function in the absence of endogenous FAK in a spatially and temporally regulated fashion within the whole organism. genesis 52:907–915, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A step too far? Leader racism inhibits transgression credit
Authors: Abrams Dominic , Travaglino Giovanni A. , Randsley de Moura Georgina , May Philip J.
Published: September 2014

Prior research established that when in‐group leaders commit serious transgressions, such as breaking enforceable rules or engaging in bribery, people treat them leniently compared with similarly transgressive regular group members or out‐group leaders (‘transgression credit’). The present studies test a boundary condition of this phenomenon, specifically the hypothesis that transgression credit will be lost if a leader's action implies racist motivation. In study 1, in a corporate scenario, a transgressive in‐group leader did or did not express racism. In study 2, in a sports scenario, an in‐group or out‐group leader or member transgressed rules with or without a racist connotation. Both studies showed that in‐group transgressive leaders lost their transgression credit if their transgression included a racial connotation. Wider implications for constraining leaders' transgressions are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Update on primary head and neck mucosal melanoma
Authors: López Fernando , Rodrigo Juan P. , Cardesa Antonio , Triantafyllou Asterios , Devaney Kenneth O. , Mendenhall William M. , Haigentz Missak , Strojan Primož , Pellitteri Phillip K. , Bradford Carol R. , Shaha Ashok R. , Hunt Jennifer L. , de Bree Remco , Takes Robert P. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Ferlito Alfio
Published: September 2014

Primary mucosal melanomas (PMMs) of the head and neck are uncommon malignancies that arise mainly in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, followed by the oral cavity. The mainstay of treatment is radical surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy in selected patients with high‐risk features. Multimodality therapy has not been well studied and is not standardized. Adjuvant radiotherapy seems to improve locoregional control but does not improve overall survival (OS). Elective neck dissection is advocated in patients with oral PMM. Systemic therapy should be considered only for patients with metastatic or unresectable locoregional disease. Despite improvements in the field of surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, patients with PMM still face a very unfavorable prognosis (5‐year disease‐free survival [DFS] <20%) with high rates of locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis. The present review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge on the molecular biology, pathological diagnosis, and management of this disease. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Head Neck38: 147–155, 2016
An improved bias correction scheme based on comparative precipitation characteristics
Authors: Kim Kue Bum , Bray Michaela , Han Dawei
Published: September 2014

Bias correction is a necessary post‐processing procedure in order to use regional climate model (RCM) simulated local climate variables as the input data for hydrological models owing to systematic errors of RCMs. Most of present bias correction methods adjust statistical properties between observed and simulated data on the basis of calendar periods, e.g. month or season. However, this matching statistic is only a necessary condition, not a sufficient condition, as temporal distribution of the precipitation between observed and simulated data is ignored. This study suggests an improved bias correction scheme that considers not only statistical properties but also the temporal distribution between the time series of observed and modelled data. The ratio of the observed precipitation to simulated precipitation is used to compare the behaviour between the observed and modelled precipitation data, and three criteria are proposed when dividing bias correction periods: (1) underestimation of precipitation, (2) stability of /underestimation of precipitation, (2) stability of precipitation ratio and (3) oscillation of precipitation ratio. The results show that the output of the proposed bias correction method follows the trend of the observed precipitation better than that of the conventional bias correction method. This study indicates that temporal distribution should not be ignored when choosing a comparison period for bias correction. However, the study is only a preliminary attempt to address this important issue, and we hope it will stimulate more research activities to improve the methodology. Future efforts on several unsolved problems have been suggested such as how to find out the optimal group number to avoid the overfitting and underfitting conditions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.