bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimates of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in 27 African Countries and Yemen
Authors: Yoder P. Stanley , Wang Shanxiao , Johansen Elise
Published: May 2013

The practice of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) has been documented in many countries in Africa and in several countries in Asia and the Middle East, yet producing reliable data concerning its prevalence and the numbers of girls and women affected has proved a major challenge. This study provides estimates of the total number of women aged 15 years and older who have undergone FGM/C in 27 African countries and Yemen. Drawing on national population‐based survey data regarding FGM/C prevalence and census data regarding the number of women in each country, we find that almost 87 million girls and women aged 15 and older have been cut in these 28 countries. Producing reliable figures for the number of women affected by FGM/C in these countries allows researchers and program directors to better comprehend the impact of the practice and to mobilize resources for advocacy against it.
Aquatic community structure across an Andes‐to‐Amazon fluvial gradient
Authors: Lujan Nathan K. , Roach Katherine A. , Jacobsen Dean , Winemiller Kirk O. , Vargas Vanessa Meza , Ching Vania Rimarachín , Maestre Jerry Arana
Published: May 2013

Aim

Little is known about factors affecting the elevational and longitudinal zonation of tropical Andean stream communities. We investigated epilithon, macroinvertebrate and fish assemblages along a 4100‐m elevational–longitudinal gradient in an Andean headwater of the Amazon Basin. We interpret our results within the context of environmental factors, emphasizing temperature, as well as ecological theory relating shifts in metazoan functional feeding groups to shifts in basal resources along the fluvial continuum.

Location

Arazá‐Inambari‐Madre de Dios watershed, south‐eastern Peru.

Methods

We sampled water physicochemistry, epilithon and macroinvertebrate diversity and abundance, and fish diversity at 18 main‐stem and 14 tributary sites from high puna grasslands (4300 m a.s.l.) to Amazon Basin lowlands (200 m a.s.l.).

Results

Water physicochemical parameters and the taxonomic and ecological structure of invertebrate and fish assemblages displayed mostly nonlinear responses to elevation: water temperature and percentage of macroinvertebrate taxa identified as leaf shredders had U‐shaped responses; dissolved oxygen and percentage of macroinvertebrate taxa identified as grazers had hump‐shaped responses. Epilithon richness increased slightly with elevation whereas macroinvertebrate and fish richness decreased.

Main conclusions

Elevational gradients in physicochemical parameters are insufficient to explain abrupt and nonlinear shifts in community taxonomic and functional structure. Rather, trophic interactions, including predation and longitudinal turnover in basal food resources, seem to exert a stronger influence on the distributions of Andean aquatic organisms. A steep elevational decline in relative taxonomic diversity of leaf‐shredding (versus algae‐grazing) insects supports the hypothesis that temperature affects the functional composition of insect assemblages via its influence on microbial decomposition rates. This relationship, and the distributions of several insect and fish species across narrow elevational bands, suggests that Andean stream communities may be sensitive to global warming. Placer mining and road building impacts have already altered stream community structure, including the absence of many benthic species from low‐elevation habitats.
Metabolic syndrome as a predictor of type 2 diabetes, and its clinical interpretations and usefulness
Authors: Shin Jeong‐Ah , Lee Jin‐Hee , Lim Sun‐Young , Ha Hee‐Sung , Kwon Hyuk‐Sang , Park Yong‐Moon , Lee Won‐Chul , Kang Moo‐Il , Yim Hyeon‐Woo , Yoon Kun‐Ho , Son Ho‐Young
Published: May 2013

Metabolic syndrome is defined as a cluster of glucose intolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia and central obesity with insulin resistance as the source of pathogenesis. Although several different combinations of criteria have been used to define metabolic syndrome, a recently published consensus recommends the use of ethnic‐specific criteria, including waist circumference as an indicator of central obesity, triglyceride and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol as indicators of dyslipidemia, and blood pressure greater than 130/85 mmHg. The definition of dysglycemia, and whether central obesity and insulin resistance are essential components remain controversial. Regardless of the definition, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing in Western and Asian countries, particularly in developing areas undergoing rapid socioenvironmental changes. Numerous clinical trials have shown that metabolic syndrome is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus and all‐cause mortality. Therefore, metabolic syndrome might be useful as a practical tool to predict these two major metabolic disorders. Comprehensive management of risk factors is very important to the improvement of personal and public health. However, recent studies have focused on the role metabolic syndrome plays as a risk factor for CVD; its importance in the prediction of incident diabetes is frequently overlooked. In the present review, we summarize the known evidence supporting metabolic syndrome as a predictor for type 2 diabetes mellitus and CVD. Additionally, we suggest how metabolic syndrome might be useful in clinical practice, especially for the prediction of diabetes.
Survival and health‐related quality of life in patients with spinal metastases originated from primary hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Wei , Wu Juan , Xiao Jian‐Ru , Guo Qiang
Published: May 2013

Background

In recent years, there have been more and more clinical trails focused on patient‐reported outcomes (PRO), especially in the assessment of quality of life (QOL). Previous report on QOL assessment on patients with spinal metastases from primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rare. And there is no standard treatment for those patients.

Objective

The purpose of the current study is to determine whether spinal surgery could improve QOL in HCC patients with spinal metastases and prolong their survival.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center, non‐randomized, prospective, longitudinal study in two groups: surgery group and non‐surgery group. When diagnosed, all eligible patients completed a baseline QOL assessment using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Hepatobiliary (FACT‐Hep) questionnaire. All patients’ quality of life was subsequently assessed again at another 4 time points: 1, 3, 6 and 9 months after diagnosis.

Results

From July 1, 2007 to March 31, 2009, we identified 62 patients (surgery group n = 29, non‐surgery group n = 33) who were eligible for the observational study. Only 21 patients in the surgery group and 22 patients in the non‐surgery group survived more than 9 months and completed all 5 follow‐up QOL assessments. The median survival time was 12.6 months in the surgery group and 13.7 months in the non‐surgery group (P = 0.530). The results suggested that whether in the surgery or non‐surgery group, QOL scores in 9‐month period after diagnosis decreased in the same mode, and surgical treatment for spinal metastases could improve neither patients’ QOL nor survival.

Conclusion

Spinal surgery could not provide benefits for patients with spinal metastases from HCC in QOL or survival. We do not recommend surgical treatment for patients with metastases from HCC to the spine.
Boosting Seed Development as a New Strategy to Increase Cotton Fiber Yield and Quality
Authors: Ruan Yong‐Ling
Published: May 2013

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is the most important textile crop worldwide due to its cellulosic mature fibers, which are single‐celled hairs initiated from the cotton ovule epidermis at anthesis. Research to improve cotton fiber yield and quality in recent years has been largely focused on identifying genes regulating fiber cell initiation, elongation and cellulose synthesis. However, manipulating some of those candidate genes has yielded no effect or only a marginally positive effect on fiber yield or quality. On the other hand, evolutionary comparison and transgenic studies have clearly shown that cotton fiber growth is intimately controlled by seed development. Therefore, I propose that enhancing seed development could be a more effective and achievable strategy to increase fiber yield and quality.
Ligand Perception, Activation, and Early Signaling of Plant Steroid Receptor Brassinosteroid Insensitive 1
Authors: Jiang Jianjun , Zhang Chi , Wang Xuelu
Published: May 2013

Leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinases (LRR‐RLKs) belong to a large group of cell surface proteins involved in many aspects of plant development and environmental responses in both monocots and dicots. Brassinosteroid insensitive 1 (BRI1), a member of the LRR X subfamily, was first identified through several forward genetic screenings for mutants insensitive to brassinosteroids (BRs), which are a class of plant‐specific steroid hormones. Since its identification, BRI1 and its homologs had been proved as receptors perceiving BRs and initiating BR signaling. The co‐receptor BRI1‐associated kinase 1 and its homologs, and other BRI1 interacting proteins such as its inhibitor BRI1 kinase inhibitor 1 (BKI1) were identified by genetic and biochemical approaches. The detailed mechanisms of BR perception by BRI1 and the activation of BRI1 receptor complex have also been elucidated. Moreover, several mechanisms for termination of the activated BRI1 signaling were also discovered. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances on the mechanism of BRI1 phosphorylation and activation, the regulation of its receptor complex, the structure basis of BRI1 ectodomain and BR recognition, its direct substrates, and the termination of the activated BRI1 receptor complex.

image

Xuelu Wang

(Corresponding author)
Effects of torsemide on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of warfarin in humans and rats
Authors: Kim Han Oll , Lee Kyung Eun , Park Hee Yoon , Lee Na Ra , Oh Byeou Ree , Chang Byung Chul , Gwak Hye Sun
Published: May 2013

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of torsemide on warfarin therapy in humans and rats.

Methods

For the animal study, rats were orally dosed with warfarin (0.13 mg/kg, control group) or warfarin (0.13 mg/kg) with torsemide (2 mg/kg, low dose group and 10 mg/kg, high dose group). The pharmacodynamic response of warfarin was assessed by measuring the international normalized ratio (INR) for 5 consecutive days following drug administration. For the human study, 191 patients on warfarin with mechanical heart valves were followed up retrospectively. The stable dose was calculated as the mean dose in INR levels of 2–3 for 3 consecutive times.

Key findings

In the animal study, the INR, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma drug concentration–time curve (AUC0–∞) of (S)-warfarin in the high dose group were significantly higher than in other groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, Cmax and AUC0–∞ of (R)-warfarin in the high and low dose groups were higher, whereas the volume of distribution/bioavailability and clearance/bioavailability were significantly lower (P < 0.05). In the univariate analysis of the clinical study, diuretics significantly lowered stable warfarin doses (P = 0.016) (5.07 ± 1.78 mg/day vs 5.77 ± 1.81 mg/day). After controlling confounding variables, the effects of diuretics were found to lower the warfarin dose by 0.464 mg.

Conclusions

It was concluded that warfarin dose needs to be lowered when it is used concomitantly with diuretics.
Investigation into mixing capability and solid dispersion preparation using the DSM Xplore Pharma Micro Extruder
Authors: Sakai Toshiro , Thommes Markus
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The goal of this investigation was to qualify the DSM Xplore Pharma Micro Extruder as a formulation screening tool for early-stage hot-melt extrusion.

Methods

Dispersive and distributive mixing was investigated using soluplus, copovidone or basic butylated methacrylate copolymer with sodium chloride (NaCl) in a batch size of 5 g. Eleven types of solid dispersions were prepared using various drugs and carriers in batches of 5 g in accordance with the literature.

Key findings

The dispersive mixing was a function of screw speed and recirculation time and the particle size was remarkably reduced after 1 min of processing, regardless of the polymers. An inverse relationship between the particle size and specific mechanical energy (SME) was also found. The SME values were higher than those in large-scale extruders. After 1 min recirculation at 200 rpm, the uniformity of NaCl content met the criteria of the European Pharmacopoeia, indicating that distributive mixing was achieved in this time. For the solid dispersions preparations, the results from different scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffractometry and in-vitro dissolution tests confirmed that all solid-dispersion systems were successfully prepared.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrated that the extruder is a useful tool to screen solid-dispersion formulations and their material properties on a small scale.
Impact of Salt Granulometry and Method of Incorporation of Salt on the Salty and Texture Perception of Model Pizza Dough
Authors: Guilloux Marion , Prost Carole , Catanéo Clément , Leray Guénaelle , Chevallier Sylvie , Le Bail Alain , Lethuaut Laurent
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to understand the impact of salt granulometry and the method of incorporation on the saltiness and texture perception of model pizza dough formulated without fat. Three salt granulometries and three methods of incorporation of salt were evaluated. Sensory methods were used to determine perceived saltiness and texture. Instrumental methods were performed to assess in vitro salt release. Salt granulometry did not seem to have an influence on saltiness and texture perception, except for coarse salt that had a particular behavior. Methods of incorporation of salt did not seem to have an impact on saltiness perception. These results were correlated to in vitro salt release. Methods of incorporation influenced texture perception, particularly in samples made with pre‐dissolved salt. These results are discussed in relation to a modification of the development of the gluten network and starch gelatinization, inducing a change in textural properties. Product texture did not seem to influence saltiness perception. These findings underline the complexity of saltiness perception.

Practical Applications

Salt reduction in food is becoming a major concern of public health authorities. Salt is used as a taste and flavor enhancer, and is involved in food preservation and food structure, particularly in bakery products for the development of the gluten network. This is why reducing the sodium content without altering organoleptic properties represents a major challenge for the food industry. This work presents the feasibility of varying salt granulometry and methods of incorporation as an efficient way of modifying saltiness and texture perception in order to reduce the salt content of pizza dough.
Stepping‐stone expansion and habitat loss explain a peculiar genetic structure and distribution of a forest insect
Authors: Cassel‐Lundhagen Anna , Ronnås Cecilia , Battisti Andrea , Wallén Johan , Larsson Stig
Published: May 2013

It is challenging to unravel the history of organisms with highly scattered populations. Such species may have fragmented distributions because extant populations are remnants of a previously more continuous range, or because the species has narrow habitat requirements in combination with good dispersal capacity (naturally or vector borne). The northern pine processionary mothThaumetopoea pinivorahas a scattered distribution with fragmented populations in two separate regions, northern and south‐westernEurope. The aims of this study were to explore the glacial and postglacial history ofT. pinivora, and add to the understanding of its current distribution and level of contemporary gene flow. We surveyed published records of its occurrence and analysed individuals from a representative subset of populations across the range. A 633 bp long fragment of the mtDNA COIgene was sequenced and nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were genotyped. Only nine nucleotide sites were polymorphic in theCOIgene and 90% of the individuals from across its whole range shared the same haplotype. The microsatellite diversity gradually declined towards the north, and unique alleles were found in only three of the northern and three of southern sites. Genetic structuring did not indicate complete isolation among regions, but an increase of genetic isolation by geographic distance. ApproximateBayesian model choice suggested recent divergence during the postglacial period, but glacial refugia remain unidentified. The progressive reduction of suitable habitats is suggested to explain the genetic structure of the populations and we suggest thatT. pinivorais a cold‐tolerant relict species, with situation‐dependent dispersal.
The C‐terminal linker of Escherichia coli FtsZ functions as an intrinsically disordered peptide
Authors: Gardner Kiani A. J. Arkus , Moore Desmond A. , Erickson Harold P.
Published: May 2013

The tubulin homologue FtsZ provides the cytoskeletal framework and constriction force for bacterial cell division. FtsZ has an ∼ 50‐amino‐acid (aa) linker between the protofilament‐forming globular domain and the C‐terminal (Ct) peptide that binds FtsA and ZipA, tethering FtsZ to the membrane. This Ct‐linker is widely divergent across bacterial species and thought to be an intrinsically disordered peptide (IDP). We confirmed that the Ct‐linkers from three bacterial species behaved as IDPs in vitro by circular dichroism and trypsin proteolysis. We made chimeras, swapping the Escherichia coli linker for Ct‐linkers from other bacteria, and even for an unrelated IDP from human α‐adducin. Most substitutions allowed for normal cell division, suggesting that sequence of the IDP did not matter. With few exceptions, almost any sequence appears to work. Length, however, was important: IDPs shorter than 43 or longer than 95 aa had compromised or no function. We conclude that the Ct‐linker functions as a flexible tether between the globular domain of FtsZ in the protofilament, and its attachment to FtsA/ZipA at the membrane. Modelling the Ct‐linker as a worm‐like chain, we predict that it functions as a stiff entropic spring linking the bending protofilaments to the membrane.
Conflicting nationalist traditions and immigration: theBasque case from 1950 to 1980
Authors: Zabalo Julen , Mateos Txoli , Iraola Iker
Published: May 2013

Immigration from the different regions inSpain to theBasqueCountry has traditionally opposedBasque andSpanish nationalism. This article provides an overview of the discourse of both nationalist traditions with respect to the intra‐regional migration movement of the second half of the twentieth century as well as of the resulting controversy. Whereas the Basque nationalist movement claims to have defended the need to integrate immigrants since the middle of the twentieth century, particularly through politics,Spanish nationalism claims thatBasque nationalism has helped marginalise these same immigrants. A qualitative analysis is used to contrast this controversy by consulting the opinion of theSpanish immigrants who settled in theBasqueCountry and did not avail of the political integration proposed byBasque nationalism. The main conclusion is that these immigrants tend to avoid the heart of the matter of discord between both nationalist traditions, granting little importance to political and cultural elements though stressing their social integration in theBasqueCountry.
Normalization of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction after Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Also Normalizes Survival
Authors: MANNE MAHESH , RICKARD JOHN , VARMA NIRAJ , CHUNG MINA K. , TCHOU PATRICK
Published: May 2013

Background

Earlier studies in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% and prolonged QRS showed better survival outcomes with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Some patients respond dramatically to CRT by improving their LVEF to the normal range and are considered “super‐responders.” Our aim was to determine whether super‐responders survival increases to levels comparable to the general population. We compared the survival of super‐responders to the general population matched for age and sex.

Methods

Of 909 patients with CRT device implantation between September 1998 and July 2008, 814 patients had pre‐ and post‐CRT echocardiogram. A total of 95 patients with LVEF ≥ 50% following CRT were classified as super‐responders. For 92 super‐responders, who had U.S. Social Security numbers, an age‐ and sex‐matched example was selected from the Social Security Life Tables. An expected survival plot of the matched population was then compared to the actual survival of super‐responders.

Results

Super‐responders had comparable survival to the age‐sex matched general population (P = 0.53), and Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis in 92 patients showed that super‐responders with CRT pacemakers had similar survival to those with CRT implantable cardioverter defibrillators (P = 0.77). Super‐responders were more likely to be females (54% vs 25%, P < 0.001) and less likely to have significant coronary artery disease (62% vs 42%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Normalization of LVEF by CRT improves survival to levels comparable to the general population. This observation favors the concept that some CRT candidates have a cardiomyopathy likely generated by the conduction abnormality that is reversible through biventricular pacing.
Application of molecular markers to wheat breeding in Canada
Authors: Randhawa Harpinder S. , Asif Muhammad , Pozniak Curtis , Clarke John M. , Graf Robert J. , Fox Stephen L. , Humphreys D. Gavin , Knox Ron E. , DePauw Ron M. , Singh Asheesh K. , Cuthbert Richard D. , Hucl Pierre , Spaner Dean
Published: May 2013

Marker‐assisted breeding provides an opportunity for wheat breeders to introgress/pyramid genes of interest into breeding lines and to identify genes and/or quantitative trait loci in germplasm to be used as parents. Molecular markers were deployed to assist selection for disease resistance, agronomic and quality traits in several wheat cultivars released for commercial cultivation in Canada. Marker‐assisted breeding is routinely used in most wheat breeding programmes for rust resistance (leaf, stem and stripe rust), orange wheat blossom midge resistance, high grain protein concentration, Fusarium head blight and common bunt resistance. Markers are being used selectively within breeding programmes to target traits that relate to market class or regional adaptation. For example, marker‐assisted breeding for low lipoxygenase activity and low grain cadmium is being performed in durum breeding programmes and for enhancing stem solidness in programmes targeting resistance to the wheat stem sawfly. Markers are also being utilized for ergot resistance in durum wheat. Increased gluten strength is being selected with a marker for the overexpression of the Bx7 high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunit. Marker‐assisted breeding is also being used to pyramid resistance genes against a group of stem rust races related to TTKS (Ug99), a disease that poses a serious threat to global wheat production. Development of tightly linked diagnostic markers and high‐throughput genotyping with SNP markers will result in more effective molecular wheat breeding in the near future and will open the door to genomic selection.
Hybridization between Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz (false flax) and North American Camelina species
Authors: Séguin‐Swartz Ginette , Nettleton Jacqueline A. , Sauder Connie , Warwick Suzanne I. , Gugel Richard K.
Published: May 2013

The potential for gene flow between Camelina sativa, a promising edible and industrial oil crop in Canada, and its wild North American relatives C. alyssum, C. microcarpa and C. rumelica subsp. rumelica, was investigated. Sequence analysis of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) was used to differentiate Camelina species and/or accession‐specific nucleotide markers and identify interspecific F1 hybrids. ITS analysis identified hybrids in progeny of C. alyssum × C. sativa, C. microcarpa accession 36010 × C. sativa and C. sativa × C. rumelica subsp. rumelica. Seed set on C. alyssum × C. sativa F1 and F2 progeny was similar to the parents; few seeds were produced on hybrid progeny of C. microcarpa accession 36010 × C. sativa and C. sativa × C. rumelica subsp. rumelica. The study provided evidence that should the species have sympatric distributions and overlapping flowering periods, gene flow between C. sativa and its wild North American relatives is possible and that it would most likely occur with C. alyssum given the high fertility of the F1 hybrids recovered.
Dissection of a major QTL for seed colour and fibre content in Brassica napus reveals colocalization with candidate genes for phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavonoid deposition
Authors: Stein Anna , Wittkop Benjamin , Liu Liezhao , Obermeier Christian , Friedt Wolfgang , Snowdon Rod J.
Published: May 2013

A major quantitative trait locus (QTL) influencing seed fibre and colour in Brassica napus was dissected by marker saturation in a doubled haploid (DH) population from the black‐seeded oilseed rape line ‘Express 617’ crossed with a yellow‐seeded B. napus line, ‘1012–98’. The marker at the peak of a sub‐QTL with a strong effect on both seed colour and acid detergent lignin content lay only 4 kb away from a Brassica (H+)‐ATPase gene orthologous to the transparent testa gene AHA10. Near the peak of a second sub‐QTL, we mapped a copy of the key phenylpropanoid biosynthesis gene cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, while another key phenylpropanoid biosynthesis gene, cinnamoyl co‐a reductase 1, was found nearby. In a cross between ‘Express 617’ and another dark‐seeded parent, ‘V8’, Bna.CCR1 was localized in silico near the peak of a corresponding seed fibre QTL, whereas in this case Bna.CAD2/CAD3 lay nearby. Re‐sequencing of the two phenylpropanoid genes via next‐generation amplicon sequencing revealed intragenic rearrangements and functionally relevant allelic variation in the three parents.
Novel molecular marker associated with Tm2a gene conferring resistance to tomato mosaic virus in tomato
Authors: Panthee Dilip R. , Brown Allan F. , Yousef Gad G. , Ibrahem Ragy , Anderson Candice
Published: May 2013

Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) is an important Tobamovirus that causes significant crop losses. Resistance to the ToMV is conferred by the genes Tm1, Tm2 and Tm2a. Among these three genes, Tm2a confers resistance to most strains of the ToMV. Screening of genetic lines under field conditions based on phenotype is time‐consuming and challenging due to concerns associated with stability of the virus and its potential transmission to other plants. Tightly linked molecular markers associated with resistance genes can improve selection efficiency and avoid these problems. This study developed a PCR‐based marker based on restriction site differences from Tm2a locus‐specific sequences, which was found to be useful in identifying the resistant and susceptible genotypes and was consistent with phenotypic data. The marker is a codominant cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker producing 270‐ and 600‐bp DNA fragments from resistant genotypes and an 870‐bp fragment from susceptible genotypes when digested with HaeIII restriction enzyme. This novel marker can be useful for tomato breeders to screen progeny from segregating populations for ToMV resistance.
Prognostic utility of quantitative image analysis of microvascular density in prostate cancer
Authors: Ozerdem Ugur , Wojcik Eva M. , Duan Xiuzhen , Erşahin Çağatay , Barkan Güliz A.
Published: May 2013

The walls of angiogenic blood vessel capillaries are composed of two principal cell types, blood vessel endothelial cells (BEC) and pericytes (PC), whereas the walls of lymphatic capillaries are composed of lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC). In this investigation we describe a practical application of NIH ImageJ software for quantitative image analysis for pericytes and endothelial cells in prostate cancer. We used a tissue microarray that contained 49 tissue cores (normal prostate tissue or prostatic carcinomas with Gleason scores of 6 through 10). These prostate cancer samples represented AJCC prognostic stages II, III, and IV. Slides were immunostained with anti‐PDGFR‐β antibody for identification of PC, and quantified as microvascular pericyte density (MVPD); they were also immunostained with anti‐CD34 antibody for identification of LEC and BEC simultaneously, and quantified as microvascular endothelial density (MVED). CD31 and D2‐40 immunostains were used to quantify BEC and lymphatic endothelial cells, respectively. Our results showed higher MVPD and MVED in prostate cancers with higher Gleason scores and higher stages, suggesting the prognostic utility of vascular image analysis in prostate pathology. This investigation demonstrates the feasibility, versatility, and ease of use of ImageJ software and pericyte‐specific and endothelial‐specific immunohistochemistry for quantitative image analysis in prostate pathology.
Inflammatory pseudotumor‐like follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of the spleen: A report of six cases with increased IgG4‐positive plasma cells
Authors: Choe Ji‐Young , Go Heounjeong , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Yun Ji Yun , Kim Young A , Kim Hyun‐Jung , Huh Jooryung , Lee Hojung , Shin Dong Hoon , Kim Ji Eun
Published: May 2013

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT)‐like follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcoma is a rare neoplasm typically occurring in the spleen or liver. We present six cases of EBV+ IPT‐like FDC sarcoma of the spleen among Koreans along with their clinicopathologic features and IHC results. Most patients presented with an asymptomatic, incidentally detected single splenic mass and were successfully managed by splenectomy alone. Concomitant disease was found in one case, showing EBV+ gastric carcinoma with lymphoid‐rich stroma. Histologic features showed fibro‐inflammatory lesions that were often accompanied by necrosis and epithelioid histiocytic collection, which are barely distinguishable from IPT. Tumor cells did not frequently express conventional FDC markers, including CD21 (3/6 positive cases), clusterin (4/6), and D2‐40 (2/6), but showed uniform positivity for smooth muscle actin (SMA). Noticeably, significant numbers of IgG4+ plasma cells were found within all six tumors. We suggest that the diagnosis of IPT‐like FDC sarcoma should be made by the application of a panel of FDC markers, and CD21 negativity or SMA positivity cannot be the criterion for exclusion of IPT‐like FDC sarcoma. Relationship of IPT‐like FDC sarcoma of the spleen and IgG4‐related sclerosing disease should be investigated in further studies.
Implicit conditioning of faces via the social regulation of emotion: ERP evidence of early attentional biases for security conditioned faces
Authors: Beckes Lane , Coan James A. , Morris James P.
Published: May 2013

Not much is known about the neural and psychological processes that promote the initial conditions necessary for positive social bonding. This study explores one method of conditioned bonding utilizing dynamics related to the social regulation of emotion and attachment theory. This form of conditioning involves repeated presentations of negative stimuli followed by images of warm, smiling faces. L. Beckes, J. Simpson, and A. Erickson (2010) found that this conditioning procedure results in positive associations with the faces measured via a lexical decision task, suggesting they are perceived as comforting. This study found that the P1 ERP was similarly modified by this conditioning procedure and the P1 amplitude predicted lexical decision times to insecure words primed by the faces. The findings have implications for understanding how the brain detects supportive people, the flexibility and modifiability of early ERP components, and social bonding more broadly.
Effects of long‐term azithromycin therapy on airway oxidative stress markers in non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Authors: Diego Afredo De , Milara Javier , Martinez‐Moragón Eva , Palop Marta , León Montse , Cortijo Julio
Published: May 2013

Background and objective

To explore the effect of long‐term therapy with azithromycin in regards to airway oxidative stress markers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of adult patients with stable non‐cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis.

Methods

Open‐label prospective study of 30 patients randomized to azithromycin 250 mg three times per week during 3 months (16 patients) or control (14 patients). Primary outcome were changes in nitric oxide, 8‐isoprostane, pH, nitrites and nitrates in EBC. Secondary outcomes were changes in exacerbation rates, dyspnoea (Borg scale), sputum volume (cc), sputum colour (15‐point scale), bacterial infection, health‐related quality of life (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire), lung function and radiological extension.

Results

Azithromycin produced a significant decrease in sputum volume (8.9 (1.8) mL vs 2.1 (3.4) mL) and number of exacerbations (0.1 (0.6) vs 1.2 (0.9)). Dyspnoea (0.4 (0.1) vs 0.1 (0.2)) and health‐related quality of life also improved after therapy. However, oxidative stress markers in EBC, systemic inflammatory markers as well as functional respiratory tests did not differ from the control group after therapy. A post‐hoc analysis comparing patients infected or not with Pseudomonas aeruginosa revealed that these effects were more pronounced in infected patients. In this subgroup, treatment was followed by a significant reduction in sputum volume, number of exacerbations, dyspnoea and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score. Of all airway oxidative stress markers, only nitrates in EBC were reduced after therapy.

Conclusions

Long‐term azythromicin treatment has some clinical benefits in patients with non‐CF stable bronchiectasis, but it does not affect airway oxidative stress markers.
Infliximab Inhibits Activation and Effector Functions of Peripheral Blood T Cells in vitro from Patients with Clinically Active Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Dahlén R. , Strid H. , Lundgren A. , Isaksson S. , Raghavan S. , Magnusson M. K. , Simrén M. , Sjövall H. , Öhman L.
Published: May 2013

Many patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are undergoing therapy with infliximab, an antibody specific for TNF. However, the exact mechanisms of action of infliximab are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro effects of infliximab on blood T cells derived from anti‐TNF therapy–naïve ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with clinically active disease. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated polyclonally or by antigen in the presence or absence of infliximab. The T cell phenotype was investigated by flow cytometry, cytokine secretion was determined by ELISA, and cell proliferation was determined by thymidine assay or CFSE dye. Presence of infliximab resulted in reduced expression of CD25 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations and inhibited secretion of IFN‐γ, IL‐13, IL‐17A, TNF as well as granzyme A. Infliximab also suppressed CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation. These effects of infliximab were recorded both in T cells activated by polyclonal and antigen‐specific stimulation. The effects of infliximab on T cell apoptosis and induction of FOXP3+CD4+ T regulatory cells were ambiguous and depended on the originating cellular source and/or the stimulation mode and strength. In conclusion, infliximab is able to reduce T cell activation as measured by CD25, proliferation and cytokine secretion in vitro from UC patients with clinically active disease. These data suggest that suppression of T cell activity may be important for infliximab‐mediated disease remission in patients with UC.
Assessing the Effect of Data Imports on the Completeness of OpenStreetMap – A United States Case Study
Authors: Zielstra Dennis , Hochmair Hartwig H. , Neis Pascal
Published: May 2013

The assessment of OpenStreetMap (OSM) data quality has become an interdisciplinary research area over the recent years. The question of whether the OSM road network should be updated through periodic data imports from public domain data, or whether the currency of OSM data should rather rely on more traditional data collection efforts by active contributors, has led to perpetual debates within the OSM community. A US Census TIGER/Line 2005 import into OSM was accomplished in early 2008, which generated a road network foundation for the active community members in the US. In this study we perform a longitudinal analysis of road data for the US by comparing the development of OSM and TIGER/Line data since the initial TIGER/Line import. The analysis is performed for the 50 US states and the District of Columbia, and 70 Urbanized Areas. In almost all tested states and Urbanized Areas, OSM misses roads for motorized traffic when compared with TIGER/Line street data, while significant contributions could be observed in pedestrian related network data in OSM compared with corresponding TIGER/Line data. We conclude that the quality of OSM road data could be improved through new OSM editor tools allowing contributors to trace current TIGER/Line data.
Toward an Immersive 3D Virtual BoK Exploratorium: A Proof of Concept
Authors: DeMers Michael , Klimaszewski‐Patterson Anna , Richman Rebecca , Ahearn Sean , Plewe Brandon , Skupin André
Published: May 2013

The UCGIS GIS&T Body of Knowledge document provided an opportunity for the GIS educational community to link course content and curricular sequencing to a catalog of subject matter. Focusing on learning objectives, a selection of relevant citations, and basic background for each topic, it has been used to a limited degree for both course topic selection and curriculum development. However, the static format of the document, lack of an index, and dated nature of the material limit its utility for education. Based on the success of our research team in developing a virtual platform for a new, more interactive, and collaborative environment to catalogue and interactively add to the body knowledge (Ahearn et al. 2013), this article describes efforts to develop a multi‐user virtual user environment that will add social presence to the experience. It describes the successes and failures of using Second Life as the initial platform for this work, illustrates the available interactions and limitations, and depicts ongoing efforts to move beyond Second Life for this development. Finally it discusses a possible methodology to leverage the power of virtual crowd sourcing within competitive gaming environments such as Unity to allow for the creation of on‐demand virtual 3‐D visualizations of GIS&T concepts in a digital Exploratorium.
Modeling and Communicating the Conceptual Intent of Geo‐Analytical Tasks for Human‐GISInteraction
Authors: Cai Guoray , Yu Bo , Chen Dong
Published: May 2013

One of the fundamental issues of geographical information science is to designGISinterfaces and functionalities in a way that is easy to understand, teach, and use. Unfortunately, current geographical information systems (includingArcGIS) remains very difficult to use as spatial analysis tools, because they organize and expose functionalities according toGISdata structures and processing algorithms. As a result,GISinterfaces are conceptually confusing, cognitively complex, and semantically disconnected from the way human reason about spatial analytical activities. In this article, we propose an approach that structuresGISanalytical functions based on the notion of “analytical intent”. We describe an experiment that replacesArcGISdesktop interface with a conversational interface, to enable mixed‐initiative user‐system interactions at the level of analytical intentions. We initially focus on the subset ofGISfunctions that are relevant to “finding what's inside” as described byMitchell, but the general principles apply to other types of spatial analysis. This work demonstrates the feasibility of delegating some spatial thinking tasks to computational agents, and also raises future research questions that are key to building a better theory of spatial thinking withGIS.
Defining the Jr(a–) phenotype in the Japanese population
Authors: Tanaka Mitsunobu , Kamada Ikuko , Takahashi Junko , Kimura Keiko , Matsukura Harumichi , Tani Yoshihiko
Published: May 2013

Background

The Jr(a–) phenotype is rare in European and North American populations but is not so rare in Japanese and other Asian populations. Recently, two groups have established the connection between the Jr(a–) phenotype and the ATP‐binding cassette, member G2 (ABCG2) gene and concluded that ABCG2‐null alleles encode the Jr(a–) phenotype. In Japanese Red Cross Blood Centers, the Jr(a–) phenotype is found with a prevalence of 0.05% among blood donors, and we applied DNA‐based genotyping to investigate the molecular basis of the Jr(a–) phenotype in Japan, in addition to serologic typing.

Study Design and Methods

Purified genomic DNA extracts of Japanese donor samples [500 Jr(a+) and 85 Jr(a–) phenotypes] were amplified using specific amplification primers for the c.376C>T mutation, which is the most common mutation in the Asian JRnull allele. Polymerase chain reaction products were examined by high‐resolution melt techniques and DNA sequence analyses.

Results

Seventy‐nine of 85 Jr(a–) samples were homozygous for the single‐nucleotide polymorphism c.376C>T (Gln126Stop) change. In other samples, two novel null alleles were detected: c.2T>C and c.421C>A: c.1515delC.

Conclusion

In this study, more than 90% of the Japanese Jr(a–) phenotypes had c.376C>T (Gln126Stop) nucleotide change. In the other Jr(a–), a new mutation (c.2T>C) in the start codon encoding Thr instead of Met, c.1515delC encoding Ala505AlafsStop and heterozygous for c.337C/T and c.736C/T were detected. DNA‐based genotyping is accurate and useful for Jr(a–) donor typing.
Evolution of cave Axiokebuita and Speleobregma (Scalibregmatidae, Annelida)
Authors: Martínez Alejandro , Di Domenico Maikon , Worsaae Katrine
Published: May 2013

The evolutionary history of Axiokebuita and Speleobregma, two poorly known lineages of annelids exclusive from deep‐sea or marine caves but always from crevicular habitats, is explored here. Speleobregma lanzaroteum Bertelsen, 1986, and Axiokebuita cavernicola sp. n. are described from anchialine and marine caves of the Canary Islands using light and electron microscopy. Speleobregma lanzaroteum is previously known only from a single specimen from the water column of an anchialine cave in Lanzarote. Emended diagnosis, details on the ciliary patterns and behavioural observations are provided based on newly collected material and in situ observations. Axiokebuita cavernicola sp. n. is found in Pleistocene gravel deposits in a shallow water marine cave in Tenerife (Canary Islands). The new species is characterized by the presence of dorsal ciliary bands and short knob‐like neuropodial cirri from segment two. The porosity and permeability of the gravelly environment of A. cavernicola sp. n. are shown to be equivalent to the water column or crevices of Speleobregma and other Axiokebuita spp. Phylogenetic analyses of five gene fragments and 44 terminals using maximum‐likelihood and Bayesian methods support a derived position of A. cavernicola sp. n. within Axiokebuita and confirm a sister‐group relationship of Axiokebuita with Speleobregma with high nodal support. The Axiokebuita–Speleobregma clade is morphologically characterized by a globular pygidium with adhesive glands and ventral ungrooved ciliated palps. Our results support two independent cave colonization events, favoured by the preadaptation of the members of Axiokebuita–Speleobregma lineage to crevicular habitats.
A General Model for Predicting Low Reynolds Number Flow Pressure Drop in Non-Uniform Microchannels of Non-Circular Cross Section in Continuum and Slip-Flow Regimes
Authors: Akbari M. , Tamayol A. , Bahrami M.
Published: May 2013

A general model that predicts single-phase creeping flow pressure drop in microchannels of a noncircular cross section under slip and no-slip regimes is proposed. The model accounts for gradual variations in the cross section and relates the pressure drop to geometrical parameters of the cross section, i.e., area, perimeter, and polar moment of inertia. The accuracy of the proposed model is assessed by comparing the results against experimental and numerical data collected from various studies in the literature for a wide variety of cross-sectional shapes. The suggested model can be used for the design and optimization of microsystems that contain networks of microchannels with noncircular cross sections resulting from different fabrication techniques.
Stability Analysis of Chatter in Tandem Rolling Mills—Part 2: The Regenerative Effect
Authors: Zhao Huyue , Ehmann Kornel F.
Published: May 2013

Using the multi-stand chatter models derived in Part 1, a stability analysis, based on the integral criterion of stability for delay differential equations, will be carried out for the regenerative mechanism to better understand the effects of rolling parameters on regenerative instability. It will be shown that the interactions between consecutive stands through the time delay effect of the strip thickness variations consistently boost the tendency of each stand to chatter and, therefore, reduce the stability of the rolling process. Simulations will demonstrate stable and unstable behaviors of multi-stand rolling mills and aid in verifying stability charts created through stability analysis based on analytical models. They will be instrumental in identifying the critical vibration propagation paths of the regenerative mechanism in multi-stand mills through strip thickness and instant inter-stand tension variations. The critical vibration propagation paths of the regenerative mechanism will explain the modulation frequency observed in tandem mills that, as it will be shown, is inversely proportional to the shortest time delay during strip transport from the upstream stands to the downstream stands.
Design of Parallel Mechanisms for Flexible Manufacturing With Reconfigurable Dynamics
Authors: Coppola Gianmarc , Zhang Dan , Liu Kefu , Gao Zhen
Published: May 2013

Reconfigurable robotic systems can enhance productivity and save costs in the ever growing flexible manufacturing regime. In this work, the idea to synthesize robotic mechanisms with dynamic properties that are reconfigurable is studied, and a methodology to design reconfigurable mechanisms with this property is proposed, named reconfigurable dynamics (Re-Dyn). The resulting designs have not only the kinematic properties reconfigurable, such as link lengths, but also properties that directly affect the forces and accelerations, such as masses and inertias. A 2-degree of freedom (DOF) parallel robot is used as a test subject. It is analyzed and redesigned with Re-Dyn. This work also presents the robots forward dynamic model in detail, which includes the force balancing mediums. The connection method is directly utilized for this derivation, which is well suited for multibody dynamics and provides insight for design parameters (DPs). Dynamic performance indices are also briefly discussed as related to the Re-Dyn method. After redesigning the robot, a full simulation is conducted to compare performances related to a flexible manufacturing situation. This illustrates the advantages of the proposed method.
An Adenosine-Mediated Signaling Pathway Suppresses Prenylation of the GTPase Rap1B and Promotes Cell Scattering
Authors: Ntantie Elizabeth , Gonyo Patrick , Lorimer Ellen L. , Hauser Andrew D. , Schuld Nathan , McAllister Donna , Kalyanaraman Balaraman , Dwinell Michael B. , Auchampach John A. , Williams Carol L.
Published: May 2013

Inhibition of adenosine receptors could reduce metastasis by enhancing prenylation-dependent signaling that promotes cell-cell adhesion.