bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STAT3 expression correlates with prognosis of thymic epithelial tumors
Authors: Li Chao , Wang Zhou , Liu Yan , Wang Peng , Zhang Runqi
Published: April 2013

Background

More and more evidences demonstrate the significance of Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3(STAT3) in oncogenesis and tumor development. However, little systematic researches have been reported on the correlation between STAT3 and thymic epithelial tumor (TET).

Methods

Expression of STAT3 protein in 80 thymic epithelial tumors was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The difference of STAT3 expression was compared by the χ
2 test. Estimation of survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the statistical differences were analyzed using the Log-rank test.

Results

Positive expression of STAT3 protein was significantly associated with Masaoka staging and WHO histological classification (P < 0.05), but not with age, gender, or tumor size. The rate of postoperative recurrence/metastasis was 33.33% in STAT3-positive tumors, compared with 4.55% in negative ones (P < 0.05). 5-year survival was significantly lower in STAT3-positive subjects (61.11%) than in negative ones (97.73%) (P < 0.01); In patients in Masaoka stage III or IV and WHO B3 or C, 5-year survival rate of subjects positive in STAT3 (35.00%, 35.00%) was statistically lower than that of the negative ones (92.31%, 91.67%). Cox regression analysis revealed that positive expression of STAT3 protein was an independent prognostic factor of thymic epithelial tumors (HR = 9.325, P = 0.044).

Conclusion

Positive expression of STAT3 protein increases along with the rising malignant degree of thymic epithelial tumors. It may be considered as an independent prognostic parameter with good prognostic value to evaluate the possibility of recurrence/metastasis in patients with thymic epithelial tumor.
Personalizing Oncology: Perspectives and Prospects
Authors: Mendelsohn John
Published: April 2013

This article provides an overview of the research, beginning a century ago, that has led to the current use of genomically informed methods for selection of targeted therapies to treat individual patients with cancer—so-called precision cancer medicine. Until 1980, most research on cancer therapy was not targeted in the sense we use the word today. Since then, there has been an acceleration in research identifying genetic and molecular targets and in clinical trials using biomarkers that identify the presence of genetic or molecular markers in a patient's cancer to select appropriate targeted therapy. This approach has been made possible by increased knowledge of the genetic pathogenesis of cancer and by increased capacity to sequence genes and genomes in clinically useful timeframes and at a reasonable cost. However, many challenges and pitfalls remain in selecting optimal targets, interpreting data on genetic aberrations, designing effective targeted drugs and antibodies, dealing with resistance to treatments, identifying appropriate combinations of therapies, and performing the complex clinical trials that are required. Future clinical research with experimental targeted agents is likely to be more informative because of appropriate preselection of patients enrolled onto trials and performance of genetic and molecular studies on specimens of a patient's cancer before and after treatment.
Advancing Precision Medicine for Prostate Cancer Through Genomics
Authors: Roychowdhury Sameek , Chinnaiyan Arul M.
Published: April 2013

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States. The recent surge of high-throughput sequencing of cancer genomes has supported an expanding molecular classification of prostate cancer. Translation of these basic science studies into clinically valuable biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis and biomarkers that are predictive for therapy is critical to the development of precision medicine in prostate cancer. We review potential applications aimed at improving screening specificity in prostate cancer and differentiating aggressive versus indolent prostate cancers. Furthermore, we review predictive biomarker candidates involving ETS gene rearrangements, PTEN inactivation, and androgen receptor signaling. These and other putative biomarkers may signify aberrant oncogene pathway activation and provide a rationale for matching patients with molecularly targeted therapies in clinical trials. Lastly, we advocate innovations for clinical trial design to incorporate tumor biopsy and molecular characterization to develop biomarkers and understand mechanisms of resistance.
Future of Clinical Genomics in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Janeway Katherine A. , Place Andrew E. , Kieran Mark W. , Harris Marian H.
Published: April 2013

The somatic genomic alterations in pediatric cancers to some extent overlap with those seen in adult cancers, but the exact distribution throughout the genome and the types and frequency of alterations differ. The ultimate goal of genomic research in children, as with adults, is translation to the clinic to achieve more accurate diagnosis, more precise risk stratification, and more effective, less toxic therapy. The genomic features of pediatric malignancies and pediatric-specific issues in clinical investigation may make translating genomic discoveries to the clinic more difficult. However, through large-scale molecular profiling of pediatric tumors, continued coordinated efforts to evaluate novel therapies in the pediatric population, thoughtful phase II and III trial design, and continued drug development, genomically based therapies will become more common in the pediatric oncology clinic in the future.
Heat-shock protein 70 is involved in hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning on decompression sickness in rats
Authors: Ni Xiao-Xiao , Ni Ming , Fan Dan-Feng , Sun Qiang , Kang Zhi-Min , Cai Zhi-Yu , Liu Yun , Liu Kan , Li Run-Ping , Xu Wei-Gang
Published: April 2013

Decompression sickness (DCS) is a major concern in diving and space walk. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) preconditioning has been proved to enhance tolerance to DCS via nitric oxide. Heat-shock protein (HSP) 70 was also found to have protective effects against DCS. We hypothesized that the beneficial effects of HBO preconditioning on DCS was related to levels of elevated HSP70. HSPs (70, 27 and 90) expressed in tissues of spinal cord and lung in rats was detected at different time points following HBO exposure by Western blot. HSP27 and HSP90 showed a slight but not significant increase after HBO. HSP70 increased and reached highest at 18 h following exposure before decreasing. Then rats were exposed to HBO and subjected to simulated air dive and rapid decompression to induce DCS 18 h after HBO. The severity of DCS, along with levels of HSP70 expression, as well as the extent of oxidative and apoptotic parameters in the lung and spinal cord were compared among different groups of rats pretreated with HBO, HBO plus NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (l-NAME), HBO plus quercetin or normobaric air. HBO preconditioning significantly reduced the morbidity of DCS (from 66.7% to 36.7%), reduced levels of oxidation (malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxyguanine and hydrogen peroxide) and apoptosis (caspase-3 and 9 activities and the number of apoptotic cells). l-NAME or quercetin eliminated most of the beneficial effects of HBO on DCS, and counteracted the stimulation of HSP70 by HBO. Bubbles in pulmonary artery were detected using ultrasound imaging to observe the possible effect of HBO preconditioning on DCS bubble formation. The amounts of bubbles in rats pretreated with HBO or air showed no difference. These results suggest that HSP70 was involved in the beneficial effects of HBO on DCS in rats, suspected be by the antioxidation and antiapoptosis effects.
Increases in systemic and local stress: a probable mechanism of visceral fat accumulation and insulin resistance in adult catch-up growth rats?
Authors: Hu Xiang , Chen Lu-Lu , Zheng Juan , Kong Wen , Zhang Hao-Hao , Zeng Tian-Shu , Zhang Jiao-Yue , Li Hui-Qing , Hu Di , Liao Yun-Fei
Published: April 2013

Catch-up growth in adult (CUGA) is increasingly proposed as an important causative factor for the widespread insulin resistance (IR)-related diseases especially in developing countries/territories. We aimed to investigate the effects of CUGA to insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and stress in rats, as well as the probable relationship among them. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups for two sampling points: caloric restriction group (R4) and normal chow controls for four weeks (NC4); CUGA re-fed with normal chow (RN4), CUGA re-fed with high-fat diet (RH4), normal chow controls (NC8) and high-fat diet controls (HF8) for eight weeks. Visceral fat accumulation (visceral adipose tissue [VAT] percentage), systemic (plasma corticosterone) and local (HSD11B1 mRNA expression in skeletal muscle [SkM] and VAT) stress, whole-body and peripheral insulin sensitivity were determined in this study. After four weeks of caloric restriction, R4 rats showed increases in systemic and local stress, decreases in visceral fat accumulation and no IR (whole-body or peripheral). Yet, after re-feeding, sustained systemic and local stress, remarkable visceral fat accumulation and IR (whole-body and peripheral) were found in RN4 compared with NC8, in RH4 compared with NC8 and HF8. Our findings demonstrated that CUGA rats were characterized by significant IR, visceral fat accumulation and stress. These changes were more severe in CUGA re-fed with high-fat diet. The interaction of sustained caloric restriction-induced stress and re-feeding might be of utmost importance in the etiology of visceral fat accumulation and IR in CUGA.
Propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism during lactation alters leucine and mannose metabolism in rat cerebellar slices
Authors: MüLler Alexandre Pastoris , Longoni Aline , Farina Marcelo , Da Silveira Clarice K B , Souza Diogo Onofre , Perry Marcos Luiz Santos , De Assis Adriano Martimbianco
Published: April 2013

Thyroid hormone deficiency during perinatal development results in significant alterations in neurological functions. The relationship between such events and brain metabolism is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hypothyroidism on leucine, mannose, glucose and lactate metabolism in rat cerebellar slices. Experimental hypothyroidism was induced by exposing mothers and pups to propylthiouracil (PTU) until weaning - postnatal day 21. Metabolic analyses were performed in postnatal day 10 (PND10) and 21 (PND21) animals. A matching group of animals received the same oral treatment also after weaning until adulthood PND60 with T3 supplement during lactation (P1-P21). In PND21 animals, PTU treatment significantly increased the rate of leucine oxidation to CO2, although glucose and lactate oxidations were not affected. PTU treatment also increased the oxidation of leucine to CO2 at PND60 (adult animals). PND10 hypothyroidism animals showed a decrease in conversion of mannose to glycolipids and glycoprotein compared with the control group. However, PTU treatment increased the conversion of mannose to glycolipids and glycoprotein in PND21 animals. The replacement of T3 normalized mannose and leucine metabolism in adult rats. These results indicate that deficits in thyroid hormones during lactation could delay or alter brain development and metabolism.
Blood gases and energy metabolites in mouse blood before and after cerebral ischemia: the effects of anesthetics
Authors: Schwarzkopf Tina M , Horn Tobias , Lang Dorothee , Klein Jochen
Published: April 2013

The levels of blood gases and energy metabolites strongly influence the outcome of animal experiments, for example in experimental stroke research. While mice have become prominent animal models for cerebral ischemia, little information is available on the effects of anesthetic drugs on blood parameters such as blood gases, glucose and lactate in this species. In this work, we collected arterial and venous blood samples from female CD-1 mice before and after cerebral ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and we tested the influence of different anesthetic drugs. We found that all of the injectable anesthetics tested (ketamine/xylazine, chloral hydrate, propofol and pentobarbital) caused a decrease in blood pH and partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and an increase of partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), indicating respiratory depression. This was not observed with inhalable anesthetics such as isoflurane, sevoflurane and halothane. Significant and up to two-fold increases of blood glucose concentration were observed under isoflurane, halothane, ketamine/xylazine, chloral hydrate, and propofol anesthesia. Lactate concentration rose significantly by 2-3-fold during inhalation of isoflurane and halothane treatment, but decreased by more than 50% after administration of pentobarbital. Permanent cerebral ischemia induced respiratory acidosis (low pH and pO2, high pCO2) which was most prominent after 24 h. Postsurgical treatment with Ringer-lactate solution (1 mL, intraperitoneal) caused a recovery of blood gases to basal levels after 24 h. Use of isoflurane for surgery caused a minor increase of blood glucose concentrations after one hour, but a strong increase of blood lactate. In contrast, anesthesia with pentobarbital did not affect glucose concentration but strongly reduced blood lactate concentrations one hour after surgery. All values recovered at three hours after MCAO. In conclusion, anesthetic drugs have a strong influence on murine blood parameters, which should be taken into account in experiments in mice.
Occurrence of Temnocephala (Platyhelminthes: Temnocephalida) in Immatures of Kempnyia reticulata (Enderlein) (Insecta: Plecoptera: Perlidae)
Authors: Avelino-Capistrano Fernanda , Barbosa Leandro Silva , Cunha André Mallemont
Published: April 2013

First register of Temnocephala (Platyhelminthes: Temnocephalida) in immature of Kempnyia reticulata (Enderlein) (Plecoptera: Perlidae). The insects were collected in rivers of Estação Biológica de Santa Lúcia, Santa Teresa, Espirito Santo, Brazil.

Primeiro registro de Temnocephala (Platyhelminthes: Temnocephalida) em imaturos de Kempnyia reticulata (Enderlein) (Plecoptera: Perlidae).

Resumo. Primeiro registro de Temnocephala (Platyhelminthes: Temnocephalida) em imaturos de Kempnyia reticulata (Enderlein) (Plecoptera: Perlidae). Os insetos foram coletados em um riacho da Estação Biológica de Santa Lúcia, Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo, Brasil.
Histomorphological Characteristics of Digestive and Reproductive Organs of Lutzomyia wellcomei Fraiha, Shaw & Lainson (Diptera, Psychodidae)
Authors: Pegado Silva Vanessa Escóssia , Da Silva Naissandra Bezerra , Pinheiro Marcos Paulo Gomes , Freitas Maria de Lourdes , Freire de Melo Ximenes Maria de Fátima
Published: April 2013

Sandflies are important vectors of tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis in different countries. This study aimed at analyzing the histomorphological characteristics of digestive and reproductive organs in Lutzomyia wellcomei (Fraiha, Shaw & Lainson) using light microscopy techniques. Thirty females from the rural area of Nísia Floresta, Rio Grande do Norte state were selected, microsectioned and analyzed with an optical microscope using conventional hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results show three well-characterized regions in the digestive tube: the stomodeum, mesentery and proctodeum. The stomodeum is lined internally with a basal and epithelial membrane; the mesentery has a peritrophic matrix formed above the stomodeum lining consisting of the simple cubic epithelium overlapping the conjunctive, also common to a capsule of gonadal lining; and the proctodeum, which structurally resembles the mesentery, but with a pyloric sphincter limiting the posterior midgut. Enveloping the digestive tube is the peritoneal membrane, of mesodermal origin. Richly-detailed internal morphological characteristics of L. wellcomei have widened knowledge of this Leishmania braziliensis (Vianna)-transmitting species, an etiologic agent of American tegumentary leishmaniasis.

Características Histomorfológicas de Órgãos da Digestão de Lutzomyia wellcomei Fraiha, Shaw & Lainson (Diptera, Psychodidae)

Resumo. Os flebotomíneos se destacam como importantes transmissores das leishmanioses tegumentar e visceral em diferentes países. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar características histomorfológicas de órgãos da digestão de Lutzomyia wellcomei (Fraiha, Shaw & Lainson) por meio de técnicas de microscopia. Trinta fêmeas provenientes de área rural do município de Nísia Floresta, Rio Grande do Norte foram selecionadas, microseccionadas e analisadas por microscopia ótica. Métodos de coloração histológica por hematoxilina-eosina foram empregados nas análises. Os resultados mostram o trato digestório com as três regiões bem caracterizadas, estomodeo, mesêntero e proctodeo. O estomodeo possui uma membrana basal e uma membrana epitelial que o reveste internamente; o mesêntero possui matriz peritrófica formada acima do revestimento do estomodeo constituído de epitélio cúbico simples sobreposto ao conjuntivo comum também a uma cápsula de revestimento gonadal; e o proctodeo que se assemelha estruturalmente com o mesêntero, possuindo ainda, uma região pilórica limitando o intestino médio do posterior. Envolvendo o tubo digestório, está a membrana peritonial, de origem mesodérmica. As características morfológicas internas, observadas com riqueza de detalhes em L. wellcomei ampliam o conhecimento acerca dessa espécie, transmissora de Leishmania braziliensis (Vianna), agente etiológico de leishmaniose tegumentar americana.
Incidência de Varroa destructor (Anderson e Trueman) em criação de abelhas com ferrão na região de Sinop, MT
Authors: Torres Rodrigo de Nazaré Santos , Barreto Marliton Rocha
Published: April 2013

Quanto às enfermidades apícolas descreve-se que o Brasil está em situação vantajosa comparando com outros países, por apresentar enxames rústicos que, por serem mais resistentes a doenças, dispensam a utilização de antibióticos. Entretanto, a dinâmica de populações do ácaro Varroa mostrou ser muito diferente das outras regiões afetadas pela varroose sendo os primeiros índices registrados superiores a 20% e, ainda, se têm poucos trabalhos em relação à taxa de infestação em diferentes regiões do Brasil. Desta forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento de incidência do ácaro Varroa destructor (Anderson & Trueman) em colmeias na região de Sinop, MT. As coletas foram realizadas nos meses de julho e agosto de 2011 em oito apiários fixos. Abelhas que estavam próximas aos quadros centrais foram coletadas e no laboratório de Entomologia da UFMT, Campus Universitário de Sinop, foi realizada a triagem e armazenamento das abelhas e ácaros. Os apiários visitados estão situados nos municípios de Santa Carmen e de Sinop e estão localizados em áreas de preservação, embora estejam próximos a áreas destinadas ao cultivo de soja e milho. Como resultado, obteve-se média de infestação superior a 9%.

The incidence of Varroa destructor (Anderson & Trueman) in the Breeding of Stinging Bees in Sinop and Surrounding Regions, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract. In terms of apiculture diseases, Brazil stands in an advantageous situation compared to other countries, because of its rustic swarms that are more resistant to diseases, and, therefore, do not require antibiotics. Nevertheless, it was observed that the Varroa mite population was very different from those of other regions affected by varroatosis, with the first recorded rates above 20%. Furthermore, the studies regarding infestation rates in Brazil are scarce, which poses a barrier for comparisons in this regard. Hence, this study was performed with the objective to survey the incidence of the Varroa destructor (Anderson & Trueman) mite in bee colonies located in the region of Sinop, Mato Grosso. Samples were collected during July and August 2011 in eight apiaries fixed. Bees that were close to the central frames were collected and laboratory UFMT of Entomology, University Campus of Sinop was performed sorting and storage of bees and mites. Visited apiaries are located in the cities of Santa Carmen and Sinop and are located in areas of preservation, although they are near areas for the cultivation of soybeans and corn. The study found that the mean infestation was above 9%.
A List of Current Valid Blow Fly Names (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in the Americas South of Mexico with Key to the Brazilian Species
Authors: Kosmann Cecília , Mello Rubens Pinto de , Harterreiten-Souza Érica Sevilha , Pujol-Luz José Roberto
Published: April 2013

The calliphorids flies comprise a heterogenous family found in all zoogeographical regions, with over 1,000 species and 150 genera described. The blow flies have a great medical and veterinary importance, and can be use in forensic science, especially in order to estimate the postmortem interval. Despite its wide distribution and importance, the group presents many taxonomic problems, and many conflicting records regarding the number of species in the Neotropical Region. In this paper, we list all species of Calliphoridae found in the Americas south of Mexico, based on reports in the literature between the years 1960 and 2012. There are 29 genera and 99 species recognized distributed in seven subfamilies: Calliphorinae (three genera and eight species), Chrysomyinae (seven genera and 28 species), Luciliinae (one genus and 17 species), Mesembrinellinae (nine genera and 33 species), Polleniinae (one genus and one species), Rhiniinae (one genus and one species), and Toxotarsinae (seven genera and 11 species). An identification key for the species that occur in Brazil is presented.

Lista Atualizada de Nomes Válidos de Moscas-Varejeiras (Diptera: Calliphoridae) das Américas ao Sul do México, com uma Chave para as Espécies que Ocorrem no Brasil

Resumo. Os califorídeos constituem uma família heterogênea encontrada em todas as regiões zoogeográficas, com mais de 1.000 espécies e 150 gêneros. As moscas-varejeiras possuem grande importância médica e veterinária, e podem ainda ser utilizadas nas ciências forenses, principalmente para estimar o intervalo pós-morte. Apesar da sua vasta distribuição e importância, o grupo apresenta muitos problemas taxonômicos e diversos registros conflitantes no tocante ao número de espécies presentes na região Neotropical. Neste artigo nós listamos todas as espécies de Calliphoridae encontradas nas Américas ao sul do México, baseadas em registros na literatura entre os anos de 1960 e 2012. Existem 29 gêneros e 99 espécies reconhecidas e distribuídas em sete subfamílias: Calliphorinae (três gêneros e oito espécies), Chrysomyinae (sete gêneros e 28 espécies), Luciliinae (um gênero e 17 espécies), Mesembrinellinae (nove gêneros e 33 espécies), Polleniinae (um gênero e uma espécie), Rhiniinae (um gênero e uma espécie) e Toxotarsinae (sete gêneros e 11 espécies). Uma chave de identificação para as espécies que ocorrem no Brasil é apresentada.
Basis Paths and a Polynomial Algorithm for the Multistage Production-Capacitated Lot-Sizing Problem
Authors: Hwang Hark-Chin , Ahn Hyun-Soo , Kaminsky Philip
Published: April 2013

We consider the multilevel lot-sizing problem with production capacities (MLSP-PC), in which production and transportation decisions are made for a serial supply chain with capacitated production and concave cost functions. Existing approaches to the multistage version of this problem are limited to nonspeculative cost functions—up to now, no algorithm for the multistage version of this model with general concave cost functions has been developed. In this paper, we develop the first polynomial algorithm for the MLSP-PC with general concave costs at all of the stages, and we introduce a novel approach to overcome the limitations of previous approaches. In contrast to traditional approaches to lot-sizing problems, in which the problem is decomposed by time periods and is analyzed unidirectionally in time, we solve the problem by introducing the concept of a basis path, which is characterized by time and stage. Our dynamic programming algorithm proceeds both forward and backward in time along this basis path, enabling us to solve the problem in polynomial time.
LP Bounds in an Interval-Graph Algorithm for Orthogonal-Packing Feasibility
Authors: Belov Gleb , Rohling Heide
Published: April 2013

We consider the feasibility problem OPP (orthogonal packing problem) in higher-dimensional orthogonal packing: given a set of d-dimensional (d ≥ 2) rectangular items, decide whether all of them can be orthogonally packed in the given rectangular container without rotation. The one-dimensional (1D) “bar” LP relaxation of OPP reduces the latter to a 1D cutting-stock problem where the packing of each stock bar represents a possible 1D stitch through an OPP layout. The dual multipliers of the LP provide us with another kind of powerful bounding information (conservative scales). We investigate how the set of possible 1D packings can be tightened using the overlapping information of item projections on the axes, with the goal to tighten the relaxation. We integrate the bar relaxation into an interval-graph algorithm for OPP, which operates on such overlapping relations. Numerical results on 2D and 3D instances demonstrate the efficiency of tightening leading to a speedup and stabilization of the algorithm.
An Exact Algorithm for the Capacitated Arc Routing Problem with Deadheading Demand
Authors: Bartolini Enrico , Cordeau Jean-François , Laporte Gilbert
Published: April 2013

We study an extension of the capacitated arc routing problem (CARP) called the capacitated arc routing problem with deadheading demand (CARPDD). This problem extends the classical capacitated arc routing problem by introducing an additional capacity consumption incurred by a vehicle deadheading an edge. It can be used, e.g., to model time or distance constrained arc routing problems. We show that the strongest CARP lower bounds can be weak when directly applied to the CARPDD, and we introduce a new family of valid inequalities shown to significantly strengthen these bounds. We develop an exact algorithm for the CARPDD based on cut-and-column generation and branch and price, and we report extensive computational results on a large set of benchmark instances. The same exact algorithm is also tested on classical CARP benchmark sets and is shown to improve upon the best known exact algorithms for the CARP.
Call for Papers—Special Issue of Operations Research: Information and Decisions in Social and Economic Networks
Authors: Anderson Eddie , Gamarnik David , Kleywegt Anton , Ozdaglar Asuman
Published: April 2013

Networks have become increasingly pervasive in our lives: social networks not only have a defining impact on consumer choice but are also central in social and political decisions, ranging from political discourse in the blogosphere to the organization and coordination of protests in the Arab Spring. Economic and financial transactions also increasingly occur over large, complex, dynamically changing networks, not only contributing to the efficient allocation of resources, but also occasionally creating large, systemic, and poorly understood risks. Similarly, network effects are now seen as major elements in healthcare, smart power grids, urban transportation, and more.

We invite high-quality submissions in social and economic networks, construed broadly to include any system in which human action and control play a major role. We welcome contributions based on rigorous mathematical models, as well as empirical and simulation studies, that contribute to the understanding of network formation, cascades, reliability, information and action propagation, decision making, inference, measurement, and efficient optimization algorithms over networks. We seek papers that apply tools from operations research, statistics, computer science, applied mathematics, and physics to offer novel insights, build new models, and possibly provide recommendations to policy makers.

To submit your paper, go to the Operations Research ScholarOne Manuscripts site at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/opre and follow the instructions provided.

July/August 2015: Expected issue publication date.
Adiponectin prevents islet ischemia–reperfusion injury through the COX2–TNFα–NF-κB-dependent signal transduction pathway in mice
Authors: Du Xiaojiong , He Sirong , Jiang Yaowen , Wei Lingling , Hu Weiming
Published: April 2013

Islets are exceptionally susceptible to ischemia–reperfusion injury, an increased incidence of primary graft nonfunctionality, and β-cell death during a transplant procedure. Therefore, islets require protection during the early stages of the transplant procedure. Based on the beneficial vascular and anti-inflammatory activity of adiponectin, we hypothesize that adiponectin protects islet cells against ischemia–reperfusion injury and graft dysfunction after transplantation. To examine the effects of adiponectin on the resistance of islet ischemia–reperfusion injury, we used the islet hypoxia–reoxygenation injury model and performed kidney subcapsular syngeneic islet transplants to assess the islets' vitality and function. Furthermore, we utilized lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced or tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced damage to islet cells to model the inflammation of post-transplant ischemia–reperfusion injury and transplanted islets in adiponectin knockout mice to explore whether the protective action of adiponectin is involved in TNFα production and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. Adiponectin suppressed TNFα production and IκB-α phosphorylation; decreased hypoxia–reoxygenation and LPS-induced and TNFα-induced islet apoptosis; and improved islet function in vivo and in vitro. Our results demonstrate that adiponectin protects the islet from injury. We show that islet protection occurs in response to ischemia–reperfusion and is dependent on the suppression of islet production by TNFα through cyclooxygenase 2 and the inhibition of the TNFα-induced NF-κB activation pathways.
Resequencing and Comparative Genomics of Stagonospora nodorum: Sectional Gene Absence and Effector Discovery
Authors: Syme Robert Andrew , Hane James K , Friesen Timothy L , Oliver Richard P
Published: April 2013

Stagonospora nodorum is an important wheat (Triticum aestivum) pathogen in many parts of the world, causing major yield losses. It was the first species in the large fungal Dothideomycete class to be genome sequenced. The reference genome sequence (SN15) has been instrumental in the discovery of genes encoding necrotrophic effectors that induce disease symptoms in specific host genotypes. Here we present the genome sequence of two further S. nodorum strains (Sn4 and Sn79) that differ in their effector repertoire from the reference. Sn79 is avirulent on wheat and produces no apparent effectors when infiltrated onto many cultivars and mapping population parents. Sn4 is pathogenic on wheat and has virulences not found in SN15. The new strains, sequenced with short-read Illumina chemistry, are compared with SN15 by a combination of mapping and de novo assembly approaches. Each of the genomes contains a large number of strain-specific genes, many of which have no meaningful similarity to any known gene. Large contiguous sections of the reference genome are absent in the two newly sequenced strains. We refer to these differences as “sectional gene absences.” The presence of genes in pathogenic strains and absence in Sn79 is added to computationally predicted properties of known proteins to produce a list of likely effector candidates. Transposon insertion was observed in the mitochondrial genomes of virulent strains where the avirulent strain retained the likely ancestral sequence. The study suggests that short-read enabled comparative genomics is an effective way to both identify new S. nodorum effector candidates and to illuminate evolutionary processes in this species.
Insight into Actin Organization and Function in Cytokinesis from Analysis of Fission Yeast Mutants
Authors: Subramanian Dhivya , Huang Junqi , Sevugan Mayalagu , Robinson Robert C , Balasubramanian Mohan K , Tang Xie
Published: April 2013

Actin is a key cytoskeletal protein with multiple roles in cellular processes such as polarized growth, cytokinesis, endocytosis, and cell migration. Actin is present in all eukaryotes as highly dynamic filamentous structures, such as linear cables and branched filaments. Detailed investigation of the molecular role of actin in various processes has been hampered due to the multifunctionality of the protein and the lack of alleles defective in specific processes. The actin cytoskeleton of the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, has been extensively characterized and contains structures analogous to those in other cell types. In this study, primarily with the view to uncover actin function in cytokinesis, we generated a large bank of fission yeast actin mutants that affect the organization of distinct actin structures and/or discrete physiological functions of actin. Our screen identified 17 mutants with specific defects in cytokinesis. Some of these cytokinesis mutants helped in dissecting the function of specific actin structures during ring assembly. Further genetic analysis of some of these actin mutants revealed multiple genetic interactions with mutants previously known to affect the actomyosin ring assembly. We also characterize a mutant allele of actin that is suppressed upon overexpression of Cdc8p-tropomyosin, underscoring the utility of this mutant bank. Another 22 mutant alleles, defective in polarized growth and/or other functions of actin obtained from this screen, are also described in this article. This mutant bank should be a valuable resource to study the physiological and biochemical functions of actin.
The Effects of Music Therapy on Vital Signs, Feeding, and Sleep in Premature Infants
Authors: Loewy Joanne , Stewart Kristen , Dassler Ann-Marie , Telsey Aimee , Homel Peter
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVES:

Recorded music risks overstimulation in NICUs. The live elements of music such as rhythm, breath, and parent-preferred lullabies may affect physiologic function (eg, heart and respiratory rates, O2 saturation levels, and activity levels) and developmental function (eg, sleep, feeding behavior, and weight gain) in premature infants.

METHODS:

A randomized clinical multisite trial of 272 premature infants aged ≥32 weeks with respiratory distress syndrome, clinical sepsis, and/or SGA (small for gestational age) served as their own controls in 11 NICUs. Infants received 3 interventions per week within a 2-week period, when data of physiologic and developmental domains were collected before, during, and after the interventions or no interventions and daily during a 2-week period.

RESULTS:

Three live music interventions showed changes in heart rate interactive with time. Lower heart rates occurred during the lullaby (P < .001) and rhythm intervention (P = .04). Sucking behavior showed differences with rhythm sound interventions (P = .03). Entrained breath sounds rendered lower heart rates after the intervention (P = .04) and differences in sleep patterns (P < .001). Caloric intake (P = .01) and sucking behavior (P = .02) were higher with parent-preferred lullabies. Music decreased parental stress perception (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The informed, intentional therapeutic use of live sound and parent-preferred lullabies applied by a certified music therapist can influence cardiac and respiratory function. Entrained with a premature infant’s observed vital signs, sound and lullaby may improve feeding behaviors and sucking patterns and may increase prolonged periods of quiet–alert states. Parent-preferred lullabies, sung live, can enhance bonding, thus decreasing the stress parents associate with premature infant care.
Political psychology
Authors: Resch Mária , Bella Tamás
Published: April 2013

In Hungary one can mostly find references to the psychological processes of politics in the writings of publicists, public opinion pollsters, philosophers, social psychologists, and political analysts. It would be still important if not only legal scientists focusing on political institutions or sociologist-politologists concentrating on social structures could analyse the psychological aspects of political processes; but one could also do so through the application of the methods of political psychology. The authors review the history of political psychology, its position vis-à-vis other fields of science and the essential interfaces through which this field of science, which is still to be discovered in Hungary, connects to other social sciences. As far as its methodology comprising psycho-biographical analyses, questionnaire-based queries, cognitive mapping of interviews and statements are concerned, it is identical with the psychiatric tools of medical sciences. In the next part of this paper, the focus is shifted to the essence and contents of political psychology. Group dynamics properties, voters’ attitudes, leaders’ personalities and the behavioural patterns demonstrated by them in different political situations, authoritativeness, games, and charisma are all essential components of political psychology, which mostly analyses psychological-psychiatric processes and also involves medical sciences by relying on cognitive and behavioural sciences. This paper describes political psychology, which is basically part of social sciences, still, being an interdisciplinary science, has several ties to medical sciences through psychological and psychiatric aspects. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 619–626.
The first vaccine against cancer: the human papillomavirus vaccine
Authors: Bősze Péter
Published: April 2013

The last 20 years is one of the most remarkable periods in the fight against cancer, with the realization that some human papillomaviruses are causally related to cancer and with the development of the vaccine against human papillomavirus infections. This is a historical event in medicine and the prophylactic human papillomavirus vaccines have provided powerful tools for primary prevention of cervical cancer and other human papillomavirus-associated diseases. This is very important as human papillomavirus infection is probably the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, and over one million women develop associated cancer yearly, which is about 5% of all female cancers, and half of them die of their disease. Cancers associated with oncogenic human papillomaviruses, mostly HPV16 and 18, include cervical cancer (100%), anal cancer (95%), vulvar cancer (40%), vaginal cancer (60%), penile cancer (40%), and oro-pharingeal cancers (65%). In addition, pre-cancers such as genital warts and the rare recurrent respiratory papillomatosis are also preventable by vaccination. Currently, the human papillomavirus vaccines have the potential to significantly reduce the burden of human papillomavirus associated conditions, including prevention of up to 70% of cervical cancers. Two prophylactic human papillomavirus vaccines are currently available worldwide: a bivalent vaccine (types 16 and 18), and a quadrivalent vaccine (types 6, 11, 16, and 18). Randomized controlled trials conducted on several continents during the last 10 years have demonstrated that these vaccines are safe without serious side effects; they are highly immunogenic and efficacious in preventing incident and persistent vaccine-type human papillomavirus infections, high grade cervical, vulvar and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia and so on. In addition, the quadrivalent vaccine has been shown to prevent genital warts in women and men. The vaccine is most effective when given to human papillomavirus naive girls. The human papillomavirus vaccines have been incorporated into national immunization programs in 22 European countries. Routine vaccination is recommended for girls aged between 9 and 13 years and catch-up vaccination for females between 13 and 25 years of age. There is no excuse not to incorporate the vaccines into the Hungarian national immunization program. Albeit vaccination is expensive, it is cost-effective in the long run definitely. Anyway, vaccination is a matter of the specialty and the national health program, but not of business. We all are obliged to prevent human suffering. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 603–618.
Silicon Platform for Mid-infrared Optofluidic Sensors
Authors: Lin Pao , Greg Lin Hao-Yu , Singh Vivek , Patel Neil Sunil , Kimerling Lionel , Agarwal Anuradha Murthy
Published: April 2013

Mid-Infrared optofluidics based silicon sensor platforms are demonstrated. Silicon is a great candidate for mid-infrared optofluidics for the following reasons: (1) Silicon has a broad transmission window up to 7 um (2) Silicon offers CMOS compatible and monolithic fabrication (3) Silicon has high chemical resistance that can withstand high temperature, acid/base solution and organic solvents. (4) Silicon is a non-toxic environmentally friendly material. The fabricated mid-infrared optofluidic sensor can replace bulky instruments, such as FTIR, with a lab-on-a-chip system, while achieving much higher sensitivity.
Neutron Imaging Investigations of the Hydrogen Related Degradation of the Mechanical Properties of Zircaloy-4 Cladding Tubes
Authors: Grosse M. , Valance S. , Stuckert J. , Steinbrueck M. , Walter M. , Kaestner A. , Hartmann S. , Santisteban J.
Published: April 2013

The hydrogen uptake and redistribution in Zircaloy-4 specimens applied to loss of coolant accident (LOCA) simulation experiments and in mechanical pre-loaded samples were investigated by means of ex-situ and in-situ neutron imaging. The results of these investigations were compared with results from mechanical tests. Hydrogen absorption may have a strong influence on the mechanical properties of zirconium alloys. A local enrichment of the absorbed hydrogen may result in brittle fracture at these positions in the tensile test. On the other hand, stress fields in the material affect the hydrogen uptake as well as its distribution in the material. In-situ investigations confirmed the existence of an initial oxide layer formed at room temperature by contact with air. This oxide layer suppresses the hydrogen uptake until dissolution in the zirconium matrix.
Density and Structure of Liquid Si-M (M=Fe, Ni, and Ge) Alloys
Authors: Mizuno Akitoshi , Murai Kentaro , Kawauchi Hiroya , Tannno Mitsuhiro , Kohara Shinji , Watanabe Masahito
Published: April 2013

In order to elucidate a link between density and structure of liquid Si-M (M=Fe, Ni, and Ge) alloys, synchrotron x-ray diffraction experiments have been conducted with the use of a conical nozzle levitation technique. Liquid structure factors of the Si-Fe and the Si-Ni alloys indicate a correlation of medium range ordering with the increase of the Si content. Although the total molar volume expands with the increase of the Si content in these alloys, the concentration dependence of the average interatomic distance shows a minimum around 70 at.% Si content. On the other hand, the Si-Ge alloys shows tendency of concentration dependence as ideal mixture in both total molar volume and the average interatomic distance. These results were discussed taking into account the formation of anisotropic bonds between 3d transition metal and Si atoms, which may induce a spatial expansion in the microscopic scale.
Development and Commercialization of Nanomaterials by the NanoSpraySM Combustion Processing Technology
Authors: Jiang Yongdong , White Marvis , Venugopal Ganesh , Hunt Andrew T.
Published: April 2013

nGimat has commercialized a number of nanotech applications based on its core competence of creating low cost high quality nanomaterials. It offers a wide range of nanomaterials as coatings and nanopowders including dispersion form. While being successful in obtaining government R&D funding, nGimat has more than half of revenues from its private industry customers and is profitable. As an example, based on the DOE and DOD SBIR funding, nGimat has successfully developed high performance superhydrophobic coatings on various substrates. The superhydrophobic coatings show high transparency and high durability in addition to high contact angle and low rolling angle. Due to the excellent performance, nGimat signed a license agreement with a major automobile manufacturer to commercialize the superhydrophobic coatings for automobile applications. A few of other applications are also covered, including various nanopowders (including Li-battery based) and nGisulateTM high temperature thin wire coatings.

The CCVD (coating NanoSpraySM Combustion process) can be easily scaled up to large substrates and integrated into an existing production line, thus enabling a license business model. The CCVC (nanopowder NanoSpraySM Combustion process) is above 50kg/day capability and will soon yield 100kg/day production rates. Even higher production rates are readily achievable as demand is required. A manufacturing business model is being used for these nanopowder based products and should be internationally competitive even when made in the USA as the market matures
Raízes da historiografia educacional brasileira (1881-1922)
Authors: Kuhlmann Jr Moysés
Published: April 2013

A comunicação pretende analisar as primeiras iniciativas de elaboração de uma história da educação brasileira, apresentando várias publicações. As principais fontes utilizadas neste estudo foram divulgadas durante as Exposições Nacionais e Internacionais realizadas no final do século XIX e início do século XX. O marco inicial, no ano de 1881, refere-se à realização da Exposição de História do Brasil, ocorrida no Rio de Janeiro, e a data de 1922, à Exposição do Centenário da Independência do Brasil, ocorrida também naquela cidade. A cada exposição, anunciava-se o trilhar da nação rumo ao progresso, amparada pela ciência, pela indústria e pela técnica. Impulsionava-se a elaboração de nossa história, da história de cada um dos setores e das instituições que representariam os pilares da civilização "moderna", entre elas a história da educação brasileira. Anunciava-se uma "evolução" a ser alcançada em um futuro mais ou menos distante. A análise irá mostrar ainda que o privilégio ao uso de fontes oriundas da legislação, dos relatórios elaborados por representantes do executivo, ou dos debates parlamentares e anuários estatísticos, assim como a eleição de certos temas recorrentes em nossa historiografia educacional, têm suas raízes no material estudado.
A comparative study of apoptosis in reticular and erosive oral lichen planus
Authors: Brant Juliana M. C. , Aguiar Maria Cássia F. , Grandinetti Helenice A. M. , Rodrigues Luciana V. , Vasconcelos Anilton C.
Published: April 2013

The oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease, probably autoimmune, with different clinical forms. The most common types are the reticular and the erosive ones. Apoptosis participates in the destruction of basal keratinocytes, but its role in the perpetuation of the subepithelial lymphocytic infiltrates was not yet investigated. To evaluate the involvement of apoptosis in the epithelium and in subepithelial lymphocytic infiltrates, 15 samples of reticular and erosive OLP and 10 samples of healthy oral mucosa were collected and processed histologically. Apoptosis was quantified in the epithelium and in inflammatory cell infiltrates. TUNEL reaction was used to measure apoptosis in the infiltrates. Erosive OLP showed more intense epithelial apoptosis than reticular OLP and controls. In contrast, apoptosis in the inflammatory cell infiltrates was more frequent in reticular than in erosive OLP. Lymphocytes were the predominant cells within the inflammatory cell infiltrates and were more frequent in erosive OLP than in reticular type. These results suggest that different apoptotic levels are involved in the erosive/reticular switch in OLP, determining different clinical presentations. In conclusion, decreased apoptosis in inflammatory infiltrates may contribute to the persistence of T lymphocytes, worsening the attack to the epithelium in erosive OLP.