bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thyroid heterogeneity, as indicated by the CV of ultrasonographic intensities, correlates with anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies in euthyroid Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Authors: Wakita Yosuke , Nagasaki Toshiki , Nagata Yuki , Imanishi Yasuo , Yamada Shinsuke , Yoda Koichiro , Emoto Masanori , Ishimura Eiji , Inaba Masaaki 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Objective
To prospectively evaluate the heterogeneous appearance of the thyroid gland, reflecting inflammation and destruction in euthyroid Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), we investigated the clinical utilities of the heterogeneity index (HI) [the coefficient of variance (CV) of the ultrasonographic (US) intensities], focusing on anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab), which represent not only disease activity but also subsequent thyroid destruction of HT.

Methods
Forty-four consecutive patients with euthyroid HT [60.5 ± 2.7 years old (mean ± SE)] and 30 age-matched normal controls were studied. HI was calculated as the CV (SD/mean) of US intensities of either four points per lobe of the thyroid gland along a horizontal line at the depth of the right common carotid artery. Evaluation included serum levels of free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab), anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab), thyroglobulin and thyroid volume.

Results
While no differences were observed for TSH, FT4 and FT3, thyroglobulin and thyroid volume between the two groups, HI exhibited a tendency towards a significant difference (3.59 ± 0.20% in HT patients vs 3.23 ± 0.19% in normal group, p = 0.089). In HT patients, there was a significant and positive correlation of HI with TPO-Ab (r = 0.396, p = 0.034), whereas such a correlation was absent in normal controls. In both groups, there were no significant correlations of HI with Tg-Ab, FT3, FT4 or TSH.

Conclusions
This is the first report of the close relation between heterogeneity of US of the thyroid gland and TPO-Ab in euthyroid HT patients before the heterogeneity becomes distinguishable from normal thyroid glands. Furthermore, at this stage, subsequent thyroid destruction in HT might be already be predicted through the heterogeniety of the thyroid tissue.
Lynch syndrome related endometrial cancer: clinical significance beyond the endometrium
Authors: Wang Yiying , Wang Yue , Li Jie , Cragun Janiel , Hatch Kenneth , Chambers Setsuko K , Zheng Wenxin 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Lynch syndrome (LS), an autosomal dominant inherited cancer susceptibility syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), is caused by a germline mutation in one of several DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. LS is the most common presentation of hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC), accounting for about 2–5% of all CRC cases. More recently, it is found that a similar number of endometrial cancers is also due to one of the MMR gene mutations. There has been significant progress in LS-related CRC in terms of molecular pathogenesis, risks, genetic basis, and cancer prevention. In contrast, the advance about LS-related endometrial cancer (EC) is very much limited. In this commentary, we summarize the main clinicopathologic features of LS-related EC and propose universal screening for LS in individuals with endometrial cancer.
RNA sequencing reveals sexually dimorphic gene expression before gonadal differentiation in chicken and allows comprehensive annotation of the W-chromosome
Authors: Ayers Katie L , Davidson Nadia M , Demiyah Diana , Roeszler Kelly N , Grützner Frank , Sinclair Andrew H , Oshlack Alicia , Smith Craig A 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Background
Birds have a ZZ male: ZW female sex chromosome system and while the Z-linked DMRT1 gene is necessary for testis development, the exact mechanism of sex determination in birds remains unsolved. This is partly due to the poor annotation of the W chromosome, which is speculated to carry a female determinant. Few genes have been mapped to the W and little is known of their expression.

Results
We used RNA-seq to produce a comprehensive profile of gene expression in chicken blastoderms and embryonic gonads prior to sexual differentiation. We found robust sexually dimorphic gene expression in both tissues pre-dating gonadogenesis, including sex-linked and autosomal genes. This supports the hypothesis that sexual differentiation at the molecular level is at least partly cell autonomous in birds. Different sets of genes were sexually dimorphic in the two tissues, indicating that molecular sexual differentiation is tissue specific. Further analyses allowed the assembly of full-length transcripts for 26 W chromosome genes, providing a view of the W transcriptome in embryonic tissues. This is the first extensive analysis of W-linked genes and their expression profiles in early avian embryos.

Conclusion
Sexual differentiation at the molecular level is established in chicken early in embryogenesis, before gonadal sex differentiation. We find that the W chromosome is more transcriptionally active than previously thought, expand the number of known genes to 26 and present complete coding sequences for these W genes. This includes two novel W-linked sequences and three small RNAs reassigned to the W from the Un_Random chromosome.
Muscle-derived stem/progenitor cell dysfunction in Zmpste24-deficient progeroid mice limits muscle regeneration
Authors: Song Minjung , Lavasani Mitra , Thompson Seth D , Lu Aiping , Ahani Bahar , Huard Johnny 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Loss of adult stem cell function during aging contributes to impaired tissue regeneration. Here, we tested the aging-related decline in regeneration potential of adult stem cells residing in the skeletal muscle.

Methods
We isolated muscle-derived stem/progenitor cells (MDSPCs) from progeroid Zmpste24-deficient mice (Zmpste24-/-) with accelerated aging phenotypes to investigate whether mutation in lamin A has an adverse effect on muscle stem/progenitor cell function.

Results
Our results indicate that MDSPCs isolated from Zmpste24-/- mice show reduced proliferation and myogenic differentiation. In addition, Zmpste24-/- MDSPCs showed impaired muscle regeneration, with a limited engraftment potential when transplanted into dystrophic muscle, compared with wild-type (WT) MDSPCs. Exposure of progeroid Zmpste24-/- MDSPCs to WT MDSPCs rescued the myogenic differentiation defect in vitro.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate that adult stem/progenitor cell dysfunction contributes to impairment of tissue regeneration and suggest that factors secreted by functional cells are indeed important for the therapeutic effect of adult stem cells.
Two Populations of Glucocorticoid Receptor-Binding Sites in the Male Rat Hippocampal Genome
Authors: Polman J. Annelies E. , de Kloet E. Ronald , Datson Nicole A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn the present study, genomic binding sites of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) were identified in vivo in the rat hippocampus applying chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by next-generation sequencing. We identified 2470 significant GR-binding sites (GBS) and were able to confirm GR binding to a random selection of these GBS covering a wide range of P values. Analysis of the genomic distribution of the significant GBS revealed a high prevalence of intragenic GBS. Gene ontology clusters involved in neuronal plasticity and other essential neuronal processes were overrepresented among the genes harboring a GBS or located in the vicinity of a GBS. Male adrenalectomized rats were challenged with increasing doses of the GR agonist corticosterone (CORT) ranging from 3 to 3000 μg/kg, resulting in clear differences in the GR-binding profile to individual GBS. Two groups of GBS could be distinguished: a low-CORT group that displayed GR binding across the full range of CORT concentrations, and a second high-CORT group that displayed significant GR binding only after administering the highest concentration of CORT. All validated GBS, in both the low-CORT and high-CORT groups, displayed mineralocorticoid receptor binding, which remained relatively constant from 30 μg/kg CORT upward. Motif analysis revealed that almost all GBS contained a glucocorticoid response element resembling the consensus motif in literature. In addition, motifs corresponding with new potential GR-interacting proteins were identified, such as zinc finger and BTB domain containing 3 (Zbtb3) and CUP (CG11181 gene product from transcript CG11181-RB), which may be involved in GR-dependent transactivation and transrepression, respectively. In conclusion, our results highlight the existence of 2 populations of GBS in the rat hippocampal genome.
RNF168 forms a functional complex with RAD6 during the DNA damage response
Authors: Liu Chao , Wang Degui , Wu Jiaxue , Keller Jennifer , Ma Teng , Yu Xiaochun 
Published: March 2013

SummaryProtein ubiquitination plays an important role in initiating the DNA damage response. Following DNA damage, E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzymes are crucial for catalyzing substrate ubiquitination that recruits downstream DNA repair factors to DNA lesions. To identify novel E2 conjugating enzymes important for initiating the DNA-damage-induced ubiquitination cascade, we screened most of the known E2 enzymes and found that RAD6A and RAD6B function together with RNF168 in the ionizing radiation (IR)-induced DNA damage response. Similarly to RNF168-deficient cells, RAD6A- or RAD6B-deficient cells exhibit a reduction in DNA-damage-induced protein ubiquitination. Correspondingly, DNA-damage-induced foci formation of DNA damage repair proteins, such as BRCA1 and 53BP1, is impaired in the absence of RAD6A or RAD6B. Moreover, the RNF168–RAD6 complex targeted histone H1.2 for ubiquitination in vitro and regulated DNA-damage-induced histone H1.2 ubiquitination in vivo. Collectively, these data demonstrate that RNF168, in complex with RAD6A or RAD6B, is activated in the DNA-damage-induced protein ubiquitination cascade.
Electrochemical reduction of U(VI) in H2SO4at gold nanoporous film electrode
Authors: Sharma Manoj K. , Aggarwal Suresh K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractGold nanoporous film (AuNPF) was grown on gold substrate by electrochemical oxidation of the gold electrode at 5 V for 180 s in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) followed by reduction of the oxidized gold with ascorbic acid solution. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed the porous nature of the prepared film. In cyclic voltammetric (CV) studies, anodic shift of 141 mV in the cathodic peak potential for the reduction of UO22+in 0.5 M H2SO4was observed at the AuNPF electrode, showing evidence of its enhanced electrochemical activity as compared to that of the bare Au electrode. The charge transfer studies done using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated similar rates of the heterogeneous electron-transfer kinetics at the bare Au and the AuNPF electrodes. The Cottrell plots obtained from the chronoamperometric experiments showed the Cottrell linearity at the bare Au electrode. In contrast, the Cottrell plot of the AuNPF electrode showed deviation from the linearity at longer times and this is characteristic of the thin-layer diffusion coupled with the electron transfer. Therefore, the observed anodic shift at the AuNPF electrode for the reduction of UO22+was attributed to the contribution from thin-layer diffusion within the gold nanoporous film.
Use of Trabecular Metal Implants for the Rehabilitation of a Maxillary Edentulous Arch: A Case Report
Authors: Soardi Carlo Maria , Clozza Emanuele , Zaffe Davide , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: March 2013

Background: This case report illustrates the use of trabecular metal (TM) implants to rehabilitate a severely atrophic maxillary arch that was successfully augmented by allografts.Case Presentation: A 68‐year‐old female was referred to a private practice for severely maxillary alveolar bone atrophy (e.g., subsinus bone height of <1 mm on the left side and <4 mm on the right side). Allograft bone block augmentation was used to regenerate ridge deficiency simultaneously with bilateral sinus augmentation. Six implants (four TM and two tapered) were placed, and bone specimens were obtained 6 months after grafting. Radiography and histologic analysis demonstrated that implants were positioned in non‐native bone. Removal torque test, performed at the second‐stage procedure, confirmed the successful osseointegration of implants. The definitive implant‐supported full‐arch prosthesis was then constructed and placed in function.Conclusion: The positive outcomes of this case report suggest that the rehabilitation of severely atrophic maxillary arch might be achieved by merging TM with new regenerative techniques without harvesting extensive quantities of autogenous graft.
Stratigraphy of the White Limestone of Jamaica
Authors: Mitchell Simon F. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The lithostratigraphy of the White Limestone Group (Eocene-Miocene) of Jamaica is revised based on geological mapping across the northern part of the Clarendon block. Eight shallow-water formations are recognised which are from base to top: Healthy Hill Formation (new name): predominantly white grainstones; Troy Formation: recrystallized and dolomitized limestones; Swanswick Formation: white grainstones; Claremont Formation: pale micritic limestones (locally recrystallized and dolomitized); Somerset Formation: pink grainstones and packstones with large white globular foraminifers; Walderston Formation: pink grainstones; Browns Town Formation: white packstones and wackestones with abundant large lens shaped foraminifers and abundant corals; and Newport Formation: pale wakestones and carbonate mudstones. The facies and their foraminifer assemblages are interpreted in terms of sequence stratigraphy.
Occurrence of K-feldspar-bearing hydrothermal breccias in the Bouillante geothermal field (Basse Terre – Guadeloupe)
Authors: Patrier Patricia , Bruzac Sylvain , Pays Rebecca , Beaufort Daniel , Bouchot Vincent , Verati Chrystèle , Gadalia Alain 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Surficial indicators of recent to present geothermal activity are present around Bouillante (Guadeloupe, French West Indies). Until lately, most mineralogical parageneses identified in this area were typical of low temperature alteration (&lt; 100°C) with the occurrence of dioctahedral aluminous smectites accompanied by zeolites (heulandite-clinoptilolite) ± calcite ± silica ± kaolinite, as an evidence of the cap rock of the geothermal system. Recently, numerous boulders of highly silicified breccias containing high temperature minerals (&gt; 200°C) have been identified in the Bouillante bay (Anse Marsolle). Their petrographic study revealed several hydrothermal parageneses typical of a multistage alteration process.
Stage 1) An early potassic alteration facies typical of a high-temperature geothermal system characterized by K-feldspar/adularia + quartz + pyrite. K-feldspars have been shown to be present both in the clasts (replacement) and cement of these breccias. They are associated with quartz whose textural properties have revealed fracturing associated with boiling.
Stage 2) An acid-sulphate advanced argillic alteration facies with the occurrence of jarosite, gypsum ± silica (≥ 150°C) as usually observed in the upper part of epithermal systems worldwide as marker of deeper boiling.
Stage 3) An argillic alteration facies (illite/smectite mixed layers ± smectite ± calcite). With temperatures typically ranging from 100 to 200°C, this alteration facies is associated with near neutral fluids of mainly meteoric origin as known in the present geothermal reservoir (pH = 5.4). This alteration is the later one as evidenced by petrographic observations.
These results highlight mineral assemblages and mineral textures characteristic of high temperature hydrothermal alteration in epithermal settings. The occurrence of these breccias involved the existence of eruptive events (magmatic/hydrothermal explosion) which ejected this material. Isotopic (oxygen, argon) and geochemical (trace elements) studies are now necessary to clarify the timing of these breccias and the nature and the connection of the original fluids with current geothermal fluids
Tuned in to the Earth … from the school EduSismo: the French educational seismological network
Authors: Berenguer Jean-Luc , Courboulex Françoise , Tocheport Audrey , Bouin Marie-Paule 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Earthquakes are both troubling and fascinating because of their suddenness, the terrible destruction they can wreak and because they still remain unpredictable. This is why emphasis must be placed on preparation, especially in the school system where causes and effects of these hazards are studied. But trying to explain earthquakes, scrutinizing the earth’s depths, taking on the planet internal dynamics… entail moving into the inaccessible. In this respect seismology is a source of complexity and fascination.
Scientific culture is thus at the heart of seismic risk instruction. All of this is in what the “SISMOS à l’École” curriculum is involved, by implementing an educational program that allows a natural risk culture to be engaged through a scientific and technological approach.
The original and innovative aspect of this programme stems from giving students the opportunity to install a seismometer in their school. The recorded signals, reflecting regional or global seismic activity, feed into an on-line database, a genuine seismic resource centre and a springboard for educational and scientific activities.
The network ‘EduSismo’ (numbering some sixty stations installed in metropolitan France, the overseas departments and territories and a few French high schools abroad) is the outgrowth of an experiment conducted in the Alpes-Maritimes area some twelve years back. Since then, the programme implemented has gone beyond simply acquiring seismic signals, which has been procured by research and monitoring centres. By appropriating a scientific measurement, the student becomes personally involved and masters complex concepts about geophysics and geosciences. The development of simple devices and the design of concrete experiments associated with an investigative approach make it possible to instill the students, these future citizens, a high-quality scientific culture and an education about risks.
Today, this programme is expanding. New initiatives with Italian, British and Swiss partners are being put in place to share experiences and data in Europe.
Pre-Mesozoic origin and paleogeography of blocks in the Caribbean, South Appalachian and West African domains and their impact on the post “variscan” evolution
Authors: Villeneuve Michel , Marcaillou Boris 
Published: March 2013

AbstractNew geodynamical data from West Africa bring consistent informations on the pre-Mesozoic reconstruction within a large area running from the western Sahara to the Colombian cordillera. These new data support a Neoproterozoic Ocean (WANO) between the Amazonian (AMC) and West African (WAC) cratons previously to the Iapetus and Rheic oceans. We delineate 31 blocs detached from the surrounding three continents: NAC (North American Craton), AMC and WAC. 7 came from the WAC margin, 7 from the NAC, 6 from the AMC and 11 from an intermediate volcano sedimentary domain (COB) built on a 1200–1000 Ma oceanic crust. These imbricated blocks formed a tight mosaic by the Hercynian/Alleghanian tectonic event which gave way to the Pangea super-continent. But, during the Atlantic Ocean opening these blocks began to move. They were separated by new oceanic basins. However, previously to the Pangea, blocks from the COB domain formed two sets of garlands located on the northwestern Gondwana margin. The northern one moved to the North until the Silurian to collide the NAC (Taconic tectonic event) meanwhile the southern one remains on the Gondwana margin. All together were gathered by the Carboniferous/Permian time. Then, the framework for the opening of the Atlantic Ocean was not totally disconnected from the “Variscan” collage and many variscan weakness zones were re-used as initial breaking zones. Beyond this tectonic impact, the pre-mesozoic assemblage allows us to compare this “Caribbean” island arc with another one: the Indonesian “Banda” arc. Thus, West Africa is a geological key area for correlations between the Caribbean, the Appalachian, the Brazilian “Nordeste” and the West European domains and for the understanding of the Atlantic Ocean opening process.
Statistical models in seismology: Lesser Antilles arc case
Authors: Valmy Larissa A. , Vaillant Jean 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSeismic risk calculation is based on stochastic models describing at best the seismic activity. The focus is on calculating earthquakes occurrences probability and analyzing spatiotemporal evolution of these probabilities. The point process theory is the main tool for modeling seismic data and taking into account past history prior to a given date. Thus, probability and statistical tools were developed by scientists from research teams located in regions with very high seismicity regions: California (Turcotte), Japan (Ogata) and New Zealand (Vere-Jones). Statistical inference is based on likelihood techniques in order to optimize information processing and projection strategy. We consider the ETAS model and analyze the epicenter and magnitude distribution of earthquakes occurred in the Lesser Antilles arc from 1999 to 2004. A comparison of different probability density functions for the triggered event times is performed.
Interactions of a Sandstone Acid System with Clays
Authors: Zhou Lijun , Nasr-El-Din H. A. , Al-Muntashri G. A. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Regular mud acid, which is composed of HCl and HF, has been extensively used to remove the formation damage in sandstone reservoirs; however, many problems may occur during stimulation treatments with this acid. To overcome many of these drawbacks, sandstone acid systems (HF and a phosphonic acid) have been used as an alternative to mud acid. However, very limited research has been performed to investigate the interactions of sandstone acid systems with clay minerals in sandstone reservoirs.
In this study, sandstone acid with different HF concentrations was used to evaluate the solubility of various clay minerals (kaolinite, bentonite, chlorite, and illite) as a function of time, and temperature. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to identify the reaction products. The concentrations of key cations in the supernatant were analyzed using ICP. 19F Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was utilized for the first time to determine the reaction of sandstone acid with clay minerals.
Sandstone acid did not leach aluminum from chlorite. No AlF3 precipitate was identified by SEM analysis of the precipitates. The secondary reaction between clays and HF occurred at high temperatures and, as a result, the ratio of Si/Al decreased. 19F NMR results showed that all HF acid in the sandstone acid solution reacted with clays at a weight ratio of 10:1, while HF was detected in the sandstone acid solution after it reacted with sand particles for 24 hours at the same weight ratio. This work examined interactions occurring with the reaction of sandstone acid with clay minerals that have not been discussed before, and highlighted the effect of acid strength, reaction time, and temperature on the performance of sandstone acid.