bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transvascular closure of single and multiple muscular ventricular septal defects in neonates and infants < 20 kg
Authors: Zartner Peter , Christians Claus , Stelter Jan-Christian , Hraška Viktor , Schneider Martin B.E.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

While surgical closure of ventricular septal defects (VSD) is still the gold standard, we review our experience with the interventional closure of single and multiple muscular VSD in newborns and infants under 20 kg.

Method

Between 2004 and 2012 transcatheter closure of ten Swiss cheese VSD, six single muscular and one apical VSD was attempted in 17 patients between 10 days and 7.3 years of age and with a bodyweight ranging from 2.2 to 19 kg. Seven patients had had a significant shunt after cardiac surgery, five patients a shunt induced congestive heart failure and in five patients postponement of surgery was intended.

Results

A total of 20 devices was successfully implanted in 15 of 17 (88%) patients, reducing the interventricular shunt and improving the haemodynamic situation in 14 patients. An acute AV‐block led to immediate removal of the device in a patient of 2.2 kg. One Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder could not be delivered due to the sharp bending of the delivery sheath in 2004. Three patients died during follow‐up not related to the intervention. Re‐intervention was necessary in one patient with Swiss cheese VSD.

Conclusion

Interventional closure of muscular VSD is possible in newborns and infants and presents an eligible treatment option. New occlusion systems with miniaturized introducer sheaths of 4–6 French have extended the spectrum of treatable lesions. An individual and interdisciplinary risk‐benefit stratification is required to choose from surgical, interventional, or combined strategies. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intimal hyperplasia and vascular remodeling after everolimus‐eluting and sirolimus‐eluting stent implantation in diabetic patients: The randomized diabetes and drug‐eluting stent (DiabeDES) IV intravascular ultrasound trial
Authors: Antonsen Lisbeth , Maeng Michael , Thayssen Per , Christiansen Evald Høj , Hansen Knud Nørregaard , Kaltoft Anne , Hansen Henrik Steen , Thuesen Leif , Lassen Jens Flensted , Jensen Lisette Okkels
Published: August 2013

Objective

To evaluate the effects of the everolimus‐eluting Xience™/Promus™ stent (EES) and the sirolimus‐eluting Cypher™ stent (SES) on intimal hyperplasia (IH) in diabetic patients.

Background

Patients with diabetes mellitus have increased risk of in‐stent restenosis after coronary stent implantation due to intimal hyperplasia (IH).

Methods

In a sub study of the Randomized Comparison of Everolimus‐Eluting and Sirolimus‐Eluting Stents in Patients Treated with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (SORT OUT IV trial), serial intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) 10‐month follow‐up data were available in 88 patients, including 48 EES and 40 SES treated patients. IVUS endpoints included IH volume, in‐stent % volume obstruction and changes in external elastic membrane (EEM) volume.

Results

Compared with the SES group, IH volume was increased in the EES group [median (interquartile range): 2.8 mm3 (0.0–12.6) vs. 0.0 mm3 (0.0–1.1), P = 0.001]. In‐stent % volume obstruction was increased in EES compared to SES [median (interquartile range): 1.6% (0.0–8.2) vs. 0.0% (0.0–1.0), P = 0.001]. Peri‐stent external elastic membrane (EEM) volume: (post procedure vs. follow‐up EES [300 mm3 (219–491) vs. 307 mm3 (223–482), P = 0.73] and SES [316 mm3 (235–399) vs. 323 mm3 (246–404), P = 0.05]) and peri‐stent plaque volume: EES [163 mm3 (103–273) vs. 184 mm3 (115–291), P = 0.18] and SES [186 mm3 (139–248) vs. 175 mm3 (153–243), P = 0.26]) were unchanged in both groups. In the proximal reference segment a significant increase in plaque area was seen in the EES group only, without vascular remodeling.

Conclusion

In diabetic patients, EES stent implantation was associated with increased IH volume obstruction without involvement of vascular remodeling. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hybrid approach for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum: Early single center results and comparison to the standard surgical approach
Authors: Zampi Jeffrey D. , Hirsch‐Romano Jennifer C. , Goldstein Bryan H. , Shaya Justin A. , Armstrong Aimee K.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To examine acute and mid‐term patient outcomes following the hybrid approach to pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA‐IVS) compared with the standard surgical approach.

Background

A subset of PA‐IVS patients with the prospect of biventricular circulation typically undergo surgical or transcatheter right ventricular (RV) outflow tract opening. A recently described hybrid procedure, involving perventricular pulmonary valve perforation, was shown to be safe and effective in single‐center series.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective review of all patient with PA‐IVS who underwent either surgical or hybrid RV decompression between January 2002 and December 2011 was completed and acute and mid‐term patient outcomes were compared between the surgical and hybrid cohorts. Additionally, a systematic literature review was completed to compare a transcatheter cohort to the hybrid cohort.

Results

Seven patients with PA‐IVS underwent a hybrid procedure; the procedure was technically successful in all attempts, and none required CPB. No patients required surgical re‐intervention prior to hospital discharge, and none died during the study period. Surgical RV decompression was performed in 17 patients with a median CPB time of 80 min. Patient outcomes were nearly identical between cohorts. By systematic review, the transcatheter approach has a procedural success of 75–95% but up to 75% of patients require operation in the neonatal period.

Conclusions

The hybrid approach is a safe and feasible alternative to the standard surgical and transcatheter approaches to PA‐IVS. Acute and mid‐term patient outcomes are comparable with those treated with a standard surgical approach and neonatal CPB is completely avoided. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The next era of transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A case illustrating the benefit of a fully re‐positionable, re‐sheathable, and retrievable prosthesis
Authors: Gooley Robert , Antonis Paul , Meredith Ian T
Published: August 2013

While transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an accepted treatment modality in appropriately selected patients there remain modest complication rates. New TAVR devices, through novel design features, may overcome some of these complications. We present the first case of full re‐sheathing and retrieval of a Lotus Valve to facilitate a change in prosthesis size. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glia to axon RNA transfer
Authors: Sotelo José Roberto , Canclini Lucía , Kun Alejandra , Sotelo‐Silveira José Roberto , Calliari Aldo , Cal Karina , Bresque Mariana , DiPaolo Andrés , Farias Joaquina , Mercer John A.
Published: August 2013

The existence of RNA in axons has been a matter of dispute for decades. Evidence for RNA and ribosomes has now accumulated to a point at which it is difficult to question, much of the disputes turned to the origin of these axonal RNAs. In this review, we focus on studies addressing the origin of axonal RNAs and ribosomes. The neuronal soma as the source of most axonal RNAs has been demonstrated and is indisputable. However, the surrounding glial cells may be a supplemental source of axonal RNAs, a matter scarcely investigated in the literature. Here, we review the few papers that have demonstrated that glial‐to‐axon RNA transfer is not only feasible, but likely. We describe this process in both invertebrate axons and vertebrate axons. Schwann cell to axon ribosomes transfer was conclusively demonstrated (Court et al. [2008]: J. Neurosci 28:11024–11029; Court et al. [2011]: Glia 59:1529–1539). However, mRNA transfer still remains to be demonstrated in a conclusive way. The intercellular transport of mRNA has interesting implications, particularly with respect to the integration of glial and axonal function. This evolving field is likely to impact our understanding of the cell biology of the axon in both normal and pathological conditions. Most importantly, if the synthesis of proteins in the axon can be controlled by interacting glia, the possibilities for clinical interventions in injury and neurodegeneration are greatly increased. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 292–302, 2014
Nkx2.2:Cre knock‐in mouse line: A novel tool for pancreas‐ and CNS‐specific gene deletion
Authors: Balderes Dina A. , Magnuson Mark A. , Sussel Lori
Published: August 2013

Nkx2.2 is a homeodomain‐containing transcriptional regulator necessary for the appropriate differentiation of ventral neuronal populations in the spinal cord and hindbrain, and endocrine cell populations in the pancreas and intestine. In each tissue, Nkx2.2 inactivation leads to reciprocal cell fate alterations. To confirm the cell fate changes are due to respecification of Nkx2.2‐expressing progenitors and to provide a novel tool for lineage tracing in the pancreas and CNS, we generated an Nkx2.2:Cre mouse line by knocking in a Cre‐EGFP cassette into the Nkx2.2 genomic locus and inactivating endogenous Nkx2.2. The R26R‐CAG‐LSL‐tdTomato reporter was used to monitor the specificity and efficiency of Nkx2.2:Cre activity; the tomato reporter faithfully recapitulated endogenous Nkx2.2 expression and could be detected as early as embryonic day (e) 9.25 in the developing CNS and was initiated shortly thereafter at e9.5 in the pancreas. Lineage analyses in the CNS confirmed the cell populations thought to be derived from Nkx2.2‐expressing progenitor domains. Furthermore, lineage studies verified Nkx2.2 expression in the earliest pancreatic progenitors that give rise to all cell types of the pancreas; however they also revealed more robust Cre activity in the dorsal versus ventral pancreas. Thus, the Nkx2.2:Cre line provides a novel tool for gene manipulations in the CNS and pancreas. genesis 51:844–851. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The self‐regulatory role of anticipated group‐based shame and guilt in inhibiting in‐group favoritism
Authors: Shepherd Lee , Spears Russell , Manstead Antony Stephen
Published: August 2013

In three studies, we examined whether the anticipation of group‐based guilt and shame inhibits in‐group favoritism. In Studies 1 and 2, anticipated group‐based shame negatively predicted in‐group favoritism; in neither study did anticipated group‐based guilt uniquely predict in‐group favoritism. In Study 3, we orthogonally manipulated anticipated group‐based shame and guilt. Here, we found that the shame (but not the guilt) manipulation had a significant inhibitory effect on in‐group favoritism. Anticipated group‐based shame (but not guilt) promotes egalitarian intergroup behavior. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The meaning of tears: Which sex seems emotional depends on the social context
Authors: Fischer Agneta H. , Eagly Alice H. , Oosterwijk Suzanne
Published: August 2013

The media coverage sometimes given to crying women points to the importance of understanding whether gender affects interpretations of crying. This article reports two studies that examined whether observers infer different emotions or dispositions from crying men and women. Study 1 showed that, in the absence of information about the social context of crying, participants inferred gender‐stereotypical traits and emotions. Study 2's manipulation of the social context of crying (relationship versus employment) affected participants' interpretations of crying by men and women. In employment contexts, participants perceived crying men as more emotional and sad than crying women as well as less competent. The emotionality inferences mediated the judgments of differing male and female competence. In relationship contexts, interpretations of crying women and men did not differ. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Competition in stereotyped domains: Competition, social comparison, and stereotype threat
Authors: Van Loo Katie J. , Boucher Kathryn L. , Rydell Robert J. , Rydell Michael T.
Published: August 2013

The current work examines a novel and specific way in which competition can hurt the performance of negatively stereotyped individuals: by evoking stereotype threat. In four experiments, we demonstrate that women's underperformance in math when primed with competition was due to feeling worried about confirming negative stereotypes about women's math ability (i.e., stereotype threat), that the activation of negative performance stereotypes for women primed with competition was due to increased group‐level social comparisons (i.e., comparing the self with men and women), and that priming competition led men to perform more poorly than women in a domain where they are negatively stereotyped (i.e., verbal ability). This research suggests that priming people with competition in contexts where they are negatively stereotyped leads to greater social comparison, activation of negative stereotypes, and concern about confirming these stereotypes, thereby decreasing stereotyped individuals' performance in the stereotyped domain. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global modeling of soil nitrous oxide emissions from natural processes
Authors: Saikawa E. , Schlosser C. A. , Prinn R. G.
Published: August 2013

Nitrous oxide is an important greenhouse gas and is a major ozone‒depleting substance. To understand and quantify soil nitrous oxide emissions, we expanded the Community Land Model with coupled Carbon and Nitrogen cycles version 3.5 by inserting a module to estimate monthly varying nitrous oxide emissions between 1975 and 2008. We evaluate our soil N2O emission estimates against existing emissions inventories, other process‒based model estimates, and observations from sites in the Amazon, North America, Central America, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and in Europe. The model reproduces precipitation, soil temperature, and observations of N2O emissions well at some but not at all sites and especially not during winter in the higher latitudes. Applying this model to estimate the past 24 years of global soil N2O emissions, we find that there is a significant decrease (increase) in soil N2O emissions associated with El Niño (La Niña) events.
Snapshot of the Matuyama‐Brunhes reversal process recorded in 40Ar/39Ar‐dated lavas from Guadeloupe, West Indies
Authors: Brown M. C. , Jicha B. R. , Singer B. S. , Shaw J.
Published: August 2013

We obtain new 40Ar/39Ar ages for three lavas that record part of the Matuyama‐Brunhes geomagnetic field reversal process on Guadeloupe. These lavas record a reversed‐transitional‐reversed magnetostratigraphy and yield a weighted mean isochron age of 785.2 ± 5.2 ka (2σ analytical uncertainty) relative to an age for the Fish Canyon sanidine standard of 28.201 Ma. This age is of greater accuracy than ages obtained previously by K‐Ar dating. These lavas may record directional fluctuations occurring between the Matuyama‐Brunhes precursor and the final directional reversal. Such variations have been observed in some globally distributed coupled paleomagnetic and oxygen isotope marine sedimentary records of the Matuyama‐Brunhes reversal. Previous paleointensity estimates from these lavas indicate reduced, but fluctuating field strength during this time.
Three‐dimensional seismic structure of the Dragon Flag oceanic core complex at the ultraslow spreading Southwest Indian Ridge (49°39′E)
Authors: Zhao Minghui , Qiu Xuelin , Li Jiabiao , Sauter Daniel , Ruan Aiguo , Chen John , Cannat Mathilde , Singh Satish , Zhang Jiazheng , Wu Zhenli , Niu Xiongwei
Published: August 2013

The Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) is an ultraslow spreading end‐member of mid‐ocean ridge system. We use air gun shooting data recorded by ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) and multibeam bathymetry to obtain a detailed three‐dimensional (3‐D) P wave tomographic model centered at 49°39′E near the active hydrothermal “Dragon Flag” vent. Results are presented in the form of a 3‐D seismic traveltime inversion over the center and both ends of a ridge segment. We show that the crustal thickness, defined as the depth to the 7 km/s isovelocity contour, decreases systematically from the center (∼7.0–8.0 km) toward the segment ends (∼3.0–4.0 km). This variation is dominantly controlled by thickness changes in the lower crustal layer. We interpret this variation as due to focusing of the magmatic activity at the segment center. The across‐axis velocity model documents a strong asymmetrical structure involving oceanic detachment faulting. A locally corrugated oceanic core complex (Dragon Flag OCC) on the southern ridge flank is characterized by high shallow crustal velocities and a strong vertical velocity gradient. We infer that this OCC may be predominantly made of gabbros. We suggest that detachment faulting is a prominent process of slow spreading oceanic crust accretion even in magmatically robust ridge sections. Hydrothermal activity at the Dragon Flag vents is located next to the detachment fault termination. We infer that the detachment fault system provides a pathway for hydrothermal convection.
CFCl3 (CFC‐11): UV absorption spectrum temperature dependence measurements and the impact on its atmospheric lifetime and uncertainty
Authors: McGillen Max R. , Fleming Eric L. , Jackman Charles H. , Burkholder James B.
Published: August 2013

CFCl3 (CFC‐11) is both an atmospheric ozone‐depleting and potent greenhouse gas that is removed primarily via stratospheric UV photolysis. Uncertainty in the temperature dependence of its UV absorption spectrum is a significant contributing factor to the overall uncertainty in its global lifetime and, thus, model calculations of stratospheric ozone recovery and climate change. In this work, the CFC‐11 UV absorption spectrum was measured over a range of wavelength (184.95–230 nm) and temperature (216–296 K). We report a spectrum temperature dependence that is less than that currently recommended for use in atmospheric models. The impact on its atmospheric lifetime was quantified using a 2‐D model and the spectrum parameterization developed in this work. The calculated global annually averaged lifetime was 58.1 ± 0.7 years (2σ uncertainty due solely to the spectrum uncertainty). The lifetime is slightly reduced and the uncertainty significantly reduced from that obtained using current UV spectrum recommendations.
Electron bulk heating in magnetic reconnection at Earth's magnetopause: Dependence on the inflow Alfvén speed and magnetic shear
Authors: Phan T. D. , Shay M. A. , Gosling J. T. , Fujimoto M. , Drake J. F. , Paschmann G. , Oieroset M. , Eastwood J. P. , Angelopoulos V.
Published: August 2013

We surveyed 79 magnetopause reconnection exhausts detected by the THEMIS spacecraft to investigate how the amount and anisotropy of electron bulk heating produced by reconnection depend on the inflow boundary conditions. We find that the amount of heating, ΔTe, is correlated with the asymmetric Alfvén speed, VAL,asym, based on the reconnecting magnetic field and the plasma density measured in both the high‐density magnetosheath and low‐density magnetospheric inflow regions. Best fit to the data produces the empirical relation ΔTe = 0.017 miVAL,asym2, indicating that the amount of heating is proportional to the inflowing magnetic energy per proton‐electron pair, with ~1.7% of the energy being converted into electron heating. This finding, generalized to symmetric reconnection, could account for the lack of electron heating in typical solar wind exhausts at 1 AU, as well as strong heating to keV energies common in magnetotail exhausts. We also find that the guide field suppresses perpendicular heating.
Random renormalization groups and Bayesian scaling of dispersion/diffusion in Lake Michigan and the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: O'Malley D. , Cushman J. H. , Johnson G.
Published: August 2013

A random renormalization group technique is reviewed, and a related set of Bayesian scaling techniques are presented. The techniques are employed to study the motion of drifters in Lake Michigan on a time scale ranging from 30 min to 5 days and in the Gulf of Mexico on a time scale ranging from 8 h to 85 days. The scaling laws generalize the standard power law scalings. One of the advantages of the Bayesian approach is that scaling laws can be determined even with a paucity of data with the caveat that less data produce greater uncertainty in the scaling laws.
Statistics of vertical vorticity, divergence, and strain in a developed submesoscale turbulence field
Authors: Shcherbina Andrey Y. , D'Asaro Eric A. , Lee Craig M. , Klymak Jody M. , Molemaker M. Jeroen , McWilliams James C.
Published: August 2013

A detailed view of upper ocean vorticity, divergence, and strain statistics was obtained by a two‐vessel survey in the North Atlantic Mode Water region in winter 2012. Synchronous Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler sampling provided the first in situ estimates of the full velocity gradient tensor at O(1 km) scale without the usual mix of spatial and temporal aliasing. The observed vorticity distribution in the mixed layer was markedly asymmetric (skewness 2.5), with sparse strands of strong cyclonic vorticity embedded in a weak, predominantly anticyclonic background. Skewness of the vorticity distribution decreased linearly with depth, disappearing completely in the pycnocline. Statistics of divergence and strain rate generally followed the normal and χ distributions, respectively. These observations confirm a high‐resolution numerical model prediction for the structure of the active submesoscale turbulence field in this area.
Relationship Between Sarcopenia and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The Korean Sarcopenic Obesity Study
Authors: Hong Ho Cheol , Hwang Soon Young , Choi Hae Yoon , Yoo Hye Jin , Seo Ji A , Kim Sin Gon , Kim Nan Hee , Baik Sei Hyun , Choi Dong Seop , Choi Kyung Mook
Published: August 2013

Previous studies have shown that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and sarcopenia may share pathophysiological mechanisms, such as insulin resistance, inflammation, vitamin D deficiency, and decreased physical activity. However, their direct relationship has not been investigated. The association between NAFLD and sarcopenia was examined in 452 apparently healthy adults enrolled in the Korean Sarcopenic Obesity Study (KSOS), an ongoing prospective observational cohort study. The liver attenuation index (LAI), which was measured using abdominal computed tomography (CT), was used as a parameter for the diagnosis of NAFLD. Sarcopenia was defined using a skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) [SMI (%) = total skeletal muscle mass (kg) / weight (kg) × 100] that was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). After adjusting for age and sex, both SMI and LAI were negatively correlated with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (

P

< 0.001) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (

P

< 0.001) as well as brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an indicator of arterial stiffness. Furthermore, SMI and LAI had positive relationships with high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, but both had a negative relationship with triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total body fat. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for NAFLD risk was 5.16 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.63-16.33) in the lowest quartile of SMI compared to the highest after adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Conclusion :

Individuals with lower muscle mass exhibited increased risk of NAFLD. This result may provide a novel insight into the mechanism linking between sarcopenia and NAFLD. (Clinical trial no. NCT01594710.) (Hepatology 2014;59:1772–1778)
Use it and boost it with physical and mental activity
Authors: Korol Donna L. , Gold Paul E. , Scavuzzo Claire J.
Published: August 2013

One of the now classic tenets of neuroscience is that the brain retains a substantial amount of structural and functional plasticity throughout adulthood and old age. Enriching experiences that stimulate physical and mental activity produce robust changes in subsequent behaviors, including learning and memory, that tap a wide range of neural systems. In this article, we review evidence for cognitive priming with physical and mental exercise through a memory systems lens and present brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling as one candidate neural mechanism for experience‐dependent modulation of learning and memory. We highlight our recent findings showing that priming with voluntary exercise or with spontaneous alternation, a working memory task, enhances new learning of hippocampus‐sensitive place, or striatum‐sensitive response tasks. Blocking BDNF signaling with infusions of a BDNF receptor inhibitor into hippocampus or striatum just before training on place or response tasks, respectively, abrogated the benefits of priming regardless of the type of priming experience. These results suggest that enhanced BDNF signaling during learning may itself produce the cognitive benefits afforded by prior physical or mental activity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wnt Signaling Regulates Pulp Volume and Dentin Thickness
Authors: Lim Won Hee , Liu Bo , Cheng Du , Hunter Daniel J , Zhong Zhendong , Ramos Daniel M , Williams Bart O , Sharpe Paul T , Bardet Claire , Mah Su-jung , Helms Jill A
Published: August 2013

Odontoblasts, cementoblasts, ameloblasts, and osteoblasts all form mineralized tissues in the craniofacial complex, and all these cell types exhibit active Wnt signaling during postnatal life. We set out to understand the functions of this Wnt signaling, by evaluating the phenotypes of mice in which the essential Wnt chaperone protein, Wntless was eliminated. The deletion of Wls was restricted to cells expressing Osteocalcin (OCN), which in addition to osteoblasts includes odontoblasts, cementoblasts, and ameloblasts. Dentin, cementum, enamel, and bone all formed in OCN-Cre;Wlsfl/fl mice but their homeostasis was dramatically affected. The most notable feature was a significant increase in dentin volume and density. We attribute this gain in dentin volume to a Wnt-mediated misregulation of Runx2. Normally, Wnt signaling stimulates Runx2, which in turn inhibits dentin sialoprotein (DSP); this inhibition must be relieved for odontoblasts to differentiate. In OCN-Cre;Wlsfl/fl mice, Wnt pathway activation is reduced and Runx2 levels decline. The Runx2-mediated repression of DSP is relieved and odontoblast differentiation is accordingly enhanced. This study demonstrates the importance of Wnt signaling in the homeostasis of mineralized tissues of the craniofacial complex. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Single- and Multiple-Dose Randomized Studies of Blosozumab, a Monoclonal Antibody Against Sclerostin, in Healthy Postmenopausal Women
Authors: McColm Juliet , Hu Leijun , Womack Theresa , Tang Cheng Cai , Chiang Alan Y
Published: August 2013

Two clinical studies were conducted to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of single and multiple doses (intravenous [iv] and subcutaneous [sc]) of blosozumab in postmenopausal women, including prior/current bisphosphonate (BP) users. In these phase 1, randomized, subject- and investigator-blind, placebo-controlled studies, subjects received escalating doses of blosozumab: single iv doses up to 750 mg, single sc doses of 150 mg, multiple iv doses up to 750 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) for 8 weeks, multiple sc doses up to 270 mg Q2W for 8 weeks, or placebo. Six subjects were randomized to each dose in the single-dose study (12 to placebo) and up to 12 subjects to each arm in the multiple-dose study. Blosozumab was well tolerated with no safety concerns identified after single or multiple administrations up to 750 mg. Dose-dependent responses were observed in sclerostin, N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type 1, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, C-terminal fragment of type 1 collagen, and bone mineral density (BMD) after single and multiple (up to 5) administrations of blosozumab. There was up to a 3.41% (p = 0.002) and up to a 7.71% (p < 0.001) change from baseline in lumbar spine BMD at day 85 after single or multiple administrations of blosozumab, respectively. Prior BP use did not appear to have a clear impact on the effects of single doses of blosozumab when considering bone biomarker and BMD responses. Antibodies to blosozumab were detected by a screening assay, but no patterns with regard to dose or route of administration and no clear impact on blosozumab exposure or PD responses were identified. In summary, blosozumab was well tolerated and exhibited anabolic effects on bone. These findings support further investigation of blosozumab as a potential anabolic therapy for osteoporosis. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Morphological Effects on Expression of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15), a Marker of Metastasis
Authors: Aw Yong Koh Meng , Zeng Yu , Vindivich Donald , Phillip Jude M. , Wu Pei‐Hsun , Wirtz Denis , Getzenberg Robert H.
Published: August 2013

Cancer cells typically demonstrate altered morphology during the various stages of disease progression as well as metastasis. While much is known about how altered cell morphology in cancer is a result of genetic regulation, less is known about how changes in cell morphology affect cell function by influencing gene expression. In this study, we altered cell morphology in different types of cancer cells by disrupting the actin cytoskeleton or by modulating attachment and observed a rapid up‐regulation of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), a member of the transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) super‐family. Strikingly, this up‐regulation was sustained as long as the cell morphology remained altered but was reversed upon allowing cell morphology to return to its typical configuration. The potential significance of these findings was examined in vivo using a mouse model: a small number of cancer cells grown in diffusion chambers that altered morphology increased mouse serum GDF15. Taken together, we propose that during the process of metastasis, cancer cells experience changes in cell morphology, resulting in the increased production and secretion of GDF15 into the surrounding environment. This indicates a possible relationship between serum GDF15 levels and circulating tumor cells may exist. Further investigation into the exact nature of this relationship is warranted. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 362–373, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mercury uptake within an ice algal community during the spring bloom in first‐year Arctic sea ice
Authors: Burt Alexis , Wang Feiyue , Pućko Monika , Mundy Christopher‐John , Gosselin Michel , Philippe Benoît , Poulin Michel , Tremblay Jean‐Éric , Stern Gary A.
Published: August 2013

In this study, we examine mercury bioaccumulation by a first‐year sea‐ice (FYI) algal community in the western Canadian Arctic during the spring of 2008. Total mercury concentration in bottom sea‐ice particulate ([PHg]T) ranged 0.004–0.022 µg/g dw and was limited by the amount of mercury available for uptake when the spring bloom commenced. Mercury in ice algae originated from a combination of brine and seawater as sources, while atmospheric mercury depletion events did not appear to significantly contribute as a source in a coupled manner. We show that the bottom sea‐ice brine presents a chemically and biologically unique niche from which inorganic Hg makes its way into the food web. Once incorporated into algae, mercury can be transported spatially and trophically within the ecosystem by a range of processes including grazing, resuspension, remineralization, and sedimentation. Ice algae contribute 10–60% of the annual primary production in the Arctic and are thought to become even more productive and abundant under a mild climate change scenario. Replacement of multiyear ice with FYI in the Beaufort Sea alone could result in an additional influx of ∼48 kg/yr of particle bound Hg. Further studies are thus warranted to elucidate mechanisms by which mercury transformation processes and transfer into the Arctic marine food web are impacted by the interaction between sea ice, brine, and seawater.
Equatorial ionosphere semiannual oscillation investigated from Schumann resonance measurements on board the C/NOFS satellite
Authors: Simões Fernando , Pfaff Robert , Freudenreich Henry , Klenzing Jeffrey , Rowland Douglas , Bromund Kenneth , Kepko Larry , Le Guan , Liebrecht Maria Carmen , Martin Steven , Uribe Paulo
Published: August 2013

Detection of Schumann resonance signatures in the equatorial ionosphere offers remote sensing capabilities for the investigation of tropospheric and space weather effects in the ionosphere. Schumann resonances are electromagnetic oscillations in the earth‐ionosphere cavity produced by lightning activity. Analysis of AC electric field measurements gathered by the Communications/Navigation Outage Forecasting System satellite reveals a semiannual pattern in Schumann resonance data recorded during nighttime in the equatorial ionosphere. This pattern observed in the Schumann resonance amplitude is expected to help validate—or at least constrain—potential mechanisms proposed to explain the semiannual oscillation observed in different geophysical records, such as those reported in a variety of tropospheric, ionospheric/thermospheric, and magnetospheric observations.
How well does the ERA‐Interim reanalysis replicate trends in extremes of surface temperature across Europe?
Authors: Cornes R. C. , Jones P. D.
Published: August 2013

Trends in extremes of daily maximum and minimum temperature across Europe derived from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts ERA‐Interim reanalysis are compared against observed data. The period 1980–2011 is considered and both station series and the gridded E‐OBS data are used to determine the success of the reanalysis, with indices of the numbers of days above or respectively below the 90th and 10th percentiles of daily maximum and minimum temperature used as metrics. It is shown in this paper that the ERA‐Interim reanalysis data are generally very good at replicating both the seasonally and spatially varying trends in the indices across Europe. At the station level, the reanalysis data are also able to depict the observed trends remarkably well. However, the success of the reanalysis data depends on the season and the particular index considered. The reanalysis is least successful in replicating trends in the number of days exceeding the 90th percentile of maximum temperature, particularly during the summer season. The success of the reanalysis is also somewhat dependent on the time step of the reanalysis data used. Daily maximum and minimum temperatures calculated from the 3‐hourly time step reanalysis data tend to be more reliable than those derived from the 12‐hourly data.
The implications of minimum stomatal conductance on modeling water flux in forest canopies
Authors: Barnard D. M. , Bauerle W. L.
Published: August 2013

Stomatal conductance (gs) models are widely used at a variety of scales to predict fluxes of mass and energy between vegetation and the atmosphere. Several gs models contain a parameter that specifies the minimum gs estimate (g0). Sensitivity analyses with a canopy flux model (MAESTRA) identified g0 to have the greatest influence on transpiration estimates (seasonal mean of 40%). A spatial analysis revealed the influence of g0 to vary (30–80%) with the amount of light absorbed by the foliage and to increase in importance as absorbed light decreased. The parameter g0 is typically estimated by extrapolating the linear regression fit between observed gs and net photosynthesis (An). However, our measurements demonstrate that the gs‐An relationship may become nonlinear at low light levels and thus, extrapolating values from data collected over a range of light conditions resulted in an underestimation of g0 in Malus domestica when compared to measured values (20.4 vs 49.7 mmol m−2 s−1 respectively). In addition, extrapolation resulted in negative g0 values for three other woody species. We assert that g0 can be measured directly with diffusion porometers (as gs when An ≤ 0), reducing both the time required to characterize g0 and the potential error from statistical approximation. Incorporating measured g0 into MAESTRA significantly improved transpiration predictions versus extrapolated values (6% overestimation versus 45% underestimation respectively), demonstrating the benefit in gs models. Diffusion porometer measurements offer a viable means to quantify the g0 parameter, circumventing errors associated with linear extrapolation of the gs‐An relationship.
Harmonic distortion in laterally asymmetric channel metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistors operating in the linear regime
Authors: Rengel Raúl , Martín María J.
Published: August 2013

A Monte Carlo investigation of the linear regime harmonic distortion in laterally asymmetric channel (LAC) and conventional metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOSFETs) for radio frequency applications is presented. Simulations of nonlinearities are carried out both considering the Fourier analysis in AC conditions (at 5 and 20 GHz) and the integral function method. The results show a general good agreement between both modeling techniques, with the exception of the third harmonic distortion at the higher frequency, which is underestimated by the integral function method at low gate bias. A general improvement in the total harmonic distortion and second harmonic distortion is evidenced in LAC MOSFETs as compared to conventional devices. While the third harmonic distortion at low gate bias is slightly degraded in LAC transistors, at high VGS, the LAC MOSFET also improves this figure of merit as compared to conventional transistors, which confirms the suitability of LACs also for large‐signal radio frequency applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic stray field based position detection in BLDC outer rotor permanent magnet synchronous machines
Authors: Sergeant Peter , Hofman Isabelle , den Bossche Alex Van
Published: August 2013

The stray field outside outer rotor permanent magnet synchronous motors can be used for rotor position detection. The focus of the research is on the optimal position of the sensors in order to provide accurate rotor position information. By using 2D and 3D models, the effect of the radial, circumferential and axial position of the sensors on the output signal is shown. Furthermore, the effects of the rotor yoke thickness and the stator current are studied: a thick rotor yoke obviously reduces the stray field amplitude, and high stator currents slightly shift the switching points of the Hall sensors, making the position information less accurate. Also, the rotor temperature and the orientation of the sensors towards the direction normal to the rotor surface are important: modifying the orientation causes a phase shift and is a way to tune the sensors without changing the position. Experiments show that an accurate brushless DC control is possible based on Hall sensors in the stray field. The motor and brushless DC control are used for a wheel drive of an ultra‐light electric vehicle. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dental pulp stem cells and their potential roles in central nervous system regeneration and repair
Authors: Young Fraser , Sloan Alastair , Song Bing
Published: August 2013

Functional recovery from injuries to the brain or spinal cord represents a major clinical challenge. The transplantation of stem cells, traditionally isolated from embryonic tissue, may help to reduce damage following such events and promote regeneration and repair through both direct cell replacement and neurotrophic mechanisms. However, the therapeutic potential of using embryonic stem/progenitor cells is significantly restricted by the availability of embryonic tissues and associated ethical issues. Populations of stem cells reside within the dental pulp, representing an alternative source of cells that can be isolated with minimal invasiveness, and thus should illicit fewer moral objections, as a replacement for embryonic/fetal‐derived stem cells. Here we discuss the similarities between dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and the endogenous stem cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and their ability to differentiate into neuronal cell types. We also consider in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating the ability of DPSCs to help protect against and repair neuronal damage, suggesting that dental pulp may provide a viable alternative source of stem cells for replacement therapy following CNS damage. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonlinear Taft Polar Free Energy Relationship: Reactions of N‐Substituted Benzyl Amines with Benzyl Bromide in Methanol
Authors: Ravi R. , Sanjeev R. , Jagannadham V.
Published: August 2013

The rates of reactions of N‐substituted benzyl amines with benzyl bromide were measured using a conductivity technique in methanol medium. The reaction followed a total second‐order path. The end product of the reaction is identified as dibenzyl alkyl amine (C6H5CH2N(R)CH2C6H5). The rates increased with a decrease in the electron‐donating capacity or with an increase in the Taft σ* value of electron‐donating alkyl substituents (R) such as t‐butyl (σ* = −0.3), i‐propyl (σ* = −0.19), n‐butyl (σ* = −0.13), and ethyl (σ* = −0.1) on nitrogen of the amine until the Taft σ* value becomes zero for the methyl group ( = 0.00), and then the rates decreased with an increase in the electron‐withdrawing capacity or with an increase in the Taft σ* value of electron‐withdrawing substituents (R) such H and C6H5 ( = 0.49 and = 0.6). The locus of the Taft polar free energy relationship has a maximum near the point for N‐methyl benzyl amine, showing that there is a sharp change in the rate‐determining step. A mechanism involving formation of an SN2‐type transition state between the amine nucleophiles and the benzyl bromide and its subsequent decomposition is proposed. Activation parameters were calculated and are discussed.
Characterization of microthermal zones induced by fractional radiofrequency using reflectance confocal microscopy: A preliminary study
Authors: Shin Min Kyung , Park Jong Min , Lim Hee Kyeong , Choi Jeong Hwee , Baek Ji Hwoon , Kim Han Jo , Koh Jae Sook , Lee Mu‐Hyoung
Published: August 2013

Background

The microthermal zone (MTZ) produced by fractional device have been mostly evaluated through histopathologic analysis. Study of ablative type MTZ created by fractional device and skin thermal interaction using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) has been rarely reported.

Objectives

We evaluated the in vivo human RCM skin images of ablated fractional radiofrequency (RF) treatment to demonstrate the thermal interaction between RF and skin tissue.

Subjects and Method

Three healthy male subjects underwent a single irradiation of fractional RF on the upper back area. The diameter, area, and depth of the MTZ was measured using RCM. Three female domestic swine were used for comparative histopathological study.

Results

After RF treatment, crusted holes surrounding pale edematous rings were visible in RCM images. The empty spaces correlated to the location of ablative channels, and the presence of thermal modification zones corresponded to areas with a whitish ring showing high reflectance. Ablation depth increased in proportion to the energy of fractional RF. However, the diameter of the thermal modified zone was relatively constant regardless of RF energy.

Conclusions

RCM successfully identified in vivo acute thermal changes after fractional RF. The results obtained in this study provide a clearer picture of tissue–thermal interactions in the skin. Lasers Surg. Med. 45:503–508, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Slug expression inhibits calcitriol‐mediated sensitivity to radiation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Findlay Victoria J. , Moretz R. Eric , Wang Cindy , Vaena Silvia G. , Bandurraga Savannah G. , Ashenafi Michael , Marshall David T. , Watson Dennis K. , Camp E. Ramsay
Published: August 2013

Recently, a reciprocal relationship between calcitriol and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition has been described. Therefore, we hypothesized that calcitriol (1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3) would enhance radiation sensitivity in colorectal cancer regulated by epithelial mesenchymal transition. Vitamin‐D receptor, E‐cadherin and vimentin protein as well as E‐cadherin, Snail and Slug mRNA levels were assessed in a panel of human colorectal cancer cell lines at baseline and in response calcitriol. We defined cell lines as calcitriol sensitive based on demonstrating an enhanced epithelial phenotype with increased E‐cadherin, reduced vimentin and decreased expression of Snail and Slug as well as decreased cellular migration in response to calcitriol. In calcitriol sensitive cells, including DLD‐1 and HCT116, 24 h calcitriol pre‐treatment enhanced the radiation sensitivity by 2.3‐ and 2.6‐fold, respectively, at 4 Gy (P < 0.05). In contrast, SW620 cells with high baseline mesenchymal features including high Slug and vimentin expression with low E‐cadherin expression demonstrated no significant radiation sensitizing response to calcitriol treatment. Similarly, transfection of Slug in the calcitriol sensitive colon cancer cell lines, DLD‐1 and HCT 116, completely inhibited the radiation sensitizing effect of calcitriol. Collectively, we demonstrate that calcitriol can enhance the therapeutic effects of radiation in colon cancer cells and Slug expression mitigates this observed effect potentially representing an effective biomarker for calcitriol therapy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transverse Upper Gracilis Flap with Implant In Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction: a Case Report
Authors: Trignano Emilio , Fallico Nefer , Dessy Luca A. , Armenti Andrea F. , Scuderi NicolÒ , Rubino Corrado , Ramakrishnan Venkat
Published: August 2013

Autologous flaps can be used in combination with prosthesis in postmastectomy breast reconstruction. The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is considered the preferred choice among autologous tissue transfer techniques. However, in patients with a peculiar figure (moderately large breasts and large thighs with flat stomach), who cannot use their abdominal tissue, the transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap with implant is investigated as a further option for breast reconstruction. This report presents a patient who underwent the TUG flap plus implant reconstruction. A bilateral skin‐sparing mastectomy was performed removing 340 g for each breast. The volume of the TUG flaps was 225 g (left) and 250 g (right). Preoperative volumes were restored by placing under the TUG muscle a round textured implant. No complications occurred during the postoperative period both in the recipient and donor site and the outcomes of the procedure were good. In cases where the use of the DIEP flap is not possible because of past laparotomies or inadequate abdominal volume, the TUG flap plus implant may be considered as a valid alternative. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:149–152, 2014.
Live imaging of nervous system development and function using light‐sheet microscopy
Authors: Lemon William C. , Keller Philipp J.
Published: August 2013

In vivo imaging applications typically require carefully balancing conflicting parameters. Often it is necessary to achieve high imaging speed, low photo‐bleaching, and photo‐toxicity, good three‐dimensional resolution, high signal‐to‐noise ratio, and excellent physical coverage at the same time. Light‐sheet microscopy provides good performance in all of these categories, and is thus emerging as a particularly powerful live imaging method for the life sciences. We see an outstanding potential for applying light‐sheet microscopy to the study of development and function of the early nervous system in vertebrates and higher invertebrates. Here, we review state‐of‐the‐art approaches to live imaging of early development, and show how the unique capabilities of light‐sheet microscopy can further advance our understanding of the development and function of the nervous system. We discuss key considerations in the design of light‐sheet microscopy experiments, including sample preparation and fluorescent marker strategies, and provide an outlook for future directions in the field. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 605–618, 2015. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.