bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of optimum regression model and determination of relationships between body measurements and slaughter traits in Japanese quails by path analysis
Authors: Uckardes Fatih , Narinc Dogan , Kucukonder Hande
Published: June 2014

Path analysis was used to investigate direct, indirect and total effects of some morphological measurements on slaughter and carcass traits in Japanese quails. Bodyweight, shank length, shank diameter, breast circumference and body length measurements were taken from 219 Japanese quails. Bivariate correlations between carcass weight and morphological traits in quails ranged from 0.405 to 0.864. The direct effect of bodyweight on carcass weight was the strongest in the study and (path coefficient of 0.85) positively influenced carcass weight (P < 0.01). The direct effect of other linear-type traits on carcass weight was non-significant as revealed by t-test (P > 0.05). These traits were indirectly realised mostly by shank diameter. Thus, they were dropped from the final regression equations to obtain much more simplified prediction models. The optimum multiple regression equation for Japanese quails included bodyweight, with coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.7463. The correlation between characters was determined in more detail by using path analysis in this study. Thus, it was shown that path analysis could be used for selecting a variable. The forecast indices obtained in this study could aid in weight estimation, selection and breeding programs.
Effects of weaning beef cattle in two stages or by abrupt separation on nasal abrasions, behaviour, and weight gain
Authors: Lambertz Christian , Bowen Peter R. , Erhardt Georg , Gauly Matthias
Published: June 2014

The effects of traditional (n = 103) and two-stage weaning (n = 89) on nasal abrasions, behaviour, and weight gain were evaluated in a total of 192 cow-calf pairs. Two-stage calves were prevented from suckling by fitting nose flaps for 7 days before separation from their mothers. Nasal abrasions caused by the devices were assessed by scoring the irritations of the nasal septum at removal and 1 week later. The behaviour of 20 calves was observed for 3 days before and 4 days after weaning and vocalisations of the cows after separation were recorded. Nasal abrasions were found in more than 95% of the animals at removal, whereas 30% of the animals showed heavy bleeding and 10% suffered from even worse injuries. One week later, 45% of the calves still showed irritations. Cows of the traditional group vocalised 19.2 and those of the two-stage group 3.7 times per hour (P < 0.001). Compared with the pre-weaning period, calves spent more time walking on Days 1 and 2 after weaning (P < 0.01). However, the duration was significantly lower in two-stage than in traditionally weaned animals (P < 0.01). After removal of the devices, the time spent for walking increased again for 2 days. An effect on the weight gain of the calves was not noted. In conclusion, two-stage weaning positively influenced the post-weaning behaviour, but the nose flaps caused heavy nasal abrasions in the calves. Therefore, the design of the devices and the period they are fitted should be modified to minimise nasal abrasions.
Chapter 4. Literary translation as a creative practice in L2 writing pedagogies
Authors: Loffredo Eugenia , Perteghella Manuela
Published: June 2014

In this chapter, Manuela Perteghella and Eugenia Loffredo frame translation as an essentially creative practice. Rather than an elitist mode, these authors regard creative production as Freirean: a dialogical, emancipatory engagement. Synthesizing expressivist aspects of creativity with structured communicative processes of translation, L2 learners develop a unique relationship and knowledge of language itself. By resituating translation as not simply outcome-orientated, student learners can be creative and explorative with both L1 and L2 language texts, to ultimately enhance confidence with the L2.
Two Pragmatic Principles in Language Use and Acquisition
Authors: Clark Eve V.
Published: June 2014

Speakers, adults and children, rely on two pragmatic principles in language use: conventionality in the meanings of the words chosen to convey their intentions, and contrast among these meanings. Early recognition of these two principles allows children to add readily to their lexical repertoire on the assumption from contrast that any difference in form marks some difference in meaning. Evidence for the role of these principles in acquisition comes from early word uses, adherence to the word(s) learnt for a category, repairs to lexical choices, the construction of lexical domains, and patterns of acquisition in the uptake of unfamiliar words.
An International Perspective and Review of Cocaine-Induced Psychosis: A Call to Action
Authors: Roncero Carlos , Daigre Costanza , Grau-López Lara , Barral Carmen , Pérez-Pazos Jesus , Martínez-Luna Nieves , Casas Miquel
Published: June 2014

Cocaine use can induce transient psychotic symptoms that include suspiciousness, paranoia, hallucinations, and other cocaine-related behaviors. In this commentary, the authors provide an international perspective while reviewing the recent advances in epidemiology, clinical features, and risk factors related to cocaine-induced psychosis exhibited by patients with cocaine use disorders. In some settings, the occurrence of cocaine-induced psychosis has been shown to be as high as 86.5%. Many risk factors have been linked with cocaine-induced psychosis, including the quantity of cocaine consumed, lifetime amount of cocaine use, onset of cocaine dependence, years of use, routes of administration, other substance use disorder comorbidity, weight, gender, comorbidity with other medical and mental health disorders, genetics, and pharmacological interactions. Research has shown that the evaluation of cocaine-induced psychosis in patients with cocaine use is clinically relevant, especially in those patients who consume high amounts of cocaine, have a cannabis dependence history, have antisocial personality disorder, use administration routes other than intranasal, or exhibit attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbidity. Currently, the literature lacks information regarding the evolution of cocaine dependence or cocaine-dependent patients’ risk for developing schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Furthermore, clinicians still do not have an evidence-based pharmacological approach to management of cocaine dependence available to them. Additional research is also needed regarding risk factors such as neurobiological markers and personality traits. Finally, we recommend the development of an integrative model including all of the risk factors and protective factors for cocaine-induced psychosis.
Bio-functional pickles that reduce blood pressure of rats
Authors: Oda Kohei , Imanishi Takanori , Yamane Yoshito , Ueno Yoshie , Mori Yoshiharu
Published: June 2014

Addition of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides to the pickles was studied in order to develop a new type of pickles that reduce blood pressure. Based on the outcome of these studies, a new type of fermentation bed composed of rice bran and white miso has been successfully developed. The advantage of such pickles is that they not only contain both GABA and ACE-inhibitory peptides, but also that their taste and flavor are excellent, with colors close to the original ones. The new type of pickles could temporarily reduce blood pressure in two types of rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats and NaCl-sensitive model rats. Thus, the newly developed pickles appear to be beneficial for pickle business.
Regulation of tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2) expression by lysine-specific demethylase 1 and 2 (LSD1 and LSD2)
Authors: Mino Koshiki , Nishimura Satoshi , Ninomiya Shogo , Tujii Hiroshi , Matsumori Yasumasa , Tsuchida Mie , Hosoi Miho , Koseki Koichi , Wada Shuichi , Hasegawa Makoto , Sasaki Ryuzo , Murakami-Yamaguchi Yukie , Narita Hiroshi , Suzuki Takayoshi , Miyata Naoki , Mizukami Tamio
Published: June 2014

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2) is a major inhibitor of extracellular matrix degradation. Decreases in TFPI-2 contribute to malignant tumor cell production, and TFPI-2 is a presumed tumor suppressor. TFPI-2 gene transcription is regulated by two epigenetic mechanisms: DNA methylation of the promoter and K4 methylation of histone 3 (H3). Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) and LSD2 demethylate H3K4me2/1. LSD1 has been implicated in TFPI-2 regulation through both epigenetic mechanisms, but the involvement of LSD2 remains unknown. We prepared a monoclonal anti-LSD2 antibody that clearly distinguishes LSD2 from LSD1. Knockdown of LSD1 or LSD2 by siRNAs increased TFPI-2 protein and mRNA. Simultaneous knockdown of both LSD1 and LSD2 showed additive effects. Bisulfite sequencing revealed that CpG sites in the TFPI-2 promoter region were unmethylated. These results indicate that LSD2 also contributes to TFPI-2 regulation through histone modification, and that further studies of the involvement of LSD2 in tumor malignancy are warranted.
Green tea aroma fraction reduces β-amyloid peptide-induced toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans transfected with human β-amyloid minigene
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Watanabe Tatsuro , Fujita Takashi , Hasegawa Toshio , Saito Michio , Suganuma Masami
Published: June 2014

Green tea is a popular world-wide beverage with health benefits that include preventive effects on cancer as well as cardiovascular, liver and Alzheimer’s diseases (AD). This study will examine the preventive effects on AD of a unique aroma of Japanese green tea. First, a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) CL4176 expressing human β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) was used as a model of AD. A hexane extract of processed green tea was further fractionated into volatile and non-volatile fractions, named roasty aroma and green tea aroma fractions depending on their aroma, by microscale distillation. Both hexane extract and green tea aroma fraction were found to inhibit Aβ-induced paralysis, while only green tea aroma fraction extended lifespan in CL4176. We also found that green tea aroma fraction has antioxidant activity. This paper indicates that the green tea aroma fraction is an additional component for prevention of AD.
Adaptation of Hydrogenobacter thermophilus toward oxidative stress triggered by high expression of alkyl hydroperoxide reductase
Authors: Sato Yuya , Arai Hiroyuki , Igarashi Yasuo , Ishii Masaharu
Published: June 2014

Ferriperoxin is a novel peroxidase essential for aerobiosis of Hydrogenobacter thermophilus. Although the ferriperoxin-deficient mutant (Δfpx) was unable to grow aerobically, a suppressor mutant capable of aerobic growth was obtained after long aerobic cultivation. The alkyl hydroperoxide reductase gene was significantly upregulated in the suppressor mutant, indicating that the enzyme counteracts oxidative stress in the absence of ferriperoxin.
Fimbriae and lipopolysaccharides are necessary for co-aggregation between Lactobacilli and Escherichia coli
Authors: Mizuno Kouhei , Furukawa Soichi , Usui Yumi , Ishiba Madoka , Ogihara Hirokazu , Morinaga Yasushi
Published: June 2014

Cells of Lactobacilli co-aggregated with Escherichia coli K-12 cells to form co-aggregates under mixed-culture conditions at 37 °C for 24 h. Co-aggregation was inhibited by sodium dodecyl sulfate but not by protease. E. coli deletion mutants of fimbriae formation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) formation did not co-aggregate with Lactobacilli. These results showed that fimbriae and LPS are necessary for co-aggregation between Lactobacilli and E. coli.
Identification of molecular target of diallyl trisulfide in leukemic cells
Authors: Suda Shun , Watanabe Kazunari , Tanaka Yuki , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Tanaka Rie , Ogihara Jun , Ariga Toyohiko , Hosono-Fukao Tomomi , Hosono Takashi , Seki Taiichiro
Published: June 2014

To identify the molecular target of diallyl trisulfide (DATS) in human leukemic cell line U937, we examined modification of thiol group(s) of cellular proteins by the redox 2D PAGE. A unique protein spot appeared by DATS treatment was identified to be heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). Hsp27 is suggested to be one of the molecular target of DATS in U937.
Exact Riemann solutions to shallow water equations
Authors: Han Ee , Warnecke Gerald
Published: June 2014

We determine completely the Riemann solutions to the shallow water equations with a bottom step, including the dry bed problem. The nonstrict hyperbolicity of this first-order system of partial differential equations leads to resonant waves and nonunique solutions. To address these difficulties we construct the L–M and R–M curves in the state space. For the bottom step elevated from left to right, we classify the L–M curve into five different cases and the R–M curve into two different cases based on the subcritical and supercritical Froude number of the Riemann initial data as well as the jump of the bottom step. The behaviors of all basic cases of the L–M and R–M curves are fully analyzed. We observe that the non–uniqueness of the Riemann solutions is due to bifurcations on the L–M or R–M curves. The possible solutions including classical waves and resonant waves as well as dry bed state are solved in a uniform framework for any given Riemann initial data.
Religious Innovation in the Ancient Mediterranean
Authors: Woolf Greg
Published: June 2014

Sanctuaries and ritual traditions commonly gained prestige through claims of antiquity; conversely, novelty was an accusation occasionally leveled against groups such as the Christians. Yet ritual geography and practices were, in practice, always liable to revision, and it is evident that certain gods, holy places, and rituals had precise historical origins. How was change introduced, managed, and understood in the ancient Mediterranean world? Several varieties of innovation can be differentiated: (1) Many city-states had defined procedures for introducing new gods and initiating new collective rituals: those procedures were often envisaged as involving the active participation of the gods, as instigators or approvers of change. As in all religious systems balances were to be struck between existing religious authority, wherever vested, and the prophets, priests, and others who gained from the change; (2) Another variety of innovation represented homeostatic reactions to other changes, such as the foundations of cities, disasters survived, the fall or rise of monarchies, and the like; (3) Potentially most disruptive were those innovations brought by migration and/or the transfer of ideas and rituals across the connected Mediterranean world. The spread of mystery religions, of astrology, and of new gods provide examples of this. Certain societies were more receptive than others to this kind of novelty. Religious innovations of the first two kinds were often assimilated into the loosely bounded ritual systems of antiquity, but other changes had a cumulative effect that changes the religious geography permanently.
What to Do about the “Cult of Statistical Significance”? A Renewable Fuel Application using the Neyman‐Pearson Protocol
Authors: Wojan Timothy R. , Brown Jason P. , Lambert Dayton M.
Published: June 2014

This research adapts the Neyman‐Pearson testing protocol commonly used in biomedical research for ex post evaluation of the employment impacts of new ethanol bio‐refineries in the U.S. Great Plains and the Midwest. By calculating the power of the test, the suggested protocol may provide policy‐relevant information, even in the event of nonsignificant findings. The main obstacle to applying this protocol has been the need to posit an explicit alternative distribution, which runs counter to the empiricist tradition of mainstream econometrics. We resolve this problem by applying a data generating process with known parameters anchored to sample data to compute power.
Comparison of susceptibility of cystic-fibrosis-related and non-cystic-fibrosis-related Pseudomonas aeruginosa to chlorine-based disinfecting solutions: implications for infection prevention and ward disinfection
Authors: Moore John E. , Rendall Jacqueline C.
Published: June 2014

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from cystic fibrosis (CF) sputum was shown to be more tolerant to the most commonly used chlorine-based disinfecting agent in the UK, with approximately 7 out of 10 isolates surviving a residual free chlorine (RFC) concentration of 500 p.p.m., when compared with antibiotic-sensitive invasive P. aeruginosa from a non-CF blood culture source, where 8 out of 10 isolates were killed at a RFC concentration of 100 p.p.m. All CF isolates were killed at 1000 p.p.m. chlorine. Additional studies were performed to examine factors that influenced the concentration of RFC from chlorine-based (sodium dichloroisocyanurate) disinfecting agents in contact with CF sputum and their components (bacterial cells, glycocalyx) to assess the reduction of the bactericidal activity of such disinfecting agents. Pseudomonas glycocalyx had a greater inhibitory effect of chlorine deactivation than bacterial cells. Calibration curves demonstrated the relative deactivating capacity on RFC from clinical soils, in the order pus>CF sputum>wound discharge fluid/synovial fluid>ascites fluid>bile, where quantitatively each 1 % (w/v) CF sputum reduced the RFC by 43 p.p.m. Sublethal stressing of P. aeruginosa with chlorine resulted in lowered susceptibility to colistin (P = 0.0326) but not to meropenem, tobramycin or ciprofloxacin. In conclusion, heavy contamination of healthcare fomites with CF sputum containing MDR P. aeruginosa may result in exhaustion of RFC, and this, combined with an increased resistance to chlorine with such strains, may lead to their survival and increased antibiotic resistance in such environments. CF infection prevention strategies in such scenarios should therefore target interventions with increased concentrations of chlorine to ensure the eradication of MDR P. aeruginosa from the CF healthcare environment.
Poly[guanidinium [tri-μ-formato-κ6O:O′-formato-κ2O,O′-yttrium(III)]]
Authors: Rodriguez Mark A. , Sava Gallis Dorina F. , Nenoff Tina M.
Published: June 2014

In the title coordination polymer, {(CH6N3)[Y(CHO2)4]}n, the yttrium(III) ion is coordinated by oneO,O-bidentate formate ion and six μ2bridging formate ions, generating a square-antiprismatic YO8coordination polyhedron. The bridging formate ions connect the metal ions into an anionic, three-dimensional network. Charge compensation is provided by guanidinium ions, which interact with the framework by way of N—H...O hydrogen bonds. The guanidine molecules reside in porous channels of 3.612 by 8.189 Å, when considering the van der Waals radii of the nearest atoms (looking down thea-axis).
Cryogenic neutron protein crystallography: routine methods and potential benefits
Authors: Coates Leighton , Tomanicek Stephen , Schrader Tobias E. , Weiss Kevin L. , Ng Joseph D. , Jüttner Philipp , Ostermann Andreas
Published: June 2014

The use of cryocooling in neutron diffraction has been hampered by several technical challenges, such as the need for specialized equipment and techniques. This article reports the recent development and deployment of equipment and strategies that allow routine neutron data collection on cryocooled crystals using off-the-shelf components. This system has several advantages compared to a closed displex cooling system, such as fast cooling coupled with easier crystal mounting and centering. The ability to routinely collect cryogenic neutron data for analysis will significantly broaden the range of scientific questions that can be examined by neutron protein crystallography. Cryogenic neutron data collection for macromolecules has recently become available at the new Biological Diffractometer BIODIFF at the FRM II and the Macromolecular Diffractometer (MaNDi) at the Spallation Neutron Source, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. To evaluate the benefits of a cryocooled neutron structure, a full neutron data set was collected on the BIODIFF instrument on a Toho-1 β-lactamase structure at 100 K.
‘A clash of two worlds’; disjuncture between the norms and values held by educational practitioners and parents of children with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties
Authors: Broomhead Karen
Published: June 2014

This article, by Karen Broomhead of Liverpool John Moores University, discusses an exploration of the clashing norms, values and expectations of parenting behaviours between parents of children with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD) and practitioners. Semi‐structured interviews with 15 education professionals, employed in both mainstream and BESD schools, highlighted how parents of children with BESD were deemed to experience chaotic, dysfunctional home circumstances, with no boundaries in place for their children. This contrasted with the structure, routine and stability that educational practitioners perceived themselves to provide for pupils with BESD. Practitioners employed in BESD schools elaborated on the perceived norms of chaos and dysfunction held by these parents, and suggested that these were evident due to an intergenerational continuity of ineffective parenting. Problematically, educational practitioners displayed a tacit acceptance of parental norms. This questioned whether advocating for pupils with BESD was at the top of the agenda for professionals, or whether a conflict‐avoidance strategy was adopted instead.
Improving the reading skills of young people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in preparation for adulthood
Authors: Hoskin Janet , Fawcett Angela
Published: June 2014

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive genetic condition that affects both muscle and brain. Children with DMD are at risk of psycho‐social difficulties such as poor academic achievement and behavioural and socio‐emotional problems. This article by Janet Hoskin and Angela Fawcett, both from the University of Swansea, describes how 34 participants with DMD took part in a 36‐week online literacy intervention which was delivered in partnership between home and school. The key objective was to improve reading skill. Participants were re‐tested at 36 weeks for single word and text level reading, comprehension, fluency, processing and timed single word reading. Pre and post results indicated that children who followed the intervention for 36 weeks made significant improvement in their single word reading (p = <0.0001), timed single word reading (p = <0.0001) and text level reading (p = <0.004). They also made significant improvement in their fluency and comprehension scores. The results showed that children with DMD and related literacy difficulties benefit from a regular, structured and systematic synthetic phonics programme. With young people with DMD increasingly living into adulthood, early literacy intervention is particularly important to ensure optimum career and training opportunities.
Is there anything real about real wages? A history of the official British cost of living index, 1914–62
Authors: Searle Rebecca
Published: June 2014

This article explores the history of the cost of living index, tracing its evolution from its introduction in 1914 as a device designed to furnish an adequate evidential base for the tariff reform debate, through to the mid‐twentieth century, when it had become one of the most important measures in the British economy, influencing the wages of millions of workers. By embedding the index within the wider economic, political, and social histories of the period, the article presents a consideration of how it came to exert such influence over the economy, and why, despite its widely acknowledged inadequacies, the index remained tied to a rough estimation of a pre‐1914 pattern of working‐class expenditure until 1947. Through examining the debates surrounding its compilation and the context in which decisions were taken about its modification, it is demonstrated that, far from being a neutral statistical measure, the official cost of living index was essentially political in nature.
High occurrence of viruses in the mucus layer of scleractinian corals
Authors: Nguyen‐Kim Hanh , Bouvier Thierry , Bouvier Corinne , Doan‐Nhu Hai , Nguyen‐Ngoc Lam , Rochelle‐Newall Emma , Baudoux Anne‐Claire , Desnues Christelle , Reynaud Stéphanie , Ferrier‐Pages Christine , Bettarel Yvan
Published: June 2014

Viruses attract increasing interest from environmental microbiologists seeking to understand their function and role in coral health. However, little is known about their main ecological traits within the coral holobiont. In this study, a quantitative and qualitative characterization of viral and bacterial communities was conducted on the mucus of seven different coral species of the Van Phong Bay (Vietnam). On average, the concentrations of viruses and bacteria were, respectively, 17‐ and twofold higher in the mucus than in the surrounding water. The examination of bacterial community composition also showed remarkable differences between mucus and water samples. The percentage of active respiring cells was nearly threefold higher in mucus (m = 24.8%) than in water (m = 8.6%). Interestingly, a positive and highly significant correlation was observed between the proportion of active cells and viral abundance in the mucus, suggesting that the metabolism of the bacterial associates is probably a strong determinant of the distribution of viruses within the coral holobiont. Overall, coral mucus, given its unique physicochemical characteristics and sticking properties, can be regarded as a highly selective biotope for abundant, diversified and specialized symbiotic microbial and viral organisms.
Analysis of the factors influencing lung cancer hospitalization expenses using data mining
Authors: Yu Tianzhi , He Zhen , Zhou Qinghua , Ma Jun , Wei Lihui
Published: June 2014

Background

Hospitalization expenses for the therapy of lung cancer are not only a direct economic burden on patients, but also the focus of medical insurance departments. Therefore, the method for classifying and analyzing lung cancer hospitalization expenses so as to predict reasonable medical cost has become an issue of common interest for both hospitals and insurance institutions.

Methods

A C5.0 algorithm is adopted to analyze factors influencing hospitalization expenses of 731 lung cancer patients. A C5.0 algorithm is a data mining method used to classify calculation.

Results

Increasing the number of input variables leads to variation in the importance of different variables, but length of stay (LOS), major therapy, and medicine cost are the three variables of greater importance. They are important factors that affect the hospitalization cost of lung cancer patients. In all three calculations, the classification accuracy rate of training and testing partition sets reached 84% and above. The classification accuracy rate reached over 95% after addition of the cost variables.

Conclusion

The classification rules are proven to be in accordance with actual clinical practice. The model established by the research can also be applied to other diseases in the screening and analysis of disease hospitalization costs according to selected feature variables.
Review of aerobic glycolysis and its key enzymes – new targets for lung cancer therapy
Authors: Li Xue‐bing , Gu Jun‐dong , Zhou Qing‐hua
Published: June 2014

Most tumor cells show different metabolic pathways than normal cells. Even under the conditions of sufficient oxygen, they produce energy by a high rate of glycolysis followed by lactic acid fermentation in the cytosol, which is known as aerobic glycolysis or the Warburg effect. Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with one of the highest incidence and mortality rates in the world at present. However, the exact mechanisms underlying lung cancer development remain unclear. The three key enzymes of glycolysis are hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, and pyruvate kinase. Lactate dehydrogenase catalyzes the transfer of pyruvate to lactate. All four enzymes have been reported to be overexpressed in tumors, including lung cancer, and can be regulated by many oncoproteins to promote tumor proliferation, migration, and metastasis with dependence or independence of glycolysis. The discovery of aerobic glycolysis in the 1920s has provided new means and potential therapeutic targets for lung cancer.
An automated approach towards measuring time‐activity budgets in colonial seabirds
Authors: Rishworth Gavin M. , Tremblay Yann , Green David B. , Pistorius Pierre A.
Published: June 2014

Seabird proxies have the potential to act as useful and cost‐effective indicators of the state of the marine environment. Seabird time‐activity budgets, in particular, reflect short‐term changes in prey conditions.

We tested an automated technique for long‐term continuous recording of Cape gannet, Morus capensis, time‐activity budgets using coded very high frequency (VHF) transmitters allowing for simultaneous monitoring of a large sample of study birds.

Radiotransmitters attached to leg‐rings had no impact on adult foraging trip and nest attendance durations, breeding success or chick growth. Furthermore, frequencies of nest attendance and foraging trip durations estimated by the VHF logging system were no different to those estimated from hourly direct observations.

Using time‐depth recorders, the relationship between the time that birds rested on the sea surface in relation to foraging trip duration was assessed. Trip duration during chick rearing was clearly an accurate proxy for foraging effort.

The VHF monitoring system provides a simple method of accurately assessing the time‐activity budgets of colonial seabirds, which can be expanded to a range of other colonially breeding taxa. In the case of seabirds, this approach can potentially provide sensitive, real‐time indicators of prey abundance for fisheries management.
Mirrored: Crisis in the Congo
Authors: Abram Dorothy
Published: June 2014

Set on a hillside in the Congo, a woman hoes her cassava garden. She is interrupted by the arrival of western UN and other NGO officials (represented by the audience) who have come to assess conditions in the land. Tumaini (her name means “hope”) tells her story of rape, pregnancy, stigma, and social shunning that she has endured. In the process of caring for the child that resulted from the rape by Interhamure militia, Tumaini discovers that her only hope rests in renouncing the stigma that the village has put on her and her child. By seeing herself in her child, as a freshly‐harvested cassava root, she regains the love she needs to nurture her child—and herself—and names her Tumaini.
One‐year outcome of two different initial dosing regimens of intravitreal ranibizumab for myopic choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Kung Ya‐Hsin , Wu Tsung‐Tien , Huang Ya‐Hui
Published: June 2014

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the 12‐month outcomes of two different initial dosing regimens of intravitreal ranibizumab for myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 46 consecutive, treatment‐naive eyes which received intravitreal ranibizumab for subfoveal and juxtafoveal CNV secondary to pathologic myopia with a follow‐up of 12 months. Two groups were created according to different initial dosing regimens: group 1 included 25 eyes treated by a single intravitreal injection; group 2 included 21 eyes treated by three consecutive monthly injections. Additional injections were performed if needed. Patients' demographic data, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), recurrence of CNV and total number of treatments were recorded and evaluated.

Results

There was no significant difference between two groups among baseline demographic data. At 12 months, the mean logMAR BCVA improved from 0.58 to 0.23 in group 1 and from 0.55 to 0.22 in group 2 (both p < 0.001; Wilcoxon signed‐rank test). The mean logMAR BCVA at 12 months did not differ significantly. The average number of injections was 2.32 (SD 1.22) in group 1 and 3.57 (SD 1.12) in group 2 (p = 0.001; two‐tailed t‐test). During the follow‐up, 17 of 25 eyes in group 1 and 5 of 21 eyes in group 2 received additional injections (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Similar visual improvement was achieved in both groups. Although the eyes with a loading dose of 3 monthly injections required a higher number of total injections over 1 year, there was a much lower rate of retreatment needed.
The spectrum of somatic mutations in high‐risk acute myeloid leukaemia with ‐7/del(7q)
Authors: McNerney Megan E. , Brown Christopher D. , Peterson April L. , Banerjee Mekhala , Larson Richard A. , Anastasi John , Le Beau Michelle M. , White Kevin P.
Published: June 2014

‐7/del(7q) occurs in half of myeloid malignancies with adverse‐risk cytogenetic features and is associated with poor survival. We identified the spectrum of mutations that co‐occur with ‐7/del(7q) in 40 patients with de novo or therapy‐related myeloid neoplasms. ‐7/del(7q) leukaemias have a distinct mutational profile characterized by low frequencies of alterations in genes encoding transcription factors, cohesin and DNA‐methylation‐related proteins. In contrast, RAS pathway activating mutations occurred in 50% of cases, a significantly higher frequency than other acute myeloid leukaemias and higher than previously reported. Our data provide guidance for which pathways may be most relevant in the treatment of adverse‐risk myeloid leukaemia.
Resource Sovereignties inBolivia: Re‐Conceptualising the Relationship between Indigenous Identities and the Environment during theTIPNISConflict
Authors: LAING ANNA F.
Published: June 2014

This paper examines the active re‐construction of indigenous identities within thePlurinationalState ofBolivia through the case study of a resource conflict that arose with the government's announcement of its intention to build a road through a national park and indigenous territory, theTerritorioIndígena yParqueNacionalIsiboroSécure (TIPNIS;IndigenousTerritory andIsiboroSécureNationalPark). Ethnographic fieldwork shows thatboththe stateandthe lowland indigenous movement have fashioned essentialised understandings of an indigenous identity linked to the environment in order to legitimise competing resource sovereignty claims.
Evaluation of peripheral versus central effects of GABAB receptor activation using a novel, positive allosteric modulator of the GABAB receptor ADX71943, a pharmacological tool compound with a fully peripheral activity profile
Authors: Kalinichev M , Donovan‐Rodriguez T , Girard F , Riguet E , Rouillier M , Bournique B , Haddouk H , Mutel V , Poli S
Published: June 2014

Background and Purpose

The GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen, has shown promising effects in patients suffering from pain, post‐traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism, overactive bladder and gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, baclofen's short duration of action and side effects limit its wider use. Here we characterized a novel, GABAB receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM) ADX71943.

Experimental Approach

In vitro, ADX71943 was assessed for pharmacological activity and selectivity using recombinant and native GABAB receptors. In vivo ADX71943 was assessed in the acetic acid‐induced writhing (AAW) test in mice and formalin tests (FTs) in mice and rats. Marble burying (MB) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests, rotarod, spontaneous locomotor activity (sLMA) and body temperature (BT) tests in mice and rats were used to investigate centrally‐mediated effects.

Key Results

In vitro, in the presence of GABA, ADX71943 increased the potency and efficacy of agonists and showed selectivity at the GABAB receptor. ADX71943 reduced pain‐associated behaviours in AAW; an effect blocked by GABAB receptor antagonist CGP63360. ADX71943 reduced pain in the FT in mice and rats, but was inactive in the MB and EPM despite reaching high concentrations in plasma. ADX71943 had no effect on BT, rotarod and sLMA.

Conclusions and Implications

ADX71943 showed consistent and target‐related efficacy in tests of disorders that have a significant peripheral component (acute and chronic pain), while having no effect in those associated with centrally‐mediated anxiety‐like reactivity and side effects. Thus, ADX71943 is a useful pharmacological tool for delineation of peripherally‐ versus centrally‐mediated effects of GABAB receptor activation.
Synthetic gestagens exert differential effects on arterial thrombosis and aortic gene expression in ovariectomized apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice
Authors: Freudenberger T , Deenen R , Kretschmer I , Zimmermann A , Seiler L F , Mayer P , Heim H‐K , Köhrer K , Fischer J W
Published: June 2014

Background and Purpose

Combined hormone replacement therapy with oestrogens plus the synthetic progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. However, the mechanisms of this pro‐thrombotic effect are largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to: (i) compare the pro‐thrombotic effect of MPA with another synthetic progestin, norethisterone acetate (NET‐A), (ii) determine if MPA's pro‐thrombotic effect can be antagonized by the progesterone and glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone and (iii) elucidate underlying mechanisms by comparing aortic gene expression after chronic MPA with that after NET‐A treatment.

Experimental Approach

Female apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice were ovariectomized and treated with placebo, MPA, a combination of MPA + mifepristone or NET‐A for 90 days on a Western‐type diet. Arterial thrombosis was measured in vivo in a photothrombosis model. Aortic gene expression was analysed using microarrays; GeneOntology and KEGG pathway analyses were conducted.

Key Results

MPA's pro‐thrombotic effects were prevented by mifepristone, while NET‐A did not affect arterial thrombosis. Aortic gene expression analysis showed, for the first time, that gestagens induce similar effects on a set of genes potentially promoting thrombosis. However, in NET‐A‐treated mice other genes with potentially anti‐thrombotic effects were also affected, which might counterbalance the effects of the pro‐thrombotic genes.

Conclusions and Implications

The pro‐thrombotic effects of synthetic progestins appear to be compound‐specific, rather than representing a class effect of gestagens. Furthermore, the different thrombotic responses elicited by MPA and NET‐A might be attributed to a more balanced, ‘homeostatic’ gene expression induced in NET‐A‐ as compared with MPA‐treated mice.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a New Series of 3,5‐bis((5‐bromo‐6‐methyl‐2‐t‐aminopyrimidin‐4‐yl)thio)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐amines and their Cyclized Products ‘Pyrimidinylthio Pyrimidotriazolothiadiazines’ as 15‐ Lipo‐Oxygenase Inhibitors
Authors: Asghari Tayebe , Bakavoli Mehdi , Rahimizadeh Mohammad , Eshghi Hossein , Saberi Sattar , Karimian Azam , Hadizadeh Farzin , Ghandadi Moreteza
Published: June 2014

A series of new 3,5‐bis((5‐bromo‐6‐methyl‐2‐t‐aminopyrimidin‐4‐yl)thio)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐amines and their cyclized products ‘pyrimidinylthio pyrimidotriazolothiadiazines’ were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as potential inhibitors of 15‐lipo‐oxygenase (15‐LO). Their syntheses started by initial condensation of 2:1 equivalents of pyrimidine with triazole and subsequent nucleophilic displacement of the chlorine atoms with secondary amines and finally cyclocondensation in the presence of NaNH2. The compounds 4d and 4f showed the best IC50 of 15‐LO inhibition (IC50 = 9 and 12 μm, respectively). Compounds 4a–g were docked into 15‐LO. We suggest that the hydrogen bonds in quaternary nitrogen of piperazine ring of compounds 4d and 4f appear to play major role in lipo‐oxygenase inhibition by this set of synthesized analogs and hydrophobic nature of this protein's binding site should be considered in ongoing investigations.
Expression and regulation of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 in periodontal diseases
Authors: Willi M , Belibasakis G N , Bostanci N
Published: June 2014

Periodontitis is an inflammatory infectious disease that destroys the tooth-supporting tissues. It is caused by multi-species subgingival biofilms that colonize the tooth surface. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia (i.e. ‘red complex’ bacteria) are characteristic subgingival biofilm species. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) is a cell surface receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, with a role in the amplification of proinflammatory cytokine production during infection. This study aimed to investigate TREM-1 mRNA expression in gingival tissues from patients with chronic periodontitis, generalized aggressive periodontitis and healthy subjects and its correlation with the levels of periodontal pathogens in the tissue. A further aim was to investigate the regulation of TREM-1 in human monocytic cells (MM6) challenged with an in-vitro subgingival biofilm model. Gingival tissue TREM-1 expression was increased in both chronic and aggressive periodontitis, compared to health, and correlated with the levels of the ‘red complex’ species in the tissue. No significant differences were detected between the two forms of periodontitis. Biofilm-challenged MM6 cells exhibited higher TREM-1 expression and secretion compared to controls, with partial involvement of the ‘red complex’. Engagement or inhibition of TREM-1 affected the capacity of the biofilms to stimulate interleukin (IL)-1β, but not IL-8, secretion by the cells. In conclusion, this study reveals that TREM-1 tissue expression is enhanced in periodontal disease, and correlates with the level of periodontal pathogens. It also provides a mechanistic insight into the regulation of TREM-1 expression and the associated IL-1β production in biofilm-challenged monocytes.
The effects of good glycaemic control on left ventricular and coronary endothelial functions in patients with poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Erdogan Dogan , Akcay Salaheddin , Yucel Habil , Ersoy I. Hakkı , Icli Atilla , Kutlucan Ali , Arslan Akif , Yener Mahmut , Ozaydin Mehmet , Tamer M. Numan
Published: June 2014

Objective

Diabetics are at risk for developing overt heart failure and subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Also, impaired coronary flow reserve (CFR) reflecting coronary microvascular dysfunction is common in diabetics. However, no substantial data regarding the effects of good glycaemic control on subclinical LV dysfunction and CFR are available.

Context

To investigate whether good glycaemic control had favourable effects on subclinical LV dysfunction and CFR.

Design

Prospective, open‐label, follow‐up study.

Patients

Diabetics (n = 202) were classified based on baseline HbA1C levels: patients with good (group 1) (<7·0%) and poor glycaemic control (≥7·0%).

Measurements

All patients underwent echocardiographic examination at baseline evaluation, and it was repeated at months 6 and 12. Based on HbA1C levels obtained at month 6, the patients with poor glycaemic control were divided into two groups: achieved (group 2) and not achieved good glycaemic control (group 3).

Results

The groups were comparable with respect to diastolic function parameters including left atrium diameter, mitral E/A, Sm, Em/Am, E/E′ and Tei index, and these parameters did not significantly change at follow‐up in the groups. At baseline, CFR was slightly higher in group 1 than in group 2 and group 3, but it did not reach statistically significant level. At follow‐up, CFR remained unchanged in group 1 (P = 0·58) and group 3 (P = 0·86), but increased in group 2 (P = 0·02: month 6 vs baseline and P = 0·004: month 12 vs baseline).

Conclusions

Diabetics with poor and good glycaemic control were comparable with respect to echocardiographic parameters reflecting subclinical LV dysfunction, and good glycaemic control did not affect these parameters. However, good glycaemic control improved CFR.
Thyroid imaging reporting and data system score combined with Bethesda system for malignancy risk stratification in thyroid nodules with indeterminate results on cytology
Authors: Maia Frederico F. R. , Matos Patrícia S. , Pavin Elizabeth J. , Zantut‐Wittmann Denise E.
Published: June 2014

Context

The thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI‐RADS) was designed to better select patients who had undergone fine‐needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) with high sensitivity and accuracy. However, the combination of TI‐RADS scores and Bethesda system categories in indeterminate thyroid nodules has not been examined extensively.

Objective

This study aimed to stratify indeterminate thyroid nodules (Bethesda categories III, IV and V) according to risk of malignancy as determined by combining TI‐RADS score with Bethesda system classification.

Design

Retrospective study. Histopathological, cytological and ultrasound (US) data were available for 242 cases after surgery, including 136 indeterminate nodules.

Methods

All thyroid cytopathological slides and US reports were reviewed and classified according to Bethesda system and TI‐RADS categories. The malignancy rate was determined for each Bethesda category, TI‐RADS score and both methods combined of indeterminate nodules.

Results

The malignancy rates were 8·7%, 51·3% and 67·5% for Bethesda categories III, IV and V, respectively. Based on histopathological comparison, the accuracy was 66·7% for TI‐RADS greyscale. TI‐RADS 3 and 4A scores were observed in 80% of Bethesda III cases, which led to 80% sensitivity and 90% of negative predictive value (NPV). In contrast, for nodules scored as TI‐RADS 4B and 5, the combined cytological results of Bethesda IV and V resulted in a higher risk of malignancy (75% and 76·9%, respectively, P < 0·001).

Conclusions

In view of the high NPV of TI‐RADS 3/4A only in Bethesda III category, a surgical approach could be considered for lesions defined as Bethesda III, IV and V when TI‐RADS 4B and 5 were concomitant.
BMP4 promotes SSEA‐1+hUC‐MSC differentiation into male germ‐like cells in vitro
Authors: Li N. , Pan S. , Zhu H. , Mu H. , Liu W. , Hua J.
Published: June 2014

Objectives

Recent studies have demonstrated that primordial germ cells (PGC) can be differentiated from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSCs), and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in vitro. Nevertheless, efficiencies were low and unstable. Here, whether hUC‐MSCs can be induced to differentiate into germ‐like cells with the aid of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP4) was investigated.

Materials and methods

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were freshly isolated and cultured with BMP4. SSEA‐1+/− cells were purified using magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS) from the hUC‐MSCs, and further induced with BMP4. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and immunofluorescence analysis were used to determine PGC and germ‐like cell‐specific markers.

Results

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells differentiated into SSEA‐1+ spherical PGC‐like cells efficiently with 12.5 ng/ml BMP4. qRT‐PCR and immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that SSEA‐1+ cells expressed higher levels of PGC‐specific markers than SSEA‐1− cells. Furthermore, SSEA‐1+ cells were induced with BMP4 to differentiate into STRA8, SCP3, DMRT1 and PLZF‐positive male germ‐like cells, and some sperm‐like cells were obtained by 7–14 days after induction.

Conclusion

These results suggest that SSEA‐1+ hUC‐MSCs can differentiate into male germ‐like cells in the presence of BMP4. This study provides an efficient protocol to study germ‐cell development using hUC‐MSCs.