bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SESAME
Authors: Yang Dingqi , Zhang Daqing , Yu Zhiyong , Yu Zhiwen , Zeghlache Djamal
Published: December 2014

With the recent popularity of social network services, a significant volume of heterogeneous social media data is generated by users, in the form of texts, photos, videos and collections of points of interest, etc. Such social media data provides users with rich resources for exploring content, such as looking for an interesting video or a favorite point of interest. However, the rapid growth of social media causes difficulties for users to efficiently retrieve their desired media items. Fortunately, users' digital footprints on social networks such as comments massively reflect individual's fine-grained preference on media items, that is, preference on different aspects of the media content, which can then be used for personalized social media search. In this article, we propose SESAME, a fine-grained preference-aware social media search framework leveraging user digital footprints on social networks. First, we collect users' direct feedback on media content from their social networks. Second, we extract users' sentiment about the media content and the associated keywords from their comments to characterize their fine-grained preference. Third, we propose a parallel multituple based ranking tensor factorization algorithm to perform the personalized media item ranking by incorporating two unique features, viz., integrating an enhanced bootstrap sampling method by considering user activeness and adopting stochastic gradient descent parallelization techniques. We experimentally evaluate the SESAME framework using two datasets collected from Foursquare and YouTube, respectively. The results show that SESAME can subtly capture user preference on social media items and consistently outperform baseline approaches by achieving better personalized ranking quality.
Effect of inhaled carbon dioxide on laryngeal abduction
Authors: Cheetham Jonathan , Jones Amanda , Martin-Flores Manuel
Published: December 2014

Hypercapnia produces a profound effect on respiratory drive and upper airway function to maintain airway patency. Previous work has evaluated the effects of hypercapnia on the sole arytenoid abductor, the posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA), using indirect measures of function, such as electromyography and direct nerve recording. Here we describe a novel method to evaluate PCA function in anesthetized animals and use this method to determine the effects of hypercapnia on PCA function. Eight dogs were anesthetized, and a laryngeal mask airway was used, in combination with high-speed videoendoscopy, to evaluate laryngeal function. A stepwise increase in inspired partial pressure of CO2produced marked arytenoid abduction above 70-mmHg end-tidal CO2(ETCO2) ( P < 0.001). Glottic length increased above 80-mmHg ETCO2( P < 0.02), and this lead to underrepresentation of changes in glottic area, if standard measures of glottic area (normalized glottic gap area) were used. Use of a known scale to determine absolute glottic area demonstrated no plateau with increasing ETCO2up to 120 mmHg. Ventilatory parameters also continued to increase with no evidence of a maximal response. In a second anesthetic episode, repeated bursts of transient hypercapnia for 60 s with an ETCO2of 90 mmHg produced a 43–55% increase in glottic area ( P < 0.001) at or shortly after the end of the hypercapnic burst. A laryngeal mask airway can be used in combination with videoendoscopy to precisely determine changes in laryngeal dimensions with high temporal resolution. Absolute glottic area more precisely represents PCA function than normalized glottic gap area at moderate levels of hypercapnia.
Nature of C-(A)-S-H Phases Formed in the Reaction Bentonite/Portlandite
Authors: Fernández Raúl , González Lorena , Ruiz Ana Isabel , Cuevas Jaime
Published: December 2014

Reactions between bentonite/montmorillonite and portlandite have been studied in the context of the engineered barriers of a purpose built repository for the deep geological disposal of spent fuel and high-level radioactive wastes. Portlandite was selected as the representative material of cement leaching in the early alkaline stage expected in a repository when conventional Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is used. Eight different batch experiments were performed for a reaction time near to two months, including bentonite or montmorillonite at montmorillonite/portlandite molar ratios of 2 : 1 and 3 : 1 under hydrothermal conditions. Temperatures of reactions were maintained constant at either 60 or 120°C. Calcium silicates hydrates with limited substitution of Al for Si (C-(A)-S-H phases with Al/Si <0.3) were formed with different structures and compositions as a function of the reaction conditions. Orthorhombic 11 Å-tobermorite-type phase was detected in experiments at 120°C while a more disordered monoclinic tobermorite formed at 60°C. These results are useful for the interpretation of experimental data in more complex experiments using concrete or cement pastes and bentonite, where C-(A)-S-H phases of variable compositions can precipitate, in addition to the characteristic cement hydrates and other secondary minerals carbonates.
Leaching of Chromium, Copper, and Arsenic from CCA-Treated Utility Poles
Authors: Coles Cynthia A. , Arisi Joseph A. , Organ Marion , Veinott Geoff I.
Published: December 2014

Concentrations of Cu, Cr, and As in soils surrounding 26 Douglas Fir Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) treated utility poles and in rainwater runoff from a new CCA treated utility pole segment (log) suspended outside in a cylinder were studied. The age of the utility poles, distances from the poles, rainfall amounts, and characteristics of soil samples including cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, and total organic carbon (TOC) were considered. Heavier rainfall, damp conditions, and more weathered poles contributed to the greatest leaching of Cu, Cr, and As. The maximum measured soil concentrations of Cu, Cr, and As were 37.5, 65.5, and 38.9 mmol/kg and maximum Cu, Cr, and As concentrations in rainwater run-off were 14, 77.7 and 55.8 μmol/L. Metal concentrations decreased with distance from the poles and, except at one utility pole location, Cu was the most leached of the three elements. The As appeared to have greater mobility in the soil than the Cr. Along the transmission line nearest the coast and from which the greatest amount of samples was collected, soil CEC and TOC values were the highest and the CEC and TOC were directly and strongly correlated.
Reducing TRPC1 Expression through Liposome-Mediated siRNA Delivery Markedly Attenuates Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in a Murine Model
Authors: Sun Cheuk-Kwan , Zhen Yen-Yi , Lu Hung-I , Sung Pei-Hsun , Chang Li-Teh , Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Sheu Jiunn-Jye , Chen Yung-Lung , Chua Sarah , Chang Hsueh-Wen , Chen Yi-Ling , Lee Fan-Yen , Yip Hon-Kan
Published: December 2014

We tested the hypothesis that Lipofectamine siRNA delivery to deplete transient receptor potential cation channel (TRPC) 1 protein expression can suppress hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in mice. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were equally divided into group 1 (normal controls), group 2 (hypoxia), and group 3 (hypoxia + siRNA TRPC1). By day 28, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), number of muscularized arteries, right ventricle (RV), and lung weights were increased in group 2 than in group 1 and reduced in group 3 compared with group 2. Pulmonary crowded score showed similar pattern, whereas number of alveolar sacs exhibited an opposite pattern compared to that of RVSP in all groups. Protein expressions of TRPCs, HIF-1α, Ku-70, apoptosis, and fibrosis and pulmonary mRNA expressions of inflammatory markers were similar pattern, whereas protein expressions of antifibrosis and VEGF were opposite to the pattern of RVSP. Cellular markers of pulmonary DNA damage, repair, and smooth muscle proliferation exhibited a pattern similar to that of RVSP. The mRNA expressions of proapoptotic and hypertrophy biomarkers displayed a similar pattern, whereas sarcomere length showed an opposite pattern compared to that of RVSP in all groups. Lipofectamine siRNA delivery effectively reduced TRPC1 expression, thereby attenuating PAH-associated RV and pulmonary arteriolar remodeling.
A Low-Power Voltage Limiter/Regulator IC in Standard Thick-Oxide 130 nm CMOS for Inductive Power Transfer Application
Authors: Lapshev Stepan , Hasan S. M. Rezaul
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a novel CMOS low-power voltage limiter/regulator circuit with hysteresis for inductive power transfer in an implanted telemetry application. The circuit controls its rail voltage to the maximum value of 3 V DC employing 100 mV of comparator hysteresis. It occupies a silicon area of only 127 µm × 125 µm using the 130 nm IBM CMOS process. In addition, the circuit dissipated less than 1 mW and was designed using thick-oxide 3.6 V NMOS and PMOS devices available in the process library.
Use of Angong Niuhuang in Treating Central Nervous System Diseases and Related Research
Authors: Guo Yu , Yan Shaohua , Xu Lipeng , Zhu Gexin , Yu Xiaotong , Tong Xiaolin
Published: December 2014

In Chinese medicine‐based therapeutics, Angong Niuhuang pill (ANP) is one of the three most effective formulas for febrile diseases, and it is also used to treat other diseases. This paper reviews current knowledge regarding the clinical and pharmacological effects of ANP for treating different central nervous system (CNS) diseases to confirm its validity and efficacy. These diseases are like centric fever, coma, stroke, and viral encephalitis. This review reveals that various diseases could be treated using the same agent, which is one of the most important principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to the “Same Treatment for Different Diseases” principle, ANP might be efficacious in other CNS diseases.
The Accumulation and Seasonal Dynamic of the Soil Organic Carbon in Wetland of the Yellow River Estuary, China
Authors: Luo Xianxiang , Wang Leyun , Dun Meng , Yang Jianqiang , Wang Zhenyu
Published: December 2014

The wetland of the Yellow River estuary is a typical new coastal wetland in northern China. It is essential to study the carbon pool and its variations for evaluating the carbon cycle process. The study results regarding the temporal-spatial distribution and influential factors of soil organic carbon in four typical wetlands belonging to the Yellow River estuary showed that there was no significant difference in the contents of the surface soil TOC to the same season among the four types of wetlands. For each type of wetlands, the TOC content in surface soils was significantly higher in October than that in both May and August. On the whole, the obvious differences in DOC contents in surface soils were not observed in the different wetland types and seasons. The peak of TOC appeared at 0–10 cm in the soil profiles. The contents of TOC and DOC were significantly higher in salsa than those in reed, suggesting that the rhizosphere effect of organic carbon in salsa was more obvious than that in reed. The results of the principal component analysis showed that the nitrogen content, salinity, bulk density, and water content were dominant influential factors for organic carbon accumulation and seasonal variation.
Feature Based Stereo Matching Using Two‐Step Expansion
Authors: Wang Liqiang , Liu Zhen , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: December 2014

This paper proposes a novel method for stereo matching which is based on image features to produce a dense disparity map through two different expansion phases. It can find denser point correspondences than those of the existing seed‐growing algorithms, and it has a good performance in short and wide baseline situations. This method supposes that all pixel coordinates in each image segment corresponding to a 3D surface separately satisfy projective geometry of 1D in horizontal axis. Firstly, a state‐of‐the‐art method of feature matching is used to obtain sparse support points and an image segmentation‐based prior is employed to assist the first region outspread. Secondly, the first‐step expansion is to find more feature correspondences in the uniform region via initial support points, which is based on the invariant cross ratio in 1D projective transformation. In order to find enough point correspondences, we use a regular seed‐growing algorithm as the second‐step expansion and produce a quasi‐dense disparity map. Finally, two different methods are used to obtain dense disparity map from quasi‐dense pixel correspondences. Experimental results show the effectiveness of our method.
Iterative Learning Control with Forgetting Factor for Linear Distributed Parameter Systems with Uncertainty
Authors: Dai Xisheng , Tian Senping , Luo Wenguang , Guo Yajun
Published: December 2014

Iterative learning control is an intelligent control algorithm which imitates human learning process. Based on this concept, this paper discussed iterative learning control problem for a class parabolic linear distributed parameter systems with uncertainty coefficients. Iterative learning control algorithm with forgetting factor is proposed and the conditions for convergence of algorithm are established. Combining the matrix theory with the basic theory of distributed parameter systems gives rigorous convergence proof of the algorithm. Finally, by using the forward difference scheme of partial differential equation to solve the problems, the simulation results are presented to illustrate the feasibility of the algorithm.
Macrocyclic Assembly: A Dive into the Pecking Order and Applied Aspects of Multitalented Metallomacrocycles
Authors: Chaudhary Ashu , Rawat Ekta
Published: December 2014

To aid in knowledge of macrocyclic complexes and biomedical scientists, we are presenting here a review article with compilation of work done so far along in relation to macrocyclic ligands and their metal complexes. The metal ion chemistry of macrocyclic ligands has now become a major subdivision of coordination chemistry. This overview focuses on developments in design, synthesis, and self-assembly of metal-based architectures and ligands related to macrocyclic chemistry.
An Improvement Technique Based on Structural Similarity Thresholding for Digital Watermarking
Authors: Banitalebi-Dehkordi Amin , Banitalebi-Dehkordi Mehdi , Abouei Jamshid , Nader-Esfahani Said
Published: December 2014

Digital watermarking is extensively used in ownership authentication and copyright protection. In this paper, we propose an efficient thresholding scheme to improve the watermark embedding procedure in an image. For the proposed algorithm, watermark casting is performed separately in each block of an image, and embedding in each block continues until a certain structural similarity threshold is reached. Numerical evaluations demonstrate that our scheme improves the imperceptibility of the watermark when the capacity remains fixed, and at the same time, robustness against attacks is assured. The proposed method is applicable to most image watermarking algorithms. We verify this issue on watermarking schemes in discrete cosine transform (DCT), wavelet, and spatial domain.
Spatial-Temporal Correlative Fault Detection in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kang Zhiping , Yu Honglin , Xiong Qingyu , Hu Haibo
Published: December 2014

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been used extensively in a range of applications to facilitate real-time critical decision-making and situation monitoring. Accurate data analysis and decision-making rely on the quality of the WSN data that have been gathered. However, sensor nodes are prone to faults and are often unreliable because of their intrinsic natures or the harsh environments in which they are used. Using dust data from faulty sensors not only has negative effects on the analysis results and the decisions made but also shortens the network lifetime and can waste huge amounts of limited valuable resources. In this paper, the quality of a WSN service is assessed, focusing on abnormal data derived from faulty sensors. The aim was to develop an effective strategy for locating faulty sensor nodes in WSNs. The proposed fault detection strategy is decentralized, coordinate-free, and node-based, and it uses time series analysis and spatial correlations in the collected data. Experiments using a real dataset from the Intel Berkeley Research Laboratory showed that the algorithm can give a high level of accuracy and a low false alarm rate when detecting faults even when there are many faulty sensors.
First Episode of Psychosis in a Middle-Aged Patient with a 14-Year History of Conversion Disorder
Authors: Peritogiannis Vaios , Manthopoulou Thiresia , Mavreas Venetsanos
Published: December 2014

We present a case of a middle-aged male patient with a long history of conversion disorder and histrionic personality, who presented with newly onset psychotic symptoms while being engaged to treatment with a community mental health team in a primary care setting. The symptoms could not be attributed to an organic cause. After a short course of olanzapine treatment which caused adverse effects, the symptomatology responded well to low dose amisulpride. Conversion symptoms were stable throughout the psychotic episode. This case illustrates the complex interplay between disorders classified in different categories (somatoform versus psychotic disorders).
Fetal Circulatory Variation in an Acute Incident Causing Bradycardia
Authors: Olgan Safak , Sakinci Mehmet , Ozekinci Murat , Dogan Nasuh Utku , Cagliyan Erkan , Altunyurt Sabahattin
Published: December 2014

Umbilical artery\vein, middle cerebral artery, and ductus venosus Doppler velocimetry were performed at 33 weeks of gestation in the settings of an intrauterine growth restricted fetus during a heart rate deceleration. Interestingly, we recorded a sudden onset redistribution of fetal blood flow with fetal bradycardia. Spontaneous normalization of waveforms was observed once fetal heart rate returned to normal. Our case provides evidence to circulatory variation of a human fetus resulting from an acute incident causing bradycardia.
Trip Travel Time Forecasting Based on Selective Forgetting Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Gui Zhiming , Yu Haipeng
Published: December 2014

Travel time estimation on road networks is a valuable traffic metric. In this paper, we propose a machine learning based method for trip travel time estimation in road networks. The method uses the historical trip information extracted from taxis trace data as the training data. An optimized online sequential extreme machine, selective forgetting extreme learning machine, is adopted to make the prediction. Its selective forgetting learning ability enables the prediction algorithm to adapt to trip conditions changes well. Experimental results using real‐life taxis trace data show that the forecasting model provides an effective and practical way for the travel time forecasting.
ECR-MAPK Regulation in Liver Early Development
Authors: Zhao Xiu-Ju , Zhuo Hexian
Published: December 2014

Early growth is connected to a key link between embryonic development and aging. In this paper, liver gene expression profiles were assayed at postnatal day 22 and week 16 of age. Meanwhile another independent animal experiment and cell culture were carried out for validation. Significance analysis of microarrays, qPCR verification, drug induction/inhibition assays, and metabonomics indicated thatalpha-2u globulin(extracellular region)-socs2(-SH2-containing signals/receptor tyrosine kinases)-ppp2r2a/pik3c3(MAPK signaling)-hsd3b5/cav2(metabolism/organization) plays a vital role in early development. Taken together, early development of male rats is ECR and MAPK-mediated coordination of cancer-like growth and negative regulations. Our data represent the first comprehensive description of early individual development, which could be a valuable basis for understanding the functioning of the gene interaction network of infant development.
A Review of Hepatoprotective Plants Used in Saudi Traditional Medicine
Authors: Al-Asmari Abdulrahman K. , Al-Elaiwi Abdulrahman M. , Athar Md Tanwir , Tariq Mohammad , Al Eid Ahmed , Al-Asmary Saeed M.
Published: December 2014

Liver disease is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality across the world. According to WHO estimates, about 500 million people are living with chronic hepatitis infections resulting in the death of over one million people annually. Medicinal plants serve as a vital source of potentially useful new compounds for the development of effective therapy to combat liver problems. Moreover herbal products have the advantage of better affordability and acceptability, better compatibility with the human body, and minimal side effects and is easier to store. In this review attempt has been made to summarize the scientific data published on hepatoprotective plants used in Saudi Arabian traditional medicine. The information includes medicinal uses of the plants, distribution in Saudi Arabia, ethnopharmacological profile, possible mechanism of action, chemical constituents, and toxicity data. Comprehensive scientific studies on safety and efficacy of these plants can revitalise the treatment of liver diseases.
Synthesis and Dimerization Behavior of Five Metallophthalocyanines in Different Solvents
Authors: Cheng Zhenhua , Cui Na , Zhang Hongxiao , Zhu Lijun , Xia Daohong
Published: December 2014

Metallophthalocyanine (MPc) has become one of the metal organic compounds with the largest production and the most widely application, because of its excellent performance in catalytic oxidation. However, aggregation of the MPc in solution, resulting in decreased solubility, greatly limits the performance of application. Studying the behavior of dimerization of MPcs can provide a theoretical basis for solving the problem of the low solubility. So five metallophthalocyanines (FePc, CoPc, NiPc, CuPc, and ZnPc) were prepared with improved method and characterized. Dimerization of the five MPcs was measured by UV-Vis spectroscopy separately in N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The red-shift of maximum absorption wavelength and deviations from Lambert-Beer law with increasing the concentration were observed for all the five MPcs. The dimerization equilibrium constants (K) of the five MPcs in DMF were arranged in order of CoPc > ZnPc > CuPc > FePc > NiPc, while in DMSO they were arranged in order of ZnPc > CoPc > FePc > CuPc > NiPc. The type of the central metal and nature of the solvent affect the dimerization of the MPcs.
eIF4E Threshold Levels Differ in Governing Normal and Neoplastic Expansion of Mammary Stem and Luminal Progenitor Cells
Authors: Avdulov Svetlana , Herrera Jeremy , Smith Karen , Peterson Mark , Gomez-Garcia Jose R. , Beadnell Thomas C. , Schwertfeger Kathryn L. , Benyumov Alexey O. , Manivel J. Carlos , Li Shunan , Bielinsky Anja-Katrin , Yee Douglas , Bitterman Peter B. , Polunovsky Vitaly A.
Published: December 2014

Translation initiation factor eIF4E mediates normal cell proliferation, yet induces tumorigenesis when overexpressed. The mechanisms by which eIF4E directs such distinct biologic outputs remain unknown. We found that mouse mammary morphogenesis during pregnancy and lactation is accompanied by increased cap-binding capability of eIF4E and activation of the eIF4E-dependent translational apparatus, but only subtle oscillations in eIF4E abundance. Using a transgenic mouse model engineered so that lactogenic hormones stimulate a sustained increase in eIF4E abundance in stem/progenitor cells of lactogenic mammary epithelium during successive pregnancy/lactation cycles, eIF4E overexpression increased self-renewal, triggered DNA replication stress, and induced formation of premalignant and malignant lesions. Using complementary in vivo and ex vivo approaches, we found that increasing eIF4E levels rescued cells harboring oncogenic c-Myc or H-RasV12 from DNA replication stress and oncogene-induced replication catastrophe. Our findings indicate that distinct threshold levels of eIF4E govern its biologic output in lactating mammary glands and that eIF4E overexpression in the context of stem/progenitor cell population expansion can initiate malignant transformation by enabling cells to evade DNA damage checkpoints activated by oncogenic stimuli. Maintaining eIF4E levels below its proneoplastic threshold is an important anticancer defense in normal cells, with important implications for understanding pregnancy-associated breast cancer. Cancer Res; 75(4); 687–97. ©2014 AACR.
Assays of fibrin network properties altered by VKAs in atrial fibrillation – importance of using an appropriate coagulation trigger
Authors: Ząbczyk Michal , Blombäck Margareta , Majewski Jacek , Karkowski Grzegorz , Wallen Hakan N. , Undas Anetta , He Shu
Published: December 2014

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prothrombotic condition, involving increased thrombin generation and fibrinogen concentrations. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) prevent arterial thromboembolism if optimal anticoagulation is achieved by individualised drug doses, assessed by determining the Prothrombin time-related International Normalized Ratio (Pt-INR). There is evidence that formation of tight-laced fibrin networks is pathogenic in prothrombotic diseases. This study was performed among AF patients, to test whether long-term treatment with VKAs affects the structure of fibrin networks, and whether the effect is altered by employing different coagulation triggers: exogenous thrombin (1 IU/ml), 10 pM tissue factor (TF) or a commercial Pt-INR reagent (containing 400-fold more TF). In the thrombin-based method, fibrin network porosity (scanning electron microscopy) and liquid permeability (flow measurements) correlated inversely to fibrinogen concentrations, while positive correlations to the degree of anticoagulation were shown with the Pt-INR reagent. In the method with 10 pM TF, the two above relationships were detected, though the influence of Pt-INR was more profound than that of fibrinogen concentrations. Moreover, greater shortening of clot lysis time (CLT) arose from more permeable clots. As a coagulation trigger, 10 pM TF vs exogenous thrombin or the Pt-INR reagent is more informative in reflecting the in vivo process from thrombin generation to fibrin formation. Since fibrin network permeability rose in parallel to elevations of INR and shortening of CLT in AF patients, antithrombotic effects on prevention of thrombotic complications may be achieved from impairment of thrombin generation, resulting in formation of permeable clots susceptible to fibrinolysis.
Cluster of Differentiation 43 Deficiency in Leukocytes Leads to Reduced Atherosclerosis—Brief Report
Authors: Meiler Svenja , Baumer Yvonne , McCurdy Sara , Lee Bog-Hieu , Kitamoto Shiro , Boisvert William A.
Published: December 2014

Objective—

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of cluster of differentiation 43 (CD43), an integral membrane glycoprotein with both proadhesive and antiadhesive activities, in atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results—

Low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient mice were lethally irradiated and reconstituted with either bone marrow from
CD43
−/−
mice or from wild-type controls. We found that mice lacking the CD43 on their leukocytes had significantly less severe atherosclerosis and that, contrary to our expectation, macrophage infiltration into the vessel wall was not affected by the lack of CD43 in the leukocytes. However, we found that CD43 mediates cholesterol homeostasis in macrophages by facilitating cholesterol efflux. This resulted in a significant reduction in storage of cholesterol in the aorta of mice lacking CD43 in the leukocytes.

Conclusions—

CD43 may be an important mediator of macrophage lipid homeostasis, thereby affecting macrophage foam cell formation and ultimately atherosclerotic plaque development.
White Matter Ischemic Changes in Hyperacute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Nael Kambiz , Trouard Theodore P , Lafleur Scott R. , Krupinski Elizabeth A. , Salamon Noriko , Kidwell Chelsea S.
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in fractional anisotropy (FA), as measured by diffusion tensor imaging, of white matter (WM) infarction and hypoperfusion in patients with acute ischemic stroke using a quantitative voxel-based analysis.

Methods—

In this prospective study, diffusion tensor imaging and dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion sequences were acquired in 21 patients with acute ischemic stroke who presented within 6 hours of symptom onset. The coregistered FA, apparent diffusion coefficient, and dynamic susceptibility contrast time to maximum (Tmax) maps were used for voxel-based quantification using a region of interest approach in the ipsilateral affected side and in the homologous contralateral WM. The regions of WM infarction versus hypoperfusion were segmented using a threshold method. Data were analyzed by regression and ANOVA.

Results—

There was an overall significant mean difference (
P
<0.001) for the apparent diffusion coefficient, Tmax, and FA values between the normal, hypoperfused, and infarcted WM. The mean±SD of FA was significantly higher (
P
<0.001) in hypoperfused WM (0.397±0.019) and lower (
P
<0.001) in infarcted WM (0.313±0.037) when compared with normal WM (0.360±0.020). Regression tree analysis of hypoperfused WM showed the largest mean FA difference at Tmax above versus below 5.4 s with a mean difference of 0.033 (
P
=0.0096).

Conclusions—

Diffusion tensor imaging-FA was decreased in regions of WM infarction and increased in hypoperfused WM in patients with hyperacute acute ischemic stroke. The significantly increased FA values in the hypoperfused WM with Tmax≥5.4 s are suggestive of early ischemic microstructural changes.
Use of Follow-Up Imaging in Isolated Perimesencephalic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Kalra Vivek B. , Wu Xiao , Matouk Charles C. , Malhotra Ajay
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—

Multiple studies have shown that negative computed tomographic angiograms (CTAs) are reliable in excluding aneurysms in patients with isolated perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (pSAH). We evaluate the use of digital subtraction angiography versus CTA for initial diagnosis and of angiographic follow-ups in patients with pSAH by performing an institutional analysis and a meta-analysis of literature.

Methods—

Retrospective institutional analysis of patients with pSAH was performed from 2008 to 2014. The number and types of follow-up imaging studies were tabulated. Initial and follow-up studies were evaluated by an experienced neuroradiologist for intracranial aneurysm. Meta-analysis of literature was performed to assess the use of initial digital subtraction angiography and of follow-up imaging.

Results—

Our institutional review revealed no additional use of initial digital subtraction angiography or of any angiographic follow-up after initial negative CTA in patients with pSAH on noncontrast CT. Meta-analysis of 40 studies yielded a total of 1031 patients. Only 8 aneurysms were first diagnosed on follow-ups (0.78%). Careful review showed that some of these aneurysms reported on follow-up are of questionable validity. Initial digital subtraction angiography and follow-up imaging after a negative initial CTA showed no statistically significant benefits.

Conclusions—

In patients meeting the strict imaging criteria of pSAH, initial negative CTA is reliable in excluding aneurysms. A critical review of the literature through meta-analysis shows no foundation for multiple follow-up studies in patients with pSAH.
MicroRNA-424 Protects Against Focal Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Mice by Suppressing Oxidative Stress
Authors: Liu Ping , Zhao Haiping , Wang Rongliang , Wang Peng , Tao Zhen , Gao Li , Yan Feng , Liu Xiangrong , Yu Shun , Ji Xunming , Luo Yumin
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—

We previously showed that the microRNA miR-424 protects against permanent cerebral ischemic injury in mice by suppressing microglia activation. This study investigated the role of miR-424 in transient cerebral ischemia in mice with a focus on oxidative stress–induced neuronal injury.

Methods—

Transient cerebral ischemia was induced in C57/BL6 mice by middle cerebral artery occlusion for 1 hour followed by reperfusion (ischemia/reperfusion). The miR-424 level in the peri-infarct cortex was quantified. Mice were also administered miR-424 angomir by intracerebroventricular injection. Cerebral infarct volume, neuronal apoptosis, and levels of oxidative stress markers and antioxidants were evaluated. In an in vitro experiment, primary cortical neurons were exposed to H
2
O
2
and treated with miR-424 angomir, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 siRNA, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibitor; cell activity, lactate dehydrogenase release, malondialdehyde level, and manganese (Mn)SOD activity were then evaluated.

Results—

MiR-424 levels in the peri-infarct cortex increased at 1 and 4 hours then decreased 24 hours after reperfusion. Treatment with miR-424 decreased infarct volume and inhibited neuronal apoptosis after ischemia/reperfusion, reduced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels in the cortex, and increased the expression and activation of MnSOD as well as the expression of extracellular SOD and the redox-sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor. In neuronal cultures, miR-424 treatment abrogated H
2
O
2
-induced injury, as evidenced by decreased lactate dehydrogenase leakage and malondialdehyde level and increased cell viability and MnSOD activity; the protective effects of miR-424 against oxidative stress were reversed by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor knockdown and SOD inhibitor treatment.

Conclusions—

MiR-424 protects against transient cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting oxidative stress.
Bright Vessel Appearance on Arterial Spin Labeling MRI for Localizing Arterial Occlusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yoo Roh-Eul , Yun Tae Jin , Rhim Jung Hyo , Yoon Byung-Woo , Kang Koung Mi , Choi Seung Hong , Kim Ji-Hoon , Kim Jeong Eun , Kang Hyun-Seung , Sohn Chul-Ho , Han Moon Hee
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether bright vessel appearance on arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI can help localize arterial occlusion sites in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Patients who underwent MRI for suspected acute ischemic stroke, as identified by an area of restricted diffusion, were included. All images were visually analyzed for the presence or absence of (1) arterial occlusion on time-of-flight MR angiography, (2) bright vessel appearance on ASL images, and (3) susceptibility vessel sign. McNemar 2-tailed test was used to compare the sensitivities of ASL and susceptibility-weighted imaging for the detection of arterial occlusion, using MR angiography as the reference standard.

Results—

ASL bright vessel appearance was significantly more common in the group with occlusion than in the group without occlusion (94% [33 of 35] versus 21% [17 of 82], respectively;
P
<0.001). The bright vessel appearance, when present, was seen proximal or distal to the occlusion site. The bright vessel appearance had a significantly higher sensitivity for the detection of occlusion than the susceptibility vessel sign (94% [33 of 35] versus 66% [23 of 35], respectively;
P
=0.002). In cases with negative MR angiography, the bright vessel appearance helped identify more additional arterial occlusions than the susceptibility vessel sign (21% [17 of 82] versus 10% [8 of 82], respectively;
P
=0.012).

Conclusions—

The bright vessel appearance on ASL imaging can provide an important diagnostic clue for the detection and localization of arterial occlusion sites in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Effects of Stroke Education of Junior High School Students on Stroke Knowledge of Their Parents
Authors: Matsuzono Kosuke , Yokota Chiaki , Takekawa Hidehiro , Okamura Tomonori , Miyamatsu Naomi , Nakayama Hirofumi , Nishimura Kunihiro , Ohyama Satoshi , Ishigami Akiko , Okumura Kosuke , Toyoda Kazunori , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Minematsu Kazuo ,   Participating Investigators of Tochigi Junior High School Stroke Education Group, Sugiyama Daisuke , Nagao Masanori , Morimoto Akiko , Kadota Aya , Takizawa Nobue , Ieiri Kayo , Watanabe Teruki
Published: December 2014

Background and purpose—

Educating the youth about stroke is a promising approach for spreading stroke knowledge. The aim of this study was to verify communication of stroke knowledge to parents by educating junior high school students about stroke.

Methods—

We enrolled 1127 junior high school students (age, 13–15 years) and their parents in the Tochigi prefecture, Japan. All students received a stroke lesson, watched an animated cartoon, and read the related Manga comic as educational aids. The students took back home the Manga and discussed what they learned with their parents. Questionnaires on stroke knowledge were given to all at baseline and immediately after the lesson.

Results—

A total of 1125 students and 915 parents answered the questionnaires. In the students, the frequency of correct answers increased significantly for all questions on stroke symptoms except for headache, and for all questions on risk factors after the lesson. In the parents, the correct answer rates increased for stroke symptoms except for headache and numbness in one side of the body, and for all questions on risk factors except for hypertension. Ninety-one percent of students and 92.7% of parents correctly understood the Face, Arm, Speech, and Time (FAST) mnemonic after the lesson.

Conclusions—

Improvement of stroke knowledge immediately after the stroke lesson was observed in parents as well as their children, which indicated that our teaching materials using the Manga was effective in delivering the stroke knowledge to parents through their children.
The discovery of a second species of Mallophthiria Edwards (Diptera, Bombyliidae, Crocidiinae) from Chile
Authors: YAMAGUCHI CAROLINA , LAMAS CARLOS JOSÉ EINICKER
Published: December 2014

The Neotropical genus Mallophthiria Edwards is restricted to Chile (Concepción and Choapa) and comprises M. lanata Edwards, 1930 and M. elguetai sp. nov. The new species is described and illustrations of the external morphology of adults and male and female terminalia are also included.
The trypanorhynch cestode fauna of Borneo
Authors: SCHAEFFNER BJOERN C. , BEVERIDGE IAN
Published: December 2014

Borneo is considered a centre for biodiversity in both the terrestrial and aquatic environments. However, information on the diversity of parasites and trypanorhynch cestodes infecting sharks and rays in particular is rather limited at present. During a large-scale study focusing on the parasite diversity of elasmobranchs from Malaysian and Indonesian Borneo a total of 520 spiral intestines of elasmobranchs were collected during seven years of extensive sampling. Trypanorhynch cestodes were discovered in 163 specimens belonging to 43 different elasmobranch species (i.e. 17 species of sharks and 26 species of rays). Overall, 50 species of trypanorhynchs were recovered from the hosts' spiral intestines, some of which represented new species and genera that have been subsequently described. Numerous new host records are added for previously described species. Of the 50 trypanorhynch species present in waters off Borneo 30 (= 60%) were recovered from rays, while 20 species (= 40%) were found in sharks. The geographical distribution of these cestode species was dominated by taxa that occur in the Indo-west Pacific (= 30%) followed by species endemic to Borneo (= 28%). Nine species (= 18%) are found both in Borneo and Australia or have a cosmopolitan distribution. The present study also assessed the host specificity for 16 species belonging to three prominent trypanorhynch genera recovered from elasmobranchs from Borneo (i.e. Dollfusiella Campbell & Beveridge, 1994, Prochristianella Dollfus, 1946 and Parachristianella Dollfus, 1946). Most species (= 63%) were euryxenous utilizing hosts from different orders or even classes, with only a single species (i.e. Dollfusiella imparispinis Schaeffner & Beveridge, 2013) being oioxenous utilizing a single host species. The remaining species (= 31%) were mesostenoxenous utilizing different host species from a single genus. The least host specific taxa were the three representatives of Parachristianella and Prochristianella clarkeae Beveridge, 1990.
Reduced Risk of North American Cold Extremes due to Continued Arctic Sea Ice Loss
Authors: Screen James A. , Deser Clara , Sun Lantao
Published: December 2014

In early January 2014, an Arctic air outbreak brought extreme cold and heavy snowfall to central and eastern North America, causing widespread disruption and monetary losses. The media extensively reported the cold snap, including debate on whether human-induced climate change was partly responsible. Related to this, one particular hypothesis garnered considerable attention: that rapid Arctic sea ice loss may be increasing the risk of cold extremes in the midlatitudes. Here we use large ensembles of model simulations to explore how the risk of North American daily cold extremes is anticipated to change in the future, in response to increases in greenhouse gases and the component of that response solely due to Arctic sea ice loss. Specifically, we examine the changing probability of daily cold extremes as (un)common as the 7 January 2014 event. Projected increases in greenhouse gases decrease the likelihood of North American cold extremes in the future. Days as cold or colder than 7 January 2014 are still projected to occur in the mid-twenty-first century (2030–49), albeit less frequently than in the late twentieth century (1980–99). However, such events will cease to occur by the late twenty-first century (2080–99), assuming greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated. Continued Arctic sea ice loss is a major driver of decreased—not increased—North America cold extremes. Projected Arctic sea ice loss alone reduces the odds of such an event by one-quarter to one-third by the mid-twenty-first century, and to zero (or near zero) by the late twenty-first century.
Sudden Track Changes of Tropical Cyclones in Monsoon Gyres: Full-Physics, Idealized Numerical Experiments*
Authors: Liang Jia , Wu Liguang
Published: December 2014

Tropical cyclones (TCs) in the eastern semicircle of large-scale monsoon gyres (MGs) were observed to take either a northward (sudden northward and northward without a sharp turn) or a westward TC turn, but only the northward turn was previously simulated in a barotropic model. To understand what controls TC track types in MGs, idealized numerical experiments are performed using the full-physics Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. These experiments indicate that TCs initially located in the eastern semicircle of MGs can generally take three types of tracks: a sudden northward track, a westward track, and a northward track without a sharp turn. The track types depend upon the TC movement relative to the MG center.

In agreement with barotropic simulations, the WRF simulation confirms that approaching and being collocated with the MG center is crucial to the occurrence of sudden northward TC track changes and that sudden northward track changes can be generally accounted for by changes in the steering flow. TCs that take westward tracks and northward tracks without a sharp turn do not experience such a coalescence process. Westward TCs move faster than MGs and are then located to the west of the MG center, while TCs move more slowly than MGs and then take a northward track without a sharp turn. This study reveals that the specific TC track in the eastern semicircle of an MG is sensitive to the initial wind profiles of both MGs and TCs, suggesting that improvement in the observation of TC and MG structures is very important for predicting TC track types in MGs.
Influence of Terrain Resolution on Banded Convection in the Lee of the Rocky Mountains
Authors: Schumacher Russ S. , Schultz David M. , Knox John A.
Published: December 2014

On 16–17 February 2007, snowbands formed in the lee of the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska on the anticyclonic-shear side of a midlevel jet streak. Two types of bands were prevalent: a longer, wider band associated with frontogenesis along an equatorward-moving cold front (major band) and multiple shorter, narrower bands farther poleward (minor bands). To understand how the upstream terrain affected the occurrence and intensity of the bands, multiple mesoscale model simulations were performed in which the terrain was incrementally smoothed. The evolutions of the synoptic patterns were similar in all simulations that included topography, but the synoptic pattern differed and no bands developed in a simulation with a flat land surface. These results allowed a focus on the changes to the banded precipitation due to the terrain resolution. Remarkably, although the exact location of the bands differed from run to run, the bands in all simulations with topography were in roughly the same region where they occurred on 16–17 February 2007. The major band was associated with frontogenesis along an equatorward-moving cold front that became stalled against the terrain. The minor bands formed from the release of conditional, symmetric, and inertial instabilities by ascent up the large-scale topography, rather than by ascent up specific small-scale topographic features. Because the bands were not tied to specific terrain features, these results suggest that the precise location of the minor bands is unpredictable.
Gender, Relationship Breakdown, and Suicide Risk
Authors: Evans Rhiannon , Scourfield Jonathan , Moore Graham
Published: December 2014

An association between divorce and suicide risk has been noted in numerous studies, but the gender profile of this risk has not been clearly established. This article reviews the evidence on gender differentials in suicide risk following the breakdown of an intimate relationship (including divorce and separation). Nineteen published articles that included individual-level data were identified. Twelve reported a greater risk of suicide in men following relationship breakdown, two indicated a greater risk in women, and a further five showed no clear gender differential. Although there are possible indications of increased risk for men, no definitive conclusion about gender differential can be drawn. Furthermore, research is required that directly compares men with women for suicide risk following relationship breakdown.
The Uncertain Legal Basis for the New Kinship
Authors: Cahn Naomi
Published: December 2014

This article addresses the legal regime that affects donor-conceived family communities. It shows how these new relationships both reinforce and complicate the social, cultural, and economic meanings of family, where the law fits into all of these relationships, and why—based on the strong interests and emotional connections between members of these new communities—we might consider broader legal protections. It provides a typology of legal approaches to these new familial relationships created through donor conception.
The Uncertain Fate of Otolaryngology in Sleep Medicine
Authors: Dedhia Raj C. , Yaremchuk Kathleen L.
Published: December 2014

Since 2011, otolaryngologists have been required to complete a 1‐year fellowship in sleep medicine in order to be eligible for the ABOto Sleep Medicine Certification Examination (ASMCE). Resultantly, the number of sleep medicine board‐certified otolaryngologists has plunged since that time. This push toward extinction comes at a time when otolaryngologists have been cast into the spotlight for the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, the prevailing disorder in sleep medicine. To reverse the trajectory of this subspecialty, 2 changes need to occur: increase the exposure to sleep medicine/surgery during residency and improve access to sleep medicine fellowships featuring a strong otolaryngology presence.