bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between family members of dialysis patients and chronic kidney disease: a multicenter study in China
Authors: Kong Xianglei , Liu Li , Zuo Li , Yuan Ping , Li Zhongxin , Li Wenge , Cai Meishun , Chen Xiangmei , Jiang Aili , Long Gang , Xu Jinsheng , Lin Hongli , Wang Shixiang , Huang Wen , Wang Yiping , Guo Yidan , Cao Po , Wu Hua , Jia Qiang , Zhang Luxia , Wang Mei , Wang Haiyan
Published: January 2013

Background

Family members of patients with end stage renal disease were reported to have an increased prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, studies differentiated genetic and non-genetic family members are limited. We sought to investigate the prevalence of CKD among fist-degree relatives and spouses of dialysis patients in China.

Methods

Seventeen dialysis facilities from 4 cities of China including 1062 first-degree relatives and 450 spouses of dialysis patients were enrolled. Sex- and age- matched controls were randomly selected from a representative sample of general population in Beijing. CKD was defined as decreased estimated glomerular (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) or albuminuria.

Results

The prevalence of eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, albuminuria and the overall prevalence of CKD in dialysis spouses were compared with their counterpart controls, which was 3.8% vs. 7.8% (P < 0.01), 16.8% vs. 14.6% (P = 0.29) and 18.4% vs. 19.8% (P = 0.61), respectively. The prevalence of eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, albuminuria and the overall prevalence of CKD in dialysis relatives were also compared with their counterpart controls, which was 1.5% vs. 2.4% (P = 0.12), 14.4% vs. 8.4% (P < 0.01) and 14.6% vs. 10.5% (P < 0.01), respectively. Multivariable Logistic regression analysis indicated that being spouses of dialysis patients is negatively associated with presence of low eGFR, and being relatives of dialysis patients is positively associated with presence of albuminuria.

Conclusions

The association between being family members of dialysis patients and presence of CKD is different between first-degree relatives and spouses. The underlying mechanisms deserve further investigation.
MicroRNA-34a is a tumor suppressor in choriocarcinoma via regulation of Delta-like1
Authors: Pang Ronald TK , Leung Carmen ON , Lee Cheuk-Lun , Lam Kevin KW , Ye Tian-Min , Chiu Philip CN , Yeung William SB
Published: January 2013

Background

Choriocarcinoma is a gestational trophoblastic tumor which causes high mortality if left untreated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non protein-coding RNAs which inhibit target gene expression. The role of miRNAs in choriocarcinoma, however, is not well understood. In this study, we examined the effect of miR-34a in choriocarcinoma.

Methods

MiR-34a was either inhibited or ectopically expressed transiently in two choriocarcinoma cell lines (BeWo and JEG-3) respectively. Its actions on cell invasion, proliferation and colony formation at low cell density were examined. The miR-34a putative target Notch ligand Delta-like 1 (DLL1) was identified by adoption of different approaches including: in-silico analysis, functional luciferase assay and western blotting. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify changes in the expression of matrix proteinase in the treated cells. To nullify the effect of miR-34a ectopic expression, we activated Notch signaling through force-expression of the Notch intracellular domain in the miR-34a force-expressed cells. In addition, we studied the importance of DLL1 in BeWo cell invasion through ligand stimulation and antibody inhibition. Furthermore, the induction in tumor formation of miR-34a-inhibited BeWo cells in SCID mice was investigated.

Results

Transient miR-34a force-expression significantly suppressed cell proliferation and invasion in BeWo and JEG-3 cells. In silicon miRNA target prediction, luciferase functional assays and Western blotting analysis demonstrated that miR-34a regulated DLL1 expression in both cell lines. Although force-expression of miR-34a suppressed the expression of DLL1 and NOTCH1, the extent of suppression was higher in DLL1 than NOTCH1 in both cell lines. MiR-34a-mediated DLL1 suppression led to reduced matrix metallopeptidase 9 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator expression. The effect of miR-34a on cell invasion was partially nullified by Notch signaling activation. DLL1 ligand stimulated while anti-DLL1 antibody treatment suppressed cell invasion. Mice inoculated with BeWo cells transfected with miR-34a inhibitor had significantly larger xenografts and stronger DLL1 expression than those with cells transfected with the control inhibitor.

Conclusions

MiR-34a reduced cell proliferation and invasiveness, at least, partially through its inhibitory effect on DLL1.
Reference intervals of serum hyaluronic acid corresponding to the radiographic severity of knee osteoarthritis in women
Authors: Kaneko Haruka , Ishijima Muneaki , Doi Tokuhide , Futami Ippei , Liu Lizu , Sadatsuki Ryo , Yusup Anwarjan , Hada Shinnosuke , Kubota Mitsuaki , Kawasaki Takayuki , Saita Yoshitomo , Takazawa Yuji , Ikeda Hiroshi , Kurosawa Hisashi , Kaneko Kazuo
Published: January 2013

Backgroud

While serum levels of hyarulonic acid (sHA) is known to be useful for a burden of disease biomarker in knee OA, it is far from practical. The reference intervals must be established for biomarkers to be useful for clinical interpretation. The aim of this study was to establish the reference intervals of sHA corresponding to the radiographic severity of knee OA for elucidating whether sHA can be useful as a burden of disease marker for individual patient with knee OA.

Methods

372 women with Kellgren & Lawrence grade (K/L) 1 through 4 painful knee OA were enrolled in this study. The patients included 54 with K/L 1, 96 with K/L 2, 97 with K/L 3, and 118 with K/L 4. Serum samples were obtained from all subjects on the day that radiographs taken. A HA binding protein based latex agglutination assay that employed an ELISA format was used to measure sHA. Age and BMI adjusted one way ANOVA was used to set the reference intervals of sHA.

Results

The reference intervals for sHA corresponding to the patients with K/L 4 (49.6 – 66.5 ng/ml) was established without any overlap against to those with K/L 1, 2 and 3, while those with K/L 1, 2 and 3 showed considerable overlap.

Conclusions

These results indicate that sHA can be available as a burden of disease marker for the individuals with severe knee OA (K/L 4), while it is not for those with primary to moderate knee OA (K/L 1–3).
Predictors of Dental caries among children 7–14 years old in Northwest Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayele Fenta A , Taye Belaynew W , Ayele Tadesse A , Gelaye Kassahun A
Published: January 2013

Background

Dental caries in children remains a significant public health problem. It is a disease with multifactorial causes. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of dental caries among children between 7 to 14 years old.

Methods

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gondar town from June 2011 to September 2011. A total of 842 children were involved in the study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the children. Pretested and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from mothers. Clinical examination of children was done using dental caries criteria set by world health organization. Data were entered, cleaned and edited using EPI Info version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 16.0 for analysis. Binary multiple logistic regression analyses was applied to test the association.

Results

Four hundred sixty three (55%) children were females. The prevalence of dental caries was 306(36.3%).The educational status of children’s father (AOR=0.3, 95%CI, 0.17, 0.80), monthly household income (AOR=0.59, 95%CI, 0.01, 0.45), regular teeth brushing (AOR=0.08, 95% CI, 0.03, 0.20) and using mouth rinsing (AOR=0.40, 95% CI, 0.2, 0.80) were found statistically significantly associated with dental caries.

Conclusions

Dental caries were high among children in Gondar town. Low socioeconomic status and poor oral hygiene practices were the influencing factors for dental caries. Oral hygiene, dietary habits and access to dental care services are supreme important for the prevention of the problem.
Effects of ovarian endometriotic fluid exposure on fertilization rate of mouse oocytes and subsequent embryo development
Authors: Piromlertamorn Waraporn , Saeng-anan Ubol , Vutyavanich Teraporn
Published: January 2013

Background

Accidental exposure of oocyte/cumulus complex to endometriotic fluid is not uncommon during oocyte retrieval. Only two studies were available on this subject and they gave conflicting results. In this study, we used a mouse model to evaluate the effect of controlled exposure of oocytes to ovarian endometriotic fluid.

Methods

Mouse oocytes/cumulus complexes (n = 862) were divided into 4 groups, and were exposed to endometriotic fluid (group 1), pooled sera from subjects without endometrioma (group 2), phosphate-buffered saline (group 3), and fertilization medium (controls). After five minutes, oocytes were washed and inseminated. Embryo development was observed daily. The quality of hatching blastocysts was assessed by counting the number of inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) cells.

Results

The fertilization, cleavage and blastocyst formation rates in the four groups were not statistically different. The proportions of hatching/hatched blastocysts from fertilized oocytes in groups 1 and 2 were significantly lower than those in group 3 and controls (P = 0.015). Hatching blastocysts from all groups showed no significant difference in the number of ICM and TE cells.

Conclusions

Exposure of mouse oocytes/cumulus complexes to endometriotic fluid had subtle detrimental effects on subsequent blastocyst development. However, one should be cautious in projecting the results of this study to contaminated human oocytes in a clinical setting.
The modulation on luminescence of Er3+-doped silicon-rich oxide films by the structure evolution of silicon nanoclusters
Authors: Jin Lu , Li Dongsheng , Xiang Luelue , Wang Feng , Yang Deren , Que Duanlin
Published: January 2013

A series of silicon-rich oxide (SRO) and erbium-doped SRO (SROEr) films imbedded with structural tunable silicon nanoclusters (Si NCs) have been fabricated using sputtering followed by post-annealing. The coalescence of Si NCs is found in the films with large Si excess. The energy transfer rate between Si NCs and Er3+ is enhanced, but the luminescence efficiencies of both Si NCs and Er3+ are reduced by the coalescent microstructures. Optimization of the microstructures of Si NCs is performed, and the preferential optical performance for both Si NCs and Er3+ could be achieved when Si NCs were separated in microstructures.
Restriction of V3 region sequence divergence in the HIV-1 envelope gene during antiretroviral treatment in a cohort of recent seroconverters
Authors: Gall Astrid , Kaye Steve , Hué Stéphane , Bonsall David , Rance Richard , Baillie Gregory J , Fidler Sarah J , Weber Jonathan N , McClure Myra O , Kellam Paul ,   the SPARTAC Trial Investigators
Published: January 2013

Background

Dynamic changes in Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) sequence diversity and divergence are associated with immune control during primary infection and progression to AIDS. Consensus sequencing or single genome amplification sequencing of the HIV-1 envelope(env)gene, in particular the variable (V) regions, is used as a marker for HIV-1 genome diversity, but population diversity is only minimally, or semi-quantitatively sampled using these methods.

Results

Here we use second generation deep sequencing to determine inter-and intra-patient sequence heterogeneity and to quantify minor variants in a cohort of individuals either receiving or not receiving antiretroviral treatment following seroconversion; the SPARTAC trial. We show, through a cross-sectional study of sequence diversity of theenvV3 in 30 antiretroviral-naive patients during primary infection that considerable population structure diversity exists, with some individuals exhibiting highly constrained plasma virus diversity. Diversity was independent of clinical markers (viral load, time from seroconversion, CD4 cell count) of infection. Serial sampling over 60 weeks of non-treated individuals that define three initially different diversity profiles showed that complex patterns of continuing HIV-1 sequence diversification and divergence could be readily detected. Evidence for minor sequence turnover, emergence of new variants and re-emergence of archived variants could be inferred from this analysis. Analysis of viral divergence over the same time period in patients who received short (12 weeks, ART12) or long course antiretroviral therapy (48 weeks, ART48) and a non-treated control group revealed that ART48 successfully suppressed viral divergence while ART12 did not have a significant effect.

Conclusions

Deep sequencing is a sensitive and reliable method for investigating the diversity of theenvV3 as an important component of HIV-1 genome diversity. Detailed insights into the complex early intra-patient dynamics ofenvV3 diversity and divergence were explored in antiretroviral-naïve recent seroconverters. Long course antiretroviral therapy, initiated soon after seroconversion and administered for 48 weeks, restricts HIV-1 divergence significantly. The effect of ART12 and ART48 on clinical markers of HIV infection and progression is currently investigated in the SPARTAC trial.
An analysis of Cyclin D1, Cytokeratin 5/6 and Cytokeratin 8/18 expression in breast papillomas and papillary carcinomas
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhu Jin-fu , Liu Ying-ying , Han Gui-ping
Published: January 2013

Background

To evaluate the expression levels of Cyclin D1 in breast papillomas and papillary carcinomas, and to analyze the types of cells that co-express Cyclin D1 with Cytokeratin 5/6 (CK 5/6) or with Cytokeratin 8/18(CK 8/18).

Methods

Fifty-nine cases of papillary lesions including 36 papillomas and 23 intracystic papillary carcinomas were examined. Cyclin D1, CK 5/6 and CK 8/18 expression levels were evaluated by double immunostaining.

Results

Cyclin D1 is highly expressed in papillary carcinomas (27.54% ± 15.43%) compared with papillomas (8.81% ± 8.41%, p < 0.01). Cyclin D1 is predominantly expressed in Cytokeratin 8/18- expressing cells, rather than in Cytokeratin 5/6-expressing cells, regardless of the type of lesion. In Papillomas, Cyclin D1 exhibited a mean 11.42% (11.42% ± 10.17%) co-expression rate with Cytokeratin 8/18 compared with a mean 2.50% (2.50% ± 3.24%) co-expression rate with Cytokeratin 5/6 (p < 0.01). In papillary carcinomas, Cyclin D1 exhibited a mean 34.74% (34.74% ± 16.32%) co-expression rate with Cytokeratin 8/18 compared with a co-expression rate of 0.70% (0.70% ± 0.93%) with Cytokeratin 5/6 (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The increase in Cyclin D1 suggests an association of Cyclin D1 staining with papillary carcinomas. Although Cyclin D1 is an effective marker for the differential diagnosis of other papillary lesions, it cannot be used to distinguish between papilloma and papillary carcinoma lesions because its expression occurs in both lesions. Our results show that Cyclin D1 and CK 5/6 staining could be used in concert to distinguish between the diagnosis of papilloma (Cyclin D1 < 4.20%, CK 5/6 positive) or papillary carcinoma (Cyclin D1 > 37.00%, CK 5/6 negative). In addition, our data suggest that Cyclin D1 is expressed only in the cancer stem or progenitor cells that co-immunostained with CK 8/18 in papillary carcinomas, and predominantly with CK 8/18 in the papillomas.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/7299340558756848
The effects of taurolidine alone and in combination with doxorubicin or carboplatin in canine osteosarcoma in vitro
Authors: Marley Kevin , Helfand Stuart C , Edris Wade A , Mata John E , Gitelman Alix I , Medlock Jan , Séguin Bernard
Published: January 2013

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) affects over 8000 dogs/year in the United States. The disease usually arises in the appendicular skeleton and metastasizes to the lung. Dogs with localized appendicular disease benefit from limb amputation and chemotherapy but most die within 6–12 months despite these treatments. Taurolidine, a derivative of taurine, has anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects against a variety of cancers. The following in vitro studies tested taurolidine as a candidate for adjuvant therapy for canine OS. Tests for p53 protein status and caspase activity were used to elucidate mechanisms of taurolidine-induced cell death.

Results

Taurolidine was cytotoxic to osteosarcoma cells and increased the toxicity of doxorubicin and carboplatin in vitro. Apoptosis was greatly induced in cells exposed to 125 μM taurolidine and less so in cells exposed to 250 μM taurolidine. Taurolidine cytotoxicity appeared caspase-dependent in one cell line; with apparent mutant p53 protein. This cell line was the most sensitive to single agent taurolidine treatment and had a taurolidine-dependent reduction in accumulated p53 protein suggesting taurolidine’s effects may depend on the functional status of p53 in canine OS.

Conclusion

Taurolidine’s cytotoxic effect appears dependent on cell specific factors which may be explained, in part, by the functional status of p53. Taurolidine initiates apoptosis in canine OS cells and this occurs to a greater extent at lower concentrations. Mechanisms of cell death induced by higher concentrations were not elucidated here. Taurolidine combined with doxorubicin or carboplatin can increase the toxicity of these chemotherapy drugs and warrants further investigation in dogs with osteosarcoma.
Synchrotron-based X-ray tomographic microscopy for rock physics investigations
Authors: Madonna Claudio , Quintal Beatriz , Frehner Marcel , Almqvist Bjarne S. G. , Tisato Nicola , Pistone Mattia , Marone Federica , Saenger Erik H.
Published: January 2013

Synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy is a nondestructive method providing ultra-high-resolution 3D digital images of rock microstructures. We describe this method and, to demonstrate its wide applicability, we present 3D images of very different rock types: Berea sandstone, Fontainebleau sandstone, dolomite, calcitic dolomite, and three-phase magmatic glasses. For some samples, full and partial saturation scenarios are considered using oil, water, and air. The rock images precisely reveal the 3D rock microstructure, the pore space morphology, and the interfaces between fluids saturating the same pore. We provide the raw image data sets as online supplementary material, along with laboratory data describing the rock properties. By making these data sets available to other research groups, we aim to stimulate work based on digital rock images of high quality and high resolution. We also discuss and suggest possible applications and research directions that can be pursued on the basis of our data.
Subsalt velocity estimation by target-oriented wave-equation migration velocity analysis: A 3D field-data example
Authors: Tang Yaxun , Biondi Biondo
Published: January 2013

We apply target-oriented wave-equation migration velocity analysis to a 3D field data set acquired from the Gulf of Mexico. Instead of using the original surface-recorded data set, we use a new data set synthesized specifically for velocity analysis to update subsalt velocities. The new data set is generated based on an initial unfocused target image and by a novel application of 3D generalized Born wavefield modeling, which correctly preserves velocity kinematics by modeling zero and nonzero subsurface-offset-domain images. The target-oriented inversion strategy drastically reduces the data size and the computation domain for 3D wave-equation migration velocity analysis, greatly improving its efficiency and flexibility. We apply differential semblance optimization (DSO) using the synthesized new data set to optimize subsalt velocities. The updated velocity model significantly improves the continuity of subsalt reflectors and yields flattened angle-domain common-image gathers.
Multisite Parent-Centered Risk Assessment to Reduce Pediatric Oral Chemotherapy Errors
Authors: Walsh Kathleen E. , Mazor Kathleen M. , Roblin Douglas , Biggins Colleen , Wagner Joann L. , Houlahan Kathleen , Li Justin W. , Keuker Christopher , Wasilewski-Masker Karen , Donovan Jennifer , Kanaan Abir , Weingart Saul N.
Published: January 2013

Parents of pediatric oncology patients participated in a proactive risk assessment method, identifying processes that pose a risk for medication errors involving home oral chemotherapy.
Prevalence and Correlates of Postdiagnosis Initiation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Patients at a Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Perlman Adam , Lontok Oliver , Huhmann Maureen , Parrott J. Scott , Simmons Leigh Ann , Patrick-Miller Linda
Published: January 2013

Patients with cancer increasingly use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in conjunction with conventional oncology treatments. This study looks at the prevalence and correlates of individual CAM modalities initiated after cancer diagnosis.
Accuracy of Marketing Claims by Providers of Stereotactic Radiation Therapy
Authors: Narang Amol K. , Lam Edwin , Makary Martin A. , DeWeese Theodore L. , Pawlik Timothy M. , Pronovost Peter J. , Herman Joseph M.
Published: January 2013

Provider advertisements for stereotactic radiation are prominent. Further investigation of provider advertising, its effects on quality of care, and potential oversight mechanisms is needed
Who Does Not Receive Treatment for Cancer?
Authors: Ward Marcia M. , Ullrich Fred , Matthews Kevin , Rushton Gerard , Goldstein Michael A. , Bajorin Dean F. , Hanley Amy , Lynch Charles F.
Published: January 2013

The rate of nontreatment varies by cancer type and stage and is higher in patients receiving initial recommendations in nonaccredited cancer programs than in accredited cancer programs.
Rat mir-155 generated from the lncRNA Bic is ‘hidden’ in the alternate genomic assembly and reveals the existence of novel mammalian miRNAs and clusters
Authors: Uva Paolo , Da Sacco Letizia , Del Cornò Manuela , Baldassarre Antonella , Sestili Paola , Orsini Massimiliano , Palma Alessia , Gessani Sandra , Masotti Andrea
Published: January 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs acting as post-transcriptional gene expression regulators in many physiological and pathological conditions. During the last few years, many novel mammalian miRNAs have been predicted experimentally with bioinformatics approaches and validated by next-generation sequencing. Although these strategies have prompted the discovery of several miRNAs, the total number of these genes still seems larger. Here, by exploiting the species conservation of human, mouse, and rat hairpin miRNAs, we discovered a novel rat microRNA, mir-155. We found that mature miR-155 is overexpressed in rat spleen myeloid cells treated with LPS, similarly to humans and mice. Rat mir-155 is annotated only on the alternate genome, suggesting the presence of other “hidden” miRNAs on this assembly. Therefore, we comprehensively extended the homology search also to mice and humans, finally validating 34 novel mammalian miRNAs (two in humans, five in mice, and up to 27 in rats). Surprisingly, 15 of these novel miRNAs (one for mice and 14 for rats) were found only on the alternate and not on the reference genomic assembly. To date, our findings indicate that the choice of genomic assembly, when mapping small RNA reads, is an important option that should be carefully considered, at least for these animal models. Finally, the discovery of these novel mammalian miRNA genes may contribute to a better understanding of already acquired experimental data, thereby paving the way to still unexplored investigations and to unraveling the function of miRNAs in disease models.
Retrotransposon Ty1 RNA contains a 5′-terminal long-range pseudoknot required for efficient reverse transcription
Authors: Huang Qing , Purzycka Katarzyna J. , Lusvarghi Sabrina , Li Donghui , LeGrice Stuart F.J. , Boeke Jef D.
Published: January 2013

Ty1 retrotransposon RNA has the potential to fold into a variety of distinct structures, mutation of which affects retrotransposition frequencies. We show here that one potential functional structure is located at the 5′ end of the genome and can assume a pseudoknot conformation. Chemoenzymatic probing of wild-type and mutant mini-Ty1 RNAs supports the existence of such a structure, while molecular genetic analyses show that mutations disrupting pseudoknot formation interfere with retrotransposition, indicating that it provides a critical biological function. These defects are enhanced at higher temperatures. When these mutants are combined with compensatory changes, retrotransposition is restored, consistent with pseudoknot architecture. Analyses of mutants suggest a defect in Ty1 reverse transcription. Collectively, our data allow modeling of a three-dimensional structure for this novel critical cis-acting signal of the Ty1 genome.
Recognition of viral RNA stem–loops by the tandem double-stranded RNA binding domains of PKR
Authors: Dzananovic Edis , Patel Trushar R. , Deo Soumya , McEleney Kevin , Stetefeld Jörg , McKenna Sean A.
Published: January 2013

In humans, the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated protein kinase (PKR) is expressed in late stages of the innate immune response to viral infection by the interferon pathway. PKR consists of tandem dsRNA binding motifs (dsRBMs) connected via a flexible linker to a Ser/Thr kinase domain. Upon interaction with viral dsRNA, PKR is converted into a catalytically active enzyme capable of phosphorylating a number of target proteins that often results in host cell translational repression. A number of high-resolution structural studies involving individual dsRBMs from proteins other than PKR have highlighted the key features required for interaction with perfectly duplexed RNA substrates. However, viral dsRNA molecules are highly structured and often contain deviations from perfect A-form RNA helices. By use of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), we present solution conformations of the tandem dsRBMs of PKR in complex with two imperfectly base-paired viral dsRNA stem–loops; HIV-1 TAR and adenovirus VAI-AS. Both individual components and complexes were purified by size exclusion chromatography and characterized by dynamic light scattering at multiple concentrations to ensure monodispersity. SAXS ab initio solution conformations of the individual components and RNA–protein complexes were determined and highlight the potential of PKR to interact with both stem and loop regions of the RNA. Excellent agreement between experimental and model-based hydrodynamic parameter determination heightens our confidence in the obtained models. Taken together, these data support and provide a framework for the existing biochemical data regarding the tolerance of imperfectly base-paired viral dsRNA by PKR.
RNAi pathways contribute to developmental history-dependent phenotypic plasticity in C. elegans
Authors: Hall Sarah E. , Chirn Gung-Wei , Lau Nelson C. , Sengupta Piali
Published: January 2013

Early environmental experiences profoundly influence adult phenotypes through complex mechanisms that are poorly understood. We previously showed that adult Caenorhabditis elegans that transiently passed through the stress-induced dauer larval stage (post-dauer adults) exhibit significant changes in gene expression profiles, chromatin states, and life history traits when compared with adults that bypassed the dauer stage (control adults). These wild-type, isogenic animals of equivalent developmental stages exhibit different signatures of molecular marks that reflect their distinct developmental trajectories. To gain insight into the mechanisms that contribute to these developmental history-dependent phenotypes, we profiled small RNAs from post-dauer and control adults by deep sequencing. RNA interference (RNAi) pathways are known to regulate genome-wide gene expression both at the chromatin and post-transcriptional level. By quantifying changes in endogenous small interfering RNA (endo-siRNA) levels in post-dauer as compared with control animals, our analyses identified a subset of genes that are likely targets of developmental history-dependent reprogramming through a complex RNAi-mediated mechanism. Mutations in specific endo-siRNA pathways affect expected gene expression and chromatin state changes for a subset of genes in post-dauer animals, as well as disrupt their increased brood size phenotype. We also find that both chromatin state and endo-siRNA distribution in dauers are unique, and suggest that remodeling in dauers provides a template for the subsequent establishment of adult post-dauer profiles. Our results indicate a role for endo-siRNA pathways as a contributing mechanism to early experience-dependent phenotypic plasticity in adults, and describe how developmental history can program adult physiology and behavior via epigenetic mechanisms.
Efficient Transient Analysis of Markovian Models Using a Block Reduction Approach
Authors: Silva Edmundo de Souza e , Leão Rosa M. M. , Marie Raymond
Published: January 2013

One of the most widely used techniques to obtain transient measures is the uniformization method. However, although uniformization has many advantages, the computational cost required to calculate transient probabilities is very large for stiff models. We study efficient solutions that can be applied to an approximate method developed for calculating transient state probabilities of Markov models and cumulative expected reward measures over a finite interval. Our work is based on a method that approximates the state probabilities at time t by the state probabilities calculated at a random time with Erlangian distribution. The original method requires an inversion of a matrix obtained from the state transition rate matrix that destroys special structures such as sparseness and banded matrices. This precludes the use of the technique for large models. In our work we propose efficient solutions that can take advantage of special structures. Finally, we present examples that show that the proposed technique is computationally very efficient for stiff models when compared with uniformization.
Survivability in Hierarchical Telecommunications Networks Under Dual Homing
Authors: Karaşan Oya Ekin , Mahjoub A. Ridha , Özkök Onur , Yaman Hande
Published: January 2013

The motivation behind this study is the essential need for survivability in the telecommunications networks. An optical signal should find its destination even if the network experiences an occasional fiber cut. We consider the design of a two-level survivable telecommunications network. Terminals compiling the access layer communicate through hubs forming the backbone layer. To hedge against single link failures in the network, we require the backbone subgraph to be two-edge connected and the terminal nodes to connect to the backbone layer in a dual-homed fashion, i.e., at two distinct hubs. The underlying design problem partitions a given set of nodes into hubs and terminals, chooses a set of connections between the hubs such that the resulting backbone network is two-edge connected, and for each terminal chooses two hubs to provide the dual-homing backbone access. All of these decisions are jointly made based on some cost considerations. We give alternative formulations using cut inequalities, compare these formulations, provide a polyhedral analysis of the small-sized formulation, describe valid inequalities, study the associated separation problems, and design variable fixing rules. All of these findings are then utilized in devising an efficient branch-and-cut algorithm to solve this network design problem.
Reciprocity in Morality and Law
Authors: Kedar Ronit Donyets
Published: January 2013

Western liberal thought, which is rooted in the social contract tradition, views the relationship between rational contractors as fundamental to the authority of law, politics, and morality. Within this liberal discourse, dominant strands of modern moral philosophy claim that morality too is best understood in contractual terms. Accordingly, others are perceived first and foremost as autonomous, free, and equal parties to a reciprocal cooperative scheme, designed for mutual advantage.

This Article aims to challenge the contractual model as an appropriate framework for morality. My claim is that the constituting concepts of contractualist thought, especially the idea of reciprocity, while perhaps fitting to law, are misplaced in morality. I argue that importing the concept of reciprocity and its conceptual habitat from law to morality yields ethical contractualism an unconvincing moral theory.
Synthesis and characterization of heteroarylthio derivatives of 5,17-di-tert-butyl-11,23-diamido-25, 27-diprotected calix[4]arene
Authors: Zhao Bing , Ruan Yao-Yu , Deng Qi-Gang , Wang Li-Yan , Song Bo , Feng Ya-Qing
Published: January 2013

A series of 2-pyridylthio and 2-pyrimidinylthio derivatives of calix[4]arene have been synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS.
Development of adiposity, obesity and age at menarche: an 8-year follow-up study in Portuguese schoolgirls
Authors: Leitão Raquel Beatriz , Rodrigues Luís Paulo , Neves Luísa , Carvalho Graça Simões
Published: January 2013

Aim: It has been suggested that the decline in menarcheal age is associated with the increase of obesity prevalence.

Objective: To examine the association between age at menarche and adiposity development from age 7 to 15 years.

Subjects: A cohort of 109 schoolgirls from Viana do Castelo (Northern Portugal).

Methods: Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, and triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses) were longitudinally obtained at 7, 8, 9, and 15 years. Waist circumference and self-reported age at menarche were obtained at age 15. Obesity was defined by the cut-off value of 30% body fat. Ages of <12 years, 12–13 years, and >13 years were classified as early menarche (EM), average menarche (AM) and late menarche (LM), respectively.

Results: Median menarcheal age was 12.0 years (range, 8–15 years), with 26.6% of girls classified as EM. Compared with their LM peers, EM girls were always fatter (p=0.001) and had higher waist circumference at age 15 (p=0.009). All variables showed significant negative associations with age at menarche, except subscapular to triceps skinfold ratio at all ages and height at age 15. At both ages 9 and 15 years, LM girls had the lowest prevalence of obesity (4.5% and 9.1%, respectively). The 8-year incidence of obesity in EM girls was 24.1%, while that in the AM plus LM group was 13.8% (p=0.005).

Conclusion: EM seems to be a risk factor for the development of obesity during adolescence. However, this vulnerability may start to be programmed before menarche as girls with precocious menarche were already fatter than their late-maturing peers at age 7 years.
Severity of symptomatology and subtypes in ADHD children with comorbid oppositional defiant and conduct disorders
Authors: Di Trani Michela , Di Roma Francesca , Scatena Maria Cristina , Donfrancesco Renato
Published: January 2013

The relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant and conduct disorders (ODD/CD) requires further studies.

The aim was to examine the relationship among ADHD severity [assessed by ADHD Rating Scale-Parent Version (PV)], ADHD subtypes, and the comorbidity with ODD/CD in 217 Italian ADHD children.

A total of 35.02% of the participants displayed ADHD with ODD, 14.29% ADHD with CD, and 50.69% no ODD/CD comorbid diagnosis. The Hyperactivity Score of the ADHD Rating Scale-PV was a significant predictor of ODD; age and the Hyperactivity Score were significant predictors of CD. The combined subtype was significantly higher in CD children.

Data, which confirm the only recent article on the topic, help to clarify the relationship between ADHD and externalizing disorders.
Wheelchair-related falls – a review
Authors: Mikołajewska Emilia
Published: January 2013

A wheelchair, as a basic equipment for disabled, older, and weak persons, gives them a chance for independent living. Knowledge of the most frequent circumstances of wheelchair-related falls is a key part of medical science and clinical practice. It allows the wheelchair user to anticipate the threat of falls and take appropriate precautions, thereby improving the results of therapy and care. This article aims to discuss the influence of wheelchair-related falls to the results of therapy and care by synthesizing published literature. The article also aims to investigate the extent to which available research opportunities are being exploited, including the direction of further research. Three major databases were searched to identify relevant articles using specific keywords as well as inclusion and exclusion criteria. Representative literature was synthesized to present the thematic scope and weight of current evidence. Up to this point, synthesized literature appears to confirm the hypothesis that wheelchair-related falls have a significantly negative influence on the results of therapy and care. There is a need for a common effective prevention policy in the area of wheelchair-related falls.
Evaluation of disable friendliness of a railway transport facility in Ludhiana city of Punjab, India
Authors: Sharma Ruchi , Kumar Manoj , Singh Amarjeet
Published: January 2013

: Barriers make an environment unsafe and cause a high level of difficulty to the user. But more importantly, barriers cause space to be out of reach, denying disabled people the opportunity of participation in various spheres of life. This ranges from education, economic, social, cultural, and other activities. Many studies have focused on the disabilities study but less research has been devoted to the specific area such as railway transport facilities. Thus, this study was done with the objective to ascertain the extent to which a railway transport facility in Ludhiana city of Punjab is barrier free for the disabled.

: A pretested questionnaire (Access Survey and Audit Checklist) was used, designed by the Rehabilitation Council of India and Samarthya National Center for Promotion of Barrier Free Environment for Disabled Persons was modified according to our study environment. Various aspects of study domains were scored according to their importance of usage as described by disabled people interviewed before the commencement of the study.

: It was found in the study that disable friendliness of the railway transport facility remains a largely unrealized goal in Ludhiana city to date. The score obtained by the railway station of Ludhiana city was 41 and its disable friendliness was graded as average. The railway transport facility was far from being satisfactory than to be called barrier free. This loss of opportunity is not only a loss for the person concerned but also a loss for society, which misses out on their contribution.

: Simply put, a barrier causes exclusion and its removal is necessary for ensuring inclusion and participation of all in society.
Improving admission temperature in extremely low birth weight infants: a hospital-based multi-intervention quality improvement project
Authors: Billimoria Zeenia , Chawla Sanjay , Bajaj Monika , Natarajan Girija
Published: January 2013

Objective: To reduce the incidence of hypothermia (admission temperatures <36°C) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates using a multi-intervention quality improvement (QI) initiative.

Study design: We conducted a multi-intervention QI initiative to reduce hypothermia (admission temperatures <36°C) among preterm ELBW (≤1000 g birth weight) neonates born at Hutzel Women’s Hospital. The QI project was conducted in three periods: period 1, traditional thermal care of drying and wrapping in towel; period 2, wrapping in plastic wrap without first drying; and period 3, periodic staff education, additional use of chemical warming mattress, and increase in operating room temperature from 20°C to 21°C. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, χ
2, and logistic regression as appropriate.

Results: In our cohort of 209 patients, baseline characteristics were comparable in the three periods except for a reduction in the need for surfactant doses in the 3rd period. Temperature on admission to the neonatal intensive care unit was significantly higher, with a reduction in hypothermia in the 3rd period. There was no patient with a temperature of ≥37.5°C. On logistic regression, with gestational age, 5-min Apgar score, and mode of delivery as covariates, time period 3 was significantly associated with a reduction in the incidence of hypothermia (P=0.02).

Conclusion: A concerted QI approach improved admission temperature in ELBW neonates, with more neonates in the euthermic range, without increasing the risk for hyperthermia. Such an approach could be associated with improved outcomes in this population.
Microstructure characteristics of laser alloying composite coatings in nitrogen protective atmosphere
Authors: Li Wei , Yu Huijun , Chen Chuanzhong , Wang Diangang
Published: January 2013

This work is based on microstructural characteristics of Ti-B4C-C laser alloying composite coatings on Ti-6Al-4V alloy in nitrogen protective atmosphere. Test results indicated that laser alloying of Ti-B4C-C pre-placed powders on titanium alloys substrate can form ceramics reinforced hard alloying coatings, which increased the micro-hardness of the substrate. Test results also indicated that the Ti(CN) phase that was formed in situ in the upper coating was undeveloped dendritic, and thus reduced the possibility of crack formation in alloying coating. Moreover, the TiB and TiC phases were produced in alloying coating, which corresponded to its (210) and (220) crystal planes, respectively.
The Importance of Ernest: Poetic Vanguardism and Popular Revolution in Capel Lofft’s Forgotten Epic
Authors: Allison Mark
Published: January 2013

In 1839 Britain teetered on the threshold of a revolution. The poet Capel Lofft aspired to trigger it by disseminating his incendiary epic, Ernest; or, Political Regeneration, among the working classes. Ernest narrates the sanguinary triumph of a popular insurgency, and provides a blueprint for founding a democratic-communist republic. This essay seeks to recuperate Lofft and draw attention to his forgotten masterpiece of Chartist poetry. I make a case for Ernest’s literary merit and historical interest, highlighting its standing as the British nineteenth century’s most strident justification of political violence. My reading of the poem shows that Lofft uses a logic of vanguardism to synthesize two deeply antithetical convictions: radical egalitarianism, on the one hand, and belief in the inherent superiority of the poet, on the other. In his eponymous protagonist, Lofft creates a seductive image of the committed artist-revolutionary, and thereby sublimates his own conflicting ideas about the poet’s relation to the demos. Lofft proved incapable of quelling his ambivalence in life, however. He swiftly withdrew Ernest from circulation, stifling his own call to revolt—and ensuring that his poem would be neglected by posterity.
Mark Twain and the Nature of Twins
Authors: Salvant Shawn
Published: January 2013

This essay examines the relationship between Mark Twain’s treatment of race in Pudd’nhead Wilson (1894) and Francis Galton’s investigations into the relative effects of "nature and nurture" in his influential 1875 twin study. While many readings of Twain’s novel assume a shared logic underlying Twain’s literary twin plot and Galton’s scientific study, the essay analyzes the terms and conditions of both to establish critical and meaningful points of disjuncture between the two plots. It argues that the differences between the functions of look-alikes in Twain and Galton provide more insight into each author’s thoughts on race than the presumed similarities. Both thinkers approach questions of the relationship between underlying character and physical appearance through the use of look-alikes, but while Galton’s study of biological twins brackets racial difference in order to prove the heritability of underlying human character, Twain obscures the inherited natures of his changelings in order to dramatize the explanatory appeal of the illusion of race. And while a unified "nurture" during childhood was critical for the longitudinal comparison of Galton’s twin study, Twain employs a changeling plot to dramatize the social difference that race makes. Ultimately, Twain’s "twins" tell us little about the relative effects of "nature and nurture," but the narrative set in motion by their virtual twinship dramatizes the thin difference upon which race is constructed.
Dose-dependent effects of vitamin D on transdifferentiation of skeletal muscle cells to adipose cells
Authors: Ryan Kevin J P , Daniel Zoe C T R , Craggs Lucinda J L , Parr Tim , Brameld John M
Published: January 2013

Fat infiltration within muscle is one of a number of features of vitamin D deficiency, which leads to a decline in muscle functionality. The origin of this fat is unclear, but one possibility is that it forms from myogenic precursor cells present in the muscle, which transdifferentiate into mature adipocytes. The current study examined the effect of the active form of vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3(1,25(OH)2D3), on the capacity of the C2C12 muscle cell line to differentiate towards the myogenic and adipogenic lineages. Cells were cultured in myogenic or adipogenic differentiation media containing increasing concentrations (0, 10−13, 10−11, 10−9, 10−7or 10−5 M) of 1,25(OH)2D3for up to 6 days and markers of muscle and fat development measured. Mature myofibres were formed in both adipogenic and myogenic media, but fat droplets were only observed in adipogenic media. Relative to controls, low physiological concentrations (10−13and 10−11 M) of 1,25(OH)2D3increased fat droplet accumulation, whereas high physiological (10−9 M) and supraphysiological concentrations (≥10−7 M) inhibited fat accumulation. This increased accumulation of fat with low physiological concentrations (10−13and 10−11 M) was associated with a sequential up-regulation ofPPARγ2(PPARG) andFABP4mRNA, indicating formation of adipocytes, whereas higher concentrations (≥10−9 M) reduced all these effects, and the highest concentration (10−5 M) appeared to have toxic effects. This is the first study to demonstrate dose-dependent effects of 1,25(OH)2D3on the transdifferentiation of muscle cells into adipose cells. Low physiological concentrations (possibly mimicking a deficient state) induced adipogenesis, whereas higher (physiological and supraphysiological) concentrations attenuated this effect.