bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of dialysis medical records in determining patients' interest in and suitability for transplantation
Authors: Huml Anne M. , Sullivan Catherine M. , Pencak Julie A. , Sehgal Ashwini R.
Published: June 2013

Background

We sought to determine the accuracy of dialysis medical records in identifying patients' interest in and suitability for transplantation.

Study design

Cluster randomized controlled trial.

Setting and participants

A total of 167 patients recruited from 23 hemodialysis facilities.

Intervention

Navigators met with intervention patients to provide transplant information and assistance. Control patients continued to receive usual care.

Outcomes

Agreement at study initiation between medical records and (i) patient self‐reported interest in transplantation and (ii) study assessments of medical suitability for transplant referral.

Measurements

Medical record assessments, self‐reports, and study assessments of patient's interest in and suitability for transplantation.

Results

There was disagreement between medical records and patient self‐reported interest in transplantation for 66 (40%) of the 167 study patients. In most of these cases, patients reported being more interested in transplantation than their medical records indicated. The study team determined that all 92 intervention patients were medically suitable for transplant referral. However, for 38 (41%) intervention patients, medical records indicated that they were not suitable. About two‐thirds of these patients successfully moved forward in the transplant process.

Conclusion

Dialysis medical records are frequently inaccurate in determining patient's interest in and suitability for transplantation.
Psychometric properties of outcome measures for children and adolescents with brachial plexus birth palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Bialocerkowski Andrea , O'shea Kate , Pin Tamis W
Published: June 2013

Aim

The aim of this review was to evaluate the psychometric properties of outcome measures used to quantify upper limb function in children and adolescents with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP).

Method

Eleven electronic databases were searched to identify studies on the effects of conservative management to improve upper limb function in young people with BPBP. Outcome measures used in these studies were extracted and used in a subsequent search to identify studies that evaluated the psychometric properties of these measures. The methodological quality of these studies was rated using a standardized critical appraisal tool.

Results

Thirty‐three outcome measures and 12 psychometric studies were identified. Nine outcome measures had some psychometric evidence, which was variable in quality. The outcome measures which seem to have the most robust psychometric properties include the Active Movement Scale, Assisting Hand Assessment, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Index, and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument.

Interpretation

Further research is required to determine the psychometric properties of outcome measures used for children and adolescents with BPBP. Caution is required when interpreting the results of commonly used outcome measures in this population owing to their relatively unknown psychometric properties.
Type I phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase γ is required for neuronal migration in the mouse developing cerebral cortex
Authors: Hara Yoshinobu , Fukaya Masahiro , Tamaki Hideaki , Sakagami Hiroyuki
Published: June 2013

Type I phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase (PIP5KI)γ is one of the phosphoinositide kinases that produce phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate, which is a critical regulator of cell adhesion formation, actin dynamics and membrane trafficking. Here, we examined the functional roles of PIP5KIγ in radial neuronal migration during cortical formation. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that PIP5KIγ_v2/v6 and PIP5KIγ_v3 were expressed throughout cortical development with distinct expression patterns. In situ hybridisation analysis showed that PIP5KIγ mRNA was expressed throughout the cortical layers. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that PIP5KIγ was localised in a punctate manner in the radial glia and migrating neuroblasts. Knockdown of PIP5KIγ using in utero electroporation disturbed the radial neuronal migration and recruitment of talin and focal adhesion kinase to puncta beneath the plasma membrane. The same inhibitory effect on neuronal migration was observed by overexpression of a catalytically inactive mutant of PIP5KIγ_v2 but not PIP5KIγ_v1 or PIP5KIγ_v3. These findings suggest an essential role of PIP5KIγ, particularly PIP5KIγ_i2, in neuronal migration, possibly through recruitment of adhesion components to the plasma membrane.
Consideration of the residual stress distributions in fatigue crack growth calculations for assessing welded steel joints
Authors: Al‐Mukhtar A. M.
Published: June 2013

To better understand the crack closure and propagation, an analytical model is established. The residual stress effect on fatigue crack growth equations has been considered using the residual stress intensity factor (SIF) (Kres). The joint geometries, residual stress distributions (σres) and residual stress ratio (Rres) were considered also. Kres are calculated using the analytical weight function (WF) method and different residual stress distributions. It is to be emphasized that the current approach is little investigated. This is because the WF has already been developed to calculate SIF for an existing crack. The current approach calculates Kres for the crack that initiates and propagates until failure. Different stress distributions have been used, and Rres is defined. The validity of using the WF has been shown. SIF due to applied load (Kapp) and applied stress ratio (Rapp) have been considered. Fatigue crack growth rate was investigated in accordance with the current approach. The results have been verified and benchmarked.
Plant response to climate change along the forest‐tundra ecotone in northeastern Siberia
Authors: Berner Logan T. , Beck Pieter S. A. , Bunn Andrew G. , Goetz Scott J.
Published: June 2013

Russia's boreal (taiga) biome will likely contract sharply and shift northward in response to 21st century climatic change, yet few studies have examined plant response to climatic variability along the northern margin. We quantified climate dynamics, trends in plant growth, and growth–climate relationships across the tundra shrublands and Cajander larch (Larix cajanderi Mayr.) woodlands of the Kolyma river basin (657 000 km2) in northeastern Siberia using satellite‐derived normalized difference vegetation indices (NDVI), tree ring‐width measurements, and climate data. Mean summer temperatures (Ts) increased 1.0 °C from 1938 to 2009, though there was no trend (P > 0.05) in growing year precipitation or climate moisture index (CMIgy). Mean summer NDVI (NDVIs) increased significantly from 1982 to 2010 across 20% of the watershed, primarily in cold, shrub‐dominated areas. NDVIs positively correlated (P < 0.05) with Ts across 56% of the watershed (r = 0.52 ± 0.09, mean ± SD), principally in cold areas, and with CMIgy across 9% of the watershed (r = 0.45 ± 0.06), largely in warm areas. Larch ring‐width measurements from nine sites revealed that year‐to‐year (i.e., high‐frequency) variation in growth positively correlated (P < 0.05) with June temperature (r = 0.40) and prior summer CMI (r = 0.40) from 1938 to 2007. An unexplained multi‐decadal (i.e., low‐frequency) decline in annual basal area increment (BAI) occurred following the mid‐20th century, but over the NDVI record there was no trend in mean BAI (P > 0.05), which significantly correlated with NDVIs (r = 0.44, P < 0.05, 1982–2007). Both satellite and tree‐ring analyses indicated that plant growth was constrained by both low temperatures and limited moisture availability and, furthermore, that warming enhanced growth. Impacts of future climatic change on forests near treeline in Arctic Russia will likely be influenced by shifts in both temperature and moisture, which implies that projections of future forest distribution and productivity in this area should take into account the interactions of energy and moisture limitations.
Redox proteomic evaluation of bleaching and alkali damage in human hair
Authors: Dyer J. M. , Bell F. , Koehn H. , Vernon J. A. , Cornellison C. D. , Clerens S. , Harland D. P.
Published: June 2013

Synopsis

Objective

Protein modification and damage in human hair, resulting from environmental, cosmetic and grooming stresses, create changes to visual and tactile characteristics and correlates with consumer perception of quality. This study outlines molecular‐level evaluation of modification resulting from peroxide (bleaching) and alkaline straightening (relaxing) treatments.

Methods

Redox proteomic profiling of virgin, bleached and relaxed hair tresses was performed, with comprehensive qualitative characterization of modification and semi‐quantitative evaluation of damage through adaptation of a new damage scoring system. Modifications were mapped to specific locations in the hair proteome and a range of potential damage marker peptides identified.

Results

Virgin hair contained a baseline level of modification, consistent with environmental oxidative insult during hair growth. Hydrogen peroxide bleaching resulted in significantly increased levels of oxidative damage observable at the molecular level. This treatment also resulted in enhanced levels of dehydroalanine and dehydration products; modifications typically associated with alkali or thermal treatment and not previously been reported as a product of hair bleaching. Relaxation treatment with sodium hydroxide increased the formation of dehydroalanine and dehydration products and moderately enhanced the levels of oxidation. Cysteine was the predominant modification site for both bleaching and alkali damage.

Conclusion

This study validates the utility and power of redox proteomic–based approaches to characterizing hair modification. This offers potential application to a wide range of damage types, as well as evaluation of new damage mitigation and repair technologies.
Flexible 0–3 Ceramic‐Polymer Composites of Barium Titanate and Epoxidized Natural Rubber
Authors: Salaeh Subhan , Boiteux Gisèle , Cassagnau Philippe , Nakason Charoen
Published: June 2013

Flexible composites with a high electrical permittivity are pursued in materials research, due to their potential applications in electrical devices. We synthesized such ceramic‐polymer composites from BaTiO3 and epoxidized natural rubber. The influence of BaTiO3 concentration on cure characteristics, mechanical (static & dynamic), dielectric, and morphological properties of the composites was investigated. The tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with BaTiO3 loading, while the storage modulus and permittivity of composites increased. As for dynamic electrical properties, the dielectric loss factor and tan δ of the composites showed a maximum peak within the frequency range extending up to 105 Hz, reflecting the relaxation process of the polymer matrix. All of the composites showed two peaks in the frequency dependence of electric modulus, due to conductivity and molecular relaxation. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs confirmed the 0–3 structure of composites, with isolated BaTiO3 particles.
Potential of Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound for Intracranial Hemorrhage: An in Vitro Feasibility Study
Authors: Harnof Sagi , Hananel Arik , Zilby Zion , Kulbatski Iris , Hadani Moshe , Kassell Neal
Published: June 2013

Background

Intracranial hemorrhage has a mortality rate of up to 40–60% due to the lack of effective treatment. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound may offer a breakthrough noninvasive technology, by allowing accurate delivery of focused ultrasound, under the guidance of real-time magnetic resonance imaging.

Aim

The purpose of the current study was to optimize the acoustic parameters of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound for effective clot liquefaction, in order to evaluate the feasibility of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound for thrombolysis.

Methods

Body (1.1 MHz) and brain (220 kHz) magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound systems (InSightec Ltd, Tirat Carmel, Israel) were used to treat tube-like (4 cc), round (10 cc), and bulk (300 cc) porcine blood clots in vitro, using burst sonications of one-second to five-seconds, a duty cycle of 5–50%, and peak acoustic powers between 600 and 1200 W. Liquefied volumes were measured as hyperintense regions on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images for body unit sonications (duration of one-second, duty cycle of 10%, and power of 500–1200 W). Liquefaction efficiency was calculated for brain unit sonications (duration of one-second, duty cycle of 10%, power of 600 W, and burst length between 0.1 ms and 100 ms).

Results

Liquified lesion volume increased as power was raised, without a thermal rise. For brain unit sonications, a power setting of 600 W and ultrashort sonications (burst length between 0.1 and 1.0 ms) resulted in liquefaction efficacy above 50%, while longer burst duration yielded lower efficacy.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining reproducible, rapid, efficient, and accurate blood clot lysis using the magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound system. Further in vivo studies are needed to validate the feasibility of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound as a treatment modality for intracranial hemorrhage.
Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Threshold for Delineation of Ischemic Core
Authors: Purushotham Archana , Campbell Bruce C. V. , Straka Matus , Mlynash Michael , Olivot Jean-Marc , Bammer Roland , Kemp Stephanie M. , Albers Gregory W. , Lansberg Maarten G.
Published: June 2013

Background

MRI-based selection of patients for acute stroke interventions requires rapid accurate estimation of the infarct core on diffusion-weighted MRI. Typically used manual methods to delineate restricted diffusion lesions are subjective and time consuming. These limitations would be overcome by a fully automated method that can rapidly and objectively delineate the ischemic core. An automated method would require predefined criteria to identify the ischemic core.

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine apparent diffusion coefficient-based criteria that can be implemented in a fully automated software solution for identification of the ischemic core.

Methods

Imaging data from patients enrolled in the Diffusion and Perfusion Imaging Evaluation for Understanding Stroke Evolution (DEFUSE) study who had early revascularization following intravenous thrombolysis were included. The patients' baseline restricted diffusion and 30–day T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery lesions were manually delineated after coregistration. Parts of the restricted diffusion lesion that corresponded with 30-day infarct were considered ischemic core, whereas parts that corresponded with normal brain parenchyma at 30 days were considered noncore. The optimal apparent diffusion coefficient threshold to discriminate core from noncore voxels was determined by voxel-based receiver operating characteristics analysis using the Youden index.

Results

51 045 diffusion positive voxels from 14 patients who met eligibility criteria were analyzed. The mean DWI lesion volume was 24 (± 23) ml. Of this, 18 (± 22) ml was ischemic core and 3 (± 5) ml was noncore. The remainder corresponded to preexisting gliosis, cerebrospinal fluid, or was lost to postinfarct atrophy. The apparent diffusion coefficient of core was lower than that of noncore voxels ( P < 0·0001). The optimal threshold for identification of ischemic core was an apparent diffusion coefficient ≤620 × 10−6mm2/s (sensitivity 69% and specificity 78%).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the ischemic core can be identified with an absolute apparent diffusion coefficient threshold. This threshold can be implemented in image analysis software for fully automated segmentation of the ischemic core.
An improved best‐fit heuristic for the orthogonal strip packing problem
Authors: Verstichel Jannes , De Causmaecker Patrick , Berghe Greet Vanden
Published: June 2013

The best‐fit heuristic is a simple and powerful tool for solving the two‐dimensional orthogonal strip packing problem. It is the most efficient constructive heuristic on a wide range of rectangular strip packing benchmark problems. In this paper, the results of the original best‐fit heuristic are further improved by adding new item orderings and item placement strategies, resulting in the three‐way best‐fit heuristic. By applying these steps, significantly better results are obtained in comparable computation time. Furthermore, some data structures are implemented, which increase the scalability of the heuristic for large problem instances and a slightly altered heuristic with an optimal time complexity is proposed. Both heuristics produce similar results, but the optimal time heuristic is significantly faster than the three‐way best‐fit heuristic on all but the smallest instances.
Learning from the past: functional ecology of marine benthos during eight million years of aperiodic hypoxia, lessons from the Late Jurassic
Authors: Caswell B. A. , Frid C. L. J.
Published: June 2013

Deoxygenation has profound effects on marine biota and delivery of ecological functions in benthic systems. Globally, coastal and oceanic hypoxia is rapidly increasing due to anthropogenic activities including climate change and eutrophication. Little is known about the response of marine ecosystems to deoxygenation over long timescales and the consequences this will have for functioning. This study presents results from biological traits analysis (BTA) of 21 time averaged benthic palaeocommunities from the Wessex Basin, Dorset, UK representing ˜8 million years of fluctuating regional hypoxia during the Kimmeridgian (˜ 148–155 Ma). BTA assesses ecosystem functioning using biological traits expressed by species and has not previously been applied to palaeocommunity data.

The preserved remains of the palaeocommunities contained gastropods, brachiopods, scaphopods, bryozoans, serpulids, hydroids and crustaceans, but were dominated by bivalves. Significant changes in species composition are shown within periods of less intense hypoxia, but during these periods trait composition did not significantly differ implying conservation of ecological function. However, significant changes in functioning occurred between periods of extremely different palaeoredox state. Proportionally more surface living or shallow burrowing species with traits suggestive of opportunists occurred during periods of low oxygen availability. Morphological differences of hypoxic communities included higher relative abundance of organisms with thinner skeletons (< 0.5 mm) composed of less soluble forms of calcite that may be linked to acidity. These changes are similar to those for modern benthos exposed to hypoxia.

Investigation of functional changes that occurred during ancient hypoxic events can be used to infer the magnitude, thresholds, and rates of long‐term functional change in modern communities. Results from this study suggest that during de‐oxygenation delivery of normal benthic functioning will initially be maintained, but will collapse once thresholds are reached. This is consistent with the patterns emerging for contemporary systems where functional collapse is associated with hysteresis and threshold effects.
Cascading effects of predatory fish on the composition of benthic algae in high‐altitude streams
Authors: Alvarez Maruxa , Peckarsky Barbara L.
Published: June 2013

Cascading effects of predators can affect ecosystem properties by changing plant biomass, distribution and assemblage composition. Using data from field surveys and whole‐stream experiments we tested the hypothesis that predatory trout change assemblage composition of benthic algae in high‐elevation streams mediated by grazer behavior. Field surveys revealed that the taxonomic composition of algal assemblages differed significantly between streams that contained trout and those that were fishless; but comparisons of palatable versus unpalatable algal taxa between fish and fishless streams were equivocal because of high natural variability. Therefore, we tested for a behavioral (non‐consumptive) trophic cascade experimentally by adding brook trout chemical cues to six naturally fishless streams for 25 days and compared responses of grazers and algae to six reference streams without fish cues added. Algal response variables included rates of change in the abundance of three physiognomic categories, from most palatable (attached erect and prostrate diatoms) to least palatable (non‐diatoms), as determined from food selectivity analyses of the most common grazers (mayflies and caddisflies). Fish cues did not affect the mean densities or changes in densities of total grazers or any individual grazer species. However, in streams where fish cues were added, rates of accrual of attached erect diatoms, which was the preferred algal type for the grazer most vulnerable to trout predation (Baetis), were higher and their densities increased significantly faster with increasing densities of this grazer species than in reference streams. Results of his experiment support the hypothesis that predator induced suppression of grazer foraging behavior, rather than cascading effects of top predators on grazer density, may contribute to variation in the composition of algal assemblages among streams by allowing proliferation of most palatable algal species.
MiR‐492 impairs the angiogenic potential of endothelial cells
Authors: Patella Francesca , Leucci Eleonora , Evangelista Monica , Parker Brian , Wen Jiayu , Mercatanti Alberto , Rizzo Milena , Chiavacci Elena , Lund Anders H. , Rainaldi Giuseppe
Published: June 2013

Endothelial cells growing in high glucose‐containing medium show reduced cell proliferation and in vitro angiogenesis. Evidence suggests that the molecular pathways leading to these cellular responses are controlled by microRNAs, endogenous post‐transcriptional regulators of gene expression. To identify the microRNAs and their targeted genes involved in the glucose responses, we performed the miRNA signature of Human Umbelical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) exposed and unexposed to high glucose. Among differentially expressed microRNAs, we analysed miR‐492 and showed that its overexpression was able to reduce proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVEC. These effects were accompanied by the down‐regulation of eNOS, a key regulator of the endothelial cell function. We showed that eNOS was indirectly down‐regulated by miR‐492 and we discovered that miR‐492 was able to bind mRNAs involved in proliferation, migration, tube formation and regulation of eNOS activity and expression. Moreover, we found that miR‐492 decreased VEGF expression in HUVEC and impaired in vivo angiogenesis in a tumour xenograft model, suggesting a role also in modulating the secretion of pro‐angiogenic factors. Taken together, the data indicate that miR‐492 exerts a potent anti‐angiogenic activity in endothelial cells and therefore miR‐492 seems a promising tool for anti‐angiogenic therapy.
Timing of energy intake during the day is associated with the risk of obesity in adults
Authors: Wang J. B. , Patterson R. E. , Ang A. , Emond J. A. , Shetty N. , Arab L.
Published: June 2013

Background

The timing of energy intake is a modifiable behaviour that may influence energy regulation and the risk of obesity. We examined the associations of energy intake in the morning, midday and evening with body mass index (BMI) (n = 239).

Methods

Cross‐sectional analyses were performed using data from the University of California, Los Angeles Energetics Study. Energy intake was assessed using three 24‐h dietary recalls and stratified by time‐of‐day: morning (00.00 h to 11.00 h), midday (11.00 h to 17.00 h) and evening (17.00 h to 00.00 h). Sensitivity analysis was conducted among ‘true‐reporters’, whose self‐reported energy intake was ±25% of total energy expenditure measured by doubly‐labelled water (n = 99). Logistic regression models were performed adjusting for age, sex, race, education, total daily energy intake and physical activity.

Results

Energy intake in the morning was not associated with BMI. Participants who consumed ≥33% (versus <33%) of their daily energy intake at 12.00 h were (nonsignificantly) less likely to be overweight/obese [odds ratio (OR) = 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.37–1.24] and this association was stronger and statistically significant among true‐reporters (OR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.12–0.95). Those who consumed ≥33% of daily energy intake in the evening were two‐fold more likely overweight/obese (OR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.03–3.89), although this association was not significant among true‐reporters (OR = 2.10; 95% CI = 0.60–7.29).

Conclusions

These data indicate that eating more of the day's total energy intake at midday is associated with a lower risk of being overweight/obese, whereas consuming more in the evening is associated with a higher risk. Randomised trials are needed to test whether shifting energy intake earlier in the day could have a regulatory effect with respect to reducing intake in the evening, thereby promoting weight loss and maintenance.
High levels of circulating CD34+/VEGFR3+ lymphatic/vascular endothelial progenitor cells is correlated with lymph node metastasis in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Qiu Huiling , Cao Lili , Wang Dan , Xu Huicheng , Liang Zhiqing
Published: June 2013

Aim

Lymph node metastasis is one of the predictive factors associated with poor prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer. To clarify the role of CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐3‐positive (CD34+/VEGFR3+) lymphatic/vascular endothelial progenitor cells (LVEPC) in patients with lymph node metastasis and epithelial ovarian cancer progression, the levels of circulating CD34+/VEGFR3+ LVEPC in epithelial ovarian cancer patients were detected. We also tested the plasma protein levels of VEGF and stromal cell‐derived factor to find out their possible relationships with lymph node metastasis in our epithelial ovarian cancer cohort.

Material and Methods

Peripheral blood samples were collected from 54 patients diagnosed as epithelial ovarian cancer, and 31 normal samples as control. The circulating levels of LVEPC were carried out by flow cytometry, and blood protein levels of biomarkers were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The level of circulating LVEPC was significantly higher in patients with ovarian cancer compared with that of healthy controls. There was also a statistically significant correlation between LVEPC levels and surgical staging of epithelial ovarian cancer (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The circulating levels of bone marrow‐derived LVEPC are significantly increased in epithelial ovarian cancer patients and these levels correlate with lymph node metastasis too.
Effect of ovariectomy, 17‐beta estradiol, and progesterone on histology and estrogen receptors of bladder in female partial bladder outlet obstruction rat model
Authors: Kim Il Dong , Ahn Ki Hoon , Lee Sanghoon , Hong Soon Cheol , Kim Sun Haeng , Kim Tak
Published: June 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bilateral ovariectomy (OVX), 17‐beta estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) on the histology and estrogen receptor (ER) expression of the bladder using a female partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) rat model.

Material and Methods

A total of 60 female Sprague–Dawley rats were evenly assigned into six groups of 10 each. Group A served as the control. Groups B–F underwent induced pBOO. Groups C–F underwent OVX. Groups D–F were given E2 (0.1 mg/kg/day), Group E was given P4 (1 mg/kg/day), and Group F was given P4 and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (300 μg/kg/day) by an Alzet pump. Four weeks later, serum E2 and P4 levels were evaluated. Each rat was anesthetized and the urinary bladder was removed for weighing and histological study.

Results

Expression of ER‐β was not significantly different between the control group and the other study groups. pBOO was shown to increase both bladder weight and detrusor muscle thickness. OVX had an additive effect to BOO on increased blood vessel density in the bladder. E2 was shown to increase blood vessel density, while P4 supplementation decreased blood vessel density. DHEA did not cause any significant effects on blood vessel density.

Conclusion

Hormone therapy did not change the expression of ER in bladder outlet obstruction. Estradiol stimulated the increased angiogenesis of the bladder detrusor but P4 decreased the angiogenesis of the bladder detrusor. DHEA had no effect on the bladder detrusor.
Clinging to Slim Chances: The Dynamics of Anticipating Regret When Developing New Products
Authors: Sarangee Kumar , Schmidt Jeffrey B. , Wallman Jeffrey P.
Published: June 2013

This paper focuses on the effects of anticipated regret during large‐scale investment projects—namely new product development. Anticipated regret means worrying about the future, and decision‐makers experience it prior to both making a decision and knowing the outcome of that decision. It is forward‐looking while actual regret is backward‐looking. Decision‐makers must make project continuation/termination decisions with conflicting pressures. If they continue it, they might receive disconfirming information in the future and therefore regret their decision. If they stop it, they also might regret that decision later, too, if they subsequently conclude it was an error to do so. We term these conflicting pressures anticipated “keep” and “drop” regret, respectively. In the main study, nearly 300 individuals completed a decision‐making exercise in which a failing new product development project was evaluated, and various factors were measured, including both types of anticipated regret at multiple points in the project. The results show that decision‐makers anticipate regret when making project continuation decisions, and anticipated keep and drop regret exert pressures that differ in direction and magnitude. Most interestingly, anticipated drop regret does not diminish as the failing project progresses whereas anticipated keep regret increases as more negative information is received over the course of the project. A second, smaller study was conducted using a different population, and the results of the main study were replicated in this supplemental study, thereby adding confidence in these findings.
Hypomethylation of long interspersed nuclear element‐1 promoter is associated with poor outcomes for curative resected hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gao Xu‐dong , Qu Jian‐hui , Chang Xiu‐juan , Lu Yin‐ying , Bai Wen‐lin , Wang Hong , Xu Zhong‐xian , An Lin‐jing , Wang Chun‐ping , Zeng Zhen , Yang Yong‐ping
Published: June 2013

Background

Epigenetic alterations are well documented in hepatocarcinogenesis. However, hypomethylation of long interspersed nuclear element 1(LINE‐1) promoter and its relationship with clinicopathological features in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown.

Methods

The bisulfite‐specific PCR and DNA sequencing analysis was performed to assess the methylation status of LINE‐1 promoter in a pilot cohort of 71 patients with HCC. Additionally, methylation levels of two hot CpG sites of LINE‐1 promoter, site 7 and 18 were measured by real‐time PCR and compared with clinicopathological parameters in a cohort of 172 HCC. All the patients included were in BCLC stage A or B.

Results

Most patients with HCC (87.3%) showed hypomethylation of LINE‐1 promoter compared with HBV‐related cirrhosis and normal controls (P < 0.001). The HCC patients with LINE‐1 promoter hypomethylation had a median tumour‐free survival (TFS) and overall survival (OS) post‐resection of 22.0 (95% CI: 13.3–30.7) months and 35.0 (95% CI: 24.0–46.1) months, respectively, compared with 40 months and ~60 months for those with LINE‐1 promoter hypermethylation (P < 0.05). Multivariate analyses showed that the hypomethylation level at CpG site 7 and 18 of LINE‐1 promoter, along with tumour size and tumour differentiation, was independently associated with both TFS and OS for patients with HCC after resection.

Conclusion

Promoter hypomethylation of LINE‐1, especially at the CpG site 7 and 18, was associated with a poor prognosis in HCC.
Genetic evidence for a high diversity and wide distribution of endemic strains of the pathogenic chytrid fungusBatrachochytrium dendrobatidisin wildAsian amphibians
Authors: Bataille Arnaud , Fong Jonathan J. , Cha Moonsuk , Wogan Guinevere O. U. , Baek Hae Jun , Lee Hang , Min Mi‐Sook , Waldman Bruce
Published: June 2013

Population declines and extinctions of amphibians have been attributed to the chytrid fungusBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd), especially one globally emerging recombinant lineage (‘Bd‐GPL’). We usedPCRassays that target the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) ofBd to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity ofBd inSouthKorea, whereBd is widely distributed but is not known to cause morbidity or mortality in wild populations. We isolatedKoreanBd strains from native amphibians with low infection loads and compared them to known worldwideBd strains using 19 polymorphicSNPand microsatellite loci.Bd prevalence ranged between 12.5 and 48.0%, in 11 of 17 nativeKorean species, and 24.7% in the introduced bullfrogLithobates catesbeianus. Based onITSsequence variation, 47 of the 50 identified Korean haplotypes formed a group closely associated with a nativeBrazilianBd lineage, separated from theBd‐GPLlineage. However, multilocus genotyping of threeKoreanBd isolates revealed strong divergence from both Bd‐GPLand the nativeBrazilianBd lineages. Thus, theITSregion resolves genotypes that diverge fromBd‐GPLbut otherwise generates ambiguous phylogenies. Our results point to the presence of highly diversified endemic strains ofBd acrossAsian amphibian species. The rarity ofBd‐GPL‐associated haplotypes suggests that either this lineage was introduced intoKorea only recently orBd‐GPLhas been outcompeted by nativeBd strains. Our results highlight the need to consider possible complex interactions among nativeBd lineages,Bd‐GPLand their associated amphibian hosts when assessing the spread and impact ofBd‐GPLon worldwide amphibian populations.
Artificial neural network is highly predictive of outcome in paediatric acute liver failure
Authors: Rajanayagam J. , Frank E. , Shepherd R. W. , Lewindon P. J.
Published: June 2013

Current prognostic models in PALF are unreliable, failing to account for complex, non‐linear relationships existing between multiple prognostic factors. A computational approach using ANN should provide superior modelling to PELD‐MELD scores. We assessed the prognostic accuracy of PELD‐MELD scores and ANN in PALF in children presenting to the QLTS, Australia. A comprehensive registry‐based data set was evaluated in 54 children (32M, 22F, median age 17 month) with PALF. PELD‐MELD scores calculated at (i) meeting PALF criteria and (ii) peak. ANN was evaluated using stratified 10‐fold cross‐validation. Outcomes were classified as good (transplant‐free survival) or poor (death or LT) and predictive accuracy compared using AUROC curves. Mean PELD‐MELD scores were significantly higher in non‐transplanted non‐survivors (i) 37 and (ii) 46 and transplant recipients (i) 32 and (ii) 43 compared to transplant‐free survivors (i) 26 and (ii) 30. Threshold PELD‐MELD scores ≥27 and ≥42, at meeting PALF criteria and peak, gave AUROC 0.71 and 0.86, respectively, for poor outcome. ANN showed superior prediction for poor outcome with AUROC 0.96, sensitivity 82.6%, specificity 96%, PPV 96.2% and NPV 85.7% (cut‐off 0.5). ANN is superior to PELD‐MELD for predicting poor outcome in PALF.
Parallel comparison of apheresis‐collected platelet concentrates stored in four different additive solutions
Authors: Nogawa M. , Naito Y. , Chatani M. , Onodera H. , Shiba M. , Okazaki H. , Matsuzaki K. , Satake M. , Nakajima K. , Tadokoro K.
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

Partially replacing plasma with additive solutions in platelet (PLT) concentrates (PCs) may help to reduce transfusion reactions. Constituents of PLT additive solutions (PASs) have been revealed to affect the quality of PCs. Previous studies involved pairwise comparison of identical PLTs with two different PASs or multicomparison using random PLTs with three or more PASs. In this study, we performed parallel comparison using PCs from identical donors with four PASs. In addition to traditional parameters, the release of bioactive substances and plasma proteins was assessed.

Materials and Methods

Platelets collected four times by apheresis from three donors were suspended in Intersol, SSP+, Composol or M‐sol with 35% autologous plasma. The PC parameters, including PLT activation markers, glucose consumption, chemokines and plasma proteins, were assessed during 5‐day storage.

Results

Mean PLT volumes were decreased in SSP+, Composol and M‐sol after 5‐day storage, with significant differences, whereas the hypertonic shock response (HSR) was decreased only in Intersol. Glucose consumption was faster in Intersol and M‐sol than in SSP+ or Composol. PLT activation, determined as CD62P, sCD62P, sCD40L and RANTES, was significantly higher in Intersol than the other three PASs. No marked change was observed in fibrinopeptide A and C3a in any PASs.

Conclusions

M‐sol, SSP+ and Composol effectively preserved the quality of PCs. PLT activation was significantly enhanced in Intersol compared with the other three PASs. These effects seem to depend on magnesium and potassium as a constituent. Parallel comparison further verified that the PC quality largely depended on PASs but not donors.
A Cross‐Sectional Study Examining the Prevalence and Risk Factors for Anti‐Microbial‐Resistant Generic Escherichia coli in Domestic Dogs that Frequent Dog Parks in Three Cities in South‐Western Ontario, Canada
Authors: Procter T. D. , Pearl D. L. , Finley R. L. , Leonard E. K. , Janecko N. , Reid‐Smith R. J. , Weese J. S. , Peregrine A. S. , Sargeant J. M.
Published: June 2013

Anti‐microbial resistance can threaten health by limiting treatment options and increasing the risk of hospitalization and severity of infection. Companion animals can shed anti‐microbial‐resistant bacteria that may result in the exposure of other dogs and humans to anti‐microbial‐resistant genes. The prevalence of anti‐microbial‐resistant generic Escherichia coli in the faeces of dogs that visited dog parks in south‐western Ontario was examined and risk factors for shedding anti‐microbial‐resistant generic E. coli identified. From May to August 2009, canine faecal samples were collected at ten dog parks in three cities in south‐western Ontario, Canada. Owners completed a questionnaire related to pet characteristics and management factors including recent treatment with antibiotics. Faecal samples were collected from 251 dogs, and 189 surveys were completed. Generic E. coli was isolated from 237 of the faecal samples, and up to three isolates per sample were tested for anti‐microbial susceptibility. Eighty‐nine percent of isolates were pan‐susceptible; 82.3% of dogs shed isolates that were pan‐susceptible. Multiclass resistance was detected in 7.2% of the isolates from 10.1% of the dogs. Based on multilevel multivariable logistic regression, a risk factor for the shedding of generic E. coli resistant to ampicillin was attending dog day care. Risk factors for the shedding of E. coli resistant to at least one anti‐microbial included attending dog day care and being a large mixed breed dog, whereas consumption of commercial dry and home cooked diets was protective factor. In a multilevel multivariable model for the shedding of multiclass‐resistant E. coli, exposure to compost and being a large mixed breed dog were risk factors, while consumption of a commercial dry diet was a sparing factor. Pet dogs are a potential reservoir of anti‐microbial‐resistant generic E. coli; some dog characteristics and management factors are associated with the prevalence of anti‐microbial‐resistant generic E. coli in dogs.
A Numerical Investigation of Turbulent Flow and Heat Transfer in Rectangular Channels With Elliptic Scale-Roughened Walls
Authors: Zhou Feng , Catton Ivan
Published: June 2013

In the present paper, rectangular channels with six types of elliptic scale-roughened walls for heat transfer enhancement are numerically studied. Heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics for sixteen different scale-roughened models (with the scale height varying in the range from 1 mm to 2.5 mm) are numerically predicted using commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, Ansys cfx. The turbulent model employed is the k–ω based shear–stress transport (SST) model with automatic wall function treatment. In the performance evaluation, we use a “universal” porous media length scale based on volume averaging theory (VAT) to define the Reynolds number, Nusselt number, and friction factor. It is found that heat transfer performance is most favorable when the elliptic scales are oriented with their long axis perpendicular to the flow direction, while the scales elongated in the flow direction have lower Nusselt numbers and pressure drops compared with the circular scale-roughened channels. Results indicate that the scale-shaped roughness strongly spins the flow in the spanwise direction, which disrupts the near-wall boundary layers continuously and enhances the bulk flow mixing. With the flow marching in a more intense spiral pattern, a 40% improvement of heat transfer enhancement over the circular scale-roughened channels is observed.
Deep Cortical Layers Are Activated Directly by Thalamus
Authors: Constantinople Christine M. , Bruno Randy M.
Published: June 2013

A Direct Line in the Brain

For decades, neuroscientists have assumed that there is a “canonical microcircuit” in the neo cortex, in which information is transformed as excitation spreads serially along connections from thalamus, to cortical layer 4, then to layers 2/3, to layers 5/6, and finally to other brain regions. Each cortical layer is thought to transform sensory signals to extract behaviorally relevant information. Now,
Constantinople and Bruno
(p.
1591
) challenge this dogma. In vivo whole-cell recordings revealed that sensory stimuli activate neurons in deep cortical layers simultaneously to those in layer 4 and that a large number of thalamic neurons converge onto deep pyramidal neurons, possibly allowing sensory information to completely bypass upper layers. Temporary blockade of layer 4 revealed that synaptic input to deep cortical layers derived entirely from the thalamus and not at all from upper cortical layers. This thalamically derived synaptic input reliably drove pyramidal neurons in layer 5 to discharge action potentials in the living animal. These deep layer neurons project to numerous higher-order brain regions and could directly mediate behavior.
Mechanism of Eukaryotic RNA Polymerase III Transcription Termination
Authors: Nielsen Soren , Yuzenkova Yulia , Zenkin Nikolay
Published: June 2013

Stopping Transcription

It is as important to terminate any biological process as it is to start it. Transcription, copying information encoded in genes into RNA, requires accurate and timely termination.

Nielsen
et al.

(p.
1577
) present a mechanism for transcription termination by RNA polymerase III, the enzyme that synthesizes the majority of RNA molecules in eukaryotes. In this scenario, the folding of the RNA as it is transcribed by polymerase into a highly structured transcript causes termination at the end of its synthesis. This mechanism may serve as a control of proper folding of structural or catalytic RNAs synthesized by RNA polymerase III. Comparison with other organisms suggests that this mechanism emerged before divergence of bacteria and eukaryotes.
More Can Be Better in N
2
Activation
Authors: Fryzuk Michael D.
Published: June 2013

A soluble trititanium hydride cluster cleaves molecular nitrogen and forms N-H bonds.

[Also see Report by

Shima
et al.

]
Garbage Truck of the Brain
Authors: Nedergaard Maiken
Published: June 2013

An intercellular “glymphatic” pathway clears cell waste from the brain and may reveal new targets for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Macaque Paneth Cells Express Lymphoid Chemokine CXCL13 and Other Antimicrobial Peptides Not Previously Described as Expressed in Intestinal Crypts
Authors: Lucero Carissa M. , Fallert Junecko Beth , Klamar Cynthia R. , Sciullo Lauren A. , Berendam Stella J. , Cillo Anthony R. , Qin Shulin , Sui Yongjun , Sanghavi Sonali , Murphey-Corb Michael A. , Reinhart Todd A.
Published: June 2013

CXCL13 is a constitutively expressed chemokine that controls migration of immune cells to lymphoid follicles. Previously, we found CXCL13 mRNA levels increased in rhesus macaque spleen tissues during AIDS. This led us to examine the levels and locations of CXCL13 by detailed
in situ
methods in cynomolgus macaque lymphoid and intestinal tissues. Our results revealed that there were distinct localization patterns of CXCL13 mRNA compared to protein in germinal centers. These patterns shifted during the course of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, with increased mRNA expression within and around follicles during AIDS compared to uninfected or acutely infected animals. Unexpectedly, CXCL13 expression was also found in abundance in Paneth cells in crypts throughout the small intestine. Therefore, we expanded our analyses to include chemokines and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) not previously demonstrated to be expressed by Paneth cells in intestinal tissues. We examined the expression patterns of multiple chemokines, including CCL25, as well as α-defensin 6 (DEFA6), β-defensin 2 (BDEF2), rhesus θ-defensin 1 (RTD-1), and Reg3γ
in situ
in intestinal tissues. Of the 10 chemokines examined, CXCL13 was unique in its expression by Paneth cells. BDEF2, RTD-1, and Reg3γ were also expressed by Paneth cells. BDEF2 and RTD-1 previously have not been shown to be expressed by Paneth cells. These findings expand our understanding of mucosal immunology, innate antimicrobial defenses, homeostatic chemokine function, and host protective mechanisms against microbial translocation.
Measles Virus Nonstructural C Protein Modulates Viral RNA Polymerase Activity by Interacting with Host Protein SHCBP1
Authors: Ito Minako , Iwasaki Masaharu , Takeda Makoto , Nakamura Takanori , Yanagi Yusuke , Ohno Shinji
Published: June 2013

Most viruses possess strategies to circumvent host immune responses. The measles virus (MV) nonstructural C protein suppresses the interferon response, thereby allowing efficient viral growth, but its detailed mechanism has been unknown. We identified Shc Src homology 2 domain-binding protein 1 (SHCBP1) as one of the host proteins interacting with the C protein. Knockdown of SHCBP1 using a short-hairpin RNA greatly reduced MV growth. SHCBP1 was found to be required for viral RNA synthesis in the minigenome assay and to bind to the MV phosphoprotein, a subunit of the viral RNA polymerase. A stretch of 12 amino acid residues in the C protein were sufficient for SHCBP1 binding, and the peptide containing these 12 residues could suppress MV RNA synthesis, like the full-length C protein. The central region of SHCBP1 was found to bind to the C protein, as well as the phosphoprotein, but the two viral proteins did not compete for SHCBP1 binding. Our results indicate that the C protein modulates MV RNA polymerase activity by binding to the host protein SHCBP1. SHCBP1 may be exploited as a target of antiviral compounds.