bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fructose transporters GLUT5 and GLUT2 expression in adult patients with fructose intolerance
Authors: Wilder-Smith Clive H , Li Xinhua , Ho Sherry SY , Leong Sai Mun , Wong Reuben K , Koay Evelyn SC , Ferraris Ronaldo P
Published: September 2013

Background

Gastrointestinal symptoms and malabsorption following fructose ingestion (fructose intolerance) are common in functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). The underlying mechanism is unclear, but is hypothesized to be related an abnormality of intestinal fructose transporter proteins.

Objective

To assess the expression of the main intestinal fructose transporter proteins, glucose transport protein 5 (GLUT5) and 2 (GLUT2), in FGID.

Methods

The expression of GLUT5 and GLUT2 protein and mRNA in small intestinal biopsy tissue was investigated using real‐time reverse‐transcription PCR and Western immunoblotting in 11 adults with FGID and fructose intolerance ascertained by breath testing and in 15 controls.

Results

Median expression levels of GLUT5 mRNA normalized to beta‐actin were 0.18 (interquartile range, IQR, 0.13–0.21) in patients and 0.17 (IQR 0.12–0.19) in controls (p  > 0.05). Respective levels of GLUT2 mRNA were 0.26 (IQR 0.20–0.31) and 0.26 (IQR 0.19–0.31) (p  > 0.05). Median expression levels of GLUT5 protein normalized to alpha‐tubulin were 0.95 (IQR 0.52–1.68) in patients and 0.95 (IQR 0.59–1.15) in controls (p  > 0.05). Respective protein expression levels for GLUT2 were 1.56 (IQR 1.06–2.14) and 1.35 (IQR 0.96–1.79) (p  > 0.05).

Conclusions

Human fructose intolerance may not be associated with marked changes in GLUT5 and GLUT2 expression. Replication of these results in a larger subject group, including measures of transporter activation and membrane and subcellular localization, is warranted.
Relationship Quality With Parents, Stressful Life Events, and Cortisol Production in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Lucas-Thompson Rachel G.
Published: September 2013

The goal of this study was to examine how the quality of relationships with parents, as well as life stress, is associated with cortisol production across the day among emerging adults; an additional aim was to determine whether relationship quality moderates the association between life stress and cortisol. Participants were 178 college students who reported on parental relationships, daily hassles, and major life events; they gave saliva samples across the day to assess cortisol. Emerging adults with more warmth in maternal relationships produced less total cortisol. Maternal relationship quality also moderated associations between daily hassles and early-morning cortisol, change in cortisol across the day, and total cortisol production. For those who experienced high levels of maternal warmth, daily hassles predicted smaller reductions in cortisol from morning to evening, as well as reduced total cortisol production, in part because of lower early morning levels produced by these individuals.
Early herding at Măgura-Boldul lui Moş Ivănuş (early sixth millennium BC, Romania): environments and seasonality from stable isotope analysis
Authors: Balasse Marie , Bălăşescu Adrian , Janzen Anneke , Ughetto-Monfrin Joël , Mirea Pavel , Andreescu Radian
Published: September 2013

Stable isotope analyses were conducted on faunal remains from the site of Măgura-Boldul lui Moş Ivănuş with the objective of characterizing the environments and seasonality of husbandry in the earliest Neolithic (Gura Baciului-Cârcea/Starčevo-Criş I) of southern Romania. Results from bone collagen analysis indicate extensive herding strategies for cattle and pigs. However, sequential analysis in tooth enamel also provides evidence for winter leaf foddering in one bovine, potentially kept by the settlement over winter. In some instances, sheep were fed a13C-enriched resource in late winter, which may have also coincided with lactation. It could not be determined whether this contribution was from C3or C4plants. Although isolated, these findings may be important in evaluating how early agricultural communities dealt with environmental constraints. These results are also interpreted with reference to the models of intensive mixed farming systems recently proposed by Bogaard (2004) and Halstead (2006).
Military and Civilian: Reconfiguring the End of Roman Britain in the North
Authors: Petts David
Published: September 2013

This study explores the impact of recent discoveries on our understanding of the transition from the Roman to early medieval periods in northern England. Using the Tees Valley as a case study, it shows how modern interpretations of this process have focused primarily on the afterlife of the military sites in the region. However, the increased identification of significant Roman civilian settlements forces us to reconsider the dominant narratives and rethink the underlying processes that influenced the move from Roman-controlled frontier society in the fourth century to a fifth century society comprising both culturally Anglo-Saxon social groups and sub-Roman successor polities. A wider consideration is also given to how the changing patterns in the use of space and in refuse disposal strategies can be used to shed light on wider patterns of changing social identity in the later fourth century AD.
Vaso-occlusion in sickle cell disease: pathophysiology and novel targeted therapies
Authors: Manwani Deepa , Frenette Paul S.
Published: September 2013

Recurrent and unpredictable episodes of vaso-occlusion are the hallmark of sickle cell disease. Symptomatic management and prevention of these events using the fetal hemoglobin–reactivating agent hydroxyurea are currently the mainstay of treatment. Discoveries over the past 2 decades have highlighted the important contributions of various cellular and soluble participants in the vaso-occlusive cascade. The role of these elements and the opportunities for therapeutic intervention are summarized in this review.
An easy operating pathogen microarray (EOPM) platform for rapid screening of vertebrate pathogens
Authors: Huang Weiwei , Yang Yinhui , Zhang Xinlei , Zhao Changan , Yin Aihua , Zhang Xiaozhuang , He Zhengxin , Jiang Yongqiang , Zhang Liang
Published: September 2013

Background

Infectious diseases emerge frequently in China, partly because of its large and highly mobile population. Therefore, a rapid and cost-effective pathogen screening method with broad coverage is required for prevention and control of infectious diseases. The availability of a large number of microbial genome sequences generated by conventional Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing has enabled the development of a high-throughput high-density microarray platform for rapid large-scale screening of vertebrate pathogens.

Methods

An easy operating pathogen microarray (EOPM) was designed to detect almost all known pathogens and related species based on their genomic sequences. For effective identification of pathogens from EOPM data, a statistical enrichment algorithm has been proposed, and further implemented in a user-friendly web-based interface.

Results

Using multiple probes designed to specifically detect a microbial genus or species, EOPM can correctly identify known pathogens at the species or genus level in blinded testing. Despite a lower sensitivity than PCR, EOPM is sufficiently sensitive to detect the predominant pathogens causing clinical symptoms. During application in two recent clinical infectious disease outbreaks in China, EOPM successfully identified the responsible pathogens.

Conclusions

EOPM is an effective surveillance platform for infectious diseases, and can play an important role in infectious disease control.
Mediterranean dietary pattern and depression: the PREDIMED randomized trial
Authors: Sánchez-Villegas Almudena , Martínez-González Miguel Angel , Estruch Ramón , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Corella Dolores , Covas Maria Isabel , Arós Fernando , Romaguera Dora , Gómez-Gracia Enrique , Lapetra José , Pintó Xavier , Martínez Jose Alfredo , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa María , Ros Emilio , Gea Alfredo , Wärnberg Julia , Serra-Majem Lluis
Published: September 2013

Background

A few observational studies have found an inverse association between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and the risk of depression. Randomized trials with an intervention based on this dietary pattern could provide the most definitive answer to the findings reported by observational studies. The aim of this study was to compare in a randomized trial the effects of two Mediterranean diets versus a low-fat diet on depression risk after at least 3 years of intervention.

Methods

This was a multicenter, randomized, primary prevention field trial of cardiovascular disease (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea (PREDIMED Study)) based on community-dwelling men aged 55 to 80 years and women aged 60 to 80 years at high risk of cardiovascular disease (51% of them had type 2 diabetes; DM2) attending primary care centers affiliated with 11 Spanish teaching hospitals. Primary analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Cox regression models were used to assess the relationship between the nutritional intervention groups and the incidence of depression.

Results

We identified 224 new cases of depression during follow-up. There was an inverse association with depression for participants assigned to a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts (multivariate hazard ratio (HR) 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55 to 1.10) compared with participants assigned to the control group, although this was not significant. However, when the analysis was restricted to participants with DM2, the magnitude of the effect of the intervention with the Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts did reach statistical significance (multivariate HR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.98).

Conclusions

The result suggest that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts could exert a beneficial effect on the risk of depression in patients with DM2.

Trial registration

This trial has been registered in the Current Controlled Trials with the number ISRCTN 35739639
Host serum miR-223 is a potential new biomarker for Schistosoma japonicum infection and the response to chemotherapy
Authors: He Xing , Sai Xue , Chen Chao , Zhang Yuanbin , Xu Xindong , Zhang Dongmei , Pan Weiqing
Published: September 2013

Background

Numerous studies have shown that aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression is associated with the pathogenesis and progression of various human diseases. Hence, serum miRNAs are considered to be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of human diseases. This study examined whether several miRNAs known to be commonly deregulated in liver diseases are deregulated in the serum of hosts with hepatic schistosomiasis, and thus whether they could serve as potential markers for detection of schistosome infection and evaluation of the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Methods

We analyzed the serum levels of six selected candidate miRNA molecules (miR-146b, miR-122, miR-223, miR-199a-5p, miR-199a-3p, miR-34a) from mice, rabbits, buffalos and humans infected with Schistosoma japonicum using qPCR. We evaluated liver pathology by determining the hydroxyproline content in liver tissues. Primary resident liver cells were isolated to quantify the expression level of deregulated miRNAs. Bioinformatics analyses were also conducted to assess the potential function of miR-223.

Results

Using a mouse model of Schistosoma japonicum infection, we found that the expression level of serum miR-223 was significantly elevated after infection, but returned to near normal levels after the treatment with praziquantel (PZQ). Importantly, the level of serum miR-223 reflected the extent of liver pathology post-infection. We validated the elevated level of the circulating miR-223 in serum samples of other host species including rabbits, buffalos and humans. In addition, our results showed that miR-223 was primarily located in the Kupffer cells, but its expression levels were significantly up-regulated in hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells after infection. Bioinformatics analyses revealed a potential functional role of miR-223 in transcription regulator activity, transcription factor activity and DNA binding.

Conclusions

This study suggested that the circulating miR-223 could serve as a potential new biomarker for the detection of schistosome infection and the assessment of the response to chemotherapy.
Differential responses to genotoxic agents between induced pluripotent stem cells and tumor cell lines
Authors: Lu Yinghua , Xu Dazhong , Zhou Jing , Ma Yupo , Jiang Yongping , Zeng Wenxian , Dai Wei
Published: September 2013

Given potential values of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells in basic biomedical research and regenerative medicine, it is important to understand how these cells regulate their genome stability in response to environmental toxins and carcinogens. The present study characterized the effect of Cr(VI), a well-known genotoxic agent and environmental carcinogen, on major molecular components of DNA damage response pathways in human iPS cells. We compared the effect of Cr(VI) on human iPS cells with two established cell lines, Tera-1 (teratoma origin) and BEAS-2B (lung epithelial origin). We also studied the effect of hydrogen peroxide and doxorubicin on modulating DNA damage responses in these cell types. We demonstrated that ATM and p53 phosphorylation is differentially regulated in human iPS cells compared with Tera-1 and BEAS-2B cells after exposure to various genotoxic agents. Moreover, we observed that inhibition of CK2, but not p38, promotes phosphorylation of p53S392 in iPS cells. Combined, our data reveal some unique features of DNA damage responses in human iPS cells.
A social network analysis on clinical education of diabetic foot
Authors: Shokoohi Mostafa , Nedjat Saharnaz , Majdzadeh Reza
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Identification of Educational Influentials (EIs) in clinical settings helps considerably to knowledge transfer among health and medical practice providers. The aim of this study was identifying EIs in diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) by medical students (clerks, interns and residents) and providing their relational pattern in this subject.

Methods

Subjects were medical students at clerk, intern and resident levels in a local educational hospital. A standard questionnaire with four domains (knowledge, communication, participation and professional ethics) was used for identifying EIs. Students introduced those people with these characteristics who referred them for DFU. Respective communication networks were drawn as intra-group (such as resident-resident) and inter-group (such as intern-resident) networks and quantitative criteria of density, in-degree and out-degree centrality and reciprocity were measured.

Results

The network density of clerks-residents (0.024) and interns-residents (0.038) were higher than clerks-attends (0.015) and interns-attends (0.05); indicating that there were more consulting interactions in former networks than the latter. Degree centrality in residents-related networks (clerks-residents = 2.3; interns-residents = 2.6) were higher than attends-related ones (clerks-attends = 1.1; interns-attends = 1.7), while they were not statistically significant. However, In-degree centralization, which indicating a degree of variance of the whole network of ingoing relationships, in attends-related networks was greater than resident-related networks.

Conclusion

Resident were consulted with almost as same as attends on DFU. It showed that residents were playing a remarkable role in knowledge transfer and they can be considered as EIs in this clinical setting. It seemed that the availability was the main reason for this key role.
BAIT: Organizing genomes and mapping rearrangements in single cells
Authors: Hills Mark , O’Neill Kieran , Falconer Ester , Brinkman Ryan , Lansdorp Peter M
Published: September 2013

Strand-seq is a single-cell sequencing technique to finely map sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and other rearrangements. To analyze these data, we introduce BAIT, software which assigns templates and identifies and localizes SCEs. We demonstrate BAIT can refine completed reference assemblies, identifying approximately 21 Mb of incorrectly oriented fragments and placing over half (2.6 Mb) of the orphan fragments in mm10/GRCm38. BAIT also stratifies scaffold-stage assemblies, potentially accelerating the assembling and finishing of reference genomes. BAIT is available at http://sourceforge.net/projects/bait/.
The emergence of commercial genomics: analysis of the rise of a biotechnology subsector during the Human Genome Project, 1990 to 2004
Authors: Wiechers Ilse R , Perin Noah C , Cook-Deegan Robert
Published: September 2013

Background

Development of the commercial genomics sector within the biotechnology industry relied heavily on the scientific commons, public funding, and technology transfer between academic and industrial research. This study tracks financial and intellectual property data on genomics firms from 1990 through 2004, thus following these firms as they emerged in the era of the Human Genome Project and through the 2000 to 2001 market bubble.

Methods

A database was created based on an early survey of genomics firms, which was expanded using three web-based biotechnology services, scientific journals, and biotechnology trade and technical publications. Financial data for publicly traded firms was collected through the use of four databases specializing in firm financials. Patent searches were conducted using firm names in the US Patent and Trademark Office website search engine and the DNA Patent Database.

Results

A biotechnology subsector of genomics firms emerged in parallel to the publicly funded Human Genome Project. Trends among top firms show that hiring, capital improvement, and research and development expenditures continued to grow after a 2000 to 2001 bubble. The majority of firms are small businesses with great diversity in type of research and development, products, and services provided. Over half the public firms holding patents have the majority of their intellectual property portfolio in DNA-based patents.

Conclusions

These data allow estimates of investment, research and development expenditures, and jobs that paralleled the rise of genomics as a sector within biotechnology between 1990 and 2004.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Focused Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Intracranial Lesions
Authors: Hawasli Ammar H. , Bagade Swapnil , Shimony Joshua S. , Miller-Thomas Michelle , Leuthardt Eric C.
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND:

Surgical treatments for deep-seated intracranial lesions have been limited by morbidities associated with resection. Real-time magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) offers a minimally invasive surgical treatment option for such lesions.

OBJECTIVE:

To review treatments and results of patients treated with LITT for intracranial lesions at Washington University School of Medicine.

METHODS:

In a review of 17 prospectively recruited LITT patients (34–78 years of age; mean, 59 years), we report demographics, treatment details, postoperative imaging characteristics, and peri- and postoperative clinical courses.

RESULTS:

Targets included 11 gliomas, 5 brain metastases, and 1 epilepsy focus. Lesions were lobar (n = 8), thalamic/basal ganglia (n = 5), insular (n = 3), and corpus callosum (n = 1). Mean target volume was 11.6 cm3, and LITT produced 93% target ablation. Patients with superficial lesions had shorter intensive care unit stays. Ten patients experienced no perioperative morbidities. Morbidities included transient aphasia, hemiparesis, hyponatremia, deep venous thrombosis, and fatal meningitis. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed blood products within the lesion surrounded by new thin uniform rim of contrast enhancement and diffusion restriction. In conjunction with other therapies, LITT targets often showed stable or reduced local disease. Epilepsy focus LITT produced seizure freedom at 8 months. Preliminary overall median progression-free survival and survival from LITT in tumor patients were 7.6 and 10.9 months, respectively. However, this small cohort has not been followed for a sufficient length of time, necessitating future outcomes studies.

CONCLUSION:

Early peri- and postoperative clinical data demonstrate that LITT is a safe and viable ablative treatment option for intracranial lesions, and may be considered for select patients.
Long-term Follow-up of Blister Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery
Authors: Kalani M. Yashar S. , Zabramski Joseph M. , Kim Louis J. , Chowdhry Shakeel A. , Mendes George A. C. , Nakaji Peter , McDougall Cameron G. , Albuquerque Felipe C. , Spetzler Robert F.
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND:

Blister aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are uncommon. There is a paucity of data on the long-term outcomes of patients.

OBJECTIVE:

To review our experience with the treatment of these lesions.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed all aneurysms treated at our institution between 1994 and 2005. Relevant operative notes, radiology reports, and inpatient/outpatient records were reviewed.

RESULTS:

Seventeen patients (3 male, 14 female) with 18 blister aneurysms of the ICA were identified. The mean age was 44.6 years (range, 17–72; median, 42 years). Twelve patients (70.6%) presented with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The mean admission Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 4.3 (range, 2–5; median, 5). All patients were initially treated using microsurgical technique with direct clipping (n = 15; 83.3%) or clip-wrapping with Gore-Tex (n = 3, 16.7%). There were 4 cases of intraoperative rupture, all associated with attempted direct clipping; all 4 cases were successfully clipped. Two cases rebled post-treatment. Both rebleeding episodes were managed with endovascular stenting. Follow-up angiography was available for 14 patients and revealed a new aneurysm adjacent to the site of clipping in 1 patient and in-stent stenosis in 2. At the mean follow-up of 74.5 months (median, 73; range, 7–165), the mean Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 4.6 (range, 2–5; median, 5).

CONCLUSION:

Microsurgical treatment of blister aneurysms of the ICA results in excellent outcome. In the evolution of treating these friable aneurysms, we have modified our clip-wrapping technique and use this technique when direct clipping is not feasible.
Cu-Catalyzed Aerobic Molecular Transformation of Imine and Enamine Derivatives for Synthesis of Azaheterocycles
Authors: Chiba Shunsuke
Published: September 2013

This personal account highlights the remarkable versatility of the Cu–O2 systems for promoting oxidative/oxygenative molecular transformation of imine and enamine derivatives toward efficient construction of azaheterocycles.
Ligand-induced stabilization of the aptamer terminal helix in the add adenine riboswitch
Authors: Di Palma Francesco , Colizzi Francesco , Bussi Giovanni
Published: September 2013

Riboswitches are structured mRNA elements that modulate gene expression. They undergo conformational changes triggered by highly specific interactions with sensed metabolites. Among the structural rearrangements engaged by riboswitches, the forming and melting of the aptamer terminal helix, the so-called P1 stem, is essential for genetic control. The structural mechanisms by which this conformational change is modulated upon ligand binding mostly remain to be elucidated. Here, we used pulling molecular dynamics simulations to study the thermodynamics of the P1 stem in the add adenine riboswitch. The P1 ligand-dependent stabilization was quantified in terms of free energy and compared with thermodynamic data. This comparison suggests a model for the aptamer folding in which direct P1-ligand interactions play a minor role on the conformational switch when compared with those related to the ligand-induced aptamer preorganization.
Histone Deacetylases
Authors: Parbin Sabnam , Kar Swayamsiddha , Shilpi Arunima , Sengupta Dipta , Deb Moonmoon , Rath Sandip Kumar , Patra Samir Kumar
Published: September 2013

In the current era of genomic medicine, diseases are identified as manifestations of anomalous patterns of gene expression. Cancer is the principal example among such maladies. Although remarkable progress has been achieved in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the genesis and progression of cancer, its epigenetic regulation, particularly histone deacetylation, demands further studies. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are one of the key players in the gene expression regulation network in cancer because of their repressive role on tumor suppressor genes. Higher expression and function of deacetylases disrupt the finely tuned acetylation homeostasis in both histone and non-histone target proteins. This brings about alterations in the genes implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and other cellular processes. Moreover, the reversible nature of epigenetic modulation by HDACs makes them attractive targets for cancer remedy. This review summarizes the current knowledge of HDACs in tumorigenesis and tumor progression as well as their contribution to the hallmarks of cancer. The present report also describes briefly various assays to detect histone deacetylase activity and discusses the potential role of histone deacetylase inhibitors as emerging epigenetic drugs to cure cancer.
Distribution of MT1 Melatonin Receptor Promoter-Driven RFP Expression in the Brains of BAC C3H/HeN Transgenic Mice
Authors: Adamah-Biassi EB , Zhang Y , Jung H , Vissapragada S , Miller RJ , Dubocovich ML
Published: September 2013

The pineal hormone melatonin activates two G-protein coupled receptors (MT1 and MT2) to regulate in part biological functions. The MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors are heterogeneously distributed in the mammalian brain including humans. In the mouse, only a few reports have assessed the expression of the MT1 melatonin receptor expression using 2-iodomelatonin binding, in situ hybridization and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Here, we described a transgenic mouse in which red fluorescence protein (RFP) is expressed under the control of the endogenous MT1 promoter, by inserting RFP cDNA at the start codon of MTNR1a gene within a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) and expressing this construct as a transgene. The expression of RFP in the brain of this mouse was examined either directly under a fluorescent microscope or immunohistochemically using an antibody against RFP (RFP-MT1). RFP-MT1 expression was observed in many brain regions including the subcommissural organ, parts of the ependyma lining the lateral and third ventricles, the aqueduct, the hippocampus, the cerebellum, the pars tuberalis, the habenula and the habenula commissure. This RFP-MT1 transgenic model provides a unique tool for studying the distribution of the MT1 receptor in the brain of mice, its cell-specific expression and its function in vivo.
ADAMTS-4 and Biglycan are Expressed at High Levels and Co-Localize to Podosomes During Endothelial Cell Tubulogenesis In Vitro
Authors: Obika Masanari , Vernon Robert B. , Gooden Michel D. , Braun Kathleen R. , Chan Christina K. , Wight Thomas N.
Published: September 2013

Proteolysis of the extracellular matrix influences vascular growth. We examined the expression of ADAMTS-1, -4, and -5 metalloproteinases and their proteoglycan substrates versican, decorin, and biglycan as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) formed tubes within type I collagen gels in vitro. Tubulogenic and control HUVEC cultures expressed low levels of ADAMTS-1 and -5 mRNAs, but ADAMTS-4 mRNA was relatively abundant and was significantly elevated (as was ADAMTS-4 protein) in tubulogenic cultures versus controls. Immunocytochemistry revealed ADAMTS-4 in f-actin- and cortactin-positive podosome-like puncta in single cells and mature tubes. Tubulogenic and control cultures expressed low levels of versican and decorin mRNAs; however, peak levels of biglycan mRNA were 400- and 16,000-fold that of versican and decorin, respectively. Biglycan mRNA was highest at 3 hr, declined steadily through day 7 and, at 12 hr and beyond, was significantly lower in tubulogenic cultures than in controls. Western blots of extracellular matrix from tubulogenic cultures contained bands corresponding to biglycan and its cleavage products. By immunocytochemistry, biglycan was found in the pericellular matrix surrounding endothelial tubes and in cell-associated puncta that co-localized with ADAMTS-4 and cortactin. Collectively, our results suggest that ADAMTS-4 and its substrate biglycan are involved in tubulogenesis by endothelial cells.
Synergistic Effects of Relationship Managers’ Social Networks on Sales Performance
Authors: Gonzalez Gabriel R. , Claro Danny P. , Palmatier Robert W.
Published: September 2013

This article integrates relationship marketing and social network perspectives to develop and test a model that links objective sales performance with the informational and cooperative benefits that stem from relationship managers’ (RMs') social capital structure (brokerage and density) and relations (formal and informal networks). The authors demonstrate the effect of cross-network and overlap-network synergies on performance. Data about both formal and informal networks of 464 employees, including 101 RMs, demonstrate that RMs’ performance improves with cross-network synergy when informational benefits from wide-reaching, nonoverlapping ties in the informal network combine with the cooperative benefits of a densely interconnected formal network. In addition, the effects of formal and informal social capital structure on performance increase significantly when RMs have a high degree of network overlap between their formal and informal networks.
Advanced Design of Industrial Mixers for Fluid Foods Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Ferretti Gino , Montanari Roberto , Solari Federico , Vignali Giuseppe
Published: September 2013

This work focuses on discontinuous (batch) vertical fluid mixing systems for food fluids with particles. A properly designed mixing process has to provide two main results: a satisfactory homogeneity of the product and the preservation of the integrity of the solid particles. The main problem in the design of a mixer for fluid–solid suspensions is to identify the operating levers which act in order to optimize the performance of the process, while preserving the integrity of the pieces. The purpose of this work is to identify some structural and physical parameters that have the strongest influence on the performance of the mixing process, in order to obtain useful indications for the design of mixing systems.

Different mixer designs were thus analyzed thanks to computational fluid dynamics simulations, from which some key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the effectiveness of the mixing process were obtained. An analysis of variance and a residual analysis were then performed in order to assess the significance of the influence of each input parameter (position of the rotor, fluid viscosity, and aspect ratio), on the individual KPIs and on the global performance of the mixer. From these analyses, some conclusions useful to choose an appropriate design solution for fluid mixers were derived.
A Simulation-Based Ergonomic and Operational Analysis for the Improvement of a Fish Processing Factory Ship
Authors: Rego Monteil Nadia , Crespo Pereira Diego , del Rio Vilas David , Rios Prado Rosa
Published: September 2013

This article presents a case study of general ergonomic and operational improvement of the on board process in factory ships. The process includes several lines with automatic and manual operations for processing caught fish as different products. It is a complex system with a great variety of operation possibilities. An exploratory simulation model of the plant and the human tasks is developed as a way to identify improvement opportunities. A combined simulation approach has been adopted for the characterization and improvement of the process comprising (i) a Discrete Event Simulation (DES) to develop the analysis of the production system and experiment with operational rules and (ii) a DHM-based study to analyse the present ergonomic conditions on the manual operations and to propose alternative workstation designs that could lead to effective and ergonomic improvement. As a result, we could characterize the process efficiency in different production scenarios, the organizational effects in the packing workstation and the ergonomic and operational assessment of the packing operations.
Groups with strongly p-embedded subgroups and cyclic Sylow p-subgroups
Authors: Ginsberg Hy
Published: September 2013

We establish necessary conditions under which
Fano-resonant metamaterials and their applications
Authors: Khanikaev Alexander B. , Wu Chihhui , Shvets Gennady
Published: September 2013

New developments in the field of Fano-resonant plasmonic metamaterials are reviewed. The emphasis is on the applications of such artificial electromagnetic materials to a variety of technologically important areas: solar energy harvesting and conversion, sensing/identification of ultra-small molecular contents, and extreme molding of the flow of light. Most recent theoretical tools for describing Fano-resonant metamaterials are reviewed. Both fully three-dimensional metamaterials and planar meta-surfaces are discussed, and their future prospects for applications are critically evaluated.
Effects of TET1 knockdown on gene expression and DNA methylation in porcine induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Fan Anran , Ma Kuiying , An Xinglan , Ding Yu , An Peipei , Song Guangqi , Tang Lina , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Peng , Tan Wentao , Tang Bo , Zhang Xueming , Li Ziyi
Published: September 2013

TET1 is implicated in maintaining the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. However, its precise effects on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and particularly on porcine iPSCs (piPSCs), are not well defined. To investigate the role of TET1 in the pluripotency and differentiation of piPSCs, piPSCs were induced from porcine embryonic fibroblasts by overexpression ofPOU5F1(OCT4),SOX2,KLF4, andMYC(C-MYC). siRNAs targeting toTET1were used to transiently knockdown the expression ofTET1in piPSCs. Morphological abnormalities and loss of the undifferentiated state of piPSCs were observed in the piPSCs after the downregulation ofTET1. The effects ofTET1knockdown on the expression of key stem cell factors and differentiation markers were analyzed to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the phenomenon. The results revealed that knockdown ofTET1resulted in the downregulated expression of pluripotency-related genes, such asLEFTY2,KLF2, andSOX2, and the upregulated expression of differentiation-related genes includingPITX2,HAND1,GATA6, andLEF1. However,POU5F1,MYC,KLF4, andNANOGwere actually not downregulated. Further analysis showed that the methylation levels of the promoters forPOU5F1andMYCincreased significantly afterTET1downregulation, whereas there were no obvious changes in the promoters ofSOX2,KLF4, andNANOG. The methylation of the whole genome increased, while hydroxymethylation slightly declined. Taken together, these results suggest thatTET1may play important roles in the self-renewal of piPSCs and the maintenance of their characteristics by regulating the expression of genes and the DNA methylation.
Aboveground and belowground legacies of native Sami land use on boreal forest in northern Sweden 100 years after abandonment
Authors: Freschet Grégoire T. , Östlund Lars , Kichenin Emilie , Wardle David A.
Published: September 2013

Human activities that involve land‐use change often cause major transformations to community and ecosystem properties both aboveground and belowground, and when land use is abandoned, these modifications can persist for extended periods. However, the mechanisms responsible for rapid recovery vs. long‐term maintenance of ecosystem changes following abandonment remain poorly understood. Here, we examined the long‐term ecological effects of two remote former settlements, regularly visited for ∼300 years by reindeer‐herding Sami and abandoned ∼100 years ago, within an old‐growth boreal forest that is considered one of the most pristine regions in northern Scandinavia. These human legacies were assessed through measurements of abiotic and biotic soil properties and vegetation characteristics at the settlement sites and at varying distances from them. Low‐intensity land use by Sami is characterized by the transfer of organic matter towards the settlements by humans and reindeer herds, compaction of soil through trampling, disappearance of understory vegetation, and selective cutting of pine trees for fuel and construction. As a consequence, we found a shift towards early successional plant species and a threefold increase in soil microbial activity and nutrient availability close to the settlements relative to away from them. These changes in soil fertility and vegetation contributed to 83% greater total vegetation productivity, 35% greater plant biomass, and 23% and 16% greater concentrations of foliar N and P nearer the settlements, leading to a greater quantity and quality of litter inputs. Because decomposer activity was also 40% greater towards the settlements, soil organic matter cycling and nutrient availability were further increased, leading to likely positive feedbacks between the aboveground and belowground components resulting from historic land use. Although not all of the activities typical of Sami have left visible residual traces on the ecosystem after 100 years, their low‐intensity but long‐term land use at settlement sites has triggered a rejuvenation of the ecosystem that is still present. Our data demonstrates that aboveground–belowground interactions strongly control ecosystem responses to historical human land use and that medium‐ to long‐term consequences of even low‐intensity human activities must be better accounted for if we are to predict and manage ecosystems succession following land‐use abandonment.
The Impact of Childhood Maltreatment on PTSD Symptoms Among Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Gobin Robyn L. , Iverson Katherine M. , Mitchell Karen , Vaughn Rachel , Resick Patricia A.
Published: September 2013

Objective: Intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors often report histories of childhood maltreatment, yet the unique contributions of childhood maltreatment on IPV survivors’ distinct posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms remain inadequately understood. Method: Using interview and self-report measures, we examined IPV as a potential mediator of the association between childhood maltreatment and severity of PTSD symptom clusters (reexperiencing, avoidance, numbing, and hyperarousal) among a sample of 425 women seeking help for recent IPV. Results: Structural equation modeling demonstrated that while both childhood maltreatment and IPV were both positively associated with PTSD symptom clusters, IPV did not mediate the association between childhood maltreatment and severity of PTSD symptom clusters among acute IPV survivors. Conclusions: Childhood maltreatment has persistent effects on the PTSD symptoms of IPV survivors, suggesting that child maltreatment may need to be addressed in addition to IPV during PTSD treatment.
MMPI-2 Personality Profiles and Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in Victims of Bullying at Work: A Follow-Up Study
Authors: Romeo Luciano , Balducci Cristian , Quintarelli Emanuele , Riolfi Andrea , Pelizza Luisa , Serpelloni Andrea , Tisato Silvia , Perbellini Luigi
Published: September 2013

The main aim of this study was to investigate longitudinally the personality profile and suicidal ideation and behavior in victims of bullying at work in relation to the evolution of the victimization. Forty-eight victims were evaluated by means of medical and psychological assessment including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). A follow up session was carried out after an average of 22 months. At first evaluation, the average MMPI-2 personality profile of victims showed abnormal elevations on scales Hs (Hypochondria), D (Depression), Hy (Hysteria), and Pa (Paranoia), which were strikingly similar to that found in previous studies. Furthermore, suicidal ideation and behavior were common among victims. At follow-up, 26 victims reported that the degree of bullying had remained the same or had even worsened, whereas 22 said that the situation had improved or had been resolved. Although there was a trend toward normalization in the MMPI-2 profile for all victims, the profile of the “static” group was still abnormal at follow up. On the contrary, the profile of the “improved” group was entirely within normal range. Suicidal ideation and behavior decreased in all victims, but only to a significant degree in the improved group. Results are discussed in the light of the bullying process.
The Influence of Anogenital Injury on Women’s Willingness to Engage With the Criminal Justice Process After Rape
Authors: Sue Fisher Bonnie , Kaplan Alyssa , Budescu Mia , Fargo Jamison , Tiller Deborah , Everett Janine , Sommers Marilyn
Published: September 2013

Medical-legal-social science research has documented that nongenital and/or anogenital injuries play a significant role throughout the criminal justice system from victims reporting to judges determining the length of a sentence. What remains an open question is whether the documentation of anogenital injury influences women’s willingness to engage in the criminal justice system. A sample of women age 21 years and older residing in an urban area were asked about willingness to report to police, file charges, and work with the courts to prosecute after rape. Questions were framed with a qualifying statement about the forensic examination being able to detect injury related to forced sexual intercourse. Results show that women had a high willingness to act if the examination could detect anogenital injury and women with and without a history of forced sexual intercourse had significant differences in their responses to these questions. Implications for health care, criminal justice system, and future research are discussed.
Bystander Education Training for Campus Sexual Assault Prevention: An Initial Meta-Analysis
Authors: Katz Jennifer , Moore Jessica
Published: September 2013

The present meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of bystander education programs for preventing sexual assault in college communities. Undergraduates trained in bystander education for sexual assault were expected to report more favorable attitudes, behavioral proclivities, and actual behaviors relative to untrained controls. Data from 12 studies of college students (N= 2,926) were used to calculate 32 effect sizes. Results suggested moderate effects of bystander education on both bystander efficacy and intentions to help others at risk. Smaller but significant effects were observed regarding self-reported bystander helping behaviors, (lower) rape-supportive attitudes, and (lower) rape proclivity, but not perpetration. These results provide initial support for the effectiveness of in-person bystander education training. Nonetheless, future longitudinal research evaluating behavioral outcomes and sexual assault incidence is needed.
Dealing with Uncertainty of Reservoir Heterogeneity and Pressure Depletion to Optimize Acid Placement in Thick Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Retnanto Albertus , Orellana Edin , Ryan Abraham
Published: September 2013

For carbonate reservoirs, it is common for completed intervals to intersect several layered reservoirs, commingling multiple zones, and to extend hundreds to more than a thousand feet in length. The long interval presents uncertainty on the key formation parameters considered in acid stimulation even with the best petrophysical measurement and interpretation available in the industry. Stimulation of such intervals can be further complicated by differential depletion between the zones and large differences in hydrostatic pressure during stimulation treatment. This paper strives to outline some of the key pitfalls that can occur due to the uncertainty in this data. Using reservoir simulations, the long term adverse impact of these pitfalls on both production and overall recovery can be shown.

Based on degradable fiber and visco-elastic surfactant technologies, a new acid diverter, has been applied, along with a placement model, to optimize treatment design and to maximize diversion in heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs. The system is robust, diverting from high permeability streaks, fissures and natural fractures with very little diverting effect from the low permeability zones, and therefore generates a more uniform stimulation than conventional fluid systems. This approach has been used to optimize various stimulation campaigns on carbonate fields throughout the Middle East.

The diversion technique does not overly rely on the accuracy of petrophysical data, such as permeability and porosity, or reservoir pressure and can be successful in a variety of potential scenarios. Maximizing treatment fluid coverage across the entire intervals can be achieved across thick, even naturally fractured, carbonate intervals using degradable fiber technology within a visco-elastic surfactant fluid.
New Insights into the Prediction of Capillary Pressure from Resistivity Measurements
Authors: Mahmoud M. A. , Abdelgawad K. Z.
Published: September 2013

Capillary pressure and other special core properties are usually determined using the laboratory analysis of the reservoir cores. The determination of the capillary pressure in the laboratory depends on several factors such conditioning the laboratory to the reservoir conditions. The actual simulation of the reservoir conditions could be difficult in certain situations because transferring the cores from the reservoir to the surface this will cause changes in the pore geometry and fluid compositions. The capillary pressure was determined using different correlations that based on the water saturation and lithology factor for specific formations.

In this study, a new method will be introduced to determine the capillary pressure from the resistivity log measurements. Resistivity logs that will be used are: Deep Induction Log (ILD), Medium Induction Log (ILM) and Micro- Spherical Focused Log (MSFL). The actual log measurements from the downhole will be used to determine the capillary pressure profile in the transition zone versus water saturation. Moreover, this method also can be used to predict the initial condition of the wettability in the reservoir. Lithology and porosity logs also will be used to help in determination the clean and shaly formation, water saturation, and the selected zones permeability, therefore, the effect of shale on the capillary pressure profile can be investigated.

Predicting the capillary pressure profile from the resistivity data proved to be a very good technique in characterizing the reservoir. The capillary pressure profile can be determined for the actual formation conditions downhole without the need to do laboratory tests which at the end will not give accurate profile measurements. The predicted capillary pressure matched the measured capillary pressure in the laboratory at medium permeability range (100-250 md) in carbonate reservoirs and low permeability range in sandstone reservoirs (less than 60 md).