bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basal Cell Carcinoma Arising on a Verrucous Epidermal Nevus: A Case Report
Authors: Viana Analia , Aguinaga Felipe , Marinho Flauberto , Rodrigues Rosangela , Cuzzi Tullia , Ramos-e-Silva Marcia
Published: February 2015

We report a case of basal cell carcinoma that appeared from an epidermal verrucous nevus in a 61-year-old patient. The onset of basal cell carcinoma in sebaceous nevi, basal cell nevi and dysplastic nevi is relatively common, but it is rarely associated with epidermal verrucous nevi. There is no consensus on whether the two lesions have a common cellular origin or whether they merely represent a collision of two distinct tumors. Since this association - as with other malignant tumors - is rare, there is no need for prophylactic removal of epidermal verrucous nevi.
A Case of Old Age-Onset Generalized Pustular Psoriasis with a Deficiency of IL-36RN (DITRA) Treated by Granulocyte and Monocyte Apheresis
Authors: Tominaga Chiharu , Yamamoto Masaaki , Imai Yasutomo , Yamanishi Kiyofumi
Published: February 2015

A 78-year-old woman who had been suffering from psoriasis vulgaris for 31 years was admitted to hospital because of her erythroderma. A toxic eruption was suspected and she was treated with prednisolone 30 mg daily. However, it was ineffective and, suspecting psoriatic erythroderma, cyclosporine 150 mg daily was administered with tapering of the prednisolone. Two weeks after a dose reduction of cyclosporine to 100 mg/day, erythroderma with widespread generalized pustules and fever developed. Histology of a biopsy revealed inflammatory infiltrates in the skin with a spongiform pustule of Kogoj, which was consistent with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). Her pustules improved with additional etretinate 20 mg/day, but the erythroderma persisted and she consulted us. Three sessions of granulocyte and monocyte apheresis once weekly were effective for her condition and decreased her serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8. She had homozygous mutations of c.[28C>T] in IL36RN which cause p.[Arg10Ter]. She is the oldest reported case of GPP with a deficiency of interleukin-36 receptor antagonist (DITRA), although GPP in DITRA has been suggested to usually occur in younger cases with no pre-existing psoriasis vulgaris.
Princípios básicos de desenho curricular para cursos das profissões da saúde
Authors: Reis Francisco José Candido dos , Souza Cacilda da Silva , Bollela Valdes Roberto
Published: February 2015

Nesta revisão são discutidos os aspectos conceituais e princípios básicos para a construção de currículos para os cursos de gradaução das profissões da saúde. Serão abordados alguns modelos, fundamentos e passos essenciais para a construção de currículos, em paralelo ao contexto das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais. No planejamento e na organização dos currículos, é destacada a relevância do comprometimento do professor, aluno e equipe; do emprego de estratégias apropriadas no processo de ensino-aprendizagem e dos instrumentos de avaliação que possam contribuir para a revisão e melhorias do currículo proposto.
Planejamento educacional
Authors: Reis Francisco José Candido dos , Panúncio-Pinto Maria Paula , Vieira Marta Neves Campanelli Marçal
Published: February 2015

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir aspectos políticos e pedagógicos do planejamento educacional no contexto da universidade contemporânea. Nesse sentido, o texto aborda os princípios e a importância do planejamento educacional, o lugar e a definição de projeto político pedagógico, da organização curricular e do plano de aprendizagem como aspectos constituintes e integrados do planejamento. A compreensão das etapas apresentadas e da necessária integração entre todos os componentes do planejamento e desses no contexto social concreto é fundamental para todos os que desejam exercer a docência na área da saúde.
Solving Stereo Transparency with an Extended Coarse-to-Fine Disparity Energy Model
Authors: Li Zhe , Qian Ning
Published: February 2015

Modeling stereo transparency with physiologically plausible mechanisms is challenging because in such frameworks, large receptive fields mix up overlapping disparities, whereas small receptive fields can reliably compute only small disparities. It seems necessary to combine information across scales. A coarse-to-fine disparity energy model, with both position- and phase-shift receptive fields, has already been proposed. However, because each scale decodes only one disparity for each location and uses the decoded disparity to select cells at the next scale, this model cannot represent overlapping surfaces at different depths. We have extended the model to solve stereo transparency. First, we introduce multiplicative connections from cells at one scale to the next to implement coarse-to-fine computation. The connection is the strongest when the presynaptic cell’s preferred disparity matches the postsynaptic cell’s position-shift parameter, encouraging the next scale to encode residual disparities with the more reliable phase-shift mechanism. This modification not only eliminates the artificial decoding and selection steps of the original model but also enables maintenance of complete population responses throughout the coarse-to-fine process. Second, because of this modification, explicit decoding is no longer necessary but rather is for visualization only. We use a simple threshold criterion to decode multiple disparities from population energy responses instead of a single disparity in the original model. We demonstrate our model using simulations on a variety of transparent and nontransparent stereograms. The model also reproduces psychophysically observed disparity interactions (averaging, thickening, attraction, and repulsion) as the depth separation between two overlapping planes varies.
The Role of Science in the History of Portuguese Anti-Jesuitism
Authors: Leitão Henrique , Malta Romeiras Francisco
Published: February 2015

When dealing with the expulsion of the Jesuits from Portugal and with the building of anti-Jesuitism in the eighteenth century, historians usually focus on their alleged involvement in the attempt to murder king Dom José I and on the complex economical questions related with the foundation of the state trade company in Brazil. However, the Pombaline accusation of obscurantism and scientific illiteracy also played a central role in the history of anti-Jesuitism in Portugal, mainly due to its wide acceptance and longevity. This argument was not only directly relevant for the expulsion of the Jesuits in the eighteenth century but it was also a keystone of the anti-Jesuit propaganda that eventually led to the expulsion of the Society of Jesus from Portugal in the twentieth century.
Asian Canadian Photopoetics Fred Wah’s “Sentenced to Light”
Authors: Deer Glenn
Published: February 2015

Asian Canadian Photopoetics describes the self-conscious epistemological interplay between photographs and Fred Wah’s “prose-poem sentences,” a process that graphically unfolds “around” the photographs in Sentenced to Light (2008). Wah’s photopoetics, influenced by Roy Kiyooka and racialized Asian Canadian contexts, are primarily marked by figures of ellipsis and extrapolation. These photopoetic tactics support “a poetics of the hyphen, another tool in the resistance to closure that sustains the dynamics of ‘betweenness’.”
On the Study of Strata in the Phonological History of Dialects
Authors: Li Rulong
Published: February 2015

Researchers studying strata in the phonological history of Chinese dialects should note the following: First, some historical strata emerged because of language contact. Second, beside the evolution of phonological categories themselves, it is also important to trace the actual sound change from one pronunciation to another. Third, primary (i.e. covering most characters in a category) and secondary strata should be differentiated, and the latter should not be blown out of proportion. Fourth, researchers should find out how the various strata in a dialect constitute a single synchronic system. The four points in discussion are all illustrated with examples from Min dialects.
Phonological Changes of the Shaowu Dialect in the past 100 years, with Special Reference to Shauu K’iong Loma T’se
Authors: Kwok Bit-Chee
Published: February 2015

This paper aims to examine the phonological changes in the Shaowu dialect as spoken in northwestern Fujian during the past 100 years. The study is based upon a close comparison of two recordings, produced by Rev. Joseph E. Walker (Shauu K'iong Loma T'se, 1887) and Chen Zhangtai et al. (Minyu Yanjiu, 1991), respectively. A wordlist in full romanization, Shauu K'iong Loma T'se (hereafter LMT) contains 1,589 readings of both colloquial and literary forms in the Shaowu dialect. The phonological system as shown in LMT displays several phonological peculiarities that have disappeared in the modern recording. For instances, (1) medial - u- appears after alveolar and bilabial stops; and (2) vowel -μ appears after alveolar affricatives and fricatives. All these discrepancies are interpreted as phonological changes; and nine rules are designed to account for the development. It is found that some of these changes were induced by the prestigious neighboring Gan dialects. As a result, the Shaowu dialect and the Gan dialects became increasingly alike in the past century.
Shaanxi
Authors: Tang Zhengda , Lamarre Christine
Published: February 2015

In Standard Chinese, locative phrases placed after verbs that express the manner or cause of motion typically express the GOAL of the motion, but also sometimes express the SOURCE, the ROUTE, or the DIRECTION. Here we discuss the linguistic encoding of motion events in the Guanzhong dialect, a non-standard variety of Chinese Mandarin, focusing on that particular issue. We show that the only semantic role that postverbal locative phrases can play in the Guanzhong dialect is that of the GOAL (BOUNDED PATH). This constraint is to be connected with the resultative construction, and indicates a stricter correlation between meaning and form than in Standard Chinese.
Morphological Causative Formation in Shangzhai Horpa
Authors: Sun Jackson T.-S.
Published: February 2015

In the Shangzhai dialect of Horpa, an under-studied Tibeto-Burman language of northwestern Sichuan, pervasive phonological alternations occur in the morphological causative formation. This paper applies the study of this phenomenon to the analysis of the historical development of alternative modes of encoding causativity in Horpa and two related rGyalrongic languages: rGyalrong (proper) and Lavrung. Despite bewildering surface variations, Shangzhai Horpa can be analyzed as having a single consistently non-syllabic causative prefix s- which exerts pressure on the already elaborate onset system and triggers multiple phonological adjustments. The excessive allomorphy and constraints exhaust the morphological means of causation coding, leading to the rise of the periphrastic causative construction as the primary causativizing strategy in the language. By contrast, the dominant mode of expressing causativity still rests in the realm of derivational morphology in the other rGyalrongic languages where the old causative prefix *s˙- remains syllabic.
Discussion of the Structure of the Qieyun and the Principles for Reconstructing Its Medials and Vowels
Authors: Ting Pang-Hsin
Published: February 2015

In the Qieyun, there are only four rhymes which contain characters that belong to two finals of different divisions. This paper analyzes the structure of these rhymes and explains why other characters of similar finals do not fall into one rhyme. The major purpose is to demonstrate that distinction of rhymes may be caused by phonemic or phonetic differences. Therefore, we have to take this principle into account when we reconstruct the medials and finals of each rhyme.
Potential Constructions in Hakka More than 100 Years Ago in the New Territories
Authors: Zhuang Chusheng , Huang Tingting
Published: February 2015

This paper discusses the potential verb-complement constructions in Hakka more than 100 years ago in the New Territories, Hongkong, as reflected in the First Book of Reading, a textbook of Hakka published by The Basel Missionary Society in 1879. By making a thorough inquiry into 341 potential constructions, we identify 6 types of them, and by the study of the history of Chinese grammar and language contact, we try to analyze the relations between the different types of potential constructions, together with their origins.
Comparative Phonology of the Yánzhōu Dialects
Authors: Coblin W. South
Published: February 2015

The Yanzhou dialects of Zhejiang Province are unusual in many ways, and their classification is controversial. On the basis of an earlier article in the Bulletin of Chinese Linguistics (2.2) three of these dialects have been found to share common phonological innovations and thus form a common genetic group. In the present paper the sound systems of these three dialects are compared, and a common system, called "Common Yanzhou" is constructed and discussed.
Cantonese Made Easy: Sentence-final Particles in Early Cantonese
Authors: Cheung Hung-nin Samuel
Published: February 2015

This paper represents the first attempt of its kind to conduct an historical study of the particle system in Cantonese, a dialect known for its exceptionally rich inventory of sentence final particles. By closely analyzing more than 500 sentences in Cantonese Made Easy (1888) and also its list of more than 70 particles, the paper proposes a phonological scheme with which to account for the versatility and complexity of the particle system in early Cantonese. Specifically, the investigation examines the pitch height and the vocalic nature of the particles and argues that the number of particles could be greatly reduced by taking variations in pitch and vowel quality as two parameters that underscore and inform the emotive connotation of each particle in its basic phonetic form.
The Nature of Literary vs. Colloquial Readings in the Suzhou Dialect
Authors: Ting Pang-Hsin
Published: February 2015

This short paper first explores the complicated relationship of Old Style vs. New Style and Literary vs. Colloquial strata in the Suzhou dialect. It then discusses four related issues: 1. age groups and sound changes; 2. the usage of retroflex initials in distinguishing Literary vs. Colloquial strata; 3. characters in the first and second divisions of the Xie group 蟹攝 that have double readings; 4. hekou 合口 characters in the third division of the Zhi group 止攝 that have double readings. Finally, it is concluded that there were two colloquial strata in the Suzhou dialect, an earlier one and a later one, with the literary stratum sandwiched in the middle.
The Distinction between Zhi 支and Zhi 脂 / Zhi 之 and the Strata Analysis of Some Relevant Rhyme Groups in Hakka and Gan Dialects
Authors: Chiang Min-Hua
Published: February 2015

This article probes into the reflexes of the Middle Chinese Zhi 支, Zhi 脂and Zhi 之rhymes of the Zhi 止 rhyme group in modern Hakka and Gan dialects. By using the method of strata analysis, two literary and three colloquial pronunciation strata of the unrounded Zhi 止 rhyme group are found in the Hakka and Gan dialects. The two literary pronunciation strata both show no contrast between Zhi 支 and Zhi 脂 / Zhi 之. They are the main pronunciations of Zhi 止 rhyme group in the Hakka and Gan dialects; the second literary stratum, which is quite similar to the pronunciation of Mandarin dialects, is more commonly found in the Gan dialects. Among the three colloquial strata, two of them have distinct pronunciations only for Zhi 支, and the other has no contrast between the three rhymes. Through observing and comparing the patterns of split and merger of the Zhi rhyme group in the Hakka and Gan dialects, this article analyzes the intricate and complex relationships between the pronunciations of Zhi 支 rhyme and the Guo 果, Yu 遇, Zhi 止, Xie 蟹, and other rhyme groups; furthermore, similarities and dissimilarities between the Hakka and Gan dialects are also discussed.
On Shijing's "Do Not HoldMy Tongue” (莫捫朕舌): An Etymological Explanation
Authors: Yang Hsiu-Fang
Published: February 2015

Based on the study of the word family "door" (門), this article suggests that the word "to hold" (捫) had the original meaning "to hold the door open/closed". This word developed extended meanings in two opposite directions. The phrases "to hold the tongue" (捫舌) seen in Shijing (詩經), meaning meaning "to not talk", or "to hold the foot" (捫足), meaning "to cover the foot", both derive from "to hold closed"; in contrast, "to hold tears" (捫淚), meaning "to let tears go, to wipe tears away", derives from "to hold open".

This article also reveals the crucial role of word families in the study of lexical development. For instance, once the etymological relationship among "door" (門), "to ask" (問) "to hear" (聞), "to muffle" (悶), and "to hold" (捫) is clear, the explanation underlying the grammatical characteristics of these words becomes clearer. This approach has general application to our understanding of the history of the Chinese lexicon as a whole.
Debuccalization in a Coordinating Conjunction and a Distal Démonstrative Pronoun
Authors: Sun Jingtao
Published: February 2015

Based on Chinese historical texts and modern dialect materials, this paper addresses debuccalization that occurred in a coordinating conjunction and a distal demonstrative pronoun. The research findings are twofold. First, the conjunction xan51 ('and') in Beijing and surrounding dialects very likely derived from the verb bàn ('accompany'). Second, the predicate distal demonstrative pronoun, háng, resulted from the debuccalization of a monosyllable derived from fusion of the disyllabic word nàyang ('like that').
Thao Loans from Bunun
Authors: Li Paul Jen-kuei
Published: February 2015

Thao has extensive lexical and phonological, though not morphosyntactic, borrowing from Bunun. There are hundreds of Thao loanwords from Bunun. The consonants /b, d, l, ?, h/ have acquired phonemic status in Thao due to the great number of loans from Bunun. Linguistic evidence indicates that there are different periods of borrowing. Phonological and morphological adaptation of the forms is made for some lexical items. The problem of determining from which dialect(s) borrowing occurred is discussed in some detail, and so is the problem of some irregular forms. A list of Thao loanwords from Bunun is given in the appendix.
Three new Lepanthes species (Pleurothallidinae, Orchidaceae) from Ecuador
Authors: Thoerle Lisa , HIRTZ ALEXANDER C.
Published: February 2015

The Ecuadorian Lepanthes calochroma, L. peltata, and L. spiculifera are proposed as new species, and are described, illustrated, and compared with the most similar species. A brief history and description of the genus are included. The flowers of L. calochroma are similar to those of L. golbasto, but the plant is larger and the flowers are brilliantly colored with petals with an upper lobe longer than the lower. The flowers of L. peltata have an unusual bladeless lip, resembling that of L. alticola, but the latter is distinguished by much larger flowers with long-acuminate sepals. Lepanthes spiculifera is distinguished from the similar L. zettleri by the unusual blunt-spiculate pedicel bearing smaller flowers with blunt-spiculate sepals, densely pubescent petals, and a lip with long-ciliate margins.
Two new species in the endemic Chinese leafhopper genera Flexocerus and Idioceroides (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Idiocerinae)
Authors: XUE QINGQUAN , ZHANG YALIN
Published: February 2015

Two new species of endemic Chinese leafhopper genera (Flexocerus Kuoh & Fang and Idioceroides Matsumura), F. sinuatus sp. nov. and I. petaliformis sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Keys to species for both genera are provided.
Multiple Changepoint Detection Using Metadata
Authors: Li Yingbo , Lund Robert
Published: February 2015

This paper examines multiple changepoint detection procedures that use station history (metadata) information. Metadata records are available for some climate time series; however, these records are notoriously incomplete and many station moves and gauge changes are unlisted (undocumented). The shift in a series must be comparatively larger to declare a changepoint at an undocumented time. Also, the statistical methods for the documented and undocumented scenarios radically differ: a simple t test adequately detects a single mean shift at a documented changepoint time, while a tmax distribution is appropriate for a single undocumented changepoint analysis. Here, the multiple changepoint detection problem is considered via a Bayesian approach, with the metadata record being used to formulate a prior distribution of the changepoint numbers and their location times. This prior distribution is combined with the data to obtain a posterior distribution of changepoint numbers and location times. Estimates of the most likely number of changepoints and times are obtained from the posterior distribution. Simulation studies demonstrate the efficacy of this approach. The methods, which are applicable with or without a reference series, are applied in the analysis of an annual precipitation series from New Bedford, Massachusetts.
External Influences on Modeled and Observed Cloud Trends
Authors: Marvel Kate , Zelinka Mark , Klein Stephen A. , Bonfils Céline , Caldwell Peter , Doutriaux Charles , Santer Benjamin D. , Taylor Karl E.
Published: February 2015

Understanding the cloud response to external forcing is a major challenge for climate science. This crucial goal is complicated by intermodel differences in simulating present and future cloud cover and by observational uncertainty. This is the first formal detection and attribution study of cloud changes over the satellite era. Presented herein are CMIP5 model-derived fingerprints of externally forced changes to three cloud properties: the latitudes at which the zonally averaged total cloud fraction (CLT) is maximized or minimized, the zonal average CLT at these latitudes, and the height of high clouds at these latitudes. By considering simultaneous changes in all three properties, the authors define a coherent multivariate fingerprint of cloud response to external forcing and use models from phase 5 of CMIP (CMIP5) to calculate the average time to detect these changes. It is found that given perfect satellite cloud observations beginning in 1983, the models indicate that a detectable multivariate signal should have already emerged. A search is then made for signals of external forcing in two observational datasets: ISCCP and PATMOS-x. The datasets are both found to show a poleward migration of the zonal CLT pattern that is incompatible with forced CMIP5 models. Nevertheless, a detectable multivariate signal is predicted by models over the PATMOS-x time period and is indeed present in the dataset. Despite persistent observational uncertainties, these results present a strong case for continued efforts to improve these existing satellite observations, in addition to planning for new missions.
Welding metallurgy of stainless steels during resistance spot welding Part II –heat affected zone and mechanical performance
Authors: Alizadeh-Sh M. , Pouranvari M. , Marashi S.P.H.
Published: February 2015

Implementation of new materials in automotive body-in-white requires through knowledge of their metallurgical response to welding process thermal cycle. This two-part paper aims at understanding the physical and mechanical metallurgy of stainless steels, as interesting candidates for automotive application, during resistance spot welding. The second part addresses the phase transformations in the heat affected zone of three types of stainless steels including austenitic, ferritic and duplex steels. Failure modes and mechanical properties of stainless steel resistance spot welds are discussed. The peak load and energy absorption of stainless steel resistance spot welds are compared with advanced high strength steels.
The experimental determination of hydromagnesite precipitation rates at 22.5–75ºC
Authors: U.-N. Berninger  , Jordan G. , Schott J. , Oelkers E. H.
Published: February 2015

Natural hydromagnesite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·4H2O) dissolution and precipitation experiments were performed in closed-system reactors as a function of temperature from 22.5 to 75ºC and at 8.6 < pH < 10.7. The equilibrium constants for the reaction Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·4H2O + 6H+ = 5Mg2+ + 4HCO3– + 6H2O were determined by bracketing the final fluid compositions obtained from the dissolution and precipitation experiments. The resulting constants were found to be 1033.7±0.9, 1030.5±0.5 and 1026.5±0.5 at 22.5, 50 and 75ºC, respectively. Whereas dissolution rates were too fast to be determined from the experiments, precipitation rates were slower and quantified. The resulting BET surface areanormalized hydromagnesite precipitation rates increase by a factor of ~2 with pH decreasing from 10.7 to 8.6. Measured rates are approximately two orders of magnitude faster than corresponding forsterite dissolution rates, suggesting that the overall rates of the low-temperature carbonation of olivine are controlled by the relatively sluggish dissolution of the magnesium silicate mineral.
Nucleation and supersaturation in porous media (revisited)
Authors: Prieto M.
Published: February 2015

Supersaturation-Nucleation-Time (S-N-T) diagrams are shown to be a useful tool to predict nucleation during reactive-transport processes in porous media. Such diagrams can be determined experimentally or estimated from theoretical calculations based on classical nucleation theory. With this aim, a ‘pragmatic’ understanding of the nucleation rate equation is adopted here and the meaning and magnitude of the interfacial tension and induction time discussed. Theoretical diagrams and experimental data are shown to match fairly well as long as there is an appropriate choice of the ‘relevant’ volume for induction-time calculations.
FOXF2 deficiency promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of basal-like breast cancer
Authors: Wang Qing-Shan , Kong Peng-Zhou , Li Xiao-Qing , Yang Fan , Feng Yu-Mei
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Our previous clinical study demonstrated that the under-expression of FOXF2 is associated with early-onset metastasis and poor prognosis of patients with triple-negative breast cancer. In this study, we further characterized the role of FOXF2 in metastasis of basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) and underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

RT-qPCR, immunoblot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess the expression of genes and proteins in cell lines and tissues. A series of in vitro and in vivo assays was performed in the cells with RNAi-mediated knockdown or overexpression to elucidate the function and transcriptional regulatory role of FOXF2 in breast cancer.

Results

We found that FOXF2 was specifically expressed in most basal-like breast cells. FOXF2 deficiency enhanced the metastatic ability of BLBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, FOXF2 deficiency induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of basal-like breast cells. Furthermore, we identified that TWIST1 is a transcriptional target of FOXF2. TWIST1 was negatively regulated by FOXF2 and mediated the FOXF2-regulated EMT phenotype of basal-like breast cells and aggressive property of BLBC.

Conclusions

FOXF2 is a novel EMT-suppressing transcription factor in BLBC. FOXF2 deficiency enhances metastatic ability of BLBC cells by activating the EMT program through upregulating the transcription of TWIST1.
A genomic data viewer for iPad
Authors: Thorvaldsdóttir Helga , Robinson James T , Turner Douglass , Mesirov Jill P
Published: February 2015

The Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV) for iPad, based on the popular IGV application for desktop and laptop computers, supports researchers who wish to take advantage of the mobility of today’s tablet computers to view genomic data and present findings to colleagues.
A functional extracellular transcriptome in animals? implications for biology, disease and medicine
Authors: Tewari Muneesh
Published: February 2015

Muneesh Tewari shares his views on possible functions and applications of RNA transport by extracellular vesicles in animals.
Development of cancer genetic services in the UK: A national consultation
Authors: Slade Ingrid , Riddell Daniel , Turnbull Clare , Hanson Helen , Rahman Nazneen ,   for the MCG programme
Published: February 2015

Background

Technological advances in DNA sequencing have made gene testing fast and affordable, but there are challenges to the translation of these improvements for patient benefit. The Mainstreaming Cancer Genetics (MCG) programme is exploiting advances in DNA sequencing to develop the infrastructure, processes and capabilities required for cancer gene testing to become routinely available to all those that can benefit.

Methods

The MCG programme held a consultation day to discuss the development of cancer genetics with senior representation from all 24 UK cancer genetic centres. The current service landscape and capacity for expansion was assessed through structured questionnaires. Workshop discussion addressed the opportunities and challenges to increasing cancer gene testing in the National Health Service (NHS).

Results

Services vary with respect to population served and models of service delivery, and with respect to methods and thresholds for determining risk and testing eligibility. Almost all centres want to offer more cancer gene testing (82%) and reported increasing demand for testing from non-genetic clinical colleagues (92%). Reported challenges to increasing testing include the complexity of interpreting the resulting genetic data (79%), the level of funding and complexity of commissioning (67%), the limited capacity of current processes and cross-disciplinary relationships (38%), and workforce education (29%).

Conclusions

Priorities to address include the development and evaluation of models of increasing access to gene testing, the optimal process for interpretation of large-scale genetic data, implementation of appropriate commissioning and funding processes, and achieving national consistency. The UK cancer genetics community have high expertise and strong commitment to maximising scientific advances for improved patient benefit and should be pivotally involved in the implementation of increased cancer gene testing.
Engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of poly-3-d-hydroxybutyrate from xylose
Authors: Sandström Anders G , Muñoz de las Heras Alejandro , Portugal-Nunes Diogo , Gorwa-Grauslund Marie F
Published: February 2015

Poly-3-d-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a promising biopolymer naturally produced by several bacterial species. In the present study, the robust baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was engineered to produce PHB from xylose, the main pentose found in lignocellulosic biomass. The PHB pathway genes from the well-characterized PHB producer Cupriavidus necator were introduced in recombinant S. cerevisiae strains already capable of pentose utilization by introduction of the fungal genes for xylose utilization from the yeast Scheffersomyces stipitis. PHB production from xylose was successfully demonstrated in shake-flasks experiments, with PHB yield of 1.17 ± 0.18 mg PHB g−1 xylose. Under well-controlled fully aerobic conditions, a titer of 101.7 mg PHB L−1 was reached within 48 hours, with a PHB yield of 1.99 ± 0.15 mg PHB g−1 xylose, thereby demonstrating the potential of this host for PHB production from lignocellulose.
Enhanced xylose fermentation and ethanol production by engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain
Authors: Vilela Leonardo de Figueiredo , de Araujo Verônica Parente Gomes , Paredes Raquel de Sousa , Bon Elba Pinto da Silva , Torres Fernando Araripe Gonçalves , Neves Bianca Cruz , Eleutherio Elis Cristina Araújo
Published: February 2015

We have recently demonstrated that heterologous expression of a bacterial xylose isomerase gene (xylA) of Burkholderia cenocepacia enabled a laboratorial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain to ferment xylose anaerobically, without xylitol accumulation. However, the recombinant yeast fermented xylose slowly. In this study, an evolutionary engineering strategy was applied to improve xylose fermentation by the xylA-expressing yeast strain, which involved sequential batch cultivation on xylose. The resulting yeast strain co-fermented glucose and xylose rapidly and almost simultaneously, exhibiting improved ethanol production and productivity. It was also observed that when cells were grown in a medium containing higher glucose concentrations before being transferred to fermentation medium, higher rates of xylose consumption and ethanol production were obtained, demonstrating that xylose utilization was not regulated by catabolic repression. Results obtained by qPCR demonstrate that the efficiency in xylose fermentation showed by the evolved strain is associated, to the increase in the expression of genes HXT2 and TAL1, which code for a low-affinity hexose transporter and transaldolase, respectively. The ethanol productivity obtained after the introduction of only one genetic modification and the submission to a one-stage process of evolutionary engineering was equivalent to those of strains submitted to extensive metabolic and evolutionary engineering, providing solid basis for future applications of this strategy in industrial strains.
Food allergy in the Netherlands: differences in clinical severity, causative foods, sensitization and DBPCFC between community and outpatients
Authors: Le Thuy‐My , van Hoffen Els , Kummeling Ischa , Potts James , Ballmer‐Weber Barbara K , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen Carla AFM , Lebens Ans FM , Lidholm Jonas , Lindner Titia M , Mackie Alan , Mills EN Clare , van Ree Ronald , Vieths Stefan , Fernández‐Rivas Montserrat , Burney Peter G , Knulst André C
Published: February 2015

Background

It is unknown whether food allergy (FA) in an unselected population is comparable to those from an outpatient clinic population.

Objective

To discover if FA in a random sample from the Dutch community is comparable to that of outpatients.

Methods

This study was part of the Europrevall‐project. A random sample of 6600 adults received a questionnaire. Those with symptoms to one of 24 defined priority foods were tested for sIgE. Participants with a positive case history and elevated sIgE were evaluated by double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). Outpatients with a suspicion of FA were evaluated by questionnaire, sIgE and DBPCFC.

Results

In the community, severe symptoms were reported less often than in outpatients (39.3% vs. 54.3%). Participants in the community were less commonly sensitized to any of the foods. When selecting only those with a probable FA (i.e. symptoms of priority food and elevation of sIgE to the respective food), no major differences were observed with respect to severity, causative foods, sensitization and DBPCFC between the groups.

Conclusion

In the Netherlands, there are large differences in self‐reported FA between community and outpatients. However, Dutch community and outpatients with a probable FA do not differ with respect to severity, causative foods, sensitization and DBPCFC‐outcome.
Identification of artificial orpiment in the interior decorations of the Japanese tower in Laeken, Brussels, Belgium
Authors: Vermeulen Marc , Sanyova Jana , Janssens Koen
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we used a multi-technique approach in order to identify the arsenic sulfide pigment used in the decorative panels of the Japanese tower in Laeken, Belgium. Our attention was drawn to this particular pigment because of its relatively good conservation state, despite its known tendency to fade over time when exposed to light. The pigment was used with different painting techniques, bound with oil and urushi in the lacquers and with an aqueous binder in the mat relief panels. In the latter case it is always applied as an underlayer mixed with ultramarine blue. This quite unusual pigment mixture also shows a good state of preservation.

In this study, the orpiment used for the Japanese tower has been identified as an amorphous arsenic sulfide glass (AsxSx) with the aid of light microscopy, PLM, SEM-EDX and Raman microscopy. The pigment features different degrees of As4S4 monomer units in its structure, also known as realgar-like nano-phases. This most likely indicates different synthesis processes as the formation of these As4S4 monomers is dependent of the quenching temperature (Tq) to which the artificial pigment is exposed during the preparation phase.
Influence of decomposition time and H2 pressure on properties of unsupported ammonium tetrathiomolybdate-derived MoS2 catalysts
Authors: Whelan Jamie , Banu Ionut , Luckachan Gisha E , Banu Nicoleta Doriana , Stephen Samuel , Tharalekshmy Anjana , Al Hashimi Saleh , Vladea Radu V , Katsiotis Marios S , Alhassan Saeed M
Published: February 2015

Background

Molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) catalysts to be used for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) processes were prepared via the reductive thermal decomposition of ammonium tetrathiomolybdate at fixed temperature (653 K) by varying decomposition times and H2 pressures. Both parameters were found to strongly influence textural and catalytic properties of the resulting MoS2 catalysts.

Methods

Nitrogen sorption, FT-IR, and XRD analyses revealed the effect of varying decomposition times (3 to 7 h) and H2 pressure (20 to 1,000 psig) on the morphology and structure of the catalysts. Dibenzothiophene (DBT) was used to assess catalytic efficiency for HDS reactions.

Results

The influence of time on specific surface was minimal at low pressures but increased at higher decomposition pressures. Vibrational energies of Mo-S bonds in FT-IR indicate that MoS2 catalysts prepared at higher pressures exhibit weaker Mo-S bonds. Analysis of XRD patterns point towards an increase in stacking and crystallite size with increasing pressure; interlayer rotation about both the a- and c-axes of the stacks was also observed. Catalytic testing results show that conversion increases at higher values of decomposition time and pressure. Partially hydrogenated products were also observed at higher pressures, and the ratio of partially to fully hydrogenated DBT was calculated as an additional measure of catalytic efficiency.

Conclusions

Decomposition time and H2 pressure during ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATM) thermal decomposition have a significant impact on the morphological and catalytic properties of the derived MoS2 catalysts. Samples prepared for 5 h at 1,000 psig exhibited the highest conversion of DBT and the lowest ratio of partially to fully hydrogenated products.
Chemical Aspects of the Primary Ionization Mechanisms in Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization
Authors: Molin Laura , Crotti Sara , Seraglia Roberta , Czarnocki Zbigniew , Szawkało Joanna , Maurin Jan K. , Pluciński Franciszek A. , Traldi Pietro
Published: February 2015

It has been proposed that the primary ionization mechanism occurring in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) experiments originates from the presence, in the solid-state matrix-analytes sample, of matrix dimers. These species are formed by the interaction of carboxylic groups present in the matrix molecules with the formation of strong hydrogen bonds. Theoretical calculations proved that the laser irradiation of these structures leads to one or two H-bridge cleavages, giving rise to an “open” dimer structure or to disproportionation with the formation of MH+ and [M – H]− species. The ions so formed can be considered highly effective in their reaction with analyte ions, leading to their protonation (or deprotonation). To achieve further evidence for these proposals, in the present study the energetics of the reactions of ions from different aromatic carboxylic acids with two amino acids (glycine and lysine) and three multipeptides (gly-gly, gly-gly-gly and gly-gly-gly-gly) was investigated. The lowest Δ G values were obtained for 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, widely employed as the MALDI matrix. Also, for p-nitrobenzoic acid the reaction is slightly exothermic, while for the other aromatic carboxylic acids derivatives positives values of Δ G are present.
Effect of the ageing on the dissipative properties of getinacks subjected to repeated static loading
Authors: Shant Valesyan
Published: February 2015

The effect of ageing on the dissipative properties of getinacks subjected to repeated static loading has been investigated. Specimens were tested at the age of 1, 4, and 8 years. The approximation of experimental data is done, and the energy of dissipation is calculated. Based on the investigation of getinacks manufactured by the technology of regulated thermo-pressing, this technology can be recommended for the manufacturing of appropriate products.

The results of experimental investigation of the effect of temperature field on the dissipative properties of layered getinacks widely applicable in electrical manufacturing, electronics and microelectronics are considered in this paper. The approximation of the experimentally obtained dependences between σ and ε for the loading (→) and unloading (←) parts of the hysteresis loop are calculated and plotted. The factor of energy dissipation is defined. Estimated that the temperature field affects the dissipative properties of the layered getinacks and that effect is depending on the value of applied load cyclically acting on the material.
Modeling Hospitals’ Adaptive Capacity during a Loss of Infrastructure Services
Authors: Vugrin Eric D. , Verzi Stephen J. , Finley Patrick D. , Turnquist Mark A. , Griffin Anne R. , Ricci Karen A. , Wyte-Lake Tamar
Published: February 2015

Resilience in hospitals ‐ their ability to withstand, adapt to, and rapidly recover from disruptive events ‐ is vital to their role as part of national critical infrastructure. This paper presents a model to provide planning guidance to decision makers about how to make hospitals more resilient against possible disruption scenarios. This model represents a hospital’s adaptive capacities that are leveraged to care for patients during loss of infrastructure services (power, water, etc.). The model is an optimization that reallocates and substitutes resources to keep patients in a high care state or allocates resources to allow evacuation if necessary. An illustrative example demonstrates how the model might be used in practice.
ANALYSIS AND MODELING OF COMPETITIVE INTERACTIONS OF ECONOMIC SYSTEMS IN MARKET RELATIONS
Authors: Сербулов  , Serbulov Yuriy , Дудин  , Dudin A.
Published: February 2015

The paper presents an algorithm for the simulation software resource interaction of competing economic systems - enterprises, companies, firms - in market relations.
PROCESSING OF LF SIGNAL WITH THE USE OF LOW-PASS FILTER AND WAVELET OF DAUBECHIES
Authors: Буров  , Burov R. , Табаков  , Tabakov Yu. , Лавлинский  , Lavlinskiy V. , Бибиков  , Bibikov D.
Published: February 2015

The article describes the functionality of the low-pass filter with the calculated optimum damping coefficients of noise in the signal. The block for diagram and the appearance of the board for removing for low-frequency signals of human cerebral cortex. The mathematical algorithm low-frequency signal processing frequency of 10-40 Hz using wavelet transform Daubechies and low-pass filter.
Emergency Oesophagectomy for Oesophageal Perforation after Chemoradiotherapy for Oesophageal Cancer
Authors: Schweigert M , Solymosi N , Dubecz A , Posada Gonzalez M , Stadlhuber RJ , Ofner D , Stein HJ
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Oesophageal perforation following chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal cancer is a devastating condition but there have been no studies investigating the role of emergency oesophagectomy for this life threatening situation.

Methods

This retrospective study comprised all cases of emergency oesophagectomy for oesophageal perforation after chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal carcinoma at a major centre for oesophageal surgery in Germany between 2004 and 2013.

Results

A total of 13 patients (mean age: 58.9 years) were identified. During the same time period, 356 elective oesophagectomies were performed. Tumour entities were squamous cell carcinoma (n=12) and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus (n=1). Alcoholism (odds ratio [OR]: 25.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.70–121.70, p<0.0001) and chronic pulmonary disease (OR: 3.76, 95% CI: 1.06–14.96, p=0.027) were more common among the emergency cases. Oesophageal rupture was caused by perforation of an oesophageal stent (10 cases) or perforation during implantation of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (3 cases). Emergency oesophagectomy was carried out either as discontinuity resection (10/13) or oesophagectomy with immediate reconstruction (3/13). Compared with the elective cases, patients undergoing emergency oesophagectomy had significantly higher odds for sustaining perioperative sepsis (OR: 4.42, 95% CI: 1.23–16.45, p=0.01), acute renal failure (OR: 6.49, 95% CI: 1.57–24.15, p=0.005) and pneumonia (OR: 24.33, 95% CI: 3.52–1,046.65, p<0.0001). Furthermore, slow respiratory weaning was more common and there was a significantly higher tracheostomy rate (OR: 4.64, 95% CI: 1.14–16.98, p=0.02). Oesophageal discontinuity was eventually reversed in eight patients. Emergency oesophagectomy patients had odds that were three times higher for fatal outcome (OR: 3.59, 95% CI: 0.77–13.64, p=0.05). The overall mortality was 4/13. The remaining nine patients had a mean survival of 25.1 months (range: 5–46 months). The two-year-survival-rate was 38.5% (5/13).

Conclusions

Despite the most unfavourable preconditions, the results of emergency oesophagectomy for oesophageal perforation after chemoradiotherapy are not desperate. The procedure is not only justified but life saving.
The Role of Mono- and Divalent Ions in the Stability of Kaolinite Suspensions and Fine Tailings
Authors: Ibanez Maria , Wijdeveld Arjan , Chassagne Claire
Published: February 2015

A major issue for the oil sand industry is the settling of thin fine tailings (TFT) which are a byproduct of the oil sand extraction process. These tailings are deposited in large ponds and settling takes decades. The aim of the present study was to increase understanding of the role of specific ion types (monovalent/divalent) present in the water in flocculation behavior, and hence the settling of flotation fine tailings of the Athabasca oil sands (which consist predominantly of kaolinite). In this study, two series of measurements were conducted and compared: one with TFT and with varying pH and salinity, and another with kaolinite suspensions with varying pH, salinity, and volume fraction. The volume fraction of kaolinite and TFT used was in the range 0.01–1% volume fraction for any ionic strength or ion. In this range the electrophoretic mobility was constant indicating that there were no particle-particle interactions, a required condition for electrophoretic mobility measurements. Electrokinetic measurements were made as a function of concentration of salt added and pH. The flocculation behavior of both TFT and kaolinite can be linked to the electrokinetic mobility at high ionic strength. The electrophoretic mobility values and therefore the electrokinetic charge of the particles were smaller for divalent salt than for monovalent salt. As a consequence, both kaolinite and fine tailings should and do flocculate more quickly in the presence of a divalent electrolyte during settling-column experiments. The electrophoretic mobility of kaolinite and tailings in electrolytes containing a majority of monovalent ions (NaCl) decreased in absolute values with decreasing pH while their electrophoretic mobility in electrolytes containing a majority of divalent ions (MgCl2) did not depend on pH. The flocculation of the fine tailings in an electrolyte where divalent ions are predominant is therefore not expected to be influenced by pH.