bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological significance of ASC amino acid transporter‐2 expression in pancreatic ductal carcinoma
Authors: Kaira Kyoichi , Sunose Yutaka , Arakawa Kazuhisa , Sunaga Noriaki , Shimizu Kimihiro , Tominaga Hideyuki , Oriuchi Noboru , Nagamori Shushi , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Oyama Tetsunari , Takeyoshi Izumi 
Published: May 2014

AimsASC amino acid transporter‐2 (ASCT2) is highly expressed in cancer cells. However, the clinicopathological significance of ASCT2 expression in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of ASCT2 expression in pancreatic cancer.Methods and resultsNinety‐seven patients with surgically resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were evaluated. Tumour sections were stained by immunohistochemistry for ASCT2, Ki67, CD34 (to determine microvessel density), phospho‐AKT (p‐AKT) and phospho‐mammalian target of rapamycin (p‐mTOR) expression. ASCT2 was expressed in 54% (52/97) of tumours. Statistically significant differences in patient age, T stage, N stage, lymphatic permeation, vascular invasion, Ki67, and CD34 and p‐mTOR expression were observed between tumours with and without ASCT2 expression. Multivariate analysis confirmed that vascular invasion, ASCT2 expression and Ki67 expression were independent predictive factors for a poorer prognosis.ConclusionsASCT2 expression plays an important role in tumour cell growth, and is a promising pathological marker for predicting a worse outcome in pancreatic cancer.
Insulin–transferrin–selenium as an alternative to foetal serum for epidermal equivalents
Authors: Mainzer C. , Barrichello C. , Debret R. , Remoué N. , Sigaudo‐Roussel D. , Sommer P. 
Published: May 2014

SynopsisObjectiveOrganotypic skin models are powerful tools for research in development, ageing and diseases. They have become more and more complex with the use of multiple cell types. This requires a culture medium adapted to optimize the development of such in vitro skin. Foetal bovine serum (FBS) is the most complete supplement in existence at the moment, providing at once growth factors, vitamins, hormones and other circulating compounds. However, this cocktail suffers from batch variability and its animal origin is ethically questionable. More importantly, its biological activities may interfere with the study of certain signalling pathways. Here, we present a strategy for constructing an epidermal equivalent using a defined culture medium without serum.MethodsAn epidermal equivalent was constructed with primary human keratinocytes cultured using an insulin–transferrin–selenium (ITS) medium. Determination of steady‐state gene expression levels and the immunohistological characterization of keratinocyte markers were performed to compare the ITS medium condition with a reference model, where keratinocytes were co‐cultured with fibroblasts in the presence of FBS.ResultsThe data show that the ITS medium promoted the expression of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation markers at the protein and transcript levels in a similar way to that of the reference model.ConclusionWe show that culture using the ITS medium appears as a viable replacement for FBS in the construction of epidermal equivalents, opening the way to signal transduction studies.
Microstructure and Cell Performance of NiO–YSZ Composite Anode‐Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Using Graphite as Anode Pore‐Former: Effects of Graphite Particle Size and HNO3 Treatment
Authors: He Rujie , Fang Daining , He Feng , Wu Yefan 
Published: May 2014

The influences of graphite particle size and HNO3 treatment on microstructure and cell performance of the NiO–YSZ anode‐supported solid oxide fuel cells were investigated. The peak power density for the cells using 1, 3, and 6 μm graphite was 679, 603, and 549 mW/cm2, respectively. HNO3 treatment was an efficient approach to improve the wettability of graphite in water, to modify the microstructure and to enhance the cell performance. The peak power density for the cell using HNO3‐treated graphite (1 μm) was 766 mW/cm2, approximately 13% higher than that of the cell using pristine graphite.
Diabetes attenuates urothelial modulation of detrusor contractility and spontaneous activity
Authors: Wang Yi , Tar Moses T , Fu Shibo , Melman Arnold , Davies Kelvin P 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of diabetes on urothelial modulation of bladder contractility.MethodsBladder strips (urothelium intact or denuded) were prepared from 8‐week‐old streptozotocin‐induced diabetic (n = 19) and non‐diabetic control rats (n = 10). The effect of modulators of MaxiK (iberiotoxin and tetraethylammonium) and Kv7 (XE991 and retigabine) potassium channel activity were investigated for their effects on both carbachol‐induced force generation and spontaneous contractile activity.ResultsIn bladder strips from non‐diabetic animals, the presence of the urothelium resulted in marked sensitivity to carbachol‐induced force generation by modulators of MaxiK and Kv7 channel activity, whereas in the diabetic animal urothelial sensitivity to these agents was significantly diminished. Urothelial‐intact bladder strips from non‐diabetic animals were more sensitive to modulators of Kv7 activity in reducing the amplitude of spontaneous phasic contractions than urothelial‐denuded bladder strips, whereas in diabetic animals the presence or absence of the urothelium did not alter the sensitivity to modulators of Kv7 activity. Spontaneous activity in the presence of tetraethylammonium was not affected by the urothelium in bladder strips from either diabetic or non‐diabetic animals.ConclusionsThe presence of the urothelium in bladders from non‐diabetic animals modulates the activity of potassium blockers to affect bladder contractility, whereas in the diabetic bladder this effect is attenuated. These findings could help to explain the lack of success of pharmaceutical treatments targeting potassium channels to treat bladder pathology in patients with diseases imparing urothelial function.
Multicultural Institutions, Distributional Politics, and Postelectoral Mobilization in Indigenous Mexico
Authors: Eisenstadt Todd A. , Ríos Viridiana 
Published: May 2014

AbstractContrary to the predictions of “power sharing” to mitigate ethnic conflicts, multicultural rights recognition can actually increase the frequency of local postelectoral mobilizations. This article demonstrates that the adoption of an ethnic rights regime for electing local government representatives may actually increase conflict if these multicultural laws are not carefully circumscribed to avoid violating human rights. Focusing on the 1995 multicultural rights reforms in Oaxaca, it presents evidence that legal changes purportedly implemented to recognize indigenous rights actually increased postelectoral disputes due to conflicts between county seat communities and peripheral population hamlets over access to funding by the central government. Based on this finding, the article addresses normative implications of “power-sharing” multiculturalism, recommending that multicultural laws be implemented only together with legal mechanisms to solve postelectoral disputes.
Countering Convergence: Agency and Diversity Among Guatemalan NGOs
Authors: Beck Erin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe proliferation of nongovernmental organizations across the developing world has sparked discussions of the “NGOization” of civil society and concern that NGOs have become increasingly uniform and internally homogenous. This article explores the evolution of NGOs in Guatemala since the 1960s and finds that NGOs historically and currently respond in diverse ways to external pressures—adjusting their strategies and actively attempting to shape their environment. Comparing two microcredit NGOs, it finds in addition that old and new models combine in unique organizational contexts in distinct ways. These two findings suggest that diversity is likely to persist among NGOs.
3D reconstruction of prior β grains in friction stir–processed Ti–6Al–4V
Authors: TILEY J.S. , SHIVELEY A.R. , PILCHAK A.L. , SHADE P.A. , GROEBER M.A. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe prior β grain structure and orientations in the central stir zone of friction stir–processed Ti–6Al–4V were reconstructed from measured α phase orientations obtained by three‐dimensional serial sectioning in a dual‐beam focused ion beam scanning electron microscope. The data were processed to obtain the α colony and β grain size distributions in the volume. Several β grains were individually analysed to determine the total number of unique α variants and the respective volume fractions of each. The analysis revealed that some grains experienced overwhelming variant selection (i.e. one variant dominated) whereas other β grains contained a more evenly distributed mixture of all 12 variants.
Waterbirth: An Integrative Analysis of Peer‐Reviewed Literature
Authors: Nutter Elizabeth , Meyer Shaunette , Shaw‐Battista Jenna , Marowitz Amy 
Published: May 2014

IntroductionDespite a growing body of evidence for waterbirth safety, a myriad of political and cultural issues result in limited use in US hospitals compared to other developed nations. The purpose of this article is to critically analyze the evidence on maternal and neonatal outcomes of waterbirth to help inform evidence‐based clinical practice in the United States.MethodsA literature search was performed using electronic databases CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Thirty‐eight studies, including 2 randomized controlled trials and 36 observational studies, were reviewed. Studies were conducted in 11 countries, mostly outside the United States. More than 31,000 waterbirths were described.ResultsAggregate results suggest that waterbirth is associated with high levels of maternal satisfaction with pain relief and the experience of childbirth, and may increase the likelihood of an intact perineum. Waterbirth is associated with decreased incidence of episiotomy and severe perineal lacerations, and may contribute to reduced postpartum hemorrhage. Data indicate no difference in maternal or neonatal infection rates or nursery admissions after waterbirth. Neonatal mortality rates are low and similar after waterbirth and uncomplicated conventional birth. The calculated cord avulsion rate is 2.4 per 1000 waterbirths; it is unknown how this compares to conventional birth due to a lack of data that permits direct comparison.DiscussionThe majority of waterbirth research to date is observational and descriptive; thus, reported outcomes do not demonstrate causal associations. However, existing evidence is reassuring. Case‐controlled studies have included thousands of women who gave birth underwater without an apparent increase in maternal or neonatal morbidity or mortality. Potential risks associated with waterbirth for women and neonates appear minimal, and outcomes are comparable to those expected in any healthy childbearing population.
Rapid development of brood‐parasitic cuckoo embryos cannot be explained by increased gas exchange through the eggshell
Authors: Portugal S. J. , Hauber M. E. , Maurer G. , Stokke B. G. , Grim T. , Cassey P. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObligate avian brood parasites lay their eggs in hosts' nests and play no role in the provisioning of the progeny. Many parasites, including Cuculus cuckoos, hatch before their hosts and the altricial chick evicts hosts eggs and nestlings. A hypothesized, but so far untested parasite adaptation is that the embryos of cuckoos develop more quickly than the hosts' because the higher porosity of the parasite's eggshell allows greater gaseous exchange, potentially supporting more rapid development. We compared the water vapour conductance (GH2O) of common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) eggshells and those of several passerines, including various cuckoo host species, and non‐passerine species. Contrary to the prediction, the cuckoo eggs had lower GH2O than eggs of their hosts, and lower GH2O than predicted for their egg size and phylogeny. A potential advantage for the cuckoo egg of having a lower GH2O may be that the yolk is depleted at a slower rate, allowing more reserves to remain at the end of incubation, assisting the embryo with the energetically demanding tasks of hatching from a thicker eggshell, and evicting host eggs and nestmates.
New insights into the evolutionary history of Plasmodium falciparum from mitochondrial genome sequence analyses of Indian isolates
Authors: Tyagi Suchi , Pande Veena , Das Aparup 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEstimating genetic diversity and inferring the evolutionary history of Plasmodium falciparum could be helpful in understanding origin and spread of virulent and drug‐resistant forms of the malaria pathogen and therefore contribute to malaria control programme. Genetic diversity of the whole mitochondrial (mt) genome of P. falciparum sampled across the major distribution ranges had been reported, but no Indian P. falciparum isolate had been analysed so far, even though India is highly endemic to P. falciparum malaria. We have sequenced the whole mt genome of 44 Indian field isolates and utilized published data set of 96 genome sequences to present global genetic diversity and to revisit the evolutionary history of P. falciparum. Indian P. falciparum presents high genetic diversity with several characteristics of ancestral populations and shares many of the genetic features with African and to some extent Papua New Guinean (PNG) isolates. Similar to African isolates, Indian P. falciparum populations have maintained high effective population size and undergone rapid expansion in the past with oldest time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA). Interestingly, one of the four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that differentiates P. falciparum from P. falciparum‐like isolates (infecting non‐human primates in Africa) was found to be segregating in five Indian P. falciparum isolates. This SNP was in tight linkage with other two novel SNPs that were found exclusively in these five Indian isolates. The results on the mt genome sequence analyses of Indian isolates on the whole add to the current understanding on the evolutionary history of P. falciparum.
Origin and early diversification of the phylum Cnidaria Verrill: major developments in the analysis of the taxon's Proterozoic–Cambrian history
Authors: Van Iten Heyo , Marques Antonio C. , Leme Juliana de Moraes , Pacheco Mirian L. A. Forancelli , Simões Marcello Guimaraes 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDiploblastic eumetazoans of the phylum Cnidaria originated during the Neoproterozoic Era, possibly during the Cryogenian Period. The oldest known fossil cnidarians occur in strata of Ediacaran age and consist of polypoid forms that were either nonbiomineralizing or weakly so. The oldest possible anthozoans, including the genus Ramitubus, may be related to tabulate corals and occur in the Doushantuo Lagerstätte (upper Doushantuo Formation, South China), the age of which is poorly constrained (approximately 585 Ma?). Conulariid scyphozoans may first appear as early as 635–577 Ma (Lantian Formation, South China). A definite conulariid, most similar to Palaeozoic species assigned to the genus Paraconularia, occurs in association with the possible scyphozoan, Corumbella werneri, in the latest Ediacaran (c. 543 Ma) Tamengo Formation of Brazil. Basal Cambrian (c. 540 Ma) phosphorites in the upper Kuanchuanpu Formation (South China) yield solitary polyps of the oldest probable anthozoan (Eolympia pediculata), which appears to have been a stem hexacorallian. This same formation contains fossils interpreted by some authors as pentaradial cubozoan polyps; however, both the oldest known cubozoans and the oldest hydrozoans, all medusae, may actually occur in the Cambrian (Series 3, c. 505 Ma) Marjum Formation (Utah, USA). Although these recently published palaeontological data tend to corroborate the hypothesis that Cnidaria has a relatively deep Neoproterozoic history, the timing of major internal branching events remains poorly constrained, with, for example, the results of some molecular clock analyses indicating that the two cnidarian subphyla (Anthozoaria and Medusozoa) may have originated as many as one billion years ago. Further progress towards elucidating the evolution and early fossil record of cnidarians may accrue from: (1) an intensive search for phosphatized soft parts in possible anthozoans from the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation; (2) an expanded search for Ediacaran conulariids; and (3) additional detailed analyses of the taphonomy and preservation of Ediacaran and Cambrian cnidarians, including possible pentaradial cubozoan polyps from the Fortunian upper Kuanchuanpu Formation.
A Patient with Trisomy 13 Mosaicism with an Unusual Skin Pigmentary Pattern and Prolonged Survival
Authors: González‐del Angel Ariadna , Estandia‐Ortega Bernardette , Gaviño‐Vergara Alejandro , Sáez‐de‐Ocariz Marimar , Velasco‐Hernández María de la Luz , Salas‐Labadía Consuelo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTrisomy 13, or Patau syndrome, is a chromosomal disorder that can occur in complete, partial, or mosaic forms. Mosaicism is observed in 6% of individuals with trisomy 13 and, in contrast to the complete form, has wide phenotypic variability, longer survival, and in some patients an unusual skin pigmentary pattern similar to phylloid hypomelanosis. We describe here a 12‐year‐old girl with trisomy 13 mosaicism (mos 47,XX,+13[9]/46,XX[16]) who had three major malformations, an unusual skin pigmentary pattern, and prolonged survival.
Bullous Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Child Responding to Dapsone
Authors: Liu Kwei‐Lan , Shen Jui‐Lung , Yang Chii‐Shuenn , Chen Yi‐Ju 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBullous systemic lupus erythematosus is a subepidermal blistering disorder that primarily affects young women and only rarely occurs in children. We report a case of bullous systemic lupus erythematosus refractory to corticosteroid therapy in a 12‐year‐old boy who was successfully treated with oral dapsone.
Molecular and biochemical characterization of boscalid resistance in laboratory mutants of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Wang Y. , Duan Y.‐B. , Zhou M.‐G. 
Published: May 2014

The plant‐pathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum has a broad host range and a worldwide distribution. Boscalid, an inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase in the electron transport chain of fungi, is highly effective in controlling sclerotinia stem rot caused by S. sclerotiorum. The current study characterized the S. sclerotiorum boscalid‐resistant (BR) mutants obtained by fungicide induction. Among the bioactive fungicides against S. sclerotiorum, cross‐resistance was not detected between boscalid and dimethachlon, fluazinam or carbendazim; positive cross‐resistance was detected between boscalid and carboxin; and negative cross‐resistance was detected between boscalid and kresoxim‐methyl. Compared to their parental isolates, BR mutants had slower radial growth, no ability to produce sclerotia, lower virulence and oxalic acid content but higher mycelial respiration and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity. Moreover, BR mutants had decreased sensitivity to salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) but not to oxidative stress. All the results indicated that the risk of resistance to boscalid in S. sclerotiorum is low to moderate. DNA sequence analysis showed that all of the BR mutants had the same point mutation A11V (GCA to GTA) in the iron sulphur protein subunit (SDHB). Interestingly, expression of the cytochrome b (cytb) gene was reduced to different degrees in the BR mutants, and this might be correlated with the negative cross‐resistance between boscalid and kresoxim‐methyl. Such information is vital in the design of resistance management strategies.
Sustainable aquaculture: agro‐ecological role of periphyton in ricefish farming
Authors: Saikia Surjya K. , Das Debangshu N. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAquaculture has a highly promising role in producing fish biomass and fulfilling nutrient requirement for the growing population on the Earth. Worldwide, there exists several substrate‐based fish production practices of which Acadja, Athkotu, Samarah, Phum, Aji gnuii assonii, Xeng fishery are popular. These substrate‐based fisheries reported higher fish productivity than conventional supplemental feed‐based aquaculture. Herbivorous fish, in general, have natural tendency to graze on periphyton ensuring maximum accessibility to resources or acquire enhanced growth in a periphyton fed environment. In waterlogged rice fields with rice stem as substrate, common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) fishery has been a great success among agro‐farmers of Apatani Plateau in north‐eastern India. The practice achieves 30% more economic return per annum rice only cultivation. The practice is a best example of sustainable utilization of natural resources for fish production and also a low‐cost aquaculture to support poor farmers with shallow, waterlogged resources. The ecology of the rice fields in Apatani Plateau disclosed high richness and diversity of plankton and periphyton in aquatic column. The physico‐chemical nature of rice fields directly or indirectly affects the growth and dynamics of periphyton during rice‐growing periods. On availability of such aquatic resources, the fish, Common carp, shifts planktivorous or detritivorous feeding habits to periphytophagous habit and attains considerable growth over the stocked period. The present review highlights the immense potentiality of fish culture to explore periphytic resources and need of extending ricefish research towards a sustainable form of aquaculture in rice fields.
Interim Response of Wading Birds (Pelecaniformes and Ciconiiformes) and Waterfowl (Anseriformes) to the Kissimmee River Restoration Project, Florida, U.S.A
Authors: Cheek Michael D. , Williams Gary E. , Bousquin Stephen G. , Colee James , Melvin Stefani L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractSuccess of the Kissimmee River Restoration Project will be evaluated in part by monitoring populations of wading birds (Pelecaniformes and Ciconiiformes) and waterfowl (Anseriformes). These two waterbird guilds were integral components of the pre‐channelization river–floodplain ecosystem, and both declined substantially following channelization. Restoration is expected to attract wading birds and waterfowl by reintroducing naturally fluctuating water levels, seasonal hydroperiods, and historic vegetation communities. Post‐construction aerial surveys (November 2001 to May 2008) within the Phase I restoration area indicate that the abundance and species richness of both wading birds and waterfowl have shown a positive restoration response thus far. Dry season abundance of aquatic wading birds and waterfowl has exceeded restoration expectations (≥30.6 birds/km2 and ≥3.9 birds/km2, respectively) each year since the completion of restoration Phase I in 2001. While there has been a significant positive restoration effect on waterfowl abundance, waterfowl species richness (n = 6) has not yet reached the restoration expectation of ≥13 species. Abundance of the terrestrial cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis), which increased dramatically after the majority of floodplain wetlands were converted to cattle pastures in the channelized system, has shown a significant negative response to restoration. It is anticipated that completion of the remaining phases of restoration (II/III), and implementation of the Kissimmee River Headwaters Revitalization water regulation schedule by 2019, will further increase and improve habitat for wading birds and waterfowl by reestablishing floodplain hydrology that more closely mimics historical conditions.