bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential utility of cancer-specific biomarkers for assessing response to hormonal treatments in metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Schalken Jack , Dijkstra Siebren , Baskin-Bey Edwina , van Oort Inge
Published: August 2014

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and there is an urgent clinical need to improve its detection and treatment. The introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as a biomarker for prostate cancer several decades ago represented an important step forward in our ability to diagnose this disease and offers the potential for earlier and more effective treatment. PSA measurements are now routinely conducted alongside digital rectal examination, with raised PSA levels leading to biopsy. PSA is also used to monitor disease and assess therapeutic response. However, there are some important limitations to its use, not least its lack of specificity for prostate cancer, and increased PSA screening may have resulted in overdiagnosis and overtreatment of early, low-risk prostate cancer. Therefore, there is a need for more specific and sensitive biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer and treatment response; in particular, biomarkers of response to hormonal treatments in prostate cancer and predictive biomarkers to identify who is most likely to respond to these treatments. Here we review the current utilization of PSA and data on potentially more specific and sensitive biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer: prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) and the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion gene. A description of the design of an ongoing study of the 6-month extended release formulation of leuprorelin acetate (Eligard® 45 mg) will provide preliminary data on the potential utility of these new biomarkers for detecting therapeutic response after hormonal therapy.
Depth and Breadth Tactics in Support Seeking
Authors: Armstrong Benjamin F. , Kammrath Lara K.
Published: August 2014

Past support-seeking research has examined how much support people seek (strategic level) or the way they seek it (tactical level). However, there are questions that can only be answered by looking at both levels simultaneously. In this article, we investigated how the overall amount of support sought can be decomposed into two component tactics: the number of supporters one seeks (breadth) and the amount one seeks from each supporter (depth). In a 2-week diary study of support seeking, it was found that gender and attachment differences in overall support seeking were driven by the breadth rather than the depth of seeking. It was also found that breadth was associated with increases in perceived support availability, whereas both breadth and depth were associated with increases in self-esteem.
Day-case monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate
Authors: Bright Elizabeth , Stocker Mary , Koupparis Anthony , MacDermott Seamus
Published: August 2014

Objective:

The objective of this article is to investigate the safety and efficacy of both monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) performed on a day-case basis.

Materials and methods:

Data were collected prospectively for two cohorts of consecutive patients undergoing a day-case monopolar TURP (mTURP) by surgeon 1 in centre 1 (Group M) and a day case bipolar TURP (bTURP) by surgeon 2 in centre 2 (Group B). All were scheduled to be discharged on the day of surgery, with an indwelling catheter to be removed on an outpatient basis.

Results:

Fifty men underwent a day-case mTURP (Group M) and 27 men underwent a day-case bTURP (Group B) in centre 1 and 2, respectively. Patient age ( p = 0.71) and resection weight ( p = 0.35) were comparable between the two groups. No statistically significant difference in the number of admissions ( p = 1.00) or re-admissions ( p = 0.55) between the two groups was observed, with an identical day case discharge rate of 92%.

Conclusions:

Day-case TURP can be provided safely and effectively to patients regardless of the diathermy method employed, with successful discharge rates and low risk of admission or re-admission.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Overweight and Obesity among HIV-Infected Adults in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Semu Helen , Zack Rachel M. , Liu Enju , Hertzmark Ellen , Spiegelman Donna , Sztam Kevin , Hawkins Claudia , Chalamila Guerino , Muya Aisa , Siril Hellen , Mwiru Ramadhani , Mtasiwa Deo , Fawzi Wafaie
Published: August 2014

Background:

Overweight and obesity are increasingly prevalent among HIV-infected populations. We describe their prevalence and associated risk factors among HIV-infected adults in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the proportion of patients who were overweight or obese at enrollment to care and treatment centres from 2004 to 2011. Multivariate relative risk regression models were fit to identify risk factors.

Results:

 A total of 53 825 patients were included in the analysis. In all, 16% of women and 8% of men were overweight, while 7% and 2% were obese, respectively. In multivariate analyses, older age, higher CD4 count, higher hemoglobin levels, female sex, and being married were associated with obesity and overweight. World Health Organization HIV disease stage, tuberculosis history, and previous antiretroviral therapy were inversely associated with obesity and overweight.

Conclusion:

Overweight and obesity were highly prevalent among HIV-infected patients. Screening for overweight and obesity and focused interventions should be integrated into HIV care.
Effect of matrix/reinforcement combination on cold sprayed coating deposition behaviour
Authors: Yu M. , Li W. Y. , Chen H. , Suo X. K. , Liao H. L.
Published: August 2014

Cold sprayed composite coatings are usually composed of extensively deformed metal particles and undeformed hard reinforcements. Generally, there is a difference in the composition between the feedstock powder and the final coating. The reason was explored based on the deposition behaviour of cold sprayed composite coatings, which are composed of different combinations of matrix and reinforcement (Al5056+SiC, AZ91D+SiC and Al5056+In718). Experimental results show that a higher reinforcement content in the coating contributes from a higher deposition efficiency of the reinforcement. The great difference in the impact velocity between the matrix and the reinforcement mainly causes the difference in the reinforcement content between the starting powder and the resultant coating. Finally, when the particle velocity of the reinforcement is comparable to that of the matrix, the superior kinetic energy of the matrix or the reinforcement could benefit the incorporation of the reinforcement.
BFR (bendamustine, fludarabine, and rituximab) allogeneic conditioning for chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma: reduced myelosuppression and GVHD
Authors: Khouri Issa F. , Wei Wei , Korbling Martin , Turturro Francesco , Ahmed Sairah , Alousi Amin , Anderlini Paolo , Ciurea Stefan , Jabbour Elias , Oran Betul , Popat Uday R. , Rondon Gabriela , Bassett Roland L. , Gulbis Alison
Published: August 2014

Key Points

BFR is an effective allogeneic conditioning for chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma. Remarkably, this BFR regimen resulted in a low incidence of myelosuppression and severe acute GVHD.
Solution growth of NiO nanosheets supported on Ni foam as high-performance electrodes for supercapacitors
Authors: Yan Hailong , Zhang Deyang , Xu Jinyou , Lu Yang , Liu Yunxin , Qiu Kangwen , Zhang Yihe , Luo Yongsong
Published: August 2014

Well-aligned nickel oxide (NiO) nanosheets with the thickness of a few nanometers supported on a flexible substrate (Ni foam) have been fabricated by a hydrothermal approach together with a post-annealing treatment. The three-dimensional NiO nanosheets were further used as electrode materials to fabricate supercapacitors, with high specific capacitance of 943.5, 791.2, 613.5, 480, and 457.5 F g-1 at current densities of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 A g-1, respectively. The NiO nanosheets combined well with the substrate. When the electrode material was bended, it can still retain 91.1% of the initial capacitance after 1,200 charging/discharging cycles. Compared with Co3O4 and NiO nanostructures, the specific capacitance of NiO nanosheets is much better. These characteristics suggest that NiO nanosheet electrodes are promising for energy storage application with high power demands.
Optical characterization of porous silicon monolayers decorated with hydrogel microspheres
Authors: Balderas-Valadez Ruth F , Weiler Markus , Agarwal Vivechana , Pacholski Claudia
Published: August 2014

The optical response of porous silicon (pSi) films, covered with a quasi-hexagonal array of hydrogel microspheres, to immersion in ethanol/water mixtures was investigated. For this study, pSi monolayers were fabricated by electrochemical etching, stabilized by thermal oxidation, and decorated with hydrogel microspheres using spin coating. Reflectance spectra of pSi samples with and without deposited hydrogel microspheres were taken at normal incidence. The employed hydrogel microspheres, composed of poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (polyNIPAM), are stimuli-responsive and change their size as well as their refractive index upon exposure to alcohol/water mixtures. Hence, distinct differences in the interference pattern of bare pSi films and pSi layers covered with polyNIPAM spheres could be observed upon their immersion in the respective solutions using reflective interferometric Fourier transform spectroscopy (RIFTS). Here, the amount of reflected light (fast Fourier transform (FFT) amplitude), which corresponds to the refractive index contrast and light scattering at the pSi film interfaces, showed distinct differences for the two fabricated samples. Whereas the FFT amplitude of the bare porous silicon film followed the changes in the refractive index of the surrounding medium, the FFT amplitude of the pSi/polyNIPAM structure depended on the swelling/shrinking of the attached hydrogel spheres and exhibited a minimum in ethanol-water mixtures with 20 wt% ethanol. At this value, the polyNIPAM microgel is collapsed to its minimum size. In contrast, the effective optical thickness, which reflects the effective refractive index of the porous layer, was not influenced by the attached hydrogel spheres.

PACS

81.05.Rm; 81.16.Dn; 83.80Kn; 42.79.Pw
Three-layer supply chain in an imperfect production inventory model with two storage facilities under fuzzy rough environment
Authors: Manna Amalesh Kumar , Dey Jayanta Kumar , Mondal Shyamal Kumar
Published: August 2014

This article focuses on an imperfect production inventory model considering product reliability and reworking of imperfect items in three-layer supply chain under fuzzy rough environment. In the model, the supplier receives the raw materials, all are not of perfect quality, in a lot and delivers the items of superior quality to the manufacturer and the inferior quality items are sold at a reduced price in a single batch by the end of the cent percent screening process. The manufacturer produces a mixture of perfect and imperfect quality items. A portion of the imperfect items is transformed into perfect quality items after rework. Another portion of imperfect items, termed as `less perfect quality items', is sold at a reduced price to the retailer, and the portion which cannot be either transformed to the perfect quality items or sold at a reduce price is being rejected. Here, retailer purchases both the perfect and imperfect quality items from the manufacturer to sell the items to the customers through his/her respective showrooms of finite capacities. A secondary warehouse of infinite capacity is hired by the retailer on rental basis to store the excess quantity of perfect quality items. This model considers the impact of business strategies such as optimal order size of raw materials, production rate, and unit production cost in different sectors in a collaborating marketing system that can be used in the industry, like textile, footwear, and electronics goods. An analytical method has been used to optimize the production rate and raw material order size for maximization of the average profit of the integrated model. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the model.
Neutrophils and oral squamous cell carcinoma: lessons learned and future directions
Authors: Magalhaes Marco A O , Glogauer Judah E , Glogauer Michael
Published: August 2014

The role of cells of the innate immune system in the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma has been the subject of intense research in recent years. In particular, neutrophils have been shown recently to have either a pro-tumor or anti-tumor phenotype in different cancers. Here, we review the role of neutrophils as tumor microenvironment and signaling modulators of OSCC and their possible role as biomarkers of OSCC prognosis. Current evidence supports a pro-tumor role for neutrophils in OSCC, but more research is needed to clarify the precise mechanisms involved.
3D full tensor gradiometry and Falcon Systems data analysis for iron ore exploration: Baú Mine, Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Braga Marco Antonio , Endo Issamu , Galbiatti Henry Francisco , Carlos Dionisio Uendro
Published: August 2014

The use of airborne gravity gradiometry (AGG) has undergone rapid increase in mineral exploration in recent years. The performance and final results, however, are affected by many factors, including the acquisition system, acquisition parameters, quality control procedures, and the ruggedness of the terrain. We studied repeat surveys using 3D full tensor gradiometry and Falcon AGG systems under identical survey-design parameters over the Baú Mine Site, Quadrilátero Ferrífero, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. We also evaluated the planning and quality control procedures adopted for acquisition through these systems. We also studied the results from the two systems in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, power spectral analysis, and correlation with the local geology. We aimed to evaluate the information from repeat surveys using identical parameters but different systems to facilitate the understanding of this new type of geophysical data and their application in mineral exploration.
Minireview: SLCO and ABC Transporters: A Role for Steroid Transport in Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Cho Eunpi , Montgomery R. Bruce , Mostaghel Elahe A.
Published: August 2014

Androgens play a critical role in the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa), and androgen deprivation therapy via surgical or medical castration is front-line therapy for patients with advanced PCa. However, intratumoral testosterone levels are elevated in metastases from patients with castration-resistant disease, and residual intratumoral androgens have been implicated in mediating ligand-dependent mechanisms of androgen receptor activation. The source of residual tissue androgens present despite castration has not been fully elucidated, but proposed mechanisms include uptake and conversion of adrenal androgens, such as dehdroepiandrosterone to testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, or de novo androgen synthesis from cholesterol or progesterone precursors. In this minireview, we discuss the emerging evidence that suggests a role for specific transporters in mediating transport of steroids into or out of prostate cells, thereby influencing intratumoral androgen levels and PCa development and progression. We focus on the solute carrier and ATP binding cassette gene families, which have the most published data for a role in PCa-related steroid transport, and review the potential impact of genetic variation on steroid transport activity and PCa outcomes. Continued assessment of transport activity in PCa models and human tumor tissue is needed to better delineate the different roles these transporters play in physiologic and neoplastic settings, and in order to determine whether targeting the uptake of steroid substrates by specific transporters may be a clinically feasible therapeutic strategy.
Estradiol Prevents Fat Accumulation and Overcomes Leptin Resistance in Female High-Fat Diet Mice
Authors: Litwak Sara A. , Wilson Jenny L. , Chen Weiyi , Garcia-Rudaz Cecilia , Khaksari Mohammad , Cowley Michael A. , Enriori Pablo J.
Published: August 2014

In premenopausal and menopausal women in particular, suboptimal estrogens have been linked to the development of the metabolic syndrome as major contributors to fat accumulation. At the same time, estrogens have been described to have a role in regulating body metabolic status. We evaluated how endogenous or administered estrogens impact on the changes associated with high-fat diet (HFD) consumption in 2 different paradigms; ovarian-intact and in ovariectomized mice. When estradiol (E2) was cyclically administered to ovarian-intact HFD-fed mice for 12 weeks, animals gained significantly less weight than ovarian-intact vehicle controls (P < .01). This difference was mainly due to a reduced caloric intake but not to an increase in energy expenditure or locomotor activity. This E2 treatment regime to mice exposed to HFD was overall able to avoid the increase of visceral fat content to levels of those found in mice fed a regular chow diet. In the ovariectomized model, the main body weight and fat content reducing action of E2 was not only through decreasing food intake but also by increasing the whole-body energy expenditure, locomotor activity, and by inducing fat oxidation. Importantly, these animals became responsive to the anorexigenic effects of leptin in contrast to the vehicle-treated and the pair-fed control groups (P < .01). Further, in vitro hypothalamic secretion experiments revealed that treatment of obese mice with E2 is able to modulate the secretion of appetite-regulating neuropeptides; namely, E2 increased the secretion of the anorectic neuropeptide α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and decreased the secretion of the orexigenic neuropetides neuropeptide Y and Agouti-related peptide. In conclusion, differences in response to E2 treatment of HFD-fed animals depend on their endogenous estrogenic status. Overall, E2 administration overcomes arcuate leptin resistance and partially prevents fat accumulation on these mice.
Lower Mitochondrial Proton Leak and Decreased Glutathione Redox in Primary Muscle Cells of Obese Diet-Resistant Versus Diet-Sensitive Humans
Authors: Thrush A. Brianne , Zhang Rui , Chen William , Seifert Erin L. , Quizi Jessica K. , McPherson Ruth , Dent Robert , Harper Mary-Ellen
Published: August 2014

Context:

Weight loss success in response to energy restriction is highly variable. This may be due in part to differences in mitochondrial function and oxidative stress.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to determine whether mitochondrial function, content, and oxidative stress differ in well-matched obese individuals in the upper [obese diet sensitive (ODS)] vs lower quintiles [obese diet resistant (ODR)] for rate of weight loss.

Design:

Primary myotubes derived from muscle biopsies of individuals identified as ODS or ODR were studied.

Setting:

Compliant ODS and ODR females who completed in the Ottawa Hospital Weight Management Program and identified as ODS and ODR participated in this study.

Patients or Other Participants:

Eleven ODS and nine ODR weight-stable females matched for age, body mass, and body mass index participated in this study.

Intervention:

Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained and processed for muscle satellite cell isolation.

Main Outcome Measures:

Mitochondrial respiration, content, reactive oxygen species, and glutathione redox ratios were measured in the myotubes of ODS and ODR individuals.

Results:

Mitochondrial proton leak was increased in myotubes of ODS compared with ODR (P < .05). Reduced and oxidized glutathione was decreased in the myotubes of ODR vs ODS (P < .05), indicating a more oxidized glutathione redox state. There were no differences in myotube mitochondrial content, uncoupling protein 3, or adenine nucleotide translocase levels.

Conclusions:

Lower rate of mitochondrial proton leak in muscle is a cell autonomous phenomenon in ODR vs ODS individuals, and this is associated with a more oxidized glutathione redox state in ODR vs ODS myotubes. The muscle of ODR subjects may thus have a lower capacity to adapt to oxidative stress as compared with ODS.
Ratio of Urine Albumin to Creatinine Attenuates the Association of Dementia With Hip Fracture Risk
Authors: Bůžková Petra , Barzilay Joshua I. , Fink Howard A. , Robbins John A. , Cauley Jane A. , Fitzpatrick Annette L.
Published: August 2014

Context:

Microvascular disease is a leading cause of cognitive impairment. Approximately 50% of people with a hip fracture have cognitive impairment.

Objective:

We tested the hypothesis that microvascular diseases of the brain (lacunar infarcts and white matter disease [WMD]), kidney (albuminuria [≥ 30 mg/g creatinine] and albumin creatinine ratio [ACR]), and eye (retinal vascular disorders) attenuate the association of cognitive impairment with hip fracture risk.

Setting:

The Cardiovascular Health Cognition Study.

Patients:

Three thousand, one-hundred six participants (mean age, ∼79 y; 8.84 y median follow-up) with cognitive testing. Subsets received ACR testing (n=2389), brain magnetic resonance imaging scans (n = 2094), and retinal photography (n = 1098).

Main Outcome Measure:

Incident hip fracture.

Results:

There were 488 participants (16%) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 564 (18%) with dementia. There were 337 incident hip fractures, of which 19% occurred in participants with MCI and 26% in participants with dementia. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval for hip fracture in participants with MCI were 2.45 (1.67–3.61) and for dementia 2.35 (1.57–3.52). With doubling of ACR, the HR for fracture was attenuated in participants with dementia compared with participants with normal cognition [interaction HR 0.70 (0.55–0.91)]. No such effect was found in participants with MCI. Albuminuria, lacunar infarcts, WMD, and retinal vascular disease (RVD) did not modify the association of dementia or MCI with hip fracture risk.

Conclusions:

ACR attenuates part of the risk of hip fracture in people with dementia, suggesting that these disorders share a common pathogenesis.
Longitudinal Assessment of Adrenal Function in the Early and Prolonged Phases of Critical Illness in Septic Patients: Relations to Cytokine Levels and Outcome
Authors: Vassiliadi Dimitra Argyro , Dimopoulou Ioanna , Tzanela Marinella , Douka Evangelia , Livaditi Olga , Orfanos Stylianos E. , Kotanidou Anastasia , Tsagarakis Stylianos
Published: August 2014

Context:

Adrenal dysfunction remains a controversial issue in critical care. The long-stay intensive care unit (ICU) population may be at increased risk of adrenal insufficiency.

Objective:

We aimed to determine whether adrenal dysfunction develops during the course of sepsis.

Design:

This is a prospective observational longitudinal study.

Setting:

The study was conducted in the ICU of a secondary/tertiary care hospital

Patients:

We studied 51 consecutive mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis.

Intervention:

We measured cortisol, ACTH, cortisol-binding globulin, cytokines, and cortisol 30 minutes after 1 μg ACTH(1–24), upon sepsis diagnosis and every 3 to 4 days, until Day 30 or until recovery or death.

Main Outcome Measures:

We looked for changes in baseline and stimulated cortisol levels and its relationship to ACTH levels, sepsis severity or survival.

Results:

Baseline and stimulated cortisol levels did not vary significantly. Septic patients with shock had higher baseline (20 ± 6 vs 17 ± 5 μg/dL, P = .03) and stimulated cortisol levels (26 ± 5 vs 23 ± 6 μg/dL, P = .04), compared with those without shock. On Day 1, ACTH levels could not predict cortisol levels (R2 = 0.06, P = .08). ACTH levels increased significantly after Day 10 and, at this time point, they related to cortisol levels (R2 = 0.35, P < .001). Development of septic shock, or resolution from it, was not associated with changes in baseline, stimulated cortisol levels, or the cortisol increment. There was much inpatient variability in the diagnosis of adrenal dysfunction at different time points.

Conclusions:

Total cortisol levels relate both to the severity and outcome of sepsis and remain fairly unchanged during the course of illness. Initially, cortisol levels are largely ACTH independent, whereas ACTH increases and correlates with cortisol levels later on. Adrenal dysfunction does not seem to be a major problem during the prolonged phase of sepsis. Although not significant, the variation in cortisol levels may be such that classification of patients varies, questioning the utility of arbitrary cut-offs to define adrenal dysfunction in septic patients.
Hepatic SRC-1 Activity Orchestrates Transcriptional Circuitries of Amino Acid Pathways with Potential Relevance for Human Metabolic Pathogenesis
Authors: Tannour-Louet Mounia , York Brian , Tang Ke , Stashi Erin , Bouguerra Hichem , Zhou Suoling , Yu Hui , Wong Lee-Jun C. , Stevens Robert D. , Xu Jianming , Newgard Christopher B. , O'Malley Bert W. , Louet Jean-Francois
Published: August 2014

Disturbances in amino acid metabolism are increasingly recognized as being associated with, and serving as prognostic markers for chronic human diseases, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes. In the current study, a quantitative metabolomics profiling strategy revealed global impairment in amino acid metabolism in mice deleted for the transcriptional coactivator steroid receptor coactivator (SRC)-1. Aberrations were hepatic in origin, because selective reexpression of SRC-1 in the liver of SRC-1 null mice largely restored amino acids concentrations to normal levels. Cistromic analysis of SRC-1 binding sites in hepatic tissues confirmed a prominent influence of this coregulator on transcriptional programs regulating amino acid metabolism. More specifically, SRC-1 markedly impacted tyrosine levels and was found to regulate the transcriptional activity of the tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) gene, which encodes the rate-limiting enzyme of tyrosine catabolism. Consequently, SRC-1 null mice displayed low TAT expression and presented with hypertyrosinemia and corneal alterations, 2 clinical features observed in the human syndrome of TAT deficiency. A heterozygous missense variant of SRC-1 (p.P1272S) that is known to alter its coactivation potential, was found in patients harboring idiopathic tyrosinemia-like disorders and may therefore represent one risk factor for their clinical symptoms. Hence, we reinforce the concept that SRC-1 is a central factor in the fine orchestration of multiple pathways of intermediary metabolism, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target that may be exploitable in human metabolic diseases and cancer.
Medieval Paris and the Mediterranean: The Evidence from the Silk Industry
Authors: Farmer Sharon
Published: August 2014

By the last decades of the thirteenth century Paris had a luxury silk cloth industry. Because the demands of weaving silk were considerably different from those of working with wool and linen, the introduction of silk weaving was usually accompanied by the immigration of silk weavers and entrepreneurs. Sources suggest that such immigrants did indeed make a contribution to the nascent silk industry of Paris: the mercers of Paris, who managed silk production, included men with roots in nearly every silk-producing region around the Mediterranean, and several silk workers were from Venice and Cyprus. The presence of these immigrants suggests that we need to rethink the composition of the population of Paris at this time and to take into consideration the ways in which contacts with the Mediterranean transformed the material culture of northern France toward the end of the age of crusades.

Dans les dernières décennies du treizième siècle se développe à Paris une industrie des étoffes de soie de luxe. L’introduction du tissage de la soie s’accompagnait normalement de l’immigration de tisserands et de dirigeants de la production. Les sources suggèrent qu’il existait de tels immigrants à Paris. En effet, parmi les merciers se trouvaient des individus originaires de presque toutes les régions méditerranéennes dans lesquelles on produisait la soie ; de plus, des ouvriers de la soie avaient immigré de Venise et de Chypre. La présence de ces immigrés à Paris vers la fin du treizième siècle suggère que la composition de la population parisienne était plus diverse qu’on pensait jusqu’à présent, et qu’il faut prendre en compte la façon dont les liens entre le Nord de la France et l’aire méditerranéenne ont transformé la culture matérielle française à la fin de l’époque des croisades.
The Three Testaments of Cardinal Mazarin
Authors: Sonnino Paul
Published: August 2014

The testament of Cardinal Mazarin is quite notorious for some of its extraordinary provisions, but no one seems to have ever noticed its most disturbing feature, namely, that it has come down to us in three texts of different lengths. I identify these texts and demonstrate beyond question that the additions to the two longer texts were inserted after the decease of Cardinal Mazarin, under the direction of Jean-Baptiste Colbert. I also describe the circumstances and motives surrounding this forgery and, most important, indicate that this discovery is part and parcel of the solution to one of the great mysteries of the history of France, namely, the mystery of the man in the iron mask.

Le testament du cardinal Mazarin a toujours attiré une certaine curiosité par ses provisions extraordinaires, mais personne n’a jamais remarqué qu’un de ses aspects les plus remarquables est qu’il nous est parvenu en trois versions différentes. L’auteur de cet article a identifié ces trois versions et montre, à n’en pas douter, que les additions dans les deux versions plus étendues furent ajoutées après le décès du cardinal Mazarin, sous la direction de Jean-Baptiste Colbert. L’auteur considère les motifs de cette falsification, proclamant que cette découverte fait partie intégrante de la solution d’un des grands mystères de l’histoire de France, à savoir le mystère de l’homme au masque de fer.
L’historiographie Du « Fascisme » En France
Authors: Passmore Kevin
Published: August 2014

Cet article étudie les enjeux du débat sur le fascisme en France dans les années trente et sa dimension méthodologique. Il soulignera d’abord que la notion d’un regard « anglo-saxon » empêche de voir à quel point les divergences d’interprétations entre totalitaristes ou marxisantes ont été enracinées dans les champs historiographiques anglophones comme francophones. En outre, le débat sur le fascisme en France n’est pas sans rappeler les luttes politiques des années trente. Pourtant, des deux côtés de la barricade on s’accorde à dire qu’il faut établir la bonne définition du fascisme afin de catégoriser les mouvements et les régimes. L’article porte sur les difficultés de la « logique classificatoire », et pour terminer, il suggérera qu’abandonner la logique classificatoire ne rend pas impossible une approche scientifique aussi bien du fascisme que des ligues en France.

This article asks what is at stake in the debate concerning fascism in France in the 1930s along with its methodological dimension. It will underline first of all that the notion of an “Anglo-Saxon” view of the question obscures the extent to which the divergences between totalitarian and Marxist interpretations are rooted in both English- and France-language historiographies of fascism. Furthermore, the debate about fascism in France shares assumptions with the conflict between the Popular Front and the leagues in the 1930s. However, on both sides of the historiographical barricade, it was agreed that it was necessary to establish a correct definition of fascism in order to categorise movements and regimes. The article deals with the difficulties of the “classificatory logic,” and to conclude, it argues that abandoning the classificatory method does not render historical treatment of fascism impossible.
Fibronectin matrix assembly is essential for cell condensation during chondrogenesis
Authors: Singh Purva , Schwarzbauer Jean E.
Published: August 2014

Mesenchymal cell condensation is the initiating event in endochondral bone formation. Cell condensation is followed by differentiation into chondrocytes accompanied by induction of chondrogenic gene expression. Gene mutations involved in chondrogenesis cause chondrodysplasias and other skeletal defects. Using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in an in vitro chondrogenesis assay, we found that knockdown of the diastrophic dysplasia sulfate transporter (DTDST), which is required for normal cartilage development, blocked cell condensation and caused a significant reduction in fibronectin matrix. Knockdown of fibronectin with siRNAs also blocked condensation. Fibrillar fibronectin matrix is detected prior to cell condensation and levels increased during and after condensation. Inhibition of fibronectin matrix assembly by the functional upstream domain (FUD) prevented cell condensation by MSCs and also by the chondrogenic cell line ATDC5. Our data show that cell condensation and induction of chondrogenesis depend on fibronectin matrix assembly and DTDST and indicate that this transporter is required earlier in chondrogenesis than previously appreciated. They also raise the possibility that certain of the skeletal defects in DTD patients might derive from the link between DTDST, fibronectin matrix, and condensation.
Cardiac ryanodine receptor activation by high Ca2+ store load is reversed in a reducing cytoplasmic redox environment
Authors: Hanna Amy D. , Lam Alex , Thekkedam Chris , Gallant Esther M. , Beard Nicole A. , Dulhunty Angela F.
Published: August 2014

We report the impact of redox potential on isolated cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) channel activity and its response to physiological changes in luminal [Ca2+]. Basal leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is required for normal Ca2+ handling, but excess diastolic Ca2+ leak attributed to oxidative stress is thought to lower RyR2 threshold for spontaneous SR Ca2+ release to induce arrhythmia in pathological situations. Therefore we examined RyR2 response to luminal [Ca2+] under reducing or oxidising cytoplasmic redox conditions. Unexpectedly as luminal [Ca2+] increased from 0.1–1.5 mM RyR2 activity declined when pretreated with cytoplasmic 1 mM DTT, or GSH∶GSSG buffered to a “healthy” reduced cytoplasmic redox potential (−220 mV). Conversely, with 20 µM cytoplasmic 4,4′-DTDP, or redox buffered to an oxidising −180 mV, RyR2 activity increased with increasing luminal [Ca2+]. The luminal redox potential was constant at −180 mV in each case. These responses to luminal Ca2+ were maintained with 2 mM Na2ATP or 5 mM MgATP (1 mM free Mg2+). Overall the results suggest that the redox potential in the RyR2 junctional microdomain is normally more oxidised than the bulk cytoplasm.
Thermoregulatory strategy may shape immune investment inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kutch Ian C. , Sevgili Hasan , Wittman Tyler , Fedorka Kenneth M.
Published: August 2014

As temperatures change, insects alter the amount of melanin in their cuticle to improve thermoregulation. However, melanin is also central to insect immunity, suggesting that thermoregulatory strategy may indirectly impact immune defense by altering the abundance of melanin pathway components (a hypothesis we refer to as thermoregulatory-dependent immune investment). This may be the case in the cricket Allonemobius socius, where warm environments (both seasonal and geographical) produced crickets with lighter cuticles and increased pathogen susceptibility. Unfortunately, the potential for thermoregulatory strategy to influence insect immunity has not been widely explored. Here we address the relationships between temperature, thermoregulatory strategy and immunity in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. To this end, flies from two separate Canadian populations were reared in either a summer or fall-like environment. Shortly after adult eclosion, flies were moved to a common environment where their cuticle color and susceptibility to a bacterial pathogen (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were measured. As with A. socius, individuals from summer-like environments exhibited lighter cuticles and increased pathogen susceptibility, suggesting that the thermoregulatory-immunity relationship is evolutionarily conserved across the hemimetabolous and holometabolous clades. If global temperatures continue to rise as expected, then thermoregulation might play an important role in host infection and mortality rates in systems that provide critical ecosystem services (e.g. pollination), or influence the prevalence of insect-vectored disease (e.g. malaria).
Arginine vasotocin, steroid hormones, and social behavior in the green anole lizard, Anolis carolinensis
Authors: Dunham Leslie A. , Wilczynski Walter
Published: August 2014

Abstract Arginine vasotocin (AVT) is a potent regulator of social behavior in many species but little is known about its role in reptilian behavior. Here we examine the effect of exogenous AVT on aggressive responding and courtship behavior in the green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis). Aggressive behavior was stimulated in two ways: 1) mirror presentation (no relative status formed) and 2) size-matched pairs (where a social status is achieved). To elicit courtship behavior, a novel female was introduced into the home cage of a male. Regardless of the behavior condition, male anoles were injected IP with either reptile ringer's solution (VEH) or AVT prior to testing. Animals treated with AVT performed fewer aggressive display bouts during mirror presentation but AVT treatment did not affect the overall number of aggressive display bouts within size-matched pairs. Male courtship behavior was not affected by AVT however, untreated females displayed more frequently when paired with an AVT treated male than a VEH injected control suggesting that AVT treated males were more attractive to females. Regardless of behavior condition, AVT injections led to increases in circulating corticosterone. Overall, we found that AVT tended to reduce aggressive behavior as has been reported for other territorial species. AVT did not perceptibly alter male courtship but did increase the display behavior of untreated females paired with treated males. Our study supports a role for AVT in the regulation of reptile social behavior.
Body temperature stability achieved by the large body mass of sea turtles
Authors: Sato Katsufumi
Published: August 2014

To investigate the thermal characteristics of large reptiles living in water, temperature data were continuously recorded from 16 free-ranging loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta during internesting periods using data loggers. Core body temperatures were 0.7-1.7°C higher than ambient water temperatures and were kept relatively constant. Unsteady numerical simulations using a spherical thermodynamic model showed mechanistic explanations for these phenomena and the body temperature responses to fluctuating water temperature can be simply explained by a large body mass with a constant thermal diffusivity and a heat production rate rather than physiological thermoregulation. On the other hand, body temperatures increased 2.6-5.1°C in 107-152 min during their emergences to nest on land. The estimated heat production rates on land were 7.4-10.5 times the calculated values in the sea. The theoretical prediction that temperature difference between body and water temperatures would increase according to the body size was confirmed by empirical data recorded from several species of sea turtles. Comparing previously reported data, internesting intervals of leatherback, green and loggerhead turtles were shorter when the body temperatures were higher. Sea turtles seem to benefit from a passive thermoregulatory strategy, which depends primarily on physical attributes of their large body masses.
The Unimolecular Chemistry of Protonated and Deprotonated 2,2-Dinitroethene-1,1-Diamine (FOX-7) Studied by Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Computational Chemistry
Authors: Žabka Ján , Šimková Ludmila , Jalový Zdeněk , Polášek Miroslav
Published: August 2014

2,2-Dinitroethene-1,1-diamine (FOX-7) was studied by means of electrospray ionization (ESI) and chemical ionization (CI) mass spectrometry in both positive and negative ion mode. Detailed mechanisms of unimolecular fragmentations of protonated and deprotonated FOX-7 were investigated using high- and low-energy collision-induced dissociation (CID) mass spectrometry, neutral fragment reionization mass spectrometry and quantum chemistry calculations. In deprotonated FOX-7, elimination of the carbodiimide molecule was identified as the energetically most favored fragmentation channel, closely resembling the base hydrolysis of FOX-7. The dinitromethanide ion is formed during this fragmentation as revealed by comparison with CID mass spectra of an isobaric ion prepared by the ESI of authentic sodium dinitromethanide. The proton affinity of FOX-7 was estimated as 855 kJ mol−1 by high-accuracy quantum chemistry calculations. This value corresponds to protonation at the C-2 position, though the oxygen-protonated tautomer was found to be nearly isoenergetic in the gas phase. In acetonitrile, the nitro group-protonated FOX-7 was found to be significantly less stable then its C-2 tautomer. These theoretical findings are clearly reflected in differences in fragmentations of ESI- and CI-generated [M + H]+ ions. Interestingly, the consecutive losses of OH• and NO2• radicals instead of a whole HNO3 molecule were found to account for the most abundant fragment ion in the positive ESI CID mass spectra. In the CI-generated [M + H]+ and [M+D]+ ions, substantial internal energy effects upon the CID were observed.
Interactions between Naphthenic Acids: Dependence on Molecular Structure Revealed through Statistical Analysis of Ultra-High-Resolution Electrospray Mass Spectra
Authors: Bilton Penelope A. , da Campo Raffaello , Nikzad Ramin , Hazelton Martin , Derrick Peter J.
Published: August 2014

Negative-ion electrospray mass spectra of samples of naphthenic acids contain peaks due to monomeric species [M–H]− and dimeric species [2M–H]−. Working with a model system, intensities of the dimers were related to the intensities of monomers through linear inverse modelling. The statistical approaches investigated and the details of their applications to naphthenic acids are described here. The statistical analysis gives estimates of the relative probabilities of association of all pairs of monomers, where the monomers are defined by their accurate masses. The trends observed in these calculated probabilities of association exhibit breakpoints in the vicinity of monomers with 16 carbon atoms. These findings are discussed in terms of hydrophobic effects influencing the probability of association of naphthenic acids.
A Simplified Method for Peptide De Novo Sequencing Using 18O Labeling
Authors: Voráč Aleš , Šedo Ondrej , Havliš Jan , Zdráhal Zbyněk
Published: August 2014

Incorporation of an 18O atom into a peptide C-terminus by proteolytic cleavage in the presence of H218O is one of the most effective ways of enhancing tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)-based de novo sequencing. Incorporation is usually accomplished by procedures including vacuum-assisted drying of tryptic peptides extracted from gels, their subsequent reconstitution in a H216O/H218O mixture and re-treatment with trypsin. In the present work, we propose a simplified procedure for 18O incorporation into tryptic peptides by adding H218O and trypsin to the original digest solution. In comparison to published methods, the proposed protocol for peptide de novo sequencing brings significant advantages in analysis and workflow with no deterioration in method performance. We show that labeling by this simplified method leads to a highlighting of the y-ion fragment series in the peptide matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MS/MS data, which facilitates MS/MS data interpretation. We also prove that eliminating acid extraction of peptides from gels does not result in a decrease in sequence coverage or a qualitative loss of particular peptides detectable by MALDI-MS. The method was examined by MALDI-MS/MS on bovine serum albumin and recombinant histidine kinase CKI1 from Arabidopsis thaliana, and was verified by de novo sequencing of tryptic peptides originating from Apodemus sylvaticus salivary proteins.
Quadrupolar Ion Excitation for Radiofrequency-Only Mass Filter Operation
Authors: Douglas Don J. , Polyakov A. , Konenkov Nikolai V.
Published: August 2014

Trajectory calculations are used to model a mass filter based on the radiofrequency (rf)-only operation of a linear quadrupole with resonant quadrupole excitation of ions (resonant excitation applied with the same spatial electric field as the main quadrupole rf field). Ions are not trapped, but pass continuously through the quadrupole. Excited ions gain axial kinetic energy in the fringe field at the quadrupole exit, overcome a stopping potential and are transmitted to an external detector. No quadrupole direct current is required, unlike conventional operation at the tip of the first stability diagram. Quadrupole excitation can be applied with amplitude or frequency modulation of the main rf voltage, or with an auxiliary excitation voltage. All three methods give the same mass resolution. The mass resolution, R, is given by R ≈ 0.5 q(dβ/d q) n where q is a Mathieu parameter, β( q), determines the frequency of ion oscillation and n is the number of cycles of the rf field experienced by an ion, determined by the flight time through the quadrupole. A disadvantage of this mode of operation is that the flight times of the ions and the excitation amplitudes or modulation depths need to be synchronized.
Efficiency of Trypsin Digestion for Mass-Spectrometry-Based Identification and Quantification of Oxidized Proteins: Evaluation of the Digestion of Oxidized Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Gouveia Duarte D. , Silva André M.N. , Vitorino Rui , Domingues M. Rosário M. , Domingues Pedro
Published: August 2014

In bottom-up proteomics approaches, the enzymatic proteolysis step before mass spectrometry (MS) analysis is of crucial importance, as only the efficient digestion of the protein will ensure its accurate quantification. The structural and chemical alterations occurring upon protein oxidation may decrease the efficiency of trypsin digestion, compromising the ensuing MS analysis. Herein, the efficiency of the trypsin digestion of oxidized bovine serum albumin (BSA) was assessed by protein-sequence coverage and the exponentially modified protein abundance index (emPAI) algorithm, allowing a comparison of protein abundance in samples with different levels of oxidation. Despite the extensive oxidation induced to BSA, verified by analysis of protein carbonyls, no significant difference in the yield of tryptic peptides from oxidized samples could be observed by nano-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nano-HPLC–electrospray ionization–MS analysis. After a database search, similar protein-sequence coverage rates were obtained for both treated and control samples. Thus, exponentially modified protein abundance index scores confirmed that, regardless of being oxidized, the same amount of BSA was present in the sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis bands excised for digestion. The obtained results show that the digestion of the control and oxidized samples were similar, leading to the conclusion that in-gel proteolysis is not a main hindrance for the identification and quantification of oxidized proteins by MS.