bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aggravation of inflammatory response by costimulation with titanium particles and mechanical perturbations in osteoblast- and macrophage-like cells
Authors: Lee Heon Goo , Hsu Anny , Goto Hana , Nizami Saqib , Lee Jonathan H. , Cadet Edwin R. , Tang Peter , Shaji Roya , Chandhanayinyong Chandhanarat , Kweon Seok Hyun , Oh Daniel S. , Tawfeek Hesham , Lee Francis Y.
Published: December 2012

The interface between bone tissue and metal implants undergoes various types of mechanical loading, such as strain, compression, fluid pressure, and shear stress, from daily activities. Such mechanical perturbations create suboptimal environments at the host bone-implant junction, causing an accumulation of wear particles and debilitating osseous integration, potentially leading to implant failure. While many studies have focused on the effect of particles on macrophages or osteoprogenitor cells, differential and combined effects of mechanical perturbations and particles on such cell types have not been extensively studied. In this study, macrophages and osteoprogenitor cells were subjected to physiological and superphysiological mechanical stimuli in the presence and absence of Ti particles with the aim of simulating various microenvironments of the host bone-implant junction. Macrophages and osteoprogenitor cells were capable of engulfing Ti particles through actin remodeling and also exhibited changes in mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines under certain conditions. In osteoprogenitor cells, superphysiological strain increased proinflammatory gene expression; in macrophages, such mechanical perturbations did not affect gene expression. We confirmed that this phenomenon in osteoprogenitor cells occurred via activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway as a result of damage to the cytoplasmic membrane. Furthermore, AZD6244, a clinically relevant inhibitor of the ERK1/2 pathway, mitigated particle-induced inflammatory gene expression in osteoprogenitor cells and macrophages. This study provides evidence of more inflammatory responses under mechanical strains in osteoprogenitor cells than macrophages. Phagocytosis of particles and mechanical perturbation costimulate the ERK1/2 pathway, leading to expression of proinflammatory genes.
TLR3 deficiency induces chronic inflammatory cardiomyopathy in resistant mice following coxsackievirus B3 infection: role for IL-4
Authors: Abston Eric D. , Coronado Michael J. , Bucek Adriana , Onyimba Jennifer A. , Brandt Jessica E. , Frisancho J. Augusto , Kim Eunyong , Bedja Djahida , Sung Yoon-kyu , Radtke Andrea J. , Gabrielson Kathleen L. , Mitzner Wayne , Fairweather DeLisa
Published: December 2012

Recent findings indicate that TLR3 polymorphisms increase susceptibility to enteroviral myocarditis and inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (iDCM) in patients. TLR3 signaling has been found to inhibit coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) replication and acute myocarditis in mouse models, but its role in the progression from myocarditis to iDCM has not been previously investigated. In this study we found that TLR3 deficiency increased acute ( P = 5.9 × 10−9) and chronic ( P = 6.0 × 10−7) myocarditis compared with WT B6.129, a mouse strain that is resistant to chronic myocarditis and iDCM. Using left ventricular in vivo hemodynamic assessment, we found that TLR3-deficient mice developed progressively worse chronic cardiomyopathy. TLR3 deficiency significantly increased viral replication in the heart during acute myocarditis from day 3 through day 12 after infection, but infectious virus was not detected in the heart during chronic disease. TLR3 deficiency increased cytokines associated with a T helper (Th)2 response, including IL-4 ( P = 0.03), IL-10 ( P = 0.008), IL-13 ( P = 0.002), and TGF-β1 ( P = 0.005), and induced a shift to an immunoregulatory phenotype in the heart. However, IL-4-deficient mice had improved heart function during acute CVB3 myocarditis by echocardiography and in vivo hemodynamic assessment compared with wild-type mice, indicating that IL-4 impairs cardiac function during myocarditis. IL-4 deficiency increased regulatory T-cell and macrophage populations, including FoxP3+ T cells ( P = 0.005) and Tim-3+ macrophages ( P = 0.004). Thus, TLR3 prevents the progression from myocarditis to iDCM following CVB3 infection by reducing acute viral replication and IL-4 levels in the heart.
Synaptic and extrasynaptic plasticity in glutamatergic circuits involving dentate granule cells following chronic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor inhibition
Authors: He Shuijin , Shao Li-Rong , Wang Yu , Bausch Suzanne B.
Published: December 2012

Chronic global N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) blockade leads to changes in glutamatergic transmission. The impact of more subunit-selective NMDAR inhibition on glutamatergic circuits remains incomplete. To this end, organotypic hippocampal slice cultures were treated for 17–21 days with the high-affinity competitive antagonist d-aminophosphonovaleric acid (d-APV), the allosteric GluN2B-selective antagonist Ro25-6981, or the newer competitive GluN2A-preferring antagonist NVP-AAM077. Electrophysiological recordings from dentate granule cells revealed that chronic d-APV treatment increased, whereas chronic Ro25-6981 reduced, epileptiform event-associated large-amplitude spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSC) compared with all other treatment groups, consistent with opposite effects on glutamatergic networks. Presynaptically, chronic d-APV or Ro25-6981 increased small-amplitude sEPSCs and AMPA/kainate receptor-mediated miniature EPSCs (mEPSCAMPAR) frequency. Chronic d-APV or NVP-AAM077, but not Ro25-6981, increased putative vGlut1-positive glutamatergic synapses. Postsynaptically, chronic d-APV dramatically increased mEPSCAMPAR and profoundly decreased NMDAR-mediated mEPSC (mEPSCNMDAR) measures, suggesting increased AMPAR/NMDAR ratio. Ro25-6981 decreased mEPSCAMPAR charge transfer and modestly decreased mEPSCNMDAR frequency and decay, suggesting downward scaling of AMPAR and NMDAR function without dramatically altering AMPAR/NMDAR ratio. Extrasynaptically, threo-β-benzyloxyaspartate-enhanced “tonic” NMDAR current amplitude and activated channel number estimates were significantly increased only by chronic Ro25-6981. For intrinsic excitability, action potential threshold was slightly more negative following chronic d-APV or NVP-AAM077. The predominant pro-excitatory effects of chronic d-APV are consistent with increased glutamatergic transmission and network excitability. The minor effects of chronic NVP-AAM077 on action potential threshold and synapse number are consistent with minimal effects on circuit function. The chronic Ro25-6981-induced downward scaling of synaptic AMPAR and NMDAR function is consistent with decreased postsynaptic glutamate receptors and reduced network excitability.
Comparison of Mutual Coupling Phenomena in Subwavelength Ridged Circular Apertures and Half-Wavelength Dipole Antenna Arrays
Authors: Park Jong-Eon , Kim Ki Young , Song Jae-Won
Published: December 2012

The resonant microwave transmission characteristics of several coupled subwavelength ridged circular aperture arrangements in a thin metallic film are investigated using the three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (3D FDTD) method. Simple equivalent circuits represented by the self and mutual conductances that have been quantitatively extracted for each resonance condition, including the mutual coupling effects, are also devised with the help of virtual magnetic current elements. Furthermore, a duality is identified between the ridged circular apertures and conventional half-wavelength dipole arrays based on comparing the respective resonance conditions.
Gain of Chromosome 4qter and Loss of 5pter: An Unusual Case with Features of Cri du Chat Syndrome
Authors: Sheth Frenny , Gohel Naresh , Liehr Thomas , Akinde Olakanmi , Desai Manisha , Adeteye Olawaleye , Sheth Jayesh
Published: December 2012

Here, we present a case with an unusual chromosomal rearrangement in a child with a predominant phenotype of high-pitched crying showing deletion encompassingCTNND2due to an unbalanced translocation of chromosomes 4 and 5. This rearrangement led to a duplication of ~35 Mb in 4qter which replaced 18 Mb genetic materials in 5pter. Even though, in this patient, there was no clinically obvious modification to the classical phenotypes of CdCS, and the influence of the 4q-duplication cannot be completely excluded in this case. However, the region 4q34.1–34.3 was previously reported as a region not leading to phenotypic changes if present in three copies, an observation which could possibly be supported by this case.Conclusion. This study showed that in a patient with an unbalanced translocation resulting in 5p deletion, the presence of partial trisomy of chromosome 4q could be clinically insignificant.
A Pilot Evaluation of On-Road Detection Performance by Drivers with Hemianopia Using Oblique Peripheral Prisms
Authors: Bowers Alex R. , Tant Mark , Peli Eli
Published: December 2012

Aims. Homonymous hemianopia (HH), a severe visual consequence of stroke, causes difficulties in detecting obstacles on the nonseeing (blind) side. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the effects of oblique peripheral prisms, a novel development in optical treatments for HH, on detection of unexpected hazards when driving.Methods. Twelve people with complete HH (median 49 years, range 29–68) completed road tests with sham oblique prism glasses (SP) and real oblique prism glasses (RP). A masked evaluator rated driving performance along the 25 km routes on busy streets in Ghent, Belgium.Results. The proportion of satisfactory responses to unexpected hazards on the blind side was higher in the RP than the SP drive (80% versus 30%;P=0.001), but similar for unexpected hazards on the seeing side.Conclusions. These pilot data suggest that oblique peripheral prisms may improve responses of people with HH to blindside hazards when driving and provide the basis for a future, larger-sample clinical trial. Testing responses to unexpected hazards in areas of heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic appears promising as a real-world outcome measure for future evaluations of HH rehabilitation interventions aimed at improving detection when driving.
A Note on the Newman-Unti Group and the BMS Charge Algebra in Terms of Newman-Penrose Coefficients
Authors: Barnich Glenn , Lambert Pierre-Henry
Published: December 2012

The symmetry algebra of asymptotically flat spacetimes at null infinity in four dimensions in the sense of Newman and Unti is revisited. As in the Bondi-Metzner-Sachs gauge, it is shown to be isomorphic to the direct sum of the abelian algebra of infinitesimal conformal rescalings with𝔟𝔪𝔰4. The latter algebra is the semidirect sum of infinitesimal supertranslations with the conformal Killing vectors of the Riemann sphere. Infinitesimal local conformal transformations can then consistently be included. We work out the local conformal properties of the relevant Newman-Penrose coefficients, construct the surface charges, and derive their algebra.
Energy Dependent Divisible Load Theory for Wireless Sensor Network Workload Allocation
Authors: Shi Haiyan , Wang Wanliang , Kwok Ngaiming
Published: December 2012

The wireless sensor network (WSN), consisting of a large number of microsensors with wireless communication abilities, has become an indispensable tool for use in monitoring and surveillance applications. Despite its advantages in deployment flexibility and fault tolerance, the WSN is vulnerable to failures due to the depletion of limited onboard battery energy. A major portion of energy consumption is caused by the transmission of sensed results to the master processor. The amount of energy used, in fact, is related to both the duration of sensing and data transmission. Hence, in order to extend the operation lifespan of the WSN, a proper allocation of sensing workload among the sensors is necessary. An assignment scheme is here formulated on the basis of the divisible load theory, namely, the energy dependent divisible load theory (EDDLT) for sensing workload allocations. In particular, the amount of residual energies onboard sensors are considered while deciding the workload assigned to each sensor. Sensors with smaller amount of residual energy are assigned lighter workloads, thus, allowing for a reduced energy consumption and the sensor lifespan is extended. Simulation studies are conducted and results have illustrated the effectiveness of the proposed workload allocation method.
Maximum Power Point Characteristics of Generalized Heat Engines with Finite Time and Finite Heat Capacities
Authors: Khanna Abhishek , Johal Ramandeep S.
Published: December 2012

We revisit the problem of optimal power extraction in four-step cycles (two adiabatic and two heat-transfer branches) when the finite-rate heat transfer obeys a linear law and the heat reservoirs have finite heat capacities. The heat-transfer branch follows a polytropic process in which the heat capacity of the working fluid stays constant. For the case of ideal gas as working fluid and a given switching time, it is shown that maximum work is obtained at Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency. Our expressions clearly show the dependence on the relative magnitudes of heat capacities of the fluid and the reservoirs. Many previous formulae, including infinite reservoirs, infinite-time cycles, and Carnot-like and non-Carnot-like cycles, are recovered as special cases of our model.
Subcutaneous Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma Mimicking Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Sparreboom E. , Wetzels C. , Verdijk M. , Mulder S. , Blokx W.
Published: December 2012

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma is an uncommon soft-tissue tumor of intermediate malignancy that is often misdiagnosed initially. As there is not one immunohistochemical marker that consequently stains positive or negative for angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, molecular diagnostics are becoming more widely used. So far three translocations have been reported to arise in angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma: FUS-ATF1, EWSR1-CREB1, or EWSR1-ATF1. We present a case of angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma on the upper arm of a 40-year-old female, which was initially misdiagnosed as metastatic melanoma in a lymph node. Revision of the pathology revealed an angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, which was later confirmed by a EWSR1-CREB1 translocation with molecular diagnostics. Furthermore, we review the relevant literature and provide an overview of all available case reports in the past ten years. This case report illustrates the importance for pathologists of knowing the typical pathology features of AFH and integrating immunohistochemical and molecular findings in order to prevent overdiagnosis of lymph node metastasis of a malignancy.
Interactive Language Learning through Speech-Enabled Virtual Scenarios
Authors: Morton Hazel , Gunson Nancie , Jack Mervyn
Published: December 2012

This paper describes the evaluation of an educational game designed to give learners of foreign languages the opportunity to practice their spoken language skills. Within the speech interactive Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) program, scenarios are presented in which learners interact with virtual characters in the target language using speech recognition technology. Two types of interactive scenarios with virtual characters are presented as part of the game: the one-to-one scenarios which take the form of practice question and answer scenarios where the learner interacts with one virtual character and the interactive scenario which is an immersive contextualised scenario where the learner interacts with two or more virtual characters within the scene to complete a (task-based) communicative goal. The study presented here compares learners’ subjective attitudes towards the different scenarios. In addition, the study investigates the performance of the speech recognition component in this game. Forty-eight students of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) took part in the evaluation. Results indicate that learners’ subjective ratings for the contextualised interactive scenario are higher than for the one-to-one, practice scenarios. In addition, recognition performance was better for these interactive scenarios.
The Semitransparent Photovoltaic Films for Mediterranean Greenhouse: A New Sustainable Technology
Authors: Marucci Alvaro , Monarca Danilo , Cecchini Massimo , Colantoni Andrea , Manzo Alberto , Cappuccini Andrea
Published: December 2012

Mediterranean countries offer very favorable climatic conditions for growing plants in a protected environment: as a matter of fact, the high solar radiation allows the use of greenhouses with simple structures, covered with plastic film and without fixed installations for winter heating. They are called “Mediterranean greenhouses” and are totally different from those in Central and Northern Europe. In the photovoltaic greenhouses, the cover on the pitch facing south is usually replaced by very opaque panels. However, this solution compromises the possibility to grow plants in covered and protected environments since solar radiation availability is limited and strongly nonuniform. In order to overcome this problem, semitransparent photovoltaic materials can be used to let the solar energy, necessary for plant growth, pass into the green house. The aim of this research is to analyze the radiometric properties of innovative semitransparent flexible photovoltaic materials in order to evaluate their performances in comparison with materials commonly used in the coverage of the greenhouses. Particular attention is paid to the transmittance of these materials in the visible range and in the long wave infrared for the achievement of greenhouse effect.
The Backward Euler Fully Discrete Finite Volume Method for the Problem of Purely Longitudinal Motion of a Homogeneous Bar
Authors: Jiang Ziwen , Xie Deren
Published: December 2012

We present a linear backward Euler fully discrete finite volume method for the initial‐boundary‐value problem of purely longitudinal motion of a homogeneous bar and an give optimal order error estimates in L2 and H1 norms. Furthermore, we obtain the superconvergence error estimate of the generalized projection of the solution u in H1 norm. Numerical experiment illustrates the convergence and stability of this scheme.
Childbearing Decision Making: A Qualitative Study of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Sofolahan Y. A. , Airhihenbuwa C. O.
Published: December 2012

Using the PEN-3 model, the purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the factors responsible for the childbearing decisions of women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) in Lagos, Nigeria. Sixty WLHA who sought care at a teaching hospital in Lagos were recruited to participate in in-depth interviews. The average age of the participants was 30 years, and 48 participants were receiving antiretroviral therapy. Healthcare and spiritual practices, healthcare provider-patient communication about childbearing, and husband/partner support emerged as factors that contribute to the childbearing decisions of WLHA. The findings reveal the importance of discussing sexual reproductive health and childbearing issues with WLHA in the healthcare context prior to pregnancy.
Trace Element Supplementation of Livestock in New Zealand: Meeting the Challenges of Free-Range Grazing Systems
Authors: Grace Neville D. , Knowles Scott O.
Published: December 2012

Managing the mineral nutrition of free-range grazing livestock can be challenging. On farms where grazing animals are infrequently yarded, there are limited opportunities to administer trace element supplements via feeds and concentrates. In New Zealand, where the majority of sheep, cattle, and deer graze pasture year round, inadequate intake of cobalt, copper, iodine and selenium is prevalent. Scientists and farmers have developed efficient strategies to monitor and treat these dietary deficiencies. Supplementation methods suited to grazing livestock include long-acting injections, slow-release intraruminal boluses, trace element-amended fertilisers, and reticulated water supplies on dairy farms.
Impact of Changes in Perinatal Care on Neonatal Respiratory Outcome and Survival of Preterm Newborns: An Overview of 15 Years
Authors: Flor-de-Lima Filipa , Rocha Gustavo , Guimarães Hercília
Published: December 2012

Survival and outcomes for preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) have improved over the past 30 years. We conducted a study to assess the changes in perinatal care and delivery room management and their impact on respiratory outcome of very low birth weight newborns, over the last 15 years. A comparison between two epochs was performed, the periods before and after 2005, when early nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) and Intubation-SURfactant-Extubation (INSURE) were introduced in our center. Three hundred ninety-five clinical records were assessed, 198 (50.1%) females, gestational age 29.1 weeks (22–36), and birth weight 1130 g (360–1498). RDS was diagnosed in 247 (62.5%) newborns and exogenous surfactant was administered to 217 (54.9%). Thirty-three (8.4%) developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and 92 (23%) were deceased. With the introduction of early NCPAP and INSURE, there was a decrease on the endotracheal intubation need and invasive ventilation (P<0.0001), oxygen therapy (P=0.002), and mortality (P<0.0001). The multivariate model revealed a nonsignificant reduction in BPD between the two epochs (OR=0.86; 95% CI 0.074–9.95;P=0.9). The changes in perinatal care over the last 15 years were associated to an improvement of respiratory outcome and survival, despite a nonsignificant decrease in BPD rate.
Expression of Nuclear Receptor Coactivators in the Human Fetal Membranes at Term before and after Labor
Authors: Ou Che-Wei Ryan , Sun Meihua , Sadej Weronika , Gibb William
Published: December 2012

Human fetal membranes play an important role in term and preterm labor and are responsive to steroids. We examined the expression of steroid receptor coactivators in fetal membranes obtained prior to and following labor at term. Proteins were localized by immunohistochemistry, Western analysis was carried out in nuclear extracts, and mRNA levels were determined by real-time RT-PCR. SRC-1, SRC-2, p300, and PCAF proteins were present in all nuclear extracts. The amnion nuclei expressed higher levels of SRC-1, p300, and PCAF than nuclei from the chorion-decidua, whereas the reverse was true for SRC-2. Chorion-decidua from patients before labor expressed higher levels of SRC-1 than those from patients after labor. Also, the PCAF level was higher in the amnion obtained before labor than the same tissue obtained after labor. In contrast to the protein expression, mRNA levels of SRC-1 and p300 were higher in the chorion-decidua compared to the amnion, whereas there was no difference in levels of SRC-2 and PCAF mRNAs between these two tissues. These data underline that the regulation of the expression of the coactivators in these tissues occurs during labor and is complex and tissue specific.
Rare Association of Anti-Hu Antibody Positive Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome and Transitional Cell Bladder Carcinoma
Authors: Lukacs S. , Szabo N. , Woodhams S.
Published: December 2012

Introduction. Paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis (PEM) and subacute sensory neuronopathy (SSN) are remote effects of cancer, usually associated with small-cell lung carcinoma and positive anti-Hu antibody. We describe the rare association of bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) with anti-Hu antibody positivity resulting in this paraneoplastic neurological syndrome.Patient. A 76-year-old female presented with bilateral muscle weakness and paraesthesia of the upper and lower limbs in a length-dependent “glove and stocking” distribution. Central nervous system symptoms included cognitive problems, personality change, and truncal ataxia. Case notes and the literature were reviewed.Result. Autoantibody screening was positive for anti-Hu antibody (recently renamed antineuronal nuclear antibody 1, ANNA-1). The diagnosis of PEM and SSN was supported by MRI and lumbar puncture results. A superficial bladder TCC was demonstrated on CT and subsequently confirmed on histology. No other primary neoplasm was found on full-body imaging. The neurological symptoms were considered to be an antibody-mediated paraneoplastic neurological syndrome and improved after resection of the tumour.Discussion. The association of anti-Hu positive paraneoplastic neurological syndrome and TCC has not been described in the literature previously. We emphasize the need for detailed clinical examination and the importance of a multidisciplinary thought process and encourage further awareness of this rare association.
Approximation by the q‐Szász‐Mirakjan Operators
Authors: Mahmudov N. I.
Published: December 2012

This paper deals with approximating properties of the q‐generalization of the Szász‐Mirakjan operators in the case q > 1. Quantitative estimates of the convergence in the polynomial‐weighted spaces and the Voronovskaja′s theorem are given. In particular, it is proved that the rate of approximation by the q‐Szász‐Mirakjan operators (q > 1
) is of order q−n versus 1/n for the classical Szász‐Mirakjan operators.
Application of Energy Finite Element Method in Active Vibration Control of Piezoelectric Intelligent Beam
Authors: Xie Jinhua , Huo Rui , Guan Yanfeng , Zhou Zhen
Published: December 2012

Based on the transmission and equilibrium relationship of vibration energy in beam-like structures, the Galerkin weighted residual method was applied to equation discretization. An equivalent transformation of feedback element was suggested to develop the Energy Finite Element model of a composite piezoelectric cantilever beam driven by harmonic excitation on lateral direction, with both systems with and without time delay being studied and the power input estimation of harmonic excitation was discussed for the resolution of Energy Finite Element function. Then the energy density solutions of the piezoelectric coupling beam through Energy Finite Element Method (EFEM) and classical wave theory were compared to verify the EFEM model, which presented a good accordance. Further investigation was undertaken about the influence of control parameters including the feedback gain and arrangement of piezoelectric patches on characteristics of system energy density distribution.
Effects of Tobacco Smoking in Pregnancy on Offspring Intelligence at the Age of 5
Authors: Falgreen Eriksen Hanne-Lise , Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler , Wimberley Theresa , Underbjerg Mette , Kilburn Tina Røndrup , Mortensen Erik Lykke
Published: December 2012

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of tobacco smoking in pregnancy on children’s IQ at the age of 5. A prospective follow-up study was conducted on 1,782 women, and their offspring were sampled from the Danish National Birth Cohort. At 5 years of age, the children were tested with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Revised. Parental education, maternal IQ, maternal alcohol consumption in pregnancy, the sex and age of the child, and tester were considered core confounders, but the full model also controlled for prenatal paternal smoking, maternal age and Bodymass Mass Index, parity, family/home environment, postnatal parental smoking, breast feeding, the child’s health status, and indicators for hearing and vision impairments. Unadjusted analyses showed a statistically significant decrement of 4 points on full-scale IQ (FSIQ) associated with smoking 10+ cigarettes per day compared to nonsmoking. After adjustment for potential confounders, no significant effects of prenatal exposure to tobacco smoking were found. Considering the indisputable teratogenic effects of tobacco smoking, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Still, the results may indicate that previous studies that failed to control for important confounders, particularly maternal intelligence, may be subject to substantial residual confounding.
Role of Complement in Multiorgan Failure
Authors: Rittirsch Daniel , Redl Heinz , Huber-Lang Markus
Published: December 2012

Multiorgan failure (MOF) represents the leading cause of death in patients with sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) following severe trauma. The underlying immune response is highly complex and involves activation of the complement system as a crucial entity of innate immunity. Uncontrolled activation of the complement system during sepsis and SIRS with in excessive generation of complement activation products contributes to an ensuing dysfunction of various organ systems. In the present review, mechanisms of the inflammatory response in the development of MOF in sepsis and SIRS with particular focus on the complement system are discussed.
Fluorescence Spectroscopy Study on the Interaction between Evodiamine and Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Tan Mingxiong , Liang Weijiang , Luo Xujian , Gu Yunqiong
Published: December 2012

The interaction of evodiamine (Evo) with bovine serum albumins (BSAs) at different two temperatures (298 and 310 K) was investigated by means of fluorescence spectroscopy. The experimental results showed that Evo binds with BSA via a static quenching procedure with association constants K of 1.61 × 106 L/mol at 298 K and 6.78 × 105 L/mol at 310 K. The number of bound Evo molecules per protein is 1.31 at 298 K and 1.33 at 310 K. The results suggested that Evo reacts with BSA chiefly through hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, and it does not alter the α‐helical nature of BAS.
Association between Polymorphisms of Alpha-Adducin Gene and Essential Hypertension in Chinese Population
Authors: Zhang Li-na , Ji Lin-dan , Fei Li-juan , Yuan Fang , Zhang Yue-miao , Xu Jin
Published: December 2012

The association between polymorphisms ofα-adducin (ADD1) gene and essential hypertension is still unclear. Thus, we carried out a case-control study and an interaction analysis to test whetherADD1is a common candidate gene for hypertension in the Chinese population. Blood samples and information including body mass index (BMI), smoking habit, and alcohol abuse were collected. Meanwhile, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, triglyceride were measured by automatic biochemistry analyzer. All 6 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNPs) withinADD1gene were genotyped by SNPstream genotyping system. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was used to identify the interactions among the SNPs and the non-genetic factors. Results showed that plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, and BMI were significantly higher in the hypertensive group than in the control group. Result from genotyping indicated that rs4963 was significantly associated with essential hypertension. After stratification by gender, rs4963 was associated with essential hypertension only in males. MDR analysis indicated that interaction among BMI, rs4963, and rs16843452 were involved in susceptibility of hypertension. The present study indicated that rs4963 withinADD1gene was associated with essential hypertension in Chinese population, which might be related to altered exonic splicing and disrupted gene regulation.
Is the Best Fitting Curve Always Unique?
Authors: Chernov N. , Huang Q. , Ma H.
Published: December 2012

Fitting straight lines and simple curved objects (circles, ellipses, etc.) to observed data points is a basic task in computer vision and modern statistics (errors-in-variables regression). We have investigated the problem of existence of the best fit in our previous paper (see Chernov et al. (2012)). Here we deal with the issue of uniqueness of the best fit.
Targeting XRCC1 Deficiency in Breast Cancer for Personalized Therapy
Authors: Sultana Rebeka , Abdel-Fatah Tarek , Abbotts Rachel , Hawkes Claire , Albarakati Nada , Seedhouse Claire , Ball Graham , Chan Stephen , Rakha Emad A. , Ellis Ian O. , Madhusudan Srinivasan
Published: December 2012

XRCC1 is a key component of DNA base excision repair, single strand break repair, and backup nonhomologous end-joining pathway. XRCC1 (X-ray repair cross-complementing gene 1) deficiency promotes genomic instability, increases cancer risk, and may have clinical application in breast cancer. We investigated XRCC1 expression in early breast cancers (n = 1,297) and validated in an independent cohort of estrogen receptor (ER)-α–negative breast cancers (n = 281). Preclinically, we evaluated XRCC1-deficient and -proficient Chinese hamster and human cancer cells for synthetic lethality application using double-strand break (DSB) repair inhibitors [KU55933 (ataxia telangectasia–mutated; ATM inhibitor) and NU7441 (DNA-PKcs inhibitor)]. In breast cancer, loss of XRCC1 (16%) was associated with high grade (P < 0.0001), loss of hormone receptors (P < 0.0001), triple-negative (P < 0.0001), and basal-like phenotypes (P = 0.001). Loss of XRCC1 was associated with a two-fold increase in risk of death (P < 0.0001) and independently with poor outcome (P < 0.0001). Preclinically, KU55933 [2-(4-Morpholinyl)-6-(1-thianthrenyl)-4H-pyran-4-one] and NU7441 [8-(4-Dibenzothienyl)-2-(4-morpholinyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one] were synthetically lethal in XRCC1-deficient compared with proficient cells as evidenced by hypersensitivity to DSB repair inhibitors, accumulation of DNA DSBs, G2–M cell-cycle arrest, and induction of apoptosis. This is the first study to show that XRCC1 deficiency in breast cancer results in an aggressive phenotype and that XRCC1 deficiency could also be exploited for a novel synthetic lethality application using DSB repair inhibitors. Cancer Res; 73(5); 1621–34. ©2012 AACR.
Steady State Auditory Evoked Potentials in Normal Hearing Subjects: Evaluation of Threshold and Testing Time
Authors: Picciotti Pasqualina Maria , Giannantonio Sara , Paludetti Gaetano , Conti Guido
Published: December 2012

Background: Steady state responses (SSRs), between 75 and 110 Hz, evoked by auditory amplitude modulated single or multiple tone stimuli, may be used to estimate objective hearing threshold. Methods: The aim of this study was to compare SSRs and click-evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) in both ears of 20 adults (10 males and 10 females, aged between 24 and 36 years) with normal hearing threshold. Results: Mean ABR threshold was found at 21.25 (±5.9) dB nHL. Mean SSR threshold was found at 15.6 (±9.6) dB nHL after a single frequency stimulus (1 kHz); at 10.5 (±18.2) dB nHL and at 7.1 (±12.4) dB nHL after bifrequency stimulation (0.5 and 2 kHz). SSR thresholds after multifrequency stimulation (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz) were found, respectively, at 12.1 (±12.9) dB nHL, 12.2 (±12.8) dB nHL, 12.3 (±8.3) dB nHL and 18.9 (±17.2) dB nHL. Mean duration of the recording session was 6 min in the case of ABRs, while it was 25 min in the single frequency condition and 29 min in the multifrequency condition in the case of SSRs. Conclusion: SSRs can be used for frequency-specific objective audiometry. The multifrequency stimulation greatly reduces the whole testing time.
Incidence and Management of Epistaxis after Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery
Authors: Thompson Christopher F. , Wang Marilene B. , Kim Brandon J. , Bergsneider Marvin , Suh Jeffrey D.
Published: December 2012

Background/Aims: Endonasal endoscopic surgery continues to gain acceptance as a minimally invasive, effective approach for benign and malignant pathology of the paranasal sinuses and skull base. Postoperative epistaxis could potentially result in rapid and devastating consequences due to hemorrhage. Our objective was to assess the incidence and causes of epistaxis after endoscopic skull base surgery. Methods: Retrospective review of patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgeries from 2007 to 2012. The main outcome measure was epistaxis requiring a visit to a hospital or clinic occurring within 30 days of surgery. Results: In our cohort of 330 consecutive patients, 10 (3%) experienced postoperative epistaxis, including 3 who had multiple episodes (14 events). A majority of the patients were controlled with packing in the emergency room (8/14 events). One patient required chemical cautery and 5 required control in the operating room. The only patient characteristic that reached significance was abstinence from alcohol (p value = 0.04). However, patients with epistaxis were more likely to be male, older and have hypertension. Conclusion: This study confirms that the risk of epistaxis after endoscopic skull base surgery is low and similar to sinonasal surgery for inflammatory conditions.
Proteomic Identification of Matrix Metalloproteinase Substrates in the Human Vasculature
Authors: Stegemann Christin , Didangelos Athanasios , Barallobre-Barreiro Javier , Langley Sarah R. , Mandal Kaushik , Jahangiri Marjan , Mayr Manuel
Published: December 2012

Background—

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in cardiovascular disease, in particular aneurysm formation and plaque rupture. Surprisingly, little is known about MMP substrates in the vasculature.

Methods and Results—

We used a proteomics approach to identify vascular substrates for 3 MMPs, 1 of each of the 3 major classes of MMPs: Human arteries were incubated with MMP-3 (a member of stromelysins), MMP-9 (considered a gelatinase), and MMP-14 (considered a member of the collagenases and of the membrane-bound MMPs). Candidate substrates were identified by mass spectrometry based on increased release from the arterial tissue on digestion, spectral evidence for proteolytic degradation after gel separation, and identification of nontryptic cleavage sites. Using this approach, novel candidates were identified, including extracellular matrix proteins associated with the basement membrane, elastic fibers (emilin-1), and other extracellular proteins (periostin, tenascin-X). Seventy-four nontryptic cleavage sites were detected, many of which were shared among different MMPs. The proteomics findings were validated by immunoblotting and by digesting recombinant/purified proteins with exogenous MMPs. As proof-of-principle, results were related to in vivo pathology by searching for corresponding degradation products in human aortic tissue with different levels of endogenous MMP-9.

Conclusions—

The application of proteomics to identify MMP targets is a new frontier in cardiovascular research. Our current classification of MMPs based on few substrates is an oversimplification of a complex area of biology. This study provides a more comprehensive assessment of potential MMP substrates in the vasculature and represents a valuable resource for future investigations.
Formin Homology 2 Domain Containing 3 Variants Associated With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wooten Eric C. , Hebl Virginia B. , Wolf Matthew J. , Greytak Sarah R. , Orr Nicole M. , Draper Isabelle , Calvino Jenna E. , Kapur Navin K. , Maron Martin S. , Kullo Iftikhar J. , Ommen Steve R. , Bos J. Martijn , Ackerman Michael J. , Huggins Gordon S.
Published: December 2012

Background—

Incomplete penetrance and variable expression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is well appreciated. Common genetic polymorphisms variants that may affect HCM penetrance and expression have been predicted but are not well established.

Methods and Results—

We performed a case-control genomewide association study to identify common HCM-associated genetic polymorphisms and then asked whether such common variants were more represented in HCM or could explain the heterogeneity of HCM phenotypes. We identified an intronic
FHOD3
variant (rs516514) associated with HCM (odds ratio, 2.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.76–3.41;
P
=1.25×10
−7
) and validated this finding in an independent cohort. Next, we tested FHOD3-V1151I (rs2303510), a nonsynonymous variant in partial linkage disequilibrium with rs516514, and we detected an even stronger association with HCM (
P
=1.76×10
−9
). Although HCM patients were more likely to carry these, FHOD3 allele subjects homozygous for FHOD3-1151I had similar HCM phenotypes as carriers of the V1151 allele. FHOD3 expression is increased in the setting of HCM, and both alleles of FHOD3-V1151I were detected in HCM myectomy tissue. Previously, FHOD3 was found to be required for formation of the sarcomere, and here we demonstrate that its fly homolog
fhos
is required for normal adult heart systolic contraction.

Conclusions—

Here we demonstrate the association of a common nonsynonymous
FHOD3
genetic variant with HCM. This discovery further strengthens the potential role of gene mutations and polymorphisms that alter the amino acid sequence of sarcomere proteins and HCM.
Dans quelles limites peut-on parler d’enfants naturels dans le droit romain de l’Antiquité?
Authors: Waelkens Laurent
Published: December 2012

To what extent is it possible to speak of natural children in the Roman law of Antiquity? – Most legal historians understand the Latin words filii naturales as ‘natural children’, with a connotation of illegitimate children, second-class because born and educated outside wedlock. An analysis of filius and naturalis in the Justinian collection learns that in Roman Antiquity these terms indicated own congenital children and had no negative undertone. The epitomes of the Breviarium of Alaric demonstrate that the modern denotation of natural children came up in the eighth century.
Sexual Differentiation in Tibetan Medical and Buddhist Perspectives
Authors: Cuomu Mingji , Holmes Katia
Published: December 2012

Classical Tibetan medicine is closely related to Buddhist philosophy. This
article describes how the study and meaning of sexual differentiation in Tibetan
medicine is deeply rooted in Buddhist texts and philosophy. The article pays
particular attention to the Buddhist theory of mutual dependence of birth and
death and on the medical ways of explaining the determining of sex. While
Tibetan medicine approaches sexual differentiation by examining its various
determinant factors, thus aiming to improve understanding of the human body and
diseases, which manifest differently in men and women, in Buddhist philosophy
sexual differentiation is perceived as a fundamental, natural phenomenon of
human life that forms a key in Tantric practices to comprehend the nature of
mind and thence attaining the highest state of mind. The article consists of a
translation of the first chapter of a Tibetan medical book on obstetrics,
including a newly written introduction to the Buddhist interpretive frame
employed in the chapter.
Emerging leadership opportunities and new roles for knowledge professionals1
Authors: Stoddart Linda
Published: December 2012

This article discusses the emerging roles and opportunities at senior levels within all types of organizations for information and knowledge professionals, and the new programmes being launched in academia to provide pragmatic learning experiences to address these challenges. It also focuses on the skills and competencies required to be successful in these new jobs.
When One World Is Not Enough: Patrick Jackson’s The Conduct of Inquiry as a Narrative of IR Meta-Theory
Authors: Michel Torsten
Published: December 2012

This article evaluates Patrick Jackson’s recent book The Conduct of Inquiry in International Relations. Jackson delivers a thoughtful and timely contribution to meta-theoretical debates in International Relations by highlighting the diverse landscape of incompatible philosophico-ontological positions. Specifically discussing the practical pay-offs of Jackson’s taxonomy, the article, though generally sympathetic to Jackson’s account, argues that he overlooks three interconnected areas: the myth-historical character of ‘International Relations’, the semantic heterogeneity or polysemy of his taxonomical categories, and the scope and nature of translation necessary to sustain his suggested methodological pluralism. These shortcomings question the stability and practical usefulness of his taxonomy and call for a more versatile, less static delineation of philosophico-ontological positions and an embrace of a plurality rather than a pluralism in International Relations meta-theory.
The Elusive Arts of Reflexivity in the ‘Sciences’ of International Relations
Authors: Sylvester Christine
Published: December 2012

There are a number of highly laudable aspects of Patrick Jackson’s broadened discussion of scientific inquiry in the field of International Relations, among them the attention he gives to feminist analysis as exemplary of reflexive science. Yet there are a few worrying elements in his approach as well. This piece addresses issues around Jackson’s presentation of feminist analysis and, in addition, tackles his off-handed reinscription of the split between social sciences and the arts (plus his neglect of poststructuralism). Jackson’s view of feminist analysis relies on early writings on feminist philosophy of science. He therefore underestimates the goals and the epistemological complexities of current research in feminist International Relations. As a separate but overlapping underestimation, Jackson’s drive for a post-foundational science ignores the capacity of the arts to enhance the very qualities of research that attract him to reflexive forms of International Relations science. To overcome both sets of concerns requires enlarging the critical scope of reflexive inquiry.
The Dualistic Grounding of Monism: Science, Pluralism and Typological Truncation
Authors: Wight Colin
Published: December 2012

The Conduct of Inquiry is a tour de force that carefully unpacks the idea of ‘inquiry’ in International Relations and reconstructs debates surrounding this issue in a way Jackson believes will foster genuine debate and, potentially at least, facilitate progress in the discipline. However, it is not without its problems. In this contribution to the forum, I present three challenges to Jackson’s position. Firstly, I challenge the validity of the monism–dualism split that he believes underpins all approaches to the field. Secondly, I take issue with Jackson’s account of science and methodology. Thirdly, I briefly highlight some problems with Jackson’s account of pluralism and argue that it fails to provide the conditions of possibility for ‘engagement’ that Jackson is so committed to.
Challenging Anthropology: Anthropological Reflections on the Ethnographic Turn in International Relations
Authors: Lie Jon Harald Sande
Published: December 2012

Ethnography and anthropology are intrinsically linked, but recently other disciplines have started to draw inspiration from anthropological methods. The ongoing ethnographic turn in International Relations has spurred debate on what ethnography is, what it means and entails in practice, and how to apply it in International Relations. Some assert that the ethnographic turn could not have taken place without adopting a selective and antiquated notion of ethnography; others counter that this argument draws on a caricatured version of ethnography. This article offers one anthropologist’s reflections on these issues, drawing on ethnographic work within an international organisation and a state apparatus – both of which are areas of study more common in International Relations than in anthropology. This is not an International Relations turn of anthropology, but the practical and methodological challenges it involves are relevant to the ethnographic turn of International Relations and the disjuncture between the ethnographic ideals and anthropological practice.
Musicians and Hearing Aid Design—Is Your Hearing Instrument Being Overworked?
Authors: Schmidt Mark
Published: December 2012

Music can have sound levels that are in excess of the capability of most modern digital hearing aids to transduce sound without significant distortion. One innovation is to use a hearing aid microphone that is less sensitive to some of the lower frequency intense components of music, thereby providing the analog-to-digital (A/D) converter with an input that is within its optimal operating region. The “missing” low-frequency information can still enter through an unoccluded earmold as unamplified sound and be part of the entire music listening experience. Technical issues with this alternative microphone configuration include an increase in the internal noise floor of the hearing aid, but with judicious use of expansion, the noise floor can significantly be reduced. Other issues relate to fittings where significant low-frequency amplification is also required, but this type of fitting can be optimized in the fitting software by adding amplification after the A/D bottle neck.