bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultimate limit state design using an advanced ‘Brick' model in the finite-element method
Authors: Yeow Hoe-Chian
Published: July 2014

The increasing use of the finite-element method in geotechnical design has raised the question of the compliance of this design approach with Eurocode requirements for the ultimate limit state conditions, especially when a more complex soil constitutive model has been used. Past authors have identified several important issues relating to the application of the finite-element method in ultimate limit state design, including the effects of initial stresses, effects of stress history, choice of soil model, significance of the failure of structural member and the timing when the partial factor of safety is applied during the design assessment. In this paper, an advanced ‘Brick' soil model has been used to demonstrate its application in the design of different geotechnical structures and the effects of the design assumptions used in the design of these structures. The paper also demonstrates the versatility of the Brick soil model in the derivation of the new set of input parameters when the necessary partial factor is applied to the strength of the soil as required in the Eurocode design approach.
Midterm results after complete surgical correction of transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Parezanovic Vojislav , Mrdjen Mirko , Ilic Slobodan , Vulicevic Irena , Djukic Milan , Jovanovic Ida , Stefanovic Igor , Ilisic Tamara , Kalanj Jasna , Mimic Branko , Milovanovic Vladimir
Published: July 2014

Introduction. Arterial switch operation (ASO) is a cardiosurgical method of
choice for complete anatomical correction of transposition of great arteries.
Improvement of this procedure has made considerably improved the outcome and
long-term prognosis of children born with this complex congenital heart
disease. Objective. The aim of this study was to estimate the success rate of
ASO through retrospective analysis of mortality and late complications.
Methods. This study included 57 children operated from 1st January 2005 until
31st December 2009. Parameters that could influence the outcome of surgery
were investigated. The following late complications were investigated:
neopulmonary artery stenosis, neoaortic stenosis and regurgitation, as well
as clinical signs of heart failure. Results. Early postoperative mortality
was 15.8% (9/57 patients). During follow-up (8 to 72 months, average 36.5
months) there were no lethal outcomes. On the last echocardiography
examination, 73.2% patients had neoaortic regurgitation and 67.4% patients
had neopulmonary regurgitation, but all of them were mild in intensity.
Neopulmonary stenosis had 32.6% of patients, but only two had moderate or
severe stenosis. No one had ischemic ECG changes. Three reinterventions were
performed due to serious residual problems: surgical correction of neoaortic
stenosis, surgical correction of neopulmonary stenosis and transcatether
balloon dilatation for aortic recoarctation. At the end of the follow-up
period, only one of 46 consistently followed patients had signs of heart
failure which required therapy (2.2%), while the majority of patients were
without any symptoms and with good effort tolerance. Conclusion. Arterial
switch operation has been successfully performed at our institution, with
acceptable perioperative mortality and excellent late outcome.
A Study of Intercropping of Maize with Sweet Basil and Borage
Authors: Bagheri M. , Zaefarian F. , Bicharanlou B. , Ghanizadeh H.
Published: July 2014

Intercropping is one of the environmental friendly ways to improve the use of resources and weed control. A field experiment was performed on maize intercropped with sweet basil and borage under weed free and infestation conditions. The experimental design was a factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replicates. Factors included weed infestation levels (weed free and weed infestated) and intercropping ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25: 75, and 0:100, maize: sweet basil or borage). The intercroppping treatments decreased weeds biomass compared to the monocultures of borage and sweet basil. The weeds biomass and density in maize monoculture was lower than the monocultures of the other two plants. Under sole crop condition, the plants yield was higher than intercropping treatments. Weed interference decreased the yield of plants, while this decrease was less in intercropping treatments. Area-time equivalent ratio value showed that the ratios of 50:50 maize: sweet basil, maize: borage and 25:75 maize: borage provided the yield advantages of 11%, 11% and 36% under weed infestation, respectively. Also, area-time equivalent ratio values were higher in weed infestation compared to weed free treatments. The leaves essential oil of sweet basil under intercropping treatments, especially in weedy condition, was further than monocropping treatments. Intercropping of maize with sweet basil was more successful than intercropping with borage in reducing weeds biomass and density. In general, the intercropping of maize with sweet basil was more efficient compared to intercroppping with borage.
Legislation on The Protection of Agricultural Land in the context of the implementation of the Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection in Slovak Conditions
Authors: Palšová Lucia
Published: July 2014

Abstract (EN)

Protecting the qualitative aspect of the agricultural land is in the interest of European Union policies and Slovakia as well. The EU adopted in 2006 a Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection to ensure protection and sustainable use of land, including agricultural land. The aim of this paper is to analyze and evaluate legislation protecting agricultural land in the context of the implementation of the Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection in Slovakia. The basic legislation for the protection of agricultural land in Slovakia is the Act No. 220/2004 Coll. on the conservation and use of agricultural land and amending Act No. 245/2003 Coll. concerning integrated pollution prevention and control and amending certain laws, as amended, which provides a basic framework for conservation of the agricultural land. In terms of preserving, agricultural land has significant importance in the Common Agricultural Policy -pillar I and II which stipulate cross-compliance requirements, requirements for agri-environmental measures for applicants for single area payment scheme, for applicants for support under agri-environmental measures respectively.
WTO Agreement on Agriculture and its Implication on Rural Development Policies in Russia
Authors: Erokhin Vasily
Published: July 2014

Abstract (EN)

The paper aims at overview of the history and major contents of the Agreement on Agriculture of the World Trade Organization. Special attention is paid to implications of the Agreement for agricultural and trade policies in developing countries, including Russia, recently accessed the WTO. The differential treatment that developing countries receive under the agreement is investigated. The paper includes an overview of the recently adopted State Program of the Russian Federation for Development of Agriculture and Regulation of Agricultural Commodities Markets in 2013-2020. The research considers four applications of the given State Program: compliance with WTO requirements, state support of agriculture, provision of food security, and ensurance of sustainable rural development. The paper results in the conclusion that state policies in the sphere of rural development have to evolve beyond the traditional, sector-based model, with its almost exclusive focus on agriculture. Contemporary set of tools to ensure sustainable rural development should be based on the multi-sectoral strategies and programs that identify and better exploit the development potential of rural area through a variety of factors: national food security, agricultural production, liberalization of trade and foreign economic activities, support of local producers and rural households, rural infrastructure, environmental and recreational potential.
Effectiveness of Selected Fitness Exercises on Stress of Femoral Neck using Musculoskeletal Dynamics Simulations and Finite Element Model
Authors: Qian Jing-Guang , Li Zhaoxia , Zhang Hong , Bian Rong , Zhang Songning
Published: July 2014

The purpose of the study was to establish a dynamics model and a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model to analyze loading characteristics of femoral neck during walking, squat, single-leg standing, and forward and lateral lunges. One male volunteer performed three trials of the five movements. The 3D kinematic data were captured and imported into the LifeMOD to establish a musculoskeletal dynamics model to obtain joint reaction and muscle forces of iliacus, gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, psoas major and adductor magnus. The loading data LfeMOD were imported and transformed into a hip finite-element model. The results of the finite element femur model showed that stress was localized along the compression arc and the tension arc. In addition, the trabecular bone and tension lines of the Ward's triangle also demonstrated high stress. The compact bone received the greatest peak stress in the forward lunge and the least stress in the squat. However, the spongy bone in the femoral neck region had the greatest stress during the walk and the least stress in the squat. The results from this study indicate that the forward lunge may be an effective method to prevent femoral neck fractures. Walking is another effective and simple method that may improve bone mass of the Ward's triangle and prevent osteoporosis and femoral neck fracture.
The Impact of Immediate Verbal Feedback on the Improvement of Swimming Technique
Authors: Zatoń Krystyna , Szczepan Stefan
Published: July 2014

The present research attempts to ascertain the impact of immediate verbal feedback (IVF) on modifications of stroke length (SL). In all swimming styles, stroke length is considered an essential kinematic parameter of the swimming cycle. It is important for swimming mechanics and energetics. If SL shortens while the stroke rate (SR) remains unchanged or decreases, the temporal-spatial structure of swimming is considered erroneous. It results in a lower swimming velocity. Our research included 64 subjects, who were divided into two groups: the experimental - E (n=32) and the control - C (n=32) groups. A pretest and a post-test were conducted. The subjects swam the front crawl over the test distance of 25m at Vmax. Only the E group subjects were provided with IVF aiming to increase their SL. All tests were filmed by two cameras (50 samples•s-1). The kinematic parameters of the swimming cycle were analyzed using the SIMI Reality Motion Systems 2D software (SIMI Reality Motion Systems 2D GmbH, Germany). The movement analysis allowed to determine the average horizontal swimming velocity over 15 meters. The repeated measures analysis of variance ANOVA with a post-hoc Tukey range test demonstrated statistically significant (p<0.05) differences between the two groups in terms of SL and swimming velocity. IVF brought about a 6.93% (Simi method) and a 5.09% (Hay method) increase in SL, as well as a 2.92% increase in swimming velocity.
Comparing Tactical Behaviour of Soccer Players in 3 vs. 3 and 6 vs. 6 Small-Sided Games
Authors: Silva Bernardo , Garganta Júlio , Santos Rodrigo , Teoldo Israel
Published: July 2014

The present study aimed to compare players’ tactical behaviour in 3 vs. 3 and 6 vs. 6 soccer small-sided games (SSGs). The sample comprised 3,482 tactical actions performed by 18 U-11 youth soccer players from a Portuguese club, in 3 vs. 3 and 6 vs. 6 SSGs. All participants played eight minutes in both situations and field size was adapted according to the number of players involved (30 m x 19.5 m for 3 vs. 3 and 60 m x 39 m for 6 vs. 6). The System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT) was used for data collection and analyses. Descriptive analysis was conducted to verify frequencies and percentages of the variables assessed. The chi-squared (χ2) test was performed to compare the frequencies of the variables between 3 vs. 3 and 6 vs. 6 SSGs and Standardized Residuals (e) were used to examine the influence of the frequency of one or more variables within 3 vs. 3 and 6 vs. 6 SSGs. Data treatment was performed through SPSS for Windows®, version 18.0. Results indicated that players displayed safer behaviours in 6 vs. 6 SSG and more aggressive behaviours in 3 vs. 3 SSG. Findings can aid coaches and teachers to develop different players’ tactical skills according to the chosen SSG (3 vs. 3 or 6 vs. 6) form.
Fitness Profiles of Elite Portuguese Rugby Union Players
Authors: Vaz Luís , Morais Tomaz , Rocha Henrique , James Nic
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to describe the fitness profiles of senior elite Portuguese rugby players. Forty-six senior Portuguese rugby players, classified as backs (n=22; age 26.2±2.8) and forwards (n=24; age 26.7±2.9) were assessed during physical testing sessions carried out for the Portuguese National rugby team. The body composition, maximum strength and anaerobic capacity of players are hypothesized to be important physical characteristics as successful performance in rugby is predicated on the ability to undertake skilled behaviours both quickly and whilst withstanding large forces when in contact situations. No absolute differences were found between the backs and forwards for the speed performance variables although positional differences were found across all speeds when assessed relative to body mass since the forwards were significantly heavier. Coaches and the management team can use this information for monitoring progressive improvements in the physiological capacities of rugby players. These physical characteristics of elite rugby players provide normative profiles for specific positions and should form the basis of developmental programmes for adolescents.
Effect of amino acid application on induced resistance against citrus canker disease in lime plants
Authors: Hasabi Vahideh , Askari Hossein , Alavi Seyed Mehdi , Zamanizadeh Hamidreza
Published: July 2014

Citrus bacterial canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), is a destructive disease. So far, the chemicals used to control this pathogen are either ineffective or harmful to the environment. To improve control of this disease, lime (Citrus aurantifolia) were treated with L-arginine, L-methionine, L-ornithine, and distilled water. Plants were inoculated with Xcc, 48 hours post treatment. Lesion diameters of inoculated leaves were evaluated four weeks after inoculation with a bacterial suspension. Changes in β-1,3-glucanase transcript levels and activity of antioxidant enzymes, catalase, peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase were investigated at 48 hours post treatment and 24, 48, and 72 hours post inoculation. Based on the results of phenotypic, antioxidant enzyme activity and a molecular study of the stressed plants, it was found that those plants treated with the amino acid methionine significantly increased the plant induced resistance as well as decreased the severity of disease by reducing necrotic lesion size.
Neogene seismites and seismic volcanic rocks in the Linqu area, Shandong Province, E China
Authors: Tian H.S. , Zhang B.H. , Zhang S.H. , Lü M.Y.
Published: July 2014

The Yishu Fault Zone runs through the centre of Shandong Province (E China); it is a deep-seated large fault system that still is active. Two volcanic faulted basins (the Shanwang and Linqu Basins) in the Linqu area, west of the fault zone, are exposed to rifting, which process is accompanied by a series of tectonic and volcanic earthquakes with a magnitude of 5-8. Lacustrine sediments in the basins were affected by these earthquakes so that seismites with a variety of soft-sediment deformation structures originated. The seismites form part of the Shanwang Formation of the Linqu Group. Semi-consolidated fluvial conglomerates became deformed in a brittle way; these seismites are present at the base of the Yaoshan Formation. Intense earthquakes triggered by volcanic activity left their traces in the form of seismic volcanic rocks associated with liquefied-sand veins in the basalt/sand intercalations at the base of the Yaoshan Formation. These palaeo-earthquake records are dated around 14-10 Ma; they are responses to the intense tectonic extension and the basin rifting in this area and even the activity of the Yishu Fault Zone in the Himalayan tectonic cycle.
From Modernity to Post-Modernity: Conflicting Voices in Literary Discourse – A Corpus Analysis of You and One
Authors: de Sousa Alcina Maria Pereira , Correia Alda Maria
Published: July 2014

This paper discusses the possibilities of a corpus analysis applied to literary study and interpretation. It is thus its goal to present some findings related to the disambiguation of some pronominal references, i.e. you and one, as they occur in speech and thought presentation in prose fiction, across periods in the 20th century. The texts selected are two of Virginia Woolf's novels (early and late modernist period) and one by Hugo Hamilton (in the postmodern era). The analysis benefits from a multi-layered interpretive framework drawing on discourse analysis, corpus-based approaches and literary study, particularly in that it unpacks ways in which writers make use of linguistic structures. These involve readers in a dialogic interpretation of the text's “polyphony” and “heteroglossia”, either conveying the generic pronoun reference or the protagonist's inner voice.
Cordycepin Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α Production via Activating AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) Signaling
Authors: Zhang Jian-Li , Xu Ying , Shen Jie
Published: July 2014

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is elevated during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease (KD), which damages vascular endothelial cells to cause systemic vasculitis. In the current study, we investigated the potential role of cordycepin on TNFα expression in both lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and ex vivo cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of KD patients. We found that cordycepin significantly suppressed LPS-induced TNFα expression and production in mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs)). Meanwhile, cordycepin alleviated TNFα production in KD patients’ PBMCs. PBMCs from healthy controls had a much lower level of basal TNF-α content than that of KD patients. LPS-induced TNF-α production in healthy controls’ PBMCs was also inhibited by cordycepin. For the mechanism study, we discovered that cordycepin activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling in both KD patients’ PBMCs and LPS-stimulated macrophages, which mediated cordycepin-induced inhibition against TNFα production. AMPK inhibition by its inhibitor (compound C) or by siRNA depletion alleviated cordycepin’s effect on TNFα production. Further, we found that cordycepin inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation in LPS-stimulate RAW 264.7 cells or healthy controls’ PBMCs. PBMCs of KD patients showed higher basal level of ROS and NF-κB activation, which was also inhibited by cordycepin co-treatment. In conclusion, our data showed that cordycepin inhibited TNFα production, which was associated with AMPK activation as well as ROS and NF-κB inhibition. The results of this study should have significant translational relevance in managing this devastating disease.
Elementary Bounds on the Ruin Capital in a Diffusion Model of Risk
Authors: Malinovskii Vsevolod
Published: July 2014

In a diffusion model of risk, we focus on the initial capital needed to make the probability of ruin within finite time equal to a prescribed value. It is defined as a solution of a nonlinear equation. The endeavor to write down and to investigate analytically this solution as a function of the premium rate seems not technically feasible. Instead, we obtain informative bounds for this capital in terms of elementary functions.
Molecular biology approaches in bioadhesion research
Authors: Rodrigues Marcelo , Lengerer Birgit , Ostermann Thomas , Ladurner Peter
Published: July 2014

The use of molecular biology tools in the field of bioadhesion is still in its infancy. For new research groups who are considering taking a molecular approach, the techniques presented here are essential to unravelling the sequence of a gene, its expression and its biological function. Here we provide an outline for addressing adhesion-related genes in diverse organisms. We show how to gradually narrow down the number of candidate transcripts that are involved in adhesion by (1) generating a transcriptome and a differentially expressed cDNA list enriched for adhesion-related transcripts, (2) setting up a BLAST search facility, (3) perform an in situ hybridization screen, and (4) functional analyses of selected genes by using RNA interference knock-down. Furthermore, latest developments in genome-editing are presented as new tools to study gene function. By using this iterative multi-technologies approach, the identification, isolation, expression and function of adhesion-related genes can be studied in most organisms. These tools will improve our understanding of the diversity of molecules used for adhesion in different organisms and these findings will help to develop innovative bio-inspired adhesives.
A pianist and figurative writing
Authors: Chernaya Marina
Published: July 2014

In keyboard music, early as well as modern, there are characteristic instrumental figures, which, in the case of great musical works, appear to be inextricably bound up with the compositional technique and the composer’s way of musical thinking. In studying keyboard music, it is necessary to consider the method of notation of the musical texture; it is the examination of this, the notational aspect of the musical work, that makes possible a correct understanding and interpretation of the composer’s ideas.
Muzikološke razprave o glasbi 19. stoletja na Slovenskem v zadnjih tridesetih letih – popis stanja in pomen
Authors: Cigoj Krstulović Nataša
Published: July 2014

Inventurni zapisnik stanja novejše strokovne literature o glasbi 19. stoletja na Slovenskem je potrebno izhodišče za orientacijo pri načrtovanju prihodnjih raziskav. Analiza obravnavanih tem ter uporabljenih metodoloških pristopov razkriva vrzeli v poznavanju slovenske glasbene preteklosti tega časa in perspektive metodoloških pristopov njenega raziskovanja.
Stanje vednosti raziskovanja glasbeno-gledališkega dela na Slovenskem
Authors: Pompe Gregor
Published: July 2014

Članek prinaša prerez stanja raziskav na področju operne ustvarjalnosti in poustvarjalnosti na Slovenskem. Problematizirana je sintagma »slovenska« opera, v katero se nejasno stekata tako operna ustvarjalnost kot tudi poustvarjalnost. Kot boljši termin se izkaže glasbeno-gledališko delo. Izkaže se, da je bila opravljena večina primarnih, historiografskih raziskav, medtem ko čaka muzikologijo še naloga interdisciplinarnega prediranja v operno kulturo na Slovenskem.
MHC-Mismatched Chimerism Is Required for Induction of Transplantation Tolerance in Autoimmune Nonobese Diabetic Recipients
Authors: Wang Miao , Racine Jeremy , Zhang Mingfeng , Wu Tao , Deng Ruishu , Johnston Heather , Shen Christine , Siswanto Kathleen , Zeng Defu
Published: July 2014

In nonautoimmune recipients, induction of mixed and complete chimerism with hematopoietic progenitor cells from MHC (HLA)-matched or -mismatched donors are effective approaches for induction of organ transplantation immune tolerance in both animal models and patients. But it is still unclear whether this is the case in autoimmune recipients. With the autoimmune diabetic NOD mouse model, we report that, although mixed and complete MHC-mismatched chimerism provide immune tolerance to donor-type islet and skin transplants, neither mixed nor complete MHC-matched chimerism does. The MHC-mismatched chimerism not only tolerizes the de novo developed, but also the residual pre-existing host-type T cells in a mismatched MHC class II–dependent manner. In the MHC-mismatched chimeras, the residual host-type peripheral T cells appear to be anergic with upregulation of PD-1 and downregulation of IL-7Rα. Conversely, in the MHC-matched chimeras, the residual host-type peripheral T cells manifest both alloreactivity and autoreactivity; they not only mediate insulitis and sialitis in the recipient, but also reject allogeneic donor-type islet and skin grafts. Interestingly, transgenic autoreactive BDC2.5 T cells from Rag1+/+, but not from Rag1−/−, NOD mice show alloreactivity and mediate both insulitis and rejection of allografts. Taken together, MHC-mismatched, but not MHC-matched, chimerism can effectively provide transplantation immune tolerance in autoimmune recipients.
Molecular Characterization of Bacillus anthracis Directly from Patients' Eschar and Beef in an Anthrax Outbreak in Jiangsu Province, China, 2012
Authors: Tan Zhongming , Qi Xian , Gu Ling , Bao Changjun , Tang Fenyang , Zhu Yefei
Published: July 2014

An outbreak of anthrax was reported in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, China in 2012. Laboratory confirmation of cases was made by detection of Bacillus anthracis genes rpoB, pagA, and cap using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR); source tracking was conducted by multiple locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) and pagA sequencing using DNA extracted from case specimens and meat from a suspected slaughtered cow. The genotypes were MLVA type 57 and pagA genotype I. Combined with the field epidemiological data, the four cutaneous anthrax cases most likely were caused by butchering of the sick cow. Backward tracing of animal cases identified the region of origin, and some public health measures, such as reactive or preventative animal vaccination for cattle, intersectoral cooperation, ensuring proper pre-slaughter inspection, and educating butchers and villagers about this disease, could be used to prevent B. anthracis infection.
Assessing the Value of Work Done by an Orthopedic Resident During Call
Authors: Jackson J. Benjamin , Huntington William P. , Frick Steven L.
Published: July 2014

Background

Medicare funding for graduate medical education may be cut in the next federal budget.

Objective

We quantified the value of work that 1 orthopedic surgery resident performs on call and compare it to Medicare educational funding received by the hospital for each resident.

Methods

A single orthopedic resident's on-call emergency department and inpatient consults were collected during a 2-year call period at a large, tertiary, level-1 trauma center. Patient charts were reviewed; ICD-9 codes, evaluation and management, and procedural treatment were recorded. Codes were converted into work relative value units. The number of work relative value units was multiplied by the 2012 Medicare rate of $34.03 per relative value units to calculate the monetary value of resident work.

Results

Of 120 resident call shifts, 115 call sheets (95.8%) were available for review, and 1160 patients were seen (average  =  10.09 consults/call). A total of 4688 work relative value units were generated (average  =  40.76 per night), and the total dollar value generated was $159,561 ($1,387 per call) during the 2 years of call (average  =  $79,780 annually). Evaluation and management codes generated 2340 work relative value units, with a calculated dollar amount of $79,648, and procedural codes generated 2348 work relative value units, with a calculated dollar amount of $79,913.

Conclusions

Our institution estimated Medicare direct medical education support per resident at $40,000/y, and total funding was $130,000/resident. At our tertiary care institution, the unbilled work of 1 orthopedic resident on call amounts to more than 60% of Medicare direct medical education and indirect medical education funding annually.
Of Flesh and Stone: Labor Investment and Regional Sociopolitical Implications of Plaza/Batey Construction at the Ceremonial Center of Tibes (A.D. 600-A.D. 1200), Puerto Rico
Authors: Torres Joshua M. , Antonio Curet L. , Rice-Snow Scott , Castor Melissa J. , Castor Andrew K.
Published: July 2014

Ceremonial architecture of late precontact (A.D. 600-1500) societies of Puerto Rico consists of stone-lined plazas and ball courts (bateys,). Archaeologists use these structures to signify the onset of hierarchical “chiefly” polities and to interpret their regional organization. Problematically, little consideration is given to the costs of their physical construction and the associated organizational implications at local and regional scales. In this paper, we use data gathered through geoarchaeological field investigations to develop labor estimates for the plaza and bateys at the site of Tibes—one of the largest precolumbian ceremonial centers in Puerto Rico. The estimates provide a basis for addressing how these features were constructed at the site and are considered within the broader organizational contexts of incipient polities in the island's south-central region between A.D. 600 and A.D. 1200.
A decadal‐scale deformation transient prior to the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku‐oki earthquake
Authors: Mavrommatis Andreas P. , Segall Paul , Johnson Kaj M.
Published: June 2014

GPS time series in northeast Japan exhibit nonlinear trends from 1996 to 2011 before the Mw 9.0, 2011 Tohoku‐oki earthquake. After removing reference frame noise, we model time series as linear trends plus constant acceleration, correcting for coseismic and postseismic effects from the numerous Mw ∼ 6.5+ earthquakes during this period. We find spatially coherent and statistically significant accelerations throughout northern Honshu. Large areas of Japan outside the Tohoku region show insignificant accelerations, demonstrating that the observation is not due to network‐wide artifacts. While the accelerations in northern Tohoku (Sanriku area) can be explained by decaying postseismic deformation from pre‐1996 earthquakes, the accelerations in south‐central Tohoku appear unrelated to postseismic effects. The latter accelerations are associated with a decrease in average trench‐normal strain rate and can be explained by increasing slip rate on the Japan trench plate interface and/or updip migration of deep aseismic slip in the decades before the 2011 Tohoku‐oki earthquake.
Noise statistics identification for Kalman filtering of the electron radiation belt observations I: Model errors
Authors: Podladchikova T. V. , Shprits Y. Y. , Kondrashov D. , Kellerman A. C.
Published: June 2014

In this study we present a first attempt to identify errors of the 1‐D radial diffusion model for relativistic electron phase space density (PSD). In practice, the model error and characteristics of satellite observations are poorly known, which may cause failure of a Kalman filter algorithm. Correct specification of model errors statistics is necessary for the development of the next generation of radiation belt specification models providing the effective PSD reconstruction and hence the prediction and mitigation of space weather effects in the hazardous space environment. The proposed approach to the identification of errors statistics is based on estimating the unknown bias and the covariance matrix of model errors from the sparse CRRES observations over a period of 441 days, from 28 July 1990 to 11 October 1991. With our technique we demonstrate that model errors are biased. Neglecting the bias when applying a data assimilation algorithm to radiation belt electrons can cause significant errors of the PSD estimate during data gaps. Both the identified bias and the covariance matrix of model errors increase with increase of L shell. Sensitivity of the PSD reconstruction to model errors statistics and advances of the improved physical‐based model based on the model errors identification are illustrated by a number of representative examples of the PSD reanalysis. Identification of satellite observations characteristics, and filtration and smoothing algorithms are discussed in the companion paper.
Determination of ionospheric parameters in real time using SuperDARN HF Radars
Authors: Bland Emma C. , McDonald Andrew J. , de Larquier Sebastien , Devlin John C.
Published: June 2014

A technique for determining key ionospheric parameters from high‐frequency (HF) over‐the‐horizon radar ground scatter data is investigated using two Southern Hemisphere SuperDARN radars and also a Northern Hemisphere SuperDARN radar with reliable elevation angle‐of‐arrival capability. Ground scatter data are analyzed over a range of frequencies from 8 to 18 MHz to determine the maximum usable frequency and the vertical critical frequency over a wide geographical area within the radar field of view. The technique is shown to be well suited to middle to high latitudes where backscatter echoes from the ground dominate over those from ionospheric scattering targets. However, the technique is shown to break down during the winter months and away from solar maximum. It is shown that the use of reliable elevation angles can greatly enhance such methods allowing discrimination between ground scatter propagating via the E and F regions. It is also shown that contamination from very low velocity ionospheric scatter and ground scatter originating from the back lobe of the radar can be effectively filtered out, with the use of reliable elevation angles. This greatly improves the reliability of the ionospheric data products and allows for a high degree of automation of the process.
Osteoprotegerin expression in triple‐negative breast cancer cells promotes metastasis
Authors: Weichhaus Michael , Segaran Prabu , Renaud Ashleigh , Geerts Dirk , Connelly Linda
Published: June 2014

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a secreted member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily that has been well characterized as a negative regulator of bone remodeling. OPG is also expressed in human breast cancer tissues and cell lines. In vitro studies suggest that OPG exerts tumor‐promoting effects by binding to TNF‐related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), thereby preventing induction of apoptosis. However, the in vivo effect of OPG expression by primary breast tumors has not been characterized. We knocked down OPG expression in MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐MB‐436 human breast cancer cells using shRNA and siRNA to investigate impact on metastasis in the chick embryo model. We observed a reduction in metastasis with OPG knockdown cells. We found that lowering OPG expression did not alter sensitivity to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis; however, the OPG knockdown cells had a reduced level of invasion. In association with this we observed reduced expression of the proteases Cathepsin D and Matrix Metalloproteinase‐2 upon OPG knockdown, indicating that OPG may promote metastasis via modulation of protease expression and invasion. We conclude that OPG has a metastasis‐promoting effect in breast cancer cells.
Intensity‐modulated pelvic radiation therapy and simultaneous integrated boost to the prostate area in patients with high‐risk prostate cancer: a preliminary report of disease control
Authors: Saracino Biancamaria , Petrongari Maria Grazia , Marzi Simona , Bruzzaniti Vicente , Sara Gomellini , Arcangeli Stefano , Arcangeli Giorgio , Pinnarò Paola , Giordano Carolina , Ferraro Anna Maria , Strigari Lidia
Published: June 2014

The aim of the study was to report the clinical results in patients with high‐risk prostate cancer treated with pelvic intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) to the prostate area. A total of 110 patients entered our study, 37 patients presented with localized prostate cancer and radiological evidence of node metastases or ≥15% estimated risk of lymph node (LN) involvement, while 73 patients underwent postoperative adjuvant or salvage irradiation for biochemical or residual/recurrent disease, LN metastases, or high risk of harboring nodal metastases. All patients received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for 2 years. The median follow‐up was 56.5 months. For the whole patient group, the 3‐ and 5‐year freedom from biochemical failure were 82.6% and 74.6%, respectively, with a better outcome in patients treated with radical approach. The 3‐ and 5‐year freedom from local failure were 94.4% and 90.2%, respectively, while the 3‐ and 5‐year distant metastasis‐free survival were 87.8% and 81.7%, respectively. For all study patients, the rate of freedom from G2 acute rectal, intestinal, and urinary toxicities was 60%, 77%, and 61%, respectively. There was no G3 acute toxicity, ≥G2 late intestinal toxicity, or G3 late urinary or rectal toxicity. The 3‐ and 5‐year ≥G2 freedom from late rectal toxicity rate were 98% and 95%, respectively, while the 3‐ and 5‐year ≥G2 freedom from late urinary toxicity rate were 95% and 88%, respectively. The study concludes that pelvic IMRT and SIB to the prostatic area in association with 2‐year ADT was a well‐tolerated technique, providing high disease control in patients with prostate cancer requiring LN treatment.
Self‐organization of genic and intergenic sequence lengths in genomes: Statistical properties and linguistic coherence
Authors: Eroglu Sertac
Published: June 2014

In a genome, genes (coding constituents) are interrupted by intergenic regions (noncoding constituents). This study provides a general picture of the large‐scale self‐organization of coding, noncoding, and total constituent lengths in genomes. Ten model genomes were examined and strong correlations between the number of genomic constituents and the constituent lengths were observed. The analysis was carried out by adopting a linguistic distribution model and a structural analogy between linguistic and genomic constructs. The proposed linguistic‐based statistical analysis may provide a fundamental basis for both understanding the linear structural formation of genomic constituents and developing insightful strategies to figure out the function of genic and intergenic regions in genomic sequences. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 268–282, 2015
Cytological characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinoma on LBC specimens, compared with conventional specimens
Authors: Suzuki Ayana , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Higuchi Miyoko , Yamao Naoki , Kuma Seiji , Nakamura Hirotoshi , Amino Nobuyuki , Miyauchi Akira
Published: June 2014

Background

The cytological findings in conventional specimens (C‐S) and liquid‐based cytology specimens (LBC‐S) are not quite same. The aim of this article is to clarify the cytological findings of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) characteristic of LBC‐S.

Methods

Out of 5,971 cases diagnosed in a single institution from March to September in 2012, 161 PTC cases with both C‐S and LBC‐S were reviewed. Additionally, we compared the findings with those in LBC‐S of 55 adenomatous or hyperplastic nodule (AN) and 21 follicular neoplasm (FN) cases.

Results

Compared to C‐S, the incidences of trabecular and hobnail patterns, collagenous stroma, naked capillaries, intercellular spaces, convoluted nuclei, eosinophilic nucleoli, and perinucleolar halo were increased. Pale nuclei were observed in only one of 161 PTC cases. Specificity of convoluted nuclei and perinucleolar halo were 97.4% and 96.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

Convoluted nuclei and perinucleolar halo might become a new indicator of PTC in LBC‐S. Contrarily, we should be aware that pale nuclei are rarely observed in LBC‐S. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:108–113. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of ProEx C in primary and metastatic urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Liu Lian , Cohen Cynthia , Siddiqui Momin T.
Published: June 2014

Background

ProEx C is an antibody cocktail targeting the expression of topoisomerase IIα and minichromosome maintenance protein‐2. Both these proteins are over‐expressed in the cell nucleus during aberrant S‐phase induction of neoplastic cells, which leads to cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to determine whether ProEx C expression can detect primary and metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC).

Methods

Thirty one fine needle aspiration cell blocks (CB) with metastatic UC were identified. Immunohistochemical staining for ProEx C and thrombomodulin was performed. Additionally, staining for Pro Ex C was also performed in tissue microarrays (TMA) of 46 cases of primary UC and carcinomas from colon (80), stomach (31), pancreas (33), liver (92), ovary (24), endometrium (25), breast (60), lung (27), kidney (32), and prostate (44), as well as melanoma (22). Nuclear staining of ProEx C and membrane staining of thrombomodulin in at least 10% tumor cells was considered a positive result.

Results

Both ProEx C and thrombomodulin have similar sensitivity for metastatic UC (84% vs. 77%, p=0.75; whereas ProEx C yielded a higher sensitivity of 93% for primary UC than thrombomodulin (72%, p=0.01). In addition to UC, ProEx C is also expressed in most of the malignant neoplasms tested in our TMA study, and has the highest sensitivity in colon and stomach carcinomas (94%).

Conclusion

ProEx C has high sensitivity for UC. However, it is also expressed in carcinomas of colon, stomach, breast, and lung carcinomas and may not be a useful marker for workup of metastatic UC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:181–187. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Function of the Ryk intracellular domain in C. elegans vulval development
Authors: Poh Woon Cheng , Shen Yanqing , Inoue Takao
Published: June 2014

Background: Ryk is a subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases, which along with Frizzled and Ror, function as Wnt receptors. Vertebrate Ryk intracellular domain (ICD) is released from the cell membrane by a proteolytic cleavage in the transmembrane region and localizes to the nucleus. In C. elegans, Ryk is encoded by the lin‐18 gene and regulates the polarity of the P7.p vulval cell. Results: Based on Western blots, we were unable to detect the presence of the cleaved LIN‐18 ICD fragment. Functional assays found that LIN‐18 intracellular domain is not absolutely required for LIN‐18 function, consistent with previous results. However, overexpression of the LIN‐18 intracellular domain fragment (LIN‐18ICD) weakly enhanced the phenotype of lin‐18 loss‐of‐function mutants. Furthermore, this activity was specific to the serine‐rich juxtamembrane region. We also found that the nuclear localization of LIN‐18ICD fragment can be regulated by Wnt pathway components including CAM‐1/Ror, and by PAR‐5/14‐3‐3. Conclusions: Release of LIN‐18ICD by cleavage at the membrane is not the main mechanism of LIN‐18 signaling in vulval cells. However, our results suggest that LIN‐18 intracellular domain interacts with Wnt pathway components and a 14‐3‐3 protein and likely plays a minor role in LIN‐18 signaling. Developmental Dynamics 243:1074–1085, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Closing the wounds: One hundred and twenty five years of regenerative biology in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis
Authors: Jeffery William R.
Published: June 2014

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the beginning of regeneration research in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. A brief note was published in 1891, reporting the regeneration of the Ciona neural complex and siphons. This launched an active period of Ciona regeneration research culminating in the demonstration of partial body regeneration: the ability of proximal body parts to regenerate distal ones, but not vice versa. In a process resembling regeneration, wounds in the siphon tube were discovered to result in the formation of an ectopic siphon. Ciona regeneration research then lapsed into a period of relative inactivity after the purported demonstration of the inheritance of acquired characters using siphon regeneration as a model. Around the turn of the present century, Ciona regeneration research experienced a new blossoming. The current studies established the morphological and physiological integrity of the regeneration process and its resemblance to ontogeny. They also determined some of the cell types responsible for tissue and organ replacement and their sources in the body. Finally, they showed that regenerative capacity is reduced with age. Many other aspects of regeneration now can be studied at the mechanistic level because of the extensive molecular tools available in Ciona. genesis 53:48–65, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Best nutrition counseling practices for the treatment of anorexia nervosa: A Delphi study
Authors: Mittnacht Anne M. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To use Delphi methodology to evaluate the extent to which a panel of registered dietitians (RDs) who treat anorexia nervosa (AN) concur on parameters related to nutrition counseling for AN.

Method

The twenty‐one panelists who participated in this study: (i) were RDs (ii) had specialized in nutritional counseling for eating disorders for 5 years or more, and (iii) had Internet access at home or work. Over a 10‐week period (between 8/2013 and 11/2013), panelists completed three iterative questionnaires. Questionnaire 1 included 12 open‐ended questions regarding nutrition counseling for patients with AN. Subsequent questionnaires were developed based on a content analysis of responses to the first questionnaire, and panelists were asked to rank their level of agreement with these items.

Results

Consensus was defined as 85% agreement and was achieved for 47 (35.3%) of the 133 items included in the third questionnaire. Items achieving consensus described nutrition counseling approaches that are applicable to all patients with AN, and their wording typically allowed for consideration of individual needs. Some items that did not achieve consensus reflected approaches for which individual tailoring may be necessary depending on age, stage of illness, and other patient factors. Consensus was also not shown for approaches for which there is little evidence.

Discussion

Nutritional counseling intervention for AN has some consensus features, but the need for individualization was apparent. A stronger evidence‐base for nutritional counseling interventions for AN would provide guidance and facilitate greater consistency among RDs regarding how to best care for this patient population. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:111–122)
Type I interferons have opposing effects during the emergence and recovery phases of colitis
Authors: Rauch Isabella , Hainzl Eva , Rosebrock Felix , Heider Susanne , Schwab Clarissa , Berry David , Stoiber Dagmar , Wagner Michael , Schleper Christa , Loy Alexander , Urich Tim , Müller Mathias , Strobl Birgit , Kenner Lukas , Decker Thomas
Published: June 2014

The contribution of the innate immune system to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is under intensive investigation. Research in animal models has demonstrated that type I interferons (IFN‐Is) protect from IBD. In contrast, studies of patients with IBD have produced conflicting results concerning the therapeutic potential of IFN‐Is. Here, we present data suggesting that IFN‐Is play dual roles as regulators of intestinal inflammation in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐treated C57BL/6 mice. Though IFN‐Is reduced acute intestinal damage and the abundance of colitis‐associated intestinal bacteria caused by treatment with a high dose of DSS, they also inhibited the resolution of inflammation after DSS treatment. IFN‐Is played an anti‐inflammatory role by suppressing the release of IL‐1β from the colon MHC class II+ cells. Consistently, IL‐1 receptor blockade reduced the severity of inflammation in IFN‐I receptor‐deficient mice and myeloid cell‐restricted ablation of the IFN‐I receptor was detrimental. The proinflammatory role of IFN‐Is during recovery from DSS treatment was caused by IFN‐I‐dependent cell apoptosis as well as an increase in chemokine production and infiltrating inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils. Thus, IFN‐Is play opposing roles in specific phases of intestinal injury and inflammation, which may be important for guiding treatment strategies in patients.