bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Midterm Results of Axilloaxillary Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Tuncer Altug , Adademir Taylan , Tuncer Eylem , Tas Serpil Gezer , Donmez Arzu Antal , Sunar Hasan , Balkanay Mehmet
Published: February 2012

Background: Total axilloaxillary cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is an alternative peripheral cannulation technique that has the advantages of antegrade flow during CPB, monohemispherical brain perfusion in case of circulatory arrest, and achieving excellent decompression of the heart during sternotomy. The results of this strategy, particularly beyond the immediately postoperative period, are not well known.

Methods: Eleven patients with huge aortic aneurysms (>80 mm) and/or acute-subacute ascending aorta dissections underwent surgery with totally axilloaxillary CPB. Short- and midterm outcomes, including survival and complications relating to axilloaxillary cannulation, were reported.

Results: All attempts at axillary artery cannulation were successful. Ten of the 11 axillary vein cannulation attempts were successful, and the target pump flow was achieved via the axillary vein alone. Postoperatively, clinical examinations revealed no cases of arm ischemia or compartment syndrome. Three patients (27.3%) experienced ipsilateral brachial plexus neuropathy that produced right hand weakness. The neuropathy was transient in 2 patients, and the symptoms resolved completely. Hospital death occurred in 1 (9.1%) of the 11 patients. The mean (�SD) follow-up time was 956 � 292 days. One of the survivors died on postoperative day 105 from subacute graft infection and sepsis. The right arms of all 9 of the living patients were examined physically and by Doppler ultrasonography. We found a chronic recanalized thrombotic change in the subclavian vein in 1 patient (11.1%), who had no complaints.

Conclusions: Axilloaxillary CPB is an alternative technique that can be used under certain conditions. Adding axillary venous cannulation to axillary artery cannulation at least does not increase the risk of a procedure that uses the axillary artery alone, either in the early or mid term.
Endovascular Approach to Treat Aortic Pseudoaneurysms: Could It Be a Safe Alternative?
Authors: Eldien Altarabsheh Salah , Deo Salil , Oluseun Ali O , Rihal Charanjit S. , Joyce Lyle
Published: February 2012

Aortic pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication after blunt chest trauma or cardiac surgical procedures and can occur at the site of cannulation or root vent insertion on the ascending aorta. These pseudoaneurysms have the potential to expand, erode, and rupture, and detecting this condition before complications occur is the key to successful management. We had replaced the mitral valve with a 31-mm bioprosthesis in an 82-year-old patient and repaired an ascending aorta aneurysm, but a computed tomography scan on postoperative day 18 revealed a pseudoaneurysm at the site of the previous aortic cannulation. Because of the patient's advanced age and multiple comorbidities, we sealed off the neck of the pseudoaneurysm with a 12-mm Amplatzer Vascular Plug in the interventional cardiology suite instead of subjecting her to a surgical repair involving redo sternotomy and a period of circulatory arrest. Deployment of the Amplatzer plug effectively shut off flow into the pseudoaneurysm, and the patient recovered well. Although the optimal management strategy for aortic pseudoaneurysms is a matter of controversy, endovascular interventions may be a safer alternative to surgery for patients with multiple comorbidities.
Staged Procedures versus Primary Repair for Tetralogy of Fallot and Small Left Ventricle
Authors: Zhao Keyan , Wang Huishan , Han Hongguang , Sun Jinghai , Yin Zongtao , Fang Minhua , Zheng Jun , Hou Mingxiao
Published: February 2012

Introduction: This study was conducted to address whether staged surgical intervention or primary repair would be preferred for treating patients with tetralogy of Fallot and small left ventricle.

Methods: We retrospectively assessed 28 patients with tetralogy of Fallot and small left ventricle at the Chinese PLA 208th Hospital, Changchun, between January 2005 and December 2008. Of this cohort, 11 patients had undergone a systemic-to-pulmonary arterial shunt with a polytetrafluoroethylene interposition graft (off pump), followed by ancillary repair procedures as a surgically staged group; the remaining 17 patients underwent primary intracardiac repair via cardiopulmonary bypass. The oxygen level as measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2), the McGoon ratio, and the left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) were measured before shunt procedures and at 6 to 18 months afterwards. All data were analyzed statistically with the paired Student t test. The 2 groups were compared with respect to LVEDVI values and McGoon indices at baseline by the independent t test.

Results: None of the patients died as a direct result of the surgery, but 1 fatality due to pneumonia occurred 4 months after shunting. Mean postshunt values for SpO2, the McGoon ratio, and the LVEDVI increased significantly from 76.8% � 9.0% to 87.5% � 2.4% (P < .01), from 1.42 � 0.27 to 1.62 � 0.32 (P < .05), and from 20.1 � 7.0 mL/m2 to 34.3 � 7.4 mL/m2 (P < .01), respectively. Nine patients were fully repaired within the 6- to 18-month time frame after shunting, while 1 patient awaited definitive surgery for pulmonary hypoplasia. In the primary-repair group, in which the increases the LVEDVI and McGoon ratio were comparatively higher, 1 patient died of hypoxemia.

Conclusion: A LVEDVI 20 mL/m2 may be an indication for primary repair in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. With values <20 mL/m2, staged procedures (ie, shunt with a polytetrafluoroethylene interposition graft) can promote left ventricle development and allow safe transition to the final repair.
Efficiency of Antibacterial Suture Material in Cardiac Surgery: A Double-Blind Randomized Prospective Study
Authors: Isik Isil , Selimen Deniz , Senay Sahin , Alhan Cem
Published: February 2012

Objective: Postoperative surgical site infections (SSI) still greatly affect mortality and morbidity in cardiovascular surgery. SSI may be related to the suture material. In this prospective, randomized, controlled, and double-blinded study, the effect of antibacterial suture material on SSI in cardiac surgical patients was investigated.

Methods: We randomly allocated 510 patients into 2 groups. Antibacterial suture materials were used for wound closure in 170 patients (triclosan-coated suture group), and routine suture materials were used in 340 patients (noncoated suture group). All patients were evaluated for SSI on days 10, 20, and 30 following cardiac surgery.

Results: Preoperative risk factors and laboratory findings were comparable for the 2 groups. Sternal infection occurred in 4 (2.4%) of the patients in the triclosan-coated suture group and in 3.5% of the noncoated suture group (P > .05). Leg wound infection occurred in 5 (3.5%) of the patients in the triclosan-coated suture group and in 3.8% of the noncoated suture group (P > .05). Only diabetes mellitus was an independent predictor of SSI.

Conclusion: Both noncoated and triclosan-coated suture materials are safe. Larger studies may be needed to show the benefit and cost-effectiveness, if any, of triclosan-coated materials over noncoated materials.
Hybrid Coronary Revascularization for the Treatment of Left Main Coronary Artery Disease in High-Risk Patients
Authors: Fedakar Ali , Taşar Mehmet , Rabus Murat B�len , Alsalehi Saleh , Toker Mehmet Erdem , Balkanay Mehmet
Published: February 2012

Objective: Hybrid coronary revascularization is an alternative for treatment for high-risk patients with coronary artery disease. We evaluated the efficacy of staged hybrid coronary revascularization for the treatment of unprotected left main coronary artery disease in high-risk patients.

Methods: Patients with left main or proximal left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis who are not good candidates for percutaneous coronary intervention and who had suitable lesions in the right coronary and circumflex arteries were considered for staged hybrid therapy if they had poor left ventricular functions (ejection fraction <0.40) and comorbid illnesses. From January 2008 through December 2010, 11 patients (8 men, 3 women; mean age: 66.1 � 9.1 years) were treated with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting combined with staged percutaneous coronary intervention. Nine patients had left main coronary artery stenosis together with circumflex or right coronary artery stenosis, and 2 patients had proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis and right coronary artery stenosis.

Results: After off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, procedure-related complications did not occur, and there was no in-hospital death. Coronary re-angiography after a median of 16 days revealed patent and functioning left internal mammarian artery grafts in all patients. Applying subsequent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and occasional stenting (n = 14), a total of 14 lesions were treated successfully. Procedure related complications did not occur. All patients remained angina-free, and no stress electrocardiographic changes were recorded.

Conclusion: Our preliminary results indicate that a "staged hybrid" approach to the treatment of left main coronary artery disease in high-risk patients is safe and effective. Hybrid coronary revascularization enables complete revascularization and may be an alternative method of treating left main coronary artery disease in selected high-risk patients.
Epicardial Cysts: Report of Two Rare Cases
Authors: Hatemi Ali Can , Kumbasar Ulas , Servet Ercan , Coskun Ugur , Bostan Cem , Oz B�ge
Published: February 2012

Epicardial cysts originating directly from the epicardium are seen very rarely. Complete surgical excision is recommended when these cysts are detected. If cysts compress surrounding vital structures, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) should also be considered. We report herein 2 cases of multiloculated epicardial cysts, both of which were successfully excised, 1 with CPB.
Genome Scans for Transmission Ratio Distortion Regions in Mice
Authors: Casellas Joaquim , Gularte Rodrigo J , Farber Charles R , Varona Luis , Mehrabian Margarete , Schadt Eric E , Lusis Aldon J , Attie Alan D , Yandell Brian S , Medrano Juan F
Published: February 2012

Transmission ratio distortion (TRD) is the departure from the expected genotypic frequencies under Mendelian inheritance. This departure can be due to multiple physiological mechanisms during gametogenesis, fertilization, fetal and embryonic development, and early neonatal life. Although a few TRD loci have been reported in mouse, inheritance patterns have never been evaluated for TRD. In this article, we developed a Bayesian binomial model accounting for additive and dominant deviation TRD mechanisms. Moreover, this model was used to perform genome-wide scans for TRD quantitative trait loci (QTL) on six F2 mouse crosses involving between 296 and 541 mice and between 72 and 1854 genetic markers. Statistical significance of each model was checked at each genetic marker with Bayes factors. Genome scans revealed overdominance TRD QTL located in mouse chromosomes 1, 2, 12, 13, and 14 and additive TRD QTL in mouse chromosomes 2, 3, and 15, although these results did not replicate across mouse crosses. This research contributes new statistical tools for the analysis of specific genetic patterns involved in TRD in F2 populations, our results suggesting a relevant incidence of TRD phenomena in mouse with important implications for both statistical analyses and biological research.
In Vivo Role of Alternative Splicing and Serine Phosphorylation of the Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor
Authors: Debbache Julien , Raza Zaidi M , Davis Sean , Guo Theresa , Bismuth Keren , Wang Xin , Skuntz Susan , Maric Dragan , Pickel James , Meltzer Paul , Merlino Glenn , Arnheiter Heinz
Published: February 2012

The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper protein that plays major roles in the development and physiology of vertebrate melanocytes and melanoma cells. It is regulated by post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation at serine 73, which based on in vitro experiments imparts on MITF an increased transcriptional activity paired with a decreased stability. Serine 73 is encoded by the alternatively spliced exon 2B, which is preferentially skipped in mice carrying a targeted serine-73-to-alanine mutation. Here, we measured the relative abundance of exon 2B+ and exon 2B− RNAs in freshly isolated and FACS-sorted wild-type melanoblasts and melanocytes and generated a series of knock-in mice allowing forced incorporation of either alanine, aspartate, or wild-type serine at position 73. None of these knock-in alleles, however, creates a striking pigmentation phenotype on its own, but differences between them can be revealed either by a general reduction of Mitf transcript levels or in heteroallelic combinations with extant Mitf mutations. In fact, compared with straight serine-73 knock-in mice with their relative reduction of 2B+ Mitf, forced incorporation of alanine 73 leads to greater increases in MITF protein levels, melanoblast and melanocyte numbers, and extent of pigmentation in particular allelic combinations. These results underscore, in vivo, the importance of the link between alternative splicing and post-translational modifications and may bear on the recent observation that exon 2B skipping can be found in metastatic melanoma.
Using the Genetics Concept Assessment to Document Persistent Conceptual Difficulties in Undergraduate Genetics Courses
Authors: Smith Michelle K , Knight Jennifer K
Published: February 2012

To help genetics instructors become aware of fundamental concepts that are persistently difficult for students, we have analyzed the evolution of student responses to multiple-choice questions from the Genetics Concept Assessment. In total, we examined pretest (before instruction) and posttest (after instruction) responses from 751 students enrolled in six genetics courses for either majors or nonmajors. Students improved on all 25 questions after instruction, but to varying degrees. Notably, there was a subgroup of nine questions for which a single incorrect answer, called the most common incorrect answer, was chosen by >20% of students on the posttest. To explore response patterns to these nine questions, we tracked individual student answers before and after instruction and found that particular conceptual difficulties about genetics are both more likely to persist and more likely to distract students than other incorrect ideas. Here we present an analysis of the evolution of these incorrect ideas to encourage instructor awareness of these genetics concepts and provide advice on how to address common conceptual difficulties in the classroom.
Haploidization inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeInduced by a Deficiency in Homologous Recombination
Authors: Song Wei , Petes Thomas D
Published: February 2012

Diploid Saccharomyes cerevisae strains lacking the RAD52 gene required for homologous recombination have a very high rate of chromosome loss. Two of four isolates subcultured ∼20 times (∼500 cell divisions) became haploid. These strains were capable of mating with wild-type haploids to produce diploid progeny capable of undergoing meiosis to produce four viable spores.
Serial Founder Effects During Range Expansion: A Spatial Analog of Genetic Drift
Authors: Slatkin Montgomery , Excoffier Laurent
Published: February 2012

Range expansions cause a series of founder events. We show that, in a one-dimensional habitat, these founder events are the spatial analog of genetic drift in a randomly mating population. The spatial series of allele frequencies created by successive founder events is equivalent to the time series of allele frequencies in a population of effective size ke, the effective number of founders. We derive an expression for ke in a discrete-population model that allows for local population growth and migration among established populations. If there is selection, the net effect is determined approximately by the product of the selection coefficients and the number of generations between successive founding events. We use the model of a single population to compute analytically several quantities for an allele present in the source population: (i) the probability that it survives the series of colonization events, (ii) the probability that it reaches a specified threshold frequency in the last population, and (iii) the mean and variance of the frequencies in each population. We show that the analytic theory provides a good approximation to simulation results. A consequence of our approximation is that the average heterozygosity of neutral alleles decreases by a factor of 1 – 1/(2ke) in each new population. Therefore, the population genetic consequences of surfing can be predicted approximately by the effective number of founders and the effective selection coefficients, even in the presence of migration among populations. We also show that our analytic results are applicable to a model of range expansion in a continuously distributed population.
Homologous Recombination via Synthesis-Dependent Strand Annealing in Yeast Requires the Irc20 and Srs2 DNA Helicases
Authors: Miura Tohru , Yamana Yoshimasa , Usui Takehiko , Ogawa Hiroaki I , Yamamoto Masa-Toshi , Kusano Kohji
Published: February 2012

Synthesis-dependent strand-annealing (SDSA)-mediated homologous recombination replaces the sequence around a DNA double-strand break (DSB) with a copy of a homologous DNA template, while maintaining the original configuration of the flanking regions. In somatic cells at the 4n stage, Holliday-junction-mediated homologous recombination and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) cause crossovers (CO) between homologous chromosomes and deletions, respectively, resulting in loss of heterozygosity (LOH) upon cell division. However, the SDSA pathway prevents DSB-induced LOH. We developed a novel yeast DSB-repair assay with two discontinuous templates, set on different chromosomes, to determine the genetic requirements for somatic SDSA and precise end joining. At first we used our in vivo assay to verify that the Srs2 helicase promotes SDSA and prevents imprecise end joining. Genetic analyses indicated that a new DNA/RNA helicase gene, IRC20, is in the SDSA pathway involving SRS2. An irc20 knockout inhibited both SDSA and CO and suppressed the srs2 knockout-induced crossover enhancement, the mre11 knockout-induced inhibition of SDSA, CO, and NHEJ, and the mre11-induced hypersensitivities to DNA scissions. We propose that Irc20 and Mre11 functionally interact in the early steps of DSB repair and that Srs2 acts on the D-loops to lead to SDSA and to prevent crossoverv.
Preparation and Rheocasting of Semi-solid Aluminum-alloy Slurry with Indirect Ultrasonic Vibration Process
Authors: Wu Shusen , Lü Shulin , An Ping , Zhu Zeming
Published: February 2012

Direct ultrasonic vibration (DUV) method by dipping the horn into the melt can be used to make semi-solid metal slurry, but application of this process is embarrassed because of the erosion problem of titanium-alloy horn by aluminum melt. In order to avoid this problem, a slurry-making process with indirect ultrasonic vibration (IUV), in which the horn is vibrated under the outside of the metallic cup containing alloy melt, has been developed in this research. Semisolid slurry of A356 Al alloy was prepared by this process, and the effects of IUV treatment time on the morphology of the primary α-Al phase and mechanical properties of rheo-diecasting samples were studied. The results indicate that excellent semisolid slurry of A356 Al alloy could be obtained within 50s by applying IUV near its liquidus temperature, and the average diameter and shape coefficient of the primary α-Al particles were 75μm and 0.62, respectively. IUV treatment time had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the rheo-diecasting samples, and samples treated by IUV for 50s had the maximum tensile strength and elongation. The maximum as-cast tensile strength and elongation were 244MPa and 7.5% respectively, which were increased by 10% and 75% respectively compared to conventional molten-melt die-casting samples. In addition, the mechanism of preparing semisolid slurry of A356 Al alloy by IUV is discussed.
Characterization of multimetallic nanomaterial obtained from cyanidation solutions.
Authors: Soria-Aguilar M. , Carrillo-Pedroza F. , García-Cerda L.A. , Sanchez-Castillo M. , Dávalos-Sánchez A. , Puente-Siller D.
Published: February 2012

The cyanide is the main process for the extraction of gold from its ores. This process produces rich cyanide solutions containing gold and silver, and waste cyanide solutions with different metal compounds such as copper, zinc and iron. These elements or compounds can be extracted in the form of high-value compounds as nanoparticles. This work presents some result of the remove and recovery of metallic values from waste cyanide solutions to obtain novel metallic nanoparticles. These materials were obtaining by modified sol-gel method from an industrial cyanide waste solution previously treated by advanced oxidation. This work reports the characterization from the nanoparticles by DRX and SEM-EDX. The results indicate that multimetallic nanoparticles can be obtained from cyanidation effluents.
Empirical Model to Estimate Mn2+ Precipitation Rate from a Leaching Solution Using SO2/O2 as Oxidizing Agent
Authors: Bello-Teodoro S. , Pérez-Garibay R.
Published: February 2012

A method, based in leaching with SO2, to process low grade pyrolusite minerals has shown good results at laboratory scale. After the separation of the solid impurities, the dissolved manganese is subsequently precipitated using the SO2/O2 gas mixture as oxidising agent. In this research it was obtained a mathematical model to estimate the oxidative precipitation process, as a function of temperature, pH and SO2 gas flow rate. It was found that pH and temperature have the main influence in the reaction rate. An optimal SO2 concentration in the mixture must be used to avoid generation of reductive conditions. It was observed a most efficient reaction with a low gas flow rate injection. The predicted reaction rates presents a good concordance with the experimental results (R2=0.97), showing a worthy potential for practical uses.
Strategies of Materials Industry to Changes of Metallic Mineral Resources and Environment of the Earth
Authors: Wu Yu
Published: February 2012

With the impending depletion of mineral resources and a worsening environment, the need to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emission of CO2 gas has become a serious global issue. This paper discusses the current condition of metallic ore resources, then lays emphasis on the counter measure of metallic materials processing. The principal metallic materials are iron and aluminum, and in the scrap of these materials there contains metallic resources and deposited huge energy. Through the recycling of the scrap metal, we can reduce the energy consumption on the extraction of these materials and decrease the emission of CO2 gas. The energy consumed in manufacturing products by using reclaimed raw aluminum is only 4.9% of that using new raw materials, and as for iron and steel, the data is 40.7%. In the manufacturing of metal components, while the impurity element content is rigorously restricted in the plastic forming method, the casting method has a much larger permissible range. Thus, remelting and casting is a more appropriate method in the recycling of metallic materials.
Aquatic invertebrate's distribution in a freshwater coastal lagoon of southern Brazil in relation to water and sediment characteristics
Authors: Lisboa Leonardo Kleba , Silva Aurea Luiza Lemes da , Petrucio Mauricio Mello
Published: February 2012

AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of water and sediment characteristics on the abundance, richness and diversity of the benthic invertebrate community in Peri lagoon, a freshwater coastal lagoon located in central coast of Santa Catarina State; METHODS: Samplings were performed in April, May and June 2009, in five different sites of Peri lagoon. The samples were taken with an Eckman-Birge drag, totalizing 60 for the invertebrate community, and 45 for sediment. Water physicochemical variables were also measured. Environmental influences in benthic community have been measured using a Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Linear regressions were also plotted for main correlations; RESULTS: A total of 5,535 specimens were collected, identified into 18 taxa. Tanaidacea was the most abundant representing 54% of relative abundance, followed by Diptera (23%), and Ostracoda (17%). The richest family was Chironomidae with 6 taxa. CCA results indicated positive correlation between Chaoborus and Stenocypris with local depth, and negative correlation between Odonata, Gastropoda, Cytheridella and Coleoptera with the finest grains of sediment, as well as between Tanaidacea, Lopescladius, Annelida and Nematoda with both organic matter (OM) content in sediment and local depth. Linear regression analysis demonstrated inverse relation of Tanaidacea in response to OM (y = 0.6 - 0.62.OM) and sand (y = 0.6 - 0.6.sand), and of Lopescladius in response to OM (y = 0.37 - 0.41.OM) and sand (y = 0.37 - 0.46.sand). The fact that Peri lagoon has no marine influence and has Tanaidacea as the most abundant taxa, a group not expected in freshwaters, gives to this lagoon a particular relevance among coastal lagoons. The study concluded that sediment characteristics and local depth are more significant than water variables in determining the benthic community structure in Peri lagoon, which varied in accordance with different local conditions.
Effects of carbofuran and metsulfuron-methyl on the benthic macroinvertebrate community in flooded ricefields
Authors: Baumart Joele , Dalosto Marcelo , Santos Sandro
Published: February 2012

AIM: This study evaluated the effect of the insecticide carbofuran and the herbicide metsulfuron-methyl on the abundance and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in a paddy ricefield. METHODS: To achieve this goal, two pesticide treatments [the insecticide carbofuran (IC) and the herbicide metsulfuron-methyl (HM)] and a control (Co) treatment with no added pesticide were established in an experimental area of the Plant Science Department of the Federal University of Santa Maria. Soil samples were collected in triplicate from each treatment 30 days before and 1, 10, and 51 days after the pesticide application, for macrofauna identification. RESULTS: Among the 21 taxa identified, Trichoceridae was present only in Co, Hydroptilidae was recorded only in IC, and Corixidae in HM. In Co, the most abundant group was Annelida, while in IC and HM Diptera (Chironomidae) was dominant. Significant differences were observed between Co and IC, in the density of Odontoceridae (Control>IC) and Hydrophilidae (ControlHM) and Hirudinea (Control<HM). CONCLUSION: In spite of the possible negative effects of the pesticides on the benthic community, the assemblages recovered rapidly.
Impact of the 2009 extreme water level variation on phytoplankton community structure in Lower Amazon floodplain lakes
Authors: Casali Simone , Calijuri Maria do Carmo , Barbarisi Bernard , Renó Vivian Fróes , Affonso Adriana Gomes , Barbosa Cláudio , Silva Thiago Sanna Freire , Novo Evlyn Márcia Leão de Moraes
Published: February 2012

AIM: This paper examines the effect of the extreme water level change in 2009 on the structure and diversity of the phytoplankton communities in lakes of the Lower Amazon Floodplain, and compares it to phytoplankton community structure data reported in the literature for 2002 and 2003 high water periods, closer to the normal hydrological conditions. METHODS: Sub-surface integrated water samples for phytoplankton and chlorophyll-a analyses were collected during high and low water phases in 2009. Water temperature (°C), pH, turbidity (NTU) and electrical conductivity (µS.m-1) were measured, and the Shannon diversity index was calculated. RESULTS: The results showed striking differences in taxonomic composition between phases (high and low) and also between normal (2002 and 2003) and extreme (2009) hydrological conditions, all related to the flood pulse intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Extreme water level fluctuations can result in shifts in phytoplankton community structure and diversity. This work represents a valuable contribution to phytoplankton research since presents the community structure under extreme hydrological events in the Amazon floodplain.
Time series analysis of water surface temperature and heat flux components in the Itumbiara Reservoir (GO), Brazil
Authors: Alcântara Enner Herenio de , Stech José Luiz , Lorenzzetti João Antônio , Novo Evlyn Márcia Leão de Moraes
Published: February 2012

AIM: Water temperature plays an important role in ecological functioning and in controlling the biogeochemical processes of the aquatic system. Conventional water quality monitoring is expensive and time consuming. It is particularly challenging for large water bodies. Conversely, remote sensing can be considered a powerful tool to assess important properties of aquatic systems because it provides synoptic and frequent data acquisition over large areas. The objective of this study was to analyze time series of surface water temperature and heat flux to advance the understanding of temporal variations in a hydroelectric reservoir. METHOD: MODIS water-surface temperature (WST) level 2, 1 km nominal resolution data (MOD11L2, version 5) were used. All available clear-sky MODIS/Terra images from 2003 to 2008 were used, resulting in a total of 786 daytime and 473 nighttime images. Time series of surface water temperature was obtained computing the monthly mean in a 3×3 window of three reservoir selected sites: 1) near the dam, 2) at the centre of the reservoir and 3) in the confluence of the rivers. In-situ meteorological data from 2003 to 2008 were used to calculate surface energy budget time series. Cross-wavelet, coherence and phase analysis were carried out to compute the correlation between daytime and nighttime surface water temperatures and the computed heat fluxes. RESULTS: The monthly mean of the day-time WST shows lager variability than the night-time WST. All time series (daytime and nighttime) have a cyclical pattern, passing for a minimum (June - July) and a maximum (December and January). Fourier and the Wavelet Analysis were applied to analyze this cyclical pattern. The daytime time series, presents peaks in 4.5, 6 12 and 36 months and the nighttime WST shows the highest spectral density at 12, 6, 3 and 2 months. The multiple regression analysis shows that for daytime WST, the heat flux terms explain 89% of the annual variation (RMS = 0.89 °C, p < 0.0013). For nighttime, the heat flux terms explain 94% (RMS = 0.53 °C, p < 0.0002). CONCLUSION: The daytime WST and shortwave radiation presents a good agreement for periods of 6 (with shortwave retarded) and 12 months (with shortwave advanced); For nighttime WST and longwave the good agreement is present for 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, all with longwave advanced in relation to WST.
First adult record of Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, Cantor 1842 from Ribeira de Iguape River Basin, Brazil
Authors: Gomes Caio Isola Dallevo do Amaral , Peressin Alexandre , Cetra Mauricio , Barrella Walter
Published: February 2012

AIM: This work aimed to describe a first record of Misgurnus anguilicaudatus, Cantor 1842 in São Paulo state, as well as your potential impacts on native populations. METHODS: The specimen was caught by eletro-fishing device, in Itaguapeva river, Ribeira do Iguape river basin, Ibiuna (SP), Brazil. Later, it was fixed in 10% formalin and taken to laboratory for species identification, morphometric data evaluation, diet analysis and stage of gondal maturity. RESULTS: The individual was an adult female, without parasites and with gonads in maturity stage B, which indicates vascularized ovaries and presence of oocytes in vitellogenesis process. The dietary analysis showed that 95.3% of the stomach was occupied by insect larvae. CONCLUSIONS: The diet analysis may suggest food overlap and consequent competition for food with native species of the genera Trichomycterus e Characidium, which consume essentially the same items. Still, the great morphological similarity with native species, especially Siluriformes, could generate competition for shelters. Additionally, the stage of gonadal maturity and a recorded ability of the species on establish invasive populations in different environments raise concerns about the possibility of Misgurnus anguillicaudatus reproduction on the studied site.
Phase II Study of Sequential Gemcitabine Followed by Docetaxel for Recurrent Ewing Sarcoma, Osteosarcoma, or Unresectable or Locally Recurrent Chondrosarcoma: Results of Sarcoma Alliance for Research Through Collaboration Study 003
Authors: Fox Elizabeth , Patel Shreyaskumar , Wathen J. Kyle , Schuetze Scott , Chawla Sant , Harmon David , Reinke Denise , Chugh Rashmi , Benjamin Robert S. , Helman Lee J.
Published: February 2012

Background.

Gemcitabine and docetaxel have a broad spectrum of clinical activity in patients with carcinoma. The Sarcoma Alliance for Research Through Collaboration conducted a phase II trial of gemcitabine in combination with docetaxel in children and adults with recurrent Ewing sarcoma (EWS), osteosarcoma (OS), or unresectable or recurrent chondrosarcoma. The primary objective was to determine the objective response rate using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST).

Methods.

Gemcitabine (675 mg/m2 i.v. over 90 minutes on days 1 and 8) was administered in combination with docetaxel (75 mg/m2 i.v. over 1 hour on day 8) every 21 days. All patients received filgrastim or pegfilgrastim. A Bayesian formulation was used to determine the probability of achieving the target response rate for each subtype—0.35 for EWS and OS or 0.20 for chondrosarcoma. If the probability of achieving the target response rate was <0.05, the combination was considered inactive. Toxicity was graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 3.0.

Results.

Fifty-three eligible patients were enrolled in the three subtype groups—OS (n = 14), EWS (n = 14), and chondrosarcoma (n = 25). Toxicities included neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, dyspnea, bronchospasm, edema, neuropathy, and liver function abnormalities. Dose modification for toxicity was required for eight patients during cycle 1 and 16 patients in subsequent cycles. Seven patients withdrew from therapy as a result of toxicity. No complete responses were observed. Partial responses were observed in OS (n = 1), EWS (n = 2), and chondrosarcoma (n = 2) patients.

Conclusion.

Gemcitabine in combination with docetaxel was associated with a probability of reaching the target 35% response rate of <5% in OS patients and 5.6% in EWS patients; the probability of reaching a 20% response rate in chondrosarcoma patients was 14%.
Coping with Abundance: The Burden of Progress in Medical Oncology
Authors: Beatty Peter A.
Published: February 2012

The challenges facing medical oncologists in this era of information abundance and accessibility countered with health care cost issues are examined.
First-Line Cetuximab Plus Capecitabine in Elderly Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer: Clinical Outcome and Subgroup Analysis According toKRASStatus from a Spanish TTD Group Study
Authors: Sastre Javier , Grávalos Cristina , Rivera Fernando , Massuti Bartomeu , Valladares-Ayerbes Manuel , Marcuello Eugenio , Manzano José L. , Benavides Manuel , Hidalgo Manuel , Díaz-Rubio Eduardo , Aranda Enrique
Published: February 2012

Single-agent cetuximab is safe and active in elderly patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). A cetuximab–capecitabine combination has not previously been tested in elderly patients with advanced CRC.

Material and Methods.

Sixty-six patients with advanced CRC were treated with cetuximab as a 400 mg/m2 i.v. infusion followed by 250 mg/m2 i.v. weekly plus capecitabine at a dose of 1,250 mg/m2 every 12 hours. After the inclusion of 27 patients, the protocol was amended for safety reasons, reducing the dose of capecitabine to 1,000 mg/m2 every 12 hours. Thirty-nine additional patients were treated with the reduced dose of capecitabine.

Results.

The overall response rate was 31.8%. KRAS status was determined in 58 patients (88%). Fourteen of 29 patients with wild-type KRAS tumors responded (48.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 29.4%–67.5%), compared with six of 29 patients with mutant KRAS tumors (20.7%; 95% CI, 8.0%–39.7%). The median progression-free survival (PFS) interval was 7.1 months. The median PFS interval for patients whose tumors were wild-type KRAS was significantly longer than for those with mutant KRAS tumors (8.4 months versus 6.0 months; p = .024). The high incidence of severe paronychia (29.6%) declined (7.7%) after capecitabine dose adjustment.

Conclusions.

Cetuximab plus capecitabine at a dose of 1,000 mg/m2 every 12 hours may be an alternative to more aggressive regimens in elderly patients with advanced wild-type KRAS CRC.
Scamilli impares
Authors: Heyman Jacques
Published: February 2012

The words scamilli impares are sometimes left untranslated in editions of Vitruvius. They occur in contexts where small geometrical refinements are prescribed for the construction of Greek temples – the curvature of the stylobate or entasis of columns, for example. Opinion is divided as to whether scamilli were some sort of physical aids to the surveying process or were more abstract, such as a system of measurement. This paper examines the curvature of the stylobate of the Parthenon and concludes that scamilli, physical or abstract, were closely involved with the sicilicus, the (smallest) Roman (or Greek) unit of measurement, one quarter of an inch. (Numerical calculations are carried out in metric units and these are interpreted where necessary in terms of inches.)
Effect of time on spudcan–footprint interaction in clay
Authors: GAN C.T. , LEUNG C.F. , CASSIDY M.J. , GAUDIN C. , CHOW Y.K.
Published: February 2012

Mobile drilling platforms often return to sites where previous installation, operation and extraction have formed footprints on the seabed. Owing to soil consolidation during the jack-up operational period and the intervening period before reinstallation, the interaction between a new spudcan installation and an existing footprint is complex and time dependent. This paper presents a series of drum centrifuge model tests to investigate the changes in the shear strength of soils beneath and adjacent to a spudcan footprint in normally and overconsolidated clays. The changes with time after two different jack-up operational periods are presented. The results reveal that the soil beneath a footprint generally loses some strength initially, owing to soil remoulding, but it subsequently regains its strength with time as it reconsolidates. The soil remoulding and subsequent strength gain are found to be more significant in normally consolidated clay than in overconsolidated clay. A longer jack-up operational period has an effect of strengthening the underlying soil below the spudcan in both clays. The vertical load, induced horizontal load and moment on a spudcan during its reinstallation into an existing footprint at different times after footprint formation are studied. Compared with the load for installing a spudcan for the first time, the load required to reinstall the same spudcan to the same depth is smaller in normally consolidated clay if the elapsed time between footprint formation and spudcan reinstallation is relatively short. The required load for spudcan reinstallation subsequently increases with footprint elapsed time. For overconsolidated clay, the load required for spudcan reinstallation is always smaller than that for initial spudcan installation, irrespective of the time between installations. The effects of original in situ soil strength, changes in soil strength with time and footprint elapsed time on the interaction between spudcan and footprint are examined.
Independent experimental observations of kinematic and inertial soil–pile interactions
Authors: Chenaf Nawel , Chazelas Jean-Louis , Escoffier Sandra , Pecker Alain
Published: February 2012

Inertial and kinematic soil interactions with a single pile are studied through reduced-scale models in the centrifuge. The physical model consists of an aluminium pile rigidly connected to a stiff cap and embedded into dry and dense Fontainebleau sand. The inertial interaction is observed in the response to an impact on the soil–pile–cap system, whereas the kinematic interaction is observed in the response of the soil–pile system subjected to a harmonic seismic event. The same approach was applied to the combination of both interactions, except that the system employed consisted of the complete soil–pile–cap set. This paper describes the set-up of these experiments as well as the various responses in terms of bending moments, soil acceleration, subgrade reaction p and pile lateral displacement y.
Reactions of white-bellied spider monkeys to a predation attempt by a cougar
Authors: Mourthé Ítalo
Published: February 2012

No abstract
Endothelial Progenitor Cell Cotransplantation Enhances Islet Engraftment by Rapid Revascularization
Authors: Kang Shinae , Park Ho Seon , Jo Anna , Hong Shin Hee , Lee Han Na , Lee Yeon Yi , Park Joong Shin , Jung Hye Seung , Chung Sung Soo , Park Kyong Soo
Published: February 2012

Impaired revascularization of transplanted islets is a critical problem that leads to progressive islet loss. Since endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are known to aid neovascularization, we aimed to enhance islet engraftment by cotransplanting EPCs with islets. Porcine islets, with (islet-EPC group) or without (islet-only group) human cord blood–derived EPCs, were transplanted into diabetic nude mice. The islet-EPC group reached euglycemia by ∼11 days posttransplantation, whereas the islet-only group did not. Also, the islet-EPC group had a higher serum porcine insulin level than the islet-only group. Islets from the islet-EPC group were more rapidly revascularized at the early period of transplantation without increment of final capillary density at the fully revascularized graft. Enhanced revascularization rate in the islet-EPC group was mainly attributed to stimulating vascular endothelial growth factor-A production from the graft. The rapid revascularization by EPC cotransplantation led to better graft perfusion and recovery from hypoxia. EPC cotransplantation was also associated with greater β-cell proliferation, probably by more basement membrane production and hepatocyte growth factor secretion. In conclusion, cotransplantation of EPCs and islets induces better islet engraftment by enhancing the rate of graft revascularization. These findings might provide a directly applicable tool to enhance the efficacy of islet transplantation in clinical practice.
Preexisting Autoantibodies Predict Efficacy of Oral Insulin to Cure Autoimmune Diabetes in Combination With Anti-CD3
Authors: Mamchak Alusha A. , Manenkova Yulia , Leconet Wilhem , Zheng Yanan , Chan Jason R. , Stokes Cynthia L. , Shoda Lisl K.M. , von Herrath Matthias , Bresson Damien
Published: February 2012

We have previously developed a combination therapy (CT) using anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies together with islet-(auto)antigen immunizations that can more efficiently reverse type 1 diabetes (T1D) than either entity alone. However, clinical translation of antigen-specific therapies in general is hampered by the lack of biomarkers that could be used to optimize the modalities of antigen delivery and to predict responders from nonresponders. To support the rapid identification of candidate biomarkers, we systematically evaluated multiple variables in a mathematical disease model. The in silico predictions were validated by subsequent laboratory data in NOD mice with T1D that received anti-CD3/oral insulin CT. Our study shows that higher anti-insulin autoantibody levels at diagnosis can distinguish responders and nonresponders among recipients of CT exquisitely well. In addition, early posttreatment changes in proinflammatory cytokines were indicative of long-term remission. Coadministration of oral insulin improved and prolonged the therapeutic efficacy of anti-CD3 therapy, and long-term protection was achieved by maintaining elevated insulin-specific regulatory T cell numbers that efficiently lowered diabetogenic effector memory T cells. Our validation of preexisting autoantibodies as biomarkers to distinguish future responders from nonresponders among recipients of oral insulin provides a compelling and mechanistic rationale to more rapidly translate anti-CD3/oral insulin CT for human T1D.
Resveratrol Attenuates Obesity-Associated Peripheral and Central Inflammation and Improves Memory Deficit in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Jeon Byeong Tak , Jeong Eun Ae , Shin Hyun Joo , Lee Younghyurk , Lee Dong Hoon , Kim Hyun Joon , Kang Sang Soo , Cho Gyeong Jae , Choi Wan Sung , Roh Gu Seob
Published: February 2012

Obesity-induced diabetes is associated with chronic inflammation and is considered a risk factor for neurodegeneration. We tested the hypothesis that an AMP-activated protein kinase activator, resveratrol (RES), which is known to exert potent anti-inflammatory effects, would attenuate peripheral and central inflammation and improve memory deficit in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). C57BL/6J mice were fed an HFD or an HFD supplemented with RES for 20 weeks. Metabolic parameters in serum were evaluated, and Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry in peripheral organs and brain were completed. We used the Morris water maze test to study the role of RES on memory function in HFD-treated mice. RES treatment reduced hepatic steatosis, macrophage infiltration, and insulin resistance in HFD-fed mice. In the hippocampus of HFD-fed mice, the protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and Iba-1 expression were reduced by RES treatment. Choline acetyltransferase was increased, and the phosphorylation of tau was decreased in the hippocampus of HFD-fed mice upon RES treatment. In particular, we found that RES significantly improved memory deficit in HFD-fed mice. These findings indicate that RES reverses obesity-related peripheral and central inflammation and metabolic derangements and improves memory deficit in HFD-fed diabetic mice.
Autophagy favors Brucella melitensis survival in infected macrophages
Authors: Guo Fei , Zhang Hui , Chen Chuangfu , Hu Shengwei , Wang Yuanzhi , Qiao Jun , Ren Yan , Zhang Ke , Wang Yong , Du Guoqing
Published: February 2012

This study investigated the role of autophagy in the survival of the invasive bacterium Brucella melitensis strain 16M in murine macrophages. Here, Brucella melitensis 16M was found to trigger autophagosome formation, enhance autophagy flux and increase the expression level of the autophagy marker protein LC3-II. When autophagy was pharmacologically inhibited by 3-methyladenine (3-MA), Brucella replication efficiency was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). These results suggest that autophagy favors Brucella melitensis 16M survival in murine macrophages.