bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twelve-Month Estrogen Levels in Premenopausal Women With Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Triptorelin Plus Exemestane or Tamoxifen in the Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial (SOFT): The SOFT-EST Substudy
Authors: Bellet Meritxell , Gray Kathryn P. , Francis Prudence A. , Láng István , Ciruelos Eva , Lluch Ana , Climent Miguel Angel , Catalán Gustavo , Avella Antoni , Bohn Uriel , González-Martin Antonio , Ferrer Roser , Catalán Roberto , Azaro Analía , Rajasekaran Agnita , Morales Josefa , Vázquez Josep , Fleming Gini F. , Price Karen N. , Regan Meredith M.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

To describe estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and estrone sulfate (E1S) levels during the first year of monthly triptorelin plus exemestane or tamoxifen and to assess possible suboptimal suppression while receiving exemestane plus triptorelin.

Patients and Methods

Premenopausal patients with early breast cancer on the Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial who selected triptorelin as the ovarian suppression method and were randomly assigned to exemestane plus triptorelin or tamoxifen plus triptorelin were enrolled until the target population of 120 patients was reached. Blood sampling time points were 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 months. Serum estrogens were measured with a highly sensitive and specific assay. This preplanned 12-month analysis evaluated E2, E1, E1S, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels in all patients and the proportion of patients with E2 levels greater than 2.72 pg/mL at any time point during treatment with exemestane plus triptorelin.

Results

One hundred sixteen patients (exemestane, n = 86; tamoxifen, n = 30; median age, 44 years; median E2, 51 pg/mL; 55% prior chemotherapy) started triptorelin and had one or more samples drawn. With exemestane plus triptorelin, median reductions from baseline E2, E1, and E1S levels were consistently ≥ 95%, resulting in significantly lower levels than with tamoxifen plus triptorelin at all time points. Among patients on exemestane plus triptorelin, 25%, 24%, and 17% had an E2 level greater than 2.72 pg/mL at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Baseline factors related to on-treatment E2 level greater than 2.72 pg/mL were no prior chemotherapy (P = .06), higher body mass index (P = .05), and lower follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (each P < .01).

Conclusion

During the first year, most patients on exemestane plus triptorelin had E2 levels below the defined threshold of 2.72 pg/mL, consistent with levels reported in postmenopausal patients on aromatase inhibitors, but at each time point, at least 17% of patients had levels greater than the threshold.
MET Exon 14 Mutations in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Are Associated With Advanced Age and Stage-Dependent MET Genomic Amplification and c-Met Overexpression
Authors: Awad Mark M. , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Jackman David M. , Savukoski Daniel O. , Hall Dimity , Shivdasani Priyanka , Heng Jennifer C. , Dahlberg Suzanne E. , Jänne Pasi A. , Verma Suman , Christensen James , Hammerman Peter S. , Sholl Lynette M.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

Non–small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) harboring mutations in MET exon 14 and its flanking introns may respond to c-Met inhibitors. We sought to describe the clinical, pathologic, and genomic characteristics of patients with cancer with MET exon 14 mutations.

Patients and Methods

We interrogated next-generation sequencing results from 6,376 cancers to identify those harboring MET exon 14 mutations. Clinical characteristics of MET exon 14 mutated NSCLCs were compared with those of NSCLCs with activating mutations in KRAS and EGFR. Co-occurring genomic mutations and copy number alterations were identified. c-Met immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect exon 14 skipping were performed where sufficient tissue was available.

Results

MET exon 14 mutations were identified in 28 of 933 nonsquamous NSCLCs (3.0%) and were not seen in other cancer types in this study. Patients with MET exon 14–mutated NSCLC were significantly older (median age, 72.5 years) than patients with EGFR-mutant (median age, 61 years; P < .001) or KRAS-mutant NSCLC (median age, 65 years; P < .001). Among patients with MET exon 14 mutations, 68% were women, and 36% were never-smokers. Stage IV MET exon 14–mutated NSCLCs were significantly more likely to have concurrent MET genomic amplification (mean ratio of MET to chromosome 7, 4.3) and strong c-Met immunohistochemical expression (mean H score, 253) than stage IA to IIIB MET exon 14–mutated NSCLCs (mean ratio of MET to chromosome 7, 1.4; P = .007; mean H score, 155; P = .002) and stage IV MET exon 14–wild-type NSCLCs (mean ratio of MET to chromosome 7, 1.2; P < .001; mean H score, 142; P < .001). A patient whose lung cancer harbored a MET exon 14 mutation with concurrent genomic amplification of the mutated MET allele experienced a major partial response to the c-Met inhibitor crizotinib.

Conclusion

MET exon 14 mutations represent a clinically unique molecular subtype of NSCLC. Prospective clinical trials with c-Met inhibitors will be necessary to validate MET exon 14 mutations as an important therapeutic target in NSCLC.
Experiments in Civility
Authors: Dietz Bill , Steingo Gavin
Published: January 2016

In this essay, we present a reading of two dominant (often, though not always, opposed) modes of understanding music's value: first, a “negative posit” associated most closely with Theodor Adorno that valorizes negation and social uselessness and, second, an “affirmative posit” associated with late twentieth-century musicology and sociology that valorizes music's social utility. Recognizing serious limitations in both, we turn to Étienne Balibar's notion of “civility” as an experimental practice that regulates extremes in order to reduce violence. Drawing on psychoanalytic and anthropological theory, we begin to outline the contours of an experimental music practice that affirms music's fundamental ambiguity and radical nonpartisanship.
Acoustic Multinaturalism, the Value of Nature, and the Nature of Music in Ecomusicology
Authors: Gautier Ana María Ochoa
Published: January 2016

This essay is a critique of the notions of nature and culture, as operationalized by the recently named field ecomusicology. While fields such as anthropology and history have questioned the idea of nature, ecomusicology, on the contrary, has explored its significance, producing an ecology of music and sound that reaffirms the term and, along with it, a multicultural account of diversity that takes the Western notion of culture as a viable concept for all peoples. This essay, rather, seeks to acknowledge a historical lineage of ethnomusicology and its relation to structuralism as fundamental for rethinking the ontologies of sound/music. This lineage is also fundamental for creating links with recent anthropological work on multinaturalism. Based on this work, the essay tentatively proposes the move toward acoustic multinaturalism as an alternative concept that is not bound to the creation of a new field but rather to rethinking the ontologies of the acoustic.
Accountability and the Quality of Democracy in Greece
Authors: Danopoulos Constantine P.
Published: January 2016

This essay explores and assesses the connection between accountability and the quality of democracy in modern Greece along three key dimensions: vertical, horizontal, and social. Vertical involves elected officials and the three branches of government; horizontal deals with the nonelected arms of government and bureaucratic agencies; and social addresses civil society, the mass media, and nongovernmental organizations. Examination and analysis of the relevant data indicate that the state of accountability in Greece is weak in all three dimensions, and a host of structural, social, and attitudinal factors contributes to this weakness. Accountability problems undermine the quality of democracy. The essay expresses hope that reforms initiated under pressure from the European Union eventually would strengthen accountability and Greece's quality of democracy.
The evolution of basal progenitors in the developing non-mammalian brain
Authors: Nomura Tadashi , Ohtaka-Maruyama Chiaki , Yamashita Wataru , Wakamatsu Yoshio , Murakami Yasunori , Calegari Federico , Suzuki Kunihiro , Gotoh Hitoshi , Ono Katsuhiko
Published: January 2016

The amplification of distinct neural stem/progenitor cell subtypes during embryogenesis is essential for the intricate brain structures present in various vertebrate species. For example, in both mammals and birds, proliferative neuronal progenitors transiently appear on the basal side of the ventricular zone of the telencephalon (basal progenitors), where they contribute to the enlargement of the neocortex and its homologous structures. In placental mammals, this proliferative cell population can be subdivided into several groups that include Tbr2+ intermediate progenitors and basal radial glial cells (bRGs). Here, we report that basal progenitors in the developing avian pallium show unique morphological and molecular characteristics that resemble the characteristics of bRGs, a progenitor population that is abundant in gyrencephalic mammalian neocortex. Manipulation of LGN (Leu-Gly-Asn repeat-enriched protein) and Cdk4/cyclin D1, both essential regulators of neural progenitor dynamics, revealed that basal progenitors and Tbr2+ cells are distinct cell lineages in the developing avian telencephalon. Furthermore, we identified a small population of subapical mitotic cells in the developing brains of a wide variety of amniotes and amphibians. Our results suggest that unique progenitor subtypes are amplified in mammalian and avian lineages by modifying common mechanisms of neural stem/progenitor regulation during amniote brain evolution.
FGF2 inhibits endothelial–mesenchymal transition through microRNA-20a-mediated repression of canonical TGF-β signaling
Authors: Correia Ana C. P. , Moonen Jan-Renier A. J. , Brinker Marja G. L. , Krenning Guido
Published: January 2016

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is characterized by the loss of endothelial cell markers and functions, and coincides with de novo expression of mesenchymal markers. EndMT is induced by TGFβ1 and changes endothelial microRNA expression. We found that miR-20a is decreased during EndMT, and that ectopic expression of miR-20a inhibits EndMT induction. TGFβ1 induces cellular hypertrophy in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and abrogates VE-cadherin expression, reduces endothelial sprouting capacity and induces the expression of the mesenchymal marker SM22α (also known as TAGLN). We identified ALK5 (also known as TGFBR1), TGFBR2 and SARA (also known as ZFYVE9) as direct miR-20a targets. Expression of miR-20a mimics abrogate the endothelial responsiveness to TGFβ1, by decreasing ALK5, TGFBR2 and SARA, and inhibit EndMT, as indicated by the maintenance of VE-cadherin expression, the ability of the cells to sprout and the absence of SM22α expression. FGF2 increases miR-20a expression and inhibits EndMT in TGFβ1-stimulated endothelial cells. In summary, FGF2 controls endothelial TGFβ1 signaling by regulating ALK5, TGFBR2 and SARA expression through miR-20a. Loss of FGF2 signaling combined with a TGFβ1 challenge reduces miR-20a levels and increases endothelial responsiveness to TGFβ1 through elevated receptor complex levels and activation of Smad2 and Smad3, which culminates in EndMT.
Control of Saccharomyces cerevisiae pre-tRNA processing by environmental conditions
Authors: Foretek Dominika , Wu Jingyan , Hopper Anita K. , Boguta Magdalena
Published: January 2016

tRNA is essential for translation and decoding of the proteome. The yeast proteome responds to stress and tRNA biosynthesis contributes in this response by repression of tRNA transcription and alterations of tRNA modification. Here we report that the stress response also involves processing of pre-tRNA 3′ termini. By a combination of Northern analyses and RNA sequencing, we show that upon shift to elevated temperatures and/or to glycerol-containing medium, aberrant pre-tRNAs accumulate in yeast cells. For pre-tRNAUAUIle and pre-tRNAUUULys these aberrant forms are unprocessed at the 5′ ends, but they possess extended 3′ termini. Sequencing analyses showed that partial 3′ processing precedes 5′ processing for pre-tRNAUAUIle. An aberrant pre-tRNATyr that accumulates also possesses extended 3′ termini, but it is processed at the 5′ terminus. Similar forms of these aberrant pre-tRNAs are detected in the rex1Δ strain that is defective in 3′ exonucleolytic trimming of pre-tRNAs but are absent in the lhp1Δ mutant lacking 3′ end protection. We further show direct correlation between the inhibition of 3′ end processing rate and the stringency of growth conditions. Moreover, under stress conditions Rex1 nuclease seems to be limiting for 3′ end processing, by decreased availability linked to increased protection by Lhp1. Thus, our data document complex 3′ processing that is inhibited by stress in a tRNA-type and condition-specific manner. This stress-responsive tRNA 3′ end maturation process presumably contributes to fine-tune the levels of functional tRNA in budding yeast in response to environmental conditions.
Consumer Social Responsibility
Authors: Pigors Mark , Rockenbach Bettina
Published: January 2016

We investigate the emergence of socially responsible (SR) production through consumer decisions. Our experimental treatments vary market competitiveness and consumers’ information on social responsibility in production. We show that—irrespective of consumers’ information—SR production reduces monopolistic supplier’s profit and is therefore unlikely to emerge. With supplier competition, SR production positively influences consumers’ buying decisions and suppliers offering SR products achieve significantly higher profits, as long as their price is not too high. Our results yield valuable insights into the possibilities and limitations of promoting SR production through consumer behavior, and they provide evidence for positive effects of competition on moral behavior.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2015.2279 .

This paper was accepted by Uri Gneezy, behavioral economics.
Empirical Dynamic Programming
Authors: Haskell William B. , Jain Rahul , Kalathil Dileep
Published: January 2016

We propose empirical dynamic programming algorithms for Markov decision processes. In these algorithms, the exact expectation in the Bellman operator in classical value iteration is replaced by an empirical estimate to get “empirical value iteration” (EVI). Policy evaluation and policy improvement in classical policy iteration are also replaced by simulation to get “empirical policy iteration” (EPI). Thus, these empirical dynamic programming algorithms involve iteration of a random operator, the empirical Bellman operator. We introduce notions of probabilistic fixed points for such random monotone operators. We develop a stochastic dominance framework for convergence analysis of such operators. We then use this to give sample complexity bounds for both EVI and EPI. We then provide various variations and extensions to asynchronous empirical dynamic programming, the minimax empirical dynamic program, and show how this can also be used to solve the dynamic newsvendor problem. Preliminary experimental results suggest a faster rate of convergence than stochastic approximation algorithms.
The custom triflange cup
Authors: Goodman G. P. , Engh Jr C. A.
Published: January 2016

The custom triflange is a patient-specific implant for the treatment of severe bone loss in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Through a process of three-dimensional modelling and prototyping, a hydroxyapatite-coated component is created for acetabular reconstruction. There are seven level IV studies describing the clinical results of triflange components. The most common complications include dislocation and infection, although the rates of implant removal are low. Clinical results are promising given the challenging problem. We describe the design, manufacture and implantation process and review the clinical results, contrasting them to other methods of acetabular reconstruction in revision THA.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(1 Suppl A):68–72.
The outcomes of instrumented posterolateral lumbar fusion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kang C-N. , Kim C-W. , Moon J-K.
Published: January 2016

Aims

The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of instrumented posterolateral fusion (PLF) performed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A total of 40 patients with RA and 134 patients without RA underwent instrumented PLF for spinal stenosis between January 2003 and December 2011. The two groups were matched for age, gender, bone mineral density, the history of smoking and diabetes, and number of fusion segments. The clinical outcomes measures included the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Korean Oswestry Disability Index (KODI), scored before surgery, one year and two years after surgery. Radiological outcomes were evaluated for problems of fixation, nonunion, and adjacent segment disease (ASD). The mean follow-up was 36.4 months in the RA group and 39.1 months in the non-RA group.

Results

Both groups had significant improvement in symptoms one year after surgery, while the RA group showed some deterioration of outcome scores owing to complications during the second year after surgery. Complications occurred at a higher rate in the group with RA (19 patients, 47.5%) than in those without RA (23 patients, 17.1%) (p < 0.001). A total of 15 patients in the RA group (37.5%) required revision surgery, mainly for implant failure and post-operative infection.

Discussion

Multimodal approaches should be considered when performing instrumented PLF in patients with RA to reduce the rate of complications, such as problems of fixation, post-operative infection and nonunion. Take home message: Specific strategies should be undertaken in order to optimise outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:102–8.
Mid-flexion instability after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Vince K.
Published: January 2016

The term mid-flexion instability has entered the orthopaedic literature as a concept, but has not been confirmed as a distinct clinical entity. The term is used freely, sometimes as a synonym for flexion instability. However, the terms need to be clearly separated. A cadaver study published in 1990 associated joint line elevation with decreased stability at many angles of flexion, but that model was not typical of clinical scenarios. The literature is considered and it is proposed that the more common entity of an uncorrected flexion contracture after a measured resection arthroplasty technique is more likely to produce clinical findings that suggest instability mid-flexion.

It is proposed that the clinical scenario encountered is generalised instability, with the appearance of stability in full extension from tight posterior structures.

This paper seeks to clarify whether mid-flexion instability exists as an entity distinct from other commonly recognised forms of instability.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(1 Suppl A):84–8.
Highly cross-linked polyethylene decreases the rate of revision of total hip arthroplasty compared with conventional polyethylene at 13 years’ follow-up
Authors: Hanna S. A. , Somerville L. , McCalden R. W. , Naudie D. D. , MacDonald S. J.
Published: January 2016

Aims

The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term results of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in young patients using either a conventional (CPE) or a highly cross-linked (HXLPE) polyethylene liner in terms of functional outcome, incidence of osteolysis, radiological wear and rate of revision.

Methods

We included all patients between the ages of 45 and 65 years who, between January 2000 and December 2001, had undergone a primary THA for osteoarthritis at our hospital using a CPE or HXLPE acetabular liner and a 28 mm cobalt-chrome femoral head. From a total of 160 patients, 158 (177 hips) were available for review (CPE 89; XLPE 88). The mean age, body mass index (BMI) and follow-up in each group were: CPE: 56.8 years (46 to 65); 30.7 kg/m2(19 to 58); 13.2 years (2.1 to 14.7) and HXLPE: 55.6 years (45 to 65); BMI: 30 kg/m2(18 to 51); 13.1 years (5.7 to 14.4).

Results

The mean Harris hip score (HHS) at final follow-up was 89.3 for the CPE group and 90.9 for the HXLPE group (p = 0.078). Osteolysis was present around 15 acetabular (17%) and 16 femoral (18%) components in the CPE hips compared with none (0%) in the HXLPE hips. The mean radiological linear wear of the CPE liners was 0.11 mm/year compared with 0.035 mm/year for the HXLPE liners (p = 0.006). The cumulative implant survival, with revision for polyethylene wear as the endpoint, was 86% (95% confidence interval 78 to 94) in the CPE group and 100% in the HXLPE group at 13 years (numbers at risk at 13 years - CPE: 65, XLPE: 61).

Discussion

This study shows that HXLPE liners are associated with significantly less osteolysis and a lower rate of revision THA than CPE liners at long-term follow-up. Take home message: The findings of this study highlight the clinical benefits of using HXLPE liners in THA and support the routine use of the material in order to improve implant longevity and to decrease the number of patients needing revision for aseptic osteolysis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:28–32.
Reduced Basis method applied to large scale non linear multiphysics problems
Authors: Daversin Cécile , Prud'homme Christophe , Trophime Christophe
Published: January 2016

The Laboratoire National des Champs Magntiques Intenses (LNCMI) is a French large scale facility enabling researchers to perform experiments in the highest possible magnetic field.
The design and optimization of such magnets require the prediction of performance metrics which can be the magnetic field in the center, maximum stresses, or maximum and average temperatures. These
outputs are expressed as functionals of field variables associated with a set of coupled parametrized PDEs involving materials properties as well as magnet operating conditions. These inputs are not exactly known and form uncertainties that are essential to consider, since existing magnet technologies are pushed to the limits. Solutions of a multi-physics model involving electro-thermal, magnetostatics and mechanics are requested to evaluate these implicit input-output relationships, but represent a huge computational time when applied on real geometries. The models typically include mesh ( resp. finite element approximations ) with ( tens of ) millions of elements ( resp. degrees of freedom ) requiring high performance
computing solutions. Moreover, the non affine dependance of materials properties on temperature render these models non linear and non affinely parametrized. The reduced basis (RB) method offers a rapid and reliable evaluation of this input-output relationship in a real-time or many-query context for a large class of problems among which non linear
and non affinely parametrized ones. This methodology is well adapted to this context of many model evaluations for parametric studies, inverse problems and uncertainty quantication. We present the RB method applied to the 3D non-linear and non affinely parametrized multi-physics model used in a real magnet design context. This reduced model enjoys features of reduced basis framework available with opensource library Feel++.
The effectiveness of social skill training on depressive symptoms, self- esteem and interpersonal difficulties among Schizophrenic patients
Authors: I. El Malky Maaly , Atia Mervat , H.Alam Faten
Published: January 2016

Patients with social skills deficits such as problems with communication with other people, social withdrawal, problems with activities of daily living should be offered to social skills training. Patients with schizophrenia usually have social skills deficits. Social skills training is a set of systematic techniques and strategies useful for teaching interpersonal skills that are based on social learning theory. It is a widely used treatment of a range of psychiatric disorders as schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of social skill training program on self-esteem, depression and interpersonal difficulties among schizophrenic patients. Design: Quasi-experimental design (one group pretest posttest design) was used to achieve the aim of the study. Setting: The study was conducted at The Psychiatric Hospital in Tanta and the Psychiatric Hospital in Mit-Khalf at Menoufyia, Egypt. Sample: A convince sample (50) was selected in the chosen setting inpatient department. Tools: four tools were used for data collection. Tool one: a structured: socio-demographic questionnaire to obtain demographic data about the studied sample. Tool two: The depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS).In this paper the researcher used the depression scale only which consists of 14 items in the form of rating scale. The depression scale assesses dysphoria, hopelessness, and devaluation of life, self- deprecation, and lack of interest and anhedonia. Tool three: Self- Esteem Inventory Scale: It evaluates attitudes of individuals toward themselves and consists of 25 items. Tool four: Relationship Scales Questionnaire. It consists of 13 items five points Likert- scale. The results: There is a highly significant reduction of the mean score of depressive symptoms and interpersonal difficulties at 0.001 while highly significant increase of the mean score of self-esteem at 0.001 post program than pre program. Conclusion: The social skills training program had a positive effect on interpersonal difficulties, depressive symptoms and self-esteem of the schizophrenic patients after receiving social skill training program. Recommendations: Generalized of social skill training program for all psychotic patients in hospital to improve their social competence and self-esteem.
Servant Teaching: An Exploration of Teacher Servant Leadership on Student Outcomes
Authors: Noland Aaron , Richards Keith
Published: January 2016

Servant leadership is an approach to leadership that embraces the opportunity for the leader to lead in service to the follower. This approach to leadership puts the goals, needs, and development of “followers” ahead of those of the leader. This approach to leadership applied to classroom contexts serves as a great opportunity to improve education by positively impacting student learning, development, and deepening the student-centeredness of instruction. This paper examines the veracity of a servant approach to teaching by exploring its impacts on student learning, engagement, and motivation.
“A Living, Fleshy Bond”: The Electric Telegraph, Musical Thought, and Embodiment
Authors: van Rij Inge
Published: January 2016

The development and rapid spread of the electric telegraph in the mid-nineteenth century were profoundly entangled with music in ways that are seldom if ever acknowledged. Particular emphasis is often placed on sound recording as enacting what Attali describes as “the moment when everything suddenly changed.” In fact, the telegraph anticipated several key premises of recording by decades. Its language is heard, on the one hand, in the direct imitation of Strauss Jr.'s Telegraphische Depeschen, and on the other, in François Sudre's development of a “universal musical language” to communicate across distance. Works by Berlioz and Georges Kastner reveal how the telegraph fed into conceptions of musical transcendence via Spiritualists and the Aeolian harp. The attendant emphasis on mind over body was extended through the employment by conductors of telegraph technology to control musicians across ever-greater distances. This apparent disembodiment of the telegraph carried threatening implications for those social or ethnic groups aligned with the body, including performers. However, as Marshall McLuhan suggests, electricity was also primarily a “tactile” medium, and sensitivity to the telegraphic signals in art music therefore also entailed a new appreciation of the powerful role of embodied performers. Listening for the sounds of the telegraph in music of the mid-nineteenth century thus both enriches our appreciation of the historicity of these works and offers new perspectives on the negotiations between embodiment and transcendence that continue to underpin this repertoire.
A novel surgical approach for the management of giant invasive prolactinoma compressing the brainstem
Authors: Margari Niki , Pollock Jonathan , Stojanovic Nemanja
Published: January 2016

Prolactinomas constitute the largest subsection of all secretory pituitary adenomas. Most are microprolactinomas and are satisfactorily treated by medical management alone. Giant prolactinomas, measuring more than 4 cm in diameter, are rare and usually occur more commonly in men. Macroprolatinomas tend to present with symptoms of mass effect rather than those of hyperprolactinaemia. Dopamine agonists (DA) are the treatment of choice for all prolactinomas. Surgery is usually reserved for DA resistance or if vision is threatened by the mass effects of the tumour. We describe the case of a 52 year-old woman with a giant invasive prolactinoma who required multiple surgical procedures as well as medical management with DA. One of the surgical interventions required a posterior approach via the trans cranial sub occipital transtentorial approach, a surgical technique that has not been previously described in the medical literature for this indication. The giant prolactinoma was reduced significantly with the above approach and patient symptoms from the compressing effects of the tumour were resolved. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of such patients who present with florid neurological sequelae secondary to pressure effects. Although this presentation is uncommon, surgery via a sub occipital transtentorial approach may be considered the treatment of choice in suitable patients with giant invasive prolactinomas compressing the brainstem.

Learning points

Giant prolactinomas present with symptoms of mass effect or those of hyperprolactinaemia.

Interpretation of the pituitary profile is crucial to guide further investigations and management.

Treatment of giant invasive prolactinomas may involve a combination of medical management and multiple surgical interventions.

Treatment with DA may cause pituitary haemorrhage or infarction in patients with these tumours.

A sub occipital transtetorial approach may be considered the treatment of choice in invasive prolactinomas compressing the brainstem.

Multidisciplinary approach of such patients is fundamental for a better outcome.
CXADR is required for AJ and TJ assembly during porcine blastocyst formation
Authors: Kwon Jeong-Woo , Kim Nam-Hyung , Choi Inchul
Published: January 2016

Coxsackie virus and adenovirus receptor (CXADR) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily as well as a member of the junctional adhesion molecule family of adhesion receptor. In human pre-implantation embryos, CXADR was detected and co-localized with tight junction (TJ) proteins on the membrane of the trophectoderm. However, its physiological roles were not elucidated in terms of blastocyst formation. Here, we reported expression patterns and biological functions of CXADR in porcine pre-implantation embryos. The transcripts of CXADR were detected at all stages of pre-implantation. Particularly, its expression dramatically increased and preferentially localized at the edge of cell–cell contacts, rather than in the nucleus from the eight-cell stage onwards. CXADR expression was knocked down (KD) by microinjecting double-stranded RNA into one-cell parthenotes. The vast majority of CXADR KD embryos failed to develop to the blastocyst stage, and a few developed KD blastocysts did not expand fully. Analysis of adherens junction (AJ)- and TJ-associated genes/proteins using qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and assessment of TJ permeability using FITC-dextran uptake assay revealed that the developmental failure and relatively small cavities are attributed to the defects of TJ assembly. In summary, CXADR is necessary for the AJ and TJ assembly/biogenesis during pre-implantation development.
Genetical Genomics of Behavior: A Novel Chicken Genomic Model for Anxiety Behavior
Authors: Johnsson Martin , Williams Michael J , Jensen Per , Wright Dominic
Published: January 2016

The identification of genetic variants responsible for behavioral variation is an enduring goal in biology, with wide-scale ramifications, ranging from medical research to evolutionary theory on personality syndromes. Here, we use for the first time a large-scale genetical genomics analysis in the brains of chickens to identify genes affecting anxiety as measured by an open field test. We combine quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis in 572 individuals and expression QTL (eQTL) analysis in 129 individuals from an advanced intercross between domestic chickens and Red Junglefowl. We identify 10 putative quantitative trait genes affecting anxiety behavior. These genes were tested for an association in the mouse Heterogeneous Stock anxiety (open field) data set and human GWAS data sets for bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. Although comparisons between species are complex, associations were observed for four of the candidate genes in mice and three of the candidate genes in humans. Using a multimodel approach we have therefore identified a number of putative quantitative trait genes affecting anxiety behavior, principally in chickens but also with some potentially translational effects as well. This study demonstrates that chickens are an excellent model organism for the genetic dissection of behavior.
NGHIÊN CỨU XÂY DỰNG CÔNG THỨC THỰC NGHIỆM XÁC ĐỊNH CÁC THAM SỐ SÓNG NỔ TRONG VÙNG NƯỚC NÔNG Ở TRƯỜNG SA
Authors: Loi Vu Dinh , Tho To Duc , Tuan Le Anh , Nghi Nguyen Cong
Published: January 2016

Áp suất bề mặt sóng xung kích và thời gian pha nén tồn tại là các tham số đặc trưng dùng để tính toán nổ dưới nước. Theo các công trình đã công bố, chúng thường được tính trong môi trường nước thông thường và ít khi được thực trong môi trường nước biển do các điều kiện thực hiện khó khăn. Nghiên cứu này trình bày kết quả thử nghiệm nổ dưới nước nông ở Trường Sa và xác định được các công thức thực nghiệm đối với các tham số đó.
PRESENT DAY TECTONIC GRADIENT IN NINH THUAN AND SURROUNDING REGION
Authors: Trinh Phan Trong , Liem Ngo Van , Hai Vy Quoc , Phong Tran Van , Huong Nguyen Van , Thuan Nguyen Viet , Xuyen Nguyen Quang , Thom Bui Van , Tuc Nguyen Dang , Vinh Hoang Quang , Thinh Nguyen Huy , Thao Bui Thi , Hung Tran Quoc
Published: January 2016

The estimation of the present day tectonic movement and tectonic gradient (strain rate) has an important practical signification in the assessment of active fault and seismic hazards for the selection of Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant. Based on the three campaigns of GPS measurement between 2012 - 2013, we used BERNESE 5.0 software to determine present day slip rates of 13 stations in ITRF08 frame. The GPS stations move eastwards at the slip rates of 22 - 25 mm/yr, southwards at the velocities of 5 - 10 mm/yr. The standard errors in latitudinal and longitudinal directions are 1.2 mm/yr and 0.9 mm/yr, respectively. Combined with GPS data from the project of the study on actual geodynamics in Tay Nguyen TN3/06, we determined the strain rate ranging from 50 to 100 nanostrains with the standard error of 50 nanostrains. The direction of  maximum compressive strain rate is from northwest - southeast to east - west.
APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING AND GIS TECHNOLOGIES TO RESEARCHING SHORELINE FLUCTUATION PROCESS AND INLET OPENING/CLOSING IN O LOAN LAGOON (PHU YEN) FROM 1965 TO 2014
Authors: Binh Tran Van , Son Tong Phuoc Hoang , Dan Nguyen Dinh , Trung Pham Ba
Published: January 2016

Application of remote sensing and GIS (Geographic Information System) technologies found that: Fluctuation process of shoreline in O Loan lagoon became evident, through which a general picture of the shoreline development in a long time from 1965 - 2014 has been launched. The process of erosion - accretion evolutions occurred time by time. In which, the period from 1965 - 1995 was the process of erosion - accretion and gradual northward movement of O Loan lagoon inlet, with erosion area greater than deposition area. The period after 1995 was the process of erosion and An Hai inlet opening during rainy season, coincident with northeast monsoon and typhoon activity; and the process of accretion and An Hai inlet closing during dry season, coincident with southwest monsoon.
ẢNH HƯỞNG ĐỒNG THỜI CỦA NHIỆT ĐỘ VÀ ĐỘ MẶN ĐẾN SINH TRƯỞNG VÀ TỶ LỆ SỐNG CỦA NGAO DẦU (MERETRIX MERETRIX) GIAI ĐOẠN GIỐNG
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Xuan , Thung Do Cong
Published: January 2016

Nghiên cứu này được thực hiện nhằm đánh giá ảnh hưởng đồng thời của nhiệt độ và độ mặn đến sinh trưởng và tỷ lệ sống của ngao dầu (Meretrix meretrix) ở giai đoạn giống. Thí nghiệm được tiến hành với ba ngưỡng nhiệt độ khác nhau (150C, 270C và 350C), kết hợp với ba ngưỡng độ mặn khác nhau (5‰, 20‰ và 35‰), ba lần lặp lại cho mỗi ngưỡng thí nghiệm. Kết quả cho thấy sau một tháng nuôi trong điều kiện thí nghiệm: Ở ngưỡng độ mặn 20‰ và nhiệt độ 270C ngao dầu giống sinh trưởng nhanh nhất, tỷ lệ sống cao nhất (86%); Ở những ngưỡng độ mặn 5‰ và nhiệt độ 150C, 5‰ và nhiệt độ 350C, 35‰ và nhiệt độ 350C ngao chết toàn bộ sau quá trình thí nghiệm; Ở các ngưỡng độ mặn 20‰ và nhiệt độ150C , độ mặn 20‰ và nhiệt độ350C , độ mặn 5‰ và nhiệt độ 270C , độ mặn 35‰ và nhiệt độ150C,độ mặn 35‰ và nhiệt độ 270C ngao sinh trưởng chậm hơn, tỷ lệ sống thấp, với các giá trị tương ứng là 61,3%, 42,6%, 39,3%,10,7% và 60,6%. Kết quả nghiên cứu là cơ sở khoa học cho việc quy hoạch, quản lý vùng nuôi, xây dựng kỹ thuật nuôi phù hợp cho từng mùa vụ sản xuất, đồng thời bảo tồn và phát triển nguồn lợi ngao dầu.
SOME CALCULATED RESULTS OF CURRENT IN THE GULF OF TONKIN BY USING NONLINEAR THREE DIMENSIONAL (3D) MODEL
Authors: Chung Tran Van , Long Bui Hong
Published: January 2016

Among marine investigation and study activities, the studies and calculation of dynamic system are very necessary and important, especially in the Gulf of Tonkin (Vietnam), where many economic and social activities are happening and where is affected not only by the fresh water from Red river but also by the western currents in the South China Sea through the gulf mouth and Quynh Chau Strait (between Leizhou Peninsula and Hainan Island). Up to now, the results of study, calculation and simulation of the currents in the Gulf of Tonkin with consideration on these factors and climate change effects leading to the change of occurring time, wind intensity, wind season length are very different compared to the previous results and they are still very limited and unsystematic. In this paper we tried to solve the three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear model of currents during northeast and southwest monsoons in this region using finite element method (FEM). The calculation results showed the main characteristics, the spatial and depth variation of intensity and direction of the current fields during typical monsoons in the Gulf of Tonkin. The calculation results showed that: Quynh Chau Strait plays an important role in water exchange between the Gulf of Tonkin and the South China Sea; The wind currents play an important role inside the Gulf of Tonkin and the density currents (thermo-haline, regular currents) play an important role inside and outside the main mouth of the gulf; Strong regular currents are existing (in the whole year with two wind seasons), flowing from north to south through the gulf mouth (this has been approved by some previous study results) in which the density currents play the main role; Cyclones have been formed in northeast monsoon and anticyclones have been formed in southwest monsoon in the gulf.
CULTURA E AS MANIFESTAÇÕES ARTÍSTICAS COMO UM ATRATIVO TURÍSTICO EM NATAL - RN: UM ESTUDO NA PERCEPÇÃO DOS STAKEHOLDERS
Authors: Araújo Richard Medeiros , Possenato Amanda F , Nascimento Ana Cléia
Published: January 2016

Este paper discute a necessidade de adoção de novas práticas e novos produtos turísticos na cidade de Natal. A pesquisa tem por objetivo central analisar as manifestações artísticas como potencial turístico a partir da percepção dos stakeholders (dentro do turismo eles são as pessoas envolvidas na atividade, tais como: empresários de hotéis e restaurantes, agentes de viagem, secretário de turismo, os turistas e diversos outros). A metodologia utilizada foi de finalidade básica, exploratória, bibliográfica e qualitativa; foram aplicados formulários compostos de perguntas abertas e fechadas, bem como entrevistas, com os stakeholders, sujeitos desta pesquisa. Assim, foi possível concluir que Natal é uma cidade potencial para o desenvolvimento do turismo cultural, e que as manifestações artísticas são importantes ferramentas para isso; os turistas esperam por novos produtos turísticos, dentro desse segmento. Porém é necessário obter uma atenção maior dos stakeholders, ligados ao serviço da atividade turística, para desenvolver outras modalidades do turismo que não seja o de sol e mar. Dessa forma, será possível propagar a cidade de Natal por outros atrativos, além dos naturais da cidade, bem como descentralizar a oferta turística no destino.
FENOLOGIA & CRESCIMENTO DE ESPÉCIES ACUMULADORAS DE FÓSFORO NA AMAZONIA
Authors: De Oliveira Patricia Chaves
Published: January 2016

A caracterização da fenologia de espécies potencialmente acumuladoras de fósforo (P) em tecidos foliares como Neea macrophylla e Cecropia palmata e não acumuladora de fósforo Casearia arborea é fundamental para a compreensão do particionamento do P ao longo dos diferentes compartimentos das plantas e em períodos específicos do ano. A compreensão da fenologia pode nos permitir temporalizar a quantidade e a qualidade do litter anual produzido por tais espécies em função da atividade e intensidade das fenofases. Da mesma forma a Análise Quantitativa de Crescimento Foliar pode vir a justificar Taxas Fotossintéticas e Eficiências Fotossintéticas no Uso do P (EFUP) através da determinação de Área Foliar Específica (AFE), Razão de área Foliar (RAF) e Razão de Peso Foliar (RPF). Os resultados demonstraram que as três espécies apresentaram 100% de atividade das fenofases revelando certo sincronismo dentro de cada espécie, mas não entre as mesmas conferindo certa heterogeneidade na floresta secundária estudada. Foi observada uma tendência de aumento da Taxa Fotossintética com o aumento da Área Foliar Específica das espécies, embora Casearia arborea tenha mantido baixa AFE e alta Taxa Fotossintética. Cecropia palmata foi a espécie que precisou de maior área foliar para produção de 1gr de Matéria seca enquanto Casearia foi a mais eficiente, pois menor quantidade precisou. A RPF foi o melhor parâmetro para contextualizar a EFUP.
CONTROLE DO MINÉRIO DE ESPODUMÊNIO EM PEGMATITOS DA MINA DA CACHOEIRA, ARAÇUAÍ, MG
Authors: Romeiro Júlio Cezar Pimenta , Pedrosa-Soares Antônio Carlos
Published: January 2016

The focused pegmatites belong to the Cachoeira Group, a spodumene-rich pegmatite population ofthe Araçuaí Pegmatite District, located in the north region of the Eastern Brazilian PegmatiteProvince. The Cachoeira Mine (CBL-Companhia Brasileira de Lítio) is located in the low valley ofthe Piauí River, east of Araçuaí town, Minas Gerais. The structural control of the pegmatites andrelated variations in spodumene grain size are important factors for mine planning. The pegmatitesof the Cachoeira Mine are non-zoned bodies with very few and small replacement pockets. Theyintruded along two different NE-striking surfaces of medium- to high-angle dip: the NW-dippingschistosity and the SE-dipping fracture cleavage. Systematic measurements show that the generalaverage size of spodumene crystals decreases with depth (i.e., the deeper the pegmatite segment, thesmaller the crystal size), but spodumene modal contents remain similar in different depths. Enrichmentin coarse-grained spodumene crystals occurs in shallow-dipping pegmatite segments. The increasingin spodumene crystal size, from lower to upper depths, can be related to decreasing in viscosity of thesilicate melt in response to accumulation of rising aqueous fluids towards the top of the pegmatite.The same effect can be expected for places of fluid swimming, such as the shallow-dipping pegmatitesegments. Fluids, like H2O and F, act by lowering the viscosity that, in turn, assists crystal growth. K/Rb and K/Ba ratios obtained from microcline crystals, associated to the spodumene, decrease graduallyfrom the bottom to the top of the pegmatites. Such increasing (to the top) in Rb and Ba also suggestsfluid enrichment in the same way of the increasing size of spodumene crystals.
A UNIDADE METASEDIMENTAR DO OFIOLITO DE RIBEIRÃO DA FOLHA, ORÓGENO ARAÇUAÍ, MINAS GERAIS: PETROGRAFIA, GEOTERMOBAROMETRIA E CALCOGRAFIA.
Authors: Queiroga Gláucia , Pedrosa-Soares A.C. , Quéméneur Joel , Castañeda Cristiane
Published: January 2016

The Neoproterozoic oceanic remnants of the Araçuaí Orogen occur as tectonic dismembered sectionsin the region between 42°-43°W and 17°-21°S, southeastern Brazil. The Ribeirão da Folha ophioliteis one of these oceanic remnants, located in the Minas Novas region, northeastern Minas GeraisState. This paper presents field and microscopic studies, as well as quantitative geothermobarometricresults, for the ophiolitic metasedimentary unit mapped in the Baixa Quente-Ribeirão da Folha area.This metasedimentary unit consists of several varieties of quartz-mica schist, peraluminous micaschist,calc-silicate rock (metamarl), graphite-kyanite schist, graphite schist, metachert, diopsidite andbanded iron formation. Such well-developed, ophiolitic sedimentary pile represents pelagic pelitesand chemical-exhalative sediments, as well as mixtures of chemical, argillaceous and/or organiccomponents. These sediments were metamorphosed in the Brasiliano Orogeny (ca. 580 Ma) and itsregional schistosity (Sn) reached the kyanite zone of the amphibolite facies (530-600 °C and 4,9-5,5kbar), in the focused area. An older foliation (Sn-1), developed in greenschist facies, is locallypreserved. The sulfide-bearing rocks are different types of metachert and diopsidite, with massivesulfide bodies, sulfide-type banded iron formation and graphite schist. Sulfate efflorescence, formedby chemical weathering, is a common feature of sulfide-rich outcrops. Pyrrotite, pyrite, botrioidalpyrite, chalcopyrite and spharelite are the main sulfide phases found in metachert and diopsiditetypes. Covellite, marcasite and arsenopyrite are rare. We suggest three stages of sulfide crystallization:i) precipitation from hydrothermal fluids in oceanic environment; ii) recrystallization during theregional metamorphism, mainly along the Sn foliation; and iii) post-Sn hydrothermal alteration.