bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frugivory and seed dispersal of woody species by the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in a mid-elevation tropical evergreen forest in India
Authors: Jothish P. S.
Published: February 2013

Frugivory and seed dispersal by the Asian elephant, Elephas maximus, in a mid-elevation tropical evergreen forest in India was studied by dung analysis and conducting seed germination trials on ingested and control seeds. A total of 384 dung piles were observed during the period February 2007 to December 2008. Fruits/seeds and seedlings of 27 woody species were observed from the dung piles. Seed germination experiments showed that seeds from dung were viable and germination time of ingested seeds was significantly lower than that of control seeds. It was observed that 43.6% of the seedlings in the dung piles established as saplings. The study suggests that the Asian elephant is a legitimate seed disperser in tropical forests in its range.
In VitroCharacterization of Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Isolated from Palatal Subepithelial Tissue Grafts
Authors: Roman Alexandra , Şoancă Andrada , Florea Adrian , Páll Emőke
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to analyze whether the mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from palatal tissue grafts harvested in order to cover gingival recessions have the basic characteristics of stem cells. The palatal tissue cells were processed using a special culture medium that stimulated the development of only undifferentiated cellular lines. Cells at passage 4 were evaluated by flow cytometry to examine the expression of specific surface markers and were tested for multilineage differentiation capacity. These cells collected at passage 4 were also investigated for the capacity to cluster into embryoid body aggregates. Palatal MSCs displayed positive staining for the mesenchymal markers CD29, CD73, CD105, CD 49e, and CD44, but did not express hematopoietic markers CD34/45. The palatal MSCs successfully differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. When seeded in special conditions, palatal MSCs propagated into unattached spheres resembling embryoid body aggregates consisting both of differentiated and undifferentiated cells as revealed at the ultrastructural evaluation. It is concluded that the isolated palatal MSCs fulfilled the basic criteria defining the stem cells. This new source of stem cells characterized here for the first time opens new perspectives on possible applications in basic research and in regenerative medicine.
The transient neutron star X-ray binary KS 1741–293 in outburst and quiescence
Authors: Degenaar N. , Wijnands R.
Published: February 2013

KS 1741–293 is a transient neutron star low-mass X-ray binary that is located at an angular distance of ≃20′ from the Galactic center. We map out the historic activity of the source since its discovery in 1989, characterize its most recent X-ray outbursts observed with Swift (2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011), and discuss its quiescent X-ray properties using archival Chandra data. KS 1741–293 is frequently active, exhibiting outbursts that typically reach a 2–10 keV luminosity of LX ≃ 1036 (D/6.2 kpc)2 erg s−1 and last for several weeks–months. However, Swift also captured a very short and weak accretion outburst that had a duration of ≲4 days and did not reach above LX ≃ 5×1034 (D/6.2 kpc)2 erg s−1. The source is detected in quiescence with Chandra at a 2–10 keV luminosity of LX ≃ 2.5×1032 (D/6.2 kpc)2 erg s−1.
Optical Light Curve of Nova KT Eridani
Authors: Chen W. P. , Hung L. W. , Walter Fred
Published: February 2013

We present the optical light curve of the very fast nova, KT Eridani, from its outburst in November 2009 to quiescence in 2012. Comparison of our data with the 24-hour monitoring by Swift on 2010 March 31 indicates a possible anticorrelation between the X-ray and optical emissions. A period of 57 d is found in the long-term optical light curve, which we interpret as the orbital modulation of the hot spot on the white dwarf disk accreting material from an early K-type giant. Our study lends support to the notation that KT Eri may be a recurrent nova.
Mini-spiral as source of material for Sgr A* in bright state
Authors: Czerny Bozena , Karas Vladimír , Kunneriath Devaky , Das Tapas K.
Published: February 2013

The question of the origin of the gas supplying the accretion process is pertinent especially in the context of enhanced activity of Galactic Center during the past few hundred years, seen now as echo from the surrounding molecular clouds, and the currently observed new cloud approaching Sgr A*. We discuss the so-called Galactic Center mini-spiral as a possible source of material feeding the supermassive black hole on a 0.1 parsec scale. The collisions between individual clumps reduce their angular momentum. and set some of the clumps on a plunging trajectory.

We conclude that the amount of material contained in the mini-spiral is sufficient to sustain the luminosity of Sgr A* at the required level. The accretion episodes of relatively dense gas from the mini-spiral passing through a transient ring mode at ~ 104 Rg provide a viable scenario for the bright phase of Galactic Center.
Is There a Relation between Duration and Eiso in Gamma-Ray Bursts?
Authors: Hou Shu-Jin , Liu Tong , Lin Da-Bin , Wu Xue-Feng , Lu Ju-Fu
Published: February 2013

The system of accretion disk and black hole is usually considered as the central engine of Gamma-ray Bursts (GRBs). It is usually thought that the disk in the central engine of GRBs is the advection-dominated accretion disk, which is developed from a massive (mass Mdisk) torus at radius rdisk. We find a positive correlation between the isotropic gamma-ray energy Eiso and duration (so-called T90) for GRBs. We interpret this correlation within the advection-dominated accretion disk model, associating Eiso and T90 with Mdisk and viscous timescale respectively.
The X-ray spectral and timing properties of a major radio flare episode in Cygnus X-3
Authors: Koljonen Karri I. I. , Hannikainen Diana C. , McCollough Michael L. , Pooley Guy G. , Trushkin Sergei A. , Droulans Robert
Published: February 2013

The microquasar Cygnus X-3 is known for massive outbursts that emit radiation from radio to γ-rays associated with jet ejection events. Using Principal Component Analysis to probe fast (~1 min) X-ray spectral evolution followed by subsequent spectral fits to the time-averaged spectra (~3 ks), we find that the overall X-ray variability during major outbursts can be attributed to two components. The spectral evolution of these components are best fitted with hybrid Comptonization and thermal bremsstrahlung components. Most of the X-ray variability is attributed to the hybrid Comptonization component. However, the spectral evolution of the thermal component is linked to a change in the X-ray spectral state. Phase-folding the fit results shows that the thermal component is restricted to two orbital phase regions opposite to each other, possibly indicating a flattened stellar wind from the Wolf-Rayet companion.
The type I X-ray bursts of 4U 1735–44
Authors: Lei Y. J. , Zhang H. T. , Dong Y. Q. , Yuan H. L.
Published: February 2013

With RXTE data ranging from 1997 August to 1998 May, we detected 8 type I X-ray bursts from the atoll source 4U 1735–44. The bursts are present at all the branches, and most occur at an inferred low mass accretion rate. We find no correlation between the peak flux of the bursts and the mass accretion rate. The results are different from that of 4U 1728-34, whose bursts' peak flux are anti-correlated with the mass accretion rate.
The correlations between kHz and LF QPOs in the NSXBs
Authors: Li Z. B. , Wang D. H.
Published: February 2013

We study the correlations between low frequency (LF) and kHz quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) for 20 neutron star X-ray bianaries (NSXBs). We find that both upper and lower kHz QPOs correlate with the LF QPOs. However, the correlations show 5 parallel branches in the kHz QPO frequency vs. LF QPO frequency relation diagram. We notice that the source will jump from one parallel branch to another when different harmonic frequency of the LF QPO is used to plot the correlation between kHz and LF QPOs. We infer that the parallel branches maybe due to the multi-harmonic QPOs in the NSXBs.
Accretion process powering the supersoft X-ray sources: A test with the multiwavelength modeling the SED
Authors: Skopal Augustin
Published: February 2013

Radiation of supersoft X-ray sources (SSS) dominates both the supersof X-ray and the far-UV domain, and can be detected also within the optical/near-IR wavelengths. To determine fundamental parameters of SSSs, a multiwavelength approach in modeling their spectra is essential. By this way, the basic physical parameters of a SSS (the temperature, radius, luminosity and column density of the neutral hydrogen) can be determined unambiguously. Here I demonstrate this case for the symbiotic X-ray binary RXJ0059.1-7505 (LIN 358) in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC).
Observational phenomena in the field of Kerr Superspinars
Authors: Stuchlík Zdeněk , Schee Jan
Published: February 2013

We test observational consequences of primordial Kerr superspinars indicated by string theories. We demonstrate that Kerr superspinars can serve as ultra-high energy accelerators and explore specific optical phenomena related to accretion discs orbiting them.
Links Between Z Sources and Atoll Sources
Authors: Wang Joan Jing , Chang Hsiang-Kuang
Published: February 2013

It is known that the Z and atoll sources are two typical types of neutron-star sources in low mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs), which present very different Q-ν relations of lower kHz QPOs. We propose that the Z and atoll sources are two different phases in the evolutionary track of neutron star in LMXBs, instead of two types of distinct sources.
The Evolution Sequence in Narrow-Line and Broad-Line SEYFERT 1 Galaxies
Authors: Wu Y. Z. , Zhang S. N.
Published: February 2013

Collecting a sample of 50 narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (NLS1s) and 44 broad-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (BLS1s), we show that the theoretical maximum starburst line derived by Kewley et al. can separate well BLS1s from NSL1s on the BPT diagrams, and the [N II]λ 6584/Hα ratio increases along the list from NLS1s to BLS1s. We suggest that: (1) they have a sequence from low metallicities to high metallicities between NLS1s and BLS1s; (2) with regard to the “star-froming sequence” of Kewley et al. who noted that it forms a tight sequence from low metallicities to high metallicities, the sequence may be connected to the NLS1-BLS1 sequence of “active galactic nucleus (AGN)” sequences.
Correlation space of narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies
Authors: Xu D. W. , Komossa S.
Published: February 2013

Narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies, as active galactic nuclei with low-mass black holes and high accretion rates, are important targets when addressing questions related to black hole growth and accretion physics. We have studied the correlations among the optical emission-line and continuum properties of a sample of NLS1 galaxies, in comparison with a sample of broad-line Seyfert 1 galaxies. We have shown that the density of the narrow-line region is a key component of Eigenvector 1 space. Density turned out to be as important as the Eddington ratio L/LEdd. This result therefore establishes a close link between central engine and host properties, and places new constraints on host - black hole co-evolution.
Mechanism of programmed obesity: altered central insulin sensitivity in growth-restricted juvenile female rats
Authors: Fukami T. , Sun X. , Li T. , Yamada M. , Desai M. , Ross M. G.
Published: February 2013

Intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) offspring are at increased risk of adult obesity, as a result of changes in energy balance mechanisms. We hypothesized that impairment of hypothalamic insulin signaling contributes to hyperphagia in IUGR offspring. Study pregnant dams were 50% food restricted from days 10 to 21 to create IUGR newborns. At 5 weeks of age, food intake was measured following intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of vehicle or insulin (10 mU) in control and IUGR pups. At 6 weeks of age, with pups in fed or fasted (48 h) states, pups received icv vehicle or insulin after which they were decapitated, and hypothalamic arcuate (ARC) nucleus dissected for RNA and protein expression. IUGR rats consumed more food than controls under basal conditions, consistent with upregulated ARC phospho AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Insulin acutely reduced food intake in both control and IUGR rats. Consistent with anorexigenic stimulation, central insulin decreased AMP-activated protein kinase and NPY mRNA expression and increased proopiomelanocortin mRNA expression and pAkt, with significantly reduced responses in IUGR as compared with controls. Despite feeding, IUGR offspring exhibit a persistent state of orexigenic stimulation in the ARC nucleus and relative resistance to the anorexigenic effects of icv insulin. These results suggest that impaired insulin signaling contributes to hyperphagia and obesity in IUGR offspring.
Structure of Sr-substituted photosystem II at 2.1 Å resolution and its implications in the mechanism of water oxidation
Authors: Koua Faisal Hammad Mekky , Umena Yasufumi , Kawakami Keisuke , Shen Jian-Ren
Published: February 2013

Oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II (PSII) is a tetra-manganese calcium penta-oxygenic cluster (Mn4CaO5) catalyzing light-induced water oxidation through several intermediate states (S-states) by a mechanism that is not fully understood. To elucidate the roles of Ca2+in this cluster and the possible location of water substrates in this process, we crystallized Sr2+-substituted PSII fromThermosynechococcus vulcanus, analyzed its crystal structure at a resolution of 2.1 Å, and compared it with the 1.9 Å structure of native PSII. Our analysis showed that the position of Sr was moved toward the outside of the cubane structure of the Mn4CaO5-cluster relative to that of Ca2+, resulting in a general elongation of the bond distances between Sr and its surrounding atoms compared with the corresponding distances in the Ca-containing cluster. In particular, we identified an apparent elongation in the bond distance between Sr and one of the two terminal water ligands of Ca2+, W3, whereas that of the Sr-W4 distance was not much changed. This result may contribute to the decrease of oxygen evolution upon Sr2+-substitution, and suggests a weak binding and rather mobile nature of this particular water molecule (W3), which in turn implies the possible involvement of this water molecule as a substrate in the O-O bond formation. In addition, the PsbY subunit, which was absent in the 1.9 Å structure of native PSII, was found in the Sr-PSII structure.
First Detection of Puccinia hordei Virulence to Barley Leaf Rust Resistance Gene Rph3 and Combination with Virulence to Rph7 in North America
Authors: Rouse M. N. , Griffey C. A. , Brooks W. S.
Published: February 2013

Barley leaf rust, caused by Puccinia hordei Otth., has been problematic in United States barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production in the Mid-Atlantic coast region and California. During the early 1990s, P. hordei pathotypes with virulence to resistance gene Rph7 caused average yield losses from 6 to 16% (3). ‘Doyce’ barley was released in 2003 and was described as being resistant to leaf rust (2). Initially in April 2010 and subsequently in spring 2011 and 2012, high severities and infection responses were observed on experimental plots of ‘Doyce’ in Warsaw and Blacksburg, Virginia. Three single uredinial isolates of P. hordei were derived from collections made from ‘Doyce’ barley. The isolates were characterized for virulence to barley leaf rust resistance genes by inoculating at least two replicates of a barley leaf rust differential set including 12 Rph genes (1). Previous methods used for inoculation, incubation, and pathotyping were followed (1). Infection types were scored on a 0 to 4 scale where 2 and below indicated resistance and 3 and above indicated susceptibility (4). The three isolates collected from Doyce barley displayed large pustules with infection types 3,3+ to cultivars Estate (Rph3) and Cebada Capa (Rph7). Avirulent isolates of P. hordei displayed infection types 0; to 0;1c to Estate and ;n to 0;1n to Cebada Capa (1). The data indicated that all three isolates were virulent to both barley leaf rust resistance genes Rph3 and Rph7. Though combined Rph3 and Rph7 virulence has been reported in the Mediterranean region, this is the first report of Rph3 virulence in North America. These isolates of P. hordei are virulent to important sources of resistance to barley leaf rust and threaten barley production in environments conducive for disease development in North America.

References: (1) W. S. Brooks et al. Phytopathology 90:1131, 2000. (2) W. S. Brooks et al. Crop Sci. 45:792, 2005. (3) C. A. Griffey et al. Plant Dis. 78:256, 1994. (4) M. N. Levine and W. J. Cherewick. U.S. Dept. Agric. Tech. Bull. 1056, 1952.
Risk factor-dependent dynamics of atopic dermatitis: modelling multi-scale regulation of epithelium homeostasis
Authors: Domínguez-Hüttinger Elisa , Ono Masahiro , Barahona Mauricio , Tanaka Reiko J.
Published: February 2013

Epithelial tissue provides the body with its first layer of protection against harmful environmental stimuli by enacting the regulatory interplay between a physical barrier preventing the influx of external stimuli and an inflammatory response to the infiltrating stimuli. Importantly, this interdependent regulation occurs on different time scales: the tissue-level barrier permeability is regulated over the course of hours, whereas the cellular-level enzymatic reactions leading to inflammation take place within minutes. This multi-scale regulation is key to the epithelium's function and its dysfunction leads to various diseases. This paper presents a mathematical model of regulatory mechanisms in the epidermal epithelium that includes processes on two different time scales at the cellular and tissue levels. We use this model to investigate the essential regulatory interactions between epidermal barrier integrity and skin inflammation and how their dysfunction leads to atopic dermatitis (AD). Our model exhibits a structure of dual (positive and negative) control at both cellular and tissue levels. We also determined how the variation induced by well-known risk factors for AD can break the balance of the dual control. Our model analysis based on time-scale separation suggests that each risk factor leads to qualitatively different dynamic behaviours of different severity for AD, and that the coincidence of multiple risk factors dramatically increases the fragility of the epithelium's function. The proposed mathematical framework should also be applicable to other inflammatory diseases that have similar time-scale separation and control architectures.
Function-valued traits in evolution
Authors: Hadjipantelis Pantelis Z. , Jones Nick S. , Moriarty John , Springate David A. , Knight Christopher G.
Published: February 2013

Many biological characteristics of evolutionary interest are not scalar variables but continuous functions. Given a dataset of function-valued traits generated by evolution, we develop a practical, statistical approach to infer ancestral function-valued traits, and estimate the generative evolutionary process. We do this by combining dimension reduction and phylogenetic Gaussian process regression, a non-parametric procedure that explicitly accounts for known phylogenetic relationships. We test the performance of methods on simulated, function-valued data generated from a stochastic evolutionary model. The methods are applied assuming that only the phylogeny, and the function-valued traits of taxa at its tips are known. Our method is robust and applicable to a wide range of function-valued data, and also offers a phylogenetically aware method for estimating the autocorrelation of function-valued traits.
Mutations in the rotavirus spike protein VP4 reduce trypsin sensitivity but not viral spread
Authors: Trask Shane D. , Wetzel J. Denise , Dermody, Terence S. , Patton John T.
Published: February 2013

Infectious entry of the nonenveloped rotavirus virion requires proteolysis of the spike protein VP4 to mediate conformational changes associated with membrane penetration. We sequenced and characterized an isolate that was cultured in the absence of trypsin and found that it is more resistant to proteolysis than WT virus. A substitution mutation abrogates one of the defined trypsin-cleavage sites, suggesting that blocking proteolysis at this site reduces the overall kinetics of proteolysis. Kinetic analysis of the membrane penetration-associated conformational change indicated that the ‘fold-back’ of the mutant spike protein is slower than that of WT. Despite these apparent biochemical defects, the mutant virus replicates in an identical manner to the WT virus. These findings enhance an understanding of VP4 functions and establish new strategies to interrogate rotavirus cell entry.
Multiple Functions of Kip-Related Protein5 Connect Endoreduplication and Cell Elongation
Authors: Jégu Teddy , Latrasse David , Delarue Marianne , Mazubert Christelle , Bourge Mickaël , Hudik Elodie , Blanchet Sophie , Soler Marie-Noëlle , Charon Céline , De Veylder Lieven , Raynaud Cécile , Bergounioux Catherine , Benhamed Moussa
Published: February 2013

Despite considerable progress in our knowledge regarding the cell cycle inhibitor of the Kip-related protein (KRP) family in plants, less is known about the coordination of endoreduplication and cell differentiation. In animals, the role of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors as multifunctional factors coordinating cell cycle regulation and cell differentiation is well documented and involves not only the inhibition of CDK/cyclin complexes but also other mechanisms, among them the regulation of transcription. Interestingly, several plant KRPs have a punctuated distribution in the nucleus, suggesting that they are associated with heterochromatin. Here, one of these chromatin-bound KRPs, KRP5, has been studied in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). KRP5 is expressed in endoreduplicating cells, and loss of KRP5 function decreases endoreduplication, indicating that KRP5 is a positive regulator of endoreduplication. This regulation relies on several mechanisms: in addition to its role in cyclin/CDK kinase inhibition previously described, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data combined with transcript quantification provide evidence that KRP5 regulates the transcription of genes involved in cell wall organization. Furthermore, KRP5 overexpression increases chromocenter decondensation and endoreduplication in the Arabidopsis trithorax-related protein5 (atxr5) atxr6 double mutant, which is deficient for the deposition of heterochromatin marks. Hence, KRP5 could bind chromatin to coordinately control endoreduplication and chromatin structure and allow the expression of genes required for cell elongation.
Framing responses to post‐earthquake Haiti
Authors: Bornstein Lisa , Lizarralde Gonzalo , Gould Kevin A. , Davidson Colin
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to add a new dimension to urban resilience by exploring how representations of disasters, reconstruction and human settlements are made, and how, by shaping plans and programs, they ultimately influence resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on James Scott's notion of “legibility” to ask how different representations simplify complex realities and how they are transformed into plans and programs. The paper first outlines the various broad analytic lens used to examine legibility to portray post‐disaster reconstruction, drawing on international literature and policies. The paper then focuses on post‐earthquake Haiti and analyzes eight reconstruction plans and reviews design proposals submitted for the Building Back Better Communities program to explore how different stakeholders portrayed the disaster, identified the reconstruction challenges and proposed to address human settlements.

Findings

Representations of the disaster, the reconstruction challenge and the housing problem were quite varied. While the plans assumed a very broad view of the reconstruction challenge (one that goes beyond the representations found in the literature), the BBBC program adopted a very narrow view of it (one that the literature condemns for failing to achieve sustainable resilience).

Research limitations/implications

The empirical research is exploratory, suggesting an approach that throws a new light on the analysis of plans and programs for improved resilience.

Practical implications

The study suggests that the representations that decision makers, institutions and organizations make of the world ultimately establish the framework in which resilience is constructed.

Originality/value

The lens of legibility confirms that the expression of different representations makes the world legible in different ways and therefore transforms the way in which resilience can be improved.
Biogeographic anomalies in the species richness of Chilean forests: Incorporating evolution into a climatic – historic scenario
Authors: Segovia Ricardo A. , Hinojosa Luis F. , Pérez María F. , Hawkins Bradford A.
Published: February 2013

Broad‐scale richness gradients are closely associated with temperature and water availability. However, historical and evolutionary processes have also contributed to shape current diversity patterns. In this paper we focus on the potential influences of Pleistocene glaciation and phylogenetic niche conservatism (the tendency for traits to be maintained during diversification) on the tree diversity gradient in Chile, and we quantify its primary climatic correlates. Tree species richness is greatest at mid latitudes, particularly in the Andes and Coastal ranges, and decreases abruptly to the south and north. Regression tree analysis identified annual precipitation and annual temperature as the primary probable drivers of this gradient. Ice cover during the Last Glacial Maximum was also identified as an ‘important’ variable, but the contemporary and historical predictors are strongly collinear. Geographically weighted regression indicated that the relationships between richness and environmental variables vary regionally: the relationship between tree richness and precipitation is stronger in north‐central Chile, whereas tree richness and temperature are most strongly associated in south‐central Chile. By assigning each species the age of the family to which it belongs and averaging all species in each geographical unit, we also found that species from the oldest families are distributed mainly in mid to high latitudes and species from younger families are distributed mainly at lower latitudes. This pattern is closely associated with annual precipitation. Thus, the ecological component of tree richness follows contemporary climatic gradients of both energy and water, but the aridification of the Atacama Desert was an important driver over evolutionary time. The influence of recent Pleistocene glaciation remains unresolved but it cannot be discounted.
Characterization of Pigment and Binder in Badly Conserved Illuminations of a 15th‐Century Manuscript
Authors: Zoleo A. , Nodari L. , Rampazzo M. , Piccinelli F. , Russo U. , Federici C. , Brustolon M.
Published: February 2013

In this work we report a pre‐restoration spectroscopic study by a multi‐technique approach on the green pigment and the binder used in illuminations in a codex of the late 15th century. Our analysis aimed to characterize the badly deteriorated parts of the codex, mainly the green parts, by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐IR). We will show that a combined study by EPR and IR spectroscopies on model systems allowed us to refine the general information obtained with the other techniques and to identify the binding media surrounding the chromophore Cu(II) ion.
Neuropeptide receptors as potential drug targets in the treatment of inflammatory conditions
Authors: Pintér Erika , Pozsgai Gábor , Hajna Zsófia , Helyes Zsuzsanna , Szolcsányi János
Published: February 2013

Cross‐talk between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems exists via regulator molecules, such as neuropeptides, hormones and cytokines. A number of neuropeptides have been implicated in the genesis of inflammation, such as tachykinins and calcitonin gene‐related peptide. Development of their receptor antagonists could be a promising approach to anti‐inflammatory pharmacotherapy. Anti‐inflammatory neuropeptides, such as vasoactive intestinal peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide, α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone, urocortin, adrenomedullin, somatostatin, cortistatin, ghrelin, galanin and opioid peptides, are also released and act on their own receptors on the neurons as well as on different inflammatory and immune cells. The aim of the present review is to summarize the most prominent data of preclinical animal studies concerning the main pharmacological effects of ligands acting on the neuropeptide receptors. Promising therapeutic impacts of these compounds as potential candidates for the development of novel types of anti‐inflammatory drugs are also discussed.
Tyrosinekinase inhibition facilitates cooperation of transcription factor SALL4 and ABC transporter A3 towards intrinsic CML cell drug resistance
Authors: Hupfeld Timo , Chapuy Bjoern , Schrader Verena , Beutler Markus , Veltkamp Christian , Koch Raphael , Cameron Silke , Aung Thiha , Haase Detlef , LaRosee Paul , Truemper Lorenz , Wulf Gerald G.
Published: February 2013

Although BCR‐ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors reliably induce disease remission for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), unlimited extension of therapy is necessary to prevent relapse from persistent leukaemic cells. Here, we analysed model cell lines and primary CML cells for the expression and functions of the ABC transporter A3 (ABCA3) as well as the embryonic stem cell‐associated transcription factor SALL4. ABCA3 protected leukaemic cells from the cytotoxic effects of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib. In the surviving cells, exposure to tyrosine kinase inhibitors significantly enhanced ABCA3 expression in vivo and in vitro, and was associated with increased expression of SALL4, which binds the ABCA3 promoter. Inhibition of ABCA3 or SALL4 by genetic silencing or indomethacin, but not interferon gamma, interrupted SALL4‐dependent regulation of ABCA3 and restored susceptibility of leukaemic cells to tyrosine kinase inhibition. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor exposure facilitates a protective loop of SALL4 and ABCA3 cooperation in persistent leukaemic cells.
Indigestible neutral detergent fibre in predictions of grass and red clover silage digestibility
Authors: Krizsan S. J. , Mirzaei Alamouti H. , Rinne M. , Huhtanen P.
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of correcting indigestible neutral detergent fibre (iNDF) for the loss of lignin in predictions of silage organic matter digestibility (OMD). Twenty‐five primary and regrowth grass and red clover silages with known in vivo OMD in sheep were used. Silage and faecal samples were analysed by different lignin assays: the Klason method, acid detergent lignin (ADL) and permanganate lignin. The methods were evaluated by the Lucas test. The slopes in Lucas fits of primary and regrowth grass and red clover silages did not differ, and faecal recovery of ADL was not different from unity. The iNDF was recovered from 288‐h in situ incubations in three dairy cows and analysed for ADL. Recovery of ADL in iNDF was 0·562 and 0·801 for grass and red clover silages. Silage concentration of iNDF performed better compared to the different lignin fractions in predicting OMD. Correcting individual samples for loss of ADL as well as using a general correction based on the Lucas fits of ADL in iNDF of grass and red clover silages lowered the prediction error of OMD, but despite losses of ADL in iNDF, the improvements in predictions of OMD were marginal.
Impact of empowerment on professional practice environments and organizational commitment among nurses: A structural equation approach
Authors: Yang Jinhua , Liu Yanhui , Huang Chunping , Zhu Lefeng
Published: February 2013

A higher turnover rate was identified in Chinese staff nurses and it was highly correlated with lower commitment. Empowering work environments that support professional practice have been positively related to nurse outcomes. This study was to integrate structural empowerment theory with magnet hospital characteristics and provide empirical evidence on the relationships between structural empowerment, professional practice environments and organizational commitment. A cross‐sectional design was used to examine the relationships in a sample of 750 full‐time nurses employed in five Chinese hospitals in 2011. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed hypotheses. The results support the hypothesized model. Professional practice environments partially mediated the relationship between empowerment and organizational commitment. Our findings suggest that higher empowerment facilitates the professional practice environments and commitment of these nurses.
Ethical issues in health‐care inquiry: A discussion paper
Authors: Ignacio Jeanette J , Taylor Beverley Joan
Published: February 2013

This paper is a discussion of the possible ethical dilemmas that may arise in both qualitative and quantitative research despite stringent methodological protocols. Three categories of ethical issues will be elaborated on, namely, researcher–participant relations, informed consent and confidentiality and privacy. These are of note because ethical dilemmas most often arise in these areas. Both qualitative and quantitative research types may thus present with problems associated with any, or a combination, of these categories. Methodological rigour will also be discussed as a vital component of any research study. Critics of the qualitative approach have often suggested that the innate lack of methodological rigour has resulted in the preponderance of ethical issues in qualitative studies. Qualitative studies, similar to quantitative studies, have mechanisms that guarantee rigour, quality and trustworthiness. These checks are at par with those of quantitative research but based on different criteria. Both types of research, then, can be considered equal in terms of methodological rigour, regardless of the nature. As no research approach can be perfectly free from threats of ethical issues, it is the researcher's responsibility to address these in ways that will be less harmful to the participants, bearing in mind ethical problems can arise at any time during the research endeavour.
Perception of Mandarin Tones: The Effect of L1 Background and Training
Authors: Wang Xinchun
Published: February 2013

This study investigates whether native Hmong speakers' first language (L1) lexical tone experience facilitates or interferes with their perception of Mandarin tones and whether training is effective for perceptual learning of second (L2) tones. In Experiment 1, 3 groups of beginning level learners of Mandarin with different L1 prosodic background (Hmong, Japanese, and English) took a perception test on Mandarin tones. Both the English and Japanese groups outperformed the Hmong group in perceptual accuracy of Mandarin tones. In Experiment 2, 18 learners with different L1 background received either perception training only or perception with production training on Mandarin tones for 6 hours within 3–4 weeks. Both training paradigms were effective for perceptual learning of Mandarin tone contrasts as the two training groups' perceptual accuracy improved significantly at posttest compared with a control group. Although Hmong speakers initially had more difficulties in perception of Mandarin tones than the other 2 groups, they are by no means disadvantaged by their L1 prosodic background as they gain L2 experience after intensive training.
An Emergent Perspective on the Use of the First Language in the English‐as‐a‐Foreign‐Language Classroom
Authors: Moore Paul J.
Published: February 2013

This study investigates contextual features surrounding the use of a first language (L1) in a Japanese university English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language (EFL) course during peer interaction in the extended preparation phase leading up to two oral presentation tasks (OP1 and OP3), performed seven months apart. Interaction data were analysed in terms of the amount of L1 production, the distribution of L1 use within and across tasks and dyads, and the focus of learner talk. Contextual influences on L1 use were also investigated. The amount of L1 use increased from OP1 to OP3 and the overall proportion of L1 talk was higher than that found in previous studies. Within dyads, learners generally used less L1 over time. This was attributed to the shifting focus of talk from procedural to content‐creation activity. Some learners were consistently high or low users of L1, while others varied. Variability was attributed to differences in second language (L2) proficiency, levels of engagement with the task and/or interlocutor, and the negotiation of task control and pedagogic roles within a dyad. Finally, it was found that the language chosen for the initial utterance of an exchange may influence that of following utterances. The results support the contention that L1 use emerges naturally in classroom discourse and that attempts to influence it should involve raising awareness of contextual conditions surrounding its emergence.
Comparative proteomic analysis coupled with conventional protein assay as a strategy to identify predictors of successful testicular sperm extraction in patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Freour T. , Com E. , Barriere P. , Bouchot O. , Jean M. , Masson D. , Pineau C.
Published: February 2013

Among infertile couples, approximately half have to face with male infertility. In men with non‐obstructive azoospermia, surgical retrieval testicular sperm extraction (TESE) of spermatozoa can be attempted, but with low success rates. A specific biomarker that could predict residual spermatogenesis would obviously be of interest before performing TESE. Thus, our aim was to identify biomarkers of residual spermatogenesis in seminal plasma of patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) using an isotope‐coded protein label (ICPL)‐based proteomic strategy coupled with conventional protein assay. This retrospective study was conducted in 40 men with NOA at the University Hospital of Nantes and Proteomics Core facility Biogenouest – Inserm U1085 – IRSET, Rennes, France. Comparative ICPL proteomic screening of frozen seminal plasma and correlation with TESE outcome allowed the identification of some differentially expressed proteins. Among them, lectin galactoside‐binding, soluble 3 binding protein (LGALS3BP) expression was further confirmed using conventional protein assay, and its interest as a predictor of TESE outcome was then evaluated and compared with conventional clinical and hormonal markers of residual spermatogenesis. Among the 12 differentially expressed proteins identified with comparative ICPL proteomic strategy, seminal LGALS3BP expression was found to be significantly higher in men with successful TESE. Finally, comparative ICPL proteomic screening of seminal plasma appears to be a promising approach for the identification of biomarkers of residual spermatogenesis. LGALS3BP, associated with clinical and hormonal markers, could potentially be used as a predictive marker of successful TESE outcome in patients with NOA.
Prevalence and comorbidities of known diabetes in northeastern Italy
Authors: Valent Francesca , Tillati Silvia , Zanier Loris
Published: February 2013

Aims/Introduction

We aimed at estimating the prevalence and at identifying the frequent comorbidities of diabetes mellitus in a region of northeastern Italy from administrative health data.

Materials and Methods

The prevalence was estimated according to two disease definitions, based on administrative health data. Association rule mining was used to detect comorbid diagnoses that coexisted with a diagnosis of diabetes among patients admitted to the regional hospitals.

Results

The prevalence of known diabetes in 2010 was 6.0–8.1%, with great variations by age class (from approximately 2% <60 years to more than 20% in some elderly age groups). Of 155,494 patients admitted to the hospital in 2011, 9,358 had a diagnosis of diabetes. A total of 12 rules satisfied our criteria for support (>0.5%) and confidence (>5%), and identified nine frequent isolated comorbidities and three pairs of comorbid diagnoses. The rule with the highest support (2.4%) and confidence (39.5%) identified the combination of diabetes and essential hypertension.

Conclusions

Association rule mining was useful, because it showed the complexity of diabetic patients. Clinical management of those patients cannot neglect comorbidities.
Clinical features and etiology of Budd–Chiari syndrome in Chinese patients: A single‐center study
Authors: Cheng Delei , Xu Hao , Lu Zhao‐jun , Hua Rong , Qiu Huan , Du Hongtao , Xu Xinjian , Zhang Jing
Published: February 2013

Background and Aim

The clinical features and etiology of Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) vary from region to region, and there is lack of large sample studies about BCS in China. The aim of the present study was to study the clinical features and etiology of patients with incident BCS in China prospectively.

Methods

A consecutive case series of patients with incident BCS who were diagnosed in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College (Jiangsu, China) were enrolled from September 2010 to December 2011. All of the patients had continuous follow‐ups to record the symptoms, body features, laboratory and radiology findings, and treatment methods through May 2012.

Results

A total of 145 incident cases of BCS were identified. BCS was caused by hepatic venous obstruction in 31% of the patients, inferior vena cava obstruction in 6% of the patients, and 63% suffered from a combination of the two conditions. At least one etiological factor was present in 82% of the patients, with the most common being membranous obstruction (61%). Only 5% of the patients had myeloproliferative neoplasms with a JAK2 V617F mutation, and none of the patients had a factor V Leiden mutation. Eighteen months after a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed, the survival rate and the asymptomatic survival rate were 99% (95% confidence interval, 95–100%) and 93% (95% confidence interval, 89–98%), respectively.

Conclusion

The most prevalent etiological factor for BCS in China is membranous obstruction. Moreover, most Chinese patients with chronic BCS are treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and have an excellent clinical outcome.
Double primary hepatic cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma) in a single patient: A clinicopathologic study of 35 resected cases
Authors: Cao Jie , Huang Liang , Liu Caifeng , Li Jing , Zhang Xianghua , Shen Jun , Li Jun , Lu Lun , Xu Feng , Yan Jianjun , Wu Mengchao , Lau Wan Yee , Yan Yiqun
Published: February 2013

Background and Aim

Combined hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) coexisting in the liver have rarely been reported before. The aim of this study is to report on the clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with double hepatic cancer.

Methods

The clinicopathologic, perioperative, and long‐term survival data of 35 patients who underwent synchronously resection of double hepatic cancer from January 2002 to December 2008 were studied retrospectively. The data were compared with those patients who had pure HCC or ICC during the study period.

Results

The incidence of double hepatic cancer was 0.25%. The male to female ratio was 4:1. The prevalence of hepatitis B infection was very high (35/35). Simultaneously elevated serum α‐fetoprotein and cancer antigen 19‐9 levels (10/35) were observed in 10/35 patients. Metastatic lymph nodes with ICC cells were diagnosed in 4 of 35 patients. Only one patient was diagnosed preoperatively with double hepatic cancer of HCC and ICC. The median overall survival (OS) was 18 months, and the 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year OS rates were 60.0%, 28.9%, and 23.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that the tumor size of ICC, presence of lymph node metastasis, and histological differentiation of the ICC component were independent risk factors of OS.

Conclusion

Double hepatic cancer of HCC and ICC is very rare with distinctive clinicopathologic features. The prognosis of double hepatic cancer was as poor as pure ICC. The ICC component played a more important role than the HCC component in influencing the prognosis of double hepatic cancer.
Relationship between epithelial and stromal TRIM28 expression predicts survival in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Fitzgerald Seán , Sheehan Katherine M , O'Grady Anthony , Kenny Dermot , O'Kennedy Richard , Kay Elaine W , Kijanka Gregor S
Published: February 2013

Background and Aim

TRIM28 is a multi‐domain nuclear protein with pleotropic effects in both normal and tumor cells. In this study, TRIM28 expression in epithelial and stromal tumor microenvironment and its prognostic role in colorectal cancer were investigated.

Methods

Immunohistological staining of TRIM28 was evaluated in tissue microarrays constructed from 137 colorectal cancer patients. The correlations of TRIM28 expression with clinicopathological features and p53 expression were studied. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard modeling were used to assess overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS).

Results

Strong epithelial TRIM28 expression was found in 42% of colorectal cancer tissues. TRIM28 expression correlated significantly with p53 expression in matched cases (P = 0.0168, Spearman rank test). A high epithelial to stromal TRIM28 expression ratio was associated with shorter OS (P = 0.033; log‐rank test) and RFS (P = 0.043; log‐rank test). Multivariate analysis showed that the epithelial to stromal TRIM28 expression ratio was an independent predictor of OS (hazard ratio = 2.136; 95% confidence interval 1.015–4.498, P = 0.046) and RFS (hazard ratio = 2.100; confidence interval 1.052–4.191, P = 0.035).

Conclusion

A high TRIM28 expression ratio between stromal and epithelial compartments in colorectal cancer tissue is an independent predictor of poor prognosis. The pathophysiological role of TRIM28 in carcinogenesis may be dependent on expression levels and cell type within the tumor microenvironment.