bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Teriparatide in Accelerating Metatarsal Stress Fracture Healing: A Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Raghavan Pooja , Christofides Elena
Published: May 2012

Bone fractures are one of the leading causes of emergency room visits worldwide, with approximately 8 million bony fractures occurring annually in the US alone. Although the majority of fractures do not cause significant long-term morbidity and mortality, approximately 10% of these fractures result in impaired fracture healing, drastically affecting quality of life in affected patients. By increasing bone formation, teriparatide, an anabolic agent used in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, has shown promise in accelerating the rate of fracture healing. We present two patients with impaired healing of metatarsal fractures who were subsequently treated with teriparatide. Both patients experienced successful bony union of the fracture after the use of teriparatide. These findings suggest that teriparatide may be useful in the clinical setting for the acceleration of fracture healing, especially in patients who are at risk for impaired fracture healing.
Sequence and Structure of the Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca sexta, Transhydrogenase Gene
Authors: Pelletier Matthew , French Laura Leigh , Trinidad Stephen , Vandock Kurt
Published: May 2012

The reversible mitochondrial transhydrogenase in Manduca sexta has been characterized and is involved with endocrine-mediated post-embryonic larval development in this model insect. While biochemical in vivo and in vitro studies have been accomplished, robust molecular studies of the transhydrogenase have not been possible due to deficient genomic data. In the present study, using a combination of degenerate oligonucleotide primers and raw genomic data, we have determined the structure and sequence of the transhydrogenase gene from the model insect Manduca sexta. The encoded protein is highly similar to other transhydrogenase proteins and this sequence is the first lepidopteran sequence reported to date.
Hitchin’s connection, Toeplitz operators, and symmetry invariant deformation quantization
Authors: Andersen Jørgen Ellegaard
Published: May 2012

We introduce the notion of a rigid family of Kähler structures on a symplectic manifold. We then prove that a Hitchin connection exists for any rigid holomorphic family of Kähler structures on any compact pre-quantizable symplectic manifold which satisfies certain simple topological constraints. Using Toeplitz operators we prove that the Hitchin connection induces a unique formal connection on smooth functions on the symplectic manifold. Parallel transport of this formal connection produces equivalences between the corresponding Berezin–Toeplitz deformation quantizations. In the cases where the Hitchin connection is projectively flat, the formal connections will be flat and we get a symmetry-invariant formal quantization. If a certain cohomological condition is satisfied a global trivialization of this algebra bundle is constructed. As a corollary we get a symmetry-invariant deformation quantization.

Finally, these results are applied to the moduli space situation in which Hitchin originally constructed his connection. First we get a proof that the Hitchin connection in this case is the same as the connection constructed by Axelrod, Della Pietra, and Witten. Second we obtain in this way a
mapping class group invariant
formal quantization of the smooth symplectic leaves of the moduli space of flat SU(n)-connections on any compact surface.
Cohomology of mapping class groups and the abelian moduli space
Authors: Andersen Jørgen Ellegaard , Villemoes Rasmus
Published: May 2012

We consider a surface

\Sigma

of genus

g \geq 3

, either closed or with exactly one puncture. The mapping class group

\Gamma

of

\Sigma

acts symplectically on the abelian moduli space

M = \operatorname{Hom}(\pi_1(\Sigma), \operatorname{U}(1)) = \operatorname{Hom}(H_1(\Sigma), \operatorname{U}(1))

, and hence both

L^2(M)

and

C^\infty(M)

are modules over

\Gamma

. In this paper, we prove that both the cohomology groups

H^1(\Gamma, L^2(M))

and

H^1(\Gamma, C^\infty(M))

vanish.
Aerosol chemical composition at Cabauw, The Netherlands as observed in two intensive periods in May 2008 and March 2009
Authors: Mensah A. A. , Holzinger R. , Otjes R. , Trimborn A. , Mentel Th. F. , ten Brink H. , Henzing B. , Kiendler-Scharr A.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. Observations of aerosol chemical composition in Cabauw, the Netherlands, are presented for two intensive measurement periods in May 2008 and March 2009. Sub-micron aerosol chemical composition was measured by an Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) and is compared to observations from aerosol size distribution measurements as well as composition measurements with a Monitor for AeRosol and GAses (MARGA) based instrument and a Thermal-Desorption Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass-Spectrometer (TD-PTR-MS). An overview of the data is presented and the data quality is discussed. In May 2008 enhanced pollution was observed with organics contributing 40% to the PM1 mass. In contrast the observed average mass loading was lower in March 2009 and a dominance of ammonium nitrate (42%) was observed. The semi-volatile nature of ammonium nitrate is evident in the diurnal cycles with maximum concentrations observed in the morning hours in May 2008 and little diurnal variation observed in March 2009. Size dependent composition data from AMS measurements are presented and show a dominance of organics in the size range below 200 nm. A higher O:C ratio of the organics is observed for May 2008 than for March 2009. Together with the time series of individual tracer ions this shows the dominance of OOA over HOA in May 2008.
CRISTA-NF measurements with unprecedented vertical resolution during the RECONCILE aircraft campaign
Authors: Ungermann J. , Kalicinsky C. , Olschewski F. , Knieling P. , Hoffmann L. , Blank J. , Woiwode W. , Oelhaf H. , Hösen E. , Volk C. M. , Ulanovsky A. , Ravegnani F. , Weigel K. , Stroh F. , Riese M.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. The Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescope for the Atmosphere – New Frontiers (CRISTA-NF), an airborne infrared limb-sounder, was operated aboard the high-flying Russian research aircraft M55-Geophysica during the Arctic RECONCILE campaign from January to March 2010. This paper describes the calibration process of the instrument and the retrieval algorithm employed and then proceeds to present retrieved trace gas volume mixing ratio cross-sections for one specific flight in this campaign. We are able to resolve the uppermost troposphere/lower stratosphere for several trace gas species for several kilometres below the flight altitude (16 to 19 km) with an unprecedented vertical resolution of 400 to 500 m for the limb-sounding technique. The instrument points sideways with respect to the flight direction. Therefore, the observations are also characterised by a rather high horizontal sampling along the flight track, which provides a full vertical profile every ≈15 km. Assembling the vertical trace gas profiles derived from CRISTA-NF measurements to cross-sections shows filaments of vortex and extra-vortex air masses in the vicinity of the polar vortex. During this campaign, the M55-Geophysica carried further instruments enabling trace gas volume mixing ratios derived from CRISTA-NF to be validated by comparing them with measurements by the in situ instruments HAGAR and FOZAN and observations by MIPAS-STR. This validation suggests that the retrieved trace gas volume mixing ratios are both qualitatively and quantitatively reliable.
Dobson, Brewer, ERA-40 and ERA-Interim original and assimilated total ozone data sets – evaluation of differences: a case study, Hradec Králové (Czech), 1961–2010
Authors: Vaníček K. , Metelka L. , Skřivánková P. , Staněk M.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. Homogenized data series of total ozone measurements taken by the regularly and well calibrated Dobson and Brewer spectrophotometers at Hradec Králové (Czech) and the data from the re-analyses ERA-40 and ERA-Interim were assimilated and combined to investigate differences between the particular data sets over Central Europe, the NH mid-latitudes. The Dobson-to-Brewer transfer function and the algorithm for approximation of the data from the re-analyses were developed, tested and applied for creation of instrumentally consistent and completed total ozone data series of the 50-yr period 1961–2010 of observations. The assimilation has reduced the well-known seasonal differences between Dobson and Brewer data below the 1% calibration limit of the spectrophotometers. Incorporation of the ERA-40 and ERA-Interim total ozone data on days with missing measurements significantly improved completeness and reliability of the data series mainly in the first two decades of the period concerned. Consistent behaviour of the original and assimilated data sets was found in the pre-ozone-hole period (1961–1985). In the post-Pinatubo (1994–2010) era the data series show seasonal differences that can introduce uncertainty in estimation of ozone recovery mainly in the winter-spring season when the effect of the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments is expected. All the data sets confirm substantial depletion of ozone also in the summer months that gives rise to the question about its origin. The assimilated and completed data series of total ozone will be further analyzed to quantify chemical ozone losses and contribution of natural atmospheric processes to the ozone depletion over the region. This case study points out importance of selection and evaluation of the quality and consistency of the input data sets used in estimation of long-term ozone changes including recovery of the ozone layer over the selected areas. Data are available from the PANGAEA database at http://dx.doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.779819.
Effect of pasture allowance and cows’ lactation stage on perennial ryegrass sward quality, pasture dry matter intake and milk performance of Holstein-Friesian cows
Authors: Roca-Fernández A. I. , González-Rodríguez A. , Vázquez-Yáñez O. P.
Published: May 2012

Efficient exploitation of grass for cattle requires the application of appropriated grassland management strategies to maximize pasture dry matter intake (PDMI) while maintaining high sward quality by allocating cows to an adequate pasture allowance (PA). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two PA, low (L) vs. high (H), on sward quality, PDMI and milk performance of Holstein-Friesian cows (n=72) at two lactation stages (LS), early (E) vs. middle (M). Cows were randomly assigned to four groups (LE, LM, HE and HM) in a 2×2 factorial design. The low PA treatments completed 5 rotations, with more grazing days (+13), lower pre- (14.3) and post-grazing (5.3) sward heights (cm) and higher herbage utilization (81.7%). The low PA had higher stocking rate than the high PA treatments (4.8 vs. 3.9 cows ha-1)and lower PDMI (13.4 kg vs. 14.4 DM cow-1 day-1) with higher (p<0.05) (g kg-1 DM) protein (149.1), carbohydrates (166.7) and digestibility (746.8) while lower (p<0.05) DM (18.4%), acid (283.5) and neutral detergent (508.6) fibers (g kg-1 DM). Sward quality is deteriorated (p<0.05) from rotation 1 to 5, lower decrease was found on low PA treatments. Milk yield (MY) was higher (p<0.05) in cows at early LS (24.8 kg cow-1 day-1), with the lowest (p<0.05) protein (28.9) and fat (36.9) content (g kg-1). No differences were found on MY between PA treatments, but higher protein and fat content were observed on low PA. Decreasing PA resulted in higher sward and milk quality without penalizing MY.
Phytotoxic effects of Echinochloa colona (L.) Link. (Poaceae) extracts on the germination and seedling growth of weeds
Authors: Gomaa N. H. , AbdElgawad H. R.
Published: May 2012

This paper aims to study the phytotoxic potential of Echinochloacolonain order to explore its potential as bioherbicide. In this way, the phytotoxic effects of the most active fraction and pure compound from methanol (MeOH) extract of E.colona shoots on germination and seedling growth of ten weed species and on E. colona itself were evaluated. A lettuce seed bioassay indicated that dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) solublefraction of MeOH extract had the most phytotoxic activity. The most phytotoxic active compound of CH2Cl2 fraction was isolated and identified as tricin. Different concentrations of CH2Cl2 fraction (100, 500, 1000 mg L-1) and tricin (50, 100, 200 µmol L-1) were used to assess their phytotoxicity on germination and seedling growth of Portulaca oleracea, Corchorus olitorius, Brachiaria reptans, Euphorbia heterophylla, Dinebra retroflexa, Hibiscus trionum, Amaranthus graecizans,  Amaranthus hybridus, Convolvulus arvensis, Setaria pumila and E.colona. Low concentration of CH2Cl2 fraction (100 mg L-1) significantly stimulated germination and seedling growth of some test species. There was no significant effect of the low concentration of tricin (50µmol L-1) on germination and elongation of roots and shoots of species. Higher concentrations of CH2Cl2 fraction (500, 1000 mg L-1) and tricin (100, 200µmol L-1) inhibited germination and seedling growth of most species. The results suggest that CH2Cl2 fraction and tricin might be potentially useful as bioherbicide for weed control in agriculture.
Phenolic profile of virgin olive oil from advanced breeding selections
Authors: El Riachy M. , Priego-Capote F. , Rallo L. , Luque-de Castro M. D. , León L.
Published: May 2012

The evaluation of the phenolic composition in advanced selections in breeding programs constitutes the first approach for selecting genotypes with improved olive oil quality. In this work, the influence of genotype and ripening index on the phenolic profile of olive oils from advanced selections in comparison to their genitors was studied. Fruit samples were collected in genotypes from crosses between ‘Arbequina’ × ‘Picual’, ‘Picual’ × ‘Arbequina’ and ‘Frantoio’ × ‘Picual’ at five dates from 1st October to 26th November 2009. Characterization of the phenolic profile was performed by liquid–liquid extraction with 60:40 (v/v) methanol–water and subsequent chromatographic analysis with absorption and fluorescence detection in a sequential configuration. A dual effect of genotype and fruit ripening on the phenolic profile has been observed with more pronounced genetic influence in both total (34.73% and 20.45%, respectively) and individual phenols (16.99% to 49.25% and 1.58% to 23.77%, respectively). A higher degree of variability between genotypes at early ripening stages was also observed (p<0.05). The obtained results also allow identification of selections with high content of total and individual phenols. These results suggest a strategy based on early harvesting of fruits (at the first three ripening indexes) for better comparison and selection of genotypes in further crosses in olive breeding programs aiming at improving the quality of virgin olive oil.
Land value and returns on Farmlands: an analysis by Spanish Autonomous Regions
Authors: Segura-García del Río B. , Pérez-Salas J. L. , Cervelló-Royo R.
Published: May 2012

Although the discounted cash-flow is still considered to be the fundamental value of an asset, there are few studies which assess its ability to explain movements in the market prices of agricultural assets. The aim of this work was to compare the evolution of market prices of Farmland to the series of values that would be obtained by applying the income approach method using official Spanish statistical data as well as two proposed methods: on the similarity of the dynamical structure of prices and returns time series, on the one hand; and on the regression between both series, on the other. The results obtained are not consistent with the hypothesis that the values obtained by the income approach method can explain the movements observed in market prices. Only in certain isolated cases, such as the Autonomous Region of Aragón. Therefore, other causes should be considered both at national and regional level.
Review. Dairy farm management and production practices associated with the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in raw milk and beef
Authors: Santorum P. , García R. , López V. , Martínez-Suárez J. V.
Published: May 2012

Human listeriosis is a severe foodborne disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes. It is a zoonosis that represents a significant concern for the food industry due to the high mortality rate it causes and the fact that the organism is capable of growing at refrigeration temperatures. Dairy products and ready-to-eat meats are among the foods most often involved in listeriosis outbreaks. Listeria is a common contaminant in the dairy environment, both on the farm and in the processing plant. The main sources of L. monocytogenes in dairy farms are manure and improperly fermented silage. If silage crops are grown on contaminated land, a new cycle of silage contamination and faecal shedding by ruminants that consume such silage may ensue. High loads of L. monocytogenes produced in farm environments may thus represent a primary source for the introduction of this pathogen into the human food supply chain; dairy cows would represent a reservoir for the bacterium, and raw milk and beef would represent the main vehicles for its transmission from dairy farms to humans. Even if contamination originates in post-processing environments, contaminated raw foods may still represent a vehicle for introducing L. monocytogenes into food processing plants.Molecular typing methods have confirmed that common strains of L. monocytogenes are present in dairy farm-associated isolates and isolates from both human epidemic and sporadic cases. Pre-harvest (on-farm) control of listeriosis should be basedmainlyon the control of manure, silage, herd health and milking practices.
Analysis of vineyard differential management zones and relation to vine development, grape maturity and quality
Authors: Martinez-Casasnovas J. A. , Agelet-Fernandez J. , Arno J. , Ramos M. C.
Published: May 2012

The objective of research was to analyse the potential of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) maps from satellite images, yield maps and grapevine fertility and load variables to delineate zones with different wine grape properties for selective harvesting. Two vineyard blocks located in NE Spain (Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah) were analysed. The NDVI was computed from a Quickbird-2 multi-spectral image at veraison (July 2005). Yield data was acquired by means of a yield monitor during September 2005. Other variables, such as the number of buds, number of shoots, number of wine grape clusters and weight of 100 berries were sampled in a 10 rows × 5 vines pattern and used as input variables, in combination with the NDVI, to define the clusters as alternative to yield maps. Two days prior to the harvesting, grape samples were taken. The analysed variables were probable alcoholic degree, pH of the juice, total acidity, total phenolics, colour, anthocyanins and tannins. The input variables, alone or in combination, were clustered (2 and 3 Clusters) by using the ISODATA algorithm, and an analysis of variance and a multiple rang test were performed. The results show that the zones derived from the NDVI maps are more effective to differentiate grape maturity and quality variables than the zones derived from the yield maps. The inclusion of other grapevine fertility and load variables did not improve the results.
Utilization of seaweed Sargassum myriocystum extracts as a stimulant of seedlings of Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper
Authors: Kalaivanan C. , Venkatesalu V.
Published: May 2012

The effect of seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) of Sargassum myriocystum on germination, growth and biochemical constituents of Vigna mungo was studied. Different concentrations (5%, 10%, 25%, 50% and 75%) of SLF were prepared using distilled water. A total of 100 seeds were soaked for each SLF concentration for a 24-h period and were later placed in various Petri plates and watered regularly. Water-soaked seeds were used as controls. Seed germination was 98% for the 10% SLF soaked seeds. Similarly, shoot length (21.13 cm seedling-1), root length (12.19 cm seedling-1), fresh weight and dry weight (3.910 and 0.320 g seedling-1) recorded at 10% concentration of S. myriocystum treated seedlings were the highest. Besides, the chlorophyll (0.547 mg g-1 fr. wt.) and carotenoid (0.359 mg g-1 fr. wt.) contents in leaves recorded at 10% SLF soaked seedlings were the highest. The 10% SLF treated seedlings showed the highest content of protein (1.898 and 1.508 mg g–1 fr. wt.), amino acid (0.370 and 0.306 mg g–1 fr. wt.), reducing sugar (6.031 and 3.448 mg g-1 fr. wt.), total sugar (8.414 and 7.055 mg mL-1 fr. wt.), alpha-amylase activity (1.403 and 1.380 μg min-1 mg-1 protein) and beta-amylase activity (1.099 and 1.029 μg min-1 mg-1 protein) of shoots and roots respectively. The seaweed extract showed better response at lower concentration while higher concentrations of seaweed extract showed a decreasing trend.
Men’s and women’s attitudes toward organic food consumption. A Spanish case study
Authors: Olivas R. , Bernabéu R.
Published: May 2012

The study of the behaviour of food consumers in general and of organic food in particular, is revealed as the key element for agrofood business in its strategy to accommodate supply to consumer needs and desires. In research on organic food consumer behaviour, various papers suggest the existence of differences between men and women in their preferences, purchase, consumption and willingness to pay. Proposing to determine whether differences between men and women in the consumption of organic food come from their lifestyles, a series of surveys was conducted in the metropolitan area of Madrid in December, 2006. The results obtained through structural equation analysis indicates the model for men (χ2/df=1.76 p<0.01, CFI=0.907) as well as the model for women (χ2/df=1.87 p<0.01, CFI=0.857) can be considered acceptable, they suggest that women are more proactive in the consumption of organic food. While women are more motivated due to eating a healthy diet, men are more influenced by their social circumstances. In conclusion the basic commercial strategy for increasing organic food consumption in Spain would be for businesses as well as the government to conduct communication campaigns addressed basically to women, the clear promoters of healthy eating in the home.
Endovascular Infections Caused by Histoplasma capsulatum: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ledtke Christopher , Rehm Susan J. , Fraser Thomas G. , Shrestha Nabin K. , Tan Carmela D. , Rodriguez E Rene , Tomford J Walton , Jain Anil , Lytle Bruce , Johnston Douglas , Sabik Joseph , Gordon Steven M. , van Duin David
Published: May 2012

Context.—Endovascular infection is an uncommon but devastating manifestation of histoplasmosis, which is often diagnosed late in disease.

Objectives.—To evaluate the clinical and pathologic characteristics of patients with endovascular infections caused by Histoplasma capsulatum.

Design.—All cases of patients with documented endovascular histoplasmosis at a single tertiary care center in an endemic region during the period 1993–2010 were reviewed.

Results.—Patients presented with a subacute febrile illness and a history of endovascular devices. All patients had positive Histoplasma serology. Routine bacterial culture results were negative for all patients. In addition to yeast forms typical of histoplasmosis, pathologic findings also revealed mycelial forms in 4 of 5 patients. Inflammation was scant. Urinary antigen detection was positive in 4 of 5 patients and Histoplasma blood culture results were positive for 3 of 5 patients. Four patients were treated with a combination of surgical and medical therapy, which consisted of amphotericin B followed by itraconazole; these 4 patients had complete resolution of symptoms and no documented relapse. One patient died before planned surgery.

Conclusions.—Histoplasma capsulatum endovascular infections are clinically characterized by a subacute febrile illness with negative bacterial cultures in patients with prosthetic endografts or valves. Noninvasive diagnostics are often the initial clue to the diagnosis. Combined medical and surgical treatment is associated with survival. On histopathologic examination both mycelial and yeast forms are often observed, with absent to minimal tissue inflammatory reaction.
Biospecimens and Biorepositories for the Community Pathologist
Authors: Dash Rajesh C. , Robb James A. , Booker David L. , Foo Wen-Chi , Witte David L. , Bry Lynn
Published: May 2012

Pathologists have long served as custodians of human biospecimens collected for diagnostic purposes. Rapid advancements in diagnostic technologies require that pathologists change their practices to optimize patient care. The proper handling of biospecimens creates opportunities for pathologists to improve their diagnoses while assessing prognosis and treatment. In addition, the growing need for high-quality biorepositories represents an opportunity for community pathologists to strengthen their role within the health care team, ensuring that clinical care is not compromised while facilitating research. This article provides a resource to community pathologists learning how to create high-quality biorepositories and participating in emerging opportunities in the biorepository field. While a variety of topics are covered to provide breadth of information, the intent is to facilitate a level of understanding that permits community pathologists to make more informed choices in identifying how best their skills and practice may be augmented to address developments in this field.
Evaluation of an Automated Digital Imaging System, Nextslide Digital Review Network, for Examination of Peripheral Blood Smears
Authors: Yu Hongbo , Ok Chi Young , Hesse Adam , Nordell Peter , Connor Diane , Sjostedt Erica , Pechet Liberto , Michael Snyder L
Published: May 2012

Context.—Several automated digital imaging systems have been introduced in recent years to improve turnaround time and proficiency in examining peripheral blood smears in hematology laboratories.

Objective.—To evaluate a new automated digital imaging system, Nextslide Digital Review Network (Nextslide), for examination of peripheral blood smears.

Design.—We evaluated 479 peripheral blood smears, of which 247 (51.6%) were included for comparison of Nextslide and manual white blood cell differential counts and morphology evaluation, 204 (42.6%) were included for comparison of Nextslide and CellaVision (DM96) differential counts, and 28 (5.8%) were neonatal samples examined for enumeration of nucleated red blood cells.

Results.—Results from both method comparisons showed excellent correlation for all major white blood cell classes with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.70 to 0.99. Evaluation of white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet morphology also showed good correlation among methods. White blood cell preclassification capability in the system was evaluated for rate and accuracy. Leukopenic samples demonstrated markedly decreased review time with Nextslide. Enumeration of nucleated red blood cells showed good correlation among methods.

Conclusions.—Our evaluation of Nextslide shows excellent correlation when compared with conventional manual differentials and CellaVision (DM96) differentials for evaluation of peripheral blood smears.
Reevaluation and Identification of the Best Immunohistochemical Panel (pVHL, Maspin, S100P, IMP-3) for Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
Authors: Liu Haiyan , Shi Jianhui , Anandan Vasuki , Wang Hanlin L. , Diehl David , Blansfield Joseph , Gerhard Glenn , Lin Fan
Published: May 2012

Context.—Differentiation of ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas from nonneoplastic pancreatic tissues can be challenging, especially in small biopsy and fine-needle aspiration specimens.

Objective.—To investigate the utility of 26 immunohistochemical markers (CAM 5.2, CK [cytokeratin] 7, CK20, CK17, CK19, MUC1, MUC2, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC6, p53, DPC4/SMAD4, CDX2, pVHL [von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene protein], S100P, IMP-3 [insulin-like growth factor 2 messenger RNA binding protein 3], maspin, mesothelin, claudin 4, claudin 18, annexin A8, fascin, PSCA [prostate stem cell antigen], MOC31, CEA [carcinoembryonic antigen], and CA19-9 [cancer antigen 19-9]) in the diagnosis of ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

Design.—Immunohistochemical staining for these markers was performed in 60 cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma on routine and tissue microarray sections. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for maspin, S100P, IMP-3, and pVHL was performed on cell blocks from 67 pancreatic fine-needle aspiration cases, including 44 cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Results.—The results demonstrated that (1) more than 90% of cases of ductal adenocarcinoma were positive for maspin, S100P, and IMP-3; (2) nearly all adenocarcinoma cases were negative for pVHL, whereas nonneoplastic ducts and acini were positive for pVHL in all cases; (3) normal/reactive pancreatic ducts were frequently positive for CK7, CK19, MUC1, MUC6, CA19-9, MOC31, PSCA, mesothelin, annexin A8, claudin 4, and claudin 18; (4) normal pancreatic ducts were usually negative for IMP-3, maspin, S100P, CK17, MUC2, MUC4, and MUC5AC; (5) 60% of adenocarcinomas were negative for DPC4/SMAD4; and (6) strong background staining was frequently seen with fascin, PSCA, and annexin A8.

Conclusions.—pVHL, maspin, S100P, and IMP-3 constitute the best diagnostic panel of immunomarkers for confirming the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in both surgical and fine-needle aspiration specimens.
CD68 Immunostaining in the Evaluation of Chronic Histiocytic Intervillositis
Authors: Heller Debra S.
Published: May 2012

Context.—Chronic histiocytic intervillositis is an uncommon and poorly recognized lesion associated with poor perinatal outcomes, including intrauterine growth retardation and stillbirth. It has a high recurrence rate.

Objective.—To evaluate utility of CD68 immunostaining in the evaluation of chronic histiocytic intervillositis.

Design.—Institutional review board–approved retrospective review was performed. Cases were selected from the departmental archives of University Hospital, Newark, New Jersey, between 2002 and 2009. Controls were from second-trimester pregnancies with chromosomal abnormalities or multiple severe anomalies.

Results.—There were 9 cases and 11 controls. The mean CD68+ count per high-power field for the cases was 88 ± 23 (range, 51–180) and for the controls, 8 ± 5 (range, 0–24), P < .001.

Conclusions.—This study establishes a range for histiocyte counts in chronic histiocytic intervillositis and pregnancies without chronic histiocytic intervillositis, and suggests that CD68 staining may have utility in the diagnosis, particularly for nonperinatal pathologists, who may be less familiar with this lesion.
Automated Quantification of MART1-Verified Ki67 Indices by Digital Image Analysis in Melanocytic Lesions
Authors: Nielsen Patricia Switten , Riber-Hansen Rikke , Raundahl Jakob , Steiniche Torben
Published: May 2012

Context.—The proliferation marker Ki67 is an important diagnostic and prognostic aid in surgical pathology. However, manual quantification in a counting frame to accurately establish the proliferation rate (Ki67 index) is cumbersome and time-consuming. Instead, digital image analysis of Ki67/MART1 double stains may provide fast and novel index computations for entire tumor sections.

Objectives.—To design and compare image analysis protocols that compute Ki67 indices of Ki67/MART1 double stains, to compare automated indices with previously published manual indices, and to compare the total number of proliferating cells (mimicking a Ki67 single stain) with the number of MART1-verified proliferating cells.

Design.—Whole slide images were captured from 48 melanomas and 77 nevi stained with an immunohistochemical cocktail against Ki67 and MART1. Ki67 indices were determined by digital image analysis and different equations based on number or area.

Results.—The differences between mean indices of melanomas and nevi were significant (P < .001) in all index computations. Number-based image analysis of lesions with more than 250 melanocytic cells misclassified 1 of 42 melanomas and 4 of 53 nevi, numbers comparable with manual counting. Automated indices were significantly higher than manual indices, as were indices of mimicked Ki67 single stains compared with MART1-verified Ki67 indices (P < .001).

Conclusions.—Ki67 indices established by digital image analysis of Ki67/MART1 double stains demonstrated excellent abilities to discriminate melanomas from nevi with diagnostic performances equal to manually performed indices. Testing different definitions of the automated MART1-verified Ki67 index, no single definition stood out; thus, a variety of definitions may be used.
NLRP7 Mutation Analysis in Sporadic Hydatidiform Moles in Tunisian Patients: NLRP7 and Sporadic Mole
Authors: Landolsi Hanène , Rittore Cécile , Philibert Laurent , Hmissa Sihem , Gribaa Moez , Touitou Isabelle , Yacoubi Mohamed Tahar
Published: May 2012

Context.—Hydatidiform mole, an aberrant human pregnancy, is commonly a nonrecurrent disease. Recently, a rare autosomal recessive form of familial and/or recurrent molar pregnancies was associated with mutations in the NLRP7 gene.

Objective.—To investigate whether NLRP7 mutations exist in Tunisian women with sporadic hydatidiform moles.

Design.—Genomic DNA from 38 unrelated Tunisian patients with sporadic hydatidiform moles were screened by sequencing all NLRP7 exons. A high-resolution melting curve analysis was performed on 170 DNA controls to analyze new sequence variants.

Results.—More than 13% of these patients were heterozygous for NLRP7 mutations. We found 2 novel missense mutations in the heterozygous state, c.544G>A (p.Val182Met) in 1 patient and c.1480G>A (p.Ala494Thr) in 2 patients, and 2 already reported mutations, c.1532A>G (p.Lys511Arg) and c.2156C>T (p.Ala719Val), in 2 patients. None of these mutations were identified in 170 controls except for 1 woman who was heterozygous for p.Val182Met.

Conclusion.—As homozygous NLRP7 mutations are associated with recurrent hydatidiform mole or conception loss, the heterozygous state could represent a risk factor for nonrecurrent mole.
Lymphovascular Invasion in Micropapillary Urothelial Carcinoma: A Study of 22 Cases
Authors: McQuitty Elizabeth , Ro Jae Y. , Truong Luan D. , Shen Steven S. , Zhai Qihui , Ayala Alberto G.
Published: May 2012

Context.—Micropapillary urothelial carcinoma (MPUC) is a known aggressive variant of urothelial carcinoma. However, the reasons for its aggressiveness remain unclear.

Objective.—To investigate the frequency of lymphovascular invasion in 22 cases of MPUC.

Design.—Consecutive tissue sections were stained with D2-40 and CD34 to highlight lymphovascular channels associated with MPUC. Spaces containing tumor cells were scored as positive for lymphovascular invasion if the staining pattern on immunohistochemistry was distinct and circumferential.

Results.—Of 22 cases, 21 (95%) had lymphovascular invasion on immunohistochemical staining, with 91% lymphatic invasion and 4% vascular invasion. Interestingly, 8 cases were originally signed out as negative for lymphovascular invasion on the basis of hematoxylin-eosin–stained sections; of these, 7 (88%) had focal lymphovascular invasion evident on immunohistochemical staining.

Conclusions.—Our results confirm that micropapillary lacunae are not lymphovascular channels. However, nearly all MPUC tumors (95% in this series) have evidence of lymphovascular invasion by immunohistochemical analysis. Our data support the use of micropapillary features as a morphologic marker for lymphovascular invasion and MPUC as an adverse histologic type of urothelial carcinoma.
Litoral da Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) de Guadalupe: de ambiente natural a espaço do turismo
Authors: Selva Vanice Santiago Fragoso
Published: May 2012

Esse artigo apresenta uma reflexão sobre a expansão da função turística na Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) de Guadalupe e os resultados espaciais no ambiente tornando os seus elementos em objetos de consumo. A APA de Guadalupe localiza-se no Litoral Sul do estado de Pernambuco abrangendo terras de quatro municípios, que abrigam assentamentos rurais, arruados, cidades, agroindústria canavieira, equipamentos turísticos. É uma área de Mata Atlântica, com mangues bem preservados, barreira de corais e um extenso complexo estuarino. O espaço produzido pela expansão do turismo configurou conflitos socioambientais, resultantes das relações estabelecidas entre os produtores do espaço para atender necessidades e interesses, demandando uma gestão adequada para a conservação do ambiente natural e a manutenção da atividade turística.
Elementos de reflexión para el propósito de convertir a la ciencia en un aliado más confiable en la lucha por la justicia social
Authors: Nova Laverde Mariluz
Published: May 2012

In this article we offer some reflections on how to design mechanisms so that the products of science and technology can better promote social equity. In other words, we offer clues to answer the question, How can we turn science and technology into a more dependable ally in the struggle for social justice? To do this, we outline criteria of justice that we use to analyze the relationship between science and society. We then specify a notion of public policy related to the idea of governance. Recognizing that the products of science and technology can exacerbate as well as diminish social inequity, we examine the possible negative effects through three types of inequality: structural, distributional, and representational inequality. This framework allows us to offer nine public-policy guidelines to encourage the products of science and technology to promote equity-related goals, which also represents a genuine effort to democratize knowledge.
Aprendizaje como reconfiguración de agencia
Authors: Larreamendy Joerns Jorge
Published: May 2012

Starting from Lave and Wenger's (1991) theory of legitimate peripheral participation (LPP), and developing the idea of learning as a reconfiguration of agency, this article offers a perspective on learning as a change in identity. It begins by contrasting LPP and behavioral and cognitive conceptions of learning. Then it discusses some meanings of the concept of identity in the recent literature in psychology and education. The article ends by introducing the notion of agency as way to articulate the concepts of identity, learning, and practice.
Escolaridad generalizada: ¿inclusión social o pérdida de la identidad cultural?
Authors: Tenorio María Cristina
Published: May 2012

Indigenous-Colombian people have moved from the religious tutelage, intended to "civilize" them, to acquire the right to be schooled by the principle of ethno-education. This encouraging liberal change allowed the recovery of ancestral knowledge with which to shape new generations. The Guambiano people decided to educate their youth through a combination of indigenous and western knowledge. Primary schools became common and they also developed a high school program; now all children attend state institutions from the age of two. For the last ten years graduates from the Guambiano agricultural high school have been attending the Universidad del Valle. Due to the low performance and high dropout rate among indigenous students of different ethnic groups, in 2005 we initiated various support programs, such as the University and Cultures project. The realization that their poor performance was rooted in problems of poor schooling, rather than a cultural clash as we had initially expected, led us investigate how schooling was conducted in two indigenous reserves. Cultural psychology prompted us to explore the political and educational context that gave birth to the new institutions in which these youngsters are being educated. It also encouraged us to investigate the impact of the introduction, through technological media, of cultural models that promote values and behavior in opposition to their ancestral culture. We discuss whether or not schooling in Guambia promotes cultural continuity.
El valor del análisis cultural para la historiografía de las décadas del treinta y cuarenta en Colombia: estado del arte y nuevas direcciones
Authors: Muñoz Rojas Catalina , Suescún Pozas María del Carmen
Published: May 2012

This article demonstrates the ways in which cultural analysis can contribute to the historiography of twentieth-century Colombia, particularly the 1930s and 1940s and the period of the República Liberal. With this goal in mind, and from a Latin American perspective, it reclaims for cultural history the work of authors we consider precursors and examines texts that have shaped the field. First, we outline the partisan historiography that first examined the República Liberal as an object of historical analysis after 1948, and the later introduction of disciplinary analyses that, from a structuralist perspective, proposed the first critical approaches to the period. We then discuss works that opened up new paths and that, more or less explicitly, introduced the analytical tools and methodologies of cultural analysis, thus expanding the repertoire of historical actors and actions that made up the warp and woof of life during this period. Finally, we map out recent works on the first half of the twentieth century in other Latin American countries that can suggest ways to delve further into the human experience during these two decades, a topic that remains barely studied.
Efficacy and safety of oral and parenteral methotrexate therapy in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: An observational study with patients from the German Methotrexate Registry
Authors: Klein A. , Kaul I. , Foeldvari I. , Ganser G. , Urban A. , Horneff G.
Published: May 2012

Objective

The German Methotrexate Registry has been collecting data concerning the efficacy and safety of methotrexate (MTX) treatment since 2005. The aim of this retrospective analysis is to compare oral and parenteral MTX treatment regarding efficacy and safety.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, MTX treatment for at least 6 months, a consistent route of administration of MTX, and no previous or concomitant treatment with biologic agents. Efficacy was measured by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) pediatric (Pedi) criteria. Primary outcome was efficacy defined as the number of patients reaching ACR Pedi 30 improvement criteria after 6 months of treatment. Secondary outcome criteria were the ACR Pedi 50 and Pedi 70 criteria at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Analyses were performed with the intent‐to‐treat population.

Results

Of the 411 eligible patients, 259 (63%) received oral MTX and 152 (37%) received subcutaneous MTX. In both patient groups, a comparable weekly dose of MTX (0.4 mg/kg versus 0.42 mg/kg) was used, and a comparable number of patients received concomitant steroids. The primary outcome in both treatment groups was that a comparably high number of patients showed a clinical response according to the ACR Pedi 30 score after 6 months of treatment (73% versus 72%; P = 0.87). Twenty‐two percent of patients with oral therapy and 27% with subcutaneous therapy had at least 1 documented adverse event. Discontinuation of treatment was observed in both groups with equal frequency, while significantly more patients with subcutaneous application discontinued MTX because of adverse events (11% versus 5%; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

In this retrospective analysis, parenteral MTX was not superior to oral administration regarding efficacy and tolerability.
Alkylboronic Esters from Palladium‐ and Nickel‐Catalyzed Borylation of Primary and Secondary Alkyl Bromides
Authors: Yi Jun , Liu Jin‐Hui , Liang Jun , Dai Jian‐Jun , Yang Chu‐Ting , Fu Yao , Liu Lei
Published: May 2012

Palladium‐ and nickel‐catalyzed cross‐coupling recations of unactivated alkyl bromides with diboron reagents have been developed as practical methods for the synthesis of primary and secondary alkylboronic esters. These reactions extend the concept and utility of Pd‐ and Ni‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of aliphatic electrophiles. They also show different substrate selectivity and ligand dependence as compared to the recently reported Cu‐catalyzed borylation reaction.
Cyclohexa‐3,5‐diene‐1,2‐trans‐diols – Synthesis and Application in Target‐Oriented Syntheses
Authors: Hausmann Tobias , Pietruszka Jörg , Schumacher Sebastian
Published: May 2012

An exhaustive overview of the field of cyclohexa‐3,5‐diene‐1,2‐trans‐diols is given. Early and recent methods for the formation of the compounds are reviewed and the various syntheses in which the title compounds have been applied are presented. Special emphasis is given to naturally occurring epoxides, which have been the dominant target molecules since the 1970s. Finally, recent advances in biotechnology are highlighted; with the increased availability of the enantiomerically pure cyclohexa‐3,5‐diene‐1,2‐trans‐diols, new synthetic endeavours were initiated.
A novel multistage vapor recompression reactive distillation system with intermediate reboilers
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Kiran Bandaru , Jana Amiya K. , Samanta Amar Nath
Published: May 2012

Most of the published studies have focused on the thermal integration of nonreactive distillation columns. The key limitation of reactive distillation (RD) technology is that the necessary conditions (such as pressure and temperature) for the reaction must match those of distillation. Owing to this constraint, the reaction conversion may be adversely affected at the elevated pressure in the reactive section of an internally heat integrated distillation column (HIDiC). This fact forces us to adopt an external heat integration approach for an industrial heterogeneously catalyzed ethyl tert‐butyl ether (ETBE) RD column. The direct vapor recompression column (VRC) is an external heat integration scheme that is successfully used as an energy efficient scheme for separating a close‐boiling mixture. Interestingly, there exists a large temperature difference between the two ends of the representative ETBE column, and it makes the external heat integration more challenging. Aiming to improve the thermal efficiency of the ETBE column under the VRC framework, various heat pump arrangements with intermediate reboiler(s) (IR(s)) are explored and analyzed with performing a comparative study in terms of energy consumption and economics. To improve further the thermal efficiency, in this contribution, a novel multistage vapor recompression RD column with IRs is introduced addressing a number of practical concerns. An algorithm for the proposed column is formulated showing the sequential steps involved in heat integration. It is inspected that the proposed multistage vapor recompression RD system appears overwhelmingly superior to the classical vapor recompression RD and its conventional stand alone column providing a significant savings in energy as well as cost. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 761–771, 2013