bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Text, Hypertext, and Hyperfiction
Authors: Modir Ladan , Guan Ling C , Aziz Sohaimi Bin Abdul
Published: March 2014

This article briefly surveys the changing theoretical perspectives on text from structuralism to poststructuralism and how they are subsequently accounted for by hypertext theorists to comprehend the emerging genre called hypertext fiction. Some theoretical issues concerning the reading of this genre also will be discussed. The purpose of this study is to illustrate that the radical promises and challenges of digital novels to readers would prove reading and interpretation of conventional texts are far more participatory. This will be accomplished by tracing the evolution of poststructuralists’ concepts of intertextuality, multivocality, decentering, multilinearity, disorientation, and interactivity to find a way out of constant notions of conventional principles of reading.
A simple approach to the identification of trioctahedral smectites by X-ray diffraction
Authors: Christidis G. E. , Koutsopoulou E.
Published: March 2014

A new method for identifying the trioctahedral smectites saponite, stevensite and hectorite is proposed in this study. The method is based on differences in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the three smectites after (a) heating at 500°C for 90 min and (b) glycerol solvation of the Cs-forms of the smectites for 20 h. After heating at 500°C, well below the dehydroxylation temperature of the three smectites, saponite and hectorite re-expand upon ethylene glycol (EG) solvation, whereas stevensite layers remain collapsed. Saponite forms one-layer and hectorite two-layer complexes after Cs-saturation and glycerol solvation. Cs-stevensite displays a gradual increase ind001with increasing solvation time in glycerol vapours and forms two-layer glycerol complexes with prolonged solvation. Except for the individual Mg-smectites, the proposed method may be used to identify compositional heterogeneity that may exist in the smectites. Furthermore, it should be useful in identifying the individual trioctahedral Mg-smectites when present in mixtures, and in detecting interstratified layers of different Mg-trioctahedral smectites. Application of the method revealed that the SYnL-1 laponite (CMS Source Clay Project) is not homogeneous but consists of hectorite, stevensite and possibly mixed-layer hectorite/stevensite layers.
The crystal structure of barikaite
Authors: Makovicky E. , Topa D.
Published: March 2014

Electron microprobe analysis of barikaite (Topa et al., 2013) indicates the chemical formula Ag2.90Tl0.04Pb9.31As11.26Sb8.12S40.37. Barikaite is monoclinic, with a 8.533(1) Å, b 8.075(1) Å, c 24.828(2) Å, and β 99.077(1)°; unit-cell volume 1689.2 Å3 and the space-group setting is P21/n. This compares well with the unit-cell parameters of rathite Pb10Tl0.9As17.9Sb1.3Ag2S40 from the Lengenbach deposit with the same lattice setting. Barikaite is a member of sartorite homologous series (N = 4). The unit cell of barikaite contains eight cation sites and ten anion sites. Four of the cation sites have mixed occupancies – the split sites As2–Sb2, As3–Sb3, Ag5–As5 and the site Me6 with three cations involved. Two of the lead sites, Pb1 and Pb2, display tricapped trigonal prismatic coordinations and alternate along the 8.53 Å a direction. They form zig-zag walls parallel to (001). There are three distinct [100] columns of alternating cations, As1–(As, Sb)2, Sb4–(As, Sb)3 and (As, Ag)5–(Pb, Sb)6 which together form trapezoidally configured single (013) layers. These layers aggregate into tightly-bonded double layers, separated by lone electron pair micelles. In barikaite, the predominantly As-occupied and Sb-occupied sites are distributed in a chess-board-like scheme.
Tl-bearing sulfosalt from the Lengenbach quarry, Binn Valley, Switzerland: Philrothite, TlAs3S5
Authors: Bindi L. , Nestola F. , Makovicky E. , Guastoni A. , De Battisti L.
Published: March 2014

Philrothite, ideally TlAs3S5, is a new mineral from the Lengenbach quarry in the Binn Valley, Valais, Switzerland. It occurs as very rare crystals up to 200 mm across on realgar associated with smithite, rutile and sartorite. Philrothite is opaque with a metallic lustre and shows a dark brown streak. It is brittle; the Vickers hardness (VHN25) is 128 kg/mm2(range: 120–137) (Mohs hardness of 3–3½). In reflected light philrothite is moderately bireflectant and weakly pleochroic from dark grey to light grey. Under crossed polars it is anisotropic with grey to bluish rotation tints. Internal reflections are absent. Reflectance percentages for the four COM wavelengths (RminandRmax) are: 26.5, 28.8 (471.1 nm), 25.4, 27.2 (548.3 nm), 24.6, 26.3 (586.6 nm) and 24.0, 25.1 (652.3 nm), respectively.

Philrothite is monoclinic, space groupP21/c, witha= 8.013(2),b= 24.829(4),c= 11.762(3) Å,β= 132.84(2)°,V= 1715.9(7) Å3,Z= 8. It represents theN= 4 homologue of the sartorite homologous series. In the crystal structure [R1= 0.098 for 1217 reflections withI> 2σ(I)], Tl assumes tricapped prismatic sites alternating to form columns perpendicular to the b axis. Between the zigzag walls of Tl coordination prisms, coordination pyramids of As(Sb) form diagonally-oriented double layers separated by broader interspaces which house the lone electron pairs of these elements.

The eight strongest calculated powder-diffraction lines [din Å(I/I0) (hkl)] are: 12.4145 (52) (020); 3.6768 (100) (61); 3.4535 (45) (131); 3.0150 (46) (53); 2.8941 (52) (81); 2.7685 (76) (230); 2.7642 (77) (34); 2.3239 (52) (092). A mean of five electron microprobe analyses gave Tl 26.28(12), Pb 6.69(8), Ag 2.50(4), Cu 0.04(2), Hg 0.07(2), As 32.50(13), Sb 3.15(3), S 26.35(10), total 97.58 wt.%, corresponding, on the basis of a total of nine atoms, to (Tl0.789Pb0.198)∑=0.987(As2.662Sb0.159Ag0.142Cu0.004Hg0.002)∑=2.969S5.044. The new mineral has been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC) of the International Mineralogical Association (2013-066) and named for Philippe Roth (b. 1963), geophysicist and well known mineral expert on the Lengenbach minerals for more than 25 years.
Experimental and model studies on comparison of As(III and V) removal from synthetic acid mine drainage by bone char
Authors: Liu Jing , Huang Xi , Liu Juan , Wang Weiqing , Zhang Wei , Dong Faqing
Published: March 2014

Acid mine drainage (AMD) commonly contains elevated concentrations of As(III) and/or As(V) due to oxidation of arsenic-containing sulfides. Bone char has been used as a low-cost filling material for passive treatment. The breakthrough curves of As(III) and As(V) were studied in column experiments conducted at different flow rates, adsorption cycle times, and with different coexisting cations and anions to compare their transport behaviours. The experimental data were fitted by the Convection- Diffusion Equation (CDE) and Thomas model with the aim of obtaining retardation factors of As(III) and As(V) and their maximum adsorption capacities, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacities of As(III) and As(V) are 0.214 and 0.335 mg/g, respectively. Coexisting Mn2+and Al3+ions can shorten the equilibrium time of As(V) adsorption from 25 h to 8 h, but they have little effect on As(III). The retardation factors of As(III) and As(V) calculated by the CDE model decrease with adsorption cycles from 37 to 20 and 51 to 32, respectively. The Mn2+and Al3+ions could enhance retention ability with adsorption cycle time, especially Mn2+for As(V). Secondary adsorption phenomena were observed only in breakthrough curves of As(V) in the presence of Mn2+and Al3+. The competitive influences of coexisting arsenic species is As(V) > As(III). Regeneration experiments using distilled water and NaOH solution were completed to quantify the degree of desorption of both As(III) and As(V). The results show that As(V) adsorbed on bone char has better desorption performance than As(III), and the average degrees of desorption of As(III) and As(V) for three desorption experiments are 75% and 31%, respectively.
Phase equilibria in NaAlSiO4–KAlSiO4–SiO2–H2O at 100 MPa pressure: equilibrium leucite composition and the enigma of primary analcime in blairmorites revisited
Authors: Henderson C. M. B. , Hamilton D. L. , Waters J. P.
Published: March 2014

Experiments in the system NaAlSiO4(Ne)−KAlSiO4(Ks)−SiO2(Qz)−H2O at 100 MPa show that the maximum content of NaAlSi2O6in leucite is ∼4 wt.% and that analcime is close to the stoichiometric composition (NaAlSi2O6.H2O). Analcime forms metastably on quenching the higher-temperature experiments; it is secondary after leucite in experiments quenched from 780°C, while from 850°C it forms by alteration of leucite, and by devitrification of water-saturated glass. Both processes involve reaction with Na-rich aqueous fluids. Stable analcime forms at 500°C, well below the solidus, and cannot form as phenocrysts in shallow volcanic systems. New data for natural analcime macrocrysts in blairmorites are presented for the Crowsnest volcanics, Alberta, Canada. Other researchers have suggested that primary analcime occurs as yellow-brown, glassy, analcime phenocrysts. Our microprobe analyses show that such primary analcime is close to stoichiometric, with very low K2O (<0.1 wt.%), minor Fe2O3(0.5−0.8 wt.%) and CaO (∼0.5 wt.%). An extrapolation of published experimental data for Ne−Ks−Qz at >500 MPa PH2O, where Anl + melt coexist, suggests that at >800 MPa two invariant points are present: (1) a reaction point involving Kf + Ab + Anl + melt + vapour; and (2) a eutectic with Kf + Anl + Ne + melt + vapour. We suggest that the nepheline-free equilibrium mineral assemblage for Crowsnest samples is controlled by reaction point (1). In contrast, blairmorites from Lupata Gorge, Mozambique, form at eutectic (2), consistent with the presence of nepheline phenocrysts. Our conclusions, based on high-vs. low-pressure experiments, confirm the suggestion made by other authors, that Crowsnest volcanic rocks must have been erupted explosively to preserve glassy analcime phenocrysts during very rapid, upward transport from deep in the crust (H2O pressures ≫500 MPa). Only rare examples survived the deuteric and hydrothermal alteration that occurred during and after eruption.
Oskarssonite, AlF3, a new fumarolic mineral from Eldfell volcano, Heimaey, Iceland
Authors: Jacobsen M. J. , Balić -Žunić T. , Mitolo D. , Katerinopoulou A. , Garavelli A. , Jakobsson S. P.
Published: March 2014

The new mineral oskarssonite (IMA2012-088), with ideal formula AlF3, was found in August 2009 at the surface of fumaroles on the Eldfell volcano, Heimaey Island, Iceland (GPS coordinates 63°25′58.9″N 20°14′50.3″W). It occurs as sub-micron-sized crystals forming a white powder in association with anhydrite, bassanite, gypsum, jarosite, anatase, hematite, opal, ralstonite, jakobssonite and meniaylovite. Chemical analyses by energy-dispersive spectrometry with a scanning electronmicroscope produced the following mean elemental composition: Al, 31.70; F, 58.41; O, 9.22; total 99.33 wt.%. The empirical chemical formula is AlF2.6(OH)0.5 which suggests partial substitution of F by OH. Oskarssonite is rhombohedral, space group Rc, with ah = 4.9817(4) Å, c = 12.387(1) Å, Vuc = 266.23(5) Å3, Z = 6. The five strongest lines in the powder diffraction diagram [d in Å(I) (hkl)] are as follows: 3.54 (100) (012), 2.131 (13) (113), 1.771 (20) (024), 1.59 (15) (116), 1.574 (10) (122). Rietveld refinement confirms the identity of oskarssonite with the synthetic rhombohedral form of AlF3. Its structure can be described as a rhombohedral deformation of the idealized cubic perovskitetype octahedral framework of corner-sharing AlF6 groups. Oskarssonite appears in the surface part of the fumaroles where fluorides are abundant. At greater depths (below 10 cm) sulfates dominate among the fumarolic minerals. In accordance with its occurrence, we surmise that oskarssonite forms in the later stages of the fumarolic activity in an environment poor in alkalies and Mg. Ralstonite (NaxMgxAl1−xF3(H2O)y), which, unlike oskarssonite, contains Na and Mg as important constituents, dominated in the first-formed fumaroles, but now, 41 years after the eruption of Eldfell, is only a minor phase. The new mineral is named after the Icelandic volcanologist Niels Oskarsson.
The genomic landscape of mantle cell lymphoma is related to the epigenetically determined chromatin state of normal B cells
Authors: Zhang Jenny , Jima Dereje , Moffitt Andrea B. , Liu Qingquan , Czader Magdalena , Hsi Eric D. , Fedoriw Yuri , Dunphy Cherie H. , Richards Kristy L. , Gill Javed I. , Sun Zhen , Love Cassandra , Scotland Paula , Lock Eric , Levy Shawn , Hsu David S. , Dunson David , Dave Sandeep S.
Published: March 2014

Key Points

We identified novel recurrently mutated genes, including WHSC1, RB1, POT1, and SMARCA4, through exome sequencing of 56 cases of MCL. Genetic mutations defining MCL and Burkitt lymphoma were associated with the epigenetically defined chromatin state of their respective B cells of origin.
High success rate of repeat colonoscopy with standard endoscopes in patients referred for prior incomplete colonoscopy
Authors: Gawron Andrew J , Veerappan Annapoorani , Keswani Rajesh N
Published: March 2014

Background

In patients with incomplete colonoscopy, cecal intubation is sometimes unsuccessful due to a redundant or tortuous colon. Repeat colonoscopy may be successful with the use of alternate endoscopes or careful attention to technique but limited outcomes data is available. The aim of this study was to describe the technique, success rate and outcomes of consecutive patients referred for previous incomplete colonoscopy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of incomplete colonoscopy procedures in patients age 18-90 at an academic teaching hospital referred to an endoscopist specializing in difficult colonoscopy.

Results

Cecal intubation was successful in 96 of 100 repeat colonoscopies and 83 procedures were completed with a standard endoscope (adult, pediatric, or gastroscope). The adenoma detection rate was 28% for successful repeat colonoscopies; a majority of these patients had no adenomas identified on incomplete exam. In 69.4% of cases, an endoscope was used to successfully complete colonoscopy that was not used in the incomplete colonoscopy. The median insertion time was significantly less for the complete colonoscopy (10.6 min) compared to the incomplete colonoscopy (18.8 min, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Repeat colonoscopy has a high success rate and identified a significant number of new adenomas. Use of all available endoscopes should be considered prior to procedure termination in patients with a tortuous colon. Repeat colonoscopy can often be accomplished using a standard endoscope and is not attributed to increased endoscope insertion time.
Relationship between child survival and malaria transmission: an analysis of the malaria transmission intensity and mortality burden across Africa (MTIMBA) project data in Rufiji demographic surveillance system, Tanzania
Authors: Rumisha Susan F , Smith Thomas A , Masanja Honorati , Abdulla Salim , Vounatsou Penelope
Published: March 2014

Background

The precise nature of the relationship between malaria mortality and levels of transmission is unclear. Due to methodological limitations, earlier efforts to assess the linkage have lead to inconclusive results. The malaria transmission intensity and mortality burden across Africa (MTIMBA) project initiated by the INDEPTH Network collected longitudinally entomological data within a number of sites in sub-Saharan Africa to study this relationship. This work linked the MTIMBA entomology database with the routinely collected vital events within the Rufiji Demographic Surveillance System to analyse the transmission-mortality relation in the region.

Methods

Bayesian Bernoulli spatio-temporal Cox proportional hazards models with village clustering, adjusted for age and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), were fitted to assess the relation between mortality and malaria transmission measured by entomology inoculation rate (EIR). EIR was predicted at household locations using transmission models and it was incorporated in the model as a covariate with measure of uncertainty. Effects of covariates estimated by the model are reported as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% Bayesian confidence interval (BCI) and spatial and temporal parameters are presented.

Results

Separate analysis was carried out for neonates, infants and children 1–4 years of age. No significant relation between all-cause mortality and intensity of malaria transmission was indicated at any age in childhood. However, a strong age effect was shown. Comparing effects of ITN and EIR on mortality at different age categories, a decrease in protective efficacy of ITN was observed (i.e. neonates: HR = 0.65; 95% BCI:0.39-1.05; infants: HR = 0.72; 95% BCI:0.48-1.07; children 1–4 years: HR = 0.88; 95% BCI:0.62-1.23) and reduction on the effect of malaria transmission exposure was detected (i.e. neonates: HR = 1.15; 95% BCI:0.95-1.36; infants: HR = 1.13; 95% BCI:0.98-1.25; children 1–4 years: HR = 1.04; 95% BCI:0.89-1.18). A very strong spatial correlation was also observed.

Conclusion

These results imply that assessing the malaria transmission-mortality relation involves more than the knowledge on the performance of interventions and control measures. This relation depends on the levels of malaria endemicity and transmission intensity, which varies significantly between different settings. Thus, sub-regions analyses are necessary to validate and assess reproducibility of findings.
Clinical characteristics of second primary cancer in colorectal cancer patients: the impact of colorectal cancer or other second cancer occurring first
Authors: Sun Li-Chu , Tai Yi-Yun , Liao Su-Mien , Lin Tang-Yu , Shih Ying-Ling , Chang Se-Fen , Huang Ching-Wen , Chan Hon-Man , Huang Che-Jen , Wang Jaw-Yuan
Published: March 2014

Background

Due to improvements in early detection, treatment, and supportive care, the number of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors is increasing; therefore, careful attention should always be paid to the second primary cancer (SPC) in treating these CRC patients. The present study attempts to determine the correlation and clinical aspects of CRC to other cancers in patients suffering from SPC involving CRC.

Methods

From January 2002 and June 2010, 1,679 cancer cases, CRC was accompanied by SPC in 89 patients (5.3%), including 16 (18%) synchronous and 73 (82%) metachronous SPC patients. These patients were subsequently classified into two groups: the first group had CRC diagnosed first as CRC first (CRCF); and the second group had another type of cancer diagnosed before the diagnosis of CRC as other cancer first (OCF). Of these 73 patients, 22 (30.1%) were in the group of CRCF, whereas 51 (69.9%) were in the group of OCF. Patients’ clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes were analyzed and compared between the two groups.

Results

There was a significant difference in the sites of cancers between the two groups: 14 (27.5%) patients in the OCF group had gastric cancer, compared to one (4.5%) patient in the CRCF group (P = 0.026). Although there was no difference of hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers between the OCF and CRCF groups (P = 0.165), there were six (27.3%) CRC patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the CRCF group, which was significantly higher than the two (3.9%) patients in the OCF group (P = 0.003). Furthermore, the cancer-specific survival rate of the CRCF patient group was significantly higher than that of the OCF patient group (P = 0.036).

Conclusions

In this retrospective analysis, gastric cancer patients compared to other secondary cancers were at a higher risk of developing subsequent CRC as SPC; alternatively, patients with CRC were at a higher risk of developing HCC as SPC subsequently, no matter whether patients were HBV or HCV carriers. Therefore, careful attention should always be paid to the possibility of secondary CRC to construct effective surveillance when treating cancer patients.
Distinct transthyretin oxidation isoform profile in spinal fluid from patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Poulsen Keld , Bahl Justyna MC , Simonsen Anja H , Hasselbalch Steen G , Heegaard Niels HH
Published: March 2014

Background

Transthyretin (TTR), an abundant protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), contains a free, oxidation-prone cysteine residue that gives rise to TTR isoforms. These isoforms may reflect conditions in vivo. Since increased oxidative stress has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) it is of interest to characterize CSF-TTR isoform distribution in AD patients and controls. Here, TTR isoforms are profiled directly from CSF by an optimized immunoaffinity-mass spectrometry method in 76 samples from patients with AD (n = 37), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 17)), and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH, n = 15), as well as healthy controls (HC, n = 7). Fractions of three specific oxidative modifications (S-cysteinylation, S-cysteinylglycinylation, and S-glutathionylation) were quantitated relative to the total TTR protein. Results were correlated with diagnostic information and with levels of CSF AD biomarkers tau, phosphorylated tau, and amyloid β1-42 peptide.

Results

Preliminary data highlighted the high risk of artifactual TTR modification due to ex vivo oxidation and thus the samples for this study were all collected using strict and uniform guidelines. The results show that TTR is significantly more modified on Cys(10) in the AD and MCI groups than in controls (NPH and HC) (p ≤ 0.0012). Furthermore, the NPH group, while having normal TTR isoform distribution, had significantly decreased amyloid β peptide but normal tau values. No obvious correlations between levels of routine CSF biomarkers for AD and the degree of TTR modification were found.

Conclusions

AD and MCI patients display a significantly higher fraction of oxidatively modified TTR in CSF than the control groups of NPH patients and HC. Quantitation of CSF-TTR isoforms thus may provide diagnostic information in patients with dementia symptoms but this should be explored in larger studies including prospective studies of MCI patients. The development of methods for simple, robust, and reproducible inhibition of in vitro oxidation during CSF sampling and sample handling is highly warranted. In addition to the diagnostic information the possibility of using TTR as a CSF oxymeter is of potential value in studies monitoring disease activity and developing new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases.
Facilitators and barriers to adherence to urate-lowering therapy in African-Americans with gout: a qualitative study
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Limited literature exists for qualitative studies of medication adherence in gout, especially in African-Americans. The aim of this study was to examine the facilitators and barriers to adherence to urate-lowering therapy (ULT) in African-Americans with gout.

Methods

In this study, nine nominal groups lasting 1 to 1.5 hours each were conducted in African-Americans with gout, six with low ULT and three with high ULT adherence (medication possession ratios of <0.80 or ≥0.80, respectively). Patients presented, discussed, combined and rank ordered their concerns. A qualitative analysis was performed.

Results

This study included 43 patients with mean age 63.9 years (standard deviation, 9.9), 67% men, who participated in nine nominal groups (seven in men, two in women): African-American men (n = 30); African-American women (n = 13). The main facilitators to ULT adherence (three groups) were the recognition of the need to take ULT regularly to prevent gout flares, prevent pain from becoming chronic/severe and to have less dietary restriction; the lack of side effects from ULT; trust in physicians; and avoiding the need to seek emergent/urgent care for flares. Patients achieved high ULT adherence by organizing their pills using the pillbox and the incorporation of ULT intake into their routine to prevent forgetting. The main barriers to optimal ULT adherence were (six groups): doubts about effectiveness of ULT, concerns about cost and side effects, concomitant medications, forgetfulness, refilling the prescriptions on time, pill size and difficulty in swallowing, competing priorities, patient preference for alternative medicines (that is, cherry juice) and frequent travel.

Conclusions

Identification of facilitators and barriers to high ULT adherence in African-Americans with gout in this study lays the foundation for designing interventions to improve ULT adherence in racial minorities.
Postpartum breast involution reveals regression of secretory lobules mediated by tissue-remodeling
Authors: Jindal Sonali , Gao Dexiang , Bell Pat , Albrektsen Grethe , Edgerton Susan M , Ambrosone Christine B , Thor Ann D , Borges Virginia F , Schedin Pepper
Published: March 2014

Introduction

A postpartum diagnosis of breast cancer is an independent predictor of metastases, however the reason is unknown. In rodents, the window of postpartum mammary gland involution promotes tumor progression, suggesting a role for breast involution in the poor prognosis of human postpartum breast cancers. Rodent mammary gland involution is characterized by the programmed elimination of the secretory lobules laid down in preparation for lactation. This tissue involution process involves massive epithelial cell death, stromal remodeling, and immune cell infiltration with similarities to microenvironments present during wound healing and tumor progression. Here, we characterize breast tissue from premenopausal women with known reproductive histories to determine the extent, duration and cellular mechanisms of postpartum lobular involution in women.

Methods

Adjacent normal breast tissues from premenopausal women (n = 183) aged 20 to 45 years, grouped by reproductive categories of nulliparous, pregnant and lactating, and by time since last delivery were evaluated histologically and by special stain for lobular area, lobular type composition, apoptosis and immune cell infiltration using computer assisted quantitative methods.

Results

Human nulliparous glands were composed dominantly of small (approximately 10 acini per lobule) and medium (approximately 35 acini per lobule) sized lobules. With pregnancy and lactation, a >10 fold increase in breast epithelial area was observed compared to nulliparous cases, and lactating glands were dominated by mature lobules (>100 acini per lobule) with secretory morphology. Significant losses in mammary epithelial area and mature lobule phenotypes were observed within 12 months postpartum. By 18 months postpartum, lobular area content and lobule composition were indistinguishable from nulliparous cases, data consistent with postpartum involution facilitating regression of the secretory lobules developed in preparation for lactation. Analyses of apoptosis and immune cell infiltrate confirmed that human postpartum breast involution is characterized by wound healing-like tissue remodeling programs that occur within a narrowed time frame.

Conclusions

Human postpartum breast involution is a dominant tissue-remodeling process that returns the total lobular area of the gland to a level essentially indistinguishable from the nulliparous gland. Further research is warranted to determine whether the normal physiologic process of postpartum involution contributes to the poor prognosis of postpartum breast cancer.
Engagement Féminin
Authors: Coates Emily Carson
Published: March 2014

This article discusses the interrelationship between contemporary dance aesthetics and social change developed in the piece Dans Un S’Y Mettre by Burkinabe choreographers Auguste Ouédraogo and Bienvenue Bazié, as well as their larger project, Engagement Féminin, which aims to foster a new generation of professional female dancers/choreographers in West Africa. She proposes that Dans Un S’Y Mettre and Engagement Féminin create a gender politics of their own devising, based in mutual support and articulated through women’s dancing bodies.
Properties of a non-bioactive fluorescent derivative of differentiation-inducing factor-3, an anti-tumor agent found in Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Kubohara Yuzuru , Kikuchi Haruhisa , Matsuo Yusuke , Oshima Yoshiteru , Homma Yoshimi
Published: March 2014

Differentiation-inducing factor-3 (DIF-3), found in the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum, and its derivatives, such as butoxy-DIF-3 (Bu-DIF-3), are potent anti-tumor agents. To investigate the activity of DIF-like molecules in tumor cells, we recently synthesized a green fluorescent DIF-3 derivative, BODIPY-DIF-3G, and analyzed its bioactivity and cellular localization. In this study, we synthesized a red (orange) fluorescent DIF-3 derivative, BODIPY-DIF-3R, and compared the cellular localization and bioactivities of the two BODIPY-DIF-3s in HeLa human cervical cancer cells. Both fluorescent compounds penetrated the extracellular membrane within 0.5 h and localized mainly to the mitochondria. In formalin-fixed cells, the two BODIPY-DIF-3s also localized to the mitochondria, indicating that the BODIPY-DIF-3s were incorporated into mitochondria independently of the mitochondrial membrane potential. After treatment for 3 days, BODIPY-DIF-3G, but not BODIPY-DIF-3R, induced mitochondrial swelling and suppressed cell proliferation. Interestingly, the swollen mitochondria were stainable with BODIPY-DIF-3G but not with BODIPY-DIF-3R. When added to isolated mitochondria in vitro, BODIPY-DIF-3G increased dose-dependently the rate of O2 consumption, but BODIPY-DIF-3R did not. These results suggest that the bioactive BODIPY-DIF-3G suppresses cell proliferation, at least in part, by altering mitochondrial activity, whereas the non-bioactive BODIPY-DIF-3R localizes to the mitochondria but does not affect mitochondrial activity or cell proliferation.
Royal jelly-like protein localization reveals differences in hypopharyngeal glands buildup and conserved expression pattern in brains of bumblebees and honeybees
Authors: Albert Štefan , Spaethe Johannes , Grübel Kornelia , Rössler Wolfgang
Published: March 2014

Royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) of the honeybee bear several open questions. One of them is their expression in tissues other than the hypopharyngeal glands (HGs), the site of royal jelly production. The sole MRJP-like gene of the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris (BtRJPL), represents a pre-diversification stage of the MRJP gene evolution in bees. Here we investigate the expression of BtRJPL in the HGs and the brain of bumblebees. Comparison of the HGs of bumblebees and honeybees revealed striking differences in their morphology with respect to sex- and caste-specific appearance, number of cells per acinus, and filamentous actin (F-actin) rings. At the cellular level, we found a temporary F-actin-covered meshwork in the secretory cells, which suggests a role for actin in the biogenesis of the end apparatus in HGs. Using immunohistochemical localization, we show that BtRJPL is expressed in the bumblebee brain, predominantly in the Kenyon cells of the mushroom bodies, the site of sensory integration in insects, and in the optic lobes. Our data suggest that a dual gland-brain function preceded the multiplication of MRJPs in the honeybee lineage. In the course of the honeybee evolution, HGs dramatically changed their morphology in order to serve a food-producing function.
The chaperone domain BRICHOS prevents amyloid β-peptide CNS toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Hermansson Erik , Schultz Sebastian , Crowther Damian , Linse Sara , Winblad Bengt , Westermark Gunilla , Johansson Jan , Presto Jenny
Published: March 2014

Aggregation of the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) into toxic oligomers and amyloid fibrils is linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mutations of the BRICHOS domain are associated with amyloid disease and recent in vitro data show that BRICHOS efficiently delays Aβ42 oligomerization and fibril formation. We have generated transgenic Drosophila melanogaster flies that express the Aβ42 peptide and the BRICHOS domain in the CNS. Co-expression of Aβ42 and BRICHOS results in delayed Aβ42 aggregation and dramatic improvements of both lifespan and locomotor function compared to flies expressing Aβ42 alone. Moreover, BRICHOS increases the ratio of soluble/insoluble Aβ42 and binds to deposits of Aβ42 in the fly brain. Our results show that the BRICHOS domain efficiently reduces the neurotoxic effects of Aβ42 although significant Aβ42 aggregation is taking place. We propose that BRICHOS-based approaches may be explored towards future prevention and treatment of AD.
Simple Copper(II) Schiff Base Complex as Efficient Heterogeneous Photo-Fenton-like Catalyst
Authors: Fei Bao-Li , Wang Jiang-Hong , Yan Qing-Ling , Liu Qing-Bo , Long Jian-Ying , Li Yang-Guang , Shao Kui-Zhan , Su Zhong-Min , Sun Wei-Yin
Published: March 2014

The efficient photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange was achieved by exploring two simple copper(II) Schiff base complexes [{Cu(HL)(CH3OH)}2] (1) and [Cu(HL)2] (2) (H2L = N-salicylidene-2-aminoethanol) as photo-Fenton-like catalysts. Both 1 and 2 exhibited excellent catalytic performance without an acidification process, and the mononuclear complex 2 functioned better than the dinuclear complex 1. The results suggest that 2 is advantageous for catalyzing efficient degradation of azo dye and has potential application in the effective treatment of dye-polluted water.
Electrochiroptical Response in Aqueous Media: 9,10-Dihydrophenanthrene-9,10-diyl Dications with Michlar’s Hydrol Blue Chromophores Attached with Oligoethylene Glycol Units
Authors: Suzuki Takanori , Hanada Keisuke , Katoono Ryo , Ishigaki Yusuke , Higasa Sho , Higuchi Hiroki , Kikuchi Hirotsugu , Fujiwara Kenshu , Yamada Hidetoshi , Fukushima Takanori
Published: March 2014

Upon electrochemical oxidation of configurationally stable biphenyl-based electron donors (Rax)-1a and -1b to butane-1,4-diyl dications (M)-2a2+ and -2b2+, drastic changes were induced not only in UV–vis but also in CD spectra. Because of the hydrophilic oligoethylene glycol units on the amino nitrogens, (Rax)-1b and (M)-2b2+ are soluble in water, thus realizing the electrochiroptical behavior not only in organic solvents but also in aqueous media.
Very Small Amounts of Carbon Nanotubes to Weaken Thixotropy of Polysaccharide Gels
Authors: Goda Takuro , Kurita Takashi , Mitsumata Tetsu , Sano Masahito
Published: March 2014

Additions of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to κ-carrageenan gels weaken thixotropy. The minimum volume fraction of SWCNT to κ-carrageenan necessary to affect thixotropy is about 10−4. Confocal Raman microscopy reveals that SWCNTs are preferentially located close to the hole perimeter native to the gel network. This suggests that the destruction of network initiates at the hole perimeter. By locating at the critical region, only a small amount of SWCNTs is sufficient to resist initiating destruction.
The crystal structure of S. cerevisiae Sad1, a catalytically inactive deubiquitinase that is broadly required for pre-mRNA splicing
Authors: Hadjivassiliou Haralambos , Rosenberg Oren S. , Guthrie Christine
Published: March 2014

Sad1 is an essential splicing factor initially identified in a genetic screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for snRNP assembly defects. Based on sequence homology, Sad1, or USP39 in humans, is predicted to comprise two domains: a zinc finger ubiquitin binding domain (ZnF-UBP) and an inactive ubiquitin-specific protease (iUSP) domain, both of which are well conserved. The role of these domains in splicing and their interaction with ubiquitin are unknown. We first used splicing microarrays to analyze Sad1 function in vivo and found that Sad1 is critical for the splicing of nearly all yeast intron-containing genes. By using in vitro assays, we then showed that it is required for the assembly of the active spliceosome. To gain structural insights into Sad1 function, we determined the crystal structure of the full-length protein at 1.8 Å resolution. In the structure, the iUSP domain forms the characteristic ubiquitin binding pocket, though with an amino acid substitution in the active site that results in complete inactivation of the enzymatic activity of the domain. The ZnF-UBP domain of Sad1 shares high structural similarly to other ZnF-UBPs; however, Sad1's ZnF-UBP does not possess the canonical ubiquitin binding motif. Given the precedents for ZnF-UBP domains to function as activators for their neighboring USP domains, we propose that Sad1's ZnF-UBP acts in a ubiquitin-independent capacity to recruit and/or activate Sad1's iUSP domain to interact with the spliceosome.
The β-actin mRNA zipcode regulates epithelial adherens junction assembly but not maintenance
Authors: Gutierrez Natasha , Eromobor Itua , Petrie Ryan J. , Vedula Pavan , Cruz Lissette , Rodriguez Alexis J.
Published: March 2014

Epithelial cell-cell contact stimulates actin cytoskeleton remodeling to down-regulate branched filament polymerization-driven lamellar protrusion and subsequently to assemble linear actin filaments required for E-cadherin anchoring during adherens junction complex assembly. In this manuscript, we demonstrate that de novo protein synthesis, the β-actin 3′ UTR, and the β-actin mRNA zipcode are required for epithelial adherens junction complex assembly but not maintenance. Specifically, we demonstrate that perturbing cell-cell contact-localized β-actin monomer synthesis causes epithelial adherens junction assembly defects. Consequently, inhibiting β-actin mRNA zipcode/ZBP1 interactions with β-actin mRNA zipcode antisense oligonucleotides, to intentionally delocalize β-actin monomer synthesis, is sufficient to perturb adherens junction assembly following epithelial cell-cell contact. Additionally, we demonstrate active RhoA, the signal required to drive zipcode-mediated β-actin mRNA targeting, is localized at epithelial cell-cell contact sites in a β-actin mRNA zipcode-dependent manner. Moreover, chemically inhibiting Src kinase activity prevents the local stimulation of β-actin monomer synthesis at cell-cell contact sites while inhibiting epithelial adherens junction assembly. Together, these data demonstrate that epithelial cell-cell contact stimulates β-actin mRNA zipcode-mediated monomer synthesis to spatially regulate actin filament remodeling, thereby controlling adherens junction assembly to modulate cell and tissue adhesion.
A new species of Omaloplia from Turkey (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Sericinae)
Authors: Uliana Marco
Published: March 2014

Omaloplia settorum sp. nov. is described based on a single specimen from Cappadocia, central Turkey. The new species is close to O. depilis from northern Greece, from which it is well distinct by the structure of the aedeagus.
The good, the bad and the ugly: a guide to the preparation of an ideal curriculum vitae
Authors: Markham NI
Published: March 2014

The curriculum vitae (CV) is the surgeon’s window to the world; it says more about him or her than any other document can. While the content is vital, so too is the way it is constructed and presented. Nobody can afford to have their CV not looking as good as it possibly can. Although job applications in the modern world might not always ask for a CV to be submitted, the document is, nonetheless, such a critical item that it is a wonder that many surgical juniors appear not to have taken as much trouble over its construction as one might hope.
Clinical significance of incidental findings on staging positron emission tomography for oesophagogastric malignancies
Authors: Adams HL , Jaunoo SS
Published: March 2014

Introduction

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the clinical significance of incidental findings detected on positron emission tomography (PET) in patients undergoing staging of oesophagogastric malignancies.

Methods

Patients with oesophagogastric malignancies who underwent PET between June 2007 and May 2012 were included in the study. PET was performed according to hospital protocol. All imaging was interpreted by two consultant radiologists in nuclear medicine. Incidental findings that were unrelated to the primary malignancy were recorded and patients were recommended to have further investigations (imaging, endoscopy and biopsy).

Results

Overall, 333 patients (240 male, 93 female; mean age: 67 years) with upper gastrointestinal malignancies were eligible for inclusion in the study. Eighty-nine of these patients had PET demonstrating one or more incidental findings. Two patients were found to have a second primary malignancy. One patient had a distant metastasis of his primary cancer and six patients had a premalignant lesion.

Conclusions

In this study, incidental findings were discovered in 26.7% of patients with known oesophagogastric cancer. A second primary cancer or premalignant lesion was found in 8.4% of patients with incidental findings. Patients with these findings should be investigated to rule out further malignancy. There were a high proportion of false positive results in our study. It is recommended that each patient is considered on an individual basis and assessed with simultaneous PET and computed tomography.
A rare case of foreign body impaction requiring oesophagotomy
Authors: Mallick FR , Sahota RS , Elloy MD , Conboy PJ
Published: March 2014

We report a rare case of ingestion of a large stone in a male patient with a known psychiatric disorder. Failure of endoscopic removal necessitated retrieval of the impacted stone by an open oesophagotomy. This case highlights an important yet unusual presentation and management of an oesophageal foreign body.
Thoracoabdominal herniation – but not as you know it
Authors: Wigley J , Noble F , King A
Published: March 2014

Thoracoabdominal hernias are uncommon following blunt trauma. If diaphragmatic rupture does occur, the abdominal viscera can herniate into the thorax through the diaphragm. We report a rare case of thoracoabdominal herniation in which the bowel herniated through the lateral abdominal wall, migrating cranially and entering the thorax through an intercostal defect. This case highlights the need for early and definitive surgical repair.
Bone Mineral Density in Adults With Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, and Nondisabled Adults
Authors: Geijer Justin R. , Stanish Heidi I. , Draheim Christopher C. , Dengel Donald R.
Published: March 2014

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) or Down syndrome (DS) may be at greater risk of osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to compare bone mineral density (BMD) of DS, ID, and non–intellectually disabled (NID) populations. In each group, 33 participants between the ages of 28 and 60 years were compared. BMD was measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. BMD (p < .0001) between all groups was significantly different. Participants with DS had significantly lower BMD compared to NID participants. Individuals with ID had significantly lower BMD compared to NID subjects. Participants with DS had the lowest BMD of all groups. DS subjects display a greater risk for osteoporosis than ID subjects or control populations.
Children With Chromosome 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Exhibit Impaired Spatial Working Memory
Authors: Wong Ling M. , Riggins Tracy , Harvey Danielle , Cabaral Margarita , Simon Tony J.
Published: March 2014

Individuals with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) have been shown to have impairments in processing spatiotemporal information. The authors examined whether children with 22q11.2DS exhibit impairments in spatial working memory performance due to these weaknesses, even when controlling for maintenance of attention. Children with 22q11.2DS (n  =  47) and typically developing controls (n  =  49) ages 6–15 years saw images within a grid and after a delay, then indicated the positions of the images in the correct temporal order. Children with 22q11.2DS made more spatial and temporal errors than controls. Females with 22q11.2DS made more spatial and temporal errors than males. These results extend findings of impaired spatiotemporal processing into the memory domain in 22q11.2DS by documenting their influence on working memory performance.
Clinical Decision Making and Preference Assessment for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Virués-Ortega Javier , Pritchard Kristen , Grant Robin L. , North Sebastian , Hurtado-Parrado Camilo , Lee May S. H. , Temple Bev , Julio Flávia , Yu C. T.
Published: March 2014

Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities are able to reliably express their likes and dislikes through direct preference assessment. Preferred items tend to function as rewards and can therefore be used to facilitate the acquisition of new skills and promote task engagement. A number of preference assessment methods are available and selecting the appropriate method is crucial to provide reliable and meaningful results. The authors conducted a systematic review of the preference assessment literature, and developed an evidence-informed, decision-making model to guide practitioners in the selection of preference assessment methods for a given assessment scenario. The proposed decision-making model could be a useful tool to increase the usability and uptake of preference assessment methodology in applied settings.
Coping and Psychological Health of Aging Parents of Adult Children With Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Piazza Vivian E. , Floyd Frank J. , Mailick Marsha R. , Greenberg Jan S.
Published: March 2014

Among aging parents (mean age  =  65, N  =  139) of adults with developmental disabilities, we examined the effectiveness of multiple forms of coping with caregiver burden. As expected, accommodative strategies of adapting to stress (secondary engagement), used frequently in later life, buffered the impact of caregiver burden, whereas disengagement and distraction strategies exacerbated the effects of burden on depression symptoms. Most effects were similar for mothers and fathers, and all coping strategies, including active strategies to reduce stress (primary engagement), had greater effects for the parents with co-resident children. Vulnerability to caregiver burden was greatest when the aging parents with co-resident children used disengagement and distraction coping, but those who used engagement coping were resilient.
Dual Method Use Among a Sample Of First‐Year College Women
Authors: Walsh Jennifer L. , Fielder Robyn L. , Carey Kate B. , Carey Michael P.
Published: March 2014

Context

Dual method use—using one protective method to reduce the risk of STDs and another to prevent pregnancy—is effective but understudied. No prior studies have employed an event‐level approach to examining characteristics associated with dual method use among college women.

Methods

In 12 consecutive monthly surveys conducted in 2009–2010, data on 1,843 vaginal intercourse events were collected from 296 first‐year college women. Women reported on their use of condoms and hormonal contraceptives during all events. Multilevel regression analysis was used to assess associations between event‐, month‐ and person‐level characteristics and hormonal use and dual method use.

Results

Women used hormonal contraceptives during 53% of events and condoms during 63%. Dual method use was reported 28% of the time, and only 14% of participants were consistent users of dual methods. The likelihood of dual method use was elevated when sex partners were friends as opposed to romantic partners or ex‐boyfriends (odds ratios, 2.5–2.8), and among women who had received an STD diagnosis prior to college (coefficient, 2.9); it also increased with level of religiosity (0.8). Dual use was less likely when less reliable methods were used (odds ratio, 0.2) and when women reported more months of hormonal use (0.8), were older than 18 (coefficient, −4.7) and had had a greater number of partners before college (−0.3).

Conclusions

A better understanding of the characteristics associated with dual method use may help in the design of potential intervention efforts.