bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paternally Inherited Gsα Mutation Impairs Adipogenesis and Potentiates a Lean Phenotype In Vivo
Authors: Liu Jan-Jan , Russell Elizabeth , Zhang Deyu , Kaplan Frederick S. , Pignolo Robert J. , Shore Eileen M. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Paternally inherited inactivating mutations of the GNAS gene have been associated with a rare and disabling genetic disorder, progressive osseous heteroplasia, in which heterotopic ossification occurs within extraskeletal soft tissues, such as skin, subcutaneous fat, and skeletal muscle. This ectopic bone formation is hypothesized to be caused by dysregulated mesenchymal progenitor cell differentiation that affects a bipotential osteogenic-adipogenic lineage cell fate switch. Interestingly, patients with paternally inherited inactivating mutations of GNAS are uniformly lean. Using a mouse model of Gsα-specific exon 1 disruption, we examined whether heterozygous inactivation of Gnas affects adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal precursor cells from subcutaneous adipose tissues (fat pad). We found that paternally inherited Gsα inactivation (Gsα+/p−) impairs adipogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs). The Gsα+/p− mutation in ASCs also decreased expression of the adipogenic factors CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)β, C/EBPα, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and adipocyte protein 2. Impaired adipocyte differentiation was rescued by an adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, and provided evidence that Gsα-cAMP signals are necessary in early stages of this process. Supporting a role for Gnas in adipogenesis in vivo, fat tissue weight and expression of adipogenic genes from multiple types of adipose tissues from Gsα+/p− mice were significantly decreased. Interestingly, the inhibition of adipogenesis by paternally inherited Gsα mutation also enhances expression of the osteogenic factors, msh homeobox 2, runt-related transcription factor 2, and osteocalcin. These data support the hypothesis that Gsα plays a critical role in regulating the balance between fat and bone determination in soft tissues, a finding that has important implications for a wide variety of disorders of osteogenesis and adipogenesis.
Direct Toll-Like Receptor-Mediated Stimulation of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells Occurs In Vivo and Promotes Differentiation Toward Macrophages
Authors: Megías Javier , Yáñez Alberto , Moriano Silvia , O'Connor José-Enrique , Gozalbo Daniel , Gil María-Luisa 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
As Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are expressed by hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), they may play a role in hematopoiesis in response to pathogens during infection. We show here that TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 agonists (tripalmitoyl-S-glyceryl-L-Cys-Ser-(Lys)4 [Pam3CSK4], lipopolysaccharide [LPS], and CpG oligodeoxynucleotide [ODN]) induce the in vitro differentiation of purified murine lineage negative cells (Lin−) as well as HSPCs (identified as Lin− c-Kit+ Sca-1+ IL-7Rα− [LKS] cells) toward macrophages (Mph), through a myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-dependent pathway. In order to investigate the possible direct interaction of soluble microorganism-associated molecular patterns and TLRs on HSPCs in vivo, we designed a new experimental approach: purified Lin− and LKS cells from bone marrow of B6Ly5.1 mice (CD45.1 alloantigen) were transplanted into TLR2−/−, TLR4−/−, or MyD88−/− mice (CD45.2 alloantigen), which were then injected with soluble TLR ligands (Pam3CSK4, LPS, or ODN, respectively). As recipient mouse cells do not recognize the TLR ligands injected, interference by soluble mediators secreted by recipient cells is negligible. Transplanted cells were detected in the spleen and bone marrow of recipient mice, and in response to soluble TLR ligands, cells differentiated preferentially to Mph. These results show, for the first time, that HSPCs may be directly stimulated by TLR agonists in vivo, and that the engagement of these receptors induces differentiation toward Mph. Therefore, HSPCs may sense pathogen or pathogen-derived products directly during infection, inducing a rapid generation of cells of the innate immune system.
Mechanical properties of talc‐ and (calcium carbonate)‐filled poly(vinyl chloride) hybrid composites
Authors: Tuen Bee Soo , Hassan Azman , Abu Bakar Aznizam 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe main objective of this study was to investigate and compare the mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites filled with calcium carbonate (CaCO3), talc, and talc/CaCO3. Talc and CaCO3 with different grades were incorporated into the PVC matrix. To produce the composites, the PVC resin, fillers, and other additives were first dry‐blended by using a laboratory mixer before being milled into sheets in a two‐roll mill. Test specimens were prepared by compression molding, after which the mechanical properties of the composites were determined. Single and hybrid filler loadings used were fixed at 30 phr (parts per hundred parts of resin). Talc‐filled composite showed the highest flexural modulus and the lowest impact strength, whereas uncoated, ground, 1‐μm CaCO3 (SM 90) showed optimum properties in terms of impact strength and flexural modulus among all grades of CaCO3. It was selected to combine with talc at different ratios in the hybrid composites. The impact strength of the hybrid composites gradually increased with increasing SM 90 content, but the flexural and tensile properties showed an opposite behavior. Hybrid (10 phr talc):(20 phr SM 90)‐filled PVC composite reached a synergistic hybridization with balanced properties in impact strength, as well as flexural and tensile properties. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Development of semitransparent wood‐polymer composites
Authors: Dias Paulo A.N. , Alves José A.C. , Fagg Duncan Paul , Reis Marco S. , Gil Maria H. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA new material has been developed consisting of pieces of wood embedded within a matrix of acrylic polymer, resulting in a transparent or semitransparent wood‐based product. This material presents quite appealing aesthetic features, thereby opening new possibilities for decorative applications. Because acrylic and methacrylic monomers are in the liquid state at room temperature, it is possible to introduce wood (in the current case, walnut wood) into a mixture of acrylic (hydroxypropyl acrylate) and/or methacrylic monomers (methyl methacrylate and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) along with a plasticizer (dioctyl phthalate) in the presence of a chemical initiator (benzoyl peroxide). A transparent polymeric matrix with dispersed wood is then obtained through bulk free‐radical polymerization. Introducing this reaction mixture along with pieces of wood into a mold results in a wood‐polymer composite. A 24−1 experimental fractional factorial design was implemented to study the importance of the composition of these materials on several relevant properties. The sheets produced were characterized by tensile testing, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis, and heat deflection temperature. The models obtained for predicting each property pointed to valuable insights regarding the influential constituents. In particular, our results suggested that monomers to be used in future applications of this material should be selected in terms of their cost and the desired flexibility for the final product, not in terms of their polarity. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Application of a high‐resolution animal‐borne remote video camera with global positioning for wildlife study: Observations on the secret lives of woodland caribou
Authors: Thompson Ian D. , Bakhtiari Mehdi , Rodgers Arthur R. , Baker James A. , Fryxell John M. , Iwachewski Edward 
Published: April 2012

AbstractFor many species of animals, obtaining basic life‐history data is difficult and even some common aspects, such as diet choice, remain unknown. To overcome this problem, we deployed what is, to our knowledge, the first successful application of a terrestrial high‐resolution animal‐borne video camera with on‐board long‐term recording and an associated Global Positioning (GPS) unit. Five cameras recorded video and audio and associated GPS locations of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) activities during 20 weeks from March to July 2011, although the units can run for >36 weeks depending on the rate of data collection. About 6% of videos were unusable because of fogging or snow on the lens, and clarity of plant images, especially ground covers, was a problem in a few of the files but overall quality of the videos was high and identification of diet by plant species can be achieved. We present a sample of data on several aspects of previously unknown behaviors of woodland caribou from boreal forests in central Canada, including parturition and diet selection to the level of individual plant species, to illustrate the capability of these units for improving our understanding of the behaviors of large elusive animals. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
The (Paleo)Geography of Evolution: Making Sense of Changing Biology and Changing Continents
Authors: Meert Joseph G. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
During the voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle, Charles Darwin quickly realized that geographic isolation led to significant changes in the adaptation of local flora and fauna (Darwin 1859). Genetic isolation is one of the well-known mechanisms by which adaptation (allopatric speciation) can occur (Palumbi, Annu Rev Ecol Syst 25:547–72, 1994; Ricklefs, J Avian Biol 33:207–11, 2002; Burns et al., Evolution 56:1240–52, 2002; Hendry et al., Science 290:516–8, 2009). Evolutionary changes can also occur when landmasses converge or are “bridged.” An important and relatively recent (Pliocene Epoch) example known as the “Great American Biotic Interchange” allowed for the migration of previously isolated species into new ecological niches between North and South America (Webb 1985, Ann Mo Bot Gard 93:245–57, 2006; Kirby and MacFadden, Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 228:193–202, 2005). Geographic isolation (vicariance) or geographic merging (geodispersal) can occur for a variety of reasons (sea level rise, splitting of continents, mountain building). In addition, the growth of a large supercontinent (or breakup) may change the climatic zonation on the globe and form a different type of barrier for species migration. This short review paper focuses on changing paleogeography throughout the Phanerozoic and the close ties between paleogeography and the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
Fetal MR in the evaluation of pulmonary and digestive system pathology
Authors: Martin César , Darnell Anna , Escofet Conxita , Duran Carmina , Pérez Víctor 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Prenatal awareness of an anomaly ensures better management of the pregnant patient, enables medical teams and parents to prepare for the delivery, and is very useful for making decisions about postnatal treatment. Congenital malformations of the thorax, abdomen, and gastrointestinal tract are common. As various organs can be affected, accurate location and morphological characterization are important for accurate diagnosis.

Methods
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables excellent discrimination among tissues, making it a useful adjunct to ultrasonography (US) in the study of fetal morphology and pathology.

Results
MRI is most useful when US has detected or suspected anomalies, and more anomalies are detected when MRI and US findings are assessed together.

Conclusion
We describe the normal appearance of fetal thoracic, abdominal, and gastrointestinal structures on MRI, and we discuss the most common anomalies involving these structures and the role of MRI in their study.

Teaching Points
• To learn about the normal anatomy of the fetal chest, abdomen, and GI tract on MRI.
• To recognize the MR appearance of congenital anomalies of the lungs and the digestive system.
• To understand the value of MRI when compared to US in assessing fetal anomalies.
Orbital lymphoma: imaging features and differential diagnosis
Authors: Priego Gema , Majos Carles , Climent Fina , Muntane Amadeo 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Purpose
Patterns of orbital lymphoma at diagnosis and follow-up are described. We also discuss differential diagnosis of orbital masses.

Materials and methods
This pictorial review contains 19 cases of orbital lymphoma before and after treatment. Superior-lateral quadrant and extra-conal location were observed predominantly. Effective response after treatment was presented on follow-up imaging, although few local relapses were found. Further follow-up showed no changes of residual images.

Discussion
Location of orbital masses can help in the differential diagnosis. Moreover, imaging features of lymphoma at diagnosis can be useful in planning surgical biopsy. Pattern of follow-up described may be relevant on monitoring imaging.

Teaching points

• Orbital lymphoma involves mainly superior-lateral quadrant and the orbital structures inside.
• Location of retrobulbar mass-like lesions are useful information in the differential diagnosis.
• Satisfactory response is detected after treatment, however relapse is noted, so follow-up is needed.
Radiological appearances of gynaecological emergencies
Authors: Roche Oran , Chavan Nikita , Aquilina Joseph , Rockall Andrea 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
The role of various gynaecological imaging modalities is vital in aiding clinicians to diagnose acute gynaecological disease, and can help to direct medical and surgical treatment where appropriate. It is important to interpret the imaging findings in the context of the clinical signs and patient's pregnancy status.

Methods
Ultrasound and Doppler are readily available in the emergency department, and demonstrate features of haemorrhagic follicular cysts, ovarian cyst rupture, endometriotic cysts and pyosalpinx. Adnexal torsion may also be identified using ultrasound and Doppler, although the diagnosis cannot be safely excluded based on imaging alone. Computed tomography (CT) is not routinely employed in diagnosing acute gynaecological complications. However due to similar symptoms and signs with gastrointestinal and urinary tract pathologies, it is frequently used as the initial imaging modality and recognition of features of gynaecological complications on CT is important.

Results
Although MRI is not frequently used in the emergency setting, it is an important modality in characterising features that are unclear on ultrasound and CT.

Conclusion
MRI is particularly helpful in identifying the site of origin of large pelvic masses, such as haemorrhagic uterine fibroid degeneration and fibroid prolapse or torsion. In this article, we review the imaging appearances of gynaecological emergencies in non-pregnant patients.

Teaching points
• Ultrasonography is easily accessible and can identify life-threatening gynaecological complications.
• Tomography scanners and computed radiography are not routinely used but are important to recognise key features.
• MRI is used for the characterisation of acute gynaecological complications.
• Recognition of the overlap in symptoms between gastrointestinal and gynaecological conditions is essential.
Anterior cingulate morphology in people at genetic high-risk of schizophrenia
Authors: Meredith S.M. , Whyler N.C.A. , Stanfield A.C. , Chakirova G. , Moorhead T.W.J. , Job D.E. , Giles S. , McIntosh A.M. , Johnstone E.C. , Lawrie S.M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundMorphological abnormalities of the anterior cingulate (AC) occur in patients with schizophrenia and in symptomatic high-risk individuals, and may be predictive of subsequent psychosis. We investigated AC sulcal morphology in the Edinburgh High Risk Study cohort to see if such abnormalities are evident and predict psychosis in patients’ relatives. We also investigated the association of the cingulate sulcus (CS) and paracingulate sulcus (PCS) variants with intelligence quotient (IQ).Patients and methodsWe compared cingulate and paracingulate sulcal anatomy, using reliable standardised measurements, blind to group membership, in those at high genetic risk (n = 146), first episode patients (n = 34) and healthy controls (n = 36); and compared high-risk subjects who did (n = 17) or did not develop schizophrenia.ResultsInterruptions of the cingulate sulcus were more common in high-risk individuals and in those with schizophrenia, in both hemispheres, compared to controls. When separated by gender, these results were only present in males in the left hemisphere and only in females in the right hemisphere. A well-formed paracingulate sulcus was less common in high-risk participants and patients with schizophrenia, compared to controls; but this association was only present in males. These morphological variants of the paracingulate sulcus and the continuous cingulate sulcus were also associated with the higher IQ in male high-risk individuals.ConclusionsAn interrupted cingulate sulcus pattern in both males and females and paracingulate morphology in males are associated with increased genetic risk of schizophrenia. Associations between cingulate and paracingulate morphology and premorbid IQ scores provide evidence that intellectual ability could be related to particular cytoarchitectural brain regions. Given that these sulci develop in early fetal life, such findings presumably reflect early neurodevelopmental abnormalities of genetic origin, although environmental effects and interactions cannot be ruled out.
Identification of recurrence‐related microRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma following liver transplantation
Authors: Han Zhong-Bo , Zhong Lin , Teng Mu-Jian , Fan Jun-Wei , Tang Hua-Mei , Wu Jun-Yi , Chen Hong-Yuan , Wang Zhao-Wen , Qiu Guo-Qiang , Peng Zhi-Hai 
Published: April 2012

Tumor recurrence‐related microRNAs (miRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are not clear yet. This study was designed to determine whether altered miRNA expression is associated with HCC recurrence and prognosis following OLT. 18 miRNAs, including 6 up‐regulated and 12 down‐regulated miRNAs were identified by microarray in primary HCC samples of patients who had developed HCC recurrence (n = 5) compared to those with non‐recurrence (n = 5) following OLT by using p < 0.05 as cutoff value. The six most significantly altered miRNAs (fold change ≥ 2: miR‐19a, miR‐886‐5p, miR‐126, miR‐223, miR‐24 and miR‐147) were further confirmed by qRT‐PCR in the remaining 105 HCC samples. In receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis, this six miRNAs were of high sensitivity and specificity in predicting HCC recurrence. Using Cox regression and risk score analysis, we built a six‐miRNA signature based on their qRT‐PCR readings for the prediction of outcome of HCC following OLT. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional regression revealed this six‐miRNA signature was a significant independent predictor of overall survival (log‐rank p = 0.020) and recurrence‐free survival (log‐rank p < 0.001). Finally, the data were further reconfirmed in an independent cohort of 50 patients from another transplant center. In addition, bioinformatics Gene Ontology and pathway analysis were also performed to better understand the critical roles of these miRNAs in HCC recurrence. Our study, in addition to suggesting a different miRNA expression pattern between HCC samples of patients with recurrence and those with non‐recurrence, proposes that this six‐miRNA signature may serve as biomarker for prognosis of HCC patients following OLT.
A logit model of retail investors' individual trading decisions and their relations to insider trades
Authors: Stotz Olaf , Georgi Dominik 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAmong the various external information sources that influence individual investors' trading decisions, no research has considered the important influence of insiders' transactions. Retail investors might copy the behavior demonstrated by insiders' trading; therefore, this study establishes an approach to estimate the buying probability for a certain stock by a certain investor at a certain point in time and analyzes whether insider trade reports influence this probability. Using a sample of more than 270,000 retail trades in Germany between 2008 and 2009, along with more than 3000 insider trades in the same period, we find evidence of copying of insiders' trades by retail investors. The basic mimicry hypothesis holds, even when we consider an information event hypothesis and an insider attention effect hypothesis as alternative explanations. A robustness test also supports the findings.
Bottom-trapped currents as statistical equilibrium states above topographic anomalies
Authors: Venaille A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractOceanic geostrophic turbulence is mostly forced at the surface, yet strong bottom-trapped flows are commonly observed along topographic anomalies. Here we consider the case of a freely evolving, initially surface-intensified velocity field above a topographic bump, and show that the self-organization into a bottom-trapped current can result from its turbulent dynamics. Using equilibrium statistical mechanics, we explain this phenomenon as the most probable outcome of turbulent stirring. We compute explicitly a class of solutions characterized by a linear relation between potential vorticity and streamfunction, and predict when the bottom intensification is expected. Using direct numerical simulations, we provide an illustration of this phenomenon that agrees qualitatively with theory, although the ergodicity hypothesis is not strictly fulfilled.
Release of a viscous power-law fluid over an inviscid ocean
Authors: Pegler Samuel S. , Lister John R. , Worster M. Grae 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe consider the two- and three-dimensional spreading of a finite volume of viscous power-law fluid released over a denser inviscid fluid and subject to gravitational and capillary forces. In the case of gravity-driven spreading, with a power-law fluid having strain rate proportional to stress to the power $n$, there are similarity solutions with the extent of the current being proportional to ${t}^{1/ n} $ in the two-dimensional case and ${t}^{1/ 2n} $ in the three-dimensional case. Perturbations from these asymptotic states are shown to retain their initial shape but to decay relatively as ${t}^{\ensuremath{-} 1} $ in the two-dimensional case and ${t}^{\ensuremath{-} 3/ (n+ 3)} $ in the three-dimensional case. The former is independent of $n$, whereas the latter gives a slower rate of relative decay for fluids that are more shear-thinning. In cases where the layer is subject to a constraining surface tension, we determine the evolution of the layer towards a static state of uniform thickness in which the gravitational and capillary forces balance. The asymptotic form of this convergence is shown to depend strongly on $n$, with rapid finite-time algebraic decay in shear-thickening cases, large-time exponential decay in the Newtonian case and slow large-time algebraic decay in shear-thinning cases.