bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abiotic constraints on the activity of tropical lizards
Authors: Logan Michael L. , Fernandez Sarah G. , Calsbeek Ryan
Published: November 2014

Many tropical ectotherms are considered vulnerable to anthropogenic climate change because they have evolved to become thermal specialists. Indeed, several recent studies have suggested that even small increases in mean operative temperature may lead to a reduction in activity and the subsequent extinction of populations. Within the tropics, lizards are considered particularly vulnerable due to the potential for climate change to directly impact physiology and alter community interactions. However, models usually focus on the effects of mean operative temperature at the expense of other climate variables that may also affect lizard physiology.

We used daily variation in operative temperature, humidity and wind speed to examine how changes in climate influence activity in two species of lizards from the island of Cayo Menor, Honduras. Anolis lemurinus is a forest species, whereas A. allisoni is an open‐habitat species. We conducted daily surveys for active lizards in habitat typical to each species, while simultaneously measuring operative thermal environments with physical models. The effects of the thermal environment were considered in the context of the thermal sensitivity of locomotor performance for each species and compared with the effects of the hydric (humidity) and convective (wind) environments.

When all surveys were combined into a single analysis, the activity of the forest species Anolis lemurinus was positively correlated with wind speed, the spatial heterogeneity of operative temperature, and the mismatch between mean operative temperature and the optimal temperature for sprint performance. Mean operative temperature did significantly affect Anolis lemurinus activity, but only when it was above their thermal optimum. Activity of the open‐habitat species A. allisoni was negatively correlated with wind speed, but was not related to any other climate variable.

Whereas the mismatch between mean operative temperature and the thermal optimum for performance predicted the activity level of the forest species in ways partially consistent with its use in models for the response of lizards to climate change, the effects of the abiotic environment were habitat dependent. Our results suggest that successfully predicting the biological impacts of climate change will require holistic models that account for more than changes in mean temperature alone.
The Hidden American Immigration Consensus: A Conjoint Analysis of Attitudes toward Immigrants
Authors: Hainmueller Jens , Hopkins Daniel J.
Published: November 2014

Many studies have examined Americans' immigration attitudes. Yet prior research frequently confounds multiple questions, including which immigrants to admit and how many to admit. To isolate attitudes on the former question, we use a conjoint experiment that simultaneously tests the influence of nine immigrant attributes in generating support for admission. Drawing on a two‐wave, population‐based survey, we demonstrate that Americans view educated immigrants in high‐status jobs favorably, whereas they view those who lack plans to work, entered without authorization, are Iraqi, or do not speak English unfavorably. Strikingly, Americans' preferences vary little with their own education, partisanship, labor market position, ethnocentrism, or other attributes. Beneath partisan divisions over immigration lies a broad consensus about who should be admitted to the country. The results are consistent with norms‐based and sociotropic explanations of immigration attitudes. This consensus points to limits in both theories emphasizing economic and cultural threats, and sheds new light on an ongoing policy debate.
Explaining Explanations: How Legislators Explain their Policy Positions and How Citizens React
Authors: Grose Christian R. , Malhotra Neil , Parks Van Houweling Robert
Published: November 2014

Legislators claim that how they explain their votes matters as much as or more than the roll calls themselves. However, few studies have systematically examined legislators’ explanations and citizen attitudes in response to these explanations. We theorize that legislators strategically tailor explanations to constituents in order to compensate for policy choices that are incongruent with constituent preferences, and to reinforce policy choices that are congruent. We conduct a within‐subjects field experiment using U.S. senators as subjects to test this hypothesis. We then conduct a between‐subjects survey experiment of ordinary people to see how they react to the explanatory strategies used by senators in the field experiment. We find that most senators tailor their explanations to their audiences, and that these tailored explanations are effective at currying support—especially among people who disagree with the legislators’ roll‐call positions.
Receptor activator for nuclear factor‐κB ligand signaling promotes progesterone‐mediated estrogen‐induced mammary carcinogenesis
Authors: Boopalan Thiyagarajan , Arumugam Arunkumar , Parada Jacqueline , Saltzstein Edward , Lakshmanaswamy Rajkumar
Published: November 2014

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer‐related death in women. Prolonged exposure to the ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone increases the risk of breast cancer. Although estrogen is known as a primary factor in mammary carcinogenesis, very few studies have investigated the role of progesterone. Receptor activator for nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) ligand (RANKL) plays an important role in progesterone‐induced mammary carcinogenesis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying RANKL‐induced mammary carcinogenesis remains unknown. In our current study, we show that RANKL induces glioma‐associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI‐1) in estrogen‐induced progesterone‐mediated mammary carcinogenesis. In vivo experiments were carried out using ACI rats and in vitro experiments were carried out in MCF‐7 cells. In ACI rats, mifepristone significantly reduced the incidence of mammary tumors. Likewise, mifepristone also inhibited the proliferation of MCF‐7 cells. Hormone treatments induced RANKL, receptor activator of NF‐κB (RANK), and NF‐κB in a protein kinase B‐dependent manner and inhibited apoptosis by activation of anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl2 in mammary tumors and MCF‐7 cells. Mechanistic studies in MCF‐7 cells reveal that RANKL induced upstream stimulatory factor‐1 and NF‐κB, resulting in subsequent activation of their downstream target GLI‐1. We have identified that progesterone mediates estrogen‐induced mammary carcinogenesis through activation of GLI‐1 in a RANKL‐dependent manner.
What can reunification of East and West Germany tell us about the cause of the allergy epidemic?
Authors: Krämer U. , Schmitz R. , Ring J. , Behrendt H.
Published: November 2014

The increase of allergies in East Germany – reaching West German prevalence shortly after the reunification – is considered a model for the allergy epidemic in the western world. Whether such a pattern was observed in all comparison studies and for all allergic manifestations is not known because a complete overview is missing. Hints about possible causal factors for the allergy epidemic could be gained by identifying known risk factors, which explain the observed pattern of allergy development in Germany. Again, an overview about these efforts is missing. We identified 14 cross‐sectional studies conducted after 1989 and calculated prevalence ratios (West/East) for asthma, hayfever, eczema and allergic sensitization. Additionally, a tabular overview about the explanatory power of risk factors hypothesized in the nineties and covering outdoor exposure, indoor factors, early childhood influences, nutrition as well as awareness is given. At the time of the German reunification, the prevalence ratio West/East was largest for hayfever and sensitization to birch pollen, less pronounced for the other phenotypes and even less than one for atopic eczema. Hayfever and sensitization to birch pollen also showed the steepest increase in East Germany afterwards. Single‐room heating with fossil fuels and living as only child in a family were identified as explaining up to 23.5% of the excess trend in East compared to the trend in West. Hayfever as most typical atopic disease showed the difference in allergy pattern between East and West Germany clearest. Risk factors identified for these phenotypes are completely different (single child) or even act in the opposite direction (single‐room heating) from classical risk factors for airway diseases. This might be the most important lesson from the West/East German experience. It already stimulated many other studies focussing on protective factors such as microbial stimulation.
How should a district general hospital immunology service screen for anti-nuclear antibodies? An ‘in-the-field’ audit
Authors: Hira-Kazal R , Shea-Simonds P , Peacock J L , Maher J
Published: November 2014

Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) testing assists in the diagnosis of several immune-mediated disorders. The gold standard method for detection of these antibodies is by indirect immunofluorescence testing on human epidermoid laryngeal carcinoma (HEp-2) cells. However, many laboratories test for these antibodies using solid-phase assays such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which allows for higher throughput testing at reduced cost. In this study, we have audited the performance of a previously established ELISA assay to screen for ANA, making comparison with the gold standard HEp-2 immunofluorescence test. A prospective and unselected sample of 89 consecutive ANA test requests by consultant rheumatologists were evaluated in parallel over a period of 10 months using both tests. ELISA and HEp-2 screening assays yielded 40 (45%) and 72 (81%) positive test results, respectively, demonstrating lack of concordance between test methods. Using standard and clinical samples, it was demonstrated that the ELISA method did not detect several ANA with nucleolar, homogeneous and speckled immunofluorescence patterns. None of these ELISANEG HEp-2POS ANA were reactive with a panel of six extractable nuclear antigens or with double-stranded DNA. Nonetheless, 13 of these samples (15%) originated from patients with recognized ANA-associated disease (n = 7) or Raynaud's phenomenon (n = 6). We conclude that ELISA screening may fail to detect clinically relevant ANA that lack defined specificity for antigen.
Effects of Insulin Resistance on Myocardial Blood Flow and Arterial Peripheral Circulation in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Aldrighi José M. , Tsutsui Jeane M. , Kowastch Ingrid , Ribeiro Alessandra L. , Scapinelli Alessandro , Tamanaha Sonia , Oliveira Ricardo M. , Mathias Wilson
Published: November 2014

Objective

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. We sought to evaluate the effects of insulin resistance (IR) on myocardial microcirculation and peripheral artery function in patients with PCOS.

Methods

We studied 55 women (28 with PCOS without IR, 18 with PCOS and IR and 11 normal controls) who underwent laboratorial analysis, high‐resolution vascular ultrasound and real time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE). Intima–media thickness (IMT) and brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) were evaluated by vascular ultrasound. The replenishment velocity (β), plateau of acoustic intensity (A) and myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR) were determined by quantitative dipyridamole stress RTMCE.

Results

β reserve in group PCOS + IR was lower than control (2.34 ± 0.55 vs. 3.60 ± 0.6; P < 0.001) and than PCOS without IR (2.34 ± 0.55 vs. 3.17 ± 0.65; P < 0.001). MBFR in patients with PCOS without IR did not differ from those of control (4.59 ± 1.59 vs. 5.30 ± 1.64; P = 0.22) or from patients with PCOS + IR (4.59 ± 1.59 vs. 3.70 ± 1.47; P = 0.07). When comparing with control group, patients with PCOS + IR had lower MBFR (5.30 ± 1.64 vs. 3.70 ± 1.47; P = 0.01). No significant differences were found between control, PCOS without IR and PCOS + IR for FMD (0.18 ± 0.05, 0.15 ± 0.04 and 0.13 ± 0.07; P =NS) or IMT (0.48 ± 0.05, 0.47 ± 0.05 and 0.49 ± 0.07; P = NS).

Conclusion

Women with PCOS and IR had depressed β and MBFR as demonstrated by quantitative RTMCE, but no alteration in endothelial dysfunction or IMT. PCOS without IR showed isolated depression in β reserve, probably an earlier marker of myocardial flow abnormality.
Prenatal Diagnosis of a Persistent Fifth Aortic Arch, Pulmonary‐to‐Systemic type: An Unusual Association with Evolving Aortic Coarctation
Authors: Bhatla Puneet , Chakravarti Sujata , Axel Leon , Ludomirsky Achi , Revah Giselle
Published: November 2014

Persistent fifth arch (PFA) is a rare anomaly that is often underdiagnosed and missed. Different PFA types that have been reported in the literature are systemic‐to‐systemic type (most common), systemic‐to‐pulmonary artery (PA), and PA‐to‐systemic types. The designations of systemic‐to‐PA or PA‐to‐systemic are based on if the PFA is a source of PA or systemic blood flow, respectively, in the setting of critical proximal obstruction (pulmonary atresia or aortic atresia). This case describes an unusual PFA, which connects the distal PA to distal ascending aorta; however, it is not associated with critical proximal obstruction, and while it appeared to be an incidental finding in early gestation, progressive serial distal obstruction of the left fourth arch was seen to develop. This case highlights that prenatal diagnosis of PFA is possible and that once a diagnosis is made, serial fetal echocardiograms should be performed to evaluate for evolving lesions.
Migratory fish excretion as a nutrient subsidy to recipient stream ecosystems
Authors: Wheeler Kit , Miller Scott W. , Crowl Todd A.
Published: November 2014

Consumer excretion can be an important component of nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems. Uncertainty concerning the functional role of many freshwater organisms remains, including those with migratory life‐history strategies that may introduce nutrients to recipient systems.

We quantified the magnitude, variability and importance of excretion by migratory fish in the context of stream nutrient cycling. In 2011–12, we collected data from tributaries of a central Utah reservoir used by two potamodromous fishes (Bonneville cut‐throat trout – BCT, Oncorhynchus clarkii utah; kokanee salmon – KOK, Oncorhynchus nerka) with temporally separated spawning migrations. To quantify the contribution of the two migratory freshwater fishes to nutrient cycling, we extrapolated measurements of per capita nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) excretion rates to the population level within the local environmental context of two tributaries.

We observed differences in excretion subsidies between species and tributaries. BCT excretion rates and ratios were significantly greater than those for KOK. Estimates of the ratio of population‐level migrant excretion to tributary nutrient export were highly variable through time and between tributaries. These estimates were influenced by spatiotemporal hydrologic variation and positively related to ratios of migrant biomass to discharge. During migrations, daily migrant excretion loading comprised a maximum of 6–859% and 1–388% of tributary NH4‐N and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) export, respectively.

Measurements of nutrient uptake suggested that migrant excretion could meet a substantial portion of ecosystem nutrient demand. Migrant excretion fluxes comprised 46–188% of ecosystem NH4‐N demand and varied between streams and species. In contrast, the proportion of SRP demand supplied by migrant excretion (34–37%) was relatively invariant.

These results demonstrate an important role for potamodromous fishes as nutrient sources in recipient ecosystems. Furthermore, our data support predictions about when and where effects of fish‐derived nutrients will be strongest, thereby advancing the understanding of context‐dependent migratory fish effects in riverine ecosystems. Although widespread and common, potamodromous fishes are overlooked but important organisms capable of substantially affecting stream nutrient cycling.
Biogeochemical hotspots: temporal and spatial scaling of the impact of freshwater mussels on ecosystem function
Authors: Atkinson Carla L. , Vaughn Caryn C.
Published: November 2014

In streams, the creation of nutrient‐transformation hotspots by aggregated organisms may have heterogeneous and strong cumulative influences on stream nutrient dynamics. Here, we examine the potential for aggregations of freshwater mussels to create such hotspots.

We measured nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) excretion rates of six mussel species and body tissue composition of eight. We combined these data with population densities of surveyed mussel beds in the Kiamichi River, OK, to estimate reach‐scale and stream‐scale nutrient recycling and storage. Additionally, we estimated the temporal variability in the magnitude of mussel nutrient recycling combining volumetric excretion at a reach scale with discharge and temperature data.

Mussel beds constituted 1.45% of the area of the Kiamichi River. Mussel nutrient remineralisation varied greatly across beds (11.1–699.5 μmol N m−2 h−1 and 0.8–53.0 μmol P m−2 h−1), because of varying mussel densities. The community‐wide average excretion N:P (molar) of the mussel communities was 29.57, with higher excretion N:P significantly associated with higher abundances of Actinonaias ligamentina. Total nutrient storage per bed varied two orders of magnitude (6.3–631.7 kg N and 2.3–227.5 kg P) between mussel beds. Moreover, areal nutrient storage varied among the beds (11.2–133.7 mg N m−2, 4.1–48.9 mg P m−2) with the majority of nutrient storage in a long‐term store, shell (c. 87% of total N storage, c. 95% of total P storage).

Freshwater mussels can be important to nutrient dynamics through nutrient regeneration and the creation of storage hotspots. However, the importance of nutrient remineralisation varies dramatically in response to organism patchiness, flow conditions and background nutrient concentrations.
The Place of Rus' in Medieval Europe
Authors: Raffensperger Christian
Published: November 2014

Rus', the medieval kingdom that was the progenitor of modern Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, has had a complicated historiography due to modern political trends. The chief problem that has shaped scholarship on medieval Rus' is what to do with it. Where does it belong? Over the last century alone, scholars have suggested that Rus' should be studied on its own, either as an autochthonous entity or otherwise; that Rus' was the mid‐point on a thousand mile trek from the Varangians (in Scandinavia) to the Greeks (Byzantines) and Muslims; that Rus' existed as part of a Byzantine Commonwealth and thus should be studied in that context and separate from others; and the idea that Rus' was part of medieval Europe and should be studied as such. These various mindsets have been shaped by modern political developments and have created scholarly frames into which the evidence for Rus', and Rus' itself, has been placed. This article highlights these trends over the last one hundred years in largely Anglophone scholarship, demonstrating the current historical understanding of the place of Rus' in medieval Europe.
An assessment of the diet and trophic level of Atlantic sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
Authors: Delorenzo D. M. , Bethea D. M. , Carlson J. K.
Published: November 2014

A re‐assessment of the diet of the Atlantic sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon terraenovae was conducted to provide an update on their trophic level. Rhizoprionodon terraenovae primarily consume teleosts, but previously unreported loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta were also found in the diet. Analysis suggests that calculated trophic level may depend on diet and geographic area.
Immunoexpression of NF‐ĸB and their inhibitory subunits IĸBα and IĸBβ in giant cell lesions of the jaws: implications for their clinical behavior
Authors: Tobón‐Arroyave Sergio Iván , Hurtado‐García Paulina , García‐Quintero Oscar Darío , Isaza‐Guzmán Diana María , Flórez‐Moreno Gloria Amparo
Published: November 2014

Background

The unpredictable behavior of giant cell lesions (GCLs) of the jaws parallels its controversial histogenesis. This study evaluated a possible association between the immunohistochemical expression of NF‐ĸB, the inhibitory subunits IĸBα/IĸBβ, and clinicopathological variables with the behavior of central and peripheral GCLs of the jaws.

Materials and Methods

Paraffin‐embedded samples of GCLs of the jaws (n = 68) were prepared for histological/immunohistochemical assessment. Demographic and clinicopathological parameters were assessed to determine the behavior of the lesions. A staining–intensity–distribution (SID) score was used to assess the immunomarkers reactivity. The association between significant candidate immunohistochemical predictor variables regarding clinical behavior was analyzed individually and adjusted for confounding using a binary logistic regression model.

Results

While univariate analysis revealed a positive association of NF‐ĸB SID score, NF‐ĸB nuclear expression, IĸBα SID score, and NF‐ĸB to inhibitors average ratio with the aggressive status of GCLs, after bivariate logistic regression analysis, only NF‐ĸB nuclear expression, IĸBα SID score, and NF‐ĸB to inhibitors average ratio remained as robust predictors of aggressiveness. Confounding and interaction effects regarding clinicopathological candidate predictor variables were also noted.

Conclusion

It looks that clinical behavior of GCLs of the jaws may be strong/independently linked to the increased nuclear expression of NF‐ĸB, higher NF‐ĸB to inhibitors average ratio, and decreased IĸBα SID score. Notwithstanding, there are simultaneously synergistic and opposing interactive effects with respect to age stratum, growth rate, multinucleated giant cells count, and mononuclear stromal cells density in the susceptible host that may increase the tissue destruction observed in aggressive GCLs.
Studies on a suitable antibiotic therapy for treating swine brucellosis
Authors: Dieste‐Pérez L. , Fraile L. , de Miguel M. J. , Barberán M. , Blasco J. M. , Muñoz P. M.
Published: November 2014

The aim of this work was developing effective treatments against Brucella suis biovar 2, responsible for swine brucellosis in Europe. MICs for antibiotics used classically in brucellosis and two new macrolides (tulathromycin and tildipirosin) were determined for 33 B. suis biovar 2 field and B. suis reference strains. MIC90 values ranged from 0.01 to 0.25 μg/mL. The best candidates, given alone or combined, were then evaluated in mice. Ten groups (n = 7) of BALB/c mice were inoculated (1 × 105 CFU/mouse) with a virulent B. suis biovar 2 field strain. All groups, excepting untreated control, were treated for 14 days with, respectively, doxycycline, dihydrostreptomycin, tulathromycin (one or two doses), or tildipirosin (one or two doses) given alone, and doxycycline combined with dihydrostreptomycin, tulathromycin, or tildipirosin. Combined tildipirosin treatment was the most effective, then selected for pig studies. Sixteen B. suis biovar 2 naturally infected sows were treated with oxytetracycline (20 mg/kg BW/daily) for 21 days. The half of these received also tildipirosin (4 mg/kg BW) in two doses with a 10‐day interval. An extensive bacteriological study conducted ten days after ceasing treatments proved the efficacy of this combined oxytetracycline/tildipirosin treatment.
Successful treatment of idiopathic colitis related to XIAP deficiency with allo‐HSCT using reduced‐intensity conditioning
Authors: Tsuma Yusuke , Imamura Toshihiko , Ichise Eisuke , Sakamoto Kenichi , Ouchi Kazutaka , Osone Shinya , Ishida Hiroyuki , Wada Taizo , Hosoi Hajime
Published: November 2014

Recently, it has been reported that Crohn's‐like intractable colitis occurred in approximately 20% of the patients with XIAP deficiency, also known as X‐linked lymphoproliferative disease type 2. Because treatment used for Crohn's disease is not always effective for Crohn's‐like colitis related to XIAP deficiency, more effective treatment should be established. Although several studies reported allo‐HSCT might be promising even for Crohn's‐like colitis related to XIAP deficiency, the outcome of allo‐HSCT using MAC for XIAP deficiency is extremely poor due to frequent TRM. In addition, there is little information about the outcome of allo‐HSCT for intractable colitis related to XIAP deficiency. Herein, we describe a patient with intractable colitis related to XIAP deficiency who was successfully treated with allo‐HSCT using a reduced‐intensity conditioning regimen. Although allo‐HSCT using the RIC regimen might be a curative therapeutic option for intractable colitis with XIAP deficiency, the prognostic factors that will determine the success of allo‐HSCT require further clinical information of more patients.
Extensive lanthanum deposition in the gastric mucosa: The first histopathological report
Authors: Makino Mutsuki , Kawaguchi Kenji , Shimojo Hisashi , Nakamura Hironori , Nagasawa Masaki , Kodama Ryo
Published: November 2014

Lanthanum carbonate is one of the new phosphate binders used for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. It is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, forms insoluble complexes within the lumen, and prevents the absorption of dietary phosphate. A 63‐year‐old female with a 7‐year history of peritoneal dialysis, who was treated with lanthanum carbonate for four years, underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for intramucosal gastric cancer. Resected specimens showed massive accumulation of macrophages containing fine, granular, brown material in the lamina propria. This was confirmed as lanthanum deposition by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy. Although lanthanum may be poorly absorbed, increased tissue accumulation of lanthanum, particularly in the liver and bone, has been reported in animals with chronic kidney disease. This report indicates enhanced gastrointestinal absorption of lanthanum in some patients or conditions, although its clinical significance awaits further studies.
Thoughts Engendered by Bretscher's Two‐Step, Two‐Signal Model for a Peripheral Self–Non‐Self Discrimination and the Origin of Primer Effector T Helpers
Authors: Cohn M.
Published: November 2014

There are three questions under re‐examination here that have been inspired by Bretscher's ‘Two‐step, Two‐signal’ model. First, what is the nature of the steps required in order for antigen‐responsive cells to become effectors? Second, how does the immune system get started? Third and the most troublesome, what is the mechanism that relates the delivery of the two signals? To answer the first question, Bretscher proposes a pathway that I will place in another context by comparing it with what had been envisaged under the Associative Recognition of Antigen (ARA) model. The second question, how does the immune system gets started, is crucial to our understanding of the self–non‐self discrimination. This problem boils down to, what is the origin of the first effector T helper (eTh) cells required to activate all antigen‐responsive cells including the T helpers themselves (the primer problem)? To deal with this question, I proposed an antigen‐independent pathway to primer eTh. Bretscher presents us with an antigen‐dependent pathway to primer eTh. As competing models are precious in clarifying thinking and in guiding experimentation, I felt it important to reanalyse the two models and look for ways to decide between them. The third question deals with the requirement for and the mechanism of associative (linked) recognition of antigen (ARA). The concept of ARA is so compelling at both the experimental and theoretical levels that to save it, a new perspective will be introduced.
Short duplication within theRHCEgene associated with an in cis deletedRHDcausing aRhnullamorph phenotype in an immunized pregnant woman with anti‐Rh29
Authors: Silvy Monique , Beley Sophie , Peyrard Thierry , Ouchari Mouna , Abdelkefi Saadia , Jemni Yacoub Saloua , Chiaroni Jacques , Bailly Pascal
Published: November 2014

Background

The rare amorphRhnullphenotype is caused by silent alleles at theRHlocus and usually arises in consanguineous families. To date, only five molecular backgrounds have been identified in five unrelated families. Subjects withRhnullred blood cells (RBCs) readily produce alloantibodies to high‐prevalenceRh antigens.

Study Design and Methods

RBCs from a pregnant woman (G5P3) fromLibya, with a positive indirect antiglobulin test were phenotyped by hemagglutination.RHDandRHCEgenes were analyzed at the genomic level and mutation inheritance pattern was assessed in the patient's family.

Results

Hemagglutination testing showed aD–C–E–c–e– phenotype in the proposita associated with the presence of a high titer anti‐Rh29 (4096). Molecular analysis revealed a deletion ofRHDand presence of a novelRHCEallele with a 7‐bp duplication inExon 7. This duplication is predicted to introduce a frameshift afterHis350, a newC‐terminal sequence, and a premature stop codon resulting in shortened predicted protein with only 402 amino acids. The mutated allele was found at homozygous state in the proposita and heterozygous state in her parents and one brother.

Conclusion

This report describes a novelRHCEmutation causing the loss ofRhCEantigen expression in association withRHDdeletion, leading to an amorphRhnullphenotype.
Iron depletion with a novel apheresis system in patients with hemochromatosis
Authors: Grabmer Christoph , Schmid Doris , Mayer Georg , Aigner Elmar , Wagner Andrej , Streif Doris , Schallmoser Katharina , Rohde Eva
Published: November 2014

Background

Phlebotomy represents the standard treatment option for iron overload in hemochromatosis (HC). Recently, red blood cell (RBC) apheresis has increasingly been used to remove iron. In this study we evaluated the depletion program of the newly developed Spectra Optia device.

Study Design and Methods

Adult male patients (n = 11) with HC were RBC depleted with the Spectra Optia device (Terumo BCT). In total, 24 procedures were performed. A volume of 300 to 550 mL of RBCs was withdrawn per single treatment.

Results

No significant adverse events were recorded. A median blood volume of 857.3 ± 23.3 mL was processed. The median procedure time was 12.0 ± 0.4 minutes. The mean reduction of Hct value in each procedure was approximately 6% (Hct pre 42.6 ± 0.5% vs. Hct post 36.6 ± 0.6%) and iron removed per procedure was 405.2 ± 23.3 mg.

Conclusion

The Spectra Optia device proved to be highly efficient in depleting RBCs in HC patients and allows for short procedure time. The Optia device can be safely used in this clinical setting. We recommend its use in case of severe iron overload if rapid iron depletion needs to be achieved and in case of cardiac compromise due to less blood volume removed.
Physicochemical Analysis of Machine Hammer Peened Surface Structures for Deep Drawing: Determination of the Work of Adhesion and Spreading Pressure of Lubrication to Surface Structure
Authors: Trauth D. , Klocke F. , Terhorst M. , Mattfeld P.
Published: November 2014

Increasing demands concerning the performance of tribological systems for metal forming due to ecological restrictions or increased process loads demand the development of innovative tribological solutions. In preliminary works, it could be shown that surface structures on deep drawing tools manufactured by the incremental forming process machine hammer peening (MHP) have the potential to reduce friction. The friction reduction can be observed in strip drawing when comparing different surface structures against a state-of-the-art reference. A subsequently conducted wear analysis showed an adhesive wear on the structures. This leads to the conclusion that the lubricant film breaks due to increased contact pressures. In order to optimize the wetting of the lubricant and to avoid film break-ups, the molecular interactions in terms of the work of adhesion and spreading pressure between lubricant and MHP tool surfaces are investigated from a physicochemical point of view in this research work. The investigation approach is based on the use of the drop shape analysis.
Off-Design Performance of a Highly Loaded Low Pressure Turbine Cascade Under Steady and Unsteady Incoming Flow Conditions
Authors: Simoni Daniele , Berrino Marco , Ubaldi Marina , Zunino Pietro , Bertini Francesco
Published: November 2014

The off-design performance of a highly loaded low pressure (LP) turbine cascade has been experimentally investigated, at the Aerodynamics and Turbomachinery Laboratory of Genova University, under steady and unsteady incoming flow conditions. Tests have been performed for different Reynolds numbers (Re = 70,000 and Re = 300,000), in order to cover the typical LP turbine working range. The incidence angle has been varied between i = −9 deg and +9 deg, in order to test off-design conditions characterizing the engine. For the unsteady case, upstream wake periodic perturbations have been generated by means of a tangential wheel of radial rods. The cascade and the moving bars system have been located over a common bearing in order to make them rigidly rotating. This solution allows a proper comparison of the cascade robustness at the incidence angle variation under steady and unsteady incoming flows, since all the other operating parameters have been kept the same. In order to survey the variation of the unsteady boundary conditions characterizing the off-design operation of the downstream cascade, time-mean and time-resolved wake structures have been analyzed in detail. For what concerns the cascade performance, profile aerodynamic loadings and total pressure loss coefficients at the cascade exit have been surveyed for the different incidence angles under both steady and unsteady inflows. Different total pressure loss sensitivity at the incidence angle variation has been observed for the steady and the unsteady inflow conditions. Hot-wire anemometer has been employed to obtain the time-mean pressure and suction side boundary layer velocity profiles at the blade trailing edge for the different conditions. The integral parameters at the cascade exit plane help to justify the different loss trend versus incidence angle found for the steady and the unsteady cases, explaining the different sensibility of the blade profile when this operates under realistic unsteady inflow condition.
A Novel Gas Generator Concept for Jet Engines Using a Rotating Combustion Chamber
Authors: Jeschke Peter , Penkner Andreas
Published: November 2014

A gas generator—consisting of a single-stage shrouded mixed-flow compressor without a diffusor, a rotating combustion chamber, and a vaneless single-stage shrouded centripetal turbine—is presented and analyzed here. All components comprise a coherent rotating device, which avoids most of the problems usually associated with small gas generators. In other words, the concept avoids all radial clearances; it is vaneless, shortens the combustion chamber, minimizes the wetted area, and enables ceramic materials to be used, due to compressive blade stresses. However, the concept faces severe structural, thermal, and chemical reaction challenges and is associated with a large Rayleigh-type total pressure loss. All these features and their implications are discussed and their benefits and drawbacks for several jet engines are quantified, mainly by means of thermodynamic cycle calculations. As a result, it has been demonstrated that the concept offers a thrust-to-weight ratio which is higher than the standard when incorporated into small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)-type jet engines. It also enables an attractive multistage and dual-flow, but fully vaneless design option. However, the concept leads to a decrease in thermal efficiency if these were to be accomplished in the (small) core of turbofans with highest overall pressure ratios (OPRs) and high bypass ratios. In summary, the paper presents a gas generator approach, which may be considered by designers of small jet engines with high power density requirements, like those used in UAV applications. But this has been proven not to be an option for high-efficiency propulsion.
Atomic layer deposition synthesis and evaluation of core–shell Pt-WC electrocatalysts
Authors: Hsu Irene J. , Chen Jingguang G. , Jiang Xiaoqiang , Willis Brian G.
Published: November 2014

Pt-WC core shell particles were produced using atomic layer deposition (ALD) to deposit Pt layers onto WC particle substrates. A range of Pt depositions were used to determine the growth mechanism for the Pt-WC powder system. TEM imaging and Cu stripping voltammetry found that Pt ALD growth on WC powder substrates was similar to that on WC thin films. However, excess free carbon was found to affect Pt ALD by blocking adsorption sites on WC. The Pt-WC samples were evaluated for the oxygen reduction reaction using a rotating disk electrode to obtain quantitative activity information. The mass and specific activities for the 30 and 50 ALD cycle samples were found to be comparable to a 10 wt. % Pt/C catalyst. However, higher overpotentials and lower limiting currents were observed with ALD Pt-WC compared to Pt/C catalysts, indicating that the oxygen reduction mechanism is not as efficient on Pt-WC as on bulk Pt. Additionally, these Pt-WC catalysts were used to demonstrate hydrogen evolution reaction activity and were found to perform as well as bulk Pt catalyst but with a fraction of the Pt loading, in agreement with the previous work on Pt-WC thin film catalysts.
Kinesthetic Activities for the Classroom
Authors: Mylott Elliot , Dunlap Justin , Lampert Lester , Widenhorn Ralf
Published: November 2014

Educators have found that kinesthetic involvement in an experiment or demonstration can engage students in a powerful way.1–3 With that as our goal, we developed three activities that allow students to connect with and quantitatively explore key physics principles from mechanics with three fun physical challenges. By presenting these activities as competitions, we can challenge students to use what they know about the relevant physics to improve their performance and beat their own score or those of other students. Each activity uses an original, real-time data collecting program that offers students and educators a simple, clear method to demonstrate various physics concepts including: (1) impulse momentum, (2) center of mass (COM), and (3) kinematics. The user interface, written in LabVIEW, is intuitive to operate and only requires Vernier Force Plates,4 a Vernier LabQuest,5 a webcam, and a computer. In this article, we will describe each of these activities, all of which are well suited and readily available for other outreach events or classroom demonstrations.
Familiarizing Students with the Basics of a Smartphone's Internal Sensors
Authors: Countryman Colleen Lanz
Published: November 2014

The Physics Teacher's “iPhysicsLabs” column has been dedicated to the implementation of smartphones in instructional physics labs as data collection devices. In order to understand any data set, however, one should first understand how it is obtained. This concern regarding the inclusion of smartphones in lab activities has arisen in response to the creation of this column1 as well as to a paper in a recent issue of Physics Today.2 The majority of the labs featured in the “iPhysicsLabs” column to date make use of the internal accelerometer, common to nearly all smartphones on the market today. In order to glean meaningful conclusions from their data, students should first understand how the sensor works, as was pointed out in the first article to be featured in that column.3 We attempt to elucidate this “iBlackBox” using a simple ball-and-spring model.
Patterns of Weekday and Weekend Sedentary Behavior Among Older Adults
Authors: Marshall Simon , Kerr Jacqueline , Carlson Jordan , Cadmus-Bertram Lisa , Patterson Ruth , Wasilenko Kari , Crist Katie , Rosenberg Dori , Natarajan Loki
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare estimates of sedentary time on weekdays vs. weekend days in older adults and determine if these patterns vary by measurement method. Older adults (N = 230, M = 83.5, SD = 6.5 years) living in retirement communities completed a questionnaire about sedentary behavior and wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for seven days. Participants engaged in 9.4 (SD = 1.5) hr per day of accelerometer-measured sedentary time, but self-reported engaging in 11.4 (SD = 4.9) hr per day. Men and older participants had more accelerometer-measured sedentary time than their counterparts. The difference between accelerometer-measured weekday and weekend sedentary time was nonsignificant. However, participants self-reported 1.1 hr per day more sedentary time on weekdays compared with weekend days. Findings suggest self-reported but not accelerometer-measured sedentary time should be investigated separately for weekdays and weekend days, and that self-reports may overestimate sedentary time in older adults.
The Effect of Reduced Physical Activity and Retraining on Blood Lipids and Body Composition in Young and Older Adult Men
Authors: Nørregaard Jesper , Gram Martin , Vigelsø Andreas , Wiuff Caroline , Kuhlman Anja Birk , Helge Jørn Wulff , Dela Flemming
Published: November 2014

We studied the effect of physical inactivity and subsequent retraining on cardiovascular risk factors in 17 young (Y; 23.4 ± 0.5 years) and 15 older adult (O; 68.1 ± 1.1 years) men who underwent 14 days of one leg immobilization followed by six weeks of training. Body weight remained unchanged. Daily physical activity decreased by 31 ± 9% (Y) and 37 ± 9% (O) (p < .001). Maximal oxygen uptake decreased with inactivity (Y) and always increased with training. Visceral fat mass decreased (p < .05) with training. Concentrations of lipids in blood were always highest in the older adults. FFA and glycerol increased with reduced activity (p < .05), but reverted with training. Training resulted in increases in HDL-C (p < .05) and a decrease in LDL-C and TC:HDL-C ratio (p < .05). A minor reduction in daily physical activity for two weeks increased blood lipids in both young and older men. Six weeks of training improved blood lipids along with loss of visceral fat.
Engaging Faculty in Educational Transformation and Innovation by Connecting to the Campus Mission
Authors: Rudisill Mary E.
Published: November 2014

Over the past 35 years, institutions of higher education have been involved in strategic planning in an attempt to promote their priorities and remain competitive in challenging economic times. Efforts have been made to improve the process and effectiveness of strategic planning over those years. Although strategic planning can be effective, the plan must be created properly and also implemented in an effective manner. Since online learning has become an increasingly important revenue source for many institutions of higher education, as well as an alternative way to provide instruction to students, it is typically included within institutional strategic plans and prioritized for growth. Ensuring that faculty “buy-in” to this goal and strategic priorities requires significant faculty engagement. In this paper, options for implementation and ways to promote engagement are discussed within a case study of how Auburn University kinesiology faculty took part in educational transformation and innovation by connecting to the campus mission.
Developing and Sustaining Online and Distance Education Programs in Health and Kinesiology
Authors: Keiper Paul , Kreider Richard B.
Published: November 2014

Online education has become an increasingly popular means of delivering educational programs in health and kinesiology. It has helped departments meet increasing enrollment demands and provided additional resources that support students and faculty. A number of challenges, however, are associated with developing these types of programs. The purpose of this paper is to discuss some of the issues that Texas A&M University has experienced in developing extensive online courses and distance education programs. The paper discusses methods and models employed to develop online and distance programs in health and kinesiology and provides a case study of some of the opportunities and challenges that the Sport Management Division experienced in developing an online master's program. Issues related to efficacy, management, funding, and student success are discussed. Health and kinesiology administrators should consider these issues as they look to develop or grow online course offerings in the discipline.
Use of human embryonic stem cells to model pediatric gliomas with H3.3K27M histone mutation
Authors: Funato Kosuke , Major Tamara , Lewis Peter W. , Allis C. David , Tabar Viviane
Published: November 2014

Over 70% of diffuse intrinsic pediatric gliomas, an aggressive brainstem tumor, harbor heterozygous mutations that create a K27M amino acid substitution (methionine replaces lysine 27) in the tail of histone H3.3. The role of the H3.3K27M mutation in tumorigenesis is not fully understood. Here, we use a human embryonic stem cell system to model this tumor. We show that H3.3K27M expression synergizes with p53 loss and PDGFRA activation in neural progenitor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells, resulting in neoplastic transformation. Genome-wide analyses indicate a resetting of the transformed precursors to a developmentally more primitive stem cell state, with evidence of major modifications of histone marks at several master regulator genes. Drug screening assays identified a compound targeting the protein menin as an inhibitor of tumor cell growth in vitro and in mice.
The Geoglobus acetivorans Genome: Fe(III) Reduction, Acetate Utilization, Autotrophic Growth, and Degradation of Aromatic Compounds in a Hyperthermophilic Archaeon
Authors: Mardanov Andrey V. , Slododkina Galina B. , Slobodkin Alexander I. , Beletsky Alexey V. , Gavrilov Sergey N. , Kublanov Ilya V. , Bonch-Osmolovskaya Elizaveta A. , Skryabin Konstantin G. , Ravin Nikolai V.
Published: November 2014

Geoglobus acetivorans
is a hyperthermophilic anaerobic euryarchaeon of the order
Archaeoglobales
isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. A unique physiological feature of the members of the genus
Geoglobus
is their obligate dependence on Fe(III) reduction, which plays an important role in the geochemistry of hydrothermal systems. The features of this organism and its complete 1,860,815-bp genome sequence are described in this report. Genome analysis revealed pathways enabling oxidation of molecular hydrogen, proteinaceous substrates, fatty acids, aromatic compounds,
n
-alkanes, and organic acids, including acetate, through anaerobic respiration linked to Fe(III) reduction. Consistent with the inability of
G. acetivorans
to grow on carbohydrates, the modified Embden-Meyerhof pathway encoded by the genome is incomplete. Autotrophic CO
2
fixation is enabled by the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. Reduction of insoluble poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxide depends on the transfer of electrons from the quinone pool to multiheme
c
-type cytochromes exposed on the cell surface. Direct contact of the cells and Fe(III) oxide particles could be facilitated by pilus-like appendages. Genome analysis indicated the presence of metabolic pathways for anaerobic degradation of aromatic compounds and
n
-alkanes, although an ability of
G. acetivorans
to grow on these substrates was not observed in laboratory experiments. Overall, our results suggest that
Geoglobus
species could play an important role in microbial communities of deep-sea hydrothermal vents as lithoautotrophic producers. An additional role as decomposers would close the biogeochemical cycle of carbon through complete mineralization of various organic compounds via Fe(III) respiration.