bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Of Mice and Meth
Authors: Hatch Daniel L. , Zschau Tony , Hays Arthur , McAllister Kristin , Harrison Michelle , Cate Kelly L. , Shanks Ryan A. , Lloyd Steven A.
Published: April 2014

This article describes an innovative neuropsychopharmacology laboratory that can be incorporated into any research methods class. The lab consists of a set of interconnected modules centered on observations of methamphetamine-induced behavioral changes in mice and is designed to provide students with an opportunity to acquire basic skills necessary for conducting research. To assess the practical utility of this new laboratory, an empirical study was conducted to determine whether different formats of the lab produce similar learning gains. The results suggest that both the live and the media-based variations of this lab are similarly effective. Thus, to facilitate the adoption of the lab, especially in its media-based format, all necessary materials are made available on a dedicated website.
An Era of Wildcats and Sick-outs in Canada? The Continued Decline of Industrial Pluralism and the Case of Air Canada
Authors: Stevens Andrew , Nesbitt Doug
Published: April 2014

In the winter of 2012, the Canadian federal Conservative government introduced back-to-work legislation prohibiting work stoppages at Canada’s largest airline, Air Canada. In the following weeks, wildcat strikes by baggage handlers, ground crew, and even pilots rattled the company. These disputes were preceded in 2011 by another instance of back-to-work legislation and threats of legislation against Air Canada’s customer service workers and flight attendants, respectively. In all cases, the union leadership was legally forced to police their membership and order their members to cease job actions when they erupted. This article situates the Conservative government’s coercive measures to deal with labor unrest at Air Canada within a broader anti-union context, highlighting the continued decline of industrial pluralism in Canada and questioning whether the repeated use and threat of federal back-to-work legislation will open up space for civil disobedience as a new norm in Canadian industrial relations.
Section for Residents and Fellows‐in‐Training Leaders: Where Are They Now?
Authors: Roby Brianne B. , Wilson Meghan N. , Raol Nikhila , Carter John , Kelley Kanwar , Deckard Nathan A. , Yoo Estelle S. , Dowdall Jayme R.
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of prior governing council (GC) members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) Section for Residents and Fellows‐in‐Training (SRF) and assess the impact of early Academy involvement. A survey was conducted via email on all prior AAO‐HNS SRF GC members. The AAO‐HNS SRF has elected 52 GC members since its 2003 inception. Each member served an average of 1.5 year‐long terms. The mean time since completion of training is 4.1 years. A subspecialty fellowship was pursued in 86%. Fifty‐seven percent practice in academic settings, with 3 members advancing to subspecialty division director within their department. More than half (58%) have served on an AAO‐HNS committee, and most are frequent attendees of the annual meeting. All prior members felt involvement in the SRF GC was beneficial, enabling them to gain leadership skills and deeper understanding of the specialty.
Poor Survival for American Indians with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dwojak Sunshine M. , Finkelstein Dianne M. , Emerick Kevin S. , Lee John H. , Petereit Daniel G. , Deschler Daniel G.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To examine patient characteristics, treatment modalities, and human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence to identify potential mediators of disparities that may lead to differences in outcomes for American Indians with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Community cancer centers.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed all patients older than 18 years with a new diagnosis of HNSCC in South Dakota from 1999 to 2009. We assessed tissue samples from cases of oropharyngeal cancer for the presence of HPV DNA.

Results

In total, 474 white patients were compared with 32 American Indians. American Indians experienced significantly worse survival compared with whites (hazard ratio [HR], 0.59; P =. 05), even after controlling for other factors such as age, sex, distance, Charlson comorbidity index, alcohol abuse, smoking, insurance, and disease stage. American Indians had a greater risk of alcohol abuse (68% vs 42%; P =. 008), current smoking (67% vs 49%; P =. 03), living more than 1 hour from a cancer center (81% vs 30%; P <. 001), lacking private insurance (24% vs 68%; P <. 001), and late‐stage disease presentation (stages III and IV) (74% vs 55%; P =. 04). There were no detected differences in age, sex, medical comorbidities, tumor site, tumor grade, HPV status, time to treatment, or type of treatment received.

Conclusion

American Indians in South Dakota with HNSCC have poorer survival compared with white patients. Once presented to a cancer center, American Indians received nearly identical treatment to white patients. Disparities in outcomes arise primarily due to sociodemographic factors and later stage at presentation.
Decentralized time-varying formation control for multi-robot systems
Authors: Antonelli Gianluca , Arrichiello Filippo , Caccavale Fabrizio , Marino Alessandro
Published: May 2014

In this paper, a distributed controller–observer schema for tracking control of the centroid and of the relative formation of a multi-robot system with first-order dynamics is presented. Each robot of the team uses a distributed observer to estimate the overall system state and a motion control strategy for tracking control of time-varying centroid and formation. Proof of the overall convergence of the controller–observer schema for different kinds of connection topologies, as well as for the cases of unsaturated and saturated control inputs is presented. In particular, the solution is proven to work in the case of strongly connected non-switching topologies and in the case of balanced strongly connected switching topologies. In order to complete the work, the approach is validated by experimental tests with a team of five wheeled mobile robots.
Reference ranges for atlantodental interval in adults and its variation with age and gender in a large series of subjects on multidetector computed tomography
Authors: Liu Kai , Xie Fubo , Wang Daocai , Guo Lingfei , Qi Yuangang , Tian Jun , Zhao Bin , Chhabra Avneesh
Published: April 2014

Background

The atlanto-dental interval measurement in the cervical spine in young adults has been reported on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), but has not been systematically assessed in all ages.

Purpose

To evaluate the reference ranges for the atlanto-dental interval (ADI) in a large sample of adult patients on MDCT and to analyze the relationships of these measurements with gender and age of the patients as well as inter-observer performance.

Material and Methods

First, a consecutive series of 700 Chinese patients aged over 18 years undergoing an upper cervical MDCT scan were divided equally into seven age groups. Second, the mid-sagittal image of the atlanto-dental joint was chosen for measurement and ADI was defined as the distance intercepted from the segment line linking the center of anterior atlas tubercle with that of posterior tubercle. Third, the correlation of ADI with age and gender was analyzed using linear regression analysis. Finally, the inter-observer performance was assessed using Bland and Altman’s limits of agreement.

Results

The ADI was 1.77 ± 0.39 mm, 1.61 ± 0.37 mm, 1.58 ± 0.36 mm, 1.41 ± 0.29 mm, 1.31 ± 0.29 mm, 1.34 ± 0.28 mm, and 1.06 ± 0.47 mm in the age groups 18–24 years, 25–29 years, 30–39 years, 40–49 years, 50–59 years, 60–69 years, and older than 70 years, respectively. The range of ADI was 0.85–3.12 mm in the age group 18–39 years, 0.71–2.55 mm in the age group 40–59 years, and 0.00–2.37 mm in the age group older than 60 years. There was no difference between gender and ADI (r = 0.00, P = 1.000). ADI decreased linearly with age (r = –0.511, P = 0.000). The inter-observer performance was reliable.

Conclusion

ADI measurements on MDCT linearly decrease with increasing age, and these are not affected by gender in adult patients. Different reference values might be used at different ages when diagnosing atlantoaxial anterior dislocation or subluxation.

Keywords

Atlanto-dental joint, atlanto-dental interval (ADI), multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).
Influence of levosimendan on organ dysfunction in patients with severely reduced left ventricular function undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Erb Joachim , Beutlhauser Torsten , Feldheiser Aarne , Schuster Birgit , Treskatsch Sascha , Grubitzsch Herko , Spies Claudia
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Levosimendan is an inotropic drug with organ-protective properties due to its activation of mitochondrial KATP channels. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated whether administration of levosimendan prior to cardiopulmonary bypass could reduce organ dysfunction and influence subsequent secondary endpoints.

Patients and methods

Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <30% scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass surgery (with or without valve surgery) received either levosimendan (12.5 mg, 0.1 µg kg−1 per min; n = 17) or placebo ( n = 16) central venous infusion, immediately after anaesthesia induction, as add-on medication to a goal-orientated treatment algorithm.

Results

A total of 33 patients completed the study. There were no statistically significant differences in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, survival, haemodynamic parameters, time to extubation, time in intensive care unit, need for haemodialysis or health-related quality-of-life at 6 months post operation. The levosimendan group compared with the placebo group had significantly lower use of epinephrine (35% versus 81%) and nitroglycerine (6% versus 44%) 24 h postoperation, and significantly less frequent serious adverse events (13% versus 47%).

Conclusions

These preliminary results show that timely perioperative levosimendan treatment is feasible, has a favourable safety profile safe and may help to prevent low cardiac output syndrome. However, organ function was not preserved. Further studies, using larger sample sizes, are required.
Relationship between lysophosphatidic acid and matrix metalloproteinase-9 plasma concentrations and carotid atheromatous plaque stability in patients with cerebral infarction
Authors: Zhou Zhibin , Li Xiaohao , Yang Bo , Jiang Dan
Published: April 2014

Objective:

To investigate the correlation between plasma lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and carotid atheromatous plaque stability in patients with cerebral infarction.

Method:

Patients with cerebral infarction underwent carotid artery duplex ultrasonography and transcranial Doppler monitoring for detection of microemboli. Patients were stratified by plaque type (no plaque, intima thickening, unstable plaque, stable plaque) and presence or absence of micoremboli. Plasma LPA and MMP-9 were quantified.

Result:

LPA and MMP-9 concentrations were significantly higher and microemboli positivity was significantly more common in patients with unstable plaque ( n = 21) than the other three groups (intima thickening, n = 16; stable plaque n = 41; no plaque; n = 12). There was a significant positive correlation between LPA and MMP-9 concentrations.

Conclusion:

Plasma LPA and MMP-9 concentrations may be useful biomarkers in the clinical identification and prediction of unstable plaque, and in guiding treatment.
The Baby-Friendly Initiative in Spain
Authors: Hernández-Aguilar Maria Teresa , Lasarte-Velillas Juan José , Martín-Calama Jesús , Flores-Antón Beatriz , Borja-Herrero Cintia , García-Franco María , Navas-Lucena Victoria , Pallás-Alonso Carmen
Published: April 2014

The Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI-Spain) was founded in 1995 by members of key professional associations (pediatricians, midwives, obstetricians, and nurses) and some mother-to-mother support groups. The United Nations International Children’s Fund was instrumental in supporting the establishment of BFI-Spain as a not-for-profit organization. In 2007, the need for change was identified. A detailed analysis of BFI-Spain identified its main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. A new strategic plan was devised that included the adoption of a staged accreditation system, a new website, expanding the initiative into the community, consolidating working teams to distribute tasks and responsibilities, and trying to involve the national health authorities. This article describes the analysis that was undertaken, the strategies implemented, and some of the outcomes observed 4 years later. The aim of the article is to support BFI teams in other countries who might be facing similar challenges.
A Korean Version of the Appraisal of Diabetes Scale (ADS-K)
Authors: Lee Eun-Hyun , Lee Young Whee , Lee Kwan-Woo , Nam Moonsuk , Kim Yong Seong , Han Seung Jin
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Appraisal of Diabetes Scale (ADS) in Korean patients with Type 2 diabetes. The English-language version of the ADS was translated into Korean using a forward-and-backward translation technique. The Korean version of the ADS (ADS-K) was administered to 250 patients who were recruited from two university hospitals. The data were analyzed using principal-component analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, analysis of variance, t test, and Pearson’s correlation. Six of seven items were meaningfully clustered into a two-factor structure by principal-component analysis, these factors accounting for 63.75% of the total variance. The underlying structure was consistent regardless of either gender or the presence of complications. The Cronbach’s alpha of the subscales ranged from .71 to .79, indicating an acceptable internal consistency reliability. As hypothesized, the ADS-K score was moderately correlated with the diabetes-specific quality of life and had satisfactory convergent validity. The known-groups validity of the ADS-K was established using depression groups and HbA1c control status. The ADS-K demonstrated good psychometric properties. In addition, it possessed satisfactory practical properties, such as acceptability and feasibility. Therefore, the ADS-K appears to be suitable for use in both clinical research and clinical practice.
Experimental study of active control for a flexible beam with nonlinear hysteresis and time delay
Authors: Liu Kun , Chen Long-Xiang , Cai Guo-Ping
Published: April 2014

In this paper, an active controller for a nonlinear and hysteretic structure with time delay is studied. The nonlinear and hysteretic behavior of the system is illustrated by the Bouc-Wen model. The genetic algorithm is used to identify the optimal parameters of the Bouc-Wen model in order to describe the hysteresis phenomenon of the experimental system. By specific transformation and augmentation of state parameters, the motion equation of the system with explicit time delay is transformed into the standard state space representation without any explicit time delay. Then the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method and instantaneous optimal control method are applied to the controller design with time delay. Finally, numerical simulation and experimental results of a flexible beam using the proposed time delay controller are carried out. The results indicate that the control performance will deteriorate if time delay is not taken into account in the controller design. The time delay controller proposed in this paper can not only effectively compensate time delay to get better control effectiveness, but also work well with both small and large time delay problems.
Safety of inadvertent administration of overdose of intrathecal Cytarabine in a pediatric patient
Authors: Omar Suha Al , Amayiri Nisreen , Madanat Faris
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To describe a medication error of intrathecal Cytarabine overdose that was managed conservatively with no apparent toxicities.

An 11-year-old girl was diagnosed with bone marrow relapsed precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. According to her chemotherapy protocol, she was started on triple intrathecal chemotherapy consisting of Methotrexate, Cytarabine and Hydrocortisone on day 1 of the protocol. After the intrathecal therapy being administered to the patient, the pharmacist who checked the medication realized that the wrong formulation of Cytarabine was used to prepare the intrathecal therapy; this error resulted in five times overdose of Cytarabine. The patient was then managed conservatively without cerebrospinal fluid exchange. Our patient remained clinically and neurologically stable without apparent toxicities and was discharged safely from hospital.

Conclusion

Supportive care without the need for invasive procedures such as cerebrospinal fluid exchange may be adequate for managing intrathecal Cytarabine overdose.
Periprosthetic fractures around total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Davis N , Higgins G
Published: April 2014

Periprosthetic fractures around total knee replacements were first reported more than 30 years ago. They are becoming more common. Various associated risk factors have been described. Treatment options for femoral fractures around total knee replacements include non-operative management, locked plates, retrograde intramedullary nails and revision arthroplasty. Periprosthetic fractures of the tibia and patella are also described, but are less common. This review article provides an overview of the epidemiology and frequency of periprosthetic fractures around total knee replacement, their initial assessment and the current treatment options available.
Modeling human gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases using microphysiological culture systems
Authors: Hartman Kira G , Bortner James D , Falk Gary W , Ginsberg Gregory G , Jhala Nirag , Yu Jian , Martín Martín G , Rustgi Anil K , Lynch John P
Published: April 2014

Gastrointestinal illnesses are a significant health burden for the US population, with 40 million office visits each year for gastrointestinal complaints and nearly 250,000 deaths. Acute and chronic inflammations are a common element of many gastrointestinal diseases. Inflammatory processes may be initiated by a chemical injury (acid reflux in the esophagus), an infectious agent ( Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach), autoimmune processes (graft versus host disease after bone marrow transplantation), or idiopathic (as in the case of inflammatory bowel diseases). Inflammation in these settings can contribute to acute complaints (pain, bleeding, obstruction, and diarrhea) as well as chronic sequelae including strictures and cancer. Research into the pathophysiology of these conditions has been limited by the availability of primary human tissues or appropriate animal models that attempt to physiologically model the human disease. With the many recent advances in tissue engineering and primary human cell culture systems, it is conceivable that these approaches can be adapted to develop novel human ex vivo systems that incorporate many human cell types to recapitulate in vivo growth and differentiation in inflammatory microphysiological environments. Such an advance in technology would improve our understanding of human disease progression and enhance our ability to test for disease prevention strategies and novel therapeutics. We will review current models for the inflammatory and immunological aspects of Barrett's esophagus, acute graft versus host disease, and inflammatory bowel disease and explore recent advances in culture methodologies that make these novel microphysiological research systems possible.
The Threat of Living Up to Expectations
Authors: Rodríguez Bryan A.
Published: April 2014

The present study examines whether the recognition of stereotypes undermines the academic performance of Hispanic students, a phenomenon known as stereotype threat. With regard to race, stereotype threat has been examined predominately between African American and White students, yet limited research has investigated how Hispanic students respond to negative racial stereotypes. This study utilizes a t test to explore whether the presence of negative racial stereotypes influences the academic performance of Hispanic students on standardized tests. Data from the study suggest that racial stereotypes inside the classroom have a negative influence on the academic performance of Hispanic college students on standardized exams.
Electroencephalographic Data Analysis With Visibility Graph Technique for Quantitative Assessment of Brain Dysfunction
Authors: Bhaduri Susmita , Ghosh Dipak
Published: April 2014

Usual techniques for electroencephalographic (EEG) data analysis lack some of the important properties essential for quantitative assessment of the progress of the dysfunction of the human brain. EEG data are essentially nonlinear and this nonlinear time series has been identified as multi-fractal in nature. We need rigorous techniques for such analysis. In this article, we present the visibility graph as the latest, rigorous technique that can assess the degree of multifractality accurately and reliably. Moreover, it has also been found that this technique can give reliable results with test data of comparatively short length. In this work, the visibility graph algorithm has been used for mapping a time series—EEG signals—to a graph to study complexity and fractality of the time series through investigation of its complexity. The power of scale-freeness of visibility graph has been used as an effective method for measuring fractality in the EEG signal. The scale-freeness of the visibility graph has also been observed after averaging the statistically independent samples of the signal. Scale-freeness of the visibility graph has been calculated for 5 sets of EEG data patterns varying from normal eye closed to epileptic. The change in the values is analyzed further, and it has been observed that it reduces uniformly from normal eye closed to epileptic.
Role of consolidation with yttrium-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan in patients with advanced-stage follicular lymphoma
Authors: Sánchez Ruiz Antonio C. , de la Cruz-Merino Luis , Provencio Pulla Mariano
Published: April 2014

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) accounts for 4% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States. Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common type of indolent NHL with a survival from 5 to 15 years. Although it is very sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, relapses are the main cause of therapeutic failure, and currently there is no consensus on the first-line treatment and optimal therapeutic strategies for patients with FL. Immediate treatment offers any survival benefit for asymptomatic and more indolent disease. In order to improve outcomes in FL, extend the remission, postpone the need for chemotherapy and improve OS, maintenance therapies with rituximab and consolidation treatments represent very attractive strategies. 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan (90Y-IT, Zevalin®) is approval as consolidation therapy in previously untreated FL patients who achieve response to first-line chemotherapy. Consolidation therapy with 90Y-IT after initial induction treatment has shown improved activity compared with induction chemotherapy alone, even in patients previously treated with rituximab, in one phase III and several phase II trials, improving progression-free survival (PFS) and rate of conversion from partial response (PR) to complete response (CR). The phase III international FIT trial shows an improvement in PFS that is maintained after a median follow up of 7.3 years. Several phase II trials show high rate of conversion from PR to CR and a significant improvement in PFS. Treatment is feasible and well tolerated although myelodysplastic syndrome cases has been observed in some trials. 90Y-IT should be considered for the initial treatment of FL in patients who are unable to tolerate standard chemotherapy, e.g., elderly or frail patients and otherwise in high-risk patients who achieve a PR or CR due to improvements in CR rate and PFS.
Fever Through a Jaundiced Eye
Authors: Kennelly Christina C. , Petz Chelsey A. , Rockey Don C.
Published: April 2014

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is an important clinical entity to consider in a patient with fever and abdominal pain. Previously, the condition was difficult to diagnose and treat, but with the introduction of widely available and reliable imaging techniques, its diagnosis has become more straightforward. Although uncommon, PLA should especially be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with specific predisposing conditions such as underlying biliary tract disease, whether as a result of chronic inflammatory disease or malignancy. The introduction of percutaneous drainage has revolutionized the management of PLA, and thus, this disease has become largely correctable.
miR-150 influences B-cell receptor signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia by regulating expression of GAB1 and FOXP1
Authors: Mraz Marek , Chen Liguang , Rassenti Laura Z. , Ghia Emanuela M. , Li Hongying , Jepsen Kristen , Smith Erin N. , Messer Karen , Frazer Kelly A. , Kipps Thomas J.
Published: May 2014

Key Points

The most abundant miRNA in CLL, miR-150, is expressed at lower levels in cases with unfavorable clinicobiological markers and worse prognosis. miR-150 regulates expression of genes encoding proteins that modulate BCR signaling in CLL.
Mutations in TLR/MYD88 pathway identify a subset of young chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients with favorable outcome
Authors: Martínez-Trillos Alejandra , Pinyol Magda , Navarro Alba , Aymerich Marta , Jares Pedro , Juan Manel , Rozman María , Colomer Dolors , Delgado Julio , Giné Eva , González-Díaz Marcos , Hernández-Rivas Jesús M. , Colado Enrique , Rayón Consolación , Payer Angel R. , Terol Maria José , Navarro Blanca , Quesada Victor , Puente Xosé S. , Rozman Ciril , López-Otín Carlos , Campo Elías , López-Guillermo Armando , Villamor Neus
Published: April 2014

Key Points

Mutations in the TLR/MYD88 pathway occur in 4% of patients with CLL, and they are the most frequent in young patients. TLR/MYD88 mutations in CLL patients confer a good outcome, which is similar to that of the age- and gender-matched healthy population.
Targeted mutagenesis of zebrafish antithrombin III triggers disseminated intravascular coagulation and thrombosis, revealing insight into function
Authors: Liu Yang , Kretz Colin A. , Maeder Morgan L. , Richter Catherine E. , Tsao Philip , Vo Andy H. , Huarng Michael C. , Rode Thomas , Hu Zhilian , Mehra Rohit , Olson Steven T. , Joung J. Keith , Shavit Jordan A.
Published: April 2014

Key Points

Juvenile zebrafish tolerate widespread coagulopathy due to complete ablation of antithrombin III, but develop lethal thrombosis as adults. In vivo structure/function analysis of antithrombin III in zebrafish reveals limited roles for heparin-binding and anti-IXa/Xa activity.
Approximating fixed points for generalized nonexpansive mapping in "Equation missing" spaces
Authors: Uddin Izhar , Dalal Sumitra , Imdad Mohammad
Published: May 2014

Takahashi and Kim (Math. Jpn. 48:1-9, 1998) used the Ishikawa iteration process to prove some convergence theorems for nonexpansive mappings in Banach spaces. The aim of this paper is to prove similar results in

CAT
(
0
)

spaces for generalized nonexpansive mappings, which, in turn, generalize the corresponding results of Takahashi and Kim (Math. Jpn. 48:1-9, 1998), Laokul and Panyanak (Int. J. Math. Anal. 3(25-28):1305-1315, 2009), Razani and Salahifard (Bull. Iran. Math. Soc. 37(1):235-246, 2011) and some others.

MSC:47H10, 54H25.
New case of trichorinophalangeal syndrome-like phenotype with a de novo t(2;8)(p16.1;q23.3) translocation which does not disrupt the TRPS1 gene
Authors: Crippa Milena , Bestetti Ilaria , Perotti Mario , Castronovo Chiara , Tabano Silvia , Picinelli Chiara , Grassi Guido , Larizza Lidia , Pincelli Angela Ida , Finelli Palma
Published: May 2014

Background

Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (TRPS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterised by distinctive craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities. TRPS is generally associated with mutations in the TRPS1 gene at 8q23.3 or microdeletions of the 8q23.3-q24.11 region. However, three deletions affecting the same chromosome region and a familial translocation t(8;13) co-segregating with TRPS, which do not encompass or disrupt the TRPS1 gene, have been reported. A deregulated expression of TRPS1 has been hypothesised as cause of the TRPS phenotype of these patients.

Case presentation

We report the clinical and molecular characterisation of a 57-year-old Caucasian woman carrying the t(2;8)(p16.1;q23.3) de novo balanced translocation. The proband presented with peculiar clinical features (severe craniofacial dysmorphism, alopecia universalis, severe scoliosis, mitral valve prolapse, mild mental impairment and normal growth parameters) that partially overlap with TRPS I. Mutational and array CGH analyses ruled out any genetic defect affecting TRPS1 or genomic alteration at the translocation breakpoint or elsewhere in the genome. Breakpoint mapping excluded disruption of TRPS1, and revealed that the chromosome 8q23.3 breakpoint was located within the IVS10 of the long intergenic non-coding RNA LINC00536, at approximately 300 kb from the TRPS1 5’ end. Conversely, the 2p16.1 breakpoint mapped within a LINE sequence, in a region that lacks transcriptional regulatory elements. As a result of the translocation, nucleotide base pair additions and deletions were detected at both breakpoint junction fragments, and an evolutionarily conserved VISTA enhancer element from 2p16.1 was relocated at approximately 325 kb from the TRPS1 promoter.

Conclusions

We suggest that the disruption of the genomic architecture of cis regulatory elements downstream the TRPS1 5′ region, combined with the translocation of a novel enhancer element nearby TRPS1, might be the pathogenetic mechanism underpinning the proband’s phenotype. The clinical and genetic characterisation of the present subject allowed us to make a genetic diagnosis in the context of a known syndrome, contributing to a better comprehension of the complex transcriptional regulation of TRPS1 and TRPS ethiopathogenesis.
Gastritis cystica profunda recurrence after surgical resection: 2-year follow-up
Authors: Wang Lei , Yan Hua , Cao Da-Chun , Huo Li , Huo Hai-Zhong , Wang Bing , Chen Ying , Liu Hai-Lin
Published: April 2014

Background

Gastritis cystica profunda (GCP) is an uncommon disease characterized by multiple cystic gastric glands within the submucosa of the stomach.

Case description

Here, we present a case of a 63-year-old man with intermittent epigastric discomfort in whom gastroscopy revealed multiple irregular elevated nodular lesions with smooth surfaces at the anterior of the antrum. Surgical resection of the nodular lesions was performed, and the diagnosis of gastritis cystica profunda (GCP) was confirmed by histological examination. Another elevated nodular lesion approximately 10 mm in diameter with an ulcer was found on the gastric side of the remnant stomach near the resection side from 6 to 24 months after the surgical resection. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and repeated biopsies of the new elevated lesion were performed. Homogeneous, anechoic masses originating from the submucosa without gastric adenocarcinoma in histological examination showed GCP recurrence may occur.

Conclusions

We report a case of GCP recurrence within 6 months after surgical resection. GCP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of elevated lesions in the stomach.
The life cycle of a customized communication device for a child with cerebral palsy: contributions toward the PD4CAT method
Authors: de Faria Borges Luciana Correia Lima , Filgueiras Lucia Vilela Leite , Maciel Cristiano , Pereira Vinicius Carvalho
Published: May 2014

Background

In this paper, we report the results of an action research conducted to design a communication device to help a non-verbal child develop language skills. Participatory design (PD) is frequently regarded as a convenient approach for designing high assistive technology (HAT) for people with serious speech impairments. However, our literature survey has shown that PD is used in an ad hoc fashion, and so a methodological framework for the inception, construction, and evaluation of HATs is still missing.

Methods

PD4CAT, a participatory design method for customized assistive technology, was used to direct this research.

Results

This method led to the engagement of an impaired child (besides other participants) as a co-designer of a customized assistive technology for his own use. The system resulting from actions performed during this research has helped the child in his rehabilitation process by means of the customized assistive computational technology developed within PD4CAT.

Conclusion

The contributions of this action research include the improvement of PD4CAT by means of guidelines to engage a non-verbal child in participatory design practices, in order to incept his assistive computational technology.
The ATRX cDNA is prone to bacterial IS10 element insertions that alter its structure
Authors: Valle-García David , Griffiths Lyra M , Dyer Michael A , Bernstein Emily , Recillas-Targa Félix
Published: May 2014

The SWI/SNF-like chromatin-remodeling protein ATRX has emerged as a key factor in the regulation of α-globin gene expression, incorporation of histone variants into the chromatin template and, more recently, as a frequently mutated gene across a wide spectrum of cancers. Therefore, the availability of a functional ATRX cDNA for expression studies is a valuable tool for the scientific community. We have identified two independent transposon insertions of a bacterial IS10 element into exon 8 of ATRX isoform 2 coding sequence in two different plasmids derived from a single source. We demonstrate that these insertion events are common and there is an insertion hotspot within the ATRX cDNA. Such IS10 insertions produce a truncated form of ATRX, which significantly compromises its nuclear localization. In turn, we describe ways to prevent IS10 insertion during propagation and cloning of ATRX-containing vectors, including optimal growth conditions, bacterial strains, and suggested sequencing strategies. Finally, we have generated an insertion-free plasmid that is available to the community for expression studies of ATRX.
Classifying leukemia types with chromatin conformation data
Authors: Rousseau Mathieu , Ferraiuolo Maria A , Crutchley Jennifer L , Wang Xue Qing David , Miura Hisashi , Blanchette Mathieu , Dostie Josée
Published: April 2014

Background

Although genetic or epigenetic alterations have been shown to affect the three-dimensional organization of genomes, the utility of chromatin conformation in the classification of human disease has never been addressed.

Results

Here, we explore whether chromatin conformation can be used to classify human leukemia. We map the conformation of the HOXA gene cluster in a panel of cell lines with 5C chromosome conformation capture technology, and use the data to train and test a support vector machine classifier named 3D-SP. We show that 3D-SP is able to accurately distinguish leukemias expressing MLL-fusion proteins from those expressing only wild-type MLL, and that it can also classify leukemia subtypes according to MLL fusion partner, based solely on 5C data.

Conclusions

Our study provides the first proof-of-principle demonstration that chromatin conformation contains the information value necessary for classification of leukemia subtypes.
Response surface modeling for hot, humid air decontamination of materials contaminated with Bacillus anthracis ∆Sterne and Bacillus thuringiensis Al Hakam spores
Authors: Prokop Edward J , Crigler John R , Wells Claire M , Young Alice A , Buhr Tony L
Published: April 2014

Response surface methodology using a face-centered cube design was used to describe and predict spore inactivation of Bacillus anthracis ∆Sterne and Bacillus thuringiensis Al Hakam spores after exposure of six spore-contaminated materials to hot, humid air. For each strain/material pair, an attempt was made to fit a first or second order model. All three independent predictor variables (temperature, relative humidity, and time) were significant in the models except that time was not significant for B. thuringiensis Al Hakam on nylon. Modeling was unsuccessful for wiring insulation and wet spores because there was complete spore inactivation in the majority of the experimental space. In cases where a predictive equation could be fit, response surface plots with time set to four days were generated. The survival of highly purified Bacillus spores can be predicted for most materials tested when given the settings for temperature, relative humidity, and time. These predictions were cross-checked with spore inactivation measurements.
B cells promote obesity-associated periodontitis and oral pathogen-associated inflammation
Authors: Zhu Min , Belkina Anna C , DeFuria Jason , Carr Jordan D , Van Dyke Thomas E , Gyurko Robert , Nikolajczyk Barbara S
Published: April 2014

Individuals with T2D and PD suffer significantly from the ability of one disease to intensify the other. Disease-associated inflammation is one mechanism thought to fuel this pathogenic feed-forward loop. Several lines of evidence indicate that proinflammatory B cells promote T2D and PD; thus, B cells are top candidates for a cell type that predisposes PD in T2D. To test directly the role of B cells in T2D-associated PD, we compared outcomes from oral Porphyromonas gingivalis challenge of lean WT or B cell-null mice with outcomes from mice that were obese and insulin-resistant before challenge. Obese WT mice responded to oral P. gingivalis challenge with significant periodontal bone loss, whereas obese B cell-null mice were protected completely from PD. By contrast, lean WT and B cell-null mice suffer similar periodontal bone loss in response to oral pathogen. B cells from obese/insulin-resistant hosts also support oral osteoclastogenesis and both oral and systemic production of inflammatory cytokines, including pro-osteoclastogenic TNF-α and MIP-2, an ortholog of human IL-8. B cells furthermore impact AT inflammation in obese, P. gingivalis-infected hosts. Taken together, these data show that fundamentally different mechanisms regulate PD in lean and obese hosts, with B cells able to promote PD only if the hosts are “primed” by obesity. These results justify more intense analysis of obesity-associated changes in B cells that predispose PD in human T2D.
An approximate 3D computational method for real-time computation of induction logging responses
Authors: Bensdorp Silvian , Petersen Steen A. , van den Berg Peter M. , Fokkema Jacob T.
Published: May 2014

Over many years, induction logging systems have been used to create well formation logs. The major drawback for the utilization of these tools is the long simulation time for a single forward computation. We proposed an efficient computational method based on a contrast-type of integral-equation formulation, in which we applied an approximation for the 3D electromagnetic field. We assumed that the dominant contribution in the integral equation is obtained by the contribution around the singularity of Green’s kernel. It is expected that the approximation yields reliable results when the (homogeneous) background conductivity around the logging tool is close to the actual conductivity at the location of the tool. We have developed a data-driven method to determine this background conductivity from the dominant part of the measured coaxial magnetic fields, which are mainly influenced by the conductivity at the tool sensors. For a synthetic model, the results were compared to the ones of a rigorous solution of the integral equation and show a good simulation response to small-scale variations in the medium. Further, the method was used to simulate the response of a realistic reservoir model. Such a model is created by a geological modeling program. We concluded that our approximate method was able to improve the approximation results in highly heterogeneous structures compared to the Born approximation and provide an effective medium-gradient around the tool. Our method, based on the wavefield approximation, also estimates the error, and hence yields a warning when the method becomes unreliable.
Inversion of capacitively coupled resistivity (line-antenna) measurements
Authors: Niu Qifei , Wang Yu-Hsing
Published: May 2014

The capacitively coupled resistivity method using line antennas (or electrodes) has been widely applied for various kinds of applications. To solve the associated inversion problem, the general practice (i.e., the indirect inversion method) for 2D surface resistivity surveys is to approximate the line-electrode array by an equivalent point-electrode array, so that the existing direct current resistivity inversion programs can still be used. Based on the experimental evidence from this study that two resistivity arrays with a similar sensitivity (1D) curve offers comparable measurement, we optimized the equivalent point-electrode array by minimizing the sensitivity (1D) difference between the line- and point-electrode arrays in terms of the depth of investigation difference (DID). The dipole length of the optimal equivalent point-electrode array can be determined by considering only the array with the shortest dipole distance. For the line-electrode arrays with the dipole lengths of 2.5, 5, and 10 m, the suggested optimal dipole lengths are 74%, 73%, and 73% of the respective dipole lengths. The numerical examples carried out in this study prove the effectiveness of the indirect inversion method for 2D surface resistivity surveys when the appropriate equivalent point-electrode array with a low DID value is chosen, and vice versa. The direct inversion of the line electrode resistivity measurements from 3D resistivity surveys is achieved with a MATLAB-based, open-source resistivity inversion package called RESINVM3D incorporating line electrodes. The usefulness of this modified code was demonstrated with a numerical example that considered cross-borehole resistivity tomography using line electrode measurements. The location of the assigned resistivity anomaly and the boundary between two soil layers were well captured by the direction inversion.
Austerity and Its Antitheses: Practical Negations of Capitalist Legitimacy
Authors: Browne Craig , Susen Simon
Published: May 2014

This article investigates the manner in which anti-austerity protests constitute practical negations of capitalist legitimacy. The analysis is divided into three parts. The first part discusses the key issues at stake in contemporary anti-austerity protests, from capitalist legitimacy to collective forms of autonomy. The second part examines central sociological dimensions permeating the reality of austerity, from the power of the state, via the pervasive processes of commodification, to the emergence of a “new spirit of capitalism.” The third part reflects on the emancipatory potential of anti-austerity movements, arguing that they contribute to personal and social empowerment, as well as to radical democratization. The article suggests that the recent protests against austerity indicate that there is room not only for despair but also for hope.
Beyond the “Capacity to Veto”: Reflections from Latin America on the Production and Reproduction of the Common
Authors: Gutiérrez-Aguilar Raquel
Published: May 2014

The article reflects on the possibilities and difficulties encountered by the heterogeneous and multiform wave of social struggles in Latin America during the past decade and its effort to produce a political horizon that focuses on the common reappropriation of wealth, beyond and against the progressive state reconstruction and the facilitation of capitalist accumulation. The article approaches the dynamic of social struggles on the basis of their capacity to construct and display a veto capacity against privatization. It argues that the faculty to produce the common is the fundamental condition for the possibility of the struggle itself as well as for the generalization of forms of the political beyond the limits of the state.
Detotalization and Subject: On Zapatismo and Critical Theory
Authors: Tischler Sergio
Published: May 2014

This article establishes a field of dialogue regarding the idea of the revolutionary and rebel subject between the Zapatista movement (EZLN) and critical theory thinkers, particularly Walter Benjamin and Theodor Adorno. It highlights the notions of the antihegemonic subject of Zapatismo, Benjamin’s thesis on the category of constellation and the critique of linear and homogeneous temporality, and the critique of the categories of identity and synthesis formulated by Adorno. The argument proposes detotalization as a convergence point of the constellation of concepts that are displayed very tightly around the idea of the anticapitalist subject.
Too Bad for the Facts: Confronting Value with Hope (Notes on the Argentine Uprising of 2001)
Authors: Dinerstein Ana C.
Published: May 2014

The essay discusses negativity as the force underpinning social antagonism, with particular reference to the fleeting moment of hope experienced in Argentina in December 2001. Developing Ernst Bloch’s notion of “real as process,” the essay problematizes “factual reality” and argues that the “real as process” informs both the process of valorization of capital and the process of prefiguring a reality that is not-yet. In moments of negation/creation value is confronted by hope. Negation creates an excess that occupies a wide space in the reality of struggle that cannot be appropriated by the state.
CDC-42 and RAC-1 regulate opposite chemotropisms inNeurospora crassa
Authors: Lichius Alexander , Goryachev Andrew B. , Fricker Mark D. , Obara Boguslaw , Castro-Longoria Ernestina , Read Nick D.
Published: April 2014

Cell polarization and fusion are crucial developmental processes that occur in response to intracellular and extracellular signals. Asexual spores (conidia) of the mold Neurospora crassa differentiate two types of polarized cell protrusions, germ tubes and conidial anastomosis tubes (CATs), which exhibit negative and positive chemotropism, respectively. We provide the first evidence that shared and separate functions of the Rho-type GTPases CDC-42 and RAC-1 regulate these opposite chemotropisms. We demonstrate that RAC-1 is essential for CAT formation and cell fusion, whereas CDC-42 is necessary and sufficient for normal germ tube development. Cdc42-Rac-interactive-binding (CRIB) reporters were constructed to exclusively label locally activated GTP-bound GTPases. Time course analyses showed that repositioning of these activated GTPase clusters within germ tube and CAT tip apices controls directional growth in the absence of a tip-localized vesicle supply center (Spitzenkörper). We propose a model in which the local assembly of a plasma-membrane-associated GTPase–PAK–MAPK signaling platform regulates chemoattractant perception and secretion in order to synchronize oscillatory cell–cell communication and directional CAT tip growth.