bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wandering spleen with gastric volvulus and intestinal non-rotation in an adult male patient
Authors: Ooka Minako , Kohda Eiichi , Iizuka Yuo , Nagamoto Masashi , Ishii Tomotaka , Saida Yoshihisa , Shimizu Norikazu , Gomi Tatsuya
Published: November 2013

We report an extremely rare case of wandering spleen (WS) complicated with gastric volvulus and intestinal non-rotation in a male adult. A 22-year-old man who had been previously treated for Wilson disease was admitted with severe abdominal pain. Radiological findings showed WS in the midline of the pelvic area. The stomach was mesenteroaxially twisted and intestinal non-rotation was observed. Radiology results did not show any evidence of splenic or gastrointestinal (GI) infarction. Elective emergency laparoscopy confirmed WS and intestinal non-rotation; however, gastric volvulus was not observed. It was suspected that the stomach had untwisted when gastric and laparoscopic tubes were inserted. Surgery is strongly recommended for WS because of the high risk of serious complications; however, some asymptomatic adult patients are still treated conservatively, such as the patient in this study. The present case is reported with reference to the literature.
Computed tomographic findings of radiation-induced acute adrenal injury with associated radiation nephropathy: a case report
Authors: Schieda Nicola , Ramchandani Parvati , Siegelman Evan S
Published: November 2013

Radiation nephropathy was first recognized in 1906. The kidney is a radiosensitive organ with a tolerance dose (5% complications in 5 years) of 20 Gray. The imaging findings of acute and chronic radiation induced renal injury are previously described. Radiation-induced adrenal injury, to our knowledge, has not been described in the literature. Unlike the kidneys and other upper abdominal organs, the adrenal glands are traditionally thought to be radio-resistant, protected from radiation-induced injury by proximity to adjacent organs and by the adrenal medulla which reportedly has increased radio-resistance. We present the computed tomographic imaging findings of a patient with acute radiation induced adrenal injury which resulted in adrenal insufficiency following radiotherapy of an adjacent thecal metastasis.
Regulation of the expression level of transcription factor XylS reveals new functional insight into its induction mechanism at the Pmpromoter
Authors: Zwick Friederike , Lale Rahmi , Valla Svein
Published: November 2013

Background

XylS is the positive regulator of the inducible Pm promoter, originating from Pseudomonas putida, where the system controls a biochemical pathway involved in degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons, which also act as inducers. The XylS/Pm positive regulator/promoter system is used for recombinant gene expression and the output from Pm is known to be sensitive to the intracellular XylS concentration.

Results

By constructing a synthetic operon consisting of xylS and luc, the gene encoding luciferase, relative XylS expression levels could be monitored indirectly at physiological concentrations. Expression of XylS from inducible promoters allowed control over a more than 800-fold range, however, the corresponding output from Pm covered only an about five-fold range. The maximum output from Pm could not be increased by introducing more copies of the promoter in the cells. Interestingly, a previously reported XylS variant (StEP-13), known to strongly stimulate expression from Pm, caused the same maximum activity from Pm as wild-type XylS at high XylS expression levels. Under uninduced conditions expression from Pm also increased as a function of XylS expression levels, and at very high concentrations the maximum activity from Pm was the same as in the presence of inducer.

Conclusion

According to our proposed model, which is in agreement with current knowledge, the regulator, XylS, can exist in three states: monomers, dimers, and aggregates. Only the dimers are active and able to induce expression from Pm. Their maximum intracellular concentration and the corresponding output from Pm are limited by the concentration-dependent conversion into inactive aggregates. Maximization of the induction ratio at Pm can be obtained by expression of XylS at the level where aggregation occurs, which might be exploited for recombinant gene expression. The results described here also indicate that there might exist variants of XylS which can exist at higher active dimer concentrations and thus lead to increased expression levels from Pm.
Exosomes are natural carriers of exogenous siRNA to human cells in vitro
Authors: Shtam Tatyana A , Kovalev Roman A , Varfolomeeva Elena Yu , Makarov Evgeny M , Kil Yury V , Filatov Michael V
Published: November 2013

Background

Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles of endocytic origin that are involved in cell-to-cell communication including shuttle RNA, mainly mRNA and microRNA. As exosomes naturally carry RNA between cells, these particles might be useful in gene cancer therapy to deliver therapeutic short interfering RNA (siRNA) to the target cells. Despite the promise of RNA interference (RNAi) for use in therapy, several technical obstacles must be overcome. Exogenous siRNA is prone to degradation, has a limited ability to cross cell membranes and may induce an immune response. Naturally occurring RNA carriers, such as exosomes, might provide an untapped source of effective delivery strategies.

Results

This study demonstrates that exosomes can deliver siRNA to recipient cells in vitro. The different strategies were used to introduce siRNAs into human exosomes of various origins. The delivery of fluorescently labeled siRNA via exosomes to cells was confirmed using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Two different siRNAs against RAD51 and RAD52 were used to transfect into the exosomes for therapeutic delivery into target cells. The exosome-delivered siRNAs were effective at causing post-transcriptional gene silencing in recipient cells. Moreover, the exosome-delivered siRNA against RAD51 was functional and caused the massive reproductive cell death of recipient cancer cells.

Conclusions

The results strongly suggest that exosomes effectively delivered the siRNA into the target cells. The therapeutic potential of exosome-mediated siRNA delivery was demonstrated in vitro by the strong knockdown of RAD51, a prospective therapeutic target for cancer cells. The results give an additional evidence of the ability to use human exosomes as vectors in cancer therapy, including RNAi-based gene therapy.
Worldwide Trends in Incidence Rates for Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancers
Authors: Chaturvedi Anil K. , Anderson William F. , Lortet-Tieulent Joannie , Curado Maria Paula , Ferlay Jacques , Franceschi Silvia , Rosenberg Philip S. , Bray Freddie , Gillison Maura L.
Published: November 2013

Purpose

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as the cause of the increasing oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) incidence in some countries. To investigate whether this represents a global phenomenon, we evaluated incidence trends for OPCs and oral cavity cancers (OCCs) in 23 countries across four continents.

Methods

We used data from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents database Volumes VI to IX (years 1983 to 2002). Using age-period-cohort modeling, incidence trends for OPCs were compared with those of OCCs and lung cancers to delineate the potential role of HPV vis-à-vis smoking on incidence trends. Analyses were country specific and sex specific.

Results

OPC incidence significantly increased during 1983 to 2002 predominantly in economically developed countries. Among men, OPC incidence significantly increased in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, and Slovakia, despite nonsignificant or significantly decreasing incidence of OCCs. In contrast, among women, in all countries with increasing OPC incidence (Denmark, Estonia, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland, and United Kingdom), there was a concomitant increase in incidence of OCCs. Although increasing OPC incidence among men was accompanied by decreasing lung cancer incidence, increasing incidence among women was generally accompanied by increasing lung cancer incidence. The magnitude of increase in OPC incidence among men was significantly higher at younger ages (< 60 years) than older ages in the United States, Australia, Canada, Slovakia, Denmark, and United Kingdom.

Conclusion

OPC incidence significantly increased during 1983 to 2002 predominantly in developed countries and at younger ages. These results underscore a potential role for HPV infection on increasing OPC incidence, particularly among men.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill: Insights From Veterans Using Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits
Authors: Bell Geri L. , Boland Elizabeth A. , Dudgeon Brian , Johnson Kurt
Published: November 2013

Because the Post-9/11 GI Bill was implemented in August of 2009, increasing numbers of veterans returning from the Global War on Terror (GWT) have drawn on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits. Based on the findings of a mixed-methods study, quantitative and qualitative survey responses from veterans enrolled at a major university, using both Post-9/11 GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) benefits are discussed. When responding to the quantitative questions on the survey, most veterans reported satisfaction with the benefits program. Three major categories emerged from narrative data gained from responses to an open question: (a) comments about provisions of the Post-9/11 GI Bill program, (b) comments about administrative processes, and (c) comments about support services for veterans using Post-9/11 GI Bill and VR&E benefits. The study results suggested that additional resources such as extension of GI Bill entitlement beyond 36 months, additional financial resources, and improvements to veterans’ support services may be necessary for veterans to achieve their educational goals.
Genesis of Arsenic‐Rich Groundwater and the Search for Alternative Safe Aquifers in the Gangetic Plain, India
Authors: Saha Dipankar , Shukla R.R.
Published: November 2013

Distribution and mobilization of groundwater arsenic from a 1580‐km2 area in the Gangetic Plain was studied. A two‐tier aquifer system made up of Quaternary sand layers exists within 300 m below ground. Arsenic concentration exceeding >50 μg/L is confined within the active floodplain of the Ganga River, affecting the top aquitard and upper 5‐ to 20‐m slice of the underlying shallow aquifer. The genesis of arsenic was investigated by principal component analyses involving total dissolved solids, Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, K+, HCO3‐, Cl−1, SO4−2, NO3‐, Fetotal, and Astotal and analyzed for 57 groundwater samples, hydrochemical facies analyses, aquifer‐aquitard configuration, and water‐level behaviour. A 20‐ to 25‐m thick deeper aquifer, appearing at 190 to 205 m below ground and separated from the shallow aquifer by a thick clay sequence, was low in arsenic load (<2 μg/L). Hydrostratigraphy and pumping tests revealed that the deeper aquifer can be used for community drinking in contaminated areas.
Effectiveness of adjuvant trastuzumab in daily clinical practice
Authors: Matos Erika , Zakotnik Branko , Kuhar Cvetka Grasic
Published: November 2013

Background. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer is an entity with aggressive behaviour. One year of adjuvant trastuzumab significantly improves the disease free survival in the range of 40-50% and reduces the risk of dying from HER2 positive breast cancer by one third. Adjuvant treatment with trastuzumab became available in Slovenia in 2005 and the aim of this study is to explore, if the exceptional results reported in adjuvant clinical trials are achieved also in daily clinical practice.

Patients and methods. An analysis of tumour and patient characteristics, type of treatment and outcome (relapse free and overall survival) of 313 patients (median age 52 years) treated at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana in years 2005-2009 was performed.

Results. Median follow-up was 4.4 years. Sixty-one patients relapsed and 24 died. Three and four years relapse free survival was 84.2% and 80.8% and the overall survival was 94.4% and 92.5%, respectively. Independent prognostic factors for relapse were tumour grade (HR 2.10; 95% CI 1.07-4.14; p = 0.031) and nodal stage (HR 1.35; 1.16-1.56; p < 0.0001) and for the overall survival nodal stage only (HR 1.36; 1.05-1.78; p = 0.021).

Conclusions. The outcome in patients with adjuvant trastuzumab in daily clinical practice, treated by medical oncologists, is comparable to results obtained in international adjuvant studies.
Long-term remission of a Her2/neu positive primary breast cancer under double monoclonal antibody therapy with trastuzumab and bevacizumab
Authors: Königsberg Robert , Maierhofer Julia , Steininger Tanja , Kienzer Gabriele , Dittrich Christian
Published: November 2013

Background. The attempt to act on several signalling pathways involved in tumour development simultaneously appears to be more attractive than attacking a single target structure alone. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) over-expression is frequently observed in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2/neu) positive patients with breast cancer and over-expression of the proto-oncogene Her2/neu is associated with an up-regulation of VEGF.

Case report. The case of a Her2/neu positive patient with breast cancer who refused cytotoxic chemotherapy with its potential side effects as well as mastectomy is presented. Our patient has been receiving the combined double administration of bevacizumab and trastuzumab for more than 4 years.

Conclusions. This case report shows that (a) the combined double administration of bevacizumab and trastuzumab was be clinically effective. (b) The combination of bevacizumab and trastuzumab is safe and non-toxic. (c) Bevacizumab and trastuzumab can be used as a long-term application
Selected Dietary Nutrients and the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Males and Females in Saudi Arabia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Al-Daghri Nasser , Khan Nasiruddin , Alkharfy Khalid , Al-Attas Omar , Alokail Majed , Alfawaz Hanan , Alothman Abdulaziz , Vanhoutte Paul
Published: November 2013

During the last decade, the rapid economic development in Saudi Arabia resulted in an unbalanced dietary intake pattern within the general population. Consequently, metabolic syndrome was also documented to be highly prevalent in the Middle-East region. We aimed to examine the relationship between selected dietary nutrient intakes and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the general adult population of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, 185 adult Saudis aged 19 to 60 years (87 males and 98 females (mean age 35.6 ± 13.2 and 37.6 ± 11.7 years, respectively)) were included. The criteria for metabolic syndrome were based on the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) criteria, and the dietary food intake was assessed by two 24-h dietary recall methods. The odd ratios (ORs) of metabolic syndrome risk across quartiles of selected dietary nutrients were significantly lower for carbohydrates and proteins, as well as for vitamins A, C, E and K, calcium, zinc and magnesium (p < 0.05 for all) in the female group with metabolic syndrome than those without. The pattern of daily dietary intake of selected nutrients among the general population of Saudi Arabia raises concern, and this dietary imbalance could increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, particularly in adult Saudi females.
Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal Aquifers: A Primary Case Study along the Adriatic Coast Investigated within a Probabilistic Framework
Authors: Felisa Giada , Ciriello Valentina , Di Federico Vittorio
Published: November 2013

Environmentally sensitive areas along coastlines may be adversely affected by saltwater intrusion (SI), a condition which can be worsened by extensive groundwater extraction. Given the uncertainty of problem parameters, the risk of contamination of the vegetation capture zone needs to be cast in a probabilistic framework. In order to exemplify real situations existing along the Adriatic coast of Emilia-Romagna, a case study involving a pinewood strip and a well field drawing freshwater from an unconfined coastal aquifer was examined. On the basis of a widely adopted sharp interface formulation, key hydrogeological problem parameters were modeled as random variables, and a global sensitivity analysis was carried out to determine their influence on the position of the interface. This analysis utilized an efficient model reduction technique based on Polynomial Chaos Expansion. The risk that saltwater intrusion affects coastal vegetation was then evaluated via a two-step procedure by computing the probability that (i) the leading edge of the saltwater wedge reaches the sensitive area in the horizontal plane, and (ii) the freshwater/saltwater interface reaches the capture zone. The influence of the design parameters of the well field on the overall probability of contamination was investigated, revealing the primary role of the pumping discharge in the examined configuration.
Determinación del contenido de silicio y cromo en fundiciones grises mediante el método de Van der Pauw
Authors: Tremps E. , Enríquez J. L. , Morón C. , García A. , Gómez A.
Published: November 2013

En este trabajo se presenta un sistema basado en la medida de la resistividad de las muestras de la fundición gris mediante el método de Van der Pauw para evaluar el contenido de silicio presente en dichas muestras. Se han realizado 25 ensayos diferentes y se han estudiado las características resistivas y metalográficas de todas las muestras, demostrando que es también posible obtener mediante este método el contenido de silicio en fundiciones con contenidos bajos de aleantes o el contenido de cromo en series de fundiciones en las que la tasa de silicio se mantenga constante y conocida.
Melphalan-Induced Apoptosis of EBV-Transformed B Cells through Upregulation of TAp73 and XAF1 and Nuclear Import of XPA
Authors: Park Ga Bin , Kim Yeong-Seok , Kim Daejin , Kim Seonghan , Lee Hyun-Kyung , Cho Dae-Ho , Lee Wang Jae , Hur Dae Young
Published: November 2013

Melphalan (Mel) is widely used to treat patients with hematologic cancer, including multiple myeloma, but its mechanism of action in EBV-transformed B cells is poorly described. In this study, we demonstrate a novel mechanism by which transcriptionally active p73 (TAp73) induces translocation of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein–associated factor 1 (XAF1) and xeroderma pigmentosum group A (XPA) during apoptosis caused by Mel treatment. We observed that Mel induced significant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent apoptosis, as well as an early phosphorylation of p38 MAPK that preceded expression of the mitochondria membrane potential disruption–related molecules and the cleavage of caspases. In particular, Mel led to upregulation of TAp73, XAF1, and Puma and induced XPA nuclear import and translocation of Bax into mitochondria. Mel-induced apoptosis was inhibited by pretreatment with the ROS scavenger 4-amino-2,4-pyrrolidine-dicarboxylic acid (APDC) and the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580. We supposed that ROS generation might be the first event in Mel-induced apoptosis, because APDC blocked the increase in ROS, p38 MAPK, and TAp73, but SB203580 did not block ROS generation. Moreover, Mel elicited activation of ATR, and APDC inhibited phosphorylation of ATR but not SB203580. APDC and SB203580 completely blocked XPA and Bax translocation. We conclude that Mel promotes TAp73-mediated XAF1 and Puma expression via ROS generation and ATR/p38 MAPK pathway activation, thereby triggering apoptosis. Our results provide evidence of a novel alternate regulatory mechanism of TAp73 and reveal that Mel may be a therapeutic drug for curing EBV-related malignancies.
Alveolar Macrophages Are Critical for the Inhibition of Allergic Asthma by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Mathias Louisa J. , Khong Sacha M. L. , Spyroglou Lisa , Payne Natalie L. , Siatskas Christopher , Thorburn Alison N. , Boyd Richard L. , Heng Tracy S. P.
Published: November 2013

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess reparative and immunoregulatory properties, making them attractive candidates for cellular therapy. However, the majority of MSCs administered i.v. encounter a pulmonary impasse and soon disappear from the lungs, raising the question of how they induce such durable immunosuppressive effects. Using a mouse model of allergic asthma, we show that administration of MSCs isolated from human bone marrow, umbilical cord, or adipose tissue provoked a pronounced increase in alveolar macrophages and inhibited hallmark features of asthma, including airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilic accumulation, and Th2 cytokine production. Importantly, selective depletion of this macrophage compartment reversed the therapeutic benefit of MSC treatment on airway hyperresponsiveness. Our data demonstrate that human MSCs exert cross-species immunosuppressive activity, which is mediated by alveolar macrophages in allergic asthma. As alveolar macrophages are the predominant immune effector cells at the air–tissue interface in the lungs, this study provides a compelling mechanism for durable MSC effects in the absence of sustained engraftment.
A review of turbulence measurements using ground-based wind lidars
Authors: Sathe A. , Mann J.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. A review of turbulence measurements using ground-based wind lidars is carried out. Works performed in the last 30 yr, i.e., from 1972–2012 are analyzed. More than 80% of the work has been carried out in the last 15 yr, i.e., from 1997–2012. New algorithms to process the raw lidar data were pioneered in the first 15 yr, i.e., from 1972–1997, when standard techniques could not be used to measure turbulence. Obtaining unfiltered turbulence statistics from the large probe volume of the lidars has been and still remains the most challenging aspect. Until now, most of the processing algorithms that have been developed have shown that by combining an isotropic turbulence model with raw lidar measurements, we can obtain unfiltered statistics. We believe that an anisotropic turbulence model will provide a more realistic measure of turbulence statistics. Future development in algorithms will depend on whether the unfiltered statistics can be obtained without the aid of any turbulence model. With the tremendous growth of the wind energy sector, we expect that lidars will be used for turbulence measurements much more than ever before.
Variability of above-ground litter inputs alters soil physicochemical and biological processes: a meta-analysis of litterfall-manipulation experiments
Authors: Xu S. , Liu L. L. , Sayer E. J.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Global change has been shown to alter the amount of above-ground litter inputs to soil greatly, which could cause substantial cascading effects on below-ground biogeochemical cycling. Despite extensive study, there is uncertainty about how changes in above-ground litter inputs affect soil carbon and nutrient turnover and transformation. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis on 70 litter-manipulation experiments in order to assess how changes in above-ground litter inputs alter soil physicochemical properties, carbon dynamics and nutrient cycles. Our results demonstrated that litter removal decreased soil respiration by 34%, microbial biomass carbon in the mineral soil by 39% and total carbon in the mineral soil by 10%, whereas litter addition increased them by 31, 26 and 10%, respectively. This suggests that greater litter inputs increase the soil carbon sink despite higher rates of carbon release and transformation. Total nitrogen and extractable inorganic nitrogen in the mineral soil decreased by 17 and 30%, respectively, under litter removal, but were not altered by litter addition. Overall, litter manipulation had a significant impact upon soil temperature and moisture, but not soil pH; litter inputs were more crucial in buffering soil temperature and moisture fluctuations in grassland than in forest. Compared to other ecosystems, tropical and subtropical forests were more sensitive to variation in litter inputs, as altered litter inputs affected the turnover and accumulation of soil carbon and nutrients more substantially over a shorter time period. Our study demonstrates that although the magnitude of responses differed greatly among ecosystems, the direction of the responses was very similar across different ecosystems. Interactions between plant productivity and below-ground biogeochemical cycling need to be taken into account to predict ecosystem responses to environmental change.
Subcritical water extraction to isolate kinetically different soil nitrogen fractions
Authors: Sleutel S. , Kader M. A. , Demeestere K. , Walgraeve C. , Dewulf J. , De Neve S.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Soil organic N is largely composed of inherently biologically labile proteinaceous N and its persistence in soil is mainly explained by stabilization through binding to minerals and other soil organic matter (SOM) components at varying strengths. In order to separate kinetically different soil N fractions we hypothesize that an approach which isolates soil N fractions on the basis of bonding strength is required, rather than employing chemical agents or physical methods. We developed a sequential subcritical water extraction (SCWE) procedure at 100, 150 and 200 °C to isolate SOM fractions. We assessed these SCWE N fractions as predictors for aerobic and anaerobic N mineralization measured from 25 paddy soil cores in incubations. SCWE organic carbon (SCWE OC) and N (SCWE N) increased exponentially with the increase of temperature and N was extracted preferentially over OC. The efficiency of SCWE and the selectivity towards N were both lower in soils with increasingly reactive clay mineralogy. Stepwise linear regression found no relations between the SCWE fractions and the anaerobic N mineralization rate but instead with pH and a model parameter describing the temperature dependency of SCWE extraction. Both were linked to texture, mineralogy and content of pedogenic oxides, which suggests an indirect relation between anaerobic NH4+ release and these edaphic soil factors. N mineralization appeared to be largely decoupled from SOM quantity and quality. From the present study on young paddy soils low in pedogenic oxides and with high fixed NH4+ content we cannot infer the performance of SCWE to isolate bio-available N in more developed upland soils. There may be potential to separate kinetically different SOM pools from upland soils because 1° for aerobic N mineralization at 100–150 °C SCWE N was the best predictor; and 2° SCWE selectively extracted N over C and this preference depended on the mineralogical composition. Hence N fractions differing in bonding strength with minerals or SOM might be isolated at different temperatures, and specifically this association has frequently been found a prominent stabilization mechanism of N in temperate region cropland soils.
Adapting to Shifting Tides: Science and the Policy Implications of Coastal Change
Authors: Anderson John , Griggs Gary , Nicholls Robert , Uhlenbrock Kristan
Published: November 2013

Acceleration of sea‐level rise (SLR) in response to global climate change is well under way. Global SLR averages about 3 millimeters per year over the past several decades, in comparison to an average rate of a fraction of a millimeter per year over the past few thousand years. The increased rate of SLR is exacerbated on a regional scale by decadal scale oscillations in sea level that are due to oceanographic processes, varying wave climate (wave height, period, and direction), coastal subsidence due to subsurface fluid extraction, and anthropogenic alterations in sediment supply to the shoreline, in particular the alteration of sediment delivery and distribution within deltas.
Anthropogenic aerosols increasing over India
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: November 2013

Aerosol particles in the Earth's atmosphere scatter and absorb light differently at different wavelengths, thereby affecting the amount of incoming sunlight that reaches the planet's surface and the amount of heat that escapes, potentially altering the planet's climate. Most recent regional studies of aerosol trends have used satellite data to examine aerosol levels over ocean regions; fewer regional studies have measured aerosol over land.
Understanding oxygen depletion on the Oregon coastal shelf
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: November 2013

Each spring the winds off Oregon shift, changing ocean currents and spurring the onset of the upwelling season, an approximately 4‐month period when cold, nutrient‐rich, oxygen‐depleted deep water is driven into the coastal region. However, in recent decades, measurements have shown that the concentration of oxygen in the waters off Oregon has been decreasing. In the past few years, summer hypoxia—in which oxygen is depleted enough to harm aquatic organisms—has been getting more and more severe.
Spark Plasma Sintering: Homogenization of the Compact Temperature Field for Non Conductive Materials
Authors: Vanherck Thierry , Jean Guillaume , Gonon Maurice , Lobry Jacques , Cambier Francis
Published: November 2013

Spark Plasma Sintering presents many advantages in comparison with more conventional sintering techniques. Nevertheless, one of its main drawbacks is the heterogeneity of temperature field during the dwell of the temperature cycle, giving heterogeneous final microstructure. In this article, we propose to optimize the temperature field in the compact in order to obtain an almost homogeneous temperature only by modifying the tools dimensions. This optimization is based on the use of a coupled thermoelectric finite element model of the process. Finally, we present the sintering conditions influencing the optimization parameter.
Reaction Kinetics for Lead‐Free 0.94(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3–0.06LiNbO3 Ceramic Synthesis with Ultrasonic Irradiation
Authors: Tan Chee Kiang Ivan , Jiang Ying , Tan Dennis Cheng Cheh , Yao Kui , Sritharan Thirumany
Published: November 2013

The effects of ultrasonic irradiation treatment at room temperature on the nonisothermal reaction kinetics for the formation of 0.94(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3‐0.06LiNbO3 (0.94KNN–0.06LN) lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics were studied. It was observed that sonication dramatically decreased the sizes of the starting material aggregates and enhanced the interaction between the individual reactants even at room temperature. Through quantitative analyses on the activation energies of the decomposition of the starting alkali carbonates and formation of the resulting perovskite phase, it was found that the activation energies decreased with increasing ultrasonic power. More interestingly, the activation barrier for the decomposition of the carbonates was reduced to below the critical value for the crystallization of the perovskite phase with the high irradiation power, so that the reaction of forming the perovskite phase was not rate‐limited by the decomposition of the carbonates. This finding highlights the significance of ultrasound utility in processing KNN‐based ceramics with reduced synthesis temperature and thus improved control of chemical stoichiometry.
Sovereign Default, Domestic Banks, and Financial Institutions
Authors: GENNAIOLI NICOLA , MARTIN ALBERTO , ROSSI STEFANO
Published: November 2013

We present a model of sovereign debt in which, contrary to conventional wisdom, government defaults are costly because they destroy the balance sheets of domestic banks. In our model, better financial institutions allow banks to be more leveraged, thereby making them more vulnerable to sovereign defaults. Our predictions: government defaults should lead to declines in private credit, and these declines should be larger in countries where financial institutions are more developed and banks hold more government bonds. In these same countries, government defaults should be less likely. Using a large panel of countries, we find evidence consistent with these predictions.
Twin Picks: Disentangling the Determinants of Risk‐Taking in Household Portfolios
Authors: CALVET LAURENT E. , SODINI PAOLO
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates risk‐taking in the liquid portfolios held by a large panel of Swedish twins. We document that the portfolio share invested in risky assets is an increasing and concave function of financial wealth, leading to different risk sensitivities across investors. Human capital, which we estimate directly from individual labor income, also affects risk‐taking positively, while internal habit and expenditure commitments tend to reduce it. Our microfindings lend strong support to decreasing relative risk aversion and habit formation preferences. Furthermore, heterogeneous risk sensitivities across investors help reconcile individual preferences with representative‐agent models.
Association of Metabolite Concentrations and Water Diffusivity in Normal Appearing Brain Tissue with Glioma Grade
Authors: Maudsley Andrew A. , Roy Bhaswati , Gupta Rakesh K. , Sheriff Sulaiman , Awasthi Rishi , Gu Meng , Husain Nuzhat , Mohakud Sudipa , Behari Sanjay , Spielman Daniel M.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Studies of brain tumors have identified altered tissue metabolism and water diffusion in MRI normal appearing tissue regions. In this retrospective study the relationship of these imaging measures with tumor grade in gliomas was investigated.

METHODS

MR spectroscopic imaging of whole brain and mean diffusivity (MD) measurements were obtained in subjects with untreated glioma and from normal control subjects. Mean metabolite values for N‐acetylaspartate (NAA), total creatine (Cre), and total choline (Cho) were obtained in gray‐ and white‐matter regions for the hemisphere contralateral to the tumor location, and MD values were obtained from contralateral normal‐appearing white matter. Analyses tested for differences in mean values between subject groups while accounting for age.

RESULTS

Analysis demonstrated increased NAA/Cre and MD, and decreased Cho/NAA for all tumor grades relative to control values. Differences between tumor grades were also observed for NAA, NAA/Cre, and Cho/NAA. Abnormal values of water diffusion were also observed, but with only a weak association between alterations in diffusion and tissue metabolites.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports previous observations of altered tissue metabolism and water diffusion in normal‐appearing white matter while additionally finding differences of metabolite values in gray matter and an association with tumor grade.
A Sharp RIP Condition for Orthogonal Matching Pursuit
Authors: Dan Wei
Published: November 2013

A restricted isometry property (RIP) conditionδK+KθK,1<1is known to be sufficient for orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) to exactly recover everyK-sparse signalxfrom measurementsy=Φx. This paper is devoted to demonstrate that this condition is sharp. We construct a specific matrix withδK+KθK,1=1such that OMP cannot exactly recover someK-sparse signals.
Donor‐Like Surface Traps on Two‐Dimensional Electron Gas and Current Collapse of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs
Authors: Yu Chen-hui , Luo Qing-zhou , Luo Xiang-dong , Liu Pei-sheng
Published: November 2013

The effect of donor‐like surface traps on two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) and drain current collapse of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) has been investigated in detail. The depletion of 2DEG by the donor‐like surface states is shown. The drain current collapse is found to be more sensitive to the addition of positive surface charges. Surface trap states with higher energy levels result in weaker current collapse and faster collapse process. By adopting an optimized backside doping scheme, the electron density of 2DEG has been improved greatly and the current collapse has been greatly eliminated. These results give reference to the improvement in device performance of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs.
Expression of hypoxia-related markers in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors of the head and neck
Authors: Wang Kui-Rong , Jiang Tao , Wu Ting-Ting , Zhou Shui-Hong , Yao Hong-Tian , Wang Qin-Ying , Lu Zhong-Jie
Published: November 2013

Background

The etiology of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) is controversial and the prognosis is unpredictable. Previous studies have not investigated the expression of hypoxia-related markers in IMTs.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2012, 12 consecutive patients with histologically proven IMTs were enrolled in the study. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect GLUT-1, HIF-1α, PI3K, and p-Akt expression in paraffin-embedded tumor specimens. Associations among GLUT-1, HIF-1α, PI3K, and p-Akt protein expression and clinical parameters were investigated.

Results

The mean duration of follow-up was 52.1 months (range, 11 to 132 months). Six patients had local recurrence. GLUT-1, HIF-1α, PI3K, and p-Akt expression were detected in 41.7%, 50.0%, 33.3%, and 41.7% of patients, respectively. Fisher’s exact test revealed significant correlations between recurrence of IMT and PI3K expression (P = 0.01) and p-Akt expression (P = 0.015). Univariate analyses revealed significant correlations between survival and GLUT-1 expression (P = 0.028), PI3K expression (P = 0.006), and p-Akt expression (P = 0.028). Multivariate analysis did not show a significant relationship between survival and GLUT-1, HIF-1α, PI3K, or p-Akt. Spearman rank correlation analysis showed significant correlations between HIF-1α and PI3K expression (r = 0.707, P = 0.01) and between p-Akt and PI3K expression (r = 0.837, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Although our results are inconclusive owing to the small sample size, they suggest that PI3K and p-Akt expression may play a role in the recurrence of IMTs of the head and neck.
The Festuco-Brometea Grasslands on Sandstone and Marl-Clay-Sandstone Substrata in Tuscany (Northern-Central Italy)
Authors: Foggi Bruno , Lastrucci Lorenzo , Gennai Matilde , Viciani Daniele
Published: November 2013

The grasslands dominated by Bromus erectus and/or Brachypodium rupestre cover large areas on sandstone and marl-clay-sandstone substrata (limestone is excluded), of the Apennines and pre-Apennines between Pistoia and Arezzo provinces (Tuscany, Central Italy). Our investigation was focused on to 71 unpublished releves and 45 literature releves from Tuscany and surrounding areas, reporting the original releves of Astragalo monspessulani-Brometum erecti, Centaureo bracteatae-Brometum erecti and Ononido masquillerii-Brometum erecti. The releves were submitted to exploratory multivariate analysis, allowing to detect nine distinct groups. Their consistence was verified by mean of NMDS against Ellenberg/Pignatti indicator values, and CCA constrained against chorotypes and growth forms. Diagnostic species of the definitive groups resulting from the analysis were chosen according to species fidelity, based on the φ coefficient of association. The analysis splits the data set in two main subclusters; the first one (A) includes few releves of low altitude, thermophilous conenoses, interpreted as a transition between the submediterranean aspects of Festuco-Brometea class and other Mediterranean herbaceous and shrubby classes; the second subcluster (B) includes most of the data set and can be clearly subdivided in pioneering, mesoxerophilous communities (B1 and B2a groups) and mesophilous communities (B2b group). The releves of clusters B1 and B2a are referred to Coronillo minimae-Astragaletum monspessulanii association and to three other groups: Plantago argentea-Carex caryophyllea communities, Tragopogon samaritani-Bromus erectus communities, Festuco trachyphyllae-Brometum erecti ass. nova. The mesophilous group (B2b) includes the original Centaureo bracteatae-Brometum erecti and Ononido masquillerii-Brometum erecti releves, together with a slightly differentiated community; due to the non-relevant differences between these grassland types from floristic, ecological and chorological perspectives, we propose herewith to treat them as three subassociations of Centaureo bracteatae-Brometum erecti (typicum, ononidetosum masquillerii and linetosum cathartici). Post-cultural grasslands in human-disturbed areas were also detected. All these communities can be attributed to Polygalo mediterraneae-Bromenion erecti suballiance (Bromion alliance), even if a clear subdivision between the mesoxerophilous pioneer aspects and the more mesophilous and evolved ones can be noted.
DO FISH HAVE RIGHTS IN ARTISANAL FISHERIES? / CZY POŁAWIANE RYBY MAJA PRAWA W RYBACTWIE TRADYCYJNYM (NIE-PRZEMYSŁOWYM)?
Authors: Mustapha Moshood K.
Published: November 2013

Artisanal fishers in the developing world are unaware that fish are capable of suffering or experience discomfort, though researches have shown that fish do feel pain. Five fish welfare domains have been identified which constitute their rights in their environment. The needs of wild fish are usually provided in their natural, undisturbed and unperturbed aquatic environment, of which the fish will prefer. However, various anthropogenic activities by humans (including artisanal fisheries themselves) and some natural perturbations in the watershed, riparian zone, water body of the fish habitat and on the fish tend to take away these needs thereby compromising the fish welfare. These activities include environmental degradation, boat/canoe building, use of motorized boats/canoes, use of active and passive fishing gear, obnoxious cultural, religious and social fishing practices, fish harvesting, handling and processing among others. One way to understand the welfare needs of an individual fish is to understand its biology. Poor welfare conditions can then be assessed by how far the individual fish has deviated from the normal conditions. Non-intrusive signs based on the health, behaviour, morphological anomalies, swimming, reduction in population and growth, outbreak of parasitic infections, injuries and loss of condition can be used to assess fish whose welfare has been compromised. Artisanal fishers should not only be concerned with catch, but, also the welfare of the fish being caught. This is because if the welfare of the fish is compromised, it is going to definitely affect the catch. As indispensable as fish are to humans, humans should not derive their pleasure at the expense of fish suffering. Human activities that impinge on the welfare of wild fish may not necessarily be stopped, but should at least minimized in order to have continued sustainable artisanal exploitation of the fisheries.
Structural insights into rapamycin‐induced oligomerization of a FRB–FKBP fusion protein
Authors: Inobe Tomonao , Sakaguchi Runa , Obita Takayuki , Mukaiyama Atushi , Koike Seiichi , Yokoyama Takeshi , Mizuguchi Mineyuki , Akiyama Shuji
Published: July 2024

Inducible dimerization systems, such as rapamycin‐induced dimerization of FK506 binding protein (FKBP) and FKBP–rapamycin binding (FRB) domain, are widely employed chemical biology tools to manipulate cellular functions. We previously advanced an inducible dimerization system into an inducible oligomerization system by developing a bivalent fusion protein, FRB–FKBP, which forms large oligomers upon rapamycin addition and can be used to manipulate cells. However, the oligomeric structure of FRB–FKBP remains unclear. Here, we report that FRB–FKBP forms a rotationally symmetric trimer in crystals, but a larger oligomer in solution, primarily tetramers and pentamers, which maintain similar inter‐subunit contacts as in the crystal trimer. These findings expand the applications of the FRB–FKBP oligomerization system in diverse biological events.
The genetic duet of concurrent RASAL1 and PTEN alterations promotes cancer aggressiveness by cooperatively activating the PI3K–AKT pathway
Authors: Shen Xiaopei , Tan Jie , Liu Rengyun , Zhu Guangwu , Rooper Lisa , Xing Mingzhao
Published: July 2024

The significance of the prominent tumor suppressor gene for RAS protein activator‐like 1 (RASAL1) could be better understood by combined genetic, clinical, and functional studies. Here, we investigated the oncogenic and clinical impacts of genetic alterations of RASAL1, particularly when coexisting with genetic alterations of the gene for phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), in 9924 cancers of 33 types in the TCGA database. We found common concurrent genetic alterations of the two genes, which were cooperatively associated with activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)–AKT pathway, with cancer progression and mortality rates being 46.36% and 31.72% with concurrent gene alterations, versus 29.80% and 16.93% with neither gene alteration (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.46–1.84 and 1.77, 95% CI 1.53–2.05), respectively. This was enhanced by additional tumor protein p53 (TP53) gene alterations, with cancer progression and mortality rates being 47.65% and 34.46% with coexisting RASAL1, PTEN, and TP53 alterations versus 25.30% and 13.11% with no alteration (HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.92–2.56 and 2.76, 95% CI 2.31–3.30), respectively. In the case of breast cancer, this genetic trio was associated with a triple‐negative risk of 68.75% versus 3.83% with no genetic alteration (RR 17.94, 95% CI 9.60–33.51), consistent with the aggressive nature of triple‐negative breast cancer. Mice with double knockouts of Rasal1 and Pten displayed robust Pi3k pathway activation, with the development of metastasizing malignancies, while single gene knockout resulted in only benign neoplasma. These results suggest that RASAL1, like PTEN, is a critical player in negatively regulating the PI3K–AKT pathway; defect in RASAL1 causes RAS activation, thus initiating the PI3K–AKT pathway signaling, which cannot terminate with concurrent PTEN defects. Thus, the unique concurrent RASAL1 and PTEN defects drive oncogenesis and cancer aggressiveness by cooperatively activating the PI3K–AKT pathway. This represents a robust genetic mechanism to promote human cancer.
Evaluation of the measurement accuracy and uncertainty of a solid‐state detector under diagnostic x‐ray beam conditions
Authors: Maruyama Sho , Saitou Hiroki , Negishi Toru , Sekimoto Michiharu
Published: July 2024

Objective

An accurate measurement of x‐ray beams is expected to reduce the uncertainties associated with estimating radiation risk to patients in clinical settings. To perform assessment tasks based on the readings of a solid‐state detector (SSD) using semiconductor technology, the characteristics of the detector should be elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the measurement accuracy of a new SSD under diagnostic x‐ray beam conditions in terms of air kerma, tube voltage, and half‐value layer (HVL). The performance of the SSD was then compared with those of reference instruments.

Methods

The tube voltage was varied within the range of 50–120 kV in steps of 10 kV and the thickness and materials of additional filters were concurrently changed (several combinations were tested). In addition, the dose rate and energy dependence of the SSD were also investigated. These effects were analyzed based on statistical significance tests. Furthermore, the expanded uncertainties in the series of measurements were meticulously calculated.

Results

The results showed average relative differences of −3.26 ± 1.33%, 0.44 ± 1.01%, and −2.60 ± 3.31% for air kerma, tube voltage, and HVL, respectively. Furthermore, air kerma did not exhibit any dependence on dose rate and energy, in contrast to tube voltage and HVL measurements.

Conclusion

The measurement values of the SSD fall within the acceptable range of uncertainty, highlighting its measurement accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, based on the characteristics elucidated by this study, valuable insights are provided concerning the assurance of appropriate measurement values in clinical settings.