bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of multifocality and axillary nodal involvement in early-stage breast cancer patients using 18F-FDG PET/CT compared to contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and sentinel node biopsy
Authors: Ergul Nurhan , Kadioglu Huseyin , Yildiz Seyma , Yucel Serap Baskaya , Gucin Zuhal , Erdogan Ezgi Basak , Aydin Mehmet , Muslumanoglu Mahmut 
Published: July 2014

Background Non-invasive evaluation of the extent of axillary nodal involvement in early-stage breast cancer (ESBC) patients and accurate assessment of multifocality are both challenging. Few reports have explored whether 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) might be more useful than other diagnostic methods in these contexts. Purpose To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic utility of FDG PET/CT, contrast-enhanced, and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI and DWI), and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB), in detection of axillary metastatic lymph nodes in ESBC patients; and to explore the utilities of FDG PET/CT and DCE-MRI for identification of multifocality. Material and Methods Twenty-four female patients (mean age, 47 ± 9.9 years; range, 24–68 years) with ESBC underwent whole-body FDG PET/CT and breast MRI prior to operation. SNB and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) were performed on all patients, as was mastectomy or wide local tumor excision. Histopathological findings served as the gold standard when evaluating either multifocality or axillary nodal involvement. Results The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy, of PET/CT and DCE-MRI, used to detect multifocality, were as follows: 67% versus 78%, 100% versus 53%, 100% versus 50%, 83% versus 80%, and 88% versus 63%. SNB afforded the highest sensitivity (93%) in terms of detection of axillary metastasis. The sensitivity, NPV, and accuracy of PET/CT were 67%, 62%, and 75% respectively, thus higher than the equivalent values of either DCE-MRI or DWI. Conclusion For assessment of multifocality in ESBC patients, highly specific results of PET/CT should be taken into account along with DCE-MRI findings. For evaluation of axillary nodal involvement, PET/CT has higher sensitivity, NPV, and accuracy values than DCE-MRI and DWI and may guide a surgical decision to proceed or not to SNB or ALND.
A Phronesian Strategy to the Education for Sustainable Development in Swedish School Curricula
Authors: Grice Marie , Franck Olof 
Published: July 2014

The concept of sustainable development is a foundational concept in educational contexts which seems to be interpretable in various terms. With reference to four syllabuses in the Swedish curriculum, our aim is to identify possible ways of conceiving how the concept may be developed in relation to perspectives bringing forth the relation between knowledge about and knowledge for sustainable development. In the analysis, Bernard Williams’s distinction between thin and thick concepts is applied. With this analysis, a phronesian strategy is suggested to bring world-guidedness and the action-guidingness together within a holistic interpretation. The phronesian strategy will require action of the pupils and sensitivity to the individual and society as a whole. The four syllabuses in social science seem to combine theoretical perspectives with more or less explicit implications of practical and action-oriented educational methods and goals. However, an individualistic attitude and approach to problems and solutions in our world seems to be favoured, which pedagogically could be questionable.
Perivascular spaces in MS patients at 7 Tesla MRI: A marker of neurodegeneration?
Authors: Kilsdonk ID , Steenwijk MD , Pouwels PJW , Zwanenburg JJM , Visser F , Luijten PR , Geurts JJG , Barkhof F , Wattjes MP 
Published: July 2014

Background: Virchow-Robin spaces (VRS) are associated with vascular and neurodegenerative disease. In multiple sclerosis (MS), VRS have been associated with neuroinflammation. Ultra-high field imaging may be used to gain insight in these contradictory findings. Objective: The objective of this paper is to analyze VRS in MS patients using high-resolution 7 Tesla (T) MRI. Additionally, we investigated whether the widening of VRS is related to inflammatory or neurodegenerative aspects of MS. Methods: Thirty-four MS patients and 11 healthy controls were examined at 7T. Number and size of VRS were measured on three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted images, and 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images were used for MS lesion detection. Brain atrophy was quantified by computing supratentorial brain volume fraction (sBVF). VRS counts were correlated with clinical variables, lesion count and sBVF. Results: MS patients displayed more VRS (median 11) than healthy controls (median four), p = 0.001. VRS size did not differ between both groups. VRS count in MS patients was associated with sBVF (rho = −0.40, p = 0.02), but not with lesion count ( p = 0.22). Conclusions: The 7T MRI reveals increased numbers of VRS in MS. The finding that VRS are associated with supratentorial brain atrophy, but not with lesion count, suggests that VRS might rather serve as a neurodegenerative than an inflammatory marker in MS.
Detecting clinically-relevant changes in progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bosma LVAE , Sonder JM , Kragt JJ , Polman CH , Uitdehaag BMJ 
Published: July 2014

Objective: To investigate which changes in different clinical outcome measures contribute most to increased disease impact, as reported by the patient, in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: From a cohort of prospectively-followed MS patients, we selected progressive patients with two visits, 4–6 years apart. We assessed long-term changes on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) and Guy’s Neurological Disability Scale (GNDS). We defined the presence or absence of clinically meaningful change by using the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) as an anchor measure. We also studied change on recently identified sub-scales of GNDS. Results: Change on GNDS (especially the spinal-plus subscale) contributed most to increased disease impact. Also change on the T25FW contributed largely. Specific profiles of change in T25FW and MSIS seemed to exist (generally, a lower increase in disease impact in patients with longer disease duration and higher baseline impact/disability). In some patients a dissociation existed between increased impact, according to the MSIS-29, and objective physical worsening of the T25FW. Conclusion: These results support using GNDS (particularly the spinal-plus domain) and T25FW in outcome measurement in progressive MS. We suggest there is a relation between baseline clinical characteristics and an increased impact at follow-up. This may have implications for patient selection in trials for progressive MS.
Effects of hypercapnia on T cells in lung ischemia/reperfusion injury after lung transplantation
Authors: Gao Wei , Liu Dongdong , Li Di , Che Xiangyu , Cui Guangxiao 
Published: July 2014

T cells play a key role in lung ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Hypercapnia has been indicated to decrease IRI and inhibit immunity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hypercapnia on T cells during lung IRI and to identify the underlying mechanism of these effects. In the in vivo study, rat recipients of lung transplants were randomized into a control group M and a hypercapnia group H. Peripheral blood T cells and cytokines were analyzed during reperfusion. In the in vitro study, we analyzed the T cells and cytokine levels in culture media from phytohemagglutinin-stimulated T cells from normal rats, stimulated under the normal (group C), hypercapnic (group H), or buffer hypercapnic (group BH) condition. In the in vivo study, the CD3+/CD4+T-cell ratio and interleukin (IL)-2, IL-8, interferon (IFN)-γ, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and P-selectin levels were decreased, but the IL-4 and IL-10 levels were increased, after reperfusion in group H compared to group M. In the in vitro study, groups H and BH exhibited a decreased CD2+/CD28+ratio and IL-2 and IFN-γ levels, but elevated IL-4 and IL-10 levels, compared to group C. The CD2+/CD28+ratio was not different between groups BH and H; however, group H evidenced a lower IL-2 level and higher IL-4 and IL-10 levels compared to group BH. Hypercapnia decreased the CD3+/CD4+T-cell ratio and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, but promoted anti-inflammatory factors in lung IRI. Hypercapnia inhibits CD2 and CD28 in T cells by CO2and modulates T-cell cytokines via acidosis.
Velocity control of nanoliter droplets using a pneumatic dispensing system
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Choi In Ho , Kim Young Kwon , Kim Joonwon 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
This paper introduces a pneumatic dispensing system to control the velocity of nanoliter droplets with small variation of volume. The system consists of a flexible membrane integrated with a backflow stopper. This unique dispensing mechanism can control the velocity of droplets according to applied positive pressures regardless of other operating conditions and design parameters. The range of droplet velocities is shifted by the flow resistance at the outlet under the same cross-section area. Our dispensing system can eject droplets of desired volume at a velocity that can be easily controlled by selecting design parameters and operating conditions. This dispensing system will provide a reliable performance within an optimized condition stably to deposit droplets onto accurate locations.
Overexpression of a SNARE protein AtBS14b alters BR response in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhu Zhong Xin , Ye Hong Bo , Xuan Yuan Hu , Yao Da Nian 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
N-ethyl-maleimide sensitive factor adaptor protein receptor (SNAREs) domain-containing proteins were known as key players in vesicle-associated membrane fusion. Genetic screening has revealed the function of SNAREs in different aspects of plant biology, but the role of many SNAREs are still unknown. In this study, we have characterized the role of Arabidopsis Qc-SNARE protein AtBS14b in brassinosteroids (BRs) signaling pathway.

Results

AtBS14b overexpression (AtBS14b ox) plants exhibited short hypocotyl and petioles lengths as well as insensitivity to exogenously supplied BR, while AtBS14b mutants did not show any visible BR-dependent morphological differences. BR biosynthesis enzyme BR6OX2 expression was slightly lower in AtBS14b ox than in wild type plants. Further BR-mediated repression of BR6OX2, CPD and DWF4 was inhibited in AtBS14b ox plants. AtBS14b-mCherry fusion protein localized in vesicular compartments surrounding plasma membrane in N. benthamiana leaves. In addition, isolation of AtBS14b-interacting BR signaling protein, which localized in plasma membrane, showed that AtBS14b directly interacted with membrane steroid binding protein 1 (MSBP1), but did not interact with BAK1 or BRI1.

Conclusion
These data suggested that Qc-SNARE protein AtBS14b is the first SNARE protein identified that interacts with MSBP1, and the overexpression of AtBS14b modulates BR response in Arabidopsis.
Functional connectivity and grey matter volume of the striatum
in schizophrenia
Authors: Koch Kathrin , Rus Oana Georgiana , Reeß Tim Jonas , Schachtzabel Claudia , Wagner Gerd , Schultz C. Christoph , Sorg Christian , Schlösser Ralf G. M. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundAlterations in the dopaminergic reward system, predominantly the
striatum, constitute core characteristics of schizophrenia.AimsFunctional connectivity of the dorsal striatum during reward-related
trial-and-error learning was investigated in 17 people with schizophrenia
and 18 healthy volunteers and related to striatal grey matter volume and
psychopathology.MethodWe used voxel-based morphometry and psychophysiological interaction to
examine striatal volume and connectivity.ResultsA reduced functional connectivity between left striatum and
temporo-occipital areas, precuneus and insula could be detected in the
schizophrenia group. The positive correlation between grey matter volume
and functional connectivity of the left striatum yielded significant
results in a very similar network. Connectivity of the left striatum was
negatively correlated with negative symptoms.ConclusionsPresent results suggest a disruption in striatal functional connectivity
that is closely linked to grey matter morphometry of the striatum.
Decreased connectivity between the striatum and psychopathologically
relevant networks may explain the emergence of negative symptoms.
Clinical Utility of Plasma POMC and AgRP Measurements in the Differential Diagnosis of ACTH-Dependent Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Page-Wilson Gabrielle , Freda Pamela U. , Jacobs Thomas P. , Khandji Alexander G. , Bruce Jeffrey N. , Foo Sandra T. , Meece Kana , White Anne , Wardlaw Sharon L. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Context:
Distinguishing between pituitary [Cushing's disease (CD)] and ectopic causes [ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS)] of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome can be challenging. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) best discriminates between CD and occult EAS but is a specialized procedure that is not widely available. Identifying adjunctive diagnostic tests may prove useful. In EAS, abnormal processing of the ACTH precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and the accumulation of POMC-derived peptides might be expected and abnormal levels of other neuropeptides may be detected.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of POMC measurements for distinguishing between CD and occult EAS in patients referred for IPSS. Another objective of the study was to evaluate in parallel the diagnostic utility of another neuropeptide, agouti-related protein (AgRP), because we have observed a 10-fold elevation of AgRP in plasma in a patient with EAS from small-cell lung cancer.

Design and Participants:
Plasma POMC and AgRP were measured in 38 Cushing's syndrome patients presenting for IPSS, with either no pituitary lesion or a microadenoma on magnetic resonance imaging, and in 38 healthy controls.

Results:
Twenty-seven of 38 patients had CD; 11 of 38 had EAS. The mean POMC was higher in EAS vs CD [54.5 ± 13.0 (SEM) vs 17.2 ± 1.5 fmol/mL; P &lt; .05]. Mean AgRP was higher in EAS vs CD (280 ± 76 vs 120 ± 16 pg/mL; P = .01). Although there was an overlap in POMC and AgRP levels between the groups, the POMC levels greater than 36 fmol/mL (n = 7) and AgRP levels greater than 280 pg/mL (n = 3) were specific for EAS. When used together, POMC greater than 36 fmol/mL and/or AgRP greater than 280 pg/mL detected 9 of 11 cases of EAS, indicating that elevations in these peptides have a high positive predictive value for occult EAS.

Conclusions:
Expanding upon previous observations of high POMC in EAS, this study specifically demonstrates elevated POMC levels can identify occult ectopic tumors. Elevations in AgRP also favor the diagnosis of EAS, suggesting AgRP should be further evaluated as a potential neuroendocrine tumor marker.
Mechanical processing via passive dynamic properties of the cockroach antenna can facilitate control during rapid running
Authors: Mongeau Jean-Michel , Demir Alican , Dallmann Chris J. , Jayaram Kaushik , Cowan Noah J. , Full Robert J. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The integration of information from dynamic sensory structures operating on a moving body is a challenge for locomoting animals and engineers seeking to design agile robots. As a tactile sensor is a physical linkage mediating mechanical interactions between body and environment, mechanical tuning of the sensor is critical for effective control. We determined the open-loop dynamics of a tactile sensor, specifically the antenna of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, an animal that escapes predators by using its antennae during rapid closed-loop tactilely mediated course control. Geometrical measurements and static bending experiments revealed an exponentially decreasing flexural stiffness (EI) from base to tip. Quasi-static experiments with a physical model support the hypothesis that a proximodistally decreasing EI can simplify control by increasing preview distance and allowing effective mapping to a putative control variable - body-to-wall distance - compared to an antenna with constant EI. We measured the free response at the tip of the antenna following step deflections and determined that the antenna rapidly damps large deflections: over 90% of the perturbation is rejected within the first cycle, corresponding to almost one stride period during high-speed running (~50 ms). An impulse-like perturbation near the tip revealed dynamics that were characteristic of an inelastic collision, keeping the antenna in contact with an object after impact. We contend that proximodistally decreasing stiffness, high damping, and inelasticity simplify control during high-speed tactile tasks by increasing preview distance, providing a one-dimensional map between antennal bending and body-to-wall distance, and increasing the reliability of tactile information.
Niche-specific cognitive strategies: object memory interferes with spatial memory in the predatory bat, Myotis nattereri
Authors: Hulgard Katrine , Ratcliffe John M. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Related species with different diets are predicted to rely on different cognitive strategies: those best suited for locating available and appropriate foods. Here we tested two predictions of the niche-specific cognitive strategies hypothesis in bats, which suggests predatory species should rely more on object memory than on spatial memory for finding food and that the opposite is true of frugivorous and nectivorous species. Specifically, we predicted (i) that predatory bats would readily learn to associate shapes with palatable prey and (ii) that once bats had made such associations these would interfere with their subsequent learning of a spatial memory task. We trained free-flying Myotis nattereri to approach palatable and unpalatable insect prey suspended below polystyrene objects. Experimentally naïve bats learned to associate different objects with palatable and unpalatable prey but performed no better than chance in a subsequent spatial memory experiment. Because experimental sequence was predicted to be of consequence, we introduced a second group of bats first to the spatial memory experiment. These bats learned to associate prey position with palatability. Control trials indicated that bats made their decisions based on information acquired through echolocation. Previous studies have shown that bat species that eat mainly nectar and fruit rely heavily on spatial memory, reflecting the relative consistency of distribution of fruit and nectar compared to insects. Our results support the niche-specific cognitive strategies hypothesis and suggest that for gleaning and clutter-resistant aerial hawking bats learning to associate shape with food interferes with subsequent spatial memory learning.
Exercising for food: bringing the laboratory closer to nature
Authors: Fonseca Ivana , Passos Renata , Araujo Fernanda , Lima Milene , Lacerda Debora , Pires Washington , Soares Danusa , Young Robert , Rodrigues Luiz 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTraditionally, exercise physiology experiments have borne little resemblance to how animals express physical activity in the wild. In this experiment, 15 adult male rats were divided into three equal-sized groups: exercise contingent (CON), non-exercise contingent (NON) and sedentary (SED). The CON group was placed in a cage with a running wheel, where the acquisition of food was contingent upon the distance run. Every three days the distance required to run to maintain food intake at free feeding levels was increased by 90% in comparison to the previous 3 days. The NON group were housed identically to the CON group, but food acquisition was not dependent upon running in the wheel. Finally, the SED group were kept in small cages with no opportunity to perform exercise. A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to determine significant differences in responses between the experimental phases and treatment groups and ANCOVA to analyse growth and tissue mass variables with body length and body mass used separately as covariates. A post hoc Tukey's test was used to indicate significant differences. A Pearson's correlation was used to test the relationship between the distance travelled by the animal and the distance/food ratio. The level of significance was set at p&lt;0.05 for all tests. The CON group showed the hypothesized correlation between distance required to run to obtain food and their mean distance travelled (p&lt;0.001), during 45 days in contingency phase. The CON group showed a decrease in body mass, rather than an increase as shown by NON and SED groups. The CON group had a significantly lower body temperature (p&lt;0.05) and adiposity (p&lt;0.05) when compared to the other two groups for the same body size. The present experimental model based on animals choosing the characteristics of their physical exercise to acquire food (i.e., distance travelled, speed and duration) clearly induced physiological effects (body characteristics and internal temperature), which are useful for investigating relevant topics in exercise physiology such as the link between exercise, food and body weight.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia With Monosomal Karyotype
Authors: Weinberg Olga K. , Ohgami Robert S. , Ma Lisa , Seo Katie , Ren Li , Gotlib Jason R. , Seetharam Mahesh , Cherry Athena , Arber Daniel A. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Objectives:
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with monosomal karyotype (MK) recently has been reported to be associated with worse outcome than the traditional complex karyotype.

Methods:
In this retrospective study of 111 patients with AML, we identified 14 patients with MK (13% of all patients with AML) using the definition proposed by Breems et al.

Results:
Five (36%) of these 14 patients had a loss of a single chromosome in the presence of other structural abnormalities, and nine (64%) had a loss of two or more autosomal chromosomes. Patients with AML-MK presented at an older age, with lower bone marrow blasts, and their blasts less frequently expressed CD34. Most patients with AML-MK had morphologic multilineage dysplasia and were predominantly subclassified as having AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC). Molecular analysis showed a significant absence of NPM1 and FLT3 in patients with AML-MK.

Conclusions:
Outcome data showed that patients with AML-MK had significantly worse overall survival, disease-free survival, and complete response compared with the rest of the patients with AML as well as within the AML-MRC group.
Effect of cross-link density and the healing efficiency of self-healing poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel
Authors: Sirajuddin Najiyyah Abdullah , Md Jamil Mohd Suzeren , Mat Lazim Muhammad Azwani Shah 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn this study, hydrogels of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) with different cross-link density were prepared by the free-radical polymerization method. l-Cystine, which acts as a cross-linker, was prepared at different concentrations, ranging from 0.02 to 0.08 mol/l, to identify the concentration that provided the highest mechanical strength and healing efficacy. Healing of the hydrogels was achieved by heating above their glass transition temperature. Intermolecular diffusion of the dangling chain or chain slippage led to the healing of the gels. Results showed that 0.04 mol/l of l-cystine in poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels provided the highest ultimate tensile strength (0.780 N/mm2) and healing recovery (92%). This healing capability was also observed using optical microscopy.