bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the thermodynamics of a rubber band
Authors: Roundy David , Rogers Michael
Published: December 2012

We describe an upper-division experiment in thermal physics where students measure the tension of a rubber band as a function of temperature and length and use a Maxwell relation to find the change in internal energy and entropy for an isothermal stretch. This allows students to experimentally check the predictions of the entropic spring model for elastomers and observe that the entropy does indeed decrease as a rubber band is stretched.
Radar-Enabled Recovery of the Sutter’s Mill Meteorite, a Carbonaceous Chondrite Regolith Breccia
Authors: Jenniskens Peter , Fries Marc D. , Yin Qing-Zhu , Zolensky Michael , Krot Alexander N. , Sandford Scott A. , Sears Derek , Beauford Robert , Ebel Denton S. , Friedrich Jon M. , Nagashima Kazuhide , Wimpenny Josh , Yamakawa Akane , Nishiizumi Kunihiko , Hamajima Yasunori , Caffee Marc W. , Welten Kees C. , Laubenstein Matthias , Davis Andrew M. , Simon Steven B. , Heck Philipp R. , Young Edward D. , Kohl Issaku E. , Thiemens Mark H. , Nunn Morgan H. , Mikouchi Takashi , Hagiya Kenji , Ohsumi Kazumasa , Cahill Thomas A. , Lawton Jonathan A. , Barnes David , Steele Andrew , Rochette Pierre , Verosub Kenneth L. , Gattacceca Jérôme , Cooper George , Glavin Daniel P. , Burton Aaron S. , Dworkin Jason P. , Elsila Jamie E. , Pizzarello Sandra , Ogliore Ryan , Schmitt-Kopplin Phillipe , Harir Mourad , Hertkorn Norbert , Verchovsky Alexander , Grady Monica , Nagao Keisuke , Okazaki Ryuji , Takechi Hiroyuki , Hiroi Takahiro , Smith Ken , Silber Elizabeth A. , Brown Peter G. , Albers Jim , Klotz Doug , Hankey Mike , Matson Robert , Fries Jeffrey A. , Walker Richard J. , Puchtel Igor , Lee Cin-Ty A. , Erdman Monica E. , Eppich Gary R. , Roeske Sarah , Gabelica Zelimir , Lerche Michael , Nuevo Michel , Girten Beverly , Worden Simon P. ,   (the Sutter’s Mill Meteorite Consortium)
Published: December 2012

The Meteor That Fell to Earth

In April 2012, a meteor was witnessed over the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California.

Jenniskens
et al.

(p.
1583
) used a combination of photographic and video images of the fireball coupled with Doppler weather radar images to facilitate the rapid recovery of meteorite fragments. A comprehensive analysis of some of these fragments shows that the Sutter's Mill meteorite represents a new type of carbonaceous chondrite, a rare and primitive class of meteorites that contain clues to the origin and evolution of primitive materials in the solar system. The unexpected and complex nature of the fragments suggests that the surfaces of C-class asteroids, the presumed parent bodies of carbonaceous chondrites, are more complex than previously assumed.
Probing Meiotic Recombination and Aneuploidy of Single Sperm Cells by Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Lu Sijia , Zong Chenghang , Fan Wei , Yang Mingyu , Li Jinsen , Chapman Alec R. , Zhu Ping , Hu Xuesong , Xu Liya , Yan Liying , Bai Fan , Qiao Jie , Tang Fuchou , Li Ruiqiang , Xie X. Sunney
Published: December 2012

Single-Cell Sequencing

With the rapid progress in sequencing technologies, single-cell sequencing is now possible, promising insight into how cell-to-cell heterogeneity affects biological behavior. Achieving adequate genome coverage remains a challenge because single-cell sequencing relies on genome amplification that is prone to sequence bias.

Zong
et al.

(p.
1622
) report a new amplification method: multiple annealing and looping-based amplification cycles that allowed 93% genome coverage for a human cell. This coverage facilitated accurate detection of point mutations and copy number variations.

Lu
et al.

(p.
1627
) used the method to sequence 99 sperm cells from a single individual. Mapping the meiotic crossovers revealed a nonrandom distribution with a reduced recombination rate near transcription start sites.
Identification of Anaerobic Bacteria by Bruker Biotyper Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry with On-Plate Formic Acid Preparation
Authors: Schmitt Bryan H. , Cunningham Scott A. , Dailey Aaron L. , Gustafson Daniel R. , Patel Robin
Published: December 2012

Identification of anaerobic bacteria using phenotypic methods is often time-consuming; methods such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing are costly and may not be readily available. We evaluated 253 clinical isolates of anaerobic bacteria using the Bruker MALDI Biotyper (Bruker Daltonics, Billerica, MA) matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) system with a user-supplemented database and an on-plate formic acid-based preparation method and compared results to those of conventional identification using biochemical testing or 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 179 (70.8%) and 232 (91.7%) isolates were correctly identified to the species and genus levels, respectively, using manufacturer-recommended score cutoffs. MALDI-TOF MS offers a rapid, inexpensive method for identification of anaerobic bacteria.
Serotype Analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Lung and Nasopharyngeal Aspirates from Children in the Gambia by MassTag PCR
Authors: Tokarz Rafal , Briese Thomas , Morris Gerard , Ideh Readon , Chimah Osaretin , Ebruke Bernard , Desai Aaloki , Haq Saddef , Sameroff Stephen , Howie Stephen R. C. , Lipkin W. Ian
Published: December 2012

Streptococcus pneumoniae
strains comprise >90 serotypes. Here we describe establishment of a MassTag PCR assay designed to serotype
S. pneumoniae
and demonstrate its utility in tests using 31 paired lung aspirate and nasopharyngeal aspirate samples from children with pneumonia in the Gambia. Serotypes 1, 5, and 14 in were implicated in 90% of lung infections. With 5 exceptions, serotypes found in lung aspirates were also found in nasopharyngeal aspirates.
Determination of Spontaneous Mutation Frequencies in Measles Virus under Nonselective Conditions
Authors: Zhang Xiaomeng , Rennick Linda J. , Duprex W. Paul , Rima Bert K.
Published: December 2012

There is a paradox between the remarkable genetic stability of measles virus (MV) in the field and the high mutation rates implied by the frequency of the appearance of monoclonal antibody escape mutants generated when the virus is pressured to revert
in vitro
(S. J. Schrag, P. A. Rota, and W. J. Bellini, J. Virol. 73:51–54, 1999). We established a highly sensitive assay to determine frequencies of various categories of mutations in large populations of wild-type and laboratory-adapted MVs using recombinant viruses containing an additional transcription unit (ATU) encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Single and double mutations were made in the fluorophore of EGFP to ablate fluorescence. The frequencies of reversion mutants in the population were determined by measuring the appearance of fluorescence indicating a revertant virus. This allows mutation rates to be measured under nonselective conditions, as phenotypic reversion to fluorescence requires only either a single- or a double-nucleotide change and amino acid substitution, which does not affect the length of the nonessential reporter protein expressed from the ATU. Mutation rates in MV are the same for wild-type and laboratory-adapted viruses, and they are an order of magnitude lower than the previous measurement assessed under selective conditions. The actual mutation rate for MV is approximately 1.8 × 10
−6
per base per replication event.
Protein-Primed Terminal Transferase Activity of Hepatitis B Virus Polymerase
Authors: Jones Scott A. , Hu Jianming
Published: December 2012

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication requires reverse transcription of an RNA pregenome (pgRNA) by a multifunctional polymerase (HP). HP initiates viral DNA synthesis by using itself as a protein primer and an RNA signal on pgRNA, termed epsilon (Hε), as the obligatory template. We discovered a Mn
2+
-dependent transferase activity of HP
in vitro
that was independent of Hε but also used HP as a protein primer. This protein-primed transferase activity was completely dependent on the HP polymerase active site. The DNA products of the transferase reaction were linked to HP via a phosphotyrosyl bond, and replacement of the Y63 residue of HP, the priming site for templated DNA synthesis, almost completely eliminated DNA synthesis by the transferase activity, suggesting that Y63 also serves as the predominant priming site for the transferase reaction. For this transferase activity, HP could use all four deoxynucleotide substrates, but TTP was clearly favored for extensive polymerization. The transferase activity was highly distributive, leading to the synthesis of DNA homo- and hetero-oligomeric and -polymeric ladders ranging from 1 nucleotide (nt) to >100 nt in length, with single-nt increments. As with Hε-templated DNA synthesis, the protein-primed transferase reaction was characterized by an initial stage that was resistant to the pyrophosphate analog phosphonoformic acid (PFA) followed by PFA-sensitive DNA synthesis, suggestive of an HP conformational change upon the synthesis of a nascent DNA oligomer. These findings have important implications for HBV replication, pathogenesis, and therapy.
ZAP Inhibits Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 ORF64 Expression and Is Antagonized by RTA
Authors: Xuan Yifang , Gong Danyang , Qi Jing , Han Chuanhui , Deng Hongyu , Gao Guangxia
Published: December 2012

Zinc finger antiviral protein (ZAP) is an interferon-inducible host antiviral factor that specifically inhibits the replication of certain viruses, including HIV-1 and Ebola virus. ZAP functions as a dimer formed through intermolecular interactions of its N-terminal tails. ZAP binds directly to specific viral mRNAs and inhibits their expression by repressing translation and/or promoting degradation of the target mRNA. ZAP is not a universal antiviral factor, since some viruses grow normally in ZAP-expressing cells. It is not fully understood what determines whether a virus is susceptible to ZAP. We explored the interaction between ZAP and murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68), whose life cycle has latent and lytic phases. We previously reported that ZAP inhibits the expression of M2, which is expressed mainly in the latent phase, and regulates MHV-68 latency in cultured cells. Here, we report that ZAP inhibits the expression of ORF64, a tegument protein that is expressed in the lytic phase and is essential for lytic replication. MHV-68 infection induced ZAP expression. However, ZAP did not inhibit lytic replication of MHV-68. We provide evidence showing that the antiviral activity of ZAP is antagonized by MHV-68 RTA, a critical viral transactivator expressed in the lytic phase. We further show that RTA inhibits the antiviral activity of ZAP by disrupting the N-terminal intermolecular interaction of ZAP. Our results provide an example of how a virus can escape ZAP-mediated immunity.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the gingiva
Authors: Vijayalakshmi D , Fathima Shabana , Ramakrishnan K , Devi M
Published: December 2012

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is widely regarded as the commonest soft tissue sarcoma of adulthood which tends to occur in the deep soft tissues of the extremities and the retroperitoneum. Uncertain histogenesis and numerous subtypes make MFH a rather controversial entity. These tumours are relatively rare in the head and neck region accounting for only 1–3% of all cases of MFH. MFH exhibits a heterogenous histology of spindle cells in a characteristic storiform pattern with pleomorphic tumour cells and giant cells. A case is reported of an MFH of the gingiva in a 60-year-old woman who presented with a painful swelling originating from the left maxillary gingiva. The clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings are discussed.
A novel pattern of smoltification in the most anadromous salmonid: pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
Authors: Gallagher Z.S. , Bystriansky J.S. , Farrell A.P. , Brauner C.J.
Published: December 2012

Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) enter seawater earlier and smaller (0.2 g) than any other salmonid following a two-stage salinity tolerance process initiated around yolk-sac absorption and completed with seawater entry. For the first time, this two-stage ontogeny of salinity tolerance was characterized by either holding posthatch pink salmon in fresh water or transferring them to seawater every 2 weeks. A window of salinity tolerance around yolk-sac absorption was evidenced by a period of zero morbidity in seawater compared with 100% morbidity for newly hatched alevins and 25% morbidity for fry (∼0.2–0.3 g). Increased hypo-osmoregulatory ability at the time of yolk-sac absorption was indicated in fish held in fresh water under constant photoperiod (12 h light : 12 h dark) and temperature (5 °C) by a switch from catabolic to anabolic growth, increased gill Na+K+-ATPase activity and α-1b/α-1a isoform expression, and a plateau in whole-body water content, implying that pink salmon go through a form of smoltification. A large increase in whole-body [Na+] observed in fresh water at yolk-sac absorption may represent a unique strategy for maintaining water balance once fish enter seawater.
High resolution infrared spectra of H2–Xe and D2–Xe van der Waals complexes
Authors: McKellar A.R.W.
Published: December 2012

Spectra of weakly-bound hydrogen–xenon complexes are studied in equilibrium gas mixtures at relatively high spectral resolution (0.04 cm−1) using a long-path (112 m), low-temperature (140 K) absorption cell and a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The data cover the regions of the H2 and D2 fundamental stretching vibrations in the mid-infrared (λ ∼ 2.4, 3.3 μm), and are greatly improved compared to the only previous observation. The results serve as a stringent experimental benchmark for testing theoretical hydrogen–xenon intermolecular potential energy models, as well as forming the basis for deriving an improved semi-empirical potential.
Insulin-like growth-factor-1-induced PKB signaling and Egr-1 expression is inhibited by curcumin in A-10 vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Youreva Viktoria , Kapakos Georgia , Srivastava Ashok K.
Published: December 2012

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a mitogenic factor that stimulates the signaling pathways responsible for inducing hypertrophic and proliferative responses in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). We have previously demonstrated that IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) plays a key role in transducing the hypertrophic and proliferative responses of angiotensin II (Ang-II) and endothelin-1 (ET-1). Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from the spice turmeric is known to possess antiproliferative properties and exerts vasculoprotective effects. However, the ability of curcumin to modulate IGF-1-induced signaling responses in VSMC remains to be investigated. In this study, we determined the effect of curcumin on IGF-1-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and IGF-1R in VSMC. Curcumin inhibited IGF-1-induced phosphorylation of PKB and GSK-3β as well as the IGF-1R β subunit in a dose-dependent fashion. In addition, IGF-1-induced expression of early growth response protein 1 (Egr-1) which plays a pathogenic role in vascular dysfunctions, was also attenuated by curcumin. In conclusion, these results indicate that curcumin is a potent inhibitor of key components of the IGF-1-induced mitogenic and proliferative signaling system in VSMC, and suggest that curcumin-induced attenuation of these signaling components may constitute a potential mechanism for its vasculoprotective effects.
VISUALIZING HOMOLOGOUS RECOMBINATION WITH INTERACTIVE COMPUTER PROGRAM
Authors: YANG XIAOLI , GE RONG , TSENG CHARLES
Published: December 2012

Homologous recombination is important for DNA repair and for increasing genetic variation, whereby it enriches the gene pool and keeps populations viable. In eukaryotes, genetic recombination takes place during meiosis. For genes on different chromosomes, mixing of paternal and maternal genes is achieved through the random formation of different chromosome configurations at metaphase I of meiosis. This process accounts for the genetic principle of the independent assortment of unlinked genes. Recombination of paternal and maternal genes on different members of the homologous chromosome pair, on the other hand, can only be achieved through the exchange of genetic material between nonsister chromatids, resulting in increased genetic variation. The molecular mechanisms of homologous recombination are complicated and often difficult for students to understand. The objective of this research is to develop an interactive computer program for teaching this important biological process. The software program, along with related computer-based genetics learning programs — for mitosis and meiosis, as well as for a cytogenetics laboratory — will be useful for genetics education at the high school and university levels.
Effect of the ruffled porphyrin ring on electronic structures: structure and characterization of [Fe(TalkylP)(OClO3)] and [Fe(TPrP)(THF)2]ClO4 (alkyl = Ethyl, Et and n-Propyl, Pr)
Authors: Li Ming , Oliver Allen G. , Neal Teresa J. , Schulz Charles E. , Scheidt W. Robert
Published: December 2012

We report the synthesis of Fe(TalkylP)(OClO3)] (alkyl = ethyl and propyl) and [Fe(TPrP)(THF)2]ClO4 , which are characterized by UV-vis, EPR, X-ray crystallography, and solid-state magnetic susceptibilities. The macrocycles of all three complexes are ruffled, all of the structural features for [Fe(TEtP(OClO3)] and [Fe(TPrP)(OClO3)] are characteristic of the nearly pure S = 3/2 state, while the structural parameters for [Fe(TPrP)(THF)2]ClO4 feature a pure intermediate-spin (S = 3/2) state, which are all consistent with EPR and magnetic data. It is clear from these studies that the ruffled conformation plays a significant role in affecting the extent of S = 3/2 character.
Cellular Mechanisms of Tissue Fibrosis. 1. Common and organ-specific mechanisms associated with tissue fibrosis
Authors: Zeisberg Michael , Kalluri Raghu
Published: December 2012

Fibrosis is a pathological scarring process that leads to destruction of organ architecture and impairment of organ function. Chronic loss of organ function in most organs, including bone marrow, heart, intestine, kidney, liver, lung, and skin, is associated with fibrosis, contributing to an estimated one third of natural deaths worldwide. Effective therapies to prevent or to even reverse existing fibrotic lesions are not yet available in any organ. There is hope that an understanding of common fibrosis pathways will lead to development of antifibrotic therapies that are effective in all of these tissues in the future. Here we review common and organ-specific pathways of tissue fibrosis.
Human organic anion transporter OAT1 is not responsible for glutathione transport but mediates transport of glutamate derivatives
Authors: Hagos Yohannes , Burckhardt Gerhard , Burckhardt Birgitta C.
Published: December 2012

Due to their clearance function, the kidneys are exposed to high concentrations of oxidants and potentially toxic substances. To maintain cellular integrity, renal cells have to be protected by sufficient concentrations of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). We tested whether GSH or its precursors are taken up by human organic anion transporters 1 (OAT1) and 3 (OAT3) stably expressed in HEK293 cells. GSH did not inhibit uptake of p-aminohippurate (PAH) or of estrone sulfate (ES) in OAT3-transfected HEK293 cells. In OAT1-transfected cells, GSH reduced the uptake of PAH marginally. Among the GSH constituent amino acids, glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, only glutamate inhibited OAT1, but labeled glutamate was not taken up by a probenecid-inhibitable transport system. Thus OAT1 binds glutamate but is unable to translocate it. The GSH precursor dipeptide, cysteinyl glycine (cysgly), and the glutamate derivative N-acetyl glutamate (NAG), inhibited uptake of PAH when present in the medium and trans-stimulated uptake of PAH from the intracellular side, indicating that they are hitherto unrecognized transported substrates of OAT1. N-acetyl aspartate weakly interacted with OAT1, but aspartate did not. NAG inhibited also OAT3, albeit with much lower affinity compared with OAT1, and glutamate did not interact with OAT3 at all. Taken together, human OAT3 and OAT1 cannot be involved in renal GSH extraction from the blood. However, OAT1 could support intracellular GSH synthesis by taking up cysteinyl glycine.
SCRAPPER Regulates the Thresholds of Long-Term Potentiation/Depression, the Bidirectional Synaptic Plasticity in Hippocampal CA3-CA1 Synapses
Authors: Takagi Hiroshi , Setou Mitsutoshi , Ito Seiji , Yao Ikuko
Published: December 2012

SCRAPPER, which is an F-box protein encoded byFBXL20, regulates the frequency of the miniature excitatory synaptic current through the ubiquitination of Rab3-interacting molecule 1. Here, we recorded the induction of long-term potentiation/depression (LTP/LTD) in CA3-CA1 synapses in E3 ubiquitin ligase SCRAPPER-deficient hippocampal slices. Compared to wild-type mice,Scrapper-knockout mice exhibited LTDs with smaller magnitudes after induction with low-frequency stimulation and LTPs with larger magnitudes after induction with tetanus stimulation. These findings suggest that SCRAPPER regulates the threshold of bidirectional synaptic plasticity and, therefore, metaplasticity.
Numerical Solution for Complex Systems of Fractional Order
Authors: Ibrahim Rabha W.
Published: December 2012

By using a complex transform, we impose a system of fractional order in the sense of Riemann‐Liouville fractional operators. The analytic solution for this system is discussed. Here, we introduce a method
of homotopy perturbation to obtain the approximate solutions. Moreover, applications are illustrated.
Cancer Treatment Using Peptides: Current Therapies and Future Prospects
Authors: Thundimadathil Jyothi
Published: December 2012

This paper discusses the role of peptides in cancer therapy with special emphasis on peptide drugs which are already approved and those in clinical trials. The potential of peptides in cancer treatment is evident from a variety of different strategies that are available to address the progression of tumor growth and propagation of the disease. Use of peptides that can directly target cancer cells without affecting normal cells (targeted therapy) is evolving as an alternate strategy to conventional chemotherapy. Peptide can be utilized directly as a cytotoxic agent through various mechanisms or can act as a carrier of cytotoxic agents and radioisotopes by specifically targeting cancer cells. Peptide-based hormonal therapy has been extensively studied and utilized for the treatment of breast and prostate cancers. Tremendous amount of clinical data is currently available attesting to the efficiency of peptide-based cancer vaccines. Combination therapy is emerging as an important strategy to achieve synergistic effects in fighting cancer as a single method alone may not be efficient enough to yield positive results. Combining immunotherapy with conventional therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy or combining an anticancer peptide with a nonpeptidic cytotoxic drug is an example of this emerging field.
Climate Aridity under Changing Conditions and Implications for the Agricultural Sector: Italy as a Case Study
Authors: Salvati Luca , Zitti Marco , Di Bartolomei Rosanna , Perini Luigi
Published: December 2012

A comprehensive diachronic analysis (1951–2010) of precipitation and temperature regimes has been carried out at the national and regional scale in Italy to investigate the impact of climate aridity on the agricultural system. Trends in climate aridity have been also analysed using UNEP aridity index which is the ratio between rainfall and potential evapotranspiration on a yearly basis. During the examined time period, and particularly in the most recent years, a gradual reduction in rainfall and growing temperatures have been observed which have further widened the gap between precipitation amounts and water demand in agriculture.
Slit–Roundabout Signaling Regulates the Development of the Cardiac Systemic Venous Return and Pericardium
Authors: Mommersteeg Mathilda T.M. , Andrews William D. , Ypsilanti Athena R. , Zelina Pavol , Yeh Mason L. , Norden Julia , Kispert Andreas , Chédotal Alain , Christoffels Vincent M. , Parnavelas John G.
Published: December 2012

Rationale:

The Slit–Roundabout (Robo) signaling pathway has pleiotropic functions during
Drosophila
heart development. However, its role in mammalian heart development is largely unknown.

Objective:

To analyze the role of Slit–Robo signaling in the formation of the pericardium and the systemic venous return in the murine heart.

Methods and Results:

Expression of genes encoding Robo1 and Robo2 receptors and their ligands Slit2 and Slit3 was found in or around the systemic venous return and pericardium during development. Analysis of embryos lacking
Robo1
revealed partial absence of the pericardium, whereas
Robo1/2
double mutants additionally showed severely reduced sinus horn myocardium, hypoplastic caval veins, and a persistent left inferior caval vein. Mice lacking
Slit3
recapitulated the defects in the myocardialization, alignment, and morphology of the caval veins. Ligand binding assays confirmed Slit3 as the preferred ligand for the Robo1 receptor, whereas Slit2 showed preference for Robo2. Sinus node development was mostly unaffected in all mutants. In addition, we show absence of cross-regulation with previously identified regulators
Tbx18
and
Wt1
. We provide evidence that pericardial defects are created by abnormal localization of the caval veins combined with ectopic pericardial cavity formation. Local increase in neural crest cell death and impaired neural crest adhesive and migratory properties underlie the ectopic pericardium formation.

Conclusions:

A novel Slit–Robo signaling pathway is involved in the development of the pericardium, the sinus horn myocardium, and the alignment of the caval veins. Reduced Slit3 binding in the absence of Robo1, causing impaired cardiac neural crest survival, adhesion, and migration, underlies the pericardial defects.
Moschis’ case On the execution of fiscal debts and the beneficium excussionis
Authors: Koops Egbert
Published: December 2012

Moschis, a debtress to the fiscus whom Paulus mentions in a case in his Decreta (D. 49,14,47pr.), is identified on prosopographic grounds as Numitoria Moschis (CIL 14.3626). In the case mentioned by Paulus, the emperor Septimius Severus introduced the beneficium excussionis (personalis) for third parties who were sued for an outstanding debt to the fiscus on account of their (bonitary) possession of goods sold by the debtor’s heirs. The best explanation is that the fiscus had a general hypothec on the patrimony of Moschis. The emperor’s verdict, that the fiscus ought to sue the principal debtors first, and only afterwards every possessor, is shown to be a singular decision grounded in perceived aequitas.
Looking for Gender in the Medical Paintings of Desi Sangye Gyatso, Regent of the Tibetan Buddhist State
Authors: Gyatso Janet
Published: December 2012

This essay studies the representation of women and gender in the unprecedented,
elaborately detailed medical paintings created by Desi Sangye Gyatso at the end
of the seventeenth century in Lhasa, Tibet. It compares the textual version of
the information rendered in the paintings with their visual translation. The
study discovers a rather complex and mixed picture. It finds that the more
systematic portrayals of human anatomy betray a deep androcentrism, with images
of female bodies either marginalised or entirely absent. However, other less
standard parts of the set that depict a wide swathe of daily life on the Tibetan
plateau show much more diversity in gender conception. A far greater number of
females are depicted there. Women are still shown almost exclusively in
gender-specific roles and are virtually never deployed to stand for a
gender-neutral medical condition, which is always represented either by a
default male figure or a gender-ambiguous one. And yet some of these less
standard depictions show either gender egalitarianism, or indeed show little
gender differentiation at all, even with respect to attire and bodily features
such as breasts and hair. Some images even suggest that gender differentiation
was not an important issue, at least some of the time. Yet still other portions
of the less standard vignettes do display strict gender distinction and also
indicate the greater importance of male medical issues and the inferior status
of the female body. In sum, the medical paintings suggest that a wide range of
gender conceptions operated not only in Tibetan medicine but also across society
more broadly, and these were neither consistent nor fixed.
Mobile apps
Authors: Brown Scott
Published: December 2012

The author highlights some of the best applications for mobile devices that are relevant to information professionals and researchers. He looks at apps in three categories: ‘Informational’ apps that provide information on-the-go and that can be useful for both researchers and their clients and patrons; apps being offered by information product vendors; and ‘next generation’ apps that are combining and offering information in ways that may be useful to the information professional. Devices on which apps are available, and the cost of each app, is provided where known. The article concludes with a reflection on the role of mobile apps in the work of information professionals and researchers.
Preparing the Ground for a More Hospitable International Relations
Authors: Jackson Patrick Thaddeus
Published: December 2012

In this reply, I take up three issues raised by the other contributors to this discussion of my book: the purpose of the intervention, the epistemic status of the typology and the question of progress in science.
Resolving to Go Forward
Authors: Lucke Kathleen T. , Martinez Hernando , Mendez Thomas B. , Arévalo-Flechas Lyda C.
Published: December 2012

Little is known about the experiences and needs of family caregivers of Latino/Hispanic individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) during the early years of recovery. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to describe the experiences and identify the informational, decisional, interpersonal, and resource support needs of family caregivers of newly injured Latino/Hispanic individuals with SCI during the first 2 years after undergoing rehabilitation. “Resolving to go forward” was the core category that emerged from two simultaneous processes of “learning to care for” and “getting through” during the initial years as the primary informal caregiver. Most caregivers felt alone and abandoned after the injured person returned home, and experienced barriers to services and resources primarily because of language issues and economic status. We recommend that researchers develop and evaluate culturally appropriate, informal caregiving models to improve outcomes for both Latino individuals with SCI and their family caregivers.
Complications of Stamey percutaneous loop cystostomy catheters in three cats
Authors: Hunt Geraldine B , Culp William TN , Epstein Steven , Jandrey Karl , Ivanov Marianna , Westropp Jodi L
Published: December 2012

Complications associated with the Stamey percutaneous loop cystostomy catheter (Cook Medical), including exposure of the most proximal side-hole and leakage of urine from the bladder, were encountered following percutaneous placement in three cats. In all cats, surgical exploration for removal of the catheter was performed.
Short message service (SMS) text messaging as an intervention medium for weight loss: A literature review
Authors: Shaw Ryan , Bosworth Hayden
Published: December 2012

Nearly 68% of American adults are obese or overweight. Mobile devices such as mobile phones have emerged as a mode of intervention delivery to help people improve their health, particularly in relation to weight loss. This literature review examines the relationship between the use of short message service (SMS) text messaging as an intervention medium and weight loss. Results from this literature review (n = 14) suggest that SMS as an intervention tool for weight loss is still in its infancy. Initial results are promising but continued investigation is needed. We offer several recommendations for future research.
Enhancing self-directed learning through a content quiz group learning assignment
Authors: Warburton Natalie , Volet Simone
Published: December 2012

This article presents the findings of an empirical study that examined the learning value of a novel group assessment activity aimed at promoting first-year students’ development of basic self-directed learning skills required for university study. A content quiz group learning assignment was designed to enhance students’ capacity to ask appropriate questions to guide their enquiry, identify appropriate resources and tools, and draw links between different learning resources, all skills embedded within their learning in a science unit. Questionnaire data and written reflections revealed the extent to which students used core, accessory and optional resources to complete this assignment, which specific resources were perceived as most useful for what aspects of their content learning, and how strategy use was related to achievement. Metacognitive experiences expressed in the open questions and assessed reflections revealed students’ emerging awareness of how their approach to study impacted on the quality of their learning.
Early onset, EBV− PTLD in pediatric liver-small bowel transplantation recipients: a spectrum of plasma cell neoplasms with favorable prognosis
Authors: Perry Anamarija M. , Aoun Patricia , Coulter Donald W. , Sanger Warren G. , Grant Wendy J. , Coccia Peter F.
Published: December 2012

Key Points

Five cases of EBV− PTLD in pediatric recipients of combined liver and small bowel allografts are reported. The lesions were plasma cell neoplasms that resolved completely after minimal treatment.
CCND2 rearrangements are the most frequent genetic events in cyclin D1− mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Salaverria Itziar , Royo Cristina , Carvajal-Cuenca Alejandra , Clot Guillem , Navarro Alba , Valera Alejandra , Song Joo Y. , Woroniecka Renata , Rymkiewicz Grzegorz , Klapper Wolfram , Hartmann Elena M. , Sujobert Pierre , Wlodarska Iwona , Ferry Judith A. , Gaulard Philippe , Ott German , Rosenwald Andreas , Lopez-Guillermo Armando , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Harris Nancy L. , Jaffe Elaine S. , Siebert Reiner , Campo Elias , Beà Sílvia
Published: December 2012

Key Points

This report describes a multidisciplinary study characterizing the largest series of cyclin D1− MCL patients. CCND2 translocations are the most frequent genetic event (55%) in cyclin D1− MCL.
Mortality increases after massive exchange transfusion with older stored blood in canines with experimental pneumonia
Authors: Solomon Steven B. , Wang Dong , Sun Junfeng , Kanias Tamir , Feng Jing , Helms Christine C. , Solomon Michael A. , Alimchandani Meghna , Quezado Martha , Gladwin Mark T. , Kim-Shapiro Daniel B. , Klein Harvey G. , Natanson Charles
Published: December 2012

Key Points

In canine S aureus pneumonia, first randomized blinded trial showing blood transfused at end of storage period increases mortality. Increased in vivo hemolysis, cell-free hemoglobin, pulmonary hypertension, tissue damage, and gas exchange abnormalities each contributed.
Correlation of anti-fungal susceptibility with clinical outcomes in patients with cryptococcal meningitis
Authors: Lee Chen-Hsiang , Chang Tzu-Yao , Liu Jien-Wei , Chen Fang-Ju , Chien Chun-Chih , Tang Ya-Fen , Lu Cheng-Hsien
Published: December 2012

Background

This study aimed to investigate the correlation of minimum inhibiting concentrations (MICs), obtained by broth micro-dilution, and clinical response in patients with cryptococcal meningitis.

Methods

Using retrospective analyses covering the period 2001–2010, factors affecting clinical therapeutic cure in patients with cryptococcal meningitis 10 weeks after the start of anti-fungal therapy were identified. Specific emphasis was placed on the role of anti-fungal susceptibility.

Results

Of 46 patients with cryptococcal meningitis identified, 21 were cured after 10 weeks of treatment. Overall, 12 strains (26.1%) were resistant to fluconazole (>8 μg/ml) and 8 (17.4%) had an MIC >1 μg/ml for amphotericin B. Twenty-three patients received combination amphotericin B and fluconazole as their initial antifungal therapy, 17 were given amphotericin B only, five received fluconazole only, and one received a combination of amphotericin B and flucytosine. After 2 weeks, all patients received fluconazole (400–600 mg daily for 8 weeks at least, then 200 mg daily thereafter). The presence of isolates resistant to fluconazole (MIC >8 μg/ml; 4.8% vs. 44%, p < 0.01) were statistically significant among patients who were cured. Anti-fungal susceptibility, reflected by fluconazole MIC >8 μg/ml, was an independent predictor of therapeutic cure at 10-week evaluation (OR = 15.7; 95% CI: 1.8-135.9; p = 0.01), but higher MIC of amphotericin B (>1 μg/ml) was not.

Conclusions

The MICs of fluconazole, determined by the CLSI method, may be a potential predictor of therapeutic cure in patients with cryptococcal meningitis.
Effect of KOB03, a polyherbal medicine, on ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs
Authors: Jung Hyo Won , Jung Jin Ki , Kim Young Ho , Kang Jong-Seong , Park Yong-Ki
Published: December 2012

Background

KOB03 is a polyherbal medicine that originated from the oriental prescription for the treatment of chronic allergic diseases such as rhinitis and asthma. This study aims to evaluate the effect of KOB03 on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) in guinea pigs.

Methods

Hartley guinea pigs were sensitized to OVA by intraperitoneal injection on days 0, 7, and 14 and challenged with intranasal exposure to OVA three times for 7 days after the last sensitization. KOB03 at doses of 200 and 500 mg/kg were orally administrated to guinea pigs once daily during challenge. The serum levels of histamine, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-4 and IFN-γ) in OVA sensitization/challenge-induced AR guinea pigs were measured. We also observed histological changes in nasal tissues of AR guinea pigs by staining with H&E, Periodic acid-Schiff, and toluidine blue.

Results

The administration of KOB03 at a dose of 500 mg/kg significantly decreased the serum levels of histamine (P = 0.001), OVA-specific IgE (P = 0.0017), ECP (P = 0.008), and TNF-α (P = 0.0003) in OVA-sensitized/challenged guinea pigs compared with controls. KOB03 significantly decreased the serum levels of a Th2 cytokine, IL-4 (P = 0.017), while significantly increasing the levels of a Th1 cytokine, IFN-γ (P = 0.0006) in OVA-sensitized/challenged guinea pigs compared with controls. In addition, KOB03 suppressed the epithelial destruction, goblet cell hyperplasia and eosinophilic infiltration into nasal mucosa associated with AR.

Conclusion

KOB03 may regulate allergic inflammation in AR by inhibiting nasal damage, the release of allergic mediators and modulating the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines.
Gastric Expression of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor (PAI)-1 Is Associated with Hyperphagia and Obesity in Mice
Authors: Kenny Susan , Gamble Joanne , Lyons Suzanne , Vlatković Nikolina , Dimaline Rod , Varro Andrea , Dockray Graham J.
Published: December 2012

The adipokine plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 is increased in plasma of obese individuals and exhibits increased expression in the stomachs of individuals infected with Helicobacter. To investigate the relevance of gastric PAI-1, we used 1.1 kb of the H+/K+β subunit promoter to overexpress PAI-1 specifically in mouse gastric parietal cells (PAI-1-H/Kβ mice). We studied the physiological, biochemical, and behavioral characteristics of these and mice null for PAI-1 or a putative receptor, urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). PAI-1-H/Kβ mice had increased plasma concentrations of PAI-1 and increased body mass, adiposity, and hyperphagia compared with wild-type mice. In the latter, food intake was inhibited by cholecystokinin (CCK)8s, but PAI-1-H/Kβ mice were insensitive to the satiating effects of CCK8s. PAI-1-H/Kβ mice also had significantly reduced expression of c-fos in the nucleus tractus solitarius in response to CCK8s and refeeding compared with wild-type mice. Exogenous PAI-1 reversed the effects of CCK8s on food intake and c-fos levels in the nucleus tractus solitarius of wild-type mice, but not uPAR-null mice. Infection of C57BL/6 mice with Helicobacter felis increased gastric abundance of PAI-1 and reduced the satiating effects of CCK8s, whereas the response to CCK8s was maintained in infected PAI-1–null mice. In cultured vagal afferent neurons, PAI-1 inhibited stimulation of neuropeptide Y type 2 receptor (Y2R) expression by CCK8s. Thus, gastric expression of PAI-1 is associated with hyperphagia, moderate obesity, and resistance to the satiating effects of CCK indicating a new role in suppressing signals from the upper gut that inhibit food intake.
Biased Judgment in Censored Environments
Authors: Feiler Daniel C. , Tong Jordan D. , Larrick Richard P.
Published: December 2012

Some environments constrain the information that managers and decision makers can observe. We examine judgment in censored environments where a constraint, the censorship point, systematically distorts the observed sample. Random instances beyond the censorship point are observed at the censorship point, whereas uncensored instances are observed at their true value. Many important managerial decisions occur in censored environments, such as inventory, risk taking, and employee evaluation decisions. In this research, we demonstrate a censorship bias—individuals tend to rely too heavily on the observed censored sample, biasing their belief about the underlying population. We further show that the censorship bias is exacerbated for higher degrees of censorship, higher variance in the population, and higher variability in the censorship points. In four studies, we find evidence of the censorship bias across the domains of demand estimation and sequential risk taking. The bias causes individuals to make costly decisions and behave in an overly risk-averse manner.

This paper was accepted by Teck Ho, judgment and decision making.
Dynamic Capacity Allocation to Customers Who Remember Past Service
Authors: Adelman Daniel , Mersereau Adam J.
Published: December 2012

We study the problem faced by a supplier deciding how to dynamically allocate limited capacity among a portfolio of customers who remember the fill rates provided to them in the past. A customer's order quantity is positively correlated with past fill rates. Customers differ from one another in their contribution margins, their sensitivities to the past, and in their demand volatilities. By analyzing and comparing policies that ignore goodwill with ones that account for it, we investigate when and how customer memory effects impact supplier profits. We develop an approximate dynamic programming policy that dynamically rationalizes the fill rates the firm provides to each customer. This policy achieves higher rewards than margin-greedy and Lagrangian policies and yields insights into how a supplier can effectively manage customer memories to its advantage.

This paper was accepted by Martin Lariviere, operations management.
Incidence of skeletal morbidity rates over time in patients with multiple myeloma-related bone disease as reported in randomized trials employing bone-modifying agents
Authors: Poon Michael , Zeng Liang , Zhang Liying , Hsiao Janey , Wong Erin , Lam Henry , Bedard Gillian , Chow Edward
Published: December 2012

Aim:
The purpose of this review was to investigate if advances in bone-targeted therapies have decreased the incidence of skeletal morbidity rates over time in patients with multiple myeloma-related bone disease. Methods: A literature search was conducted over the OvidSP platform in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify Phase III results from bone-targeted therapy trials in patients with multiple myeloma. The skeletal morbidity rate was the end point of interest, and for each study, a mean year of enrollment ([start of enrollment + end of enrollment]/2) was calculated.
Results:
A total of eight study arms were identified, with only two placebo arms; therefore, a weighted linear regression was not feasible and only intervention treatment arms were analyzed. A statistically significant downward trend in the skeletal morbidity rate was observed in all intervention arms.
Conclusion:
The incidence of skeletal morbidity rates has decreased significantly over time in patients with multiple myeloma.
Recent Developments on Domino Metathesis Reactions in India
Authors: Nandurdikar Rahul S. , Kaliappan Krishna P.
Published: December 2012

This review summarizes research work carried out in India on domino metathesis reactions using ruthenium-carbene complexes. This reaction has been widely used by synthetic chemists in India for the synthesis of polycyclic systems and complex molecular architectures.
Real Robinson Crusoe
Authors: Gavin Michael
Published: December 2012

What is the ontological status of fiction? Do fictional people exist? In Serious Reflections during the Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe (1720), Robinson Crusoe struggles with this very question. Defending his claim to exist in the face of accusations that his entire story was fanciful, Crusoe concedes that his life did not happen in any conventional sense; nonetheless, he asks readers to think of his life as real. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, empirical philosophy recognized a perilous disconnect between knowledge and the actual existence of things in the world. Informed by recent work on the metaphysics of fictional entities, this article reads Crusoe’s ontological self-defence in the context of John Locke’s attempt, in An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690), to prove that knowledge was real despite being mediated entirely by our ideas. “Fiction” provides an inaccurate framework for understanding the books we call eighteenth-century novels because the concept entails ontological commitments at odds with the kind of knowledge these stories represent.
Reaction between Alkyl Isocyanides and Dialkyl Acetylenedicarboxylates in the Presence of 1-aryl-2-thiocyanatoethanone Yields Highly Functionalised Iminolactones
Authors: Hassanabadi Alireza , Hosseini-Tabatabaei Mohammad R.
Published: December 2012

The reactive intermediate produced in the reaction between alkyl isocyanides and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates was trapped by 1-aryl-2-thiocyanatoethanone to yield highly functionalised iminolactones derivatives in good yields.
An end-to-end dicyanamide-bridged 1-D polymer of Cu|| with a hydrazone ligand: EPR and variable temperature magnetic susceptibility
Authors: Das Kuheli , Sinha Chittaranjan , Datta Amitabha , Garribba Eugenio , Fondo Matilde , Mautner Franz A. , Fischer Roland C.
Published: December 2012

The reaction of N‘-[1-(pyridine-2-yl)ethylidene]acetohydrazide (L) with Cu(ClO4)2·6H2O in the presence of sodium dicyanamide affords an end-to-end one-dimensional coordination polymer, [CuL(μ1,3-N(CN)2]·ClO4, whose X-ray structure shows that the Cu|| is bound by an N,N,O chelator and is bridged to two neighbouring metal centres by N(CN)2-, generating a 1-D coordination chain. The Cu|| atom adopts a distorted square pyramidal geometry. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrate weak antiferromagnetic interactions with J value −0.09 cm−1.