bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional state-dependent modulation of Insulin-Producing Cells in Drosophila
Authors: Bisen Rituja S. , Iqbal Fathima Mukthar , Cascino-Milani Federico , Bockemühl Till , Ache Jan M.
Published: July 2024

Insulin plays a key role in regulating metabolic homeostasis across vertebrate and invertebrate species.
Drosophila
Insulin-Producing Cells (IPCs) are functional analogues to mammalian pancreatic beta cells and release insulin directly into circulation. IPC activity is modulated by nutrient availability, circadian time, and the behavioral state of animals. To investigate the
in vivo
dynamics of IPC activity in the context of metabolic homeostasis, we quantified effects of nutritional and internal state changes on IPCs using electrophysiological recordings. We found that the nutritional state strongly modulates IPC activity. IPCs were less active in starved flies than in fed flies. Refeeding starved flies with glucose significantly increased IPC activity, suggesting that IPCs are regulated by hemolymph sugar levels. In contrast to glucose feeding, glucose perfusion had no effect on IPC activity. This was reminiscent of the mammalian incretin effect, in which ingestion of glucose drives higher insulin release than intravenous glucose application. Contrary to IPCs, Diuretic hormone 44-expressing neurons in the pars intercerebralis (DH44
PI
Ns), which are anatomically similar to IPCs, significantly increased their activity during glucose perfusion. Functional connectivity experiments based on optogenetic activation demonstrated that glucose-sensing DH44
PI
Ns do not affect IPC activity, while other DH44Ns inhibit IPCs. This suggests that populations of autonomously and systemically glucose-sensing neurons are working in parallel to maintain metabolic homeostasis. Ultimately, metabolic state changes affect animal behavior. For example, hungry flies increase their locomotor activity in search of food to maintain metabolic homeostasis. In support of this idea, activating IPCs had a small, satiety-like effect in starved flies, resulting in reduced walking activity, whereas activating DH44Ns strongly increased walking activity. Taken together, we show that IPCs and DH44Ns are an integral part of a sophisticated modulatory network that orchestrates glucose homeostasis and adaptive behavior in response to shifts in the metabolic state.
Impact of Income on Livelihood of Tribal Goat Farmers of Odisha, India
Authors: Das Bhabesh Chandra , Sahoo Abinash , Sant Suman , Singh Birendra Pratap , Vandre Rajesh Kumar
Published: July 2024

The present investigation was carried out to find out the contribution of income in improving the livelihood of tribal goat farmers in the Kandhamal district of Odisha which was purposively selected as this district is highly concentrated with local goats. The sample of 112 goat farmers for this study was selected randomly from sixteen villages which were also selected from four randomly selected blocks of the district. With the help of the pre-tested interview schedule, the data for the study was collected personally by the researcher.  The study employed ex-post facto research design and focussed group discussion to capture field data. Economic impact a component of overall livelihood impact was measured with the help of 10 validated statements in a five-point Likert type scale with scores on a continuum with 1(strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) for each of the statement. The study revealed that the farmers’ personal savings, ability to spend money for children education, food, clothing and meeting medical expenses have increased due to goat farming. However, the overall economic impact is medium in nature indicating that the important stakeholders including government agencies involved in promotion of goat farming in the tribal areas should put emphasis on improving the business ability of the famers which will be useful in improving the income level leading to strengthening of livelihood.
Executive function in eating disorders: The role of state anxiety
Authors: Billingsley‐Marshall Rebecca L. , Basso Michael R. , Lund Brian C. , Hernandez Elsa R. , Johnson Craig L. , Drevets Wayne C. , McKee Patrick A. , Yates William R.
Published: January 2013

Objective:

We examined the influence of depression and anxiety on executive function in individuals with a DSM‐IV diagnosis of anorexia nervosa‐restricting type, anorexia nervosa‐binge‐eating/purging type, bulimia nervosa, or eating disorder not otherwise specified.

Method:

We assessed 106 women after their inpatient treatment in an eating disorders program. All participants were nutritionally stable at the time of testing.

Results:

Thirty percent of the total sample showed impaired performance on one or more tests of executive function. No differences in executive function were observed among diagnostic groups. Anxiety scores accounted for significant variance in performance for all groups.

Discussion:

Executive function deficits were found in a minority of our sample, with significant variance in performance accounted for by self‐reported anxiety. State anxiety appears to contribute to diminished executive function in women with eating disorders. © 2013 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013)
Monomers for Adhesive Polymers 12 Synthesis and Free‐Radical Homo‐ and Copolymerization of 2‐Ethoxycarbonylallyl 5‐(1,2‐dithiolane‐3‐yl)‐pentanoate
Authors: Pavlinec Juraj , Kleinova Angela , Angermann Jörg , Lamparth Iris , Moszner Norbert
Published: January 2013

The 2‐ethoxycarbonylallyl 5‐(1,2‐dithiolane‐3‐yl)‐pentanoate monomer (AODS) includes in its molecular structure CC and SS reactive bonds allowing it to behave as a bi‐functional monomer, possessing two groups, however, with different reactivity for use in polymer chain building. The polymerization‐specific features of this monomer are the absence of auto‐acceleration and polymer chain crosslinking. Polymerization proceeds readily through most free‐radical initiators. One exception, carboxy‐peroxides are rapidly decomposed without the production of free radicals. AODS is partially converted to a gel without the consumption of double bonds during monomer dissolution in certain organic solvents and after being mixed in solution with carboxy‐peroxides. The determined AODS‐co‐MMA copolymerization parameters are r1 = 2.61, r2 = 0.23 if Luperco peroxide is used as a polymerization initiator, and r1 = 2.71, r2 = 0.38 if AIBN is used.

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Preliminary Validation of Self‐assessment Tool to Measure Imatinib Adherence in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Daouphars Mikael , Ouvry Marine , Lenain Pascal , Rouvet Jean , Jardin Fabrice , Bubenheim Michael , Varin Remi
Published: January 2013

Study Objectives

To develop and validate a self‐assessment adherence tool for imatinib in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and to correlate the use of this tool with response to treatment and adverse effects.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Regional cancer center in France.

Patients

Forty‐six patients with chronic phase CML treated with imatinib for 6 months or longer as of July 1, 2009.

Measurements and main results

We developed a self‐assessment questionnaire consisting of 10 questions to identify patients who were nonadherent to their cancer treatment. Each answer was worth 1 point, resulting in a possible maximum score of 10. The questionnaire was validated in patients receiving imatinib, using an objective adherence evaluation: a patient's score on the self‐assessment questionnaire was correlated with prescription refills, expressed as a medication possession ratio. A score of less than 8 was associated with a positive predictive value of 0.83 to have a medication possession ratio below 90%. With use of this questionnaire, half of the patients receiving imatinib would be identified as being nonadherent (sensitivity 0.5). Few adherent patients would be falsely identified as nonadherent, as the questionnaire's specificity was 0.97.

Conclusion

This self‐assessment questionnaire was validated for the first time in patients receiving imatinib for CML treatment. It provides a simple practical tool for health care professionals to assess patient adherence during their routine clinical practice and to propose targeted interventions for those identified as possibly nonadherent.
A New Face of Poverty? Economic Crises and Poverty Discourses
Authors: Abbie Erler H.
Published: January 2013

This article explores how economic downturns shape poverty knowledge. Utilizing a content analysis of 689 articles from three major newspapers from 2006 to 2009, this article examines how the Great Recession has shaped discourses on the meaning and causes of poverty in the United States. I find that contemporary accounts of people in poverty employ a structural/contextual narrative more often than a psychological/moral narrative and focus more on the symbolic, rather than material, aspects of poverty. This study highlights how economic crises create a space for new poverty discourses to emerge that challenge the hegemonic narrative, which stigmatizes and Otherizes people in poverty. However, representations of poverty remain racialized and gendered, as the “new poor” are portrayed as fundamentally different and more deserving of policy action than those who were in poverty prior to the Great Recession.
PSA‐based screening for prostate cancer
Authors: Byrne Derek
Published: January 2013

A letter and response about PSA‐based screening for prostate cancer. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons
Penile implants: newer devices provide improved function, safety and satisfaction
Authors: Carson Culley C.
Published: January 2013

Surgical intervention for the restoration of erectile function involves implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis. Modern implants closely reproduce the physiology of the normal male erection and enable the man to have normal sexual intercourse. Culley Carson looks at the evidence for the reliability, safety and outcome of the newer devices. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons
Head progression distance in prolonged second stage of labor: relationship with mode of delivery and fetal head station
Authors: Gilboa Y. , Kivilevitch Z. , Spira M. , Kedem A. , Katorza E. , Moran O. , Achiron R.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To evaluate the clinical significance of fetal head progression distance (HPD), measured by transperineal ultrasound, during prolonged second stage of labor.

Methods

In this prospective study, a single operator, who was blinded to the results of the digital examination, assessed using transperineal ultrasound women at ≥ 37 weeks of gestation with failure to progress in the second stage of labor. Patients had an empty urinary bladder and the examination was performed during maternal pushing. HPD was defined as the length of the line perpendicular to the infrapubic line that would connect it to the lowest part of the fetal bony skull. We analyzed associations between HPD and digital examination of fetal head station, fetomaternal characteristics, mode of delivery and perinatal outcome.

Results

Sixty‐five patients in prolonged second stage of labor participated in the study. The overall mean HPD was 6.50 (± 1.35; 95% CI, 6.16–6.83) cm. No correlation was found between HPD and head position or mode of delivery, but HPD was positively correlated with fetal head station and neonatal head circumference measured after delivery. Logistic regression and receiver–operating characteristics curve analysis demonstrated no significant predictive value of HPD with respect to mode of delivery.

Conclusion

Although HPD in prolonged second stage of labor could not predict mode of delivery, it may have a role as an ancillary tool for fetal head station assessment. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adult Exploration of Attachment Interview in Family Therapy
Authors: Chambers Heather
Published: January 2013

The Adult Exploration of Attachment Interview (AEAI) is a therapeutic interview developed by the author to assist adults to understand themselves and their relationships with others, especially with a partner, co‐parent and/or children. It is suitable for individuals and couples struggling to overcome repeated patterns of relating, helping to improve their intimate or parenting relationships through greater self and other understanding. The AEAI explores an adult's early relational learning, especially in regard to attachment needs, in order to allow change. The interview uses specific externalising language to help persons tolerate difficult memories, reduce guilt and shame and integrate their thoughts and feelings. It applies key implications of attachment theory and the approach is illustrated by examples from therapy.
Hebrew, Aramaic, and The Greek of The Gospels
Authors: Grant W. Leonard
Published: January 2013

It is frequently remarked of the κοινή Greek of the Gospels that it bears distinct traces of Hebrew and Aramaic influence, conscious or unconscious. The average reader of the Gospels may often wonder just which of the many linguistic oddities he encounters are common to all or most forms of κοινή and which are the genuine Hebraisms or Aramaisms; he can, if of a heroic cast of mind, learn Hebrew for this one purpose (a plan which will commend itself to few), or he can read various weighty tomes, from those of Wellhausen and Burney, who see Aramaic influence everywhere, to those of Moulton and Milligan, who minimize that influence wherever possible, to that of Lagrange, who placidly pursues a via media. But he would probably prefer a brief essay which tries to sum up the main facts without a footnote, without an appendix, and without an axe to grind.

First, influence on syntax. Every κοινή scholar would agree that one of the commonest Semitisms in the Gospels is the initial position of the verb in the sentence. In both Hebrew and Aramaic the verb almost invariably appears first: ‘the king saw the man’ would (though in the Hebrew right-to-left order in which the first becomes last and the last becomes first) be expressed as ra'ah (verb) hammelech (subject) 'eth (sign of the accusative) ha'ish (object). Obviously the average Aramaic-speaking Jew would write εἶεν ὁ βασιλεύς τòν ἄνλpα. Now it is perfectly true that there is nothing un-Greek in the position of ενεν here; but it is the frequency of the occurrence, not the fact, which is significant; the initially placed verb meets us on every page of the Gospels—examples are unnecessary.
Donation after cardiac death: results of the SUMMA 112 – Hospital 12 de Octubre Program
Authors: Miranda‐Utrera Natalia , Medina‐Polo José , Pamplona Manuel , de la Rosa Federico , Rodríguez Alfredo , Duarte José M. , Passas Juan B. , Mateos‐Rodríguez Alonso , Díaz Rafael , Andrés Amado
Published: January 2013

Background

In 2005, our center started a donation after cardiac death (DACD) program, by which patients who present an irreversible cardiac arrest outside hospital are brought to our center with the purpose of organ donation. We reviewed the outcomes of our program of kidney transplants from DACD.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of the DACD, and we reviewed the procedures carried out in our institution between July 2005 and December 2010 and descriptively analyzed the results obtained for kidney donation.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐two of 274 potential donors were transferred to our hospital. Of them, 126 (82.8%) were connected to cardiopulmonary bypass machine, and organs were procured in 113 donors (74.3%). The discarded grafts were mainly due to inadequate perfusion. One hundred and fifty‐six kidneys were transplanted (51.3%). Over a median follow‐up period of 18 ± 13.7 months, the median creatinine clearance was 78.2 ± 10.2 ml/min. 8.6% of the grafts had no primary function, and 85% had a delayed graft function. Recipient survival and graft survival were 98% and 87%, respectively.

Conclusions

DACD is an adequate source of organs for kidney transplantation. Our functional and survival results are encouraged in the short term, although further work is required to increase the program's benefits.
The Queue Outside the Embassy: Remittances, Inequality and Restrictive Migration Regimes
Authors: Åkesson Lisa
Published: January 2013

This article juxtaposes theoretical notions concerning the relationship between migrant remittances and socio‐economic inequality with an anthropological case study of remittances in Cape Verde. Contemporary theorizing involves, firstly, the idea that remittances do not benefit the poorest; secondly, the conclusion that the impact of remittances changes over time; thirdly, the notion that family structure influences the distribution of remittances; and fourthly the proposition that remittances have a stronger impact on social stratification when linked to the return of a migrant. The primary aim of the article is to use these theoretical notions as entry‐points for analysing how remittances interplay with patterns of inequality in Cape Verde. A second aim is to examine the explanatory power of the theories through applying them to this specific case.

The article demonstrates that remittances in some cases benefit the poorest in Cape Verde and that this has to do with the long history of migration, which means that nearly everyone, irrespective of class, has a close relative abroad. It also shows that Cape Verdeans generally receive quite small amounts of money, which implies that they are seldom able to improve their economic situation in a more substantial way.

In conclusion, the article contends that in order to fully appreciate the complex relationship between remittances and socio‐economic inequality it is necessary to take into account the importance of other sources of income. Moreover, it argues that the contemporary restrictive immigration regimes in receiving countries have a fundamental impact on the socio‐economic distribution of remittances. In studies of the relationship between remittances and inequality, this is an aspect that has been left out. Instead, theorizing tends to focus on factors that are internal to the countries of origin, and on the migrants' links to these countries.
Muslim Governance and the Duty to Protect
Authors: Oh Irene
Published: January 2013

In this response to Johnson, Oh reaffirms the scholarly vision of Kelsay and Twiss, elaborates upon Muslim perspectives on human rights, and questions the emphasis on violent humanitarian interventions as part of the Responsibility to Protect mandate. Oh suggests that, in light of the historical relationship between Muslim and non‐Muslim states and the aftermath of the second Iraq War, more consideration be given to the rebuilding of Muslim‐majority societies. Oh also highlights the concept of duty as a religiously based ideal to which governments of Muslim nations ought to be held.
Jus Ad Bellum, Values, and the Contemporary Structure of International Law
Authors: Murphy Sean D.
Published: January 2013

In “Religion, Violence, and Human Rights: Protection of Human Rights as Justification for the Use of Armed Force,” James Johnson discusses an important dilemma for contemporary society: when should transnational military force be permitted to protect human rights? Professor Johnson uses the relatively recent doctrine of a “responsibility to protect” as the centerpiece of his paper, characterizing it as a reaction to legal concepts that emerged in the “Westphalian system.” Yet the doctrine, at least as it relates to the use of military force, is not a reaction to that system but, rather, to the relatively recent system of the UN Charter, particularly its relegation to the Security Council of the exclusive authority to determine when military force should be used for purposes other than self‐defense. When the Cold War ended and the Security Council failed to act to protect human rights, the doctrine was born.
Virtue Ethics, Social Difference, and the Challenge of an Embodied Politics
Authors: Dunn Shannon
Published: January 2013

Following the revival of virtue theory, some moral theorists have argued that virtue ethics can provide the basis for a radical politics. Such a politics essentially departs from the liberal model of the moral agent as an autonomous reason‐giver. It instead privileges an understanding of the agent as conditioned by her community, and in the case of social oppression and marginalization, communal virtues may become a vehicle for social change. This essay compares political appropriations of virtue theory by Christian theologian Stanley Hauerwas and secular feminist thinkers Lisa Tessman and Margaret Urban Walker. Hauerwas and feminist theorists both embrace a kind of embodied vulnerability as a political virtue, arguing that it enables more genuine social recognition. The virtue feminist critique is more robust than Hauerwas's, however, insofar as it understands mutual recognition to involve acknowledgment of social difference and the concomitant pursuit of justice.
In Defense of the Responsibility to Protect
Authors: Glanville Luke
Published: January 2013

This essay responds to Esther Reed's recent critique of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle in this journal. It argues that Reed fundamentally misunderstands and misrepresents R2P. Her critique of R2P would have served well as a critique of the earlier concept of humanitarian intervention had it been penned in the late 1990s. But most of the problems and dangers that Reed identifies are in reality the very problems and dangers that R2P seeks to overcome, and I suggest that it does overcome them quite successfully. R2P does not impose Western ideals on the rest of the world, weaken the legal restrictions on the use of force, or promote abusive interventionism. Rather, it offers a bold but carefully constructed framework that holds the promise of promoting the protection of vulnerable populations from mass atrocities.
Evaluation of a Forward Operator to Assimilate Cloud Water Path into WRF-DART
Authors: Jones Thomas A. , Stensrud David J. , Minnis Patrick , Palikonda Rabindra
Published: January 2013

Assimilating satellite-retrieved cloud properties into storm-scale models has received limited attention despite its potential to provide a wide array of information to a model analysis. Available retrievals include cloud water path (CWP), which represents the amount of cloud water and cloud ice present in an integrated column, and cloud-top and cloud-base pressures, which represent the top and bottom pressure levels of the cloud layers, respectively. These interrelated data are assimilated into an Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting Model (ARW-WRF) 40-member ensemble with 3-km grid spacing using the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) ensemble Kalman filter. A new CWP forward operator combines the satellite-derived cloud information with similar variables generated by WRF. This approach is tested using a severe weather event on 10 May 2010. One experiment only assimilates conventional (CONV) observations, while the second assimilates the identical conventional observations and the satellite-derived CWP (PATH).

Comparison of the CWP observations at 2045 UTC to CONV and PATH analyses shows that PATH has an improved representation of both the magnitude and spatial orientation of CWP compared to CONV. Assimilating CWP acts both to suppress convection in the model where none is present in satellite data and to encourage convection where it is observed. Oklahoma Mesonet observations of downward shortwave flux at 2100 UTC indicate that PATH reduces the root-mean-square difference errors in downward shortwave flux by 75 W m−2 compared to CONV. Reduction in model error is generally maximized during the initial 30-min forecast period with the impact of CWP observations decreasing for longer forecast times.
Comparison of two personal ultraviolet index monitors for sun awareness in South Africa
Authors: Wright Caradee Y. , Albers Patricia N.
Published: January 2013

Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is known to have both adverse and beneficial consequences for human health. Sunburn and skin cancer are probably the most well-known acute and chronic adverse health impacts. These themes have recently been discussed in the media for the general public; consequently interest in sun protection is growing. The promotion of the use of practical personal strategies to reduce adverse health risks, such as healthy sun behaviour, sun protection mechanisms and solar ultraviolet radiation awareness tools, is increasing. One such tool is the personal UV index (UVI) monitor, promoted commercially as a viable tool for sun awareness; however, such instruments have not been scientifically evaluated in a South African context. Here, two different types of personal UVI monitors, commercially available in South Africa, were compared with a research-grade UVB biometer for a continuous 7-h period on 02 March 2012 in Pretoria. One of the two personal UVI monitors showed reasonable agreement with the UVB biometer, whereas the other monitor overestimated UVI by up to 4 UVI units. When comparing two identical products manufactured by the same company, one monitor overestimated UVI twofold, suggesting inter-instrument variability may be a concern. Commercially available, personal UVI monitors should be used with caution as a public health tool for sun awareness in South Africa.
Joint Assimilation of Surface Temperature and L‐Band Microwave Brightness Temperature in Land Data Assimilation
Authors: Han Xujun , Hendricks Franssen Harrie-Jan , Li Xin , Zhang Yanlin , Montzka Carsten , Vereecken Harry
Published: January 2013

Soil moisture and soil temperature are tightly coupled variables in land surface models. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the joint assimilation of soil moisture and land surface temperature data in a land surface model on soil moisture and soil temperature characterization. Three synthetic tests evaluated the joint assimilation of surface temperature (measured by MODIS) and brightness temperature (from L‐band) into the Community Land Model using the local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF). The following three tests were performed for dry and wet conditions: (i) assimilating surface temperature observations only; (ii) assimilating brightness temperature observations only; and (iii) assimilating both surface temperature and brightness temperature observations. The results show that the joint assimilation of surface temperature and brightness temperature results in the best characterization of soil moisture and soil temperature profiles under dry conditions. The assimilation of surface temperature contributed to an improved characterization of soil moisture profiles under dry conditions. For the dry period, brightness temperature assimilation resulted in improved prediction of sensible and latent heat fluxes, whereas surface temperature assimilation improved only the prediction of latent heat flux. Under wet conditions, the joint assimilation scheme cannot outperform the single brightness temperature assimilation. Neither the estimation of soil moisture and soil temperature profiles nor the estimates of the turbulent fluxes were improved by joint assimilation (compared with assimilation of brightness temperature only) under wet conditions.
What makes peanuts so allergenic?
Authors: Petersen Arnd , Becker Wolf , Jappe Uta
Published: January 2013

Peanut allergy belongs to one of the most severe food allergies. So far 12
peanut allergens have been registered by the IUIS Allergen Nomenclature
Subcommittee. Here, we describe the different peanut allergens and factors
that contribute to allergenicity. Peanut contains several class I food
allergens (especially Ara h 1, 2, 3) that are stable against heat
denaturation and proteolytic digestion and represent storage proteins. These
allergens are often associated with severe allergic reactions. Additionally,
peanut contains class II food allergens (Ara h 5 and 8), where the IgE
reactivity is caused by cross reactions to inhalant allergens. These
allergens are mostly associated with mild to moderate allergic reactions. But
the severity of symptoms may change by involvement of additional factors. The
peanut matrix consists of about 50% of lipids, and allergen - lipid
associations have been shown for several peanut allergens. Further factors
influencing allergenicity depend on peanut varieties, geographical
differences and alterations in food processing. Finally, the physiological
function of allergens and the mechanisms, by which they interact with the
immune system, are further modulating factors. Thus, the specific allergen
structure, matrix, genetic variations, geographic alterations and further
augmentation factors are important parameters that induce and influence
allergenicity.
Oscillation theorems for second-order superlinear neutral differential equations
Authors: Baculíková Blanka , Li Tongxing , Džurina Jozef
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the oscillation of the second-order neutral differential equations of the form (E)$$
(r(t)|z'(t)|^{\alpha - 1} z'(t))' + q(t)|x(\sigma (t))|^{\alpha - 1} x(\sigma (t)) = 0,
$$ where z(t) = x(t) + p(t)x(τ(t)). The obtained comparison principles essentially simplify the examination of the studied equations. Further, our results extend and improve the results in the literature.
Eyes on 3D‐Current 3D Biomimetic Disease Concept Models and Potential Applications in Age‐Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Feigl Beatrix , Hutmacher Dietmar
Published: January 2013

Three‐dimensional cellular models that mimic disease are being increasingly investigated and have opened an exciting new research area into understanding pathomechanisms. The advantage of 3D in vitro disease models is that they allow systematic and in‐depth studies of physiological and pathophysiological processes with less costs and ethical concerns that have arisen with animal models. The purpose of the 3D approach is to allow crosstalk between cells and microenvironment, and with cues from the microenvironment, cells can assemble their niche similar to in vivo conditions. The use of 3D models for mimicking disease processes such as cancer, osteoarthritis etc., is only emerging and allows multidisciplinary teams consisting of tissue engineers, biologist biomaterial scientists and clinicians to work closely together. While in vitro systems require rigorous testing before they can be considered as replicates of the in vivo model, major steps have been made, suggesting that they will become powerful tools for studying physiological and pathophysiological processes. This paper aims to summarize some of the existing 3D models and proposes a novel 3D model of the eye structures that are involved in the most common cause of blindness in the Western World, namely age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).
Is it all the X: Familial learning dysfunction and the impact of behavioral aspects of the phenotypic presentation of XXY?
Authors: Samango‐Sprouse Carole A. , Stapleton Emily , Sadeghin Teresa , Gropman Andrea L.
Published: January 2013

The behavioral phenotype of children with XXY has not been extensively studied until recently and this research has been confounded by insufficient study populations and ascertainment biases. The aim of the study was to expand the behavioral aspect of the XXY phenotype as well as investigate the role of existing familial learning disabilities (FLD) on behavioral problems. Behavioral phenotype of XXY includes social anxiety, ADHD, social communication, and atypical peer interactions. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS) were completed by the parents of 54 boys with XXY who had not received hormonal replacement prior to participation. Our findings suggest fewer behavioral deficits and lower severity in the general 47,XXY population than previously published and found significant differences between the groups with a positive FLD on the behavioral assessments. Findings demonstrate that boys with FLD exhibit an increased incidence and severity of behavioral problems. Our study expands on the findings of Samango‐Sprouse et al. [Samango‐Sprouse et al. (2012b) J Intellect Disabil Res] and the significant influence that FLD has on not only neurodevelopment, but also behavioral deficits. Our study suggests that part of the XXY phenotypic profile may be modulated by FLD. Further study is underway to examine the interaction between the many salient factors effecting behavioral and neurodevelopmental progression in XXY and variant forms. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved performance of students instructed in a hybrid PBL format
Authors: Lian Jiqin , He Fengtian
Published: January 2013

As a result of enrollment expansion, increasing numbers of students are entering into medical school in China. This combined with a shortage of teachers, means that the learning environment typically consists of a large classroom setting with traditional lecture‐based learning (LBL) as the major mode to teaching and learning. In this article, we investigate the preferences for hybrid problem‐based learning (hybrid‐PBL) or LBL in a large classroom setting. Two hundred five second‐year undergraduate students in Third Military Medical University were randomly divided to two groups. The hybrid‐PBL group contained 101 students and was taught by hybrid LBL (60%) and tutor‐less PBL(40%) in a large classroom. The LBL group consisted of 104 students and was taught by LBL in a large classroom too. Post‐teaching performance was assessed by multiple choice questions, short‐essay questions, and case‐analysis questions, while the students' teaching preferences and satisfaction were assessed by questionnaires. Analysis of the results of both groups in the examination of biochemistry revealed significantly higher scores on short‐essay questions and case‐analysis questions in the hybrid‐PBL group. Students considered hybrid‐PBL to be an effective learning method and favored it over the lecture format. Furthermore, students reported positive effects of hybrid‐PBL in terms of additional learning resources, critical thinking, and fun learning experiences. These results suggest that hybrid‐PBL is better than the traditional LBL method at improving students' basic knowledge and problem‐solving skills. Students preferred hybrid‐PBL and were satisfied with it. The tutor‐less PBL pattern in a large classroom setting may be feasible in Chinese medical schools. © 2012 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 41(1):5–10, 2013
BIS impulsivity and acute nicotine exposure are associated with discounting global consequences in the Harvard game
Authors: Hogarth Lee , Stillwell David J. , Tunney Richard J.
Published: January 2013

Objective

The Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) provides a transdiagnostic marker for a number of psychiatric conditions and drug abuse, but the precise psychological trait(s) tapped by this questionnaire remain obscure.

Method

To address this, 51 smokers completed in counterbalanced order the BIS, a delay discounting task and a Harvard game that measured choice between a response that yielded a high immediate monetary payoff but decreased opportunity to earn money overall (local choice) versus a response that yielded a lower immediate payoff but afforded a greater opportunity to earn overall (global choice).

Results

Individual level of BIS impulsivity and self‐elected smoking prior to the study were independently associated with increased preference for the local over the global choice in the Harvard game, but not delay discounting.

Conclusions

BIS impulsivity and acute nicotine exposure reflect a bias in the governance of choice by immediate reward contingencies over global consequences, consistent with contemporary dual‐process instrumental learning theories. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Functionalized Polynorbornanes Employing 2,5‐Bis(trifluoromethyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole
Authors: Trošelj Pavle , Đilović Ivica , Matković‐Čalogović Dubravka , Margetić Davor
Published: January 2013

Cycloaddition reaction of 2,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole with strained olefinic bonds of norbornenes was used to synthetize functionalized polynorbornanes. This simple, one step procedure was more effective when reaction was carried out by classical heating, in comparison to microwave‐assisted reactions. Various functional groups were stable in the reaction conditions (ester, imide, phthalimide, piperidyl, and carboxylic acid), whereas anhydride, N‐Boc, or TMS functionalities do not withstand reaction conditions.
Regulatory mechanism of the light‐activable allosteric switch LOV–TAP for the control of DNA binding: A computer simulation study
Authors: Peter Emanuel , Dick Bernhard , Baeurle Stephan A.
Published: January 2013

The spatio‐temporal control of gene expression is fundamental to elucidate cell proliferation and deregulation phenomena in living systems. Novel approaches based on light‐sensitive multiprotein complexes have recently been devised, showing promising perspectives for the noninvasive and reversible modulation of the DNA‐transcriptional activity in vivo. This has lately been demonstrated in a striking way through the generation of the artificial protein construct light‐oxygen‐voltage (LOV)–tryptophan‐activated protein (TAP), in which the LOV‐2‐Jα photoswitch of phototropin1 from Avena sativa (AsLOV2‐Jα) has been ligated to the tryptophan‐repressor (TrpR) protein from Escherichia coli. Although tremendous progress has been achieved on the generation of such protein constructs, a detailed understanding of their functioning as opto‐genetical tools is still in its infancy. Here, we elucidate the early stages of the light‐induced regulatory mechanism of LOV–TAP at the molecular level, using the noninvasive molecular dynamics simulation technique. More specifically, we find that Cys450‐FMN‐adduct formation in the AsLOV2‐Jα‐binding pocket after photoexcitation induces the cleavage of the peripheral Jα‐helix from the LOV core, causing a change of its polarity and electrostatic attraction of the photoswitch onto the DNA surface. This goes along with the flexibilization through unfolding of a hairpin‐like helix‐loop‐helix region interlinking the AsLOV2‐Jα‐ and TrpR‐domains, ultimately enabling the condensation of LOV–TAP onto the DNA surface. By contrast, in the dark state the AsLOV2‐Jα photoswitch remains inactive and exerts a repulsive electrostatic force on the DNA surface. This leads to a distortion of the hairpin region, which finally relieves its tension by causing the disruption of LOV–TAP from the DNA. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crystal structure of 6‐guanidinohexanoyl trypsin near the optimum pH reveals the acyl‐enzyme intermediate to be deacylated
Authors: Masuda Yosuke , Nitanai Yasushi , Mizutani Ryuta , Noguchi Shuji
Published: January 2013

The force driving the conversion from the acyl intermediate to the tetrahedral intermediate in the deacylation reaction of serine proteases remains unclear. The crystal structure of 6‐guanidinohexanoyl trypsin was determined at pH 7.0, near the optimum reaction pH, at 1.94 Å resolution. In this structure, three water molecules are observed around the catalytic site. One acts as a nucleophile to attack the acyl carbonyl carbon while the other two waters fix the position of the catalytic water through a hydrogen bond. When the acyl carbonyl oxygen oscillates thermally, the water assumes an appropriate angle to catalyze the deacylation. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emotion and the moral lives of adolescents: Vagaries and complexities in the emotional experience of doing harm
Authors: Wainryb Cecilia , Recchia Holly E.
Published: January 2013

Far from being unthinking energies or irrational impulses that control or push people around, emotions are intricately connected to the way people perceive, understand, and think about the world. As such, emotions are also an inextricable part of people's moral lives. As people go about making moral judgments and decisions, they do not merely apply abstract principles in a detached manner. Their emotions—their loves and sympathies, angers and fears, grief and sadness, guilt and shame—are inseparable from how they make sense of and evaluate their own and others' actions, the way things are, and the ways things ought to be. While this is not to say that emotions have a privileged role in morality, it does mean that emotions cannot be reasonably sidelined from the study of people's moral lives. Thus, an important part of formulating a theory of moral development is to articulate a framework for capturing children's relevant emotional experiences in the context of morally laden events. Such a framework should also help us understand how these sometimes turbulent or bewildering experiences inform, enrich, and change children's thinking about what is right and wrong and about themselves as moral agents. This article considers the research on the relation between emotion and moral thinking, offers a perspective that aims to broaden and elaborate our understanding of the connections between emotion and morality in adolescence, and sets a new agenda for research on this topic.
Eosinophil activation and novel mediators in the aspirin‐induced nasal response in AERD
Authors: Choi G.‐S. , Kim J.‐H. , Shin Y.‐S. , Ye Y.‐M. , Kim S.‐H. , Park H.‐S.
Published: January 2013

Background

Eosinophil activation is the key feature of upper and lower airway inflammation in aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).

Objective

To investigate the mechanism of eosinophil activation and identify novel inflammatory mediators using proteomics.

Methods

Thirty‐two asthmatic subjects were enrolled: 18 AERD patients who showed positive responses to the lysine‐aspirin nasal provocation test (L‐ASA NPT) and 14 aspirin‐tolerant asthma (ATA) patients who showed negative responses to the L‐ASA NPT (control group). Nasal lavage fluid (NLF) was collected before (baseline), at 10, 30 and 60 min (early response), and at 3 h (late response) after the L‐ASA NPT. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and cysteinyl leucotriene (CysLT) levels were measured using an ImmunoCAP system and ELISA respectively. To identify proteins involved in AERD, comparative proteomics was applied using NLFs collected before and after L‐ASA NPTs in AERD patients. The clinical relevance of identified novel proteins was evaluated by ELISA using NLFs from the AERD and ATA groups.

Results

Eosinophil cationic protein and CysLT levels both increased significantly during the early response in AERD. ECP levels increased until the late response in AERD, while CysLT levels were not significantly increased during the late response. Proteomic analysis showed up‐regulation of apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), α2‐macroglobulin (α2M) and ceruloplasmin (CP), with significant increases in NLF of AERD patients, which was significantly higher in AERD patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Significant correlations were noted between ECP and CysLT, ApoA1, α2M and CP levels during the early response in AERD patients.

Conclusion

Eosinophil activation occurred in early and late responses after L‐ASA NPT in upper airway mucosa of AERD patients, where ApoA1, α2M and CP as well as CysLT may be involved in eosinophilic inflammation.
Tumor biology and pre‐transplant locoregional treatments determine outcomes in patients with T3 hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing liver transplantation
Authors: Kim Peter T. W. , Onaca Nicholas , Chinnakotla Srinath , Davis Gary L. , Jennings Linda W. , McKenna Greg J. , Ruiz Richard M. , Levy Marlon F. , Goldstein Robert , Klintmalm Goran B.
Published: January 2013

Liver transplantation is the optimal treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis. This study was conducted to determine the impact of pre‐transplant locoregional therapy (LRT) on HCC and our institution's experience with expansion to United Network of Organ Sharing Region 4 T3 (R4T3) criteria. Two hundred and twenty‐five patients with HCC (176 meeting Milan and 49 meeting R4T3 criteria) underwent liver transplantation from 2002 to 2008. Compared with the Milan criteria, HCCs in R4T3 criteria displayed less favorable biological features such as higher median alpha‐fetoprotein level (21.9 vs. 8.5 ng/mL, p = 0.01), larger tumor size, larger tumor number, and higher incidence of microvascular invasion (22% vs. 5%, p = 0.002). As a result, patients meeting Milan criteria had better five‐yr survival (79% vs. 69%, p = 0.03) and a trend toward lower HCC recurrence rates (5% vs. 13%, p = 0.05). Pre‐transplant LRT did not affect post‐transplant outcomes in patients meeting Milan criteria but did result in lower three‐yr HCC recurrence (7% vs. 75%, p < 0.001) and better three‐yr survival (p = 0.02) in patients meeting R4T3 criteria. Tumor biology and pre‐transplant LRT are important factors that determine the post‐transplant outcomes in patients with HCC who meet R4T3 criteria.
Pioglitazone and risk of bladder cancer: a meta‐analysis of controlled studies
Authors: Ferwana M. , Firwana B. , Hasan R. , Al‐Mallah M. H. , Kim S. , Montori V. M. , Murad M. H.
Published: January 2013

Aims

Pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione, was approved for treatment of Type 2 diabetes. However, several observational studies suggest an association of pioglitazone with an increased risk of bladder cancer in patients with diabetes. Therefore, we sought to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the magnitude of this association and the quality of the supporting evidence.

Methods

Electronic databases were queried to identify controlled studies of pioglitazone that measured the risk of bladder cancer.

Results

Six studies involving 215 142 patients using pioglitazone were included, with a median period of follow‐up of 44 months. The hazard of developing bladder cancer was significantly higher in patients using pioglitazone (hazard ratio 1.23; 95% CI 1.09–1.39; I2 = 0%) compared with control groups. The risk of bias was moderate across the six studies. Considering an incidence rate of 20.8 per 100 000 person years, the number needed to harm was five additional cases of bladder cancer per 100 000 person years.

Conclusions

Patients treated with pioglitazone have a slight increased risk of bladder cancer compared to general population. Patient involvement and weighing treatment benefits versus risks should be discussed with patient toward shared decision. Patients with type 2 diabetes with risk factors, such as family history, smoking, or exposure to certain forms of chemotherapy may need to consider other anti‐hyperglycemic agents. Also, pioglitazone should be discontinued in type 2 diabetes patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer.