bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silencing of theWFS1gene in HEK cells induces pathways related to neurodegeneration and mitochondrial damage
Authors: Kõks Sulev , Overall Rupert W. , Ivask Marilin , Soomets Ursel , Guha Mithu , Vasar Eero , Fernandes Cathy , Schalkwyk Leo C.
Published: January 2013

The gene WFS1 encodes a protein with unknown function although its functional deficiency causes different neuropsychiatric and neuroendocrine syndromes. In the present study, we aimed to find the functional networks influenced by the time-dependent silencing of WFS1 in HEK cells. We performed whole genome gene expression profiling (Human Gene 1.0 ST Arrays) in HEK cells 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after transfection with three different WFS1 siRNAs. To verify silencing we performed quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Analysis was conducted in two ways. First we analyzed the overall effect of the siRNA treatment on the gene expression profile. As a next step we performed time-course analysis separately for different siRNAs and combined for all siRNAs. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis confirmed clear silencing of the expression of WFS1 after 48 h. Significant (FDR value <10%) changes in the expression of 11 genes was identified with most of these genes being related to the mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Time-course analysis confirmed significant correlations between WFS1 silencing and changes in the expression profiles of several genes. The pathways that were influenced significantly by WFS1 silencing were related to mitochondrial damage and neurodegenerative diseases. Our findings suggest a role of WFS1 gene in cell survival and its involvement in degenerative diseases.
CT and MR Studies of Giant Dermoid Cyst Associated to Fat Dissemination at the Cortical and Cisternal Cerebral Spaces
Authors: D'Amore Alessandro , Borderi Alessandro , Chiaramonte Rita , Conte Giorgio , Chiaramonte Ignazio , Albanese Vincenzo
Published: January 2013

This study focuses on CT and MR studies of adult patient with giant lesion of the posterior cranial fossa associated with micro- and macroaccumulations with density and signal like “fat” at the level of the cortical and cisternal cerebral spaces. This condition is compatible with previous asymptomatic ruptured dermoid cyst. Histological findings confirm the hypothesis formulated using the imaging. We also integrate elements of differential diagnosis by another giant lesion of the posterior cranial fossa.
Altered Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Contributes to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Leptin-Deficient Ob/Ob Mice
Authors: Perfield James W. , Ortinau Laura C. , Pickering R. Taylor , Ruebel Meghan L. , Meers Grace M. , Rector R. Scott
Published: January 2013

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and abnormal hepatic lipid metabolism; however, the precise regulation of these processes remains poorly understood. Here we examined genes and proteins involved in hepatic oxidation and lipogenesis in 14-week-old leptin-deficient Ob/Ob mice, a commonly studied model of obesity and hepatic steatosis. Obese Ob/Ob mice had increased fasting glucose, insulin, and calculated HOMA-IR as compared with lean wild-type (WT) mice. Ob/Ob mice also had greater liver weights, hepatic triglyceride (TG) content, and markers ofde novolipogenesis, including increased hepatic gene expression and protein content of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), as well as elevated gene expression of PPARγand SREBP-1c compared with WT mice. While hepatic mRNA levels for PGC-1α, PPARα, and TFAM were elevated in Ob/Ob mice, measures of mitochondrial function (β-HAD activity and complete (to CO2) and total mitochondrial palmitate oxidation) and mitochondrial OXPHOS protein subunits I, III, and V content were significantly reduced compared with WT animals. In summary, reduced hepatic mitochondrial content and function and an upregulation inde novolipogenesis contribute to obesity-associated NAFLD in the leptin-deficient Ob/Ob mouse.
Higher Cortisol Predicts Less Improvement in Verbal Memory Performance after Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Saleem Mahwesh , Herrmann Nathan , Swardfager Walter , Oh Paul I. , Shammi Prathiba , Koren Gideon , Van Uum Stan , Kiss Alexander , Lanctôt Krista L.
Published: January 2013

Objective. While physical activity can improve verbal memory performance in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD), there is large variability in response. Elevated cortisol production has been suggested to negatively affect verbal memory performance, yet cortisol concentrations have not been assessed as a predictor of response to exercise intervention in those with CAD.Methods. CAD patients participating in a one-year cardiac rehabilitation program were recruited. Memory was assessed with the California Verbal Learning Test second edition at baseline and one year. Cortisol was measured from a 20 mg, 3.0 cm hair sample collected at baseline.Results. In patients with CAD (n=56, mean ± SD age = 66±11, 86% male), higher cortisol (hair cortisol concentrations ≥ 153.2 ng/g) significantly predicted less memory improvement (F1,50=5.50,P=0.02) when controlling for age (F1,50=0.17,P=0.68), gender (F1,50=2.51,P=0.12), maximal oxygen uptake (F1,50=1.88,P=0.18), and body mass index (F1,50=3.25,P=0.08).Conclusion. Prolonged hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis activation may interfere with exercise-related improvements in memory in CAD.
A Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Malignant Mesothelioma with Gene Medicine
Authors: Tada Yuji , Shimada Hideaki , Hiroshima Kenzo , Tagawa Masatoshi
Published: January 2013

Malignant mesothelioma, closely linked with occupational asbestos exposure, is relatively rare in the frequency, but the patient numbers are going to increase in the next few decades all over the world. The current treatment modalities are not effective in terms of the overall survival and the quality of life. Mesothelioma mainly develops in the thoracic cavity and infrequently metastasizes to extrapleural organs. A local treatment can thereby be beneficial to the patients, and gene therapy with an intrapleural administration of vectors is one of the potential therapeutics. Preclinical studies demonstrated the efficacy of gene medicine for mesothelioma, and clinical trials with adenovirus vectors showed the safety of an intrapleural injection and a possible involvement of antitumor immune responses. Nevertheless, low transduction efficiency remains the main hurdle that hinders further clinical applications. Moreover, rapid generation of antivector antibody also inhibits transgene expressions. In this paper, we review the current status of preclinical and clinical gene therapy for malignant mesothelioma and discuss potential clinical directions of gene medicine in terms of a combinatory use with anticancer agents and with immunotherapy.
Range-Free Localization Scheme in Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Bilateration
Authors: Chen Chi-Chang , Chang Chi-Yu , Li Yan-Nong
Published: January 2013

A low-cost yet effective localization scheme for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is presented in this study. The proposed scheme uses only two anchor nodes and uses bilateration to estimate the coordinates of unknown nodes. Many localization algorithms for WSNs require the installation of extra components, such as a GPS, ultrasonic transceiver, and unidirectional antenna, to sensors. The proposed localization scheme is range-free (i.e., not demanding any extra devices for the sensors). In this scheme, two anchor nodes are installed at the bottom-left corner (Sink X) and the bottom-right corner (Sink Y) of a square monitored region of the WSN. Sensors are identified with the same minimum hop counts pair to Sink X and Sink Y to form a zone, and the estimated location of each unknown sensor is adjusted according to its relative position in the zone. This study compares the proposed scheme with the well-known DV-Hop method. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme outperforms the DV-Hop method in localization accuracy, communication cost, and computational complexity.
Issues and Applications in Label-Free Quantitative Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lai Xianyin , Wang Lianshui , Witzmann Frank A.
Published: January 2013

To address the challenges associated with differential expression proteomics, label-free mass spectrometric protein quantification methods have been developed as alternatives to array-based, gel-based, and stable isotope tag or label-based approaches. In this paper, we focus on the issues associated with label-free methods that rely on quantitation based on peptide ion peak area measurement. These issues include chromatographic alignment, peptide qualification for quantitation, and normalization. In addressing these issues, we present various approaches, assembled in a recently developed label-free quantitative mass spectrometry platform, that overcome these difficulties and enable comprehensive, accurate, and reproducible protein quantitation in highly complex protein mixtures from experiments with many sample groups. As examples of the utility of this approach, we present a variety of cases where the platform was applied successfully to assess differential protein expression or abundance in body fluids, in vitro nanotoxicology models, tissue proteomics in genetic knock-in mice, and cell membrane proteomics.
Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of MCF10DCIS and SUM Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Barnabas Nandita , Cohen Dalia
Published: January 2013

We reviewed the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of MCF10DCIS.com and the SUM cell lines based on numerous studies performed over the years. The major signaling pathways that give rise to the phenotype of these cells may serve as a good resource of information when researchers in drug discovery and development use these cells to identify novel targets and biomarkers. Major signaling pathways and mutations affecting the coding sequence are also described providing important information when using these cells as a model in a variety of studies.
Molecular Signature of Cancer at Gene Level or Pathway Level? Case Studies of Colorectal Cancer and Prostate Cancer Microarray Data
Authors: Chen Jiajia , Wang Ying , Shen Bairong , Zhang Daqing
Published: January 2013

With recent advances in microarray technology, there has been a flourish in genome-scale identification of molecular signatures for cancer. However, the differentially expressed genes obtained by different laboratories are highly divergent. The present discrepancy at gene level indicates a need for a novel strategy to obtain more robust signatures for cancer. In this paper we hypothesize that (1) the expression signatures of different cancer microarray datasets are more similar at pathway level than at gene level; (2) the comparability of the cancer molecular mechanisms of different individuals is related to their genetic similarities. In support of the hypotheses, we summarized theoretical and experimental evidences, and conducted case studies on colorectal and prostate cancer microarray datasets. Based on the above assumption, we propose that reliable cancer signatures should be investigated in the context of biological pathways, within a cohort of genetically homogeneous population. It is hoped that the hypotheses can guide future research in cancer mechanism and signature discovery.
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Could Contribute to the Immunopathogenesis of Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Kondo Yasuteru , Ninomiya Masashi , Kakazu Eiji , Kimura Osamu , Shimosegawa Tooru
Published: January 2013

Various findings concerning the clinical significance of quantitative changes in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during the acute and chronic phase of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have been reported. In addition to being a biomarker of HBV-replication activity, it has been reported that HBsAg could contribute to the immunopathogenesis of HBV persistent infection. Moreover, HBsAg could become an attractive target for immune therapy, since the cellular and humeral immune response against HBsAg might be able to control the HBV replication and life cycle. However, several reports have described the immune suppressive function of HBsAg. HBsAg might suppress monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK), and natural killer T (NK-T) cells by direct interaction. On the other hand, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and helper T (Th) cells were exhausted by high amounts of HBsAg. In this paper, we focused on the immunological aspects of HBsAg, since better understanding of the interaction between HBsAg and immune cells could contribute to the development of an immune therapy as well as a biomarker of the state of HBV persistent infection.
Dual-Polarized Synthetic Antenna Array for GNSS Handheld Applications
Authors: Dehghanian V. , Broumandan A. , Zaheri M. , Nielsen J.
Published: January 2013

Small portable Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers have revolutionized personal navigation through providing real-time location information for mobile users. Nonetheless, signal fading due to multipath remains a formidable limitation and compromises the performance of GNSS receivers. Antenna diversity techniques, including spatial and polarization diversity, can be used to mitigate multipath fading; however, the relatively large size of the spatially distributed antenna system required is incompatible with the small physical size constraints of a GNSS handheld receiver. User mobility inevitably results in motion of the handset that can be exploited to achieve diversity gain through forming a spatially distributed synthetic array. Traditionally, such motion has been construed as detrimental as it decorrelates the received signal undermining the coherent integration processing gain generally necessary for acquiring weak faded GNSS signals. In this paper the processing gain enhancement resulting from a dual-polarized synthetic array antenna, compatible with size constraints of a small handset that takes advantage of any user imposed motion, is explored. Theoretical analysis and experimental verifications attest the effectiveness of the proposed dual-polarized synthetic array technique by demonstrating an improvement in the processing gain of the GNSS signal acquisition operation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ag2S Layers Formed on Polypropylene
Authors: Krylova Valentina , Dukštienė Nijolė
Published: January 2013

Silver sulphide, Ag2S, layers on the surface of polypropylene (PP) film was formed by chemical bath deposition method (CBD). Film samples were characterised by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The surface morphology, texture, and uniformity of the silver sulphide layers were formed on PP surface dependent on the number of polymer immersions in the precursor solution. XPS analysis confirmed that on the surface of the polypropylene film, a layer of Ag2S was formed. ATR‐FTIR and FTIR spectra analysis showed that the surface of Ag2S layers is slightly oxidized. All prepared layers gave multiple XRD reflections, corresponding to monoclinic Ag2S (acanthite). The Ag2S layer on polypropylene was characterized as an Ag+ ion selective electrode in terms of potential response and detection limit. The electrode was also tested as an end‐point electrode for argentometric titration of thiamine hydrochloride.
“Drivers” of Translational Cancer Epidemiology in the 21st Century: Needs and Opportunities
Authors: Lam Tram Kim , Spitz Margaret , Schully Sheri D. , Khoury Muin J.
Published: January 2013

Cancer epidemiology is at the cusp of a paradigm shift—propelled by an urgent need to accelerate the pace of translating scientific discoveries into health care and population health benefits. As part of a strategic planning process for cancer epidemiologic research, the Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program (EGRP) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is leading a “longitudinal” meeting with members of the research community to engage in an on-going dialogue to help shape and invigorate the field. Here, we review a translational framework influenced by “drivers” that we believe have begun guiding cancer epidemiology toward translation in the past few years and are most likely to drive the field further in the next decade. The drivers include: (i) collaboration and team science, (ii) technology, (iii) multilevel analyses and interventions, and (iv) knowledge integration from basic, clinical, and population sciences. Using the global prevention of cervical cancer as an example of a public health endeavor to anchor the conversation, we discuss how these drivers can guide epidemiology from discovery to population health impact, along the translational research continuum. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(2); 181–8. ©2013 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: Hepatitis C Virus, CXCL10, and the Inflammatory Road to Liver Cancer
Authors: Brownell Jessica , Polyak Stephen J.
Published: January 2013

An estimated 170 million people worldwide are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is characterized histologically by a persistent immune and inflammatory response that fails to clear HCV from hepatocytes. This response is recruited to the liver, in part, by the chemokine CXCL10, the serum and intrahepatic levels of which have been inversely linked to the outcome of interferon-based therapies for hepatitis C. Bystander tissue damage from this ineffective response is thought to lead to increased hepatocyte turnover and the development of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, CXCL10 is traditionally viewed as an orchestrator of the angiostatic and antitumor immune response. In this review, we will explore this duality and the pathways by which CXCL10 is produced by hepatocytes during HCV infection, its effects on resident and infiltrating immune cells, and how deregulation of these cell populations within the liver may lead to chronic liver inflammation. We will also discuss potential host-directed therapies to slow or reverse HCV-induced inflammation that leads to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCCs. Clin Cancer Res; 19(6); 1347–52. ©2012 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: Current Role and Future Directions of the Retinoic Acid Pathway in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Connolly Roisin M. , Nguyen Nguyen K. , Sukumar Saraswati
Published: January 2013

Retinoids and their naturally metabolized and synthetic products (e.g., all-trans retinoic acid, 13-cis retinoic acid, bexarotene) induce differentiation in various cell types. Retinoids exert their actions mainly through binding to the nuclear retinoic acid receptors (α, β, γ), which are transcriptional and homeostatic regulators with functions that are often compromised early in neoplastic transformation. The retinoids have been investigated extensively for their use in cancer prevention and treatment. Success has been achieved with their use in the treatment of subtypes of leukemia harboring chromosomal translocations. Promising results have been observed in the breast cancer prevention setting, where fenretinide prevention trials have provided a strong rationale for further investigation in young women at high risk for breast cancer. Ongoing phase III randomized trials investigating retinoids in combination with chemotherapy in non–small cell lung cancer aim to definitively characterize the role of retinoids in this tumor type. The limited treatment success observed to date in the prevention and treatment of solid tumors may relate to the frequent epigenetic silencing of RARβ. Robust evaluation of RARβ and downstream genes may permit optimized use of retinoids in the solid tumor arena. Clin Cancer Res; 19(7); 1651–9. ©2013 AACR.
Tenovin-D3, a Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Sirtuin SirT2, Increases p21 (CDKN1A) Expression in a p53-Independent Manner
Authors: McCarthy Anna R. , Sachweh Marijke C.C. , Higgins Maureen , Campbell Johanna , Drummond Catherine J. , van Leeuwen Ingeborg M.M. , Pirrie Lisa , Ladds Marcus J.G.W. , Westwood Nicholas J. , Laín Sonia
Published: January 2013

While small-molecule inhibitors of class I/II histone deacetylases (HDAC) have been approved for cancer treatment, inhibitors of the sirtuins (a family of class III HDACs) still require further validation and optimization to enter clinical trials. Recent studies show that tenovin-6, a small-molecule inhibitor of sirtuins SirT1 and SirT2, reduces tumor growth in vivo and eliminates leukemic stem cells in a murine model for chronic myelogenous leukemia. Here, we describe a tenovin analogue, tenovin-D3, that preferentially inhibits sirtuin SirT2 and induces predicted phenotypes for SirT2 inhibition. Unlike tenovin-6 and in agreement with its weak effect on SirT1 (a p53 deacetylase), tenovin-D3 fails to increase p53 levels or transcription factor activity. However, tenovin-D3 promotes expression of the cell-cycle regulator and p53 target p21WAF1/CIP1 (CDKN1A) in a p53-independent manner. Structure–activity relationship studies strongly support that the ability of tenovin-D3 to inhibit SirT2 contributes to this p53-independent induction of p21. The ability of tenovin-D3 to increase p21 mRNA and protein levels is shared with class I/II HDAC inhibitors currently used in the clinic and therefore suggests that SirT2 inhibition and class I/II HDAC inhibitors have similar effects on cell-cycle progression. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(4); 352–60. ©2013 AACR.
Expression of ER-α36, a Novel Variant of Estrogen Receptor in Endometrial Carcinoma and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Sun Lifang , Wang Jianliu , Zhang Lili , Li Xiaoping , Shen Danhua
Published: January 2013

Objective: Estrogen receptor-α36 (ER-α36), a newly identified variant of ER-α, is predominantly membrane-based and mainly mediates nongenomic estrogen signaling. In this study, we investigated the expression of ER-α36 in human endometrial carcinoma tissues to understand the relationship between its expression and clinicopathological characteristics. Methods: ER-α36 expression was assessed by immunostaining in 73 endometrial carcinomas, 20 normal endometrial tissues, and 9 with atypical endometrial hyperplasia. Correlations between ER-α36 protein expression and clinicopathological characteristics were investigated. Results: The expression of ER-α36 in endometrial carcinoma tissues was significantly lower than in normal endometrial tissues and atypical hyperplasia (p < 0.01). ER-α36-negative tissues were significantly more likely than ER-α36-positive tumors to have tumor involvement of the cervix (p < 0.05). The disease-free survival rate of patients with ER-α36 expression was poorer than that of those who were negative for ER-α36 expression (p < 0.01). There was no significant relationship between ER-α36 expression and patient age, surgical staging, histological differentiation, myometrial invasion, lymph node metastasis, and pathological types (p > 0.05). Conclusions: ER-α36 may be an important biomarker for diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment choice in endometrial carcinoma.
Prognostic Role of Heart Rate Variability in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated by Primary Angioplasty
Authors: Coviello Ilaria , Pinnacchio Gaetano , Laurito Marianna , Stazi Alessandra , Battipaglia Irma , Barone Lucy , Mollo Roberto , Russo Giulio , Villano Angelo , Sestito Alfonso , Lanza Gaetano Antonio , Crea Filippo
Published: January 2013

Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess the prognostic value of heart rate variability (HRV) in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and optimal medical therapy. Methods: We enrolled 182 consecutive patients with a first STEMI (59.1 ± 11 years; 82.4% men) treated by primary PTCA. HRV was assessed on 24-hour Holter ECG recordings before discharge and 1 and 6 months after discharge. The primary end point was the occurrence of major clinical events (MCE), defined as death or new acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Results: At a follow-up of 42 ± 23 months, MCE occurred in 14 patients (7.6%; 3 deaths and 11 re-AMIs). HRV parameters before discharge were significantly lower in patients with MCE, with standard deviation of all RR intervals (SDNN) and very low frequency and low frequency (LF) amplitude being the most predictive variables. HRV assessed at follow-up instead did not significantly predict MCE. At multivariate analysis, only SDNN (HR 0.97; p = 0.02) and LF (HR 0.90; p = 0.04) remained significantly associated with MCE. Lower tertile SDNN and LF values were associated with a multivariate HR of 3.91 (p = 0.015) and of 2.92 (p = 0.048), respectively. Similar results were observed considering re-AMI only as the end point. Conclusions: In STEMI patients treated by PTCA, HRV assessed before discharge was an independent predictor of MCE and re-AMI.
Automation of Bone Age Reading and a New Prediction Model Improve Adult Height Prediction in Children with Short Stature
Authors: Unrath Marina , Thodberg Hans Henrik , Schweizer Roland , Ranke Michael B. , Binder Gerhard , Martin David D.
Published: January 2013

Aim: A new method (BX AHP) for adult height prediction (AHP), based on automated bone age (BoneXpert®, here called autBA) assessment, has been developed and validated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of autBA and BX AHP in comparison with manual Greulich-Pyle bone age (manBA) and Bayley-Pinneau AHP (BP AHP) in children with untreated idiopathic short stature (ISS; including familial short stature and constitutional delay of growth and puberty). Materials and Methods: We acquired the adult height of 190 patients (123 boys and 67 girls) with ISS and 448 (303 male and 135 female) X-rays of their left hand. Results: Mean adult height was 168 ± 6 cm for boys and 155 ± 7 cm for girls. The root mean square error of AHP using BP AHP was 6.35 cm for boys and 4.55 cm for girls. BX AHP using autBA achieved 4.71 cm for boys (p = 0.0013) and 3.72 cm for girls (0.04); including parent’s height improved its root mean square error to 4.46 cm (0.0001) for boys and 3.35 cm (0.02) for girls. Conclusion: The new AHP model performed significantly better than the BP AHP model. Including parental height further improved the performance of AHP.
Staged Versus One-time Complete Revascularization With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease Patients Without ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hannan Edward L. , Samadashvili Zaza , Walford Gary , Jacobs Alice K. , Stamato Nicholas J. , Venditti Ferdinand J. , Holmes David R. , Sharma Samin , King Spencer B.
Published: January 2013

Background—

There are evidence-based guidelines for staging of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but we are not aware of any evidence comparing the strategy of complete revascularization (CR) with PCI in the index admission versus the strategy of staging in a subsequent admission for patients with coronary artery disease without STEMI.

Methods and Results—

PCI patients without STEMI undergoing PCI in New York between 2007 and 2009 were separated into 2 groups: those with acute coronary syndrome but no STEMI, and those without acute coronary syndrome. For each group, patients who underwent CR in the index admission were then propensity matched to patients staged within 60 days to obtain CR based on 17 patient risk factors related to longer-term mortality, and 3-year mortality rates were compared for the propensity-matched groups. Outcomes were also compared for preselected subgroups. For propensity-matched patients without acute coronary syndrome, the all-cause mortality rates at 3 years for patients who underwent CR in the index hospitalization and patients staged for CR within 60 days of discharge were 5.62% and 5.97%,
P
=0.93, respectively. For propensity-matched patients with acute coronary syndrome but without STEMI, the all-cause mortality rates at 3 years for patients who underwent CR in the index hospitalization and patients staged for CR within 60 days of discharge were 6.59% and 5.92%,
P
=0.41, respectively.

Conclusions—

Patients with coronary artery disease without STEMI do not have significantly lower 3-year mortality rates with staged PCI than when they undergo CR in the index admission.
Medial Premotor Cortex Shows a Reduction in Inhibitory Markers and Mediates Recovery in a Mouse Model of Focal Stroke
Authors: Zeiler Steven R. , Gibson Ellen M. , Hoesch Robert E. , Li Ming Y. , Worley Paul F. , O’Brien Richard J. , Krakauer John W.
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—

Motor recovery after ischemic stroke in primary motor cortex is thought to occur in part through training-enhanced reorganization in undamaged premotor areas, enabled by reductions in cortical inhibition. Here we used a mouse model of focal cortical stroke and a double-lesion approach to test the idea that a medial premotor area (medial agranular cortex [AGm]) reorganizes to mediate recovery of prehension, and that this reorganization is associated with a reduction in inhibitory interneuron markers.

Methods—

C57Bl/6 mice were trained to perform a skilled prehension task to an asymptotic level of performance after which they underwent photocoagulation-induced stroke in the caudal forelimb area. The mice were then retrained and inhibitory interneuron immunofluorescence was assessed in prechosen, anatomically defined neocortical areas. Mice then underwent a second photocoagulation-induced stroke in AGm.

Results—

Focal caudal forelimb area stroke led to a decrement in skilled prehension. Training-associated recovery of prehension was associated with a reduction in parvalbumin, calretinin, and calbindin expression in AGm. Subsequent infarction of AGm led to reinstatement of the original deficit.

Conclusions—

We conclude that with training, AGm can reorganize after a focal motor stroke and serve as a new control area for prehension. Reduced inhibition may represent a marker for reorganization or it is necessary for reorganization to occur. Our mouse model, with all of the attendant genetic benefits, may allow us to determine at the cellular and molecular levels how behavioral training and endogenous plasticity interact to mediate recovery.
Bionomina, a forum for the discussion of nomenclatural and terminological issues in biology
Authors: DUBOIS Alain
Published: January 2013

Science is an encounter between reality and language. It is based on objects and facts, apprehended through observation and experimentation, and on descriptive, predictive and explanatory concepts, models and theories, expressed through language. Accurate, unambiguous and universal communication is crucial for science to operate and develop. As well stated by clear-sighted scientists and historians of science like Ernst Mayr, an important, although often underrated, ground of disagreement, or of false agreement, among scientists, is the terminology they use. Not rarely, different colleagues or schools of thought erroneously think they disagree (or agree), simply because they use different terms for the same concept, or the same term for different concepts. Therefore scientific terms, i.e., simple words, play a crucial role in the scientific activity. This is particularly true of biology, particularly of the fields that deal with the comparative and
Constant Duméril’s Zoologie Analytique was published in 1805
Authors: BOUR Roger
Published: January 2013

André Marie Constant Duméril (1774–1860) was at first an anatomist: on August 7, 1799, he was appointed chief of the anatomical works at the Paris Faculty of Medicine. As such, he helped Georges Cuvier in his anatomical researches, and from 1797 onwards he copied out his lectures; later, starting from 1802, he took the place of Cuvier to teach Natural History. Cuvier was grateful and stimulated him to work at the Paris Museum. Cuvier was convincing and effective: on June 16, 1803, he could offer Duméril a position as assistant of Lacepède1, who was head of the herpetological and ichthyological department of zoology. In his turn, Duméril had to be thankful, and he wrote a Traité d’Histoire Naturelle (1804), in which his “friend” Cuvier was greatly acknowledged; the author made clear that this work was a Cuvier’s “order”.
Introducing the Draft BioCode (2011)
Authors: HAWKSWORTH David L.
Published: January 2013

As information on the world’s biota becomes increasingly integrated across different groups of organisms, from bacteria and fungi to animals and plants, there is a concomitant rising need for a consistent and harmonized approach to the regulation of scientific names. The BioCode initiative represents a concerted effort, by biologists intimately involved in the operation of the current system of separate codes, to devise a unified approach to the future naming of organisms of all kinds. This need has become pressing in view of common issues that the separate organismal codes now have to address, consequent on the rapid changes taking place in global informatics, database architecture, molecular systematics and ecology, and electronic publication.
A zoologist’s viewpoint on the Draft BioCode
Authors: DUBOIS Alain
Published: January 2013

The Draft BioCode (DBC) is the result of an attempt at unifying the nomenclatural Rules currently in force in different taxonomic domains (mostly zoology and botany), which are the result of a long historical process during which they have widely diverged in several important respects. The proposals of the DBC tend to extend several basic concepts and idiosyncrasies of botanical nomenclature to other fields, mostly zoological nomenclature. This is unfortunate, as in several cases the zoological Rules can be argued to be more appropriate, especially to meet the new challenges that biological nomenclature will be facing in the 21st century. The DBC is not ripe and its implementation in its present form should not be accepted by the international community of taxonomists, and particularly by zoologists. Among the many problems that would remain to solve before considering this possibility, the following ones are particularly stressed here: (1) the need of a better plan for this document and of a better technical terminology for nomenclatural concepts and tools; (2) the abandonment of absolute ranks and their replacement by relative ranks in the frame of a small number of nominal-series within which a Principle of Coordination is in force; (3) the adoption of more precise, stringent and unambiguous Rules for the nomenclature of higher taxa of the class-series; (4) the dissociation, in the nomenclatural process, between the stage of creation of nomina and that of their registration, which should not be compulsory; (5) the suppression of all prescriptions regarding the use of any language in taxonomic and nomenclatural publications; (6) the need of more stringent Rules for homonymy between “similar” nomina.
Signs and terminology: Science caught between language and perception
Authors: VOGT Lars M.
Published: January 2013

After briefly discussing various problems that can result from linguistic ambiguities, I attempt to provide an introduction and overview of various aspects and theories that are relevant to scientific terminology. These include a general semiotics (i.e., theory of signs), the distinction of semantic conceptual content and aesthetic nonconceptual content and their relationship to each other, a discussion of different types of scientific concepts (e.g., essentialistic and cluster classes, natural kinds, type approach), and the importance of specifying epistemological recognition criteria for empirical concepts in addition to their ontological theoretical definitions and the specification of contexts in which the concepts are used and on which theories they depend upon. I then provide a distinction of raw data, data, metadata, information and knowledge, and discuss the relation between images and data and how efforts to standardize data and metadata can affect scientific terminology. I briefly introduce new methods and techniques for increasing semantic transparency and communicability in science, which include the organization and the management of scientific terms within taxonomies, and their formal representation in ontologies. The usefulness of terminological standardization and its possible negative effects on scientific progress is then discussed, and finally the question is addressed of whether one can distinguish types of terminologies that benefit from standardization from those that could suffer from it.
Nomenclature, terminology and language
Authors: EPSTEIN Mark
Published: January 2013

It is this paper’s intention to provide one perspective on some of the debates, theories and proposals relating to meaning, formalization, rigor (which I argue is not necessarily identical to precision), precision, reference and naming as they relate to nomenclature and terminology. I argue that resorting to formal and machine languages in an attempt to “fix” or “stabilize” the semantics of natural languages is not always a successful or desirable strategy. A careful examination of the practical relationship(s) between reference and semantics, the process of the genesis of meaning, helps one to understand how the logical premises for the pursuit of certain kinds of mechanical formalization strategies are faulty. An attentive use of existing natural languages, in conjunction with parsimonious and concise practices in the areas of nomenclature and terminology, can probably achieve reasonable levels of precision. It also may help avoid excessive proliferation of overlapping, partially redundant, metalanguages, knowledge representations, ontologies, etc., that all attempt to redefine standards for nomenclature and taxonomy, without necessarily confronting the problems (which lie at the foundation of many issues in the philosophy at language) at the root of the alleged “fuzziness” of many concepts generated with the use of natural languages. A relatively short set of practical proposals concludes the essay.
A new species of Lathrobium Gravenhorst (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae) from Shaanxi, Central China
Authors: PENG ZHONG , LI LI-ZHEN , ZHAO MEI-JUN
Published: January 2013

Lathrobium mawenliae sp. n. from the Qinling Shan, Shaanxi, Central China is described and illustrated.
Contrasting Impacts of Two Types of ENSO on the Boreal Spring Hadley Circulation
Authors: Feng Juan , Li Jianping
Published: January 2013

The possible influences of two types of ENSO [i.e., the canonical ENSO and ENSO Modoki (EM)] on Hadley circulation (HC) during the boreal spring are investigated during 1979–2010. El Niño events are featured with a symmetric pattern in equatorial zonal-mean sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA), with a maximum around the equator. In contrast, the zonal-mean SSTA associated with El Niño Modoki events shows an asymmetric structure with a maximum around 10°N. The contrasting underlying thermal structures corresponding with ENSO and EM have opposite impacts on the simultaneous HC. In El Niño years, a symmetric anomalous meridional circulation is seen, with enhanced rising around the equator and anomalous descent at about 15°N and 20°S. In contrast, an asymmetric equatorial meridional circulation is observed for El Niño Modoki years, with anomalous ascent around 10°N and descent at about 10°S and 20°N. The contrasting meridional circulation anomalies within ENSO and EM are caused by their different meridional SSTA structure. This result is theoretically explained, indicating that anomalous meridional circulation is subject to the meridional SSTA gradient. Moreover, the observed results are reproduced in numerical experiments driven by anomalous warming in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean. Thus, the authors conclude that the anomalous HC linked to ENSO and EM is induced by the accompanying meridional gradient in zonal-mean SSTA.
Leading Modes of the Upper-Ocean Temperature Interannual Variability along the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean in NCEP GODAS
Authors: Hu Zeng-Zhen , Kumar Arun , Huang Bohua , Zhu Jieshun
Published: January 2013

In this work, the authors analyze the physical mechanisms of interannual variability of the upper-ocean temperature anomaly (OTA) in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, using ocean reanalysis from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Ocean Data Assimilation System. The variability of equatorial Atlantic OTA is dominated by two leading modes. The first mode is characterized by same-sign variation along the thermocline with pronounced amplitude in the central and eastern equatorial Atlantic. This mode represents the modulation of the overall thermocline depth at the equator generated by net heat convergence in the equatorial ocean, with heat content first accumulated mainly in the off-equatorial northwestern Atlantic in response to anomalous wind curl associated with Atlantic meridional mode.

The second leading mode shows an opposite variation between the western and eastern Atlantic. This mode is mainly driven by the zonal wind stress fluctuation confined in the southwestern tropical and equatorial Atlantic and reflects the equatorial balanced response between the zonal slope of the equatorial thermocline depth and the atmospheric zonal wind variations with pronounced surface wind and ocean anomalies in the southwestern and equatorial ocean. The different characteristics of these two modes suggest that they may occur independently. In fact, evolution of the two leading modes is approximately in quadrature, and they may also occur in sequence on interannual time scales. The two leading mode-associated air–sea interaction processes suggest that the Atlantic meridional mode and zonal mode are statistically and physically connected in their evolution.
Modeling turbo-expander systems
Authors: Jelodar Mehdi Taleshian , Rastegar Hasan , Abyaneh Hossein Askarian
Published: January 2013

Turbo-expander systems have long been used instead of regulators, but they have recently received attention as a driving medium for power electrical generators. These systems typically replace the regulator valves that reduce the gas pressure in gas distribution networks. As a generator, however, its turbine generates mechanical power that can be considered as a new source for dispersed generation. To study the dynamics of turbo-expander systems, we first introduce a detailed model that incorporates components such as the preheater, reheater, nozzle angle, and the turbine. This model is validated using empirical data collected from thermo-dynamic analysis. To be specific, we also investigated the effects of using a variable-angle nozzle versus a fixed-angle nozzle turbine. As an application in distribution networks, we looked into the use of turbo-expander driven generators as highly efficient components. The dynamic behavior and transient stability of such generators are thoroughly analyzed for disturbances in either mechanical or electrical parts using the proposed model.
Osseointegrated Hearing Implant Surgery: Outcomes Using a Minimal Soft Tissue Removal Technique
Authors: Hawley Karen , Haberkamp Thomas J.
Published: January 2013

Objectives

(1) To report on the results and complications arising from using a minimal tissue removal procedure for the placement of an osseointegrated hearing implant. (2) To comment on the advantages and disadvantages for this technique compared to current standard techniques.

Study Design

Case series with chart review; 2008‐2010.

Setting

Tertiary care facility.

Subjects and Methods

All consecutive patients undergoing osseointegrated hearing implant surgery with a minimal tissue removal technique were reviewed. Technique: A small incision (1.5 cm) with little to no soft tissue (fat only) removal with good skin to periosteum fixation after placement of implant and abutment.

Results

Thirty‐one adults were assessed (aged 18‐86, range of follow‐up 3‐45 months). No patients experienced hair loss, significant numbness, cosmetic defects, or intraoperative or audiologic complications. Eight patients required some combination of antibiotic ointment, steroid ointment, and/or oral antibiotic for mild erythema around the abutment, and 3 patients required soft tissue revision. Five children under the age of 18 were also assessed. One of these patients required soft tissue revision in the operating room and 1 required removal of the implant.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated comparable outcomes to other surgical techniques with less cosmetic and other associated complaints. This study indicates that a less invasive approach for the surgical implantation of the osseointegrated auditory implant may have merit.
Flexural Properties of Native and Tissue‐Engineered Human Septal Cartilage
Authors: Caffrey Jason P. , Kushnaryov Anton M. , Reuther Marsha S. , Wong Van W. , Briggs Kristen K. , Masuda Koichi , Sah Robert L. , Watson Deborah
Published: January 2013

Objective

To determine and compare the bending moduli of native and engineered human septal cartilage.

Study Design

Prospective, basic science.

Setting

Research laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Neocartilage constructs were fabricated from expanded human septal chondrocytes cultured in differentiation medium for 10 weeks. Constructs (n = 10) and native septal cartilage (n = 5) were tested in a 3‐point bending apparatus, and the bending moduli were calculated using Euler‐Bernoulli beam theory.

Results

All samples were tested successfully and returned to their initial shape after unloading. The bending modulus of engineered constructs (0.32 ± 0.25 MPa, mean ± SD) was 16% of that of native septal cartilage (1.97 ± 1.25 MPa).

Conclusion

Human septal constructs, fabricated from cultured human septal chondrocytes, are more compliant in bending than native human septal tissue. The bending modulus of engineered septal cartilage can be measured, and this modulus provides a useful measure of construct rigidity while undergoing maturation relative to native tissue.
Acceptance of open source software amongst Thai users: an integrated model approach
Authors: Bhatiasevi Veera , Krairit Donyaprueth
Published: January 2013

This research is one of the first few to investigate the acceptance of open source software in the context of developing countries, in this case Thailand. It also proposes a comprehensive model that integrates individual, social, and software characteristics to measure the acceptance of open source software. Based on the three-pronged approach, the study puts forward an integrated model consisting of the extended technology model, the innovation diffusion theory and software characteristics. A full-scale field survey of 1,005 open source software users was undertaken and both convergent and discriminant validities were conducted. The results of the structural equation modeling illustrate that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, intention to use, output quality, compatibility, software functionality, and software maintainability have a statistically positive relationship with open source software acceptance. Contrary to most studies, which did not find a positive relationship between visibility and trialability towards the acceptance of open source software, it is interesting to observe that this study did find a positive relationship. Conclusions and discussions of the findings, and their academic and practical implications are also presented.