bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of the reprogramming factor KLF4 in blood formation
Authors: Park Chun Shik , Shen Ye , Lewis Andrew , Lacorazza H Daniel 
Published: February 2016

AbstractKrüppel-like factor 4 is a zinc finger protein with dual functions that can act as a transcriptional activator and repressor of genes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Although most studies have focused on terminally differentiated epithelial cells, evidence suggests that Krüppel-like factor 4 regulates the development and function of the myeloid and lymphoid blood lineages. The ability of Krüppel-like factor 4 to dedifferentiate from somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells in cooperation with other reprogramming factors suggests its potential function in the preservation of tissue-specific stem cells. Additionally, emerging interest in the redifferentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into blood cells to correct hematologic deficiencies and malignancies warrants further studies on the role of Krüppel-like factor 4 in steady-state blood formation.
Atypical chemokine receptors in cancer: friends or foes?
Authors: Massara Matteo , Bonavita Ornella , Mantovani Alberto , Locati Massimo , Bonecchi Raffaella 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The chemokine system is a fundamental component of cancer-related inflammation involved in all stages of cancer development. It controls not only leukocyte infiltration in primary tumors but also angiogenesis, cancer cell proliferation, and migration to metastatic sites. Atypical chemokine receptors are a new, emerging class of regulators of the chemokine system. They control chemokine bioavailability by scavenging, transporting, or storing chemokines. They can also regulate the activity of canonical chemokine receptors with which they share the ligands by forming heterodimers or by modulating their expression levels or signaling activity. Here, we summarize recent results about the role of these receptors (atypical chemokine receptor 1/Duffy antigen receptor for chemokine, atypical chemokine receptor 2/D6, atypical chemokine receptor 3/CXC-chemokine receptor 7, and atypical chemokine receptor 4/CC-chemokine receptor-like 1) on the tumorigenesis process, indicating that their effects are strictly dependent on the cell type on which they are expressed and on their coexpression with other chemokine receptors. Indeed, atypical chemokine receptors inhibit tumor growth and progression through their activity as negative regulators of chemokine bioavailability, whereas, on the contrary, they can promote tumorigenesis when they regulate the signaling of other chemokine receptors, such as CXC-chemokine receptor 4. Thus, atypical chemokine receptors are key components of the regulatory network of inflammation and immunity in cancer and may have a major effect on anti-inflammatory and immunotherapeutic strategies.
Quantitative Assessment of Mouse Mammary Gland Morphology Using Automated Digital Image Processing and TEB Detection
Authors: Blacher Silvia , Gérard Céline , Gallez Anne , Foidart Jean-Michel , Noël Agnès , Péqueux Christel 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The assessment of rodent mammary gland morphology is largely used to study the molecular mechanisms driving breast development and to analyze the impact of various endocrine disruptors with putative pathological implications. In this work, we propose a methodology relying on fully automated digital image analysis methods including image processing and quantification of the whole ductal tree and of the terminal end buds as well. It allows to accurately and objectively measure both growth parameters and fine morphological glandular structures. Mammary gland elongation was characterized by 2 parameters: the length and the epithelial area of the ductal tree. Ductal tree fine structures were characterized by: 1) branch end-point density, 2) branching density, and 3) branch length distribution. The proposed methodology was compared with quantification methods classically used in the literature. This procedure can be transposed to several software and thus largely used by scientists studying rodent mammary gland morphology.
Modeling the Male Reproductive Endocrine Axis: Potential Role for a Delay Mechanism in the Inhibitory Action of Gonadal Steroids on GnRH Pulse Frequency
Authors: Ferasyi Teuku R. , Barrett P. Hugh R. , Blache Dominique , Martin Graeme B. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
We developed a compartmental model so we could test mechanistic concepts in the control of the male reproductive endocrine axis. Using SAAM II computer software and a bank of experimental data from male sheep, we began by modeling GnRH-LH feed-forward and LH-T feedback. A key assumption was that the primary control signal comes from a hypothetical neural network (the PULSAR) that emits a digital (pulsatile) signal of variable frequency that drives GnRH secretion in square wave-like pulses. This model produced endocrine profiles that matched experimental observations for the testis-intact animal and for changes in GnRH pulse frequency after castration and T replacement. In the second stage of the model development, we introduced a delay in the negative feedback caused by the aromatization of T to estradiol at the brain level, a concept supported by empirical observations. The simulations showed how changes in the process of aromatization could affect the response of the pulsatile signal to inhibition by steroid feedback. The sensitivity of the PULSAR to estradiol was a critical factor, but the most striking observation was the effect of time delays. With longer delays, there was a reduction in the rate of aromatization and therefore a decrease in local estradiol concentrations, and the outcome was multiple-pulse events in the secretion of GnRH/LH, reflecting experimental observations. In conclusion, our model successfully emulates the GnRH-LH-T-GnRH loop, accommodates a pivotal role for central aromatization in negative feedback, and suggests that time delays in negative feedback are an important aspect of the control of GnRH pulse frequency.
The Association Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Adverse Postoperative Outcomes: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Sun Zhuo , Hesler Brian D. , Makarova Natalya , Dalton Jarrod E. , Doan Michael , Moraska Amanda , De Oliveira Gildasio , Turan Alparslan 
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND:Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a high overall incidence of mortality, primarily because of cardiovascular complications. Thus, we tested the primary hypothesis that rheumatoid arthritis is independently associated with increased postoperative cardiovascular complications. Second, we determined whether rheumatoid arthritis is associated with increased thromboembolic complications, microcirculatory complications, and mortality.METHODS:We obtained censuses of 2009 to 2010 inpatient hospital discharge data across 7 states (Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, and New Jersey). Rheumatoid arthritis was identified using the present-on-admission diagnosis code 714.0. Each rheumatoid arthritis discharge that had surgery was propensity matched to a control discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare matched rheumatoid arthritis and control patients on risk of in-hospital cardiovascular complications.RESULTS:Among 5.5 million qualifying discharges, the matching procedure yielded successful 66,886 matched pairs. One thousand ninety-five (1.64%) of the matched rheumatoid arthritis discharges and 1006 (1.50%) of the matched controls had in-hospital cardiovascular complications. The adjusted odds ratio (99% confidence interval) was estimated at 1.08 (0.96–1.21;P= 0.08). There were no significant differences in the odds of in-hospital thromboembolic complications (1.03 [0.93–1.15];P= 0.42), in-hospital microcirculatory complications (0.94 [0.86–1.01];P= 0.03), or in-hospital mortality (1.11 [0.98–1.25];P= 0.04).CONCLUSIONS:Rheumatoid arthritis was not associated with an increased risk for postoperative cardiovascular complications.
The effects of ER morphology on synaptic structure and function in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Summerville James B. , Faust Joseph F. , Fan Ethan , Pendin Diana , Daga Andrea , Formella Joseph , Stern Michael , McNew James A. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a set of genetic diseases caused by mutations in one of 72 genes that results in age-dependent corticospinal axon degeneration accompanied by spasticity and paralysis. Two genes implicated in HSPs encode proteins that regulate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) morphology. Atlastin 1 (ATL1, also known as SPG3A) encodes an ER membrane fusion GTPase and reticulon 2 (RTN2, also known as SPG12) helps shape ER tube formation. Here, we use a new fluorescent ER marker to show that the ER within wild-type Drosophila motor nerve terminals forms a network of tubules that is fragmented and made diffuse upon loss of the atlastin 1 ortholog atl. atl or Rtnl1 loss decreases evoked transmitter release and increases arborization. Similar to other HSP proteins, Atl inhibits bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, and loss of atl causes age-dependent locomotor deficits in adults. These results demonstrate a crucial role for ER in neuronal function, and identify mechanistic links between ER morphology, neuronal function, BMP signaling and adult behavior.
Η γονική εμπλοκή των αλλοδαπών υπό την οπτική των νηπιαγωγών
Authors: Κοντογιάννη Διονυσία , Οικονομίδης Βασίλειος 
Published: February 2016

Με την έρευνα αυτή προσεγγίζουμε τη γονική εμπλοκή των αλλοδαπών διερευνώντας τις θέσεις των νηπιαγωγών σχετικά: α) με τις πρακτικές που οι ίδιες εφαρμόζουν για την προώθηση της γονικής εμπλοκής, β) με τα θέματα συζήτησης με τους αλλοδαπούς γονείς και γ) με τη διάθεση των γονιών για συνεργασία. Από την έρευνα σε νηπιαγωγούς της Κρήτης με κλειστό ερωτηματολόγιο προκύπτει ότι οι νηπιαγωγοί παρωθούν τους αλλοδαπούς γονείς να συμμετέχουν σε δραστηριότητες του σχολείου, όχι όμως σε δραστηριότητες της τάξης και συζητούν μαζί τους κυρίως για θέματα που σχετίζονται με την πρόοδο των παιδιών. Οι νηπιαγωγοί ακόμη θεωρούν ότι οι αλλοδαποί γονείς είναι συνεργάσιμοι και από τις αναπαραστάσεις (εικόνες, αντιλήψεις)τους γι’ αυτούς φαίνεται ότι οι γονείς αυτοί βρίσκονται σε φάση προσαρμογής στην ελληνική κοινωνία.
Διερεύνηση των τεχνικών αντιμετώπισης των συγκρούσεων στα Δημοτικά Σχολεία της Ελλάδας
Authors: Μητσαρά Σωτηρία , Ιορδανίδης Γεώργιος 
Published: February 2016

<p>Η εμφάνιση συγκρούσεων ανάμεσα στο ανθρώπινο δυναμικό των δημοτικών σχολείων είναι ένα σύνηθες φαινόμενο, η αποτελεσματική διαχείριση του οποίου συμβάλει καθοριστικά στην ομαλή λειτουργία της σχολικής μονάδας και στην εκτέλεση της αποστολής της. Για την επιτυχή επίλυση των προβλημάτων που προκύπτουν από αυτές βαρύνουσα σημασία έχουν τα χαρακτηριστικά των στελεχών που αναλαμβάνουν την επίλυση της σύγκρουσης, καθώς και οι τεχνικές που χρησιμοποιούνται για τη διαχείρισή της. Στο παρόν άρθρο γίνεται μια γενική επισκόπηση των προσεγγίσεων που αναφέρονται στις τεχνικές διαχείρισης των συγκρούσεων στις σχολικές μονάδες και περιγράφεται το περιεχόμενο έρευνας που πραγματοποιήθηκε σε Δημοτικά Σχολεία της Ελλάδας. Στη συνέχεια αναλύονται αποτελέσματα έρευνας που πραγματοποιήθηκε, η οποία αφορά στα χαρακτηριστικά όσων διαχειρίζονται συγκρούσεις στα δημοτικά σχολεία και αξιολογείται η αποτελεσματικότατα τους ανάλογα με τα χαρακτηριστικά τους και τις τεχνικές που χρησιμοποιούνται από αυτούς. Στο πλαίσιο μιας γενικής συζήτησης συγκρίνονται τα εν λόγω αποτελέσματα με τα αποτελέσματα άλλων σχετικών ερευνών. </p>
Numerical solution of Navier stokes equation using control volume and finite element method
Authors: Adam Aigo Musa 
Published: February 2016

<p>The aim of this paper is twofold first we will provide a numerical solution of the Navier Stokes equation using the Projection technique and finite element method. The problem will be introduced in weak formulation and a Finite Element method will be developed, then solve in a fast way the sparse system derived. Second, the projection method with Control volume approach will be applied to get a fast solution, in iterations count.</p>
Fractional modelling arising in unidirectional propagation of long waves in dispersive media
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Kumar Devendra , Singh Jagdev 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to propose a modified and
simple algorithm for fractional modelling arising in unidirectional
propagation of long wave in dispersive media by using the fractional homotopy
analysis transform method (FHATM). This modified method is an innovative
adjustment in the Laplace transform algorithm (LTA) and makes the calculation
much simpler. The proposed technique solves the nonlinear problems without
using Adomian polynomials and He’s polynomials which can be considered as a
clear advantage of this new algorithm over decomposition and the homotopy
perturbation transform method. This modified method yields an analytical and
approximate solution in terms of a rapidly convergent series with easily
computable terms. The numerical solutions obtained by the proposed algorithm
indicate that the approach is easy to implement and computationally very
attractive. Comparing our solution with the existing ones, we note an excellent agreement.
Bicubic splines and biquartic polynomials
Authors: Mino Lukáš , Szabó Imrich , Török Csaba 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The paper proposes a new efficient approach
to computation of interpolating spline surfaces. The generalization
of an unexpected property, noticed while approximating
polynomials of degree four by cubic ones,
confirmed that a similar interrelation property exists between
biquartic and bicubic polynomial surfaces as well.
We prove that a 2×2-component C1 -class bicubic Hermite
spline will be of class C2 if an equispaced grid is used and
the coefficients of the spline components are computed
from a corresponding biquartic polynomial. It implies that
a 2×2 uniform clamped spline surface can be constructed
without solving any equation. The applicability of this biquartic
polynomials based approach to reducing dimensionalitywhile
computing spline surfaces is demonstrated
on an example.
Exact distributions of order statistics of
dependent random variables from ln,p-symmetric sample distributions, n ∈ {3,4}
Authors: Müller K. , Richter W.-D. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Integral representations of the exact distributions of order statistics are derived in a geometric
way when three or four random variables depend on each other as the components of continuous ln,psymmetrically
distributed random vectors do, n ∈ {3,4}, p > 0. Once the representations are implemented
in a computer program, it is easy to change the density generator of the ln,p-symmetric distribution with another
one for newly evaluating the distribution of interest. For two groups of stock exchange index residuals,
maximum distributions are compared under dependence and independence modeling.
Extreme value distributions for dependent
jointly ln,p-symmetrically distributed random
variables
Authors: Müller K. , Richter W.-D. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
A measure-of-cone representation of skewed continuous ln,p-symmetric distributions, n ∈ N, p > 0,
is proved following the geometric approach known for elliptically contoured distributions. On this basis, distributions
of extreme values of n dependent random variables are derived if the latter follow a joint continuous
ln,p-symmetric distribution. Light, heavy, and extremely far tails as well as tail indices are discussed,
and new parameters of multivariate tail behavior are introduced.
The Enduring Relevance of National Presidential Nominating Conventions
Authors: Panagopoulos Costas , Endres Kyle 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSome contend the relevance of presidential nominating conventions has faded in recent decades as fewer voters watch and reach voting decisions during the conventions. We evaluate these trends empirically and consider the historical evolution of conventions to argue that, while they do not garner the attention they once did, conventions can still have a consequential effect on the outcomes of presidential elections, especially in competitive cycles.
Optimization of the asymmetric synthesis of chiral aromatic alcohol using freeze-dried carrots as whole-cell biocatalysts
Authors: Kazici Hilal Celik , Bayraktar Emine , Mehmetoglu Ülkü 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAsymmetric reduction of ketones is an important transformation in organic synthesis, because chiral carbinols are useful bioactive compounds. In this study, bioreduction of acetophenone (ACP) for production of enantiomerically pure (S)-1-phenyl-ethanol was investigated and freeze-dried carrots were used as a source of alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs). However, production of product was investigated systematically using response surface methodology (RSM). Before RSM, the effects of the initial substrate concentration, reaction time, temperature and pH on the bioreduction were studied. The best results for enantiomeric excesses (ee) and conversion (c) were obtained with >99% and 58%, respectively, for the reaction time 48 h, initial substrate concentration 1 m
Method for accurate fiber length determination from increment cores for large-scale population analyses in Norway spruce
Authors: Chen Zhi-Qiang , Abramowicz Konrad , Raczkowski Rafal , Ganea Stefana , Wu Harry X. , Lundqvist Sven-Olof , Mörling Tommy , de Luna Sara Sjöstedt , García Gil María Rosario , Mellerowicz Ewa J. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Fiber (tracheid) length is an important trait targeted for genetic and silvicultural improvement. Such studies require large-scale non-destructive sampling, and accurate length determination. The standard procedure for non-destructive sampling is to collect increment cores, singularize their cells by maceration, measure them with optical analyzer and apply various corrections to suppress influence of non-fiber particles and cut fibers, as fibers are cut by the corer. The recently developed expectation-maximization method (EM) not only addresses the problem of non-fibers and cut fibers, but also corrects for the sampling bias. Here, the performance of the EM method has been evaluated by comparing it with length-weighing and squared length-weighing, both implemented in fiber analyzers, and with microscopy data for intact fibers, corrected for sampling bias, as the reference. This was done for 12-mm increment cores from 16 Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) trees on fibers from rings 8–11 (counted from pith), representing juvenile wood of interest in breeding programs. The EM-estimates provided mean-fiber-lengths with bias of only +2.7% and low scatter. Length-weighing and length2-weighing gave biases of -7.3% and +9.3%, respectively, and larger scatter. The suggested EM approach constitutes a more accurate non-destructive method for fiber length (FL) determination, expected to be applicable also to other conifers.
Rolling shear modulus and strength of beech wood laminations
Authors: Aicher Simon , Christian Zachary , Hirsch Maren 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Previous research indicated that the rolling shear properties of European beech wood (Fagus sylvatica) are considerably higher than those of softwood. The aim of the presented investigation was to substantiate previous data on rolling shear modulus and strength of European beech wood and to further evaluate its substitution of softwoods in applications where shear properties are influential, namely as cross layers in cross-laminated timber (CLT). Further, the effect of the annual ring orientation within the boards on shear modulus and strength was of major interest. The beech specimens comprised four different sawing patterns, classified unambiguously with reference to the pith location. The shear properties were determined by 50, two-plate shear tests with specimen cross-section dimensions of 33 mm × 135 mm. A mean rolling shear modulus of 370 N mm-2 was obtained, whereby no significant detrimental effect for pith boards with cracks was observed. In agreement with continuum mechanics, the semi-quarter-sawn boards revealed the highest shear moduli whereas the quarter-sawn boards showed roughly 30% lower values. The mean rolling shear strength was 5.6 N mm-2 for all specimens, whereby pith specimens resulted in generally lower values. The 5% quantile, disregarding pith specimens, was 4.5 N mm-2. In conclusion, the rolling shear strength and modulus exceed the respective characteristic values for softwoods by roughly factors of 5 and 7, indicating great potential for beech wood cross-layers in CLT.
Decay resistance of softwoods and hardwoods thermally modified by the Thermovouto type thermo-vacuum process to brown rot and white rot fungi
Authors: Gao Jie , Kim Jong Sik , Terziev Nasko , Daniel Geoffrey 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSoftwoods (SW, spruce and fir) and hardwoods (HW, ash and beech) were thermally modified by the thermo-vacuum (Termovuoto) process for 3–4 h in the temperature range 160–220°C (TMW160–220°C) and their fungal durability were examined in soil-block tests with two brown rot (BR,Postia placenta, Gloeophyllum trabeum) and two white rot (WR,Pycnoporus sanguineus, Phlebia radiata) fungi. SW-TMW160–220°Cwere exposed toP. placentaandP. sanguineusand HW-TMW190–220°Cto all fungal species. Considerable improvement (durability class 1–3) in decay resistance was only achieved for SW- and HW-TMW220°C. Thermal modification (TM) below 200°C influenced decay resistance negatively in case of some fungal species applied for both SW and HW. Judged by the durability class, decay resistance was higher in HW- than in SW-TMW at high TM temperature. Behavior of TM differed significantly between ash (ring-porous HW) and beech (diffuse-porous HW). A comparison between results of soil- and agar-block tests on Termovouoto wood demonstrated that the influence of testing method in terms of assignment to durability classes is not significant.
Adipose tissue: an endocrine organ playing a role in metabolic regulation
Authors: Booth Andrea , Magnuson Aaron , Fouts Josephine , Foster Michelle T. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Adipose tissue is a complex endocrine organ with an intricate role in whole body homeostasis. Beyond storing energy, adipose tissue is fundamental in numerous processes including, but not limited to, metabolism, food intake and immune cell function. Adipokines and cytokines are the signaling factors from adipose tissue. These factors play a role in maintaining health, but are also candidates for pathologies associated with obesity. Indeed excessive adiposity causes dysregulation of these factors which negatively affect health and contribute to numerous obesity-induced co-morbidities. In particular, adipokines are fundamental in regulation of glucose homeostasis and insulin signaling, thus aberrant production of these adipose derived hormones correlates with the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, elucidation of adipose regulation is crucial for understanding the pathophysiological basis of obesity and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. In the present review, we summarize current data on the relation between adipokines and adipose depot derived cytokines in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. Specifically, physiological and molecular functions of several adipokines are defined with particular focus on interactions within the insulin-signaling pathway and subsequent regulation of glucose uptake in both standard and obesity-induced dysregulated conditions. This same relation will be discussed for cytokines and inflammation as well.