bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo and in vitro analyses of amygdalar function reveal a role for copper
Authors: Gaier E. D. , Rodriguiz R. M. , Zhou J. , Ralle M. , Wetsel W. C. , Eipper B. A. , Mains R. E.
Published: February 2014

Mice with a single copy of the peptide amidating monooxygenase ( Pam) gene (PAM+/−) are impaired in contextual and cued fear conditioning. These abnormalities coincide with deficient long-term potentiation (LTP) at excitatory thalamic afferent synapses onto pyramidal neurons in the lateral amygdala. Slice recordings from PAM+/−mice identified an increase in GABAergic tone (Gaier ED, Rodriguiz RM, Ma XM, Sivaramakrishnan S, Bousquet-Moore D, Wetsel WC, Eipper BA, Mains RE. J Neurosci 30: 13656–13669, 2010). Biochemical data indicate a tissue-specific deficit in Cu content in the amygdala; amygdalar expression of Atox-1 and Atp7a, essential for transport of Cu into the secretory pathway, is reduced in PAM+/−mice. When PAM+/−mice were fed a diet supplemented with Cu, the impairments in fear conditioning were reversed, and LTP was normalized in amygdala slice recordings. A role for endogenous Cu in amygdalar LTP was established by the inhibitory effect of a brief incubation of wild-type slices with bathocuproine disulfonate, a highly selective, cell-impermeant Cu chelator. Interestingly, bath-applied CuSO4had no effect on excitatory currents but reversibly potentiated the disynaptic inhibitory current. Bath-applied CuSO4was sufficient to potentiate wild-type amygdala afferent synapses. The ability of dietary Cu to affect signaling in pathways that govern fear-based behaviors supports an essential physiological role for Cu in amygdalar function at both the synaptic and behavioral levels. This work is relevant to neurological and psychiatric disorders in which disturbed Cu homeostasis could contribute to altered synaptic transmission, including Wilson's, Menkes, Alzheimer's, and prion-related diseases.
Emphasis of spatial cues in the temporal fine structure during the rising segments of amplitude-modulated sounds II: single-neuron recordings
Authors: Dietz Mathias , Marquardt Torsten , Stange Annette , Pecka Michael , Grothe Benedikt , McAlpine David
Published: February 2014

Recently, with the use of an amplitude-modulated binaural beat (AMBB), in which sound amplitude and interaural-phase difference (IPD) were modulated with a fixed mutual relationship (Dietz et al. 2013b), we demonstrated that the human auditory system uses interaural timing differences in the temporal fine structure of modulated sounds only during the rising portion of each modulation cycle. However, the degree to which peripheral or central mechanisms contribute to the observed strong dominance of the rising slope remains to be determined. Here, by recording responses of single neurons in the medial superior olive (MSO) of anesthetized gerbils and in the inferior colliculus (IC) of anesthetized guinea pigs to AMBBs, we report a correlation between the position within the amplitude-modulation (AM) cycle generating the maximum response rate and the position at which the instantaneous IPD dominates the total neural response. The IPD during the rising segment dominates the total response in 78% of MSO neurons and 69% of IC neurons, with responses of the remaining neurons predominantly coding the IPD around the modulation maximum. The observed diversity of dominance regions within the AM cycle, especially in the IC, and its comparison with the human behavioral data suggest that only the subpopulation of neurons with rising slope dominance codes the sound-source location in complex listening conditions. A comparison of two models to account for the data suggests that emphasis on IPDs during the rising slope of the AM cycle depends on adaptation processes occurring before binaural interaction.
TNF-Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis Aggravates Left Ventricular Dysfunction after Myocardial Infarction in Mice
Authors: Jarr Kai-Uwe , Eschricht Sabine , Burkly Linda C. , Preusch Michael , Katus Hugo A. , Frey Norbert , Chorianopoulos Emmanuel
Published: February 2014

Background. TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) has recently been shown to be potentially involved in adverse cardiac remodeling. However, neither the exact role of TWEAK itself nor of its receptor Fn14 in this setting is known.Aim of the Study. To analyze the effects of sTWEAK on myocardial function and gene expression in response to experimental myocardial infarction in mice.Results. TWEAK directly suppressed the expression of PGC-1αand genes of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in cardiomyocytes. Systemic sTWEAK application after MI resulted in reduced left ventricular function and increased mortality without changes in interstitial fibrosis or infarct size. Molecular analysis revealed decreased phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 pathways associated with reduced expression of PGC-1αand PPARα. Likewise, expression of OXPHOS genes such as atp5O, cycs, cox5b, and ndufb5 was also reduced. Fn14-/-mice showed significantly improved left ventricular function and PGC-1αlevels after MI compared to their respective WT littermates (Fn14 +/+). Finally, inhibition of intrinsic TWEAK with anti-TWEAK antibodies resulted in improved left ventricular function and survival.Conclusions. TWEAK exerted maladaptive effects in mice after myocardial infarction most likely via direct effects on cardiomyocytes. Analysis of the potential mechanisms revealed that TWEAK reduced metabolic adaptations to increased cardiac workload by inhibition of PGC-1α.
Mandibular First Molar with a Single Root and Single Canal
Authors: Sooriaprakas Chandrasekaran , Ballal Suma , Velmurugan Natanasabapathy
Published: February 2014

Successful endodontic management of mandibular first molar with a single root and single canal is diagnosed with the aid of dental operating microscope and multiple angled radiographs. In addition all the mandibular molars and premolars were single rooted on either side.
Composition, Repellent, and Insecticidal Activities of Two South American Plants against the Stored Grain Pests Tribolium castaneum and Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Benzi Verónica , Stefanazzi Natalia , Murray Ana Paula , Werdin González Jorge O. , Ferrero Adriana
Published: February 2014

As part of a screening program to evaluate the biological activity of indigenous plants, we report the composition and the bioactivity of essential oils (EOs) extracted from Té de Burro Aloysia polystachya [(Griseb.) Moldenke] and Lemon Verbena Aloysia citriodora [Palau] against two of the most widespread secondary pests of stored products, the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum [Herbst] and the confused flour beetle Tribolium confusum [Jacqueline du Val]. Analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the EOs led the identification of their major constituents and their relative proportions. EO of A. citriodora showed the highest repellent activity against both beetles (>70%). On the other hand, both plants showed fumigant toxicity only against T. confusum, without significant differences between them (LC50 values of 5.92 and 5.53 mg/L air for A. polystachya and A. citriodora, resp.). For contact toxicity (topical applications) the EO of A. polystachya was more effective (LD50 = 7.35 μg/insect) than the EO of A. citriodora (LD50 = 13.8 μg/insect) only against T. castaneum. On the other hand, T. confusum was not susceptible by contact to any of these EOs. These results provide important tools for the development of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Elderly Patients with Multiple Myeloma: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Ozaki Shuji , Shimizu Kazuyuki
Published: February 2014

High-dose melphalan (200 mg/m2) as conditioning regimen followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) rescue has been established as a standard treatment for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) younger than 65 years of age. However, the role of ASCT in elderly patients older than 65 years remains controversial in the era of novel agents such as thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide. The efficacy and feasibility of ASCT have been shown in elderly patients by reducing the dose of melphalan to 100–140 mg/m2. Although the clinical benefit of reduced-intensity ASCT in elderly patients has not been clearly established in comparison with that of novel agent-based induction therapy, recent studies have demonstrated that sequential strategies of novel agent-based induction therapy and reduced-intensity ASCT followed by consolidation/maintenance with novel agents translate into better outcome in the management of elderly patients. Thus, ASCT could also be a mainstay in the initial treatment of elderly MM patients, and its indication should be evaluated based on performance status and the presence of complications and/or comorbidities of each elderly patient with MM.
A Reaction-Diffusion System with Nonlinear Nonlocal Boundary Conditions
Authors: Gladkov Alexander , Nikitin Alexandr
Published: February 2014

We consider initial boundary value problem for a reaction-diffusion system with nonlinear and nonlocal boundary conditions and nonnegative initial data. We prove local existence, uniqueness, and nonuniqueness of solutions.
Approximation on the Quadratic Reciprocal Functional Equation
Authors: Bodaghi Abasalt , Kim Sang Og
Published: February 2014

The quadratic reciprocal functional equation is introduced. The Ulam stability problem for anϵ-quadratic reciprocal mappingf:X→Ybetween nonzero real numbers is solved. The Găvruţa stability for the quadratic reciprocal functional equations is established as well.
Loss of Microstructural Integrity in the Limbic-Subcortical Networks for Acute Symptomatic Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Zhu Yanan , Li Zhengjun , Bai Lijun , Tao Yin , Sun Chuanzhu , Li Min , Zheng Longmei , Zhu Bao , Yao Jun , Zhou Heping , Zhang Ming
Published: February 2014

Previous studies reported discrepant white matter diffusivity in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on the base of Glasgow Coma Scale, which are unreliable for some TBI severity indicators and the frequency of missing documentation in the medical record. In the present study, we adopted the Mayo classification system for TBI severity. In this system, the mTBI is also divided into two groups as “probable and symptomatic” TBI. We aimed to investigate altered microstructural integrity in symptomatic acute TBI (<1 week) by using tract-based spatial statics (TBSS) approach. A total of 12 patients and 13 healthy volunteers were involved and underwent MRI scans including conventional scan, and SWI and DTI. All the patients had no visible lesions by using conventional and SWI neuroimaging techniques, while showing widespread declines in the fractional anisotropy (FA) of gray matter and white matter throughout the TBSS skeleton, particularly in the limbic-subcortical structures. By contrast, symptomatic TBI patients showed no significant enhanced changes in FA compared to the healthy controls. A better understanding of the acute changes occurring following symptomatic TBI may increase our understanding of neuroplasticity and continuing degenerative change, which, in turn, may facilitate advances in management and intervention.
Reproductive Intentions of HIV-Positive Women on ARV Treatment in Abia State, Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Nduka Ijeoma , Enwereji Ezinna Ezinne , Nduka Enyinnaya C. , Eke Reginald Ahuizi
Published: February 2014

Introduction. In the African culture, the primary reason for marriage is procreation. Every female strives to perform this role irrespective of her health status so as to fulfill part of the conditions for maintaining the marriage. The question is, to what extent are HIV-positive women aware of the risks of fulfilling this role? The study aimed to determine the reproductive intentions of HIV-positive women in Abia State. Materials and Methods. This was a longitudinal cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among married HIV-positive women attending the Heart to Heart treatment centre in Abia State University Teaching Hospital from February to October 2013. Systematic sampling was used to select 250 married women between the ages of 15–49 years who are on antiretroviral therapy. Interviewer administered questionnaire and focus group discussion were used to obtain relevant information from the participants. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. SPSS version 17 software was also used in the analyses. Results. The mean number of living children of the respondents was 2.3 ± 4.7. A good proportion of the respondents, 158 (63.7%) the desired to have more children. The younger the age group of the respondents (OR = 7.33), the lower their parity (OR = 3.69) and more regular they attended ARV clinic (OR = 47.76) the more they desired to have more children. The main reason for desiring more children was the quest to have male children. In the words of one respondent, “without a male child, the marriage is not secure. The woman can be chased out at any time.” Conclusion. The fact that a large proportion of HIV-positive women, irrespective of the mean number of living children and their gender, still desired to have more children shows poor knowledge of the risk they are exposed to by having large number of children. Family counseling/education on the benefits of using family planning devices especially condom is necessary for HIV-positive women and their male partners.
Effects of Supplemental Oxygen on Maternal and Neonatal Oxygenation in Elective Cesarean Section under Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Siriussawakul Arunotai , Triyasunant Namtip , Nimmannit Akarin , Ngerncham Sopapan , Hirunkanokpan Promphon , Luang-Aram Sasiwalai , Pechpaisit Nusaroch , Wangdee Aungsumat , Ruangvutilert Pornpimol
Published: February 2014

The use of supplemental oxygen in uncomplicated cesarean deliveries under spinal anesthesia has been thoroughly investigated during recent decades. The aim of this study was to determine the benefits for both mother and infant of administering supplemental, low-dose oxygen via a nasal cannula versus having no supplement (i.e., room air only). Healthy parturients at term undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups: an oxygen group (n=170), who received 3 LPM oxygen via a nasal cannula; and a room-air group (n=170), who were assigned to breathe room air. Maternal oxygen saturation was measured continuously by using pulse oximeter. The desaturation was determined by oxygen saturation <94% over 30 seconds. Umbilical cord gases and Apgar scores were collected followed delivery of the infant. All maternal desaturation events occurred in 12 parturients assigned to the room-air group. Most events were concurrent with hypotension. The umbilical venous partial pressure of oxygen was significantly higher in the oxygen group. The other blood gas measurements and Apgar scores were not significantly different between the two groups. Based on our findings, the use of supplemental oxygen could prevent maternal desaturation resulting from receiving sedation and intraoperative hypotension.
Stateless Two‐Stage Multiple Criteria Scheduling in Nuclear Medicine
Authors: Wan Shu-Yen , Chang Che-Yao , Wang Chun-Ling , Lin Kun-Ju
Published: February 2014

Examination in nuclear medicine exhibits scheduling difficulties due to its intricate clinical issues, such as varied radiopharmaceuticals for different diseases, machine preparation and length of scan, and patients’ and hospital’s criteria and/or limitations. Many scheduling methods exist but are limited for nuclear medicine. In this paper, we present stateless two‐stage scheduling to cope with multiple criteria decision making. The first stage mostly deals with patients’ conditions. The second stage concerns more the clinical condition and its correlations with patients’ preference which presents more complicated intertwined configurations. A greedy algorithm is proposed in the second stage to determine the (time slot and patient) pair in linear time. The result shows practical and efficient scheduling for nuclear medicine.
Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis: Clinical Challenges
Authors: Vijayakumar Abhishek , Ashwath Giridhar , Thimmappa Durganna
Published: February 2014

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP), a disorder most commonly seen in Asian men, is characterized by abrupt onset of hypokalemia and paralysis. The condition primarily affects the lower extremities and is secondary to thyrotoxicosis. The underlying hyperthyroidism is often subtle causing difficulty in early diagnosis. Factors like high-carbohydrate meal exercise, steroid, and stress can precipitate an attack of TPP. Evidence is building up showing role of genetic mutations in Kir2.6 channel in the pathogenesis of TPP. Loss of function of Kir2.6 together with increased activity of Na+/K+ATPase may trigger a positive feed-forward cycle of hypokalemia. Biochemical hyperthyroidism with normal urinary potassium excretion and ECG changes are characteristic of TPP. Treatment with low-dose potassium supplements and nonselective beta-blockers should be initiated upon diagnosis, and the serum potassium level should be frequently monitored to prevent rebound hyperkalemia.
Optimization of Collocated/Noncollocated Sensors and Actuators along with Feedback Gain Using Hybrid Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm-Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Chhabra Deepak , Bhushan Gian , Chandna Pankaj
Published: February 2014

A multiobjective optimization procedure is proposed to deal with the optimal number and locations of collocated/noncollocated sensors and actuators and determination of LQR controller gain simultaneously using hybrid multiobjective genetic algorithm-artificial neural network (GA-ANN). Multiobjective optimization problem has been formulated using trade-off objective functions ensuring good observability/controllability of the structure while minimizing the spillover effect and maximizing closed loop average damping ratio. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are used to train the input as varying numbers and placements of sensors and actuators and the outputs are taken as the three objective functions (i.e., controllability, observability, and closed loop average damping ratio), thus forming three ANN models. The trained mathematical models of ANN are fed into the multiobjective GA. The hybrid multiobjective GA-ANN maintains the trade-off among the three objective functions. The ANN3 model is used experimentally to provide the control inputs to the piezoactuators. It is shown that the proposed method is effective in ascertaining the optimal number and placement of actuators and sensors with consideration of controllability, observability, and spillover prevention such that the performance on dynamic responses is also satisfied. It is also observed that damping ratio obtained with hybrid multiobjective GA-ANN and found with ANN experimentally/online holds well in agreement.
HMGB1 Localization during Experimental Periodontitis
Authors: Nogueira Andressa Vilas Boas , Chaves de Souza João Antonio , de Molon Rafael Scaf , da Silva Mariano Pereira Elyne , de Aquino Sabrina Garcia , Giannobile William V. , Cirelli Joni Augusto
Published: February 2014

Aim.This study sought to investigate thein vitroexpression profile of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in murine periodontal ligament fibroblasts (mPDL) stimulated with LPS or IL-1βandin vivoduring ligature- or LPS-induced periodontitis in rats.Material and Methods.For thein vivostudy, 36 rats were divided into experimental and control groups, and biopsies were harvested at 7–30 d following disease induction. Bone loss and inflammation were evaluated. HMGB1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and Western blot.Results.Significant increases in mPDL HMGB1 mRNA occurred at 4, 8, and 12 h with protein expression elevated by 24 h. HMGB1 mRNA expression in gingival tissues was significantly increased at 15 d in the LPS-PD model and at 7 and 15 d in the ligature model. Immunohistochemical staining revealed a significant increase in the number of HMGB1-positive cells during the experimental periods.Conclusion.The results show that PDL cells produce HMGB1, which is increased and secreted extracellularly after inflammatory stimuli. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that HMGB1 may be associated with the onset and progression of periodontitis, suggesting that further studies should investigate the potential role of HMGB1 on periodontal tissue destruction.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and Coronary Artery Disease in a Small Country with High Cardiovascular Burden
Authors: Al-Thani Hassan , El-Menyar Ayman
Published: February 2014

We aimed to evaluate the frequency, clinical profiles and outcomes of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), and their association with coronary artery disease (CAD) in a small country with high cardiovascular burden. Methods. Data were collected for all adult patients who underwent abdominal computed tomography scans at Hamad General Hospital in Qatar between 2004 and 2008. Results. Out of 13,115 screened patients for various reasons, 61 patients (0.5%) had abdominal aneurysms. The majority of AAA patients were male (82%) with a mean age of 67 ± 12 years. The incidence of AAA substantially increased with age reaching up to 5% in patients >80 yrs. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor for AAA followed by smoking, dyslipidemia, renal impairment, and diabetes mellitus. CAD and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were observed in 36% and 13% of AAA patients, respectively. There were no significant correlations between CAD or PAD and site and size of AAA. Conclusion. This is the largest study in our region that describes the epidemiology of AAA with concomitant CAD. As the mortality rate is quite high in this high risk population, routine screening for AAA in CAD patients and vice versa needs further studies for proper risk stratification.
Preparation of Silica Aerogel and Its Adsorption Performance to Organic Molecule
Authors: Shi Hong-xin , Cui Jing-tao , Shen Hai-min , Wu Hong-ke
Published: February 2014

Hydrophobic and lipophilic silica aerogel was prepared from water-glass by gelling, aging, silylation, and drying under atmospheric pressure and characterized by FT-IR and SEM. The effect of preparation process on aerogel density and the aerogel density on contact angle of water on it were investigated in detail. pH 6 is most beneficial to shorten gelling time and to obtain the lowest density of silica aerogel. Increasing TEOS concentration of aging solution to 25 v% could decrease aerogel density to 0.093 g/cm3. The silica aerogel exhibits good hydrophobicity even though its density is 0.30 g/cm3. There are few changes in their adsorption capacities after 3 cycles of adsorption-desorption. The adsorption performance of the silica aerogel to organic solvent in water is different from in pure solvents. The critical surface tension (γC) of the silica aerogel prepared here is about 30.8 mN/m. If the surface tension of aqueous solvent solution (γ) is greater thanγC, it will wet the aerogel surface partially. Ifγ  ≤  γC, the solution will wet all aerogel surface and be adsorbed well. This work delivers us a method to adsorb solvents from their waste water by adjusting the surface tension of the waste water to lower thanγCof the adsorbent.
Inhibition of Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis by SP-2, an Anti–Lectin, Galactoside-Binding Soluble 3 Binding Protein (LGALS3BP) Antibody
Authors: Traini Sara , Piccolo Enza , Tinari Nicola , Rossi Cosmo , La Sorda Rossana , Spinella Francesca , Bagnato Anna , Lattanzio Rossano , D'Egidio Maurizia , Di Risio Annalisa , Tomao Federica , Grassadonia Antonino , Piantelli Mauro , Natoli Clara , Iacobelli Stefano
Published: February 2014

Accumulating evidence indicates that serum and tissue levels of lectin, galactoside-binding soluble 3 binding protein (LGALS3BP), a secreted glycoprotein, are elevated in human cancers. Recently, we have identified LGALS3BP as a factor capable of stimulating angiogenesis of microvascular endothelial cells in vitro as well as in vivo. However, the potential therapeutic implications of LGALS3BP function blockade have not been explored yet. Here, we tested the ability of an anti-LGALS3BP mouse monoclonal antibody, SP-2, to antagonize LGALS3BP-induced angiogenesis and tumor growth. The antibody was found to inhibit endothelial cell tubulogenesis induced by either conditioned medium of breast cancer and melanoma cells or human recombinant LGALS3BP. In addition, SP-2 inhibited phosphorylation of FAK and its recruitment to membrane sites as well as AKT and ERK phosphorylation promoted by LGALS3BP. When used in vivo, the antibody restrained LGALS3BP-stimulated angiogenesis and growth of tumor xenografts. Furthermore, the combination of SP-2 and low-dose bevacizumab was more effective than either agent alone. Taken together, these results lead to consideration of SP-2 as a promising candidate for LGALS3BP-targeted therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(4); 916–25. ©2014 AACR.
Monensin Inhibits Canonical Wnt Signaling in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells and Suppresses Tumor Growth in Multiple Intestinal Neoplasia Mice
Authors: Tumova Lucie , Pombinho Antonio R. , Vojtechova Martina , Stancikova Jitka , Gradl Dietmar , Krausova Michaela , Sloncova Eva , Horazna Monika , Kriz Vitezslav , Machonova Olga , Jindrich Jindrich , Zdrahal Zbynek , Bartunek Petr , Korinek Vladimir
Published: February 2014

The Wnt signaling pathway is required during embryonic development and for the maintenance of homeostasis in adult tissues. However, aberrant activation of the pathway is implicated in a number of human disorders, including cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, breast, liver, melanoma, and hematologic malignancies. In this study, we identified monensin, a polyether ionophore antibiotic, as a potent inhibitor of Wnt signaling. The inhibitory effect of monensin on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade was observed in mammalian cells stimulated with Wnt ligands, glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitors, and in cells transfected with β-catenin expression constructs. Furthermore, monensin suppressed the Wnt-dependent tail fin regeneration in zebrafish and Wnt- or β-catenin–induced formation of secondary body axis in Xenopus embryos. In Wnt3a-activated HEK293 cells, monensin blocked the phoshorylation of Wnt coreceptor low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein 6 and promoted its degradation. In human colorectal carcinoma cells displaying deregulated Wnt signaling, monensin reduced the intracellular levels of β-catenin. The reduction attenuated the expression of Wnt signaling target genes such as cyclin D1 and SP5 and decreased the cell proliferation rate. In multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min) mice, daily administration of monensin suppressed progression of the intestinal tumors without any sign of toxicity on normal mucosa. Our data suggest monensin as a prospective anticancer drug for therapy of neoplasia with deregulated Wnt signaling. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(4); 812–22. ©2014 AACR.
Implications of glycoprotein VI for theranostics
Authors: Vogel Sebastian , Pfannenberg Christina , Pichler Bernd , Langer Harald , Bigalke Boris , Gawaz Meinrad
Published: February 2014

Glycoprotein VI (GPVI), a membrane glycoprotein solely expressed in platelets and megakaryocytes, plays a critical role in thrombus formation due to collagen/GPVI-mediated platelet activation and adhesion. Recent studies have shown that surface expression of GPVI on circulating platelets is enhanced in acute cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke. Increased GPVI levels are associated with poor clinical outcome and are an early indicator for imminent myocardial infarction in patients with chest pain. The soluble form of the dimeric GPVI fusion protein (sGPVI-Fc) binds with high affinity to collagen and atherosclerotic plaque tissue. Non-invasive imaging studies with radiolabelled sGPVI-Fc show specific binding activity to vascular lesions in vivo. Further, sGPVI-Fc has been developed as a new therapeutic platelet-based strategy for lesion-directed antithrombotic therapy. This review summarises the potential of GPVI for diagnostic and therapeutic options based on novel non-invasive molecular imaging modalities to ameliorate care of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
New oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: impact of study design, double counting and unexpected findings on interpretation of study results and conclusions
Authors: Paikin Jeremy S. , Hirsh Jack , Lauw Mandy N. , Eikelboom John W. , Ginsberg Jeffrey S. , Chan Noel C.
Published: February 2014

Four recently introduced new oral anticoagulants (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban) have been shown to be at least as efficacious and safe as warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation in their respective trials. The first three have been approved, while edoxaban is awaiting regulatory approval. Several guidelines have endorsed the approved new oral anticoagulants over warfarin because of their favourable risk-benefit ratio, low propensity for food and drug interactions, and lack of requirement for routine coagulation monitoring. In this invited review, we summarise the results of the four studies and discuss widely held conclusions. We take a step further and discuss how differences in study design, analysis plan, and unexpected events affect the interpretation of the study results. Finally, we take our re-interpretation of study results and discuss how they might impact clinical practice and anticoagulant choice for patients.
Circulating microparticles: challenges and perspectives of flow cytometric assessment
Authors: Shantsila Eduard , Montoro-García Silvia , Gallego Pilar , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: February 2014

Circulating blood microparticles are likely to play a significant role as messengers of biological information. Their accurate quantification and characterisation is challenging and needs to be carefully designed with preferable usage of fresh minimally-processed blood samples. Utilisation of flow cytometers specifically designed for analysis of small-size particles is likely to provide considerable methodological advantages and should be the preferable option. This viewpoint manuscript provides a critical summary of the key methodological aspects of microparticle analysis.

Note: The review process for this viewpoint article was fully handled by Christian Weber, Editor in Chief.
China's High-Tech Exports: The Myth and Reality
Authors: Xing Yuqing
Published: February 2014

Trade statistics portray China as the largest exporter of high-tech products. This paper demonstrates that China's leading position in high-tech exports is a myth created by outdated trade statistics, which are inconsistent with trade based on global supply chains. Current trade statistics mistakenly credit entire values of assembled high-tech products to China, thus greatly inflating its exports. This paper adopted a value-added approach to more accurately measure high-tech exports, revealing that, in 2009, China's valueadded accounted for only about 3 percent of the total value attributed for its exports of iPhones and laptop PCs. Furthermore, if assembly is the only source of value-added by Chinese workers, in terms of technological contribution, these assembled high-tech exports are indifferent from labor-intensive products, and so they should be excluded from the high-tech classification.
The Structure of Success: How the Internal Distribution of Power Drives Armed Group Behavior and National Movement Effectiveness
Authors: Krause Peter
Published: February 2014

When and why do national movements succeed? What explains variation in the use and effectiveness of political violence employed by nationalist groups? Groups pursue common strategic goals against external enemies, such as the founding of a new state, while engaging in zero-sum competition for organizational dominance with internal rivals in their national movement. The distribution of power within a national movement provides its structure, which serves as the key variable for both the internal and external struggle. The hierarchical position of groups within the movement drives their actions, while the number of significant groups in the movement drives its effectiveness. Contrary to existing scholarship that treats nonstate coercers as unitary or suggests that united or fragmented movements perform best, hegemonic movements with one significant group are most likely to succeed. Hegemonic movement structure incentivizes the pursuit of shared strategic goals; reduces counterproductive violent mechanisms and foreign meddling; and improves the movement's coherence in strategy, clarity in signaling, and credibility in threats and assurances to yield strategic success. Analysis of seventeen campaigns involving sixteen groups within the Palestinian and Algerian national movements reveals that the power distribution theory explains greater variation in the effectiveness of national movements than previous scholarship.
Prewhitening High-Dimensional fMRI Data Sets Without Eigendecomposition
Authors: Seghouane Abd-Krim , Saad Yousef
Published: February 2014

This letter proposes an algorithm for linear whitening that minimizes the mean squared error between the original and whitened data without using the truncated eigendecomposition (ED) of the covariance matrix of the original data. This algorithm uses Lanczos vectors to accurately approximate the major eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the covariance matrix of the original data. The major advantage of the proposed whitening approach is its low computational cost when compared with that of the truncated ED. This gain comes without sacrificing accuracy, as illustrated with an experiment of whitening a high-dimensional fMRI data set.
Scelle, Schmitt, Kelsen, Lauterpacht, and the Continuing Relevance of their Inter-War Debate on Normativity
Authors: Orakhelashvili Alexander
Published: February 2014

The inter-war period of European and global history (1919–1939) fascinates by virtue of its uniqueness, the intensity of its developments, and the strategies of crisis managements it has witnessed within the League of Nations framework and beyond. The uniqueness of this period was mainly due to the fact that the identity and interests of major powers were split to a greater extent than held in common. In this time of major strategic and ideological divisions the uniform and consistent operation of positive international law as a major instrument for the preservation of peace was obviously challenged. The legal and political discourse of four major scholars of international law – Scelle, Schmitt, Kelsen and Lauterpacht – had to analytically tackle this challenge to the very viability of international law, the essence of its normativity, and its ability to make the difference in international affairs. As this contribution demonstrates, the complexity of this issue was not always given the similarly required complex attention, and grave implications followed both in legal and political terms. Viability of law in times of division is what requires that continuous attention is paid to the inter-war jurisprudential debate. The issues the four inter-war authors have focused upon retain their major significance in terms of the viability of international law in the post-Cold War international system. Three modern case-studies consequently illustrate the continuing relevance of the inter-war debate.
The Annual Rhythm of Activity of the Lateral Meristems (Cambium and Phellogen) in Pinus Halepensis Mill. and Pinus Pinea L.
Authors: Liphschitz Nili , Lev-Yadun S. , Rosen E. , Waisel Y.
Published: February 2014

The annual rhythms of cambial and phellogen activity in Pinus halepensis and P pinea were investigated. Under natural conditions the cambium of P halepensis begins its activity in autumn, enters a quiescent period during midwinter, resurnes activity towards spring and enters a second rest period in summer. The ring border is formed during summer. Irrigated plants growing outdoors were active almost all the year round.

The cambium of P pinea is active between April and November and enters a true winter dormancy.

The duration of xylem production exceeded that of the phloem. More xylem than phloem cells were formed. The phellogen was active during a short period only.

Pinus halepensis seems to follow the Mediterranean climate patterns whereas P pinea follows the pattern of a colder climate.
Occurrence of Perforated Ray Cells in Santalaceae
Authors: Vijendra Rao R. , Sharma Babulal , Dayal R.
Published: February 2014

The presence of perforated ray cells is described for the first time in Pyrularia edulis, Scleropyrum maingayi and S. ridleyi, belonging to the family Santalaceae.
The Systematic Wood Anatomy of the Moraceae (Urticales) II. Tribe Dorstenieae
Authors: Koek-Noonnan J. , Topper S.M.C. , ter Welle B.J.H.
Published: February 2014

The wood anatomy of the tribe Dorstenieae sensu Berg is described. Similarities and differences are discussed in relation to his concepts of the taxonomy of the tribe. Wood anatomically the tribe Dorstenieae is fairly homogeneous, Dorstenia deviating most in the juvenilistic composition of its rays, and the small diameter and high frequency of its vessels. Bosqueiopsis differs from the other genera in the presence of fibre pits in the radial and tangential walls. Helianthostylis and Trymatococcus are highly similar. Brosimum shows a variation range exceeding that of the entire tribe. Nevertheless, individual species of Brosimum can often not be distinguished.
Development of Vascular Cambium and Compression Wood Formation in the Shoot of Young Spruce (Picea Jezoensis Var. Hondoensis)
Authors: Yoshizawa Nobuo , Tanaka Yujiro , Idei Toshinaga
Published: February 2014

In the course of the righting movement in young spruce trees (Picea jezoensis Carr. var. hondoensis Rehd.) inclined at 45°, the occurrence of compression wood associated with the development of vascular cambium in the shoot was observed. In shoots, the recovery first took place at the mid point, a few days after inclination. The observations of serial cross sections taken from the apex downward revealed no appreciable difference in the development of the procambium-cambium continuum between the upper- and underside of the shoot. The formation and structure of primary tracheary elements were similar, irrespective of the site of the procambium in the shoot. No compression wood cells occurred before the vascular cambium cylinder was complete. The stimulus of compression wood formation is received only by the differentiating secondary xylem tissues derived from the cambium cylinder.
Reinvestigations of the Wood Anatomy of Duabanga and Sonneratia With Particular Reference to Their Systematic Position
Authors: Vijendra Rao R. , Sharma Babulal , Chauhan Laxmi , Dayal R.
Published: February 2014

The wood anatomy of Duabanga and Sonneratia is described in detail. Based on the present investigation as well as on the well recognised differences between these two genera, their systematic position is discussed. The study endorses the suggestion made by Dahlgren and Thorne (1984) to raise the status of these two genera to two subfamilies within the Lythraceae. The ecological differences between these two genera in relation to their xylem anatomy is also discussed.
Wood Anatomy and Relationships of Duckeodendraceae and Goetzeaceae
Authors: Carlquist Sherwin
Published: February 2014

Duckeodendron has been referred to Solanaceae, Boraginaceae, and Apocynaceae; segregation into its own family is based on its drupoid fruits. Drupoid fruits also characterise Goetzeaceae, which have been placed within Sapotaceae and within Solanaceae by particular authors. Both Duckeodendraceae and Goetzeaceae have intraxylary phloem (a characteristic of Solanaceae but absent from most dicotyledon families) and wood features entirely congruent with the concept that they are elosely related to Solanaceae. Wood of Duckeodendron is very sirnilar to that of Nothocestrum (Solanaceae). Wood of Goetzeaceae is most like wood of the solanaceous genera Grabowskya and Lycium. Duckeodendraceae and Goetzeaceae may be regarded as satellite farnilies of Solanaceae, in accord with the treatment of Hunziker (1979), or could conceivably be treated as subfarnilies of Solanaceae. Qualitative and quantitative features are given for wood of Duckeodendron cestroides (Duckeodendraceae) and two speeies of Goetzeaceae: Espadaea amoena and Henoonia myrtifolia. Wood of Duckeodendron is elearly mesomorphic. Wood of Espadaea is intermediate, and wood of Henoonia is relatively xeromorphic as based on vessel element dimensions, vessel density, and vasicentric tracheid presence.
Vestures and Thickenings of the Vessel Wall in Some Species of Prosopis (Leguminosae)
Authors: Agueda Castro María
Published: February 2014

In the present paper vestured pits, vestures on the thickenings of the vessel walls, and the warty layer in the wood of some speeies of Prosopis (Leguminosae - Mimosoideae) are reported.

The occurrenee of fibres with a G-layer (gelatinous fibres) is also documented.
Wood Fluorescence of Indigenous South African Trees
Authors: Dyer Stephanie T.
Published: February 2014

The fluorescence characteristics of South African hardwoods and their extracts were studied to determine their value in wood identification. Heartwood specimens and water and ethanol extracts of a1together 179 species representing 108 genera and 46 farnilies were exarnined in longwave ultraviolet light. Additional tests were conducted for the presence of Aluminium natural saponins. The findings of this research correspond with the current knowledge on wood fluorescence. The families Leguminosae, Rutaceae and Anacardiaceae showed positive fluorescence for the majority of their species. Platylophus trifoliatus is the only indigenous species with a positive reaction to the test for Aluminium. The froth test for natural saponins in wood has variable results, restricting its significance in wood identification. These results show that fluorescence is a useful characteristic in wood identification and may be applied as a rapid and easy test to verify certain identifications.
Overview of Tree-Ring Analysis in Tropical Regions
Authors: Jacoby Gordon C.
Published: February 2014

Although tree-ring analysis is a rapidly developing area of study, tropical regions have been largely neglected until recently by dendrochronologists. Research in these regions had mainly consisted of phenological, anatomical, and other studies by ecologists, foresters and anatomists. Many dendrochronologists felt that the tropics, due to a general lack of seasonality, were difficult if not impossible regions to apply their science. Many species do not form distinct rings and in many cases where rings are formed they often are not annual in nature. Increasing concern over tropical forests is focusing greater interest on tropical tree-ring analysis. In northern Australia, India, northern Argentina, central America, Brazil, West Africa and Kenya there are initially promising results. The key to the results is seasonality of some environmental conditions that induce dormancy and/or genetic tendency for growing identifiable rings in a cyclical manner. All techniques including densitometry and isotopic analysis as well as conventional ring analysis must be employed to maximise future results. The importance of tree-ring analysis for forestry and ecology relates to better information about factors influencing growth rates, wood production and quality, rotation times, and replacement rates. This information should find uses ranging from harvest and plantation planning to maintenance of natural forests. In addition, longer time series of tropical tree growth are important to studies of climatic change.
Appearance and Periodicity of Growth Rings in some Tropical Woods
Authors: Détienne Pierre
Published: February 2014

Trees belonging to 30 tropical African and South American hardwood species were wounded annually. This made it possible, after the trees had been felled, to mark precisey the annual growth rings and determine their boundaries. These boundaries are always formed during the longest dry season and clearly express the rhythm of cambial activity. The appearance and nature of these growth rings vary according to genera rather than to types of climate.
Dendrochronological Studies on Prosopis Flexuosa DC.
Authors: Villalba R. , Boninsegna J. A.
Published: February 2014

Wood structure and seasonal variation of the cambial activity were investigated in Prosopis flexuosa DC. in order to enable the use of this species in dendrochronological and ecological studies requiring exact age determination. Cambial activity was determined by counting the number of undifferentiated cells in each radial file. Change in vessel diameter and a terminal parenchyma band, containing rhombic crystals, mark the annual growth layer. Even though the growth rings are not always clearly demarcated, one growth ring is generally formed each year. Prosopis flexuosa has an annual rhythm of wood production which coincides with the climatic rhythm. It is possible to cross-date disk samples of Prosopis species, and a first chronology has been established. Relationships between xylem production, phenology and climatic factors are discussed.
Historical Studies of Cupressus Sempervirens L. Affected by Diplodia Pinea f. sp. Cupressi and Seiridium Cardinale
Authors: Madar Zion , Liphschitz Nili
Published: February 2014

Between 1980 and 1986 two serious diseases of Cupressus sempervirens were found in Israel: Seiridium cardinale and Diplodia pinea. Visual symptoms of both pathogens are similar and are eharaeterised by eanker formation aeeompanied by strong resin secretion from lesions. Histologieal examinations in the eentre of the eanker revea1 similar reaetions of C. sempervirens to Seiridium and Diplodia inoculation. Numerous resin duets are formed in the bark, necrophyllaetie periderm formation oceurs several months after inoculation, disorganisation of the xylem is eonspieuous, produetion of abnormal lignified parenehyma eells instead of traeheids oceur at the injured site, and eurved traeheids and transverse walls are formed. Tannin aeeumulation oceurs in the bark and xylem. Similar reaetions of C. sempervirens to wounding and similar effects of Matsucoccus josephi on Pinus halepensis are diseussed.
Wood and Bark Anatomy of Lauraceae IV. Dahlgrenodendron J.J.M. Van Der Merwe ' Van Wyk
Authors: Richter H. G. , Van Wyk A. E.
Published: February 2014

The southem African tree, Dahlgrenodendron natalense, previously ascribed to the genus Beilschmiedia was recently segregated as a monotypic genus, Dahlgrenodendron, on account of its distinctive exomorphology, palynology and fruit structure. Dahlgrenodendron differs from Beilschmiedia in nearly all quantitative and qualitative features of wood and bark anatomy. The overall structural pattern of these tissues does not support the initial assignment of Dahlgrenodendron to the tribe Cryptocaryeae, nor does it fit any other lauraceous taxon. Within Lauraceae, an isolated non-aligned status is provisionally proposed for the genus.
Cryo-Sem Observations on Vessel Lumina of A Living Tree: Ulmus Davidiana Var. Japonica
Authors: Ohtani Jun , Fujikawa Saizo
Published: February 2014

The free water in the vessellumina in sapwood and heartwood of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica was visualised using a cryoSEM technique, and related to the occurrence and morphology of tyloses. In the sapwood, ice crystals were present in a few latewood vesse1s but no tyloses were found. In the intermediate wood, ice crystals only occurred in some latewood vessels and many of the tyloses appeared to be collapsed in both earlywood and latewood vessels. In the heartwood, tyloses embedded within ice crystals were often observed. These observations suggest that in this species tyloses are not an obstacle to the accumulation of sap in heartwood vessels of living trees.