bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Intersecting Identities on Self‐Harm, Suicidal Behaviors, and Depression among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals
Authors: Lytle Megan C. , De Luca Susan M. , Blosnich John R.
Published: February 2014

Individuals with lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) identities have higher prevalence of self‐directed violence, but very little is known about racial/ethnic differences between LGB populations. This study aimed to examine racial/ethnic differences in self‐harm, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and depression among LGB and heterosexual emerging adults. Data are compiled from the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 National College Health Assessment and limited to respondents within emerging adulthood (ages 18–24) who indicated their sexual orientation and racial/ethnic identities (n = 89,199). Within each racial/ethnic group, LGB individuals were significantly more likely to report self‐harm, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and depression than non‐LGB individuals.
High‐Speed Stereo Digital Image Correlation: Application to Biaxial Fatigue
Authors: Busca D. , Fazzini M. , Lorrain B. , Mistou S. , Karama M. , Pastor M. L.
Published: February 2014

To study the behaviour of a carbon‐fibre reinforced‐plastic laminate under a biaxial stress state, a new type of cruciform specimen has been developed. This specimen is loaded biaxially under static and cyclic fatigue conditions. The experiments are monitored simultaneously using digital image correlation with two high‐speed cameras and infrared thermography. A comparison between the measurements and a finite element model is used to validate the design of the sample.
Reproducibility of Pacing Profiles in Elite Swimmers
Authors: Skorski Sabrina , Faude Oliver , Caviezel Seraina , Meyer Tim
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

To analyze the reproducibility of pacing in elite swimmers during competitions and to compare heats and finals within 1 event.

Methods:

Finals and heats of 158 male swimmers (age 22.8 ± 2.9 y) from 29 nations were analyzed in 2 competitions (downloaded from swimrankings.net). Of these, 134 were listed in the world’s top 50 in 2010; the remaining 24 were finalists of the Pan Pacific Games or European Championships. The level of both competitions for the analysis had to be at least national championships (7.7 ± 5.4 wk apart). Standard error of measurement expressed as percentage of the subject’s mean score (CV) with 90% confidence limits (CL) for each 50-m split time and for total times were calculated. In addition, mixed general modeling was used to determine standard deviations between and within swimmers.

Results:

CV for total time in finals ranged between 0.8% and 1.3% (CL 0.6–2.2%). Regarding split times, 200-m freestyle showed a consistent pacing over all split times (CV 0.9–1.6%). During butterfly, backstroke, and 400-m freestyle, CVs were low in the first 3 and 7 sections, respectively (CV 0.9–1.7%), with greater variability in the last section (1.9–2.2%). In breaststroke, values were higher in all sections (CV 1.2–2.3%). Within-subject SDs for changes between laps were between 0.9% and 2.6% in all finals. Split-time variability for finals and heats ranged between 0.9% and 2.5% (CL 0.3–4.9%).

Conclusion:

Pacing profiles are consistent between different competitions. Variability of pacing seems to be a result of the within-subject variation rather than a result of different competitions
Positional Differences in Match Running Performance and Physical Collisions in Men Rugby Sevens
Authors: Suarez-Arrones Luis , Arenas Carlos , López Guillermo , Requena Bernardo , Terrill Oliver , Mendez-Villanueva Alberto
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

This study describes the physical match demands relative to positional group in male rugby sevens.

Methods:

Ten highly trained players were investigated during competitive matches (N = 23) using GPS technology, heart rate (HR), and video recording.

Results:

The relative distance covered by the players throughout the match was 102.3 ± 9.8 m/min. As a percentage of total distance, 35.8% (36.6 ± 5.9 m/min) was covered walking, 26.0% (26.6 ± 5.5 m/min) jogging, 10.0% (10.2 ± 2.4 m/min) running at low intensity, 14.2% (14.5 ± 4.0 m/min) at medium intensity, 4.6% (4.7 ± 1.6 m/min) at high intensity, and 9.5% (9.7 ± 3.7 m/min) sprinting. For the backs, a substantial decrease in total distance and distance covered at low, medium, and high intensity was observed in the second half. Forwards exhibited a substantial decrease in the distance covered at medium intensity, high intensity, and sprinting in the 2nd half. Backs covered substantially more total distance at medium and sprinting speeds than forwards. In addition, the maximum length of sprint runs was substantially greater for the backs than forwards. On the contrary, forwards performed more tackles. The mean HR during the match in backs and forwards was similar, with the exception of time spent at HR intensities >90%HRmax, which was substantially higher in forwards.

Conclusion:

These findings provide a description of the different physical demands placed on rugby sevens backs and forwards. This information may be helpful in the development of positional and/or individualized physical-fitness training programs.
Specific and Nonhepatotoxic Degradation of Nuclear Hepatitis B Virus cccDNA
Authors: Lucifora Julie , Xia Yuchen , Reisinger Florian , Zhang Ke , Stadler Daniela , Cheng Xiaoming , Sprinzl Martin F. , Koppensteiner Herwig , Makowska Zuzanna , Volz Tassilo , Remouchamps Caroline , Chou Wen-Min , Thasler Wolfgang E. , Hüser Norbert , Durantel David , Liang T. Jake , Münk Carsten , Heim Markus H. , Browning Jeffrey L. , Dejardin Emmanuel , Dandri Maura , Schindler Michael , Heikenwalder Mathias , Protzer Ulrike
Published: February 2014

Clearance of Chronic Virus

The family of mRNA-editing enzymes, APOBEC, restricts hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication.

Lucifora
et al.

(p.
1221
, published online 20 February; see the Perspective by

Shlomai and Rice

) provide evidence that specific APOBECs mediate the anti-HBV effects of host cytokines, which in turn apparently induce nuclear deaminase activity without damaging host cells. Thus, there may be potential in these findings for developing a therapeutic route to curing chronic HBV infection.
Rapid Thinning of Pine Island Glacier in the Early Holocene
Authors: Johnson J. S. , Bentley M. J. , Smith J. A. , Finkel R. C. , Rood D. H. , Gohl K. , Balco G. , Larter R. D. , Schaefer J. M.
Published: February 2014

Once in a While

Many regions at the edge of the Antarctic Ice Sheet have rapidly increased the rates at which they are sliding into the sea and thinning, raising concerns that global warming might cause the sudden collapse of some sections.

Johnson
et al.

(p.
999
, published online 20 February) present data from Pine Island Glacier, which has been thinning and retreating rapidly over the past two decades. The glacier experienced another rapid thinning around 8000 years ago, which occurred about as quickly as is happening now, and which lasted for 25 to 100 years.
Full Genome Sequence of a Recombinant H1N2 Avian Influenza Virus Isolated from Wild Waterfowl in the East Dongting Lake Wetland
Authors: Zhu Yun , Huang Yuesi , Chen Tao , Zhu Wenfei , Lou Changxing , Wang Huahong , Li Meng , Liu Fuqiang , Xiang Xingyu , Li Linhui , Zhang Hong , Shu Yuelong
Published: February 2014

Here, we report the full genome sequence of an H1N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) isolated from wild waterfowl in Dongting Lake. Phylogenetic analysis showed that it was a novel recombinant AIV between domestic ducks and wild waterfowl. Investigation of this virus is helpful for our understanding of the ecology of AIV in this region.
Draft Genome Sequence of mc
2
51, a Highly Hydrogen Peroxide-Resistant Mycobacterium smegmatis Mutant Strain
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Liu Fei , Hu Yongfei , Mi Kaixia
Published: February 2014

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
-like
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mutant strain, mc
2
51, compared to that of wild-type strain
M. smegmatis
mc
2
155. The draft genome sequence comprises 6,823,739 bp, revealing 6,569 coding DNA sequences (CDSs) and 50 RNA genes (4 rRNA genes and 46 tRNA genes).
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma bovoculi Strain M165/69
T
(ATCC 29104)
Authors: Calcutt Michael J. , Foecking Mark F.
Published: February 2014

Bovine ocular infections compromise animal health and result in significant economic losses.
Mycoplasma bovoculi
is an etiological agent of conjunctivitis. Presented here is the 760,240-bp complete genome sequence of the
M. bovoculi
type strain M165/69
T
. An analysis of the deduced proteome provides insights into the adherence and antigenic variation mechanisms of the strain.
Complications of the ‘Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Programme’ following pedicled vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in perineum reconstruction
Authors: Hassan Sameena , Lau Yu Sin , Perks Graeme , Raurell Anna
Published: February 2014

The enhanced recovery programme, pioneered in the colorectal surgical setting, aims to reduce the length of inpatient stay following a procedure and was started in our trust in 2006. We present the case of a patient who underwent perineal reconstruction with a pedicled vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) who subsequently developed bladder outflow obstruction compromising flap viability. As a result of our experience we are in the process of producing new guidelines that advocate patients undergoing a VRAM flap for perineal reconstruction should be exempt from aspects of the enhanced recovery programme, in particular early removal of the catheter should be avoided.
Aneurysmal bone cyst of medial cuneiform and a novel surgical technique for mid-foot reconstruction
Authors: Sampath Kumar Venkatesan , Jalan Divesh , Khan Shah Alam , Mridha Asit Ranjan
Published: February 2014

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the foot is extremely rare and the involvement of medial cuneiform has never been reported in the literature. In this report, we describe a 15-year-old boy who presented with a 6-month history of pain and swelling in his left foot. Radiograph demonstrated a lytic lesion in the medial cuneiform extending on to the middle cuneiform, the navicular bone and the base of the first metatarsal. En bloc resection of the lesion was performed using a dorsal longitudinal incision along the first ray. Tricortical iliac crest graft was harvested and shaped to fill the defect. Two drill holes were made and the tibialis anterior tendon was attached to the graft. Prepared, morcellised allograft was placed along the junction of autograft and host bone. At 1-year follow-up, the patient was pain free, the medial arch of the foot was maintained and the graft had united with the host bone.
Neck of femur fracture fixation in a bilateral amputee: an uncommon condition requiring an improvised fracture table positioning technique
Authors: Berg Andrew James , Bhatia Chandra
Published: February 2014

While neck of femur fractures are common it is rare to see this injury in a bilateral leg amputee. Special consideration needs to be given to the management of these patients. We report the case of a 58-year-old man with bilateral leg amputation who presented to the emergency department with left hip pain following a fall. A fracture of the left neck of femur with extension into the femoral shaft was diagnosed. Internal fixation was planned with a dynamic hip screw. Standard fracture table setup, which allows for traction of the fractured limb and positioning of the contralateral limb such that anteroposterior and lateral X-rays can be obtained, was not possible in this case due to the amputations. We highlight considerations that need to be made in positioning a bilateral amputee for neck of femur fracture fixation and also highlight an improvised technique that can be utilised by other surgeons.
Keeping track of migratory pulmonary lesions
Authors: Patrício Inês Mateus , Caetano Francisca , Queiró Joana Carrington , Marado Daniela
Published: February 2014

Tricuspid valve endocarditis (TVE) is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis of a febrile patient who does not use intravenous drugs.We describe the case of a 62-year-old male patient with a 3-month history of remittent fever and 13% weight loss. The patient denied intravenous drugs use or recent invasive procedures. His medical history included type 2 diabetes, alcohol abuse and smoking. Clinical evaluation revealed systemic inflammatory syndrome with unremarkable physical examination. Ancillary tests showed leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia and elevated C reactive protein. Empiric intravenous ceftriaxone was started, but after an initial improvement, fever relapsed 2 days after stopping antibiotherapy. A CT scan showed multiple disseminated lesions, suggesting lung metastatic tumour. Further studies excluded malignancy and revealed TVE caused byStreptococcus boviswith pulmonary embolism. The aim of our study is to stress the importance of evoking TVE in the differential diagnosis of fever with lung manifestations, and to highlight the possible association betweenS bovis, colorectal cancer and liver disease.
Short-term calorie restriction improves glucose homeostasis in old rats: involvement of AMPK
Authors: Pires Rogério C. , Souza Eder E. , Vanzela Emerielle C. , Ribeiro Rosane A. , Silva-Santos Júnia C. , Carneiro Everardo M. , Boschero Antonio C. , Amaral Maria Esméria C.
Published: February 2014

The occurrence of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, and hypertension, increases with age. Inappropriate food intake, when combined with genetic and hormonal factors, can trigger the occurrence of these diseases in aged organisms. This study investigated whether short-term calorie restriction (CR; 40% of the intake of control animals (CTL) for 21 days) benefits 1-year-old (CR1yr) and 2-year-old (CR2yr) Wistar rats, with regard to insulin secretion and action. Plasma insulin and the insulin secreted by isolated islets were measured with radioimmunoassay, and the insulin sensitivity of peripheral tissues was assessed with the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test, and hepatic and muscle adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation measurements. Body weight, epididymal fat pad, epididymal fat pad/body weight index, plasma glucose, and insulin were lower in the CR1yr than in the control (CTL1yr) rats. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and protein, as well as hepatic and muscle glycogen content, were similar between the CR and CTL groups. The IPGTT was higher in CR2yr and CTL2yr rats than in CR1yr and CTL1yr rats, and insulin sensitivity was higher in CR1yr and CR2yr rats than in their respective CTLs. This was associated with an increase in hepatic and muscle AMPK phosphorylation. No differences in glucose-induced insulin secretion in the isolated islets were observed between CRs and their respective CTL rats. In conclusion, short-term calorie restriction provoked more severe alterations in CR1yr than CR2yr rats. The normoglycemia observed in both CR groups seems to be due to an increase in insulin sensitivity, with the involvement of liver and muscle AMPK.
Exercise training starting at weaning age preserves cardiac pacemaker function in adulthood of diet-induced obese rats
Authors: Carvalho de Lima Daniel , Guimarães Juliana Bohnen , Rodovalho Gisele Vieira , Silveira Simonton Andrade , Haibara Andrea Siqueira , Coimbra Cândido Celso
Published: February 2014

Peripheral sympathetic overdrive in young obese subjects contributes to further aggravation of insulin resistance, diabetes, and hypertension, thus inducing worsening clinical conditions in adulthood. Exercise training has been considered a strategy to repair obesity autonomic dysfunction, thereby reducing the cardiometabolic risk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of early exercise training, starting immediately after weaning, on cardiac autonomic control in diet-induced obese rats. Male Wistar rats (weaning) were divided into four groups: (i) a control group (n = 6); (ii) an exercise-trained control group (n = 6); (iii) a diet-induced obesity group (n = 6); and (iv) an exercise-trained diet-induced obesity group (n = 6). The development of obesity was induced by 9 weeks of palatable diet intake, and the training program was implemented in a motor-driven treadmill (5 times per week) during the same period. After this period, animals were submitted to vein and artery catheter implantation to assess cardiac autonomic balance by methylatropine (3 mg/kg) and propranolol (4 mg/kg) administration. Exercise training increased running performance in both groups (p < 0.05). Exercise training also prevented the increased resting heart rate in obese rats, which seemed to be related to cardiac pacemaker activity preservation (p < 0.05). Additionally, the training program preserved the pressure and bradycardia responses to autonomic blockade in obese rats (p < 0.05). An exercise program beginning at weaning age prevents cardiovascular dysfunction in obese rats, indicating that exercise training may be used as a nonpharmacological therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases.
Effect of hydrothermal dwell time on the diameter-controlled synthesis and magnetic property of MnO2 nanorods
Authors: Toufiq Arbab Mohammad , Wang Fengping , Javed Qurat-ul-Ain , Li Yan
Published: February 2014

In this paper, single crystalline 1D tetragonal MnO 2 pen-type nanorods were synthesized by varying the dwell time through a facile hydrothermal route at a reaction temperature of 250°C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies showed that the diameter of MnO 2 nanorods decreases from 460 nm to 250 nm with the increase in hydrothermal reaction time from 5 h to 15 h. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and TEM studies revealed the evolution of improved surface morphology of MnO 2 nanorods that are prepared with longer hydrothermal reaction time. The magnetic properties of the products were evaluated using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) at room temperature, which showed that the as-prepared samples exhibit weak ferromagnetic behavior. The effect of diameter on the magnetization values was observed and discussed in detail.
Noise-triggered escapes in Helmholtz oscillator
Authors: Wei Du-Qu , Luo Xiao-Shu , Zeng Shang-You , Zhang Bo
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we study the effect of Gaussian white noise on escapes in Helmholtz oscillator whose basin of attraction has a integral structure in the absence of noise. Four different ways are adopted to implement the noise perturbation, namely, the external forcing, damping coefficient, strength and phase of the external forcing of oscillator have been subjected to noise, respectively. It is found that in the first, second and third cases of noise perturbation, when the noise intensity D > 0, the escapes are triggered and as D is further increased the escapes become more serious. Whereas, in the last case of noise perturbation, no escape can be observed, even with lager value of noise intensity. These phenomena imply that noise-perturbed external forcing, damping coefficient and forcing strength will make it easier to induce and enhance escapes in dynamical Helmholtz oscillator.
General lattice model of gradient elasticity
Authors: Tarasov Vasily E.
Published: February 2014

In this paper, new lattice model for the gradient elasticity is suggested. This lattice model gives a microstructural basis for second-order strain-gradient elasticity of continuum that is described by the linear elastic constitutive relation with the negative sign in front of the gradient. Moreover, the suggested lattice model allows us to have a unified description of gradient models with positive and negative signs of the strain gradient terms. Possible generalizations of this model for the high-order gradient elasticity and three-dimensional case are also suggested.
Src-mediated caveolin-1 phosphorylation regulates intestinal epithelial restitution by altering Ca2+influx after wounding
Authors: Rathor Navneeta , Zhuang Ran , Wang Jian-Ying , Donahue James M. , Turner Douglas J. , Rao Jaladanki N.
Published: February 2014

Early mucosal restitution occurs as a consequence of intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) migration to reseal superficial wounds, but its exact mechanism remains largely unknown. Caveolin-1 (Cav1), a major component associated with caveolar lipid rafts in the plasma membrane, is implicated in many aspects of cellular functions. This study determined if c-Src kinase (Src)-induced Cav1 phosphorylation promotes intestinal epithelial restitution after wounding by activating Cav1-mediated Ca2+signaling. Src directly interacted with Cav1, formed Cav1-Src complexes, and phosphorylated Cav1 in IECs. Inhibition of Src activity by its chemical inhibitor PP2 or suppression of the functional caveolin scaffolding domain by caveolin-scaffolding domain peptides prevented Cav1-Src interaction, reduced Cav1 phosphorylation, decreased Ca2+influx, and inhibited cell migration after wounding. Disruption of caveolar lipid raft microdomains by methyl-β-cyclodextrin reduced Cav1-mediated Ca2+influx and repressed epithelial restitution. Moreover, Src silencing prevented subcellular redistribution of phosphorylated Cav1 in migrating IECs. These results indicate that Src-induced Cav1 phosphorylation stimulates epithelial restitution by increasing Cav1-mediated Ca2+signaling after wounding, thus contributing to the maintenance of gut mucosal integrity under various pathological conditions.
Leptin and the control of pharyngeal patency during sleep in severe obesity
Authors: Shapiro Steven D. , Chin Chien-Hung , Kirkness Jason P. , McGinley Brian M. , Patil Susheel P. , Polotsky Vsevolod Y. , Biselli Paolo Jose Cesare , Smith Philip L. , Schneider Hartmut , Schwartz Alan R.
Published: February 2014

Rationale: Obesity imposes mechanical loads on the upper airway, resulting in flow limitation and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In previous animal models, leptin has been considered to serve as a stimulant of ventilation and may prevent respiratory depression during sleep. We hypothesized that variations in leptin concentration among similarly obese individuals will predict differences in compensatory responses to upper airway obstruction during sleep. Methods: An observational study was conducted in 23 obese women [body mass index (BMI): 46 ± 3 kg/m2, age: 41 ± 12 yr] and 3 obese men (BMI: 46 ± 3 kg/m2, age: 43 ± 4 yr). Subjects who were candidates for bariatric surgery were recruited to determine upper airway collapsibility under hypotonic conditions [pharyngeal critical pressure (passive PCRIT)], active neuromuscular responses to upper airway obstruction during sleep, and overnight fasting serum leptin levels. Compensatory responses were defined as the differences in peak inspiratory airflow (ΔVImax), inspired minute ventilation (ΔVI), and pharyngeal critical pressure (ΔPCRIT) between the active and passive conditions. Results: Leptin concentration was not associated with sleep disordered breathing severity, passive PCRIT, or baseline ventilation. In the women, increases in serum leptin concentrations were significantly associated with increases in ΔVImax ( r2 = 0.44, P < 0.001), ΔVI ( r2 = 0.40, P < 0.001), and ΔPCRIT ( r2 = 0.19, P < 0.04). These responses were independent of BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, neck circumference, or sagittal girth. Conclusion: Leptin may augment neural compensatory mechanisms in response to upper airway obstruction, minimizing upper airway collapse, and/or mitigating potential OSA severity. Variability in leptin concentration among similarly obese individuals may contribute to differences in OSA susceptibility.
Peripharyngeal tissue deformation and stress distributions in response to caudal tracheal displacement: pivotal influence of the hyoid bone?
Authors: Amatoury Jason , Kairaitis Kristina , Wheatley John R. , Bilston Lynne E. , Amis Terence C.
Published: February 2014

Caudal tracheal displacement (TD) leads to improvements in upper airway (UA) function and decreased collapsibility. To better understand the mechanisms underlying these changes, we examined effects of TD on peripharyngeal tissue stress distributions [i.e., extraluminal tissue pressure (ETP)], deformation of its topographical surface (UA lumen geometry), and hyoid bone position. We studied 13 supine, anesthetized, tracheostomized, spontaneously breathing, adult male New Zealand white rabbits. Graded TD was applied to the cranial tracheal segment from 0 to ∼10 mm. ETP was measured at six locations distributed around/along the length of the UA, covering three regions: tongue, hyoid, and epiglottis. Axial images of the UA (nasal choanae to glottis) were acquired with computed tomography and used to measure lumen geometry (UA length; regional cross-sectional area) and hyoid bone displacement. TD resulted in nonuniform decreases in ETP (generally greatest at tongue region), ranging from −0.07 (−0.11 to −0.03) [linear mixed-effects model slope (95% confidence interval)] to −0.27 (−0.31 to −0.23) cmH2O/mm TD, across all sites. UA length increased by 1.6 (1.5–1.8)%/mm, accompanied by nonuniform increases in cross-sectional area (greatest at hyoid region) ranging from 2.8 (1.7–3.9) to 4.9 (3.8–6.0)%/mm. The hyoid bone was displaced caudally by 0.22 (0.18–0.25) mm/mm TD. In summary, TD imposes a load on the UA that results in heterogeneous changes in peripharyngeal tissue stress distributions and resultant lumen geometry. The hyoid bone may play a pivotal role in redistributing applied caudal tracheal loads, thus modifying tissue deformation distributions and determining resultant UA geometry outcomes.
Attenuation of the pulmonary chemoreflex following acute cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Tsai I-Lun , Lee Kun-Ze
Published: February 2014

Bronchopulmonary C fibers are the primary chemosensitive afferents in the lung. The activation of bronchopulmonary C fibers evokes the pulmonary chemoreflex, which is characterized by apnea, hypotension, and bradycardia and is a critical reflex that modulates cardiorespiratory responses under physiological and pathological conditions. The present study was designed to investigate whether the pulmonary chemoreflex is altered following acute cervical spinal injury. A unilateral hemisection (Hx) or laminectomy (uninjured) in the second cervical spinal cord was performed in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The pulmonary chemoreflex induced by intrajugular capsaicin administration was evaluated by measuring respiratory airflow in spontaneously breathing rats and phrenic nerve activity in mechanically ventilated rats. Capsaicin treatment evoked a cessation of respiratory airflow and phrenic bursting in uninjured animals, but not in C2Hx animals. To clarify whether the attenuation of the pulmonary chemoreflex in C2Hx animals is restricted to capsaicin-induced stimuli, or generally applied to other stimuli that excite bronchopulmonary C fibers, another bronchopulmonary C-fiber stimulant (phenylbiguanide) was used to evoke the pulmonary chemoreflex in spontaneously breathing rats. We observed that phenylbiguanide-induced apnea was also blunted in C2Hx animals, suggesting that the respiratory response induced by bronchopulmonary C-fiber activation was attenuated following acute cervical spinal Hx. The blunted inhibitory respiratory response may represent a compensatory respiratory plasticity to preserve the breathing capacity and may also reduce the capability of preventing inhaled irritants in this injured condition.
Evaluation of Glycomic Profiling as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Kim Kyoungmi , Ruhaak L. Renee , Nguyen Uyen Thao , Taylor Sandra L. , Dimapasoc Lauren , Williams Cynthia , Stroble Carol , Ozcan Sureyya , Miyamoto Suzanne , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Leiserowitz Gary S.
Published: February 2014

Background: Prior studies suggested that glycans were differentially expressed in patients with ovarian cancer and controls. We hypothesized that glycan-based biomarkers might serve as a diagnostic test for ovarian cancer and evaluated the ability of glycans to distinguish ovarian cancer cases from matched controls.

Methods: Serum samples were obtained from the tissue-banking repository of the Gynecologic Oncology Group, and included healthy female controls (n = 100), women diagnosed with low malignant potential (LMP) tumors (n = 52), and epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC) cases (n = 147). Cases and controls were matched on age at enrollment within ±5 years. Serum samples were analyzed by glycomics analysis to detect abundance differences in glycan expression levels. A two-stage procedure was carried out for biomarker discovery and validation. Candidate classifiers of glycans that separated cases from controls were developed using a training set in the discovery phase and the classification performance of the candidate classifiers was assessed using independent test samples that were not used in discovery.

Results: The patterns of glycans showed discriminatory power for distinguishing EOC and LMP cases from controls. Candidate glycan-based biomarkers developed on a training set (sensitivity, 86% and specificity, 95.8% for distinguishing EOC from controls through leave-one-out cross-validation) confirmed their potential use as a detection test using an independent test set (sensitivity, 70% and specificity, 86.5%).

Conclusion: Formal investigations of glycan biomarkers that distinguish cases and controls show great promise for an ovarian cancer diagnostic test. Further validation of a glycan-based test for detection of ovarian cancer is warranted.

Impact: An emerging diagnostic test based on the knowledge gained from understanding the glycobiology should lead to an assay that improves sensitivity and specificity and allows for early detection of ovarian cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(4); 611–21. ©2014 AACR.
Tumor MHC Class I Expression Improves the Prognostic Value of T-cell Density in Resected Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Turcotte Simon , Katz Steven C. , Shia Jinru , Jarnagin William R. , Kingham T. Peter , Allen Peter J. , Fong Yuman , D'Angelica Michael I. , DeMatteo Ronald P.
Published: February 2014

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLM) have been associated with more favorable patient outcomes, but whether MHC class I (MHC-I) expression on cancer cells affects prognosis is uncertain. Immunohistochemistry was performed on a tissue microarray of 158 patients with CLM, who underwent partial hepatectomy with curative intent. Using the antibody HC-10, which detects HLA-B and HLA-C antigens and a minority of HLA-A antigens, MHC-I expression was correlated with β-2 microglobulin (β2m; r = 0.7; P < 0.001), but not with T-cell density (r < 0.32). The median follow-up for survivors was 9.7 years. High levels of MHC-I expression in tumors concomitant with high T-cell infiltration (CD3, CD4, or CD8) best identified patients with favorable outcomes, compared with patients with one or none of these immune features. The median overall survival (OS) of patients with MHC-IhiCD3hi tumors (n = 31) was 116 months compared with 40 months for the others (P = 0.001), and the median time to recurrence (TTR) was not reached compared with 17 months (P = 0.008). By multivariate analysis, MHChiCD3hi was associated with OS and TTR independent of the standard clinicopathologic variables. An immune score that combines MHC-I expression and TIL density may be a valuable prognostic tool in the treatment of patients with CLM. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(6); 530–7. ©2014 AACR.
Cholesterol Efflux Capacity, Carotid Atherosclerosis, and Cerebrovascular Symptomatology
Authors: Doonan R.J. , Hafiane A. , Lai C. , Veinot J.P. , Genest J. , Daskalopoulou S.S.
Published: February 2014

Objective—

To investigate the association of cholesterol efflux capacity with carotid atherosclerosis and cerebrovascular disease.

Approach and Results—

Patients with high-grade carotid stenosis (n=154) were recruited from Vascular Surgery clinics and 9 healthy controls from the McGill University Health Network, Montreal, Canada. Cerebrovascular symptomatology history was obtained. Stenosis was assessed by carotid ultrasound. Fasting blood samples were collected and depleted of apolipoprotein B particles by polyethylene glycol precipitation from serum. Cholesterol efflux was determined by incubating apolipoprotein B–depleted serum in cAMP-stimulated J774 cells for 6 hours. Carotid specimens were classified by 2 vascular pathologists using the American Heart Association atheromatous plaque classification. Differences in efflux were assessed according to (1) stenosis, (2) American Heart Association classification, and (3) cerebrovascular symptomatology. Normalized efflux was significantly lower in patients with carotid atherosclerosis compared with controls (0.97±0.16 versus 1.5±0.46;
P
<0.0001). Efflux was inversely associated with stenosis; the odds ratio for 80% to 99% versus 50% to 79% stenosis of tertile 1 (lowest) versus tertile 3 (highest) of efflux was 3.78 (95% confidence interval, 1.18–12.06) after adjusting for age, sex, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein. There were significant differences in cholesterol efflux between American Heart Association fibroatheroma (Va, 0.91±0.13), mainly calcific (Vb, 0.97±0.15), and mainly fibrotic (Vc, 1.03±0.21;
P
=0.05). There were no significant differences in efflux according to symptomatology.

Conclusions—

Cholesterol efflux capacity is inversely associated with increasing carotid stenosis and is associated with more advanced carotid plaque morphology, suggesting that cholesterol efflux capacity may be a biomarker for severity of carotid atherosclerotic burden. Whether therapies targeting high-density lipoprotein quality could be useful for stabilizing carotid atherosclerosis needs to be assessed.
The Long Noncoding RNA CHRF Regulates Cardiac Hypertrophy by Targeting miR-489
Authors: Wang Kun , Liu Fang , Zhou Lu-Yu , Long Bo , Yuan Shu-Min , Wang Yin , Liu Cui-Yun , Sun Teng , Zhang Xiao-Jie , Li Pei-Feng
Published: February 2014

Rationale:

Sustained cardiac hypertrophy is often accompanied by maladaptive cardiac remodeling leading to decreased compliance and increased risk for heart failure. Maladaptive hypertrophy is considered to be a therapeutic target for heart failure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have various biological functions and have been extensively investigated in past years.

Objective:

We identified miR-489 and lncRNAs (cardiac hypertrophy related factor, CHRF) from hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Here, we tested the hypothesis that miR-489 and CHRF can participate in the regulation of cardiac hypertrophy in vivo and in vitro.

Methods and Results:

A microarray was performed to analyze miRNAs in response to angiotensin II treatment, and we found miR-489 was substantially reduced. Enforced expression of miR-489 in cardiomyocytes and transgenic overexpression of miR-489 both exhibited reduced hypertrophic response on angiotensin II treatment. We identified myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (Myd88) as a miR-489 target to mediate the function of miR-489 in cardiac hypertrophy. Knockdown of Myd88 in cardiomyocytes and Myd88-knockout mice both showed attenuated hypertrophic responses. Furthermore, we explored the molecular mechanism by which miR-489 expression is regulated and found that an lncRNA that we named CHRF acts as an endogenous sponge of miR-489, which downregulates miR-489 expression levels. CHRF is able to directly bind to miR-489 and regulate Myd88 expression and hypertrophy.

Conclusions:

Our present study reveals a novel cardiac hypertrophy regulating model that is composed of CHRF, miR-489, and Myd88. The modulation of their levels may provide a new approach for tackling cardiac hypertrophy.
Early Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Reversal After Endovascular Reperfusion Is Typically Transient in Patients Imaged 3 to 6 Hours After Onset
Authors: Inoue Manabu , Mlynash Michael , Christensen Soren , Wheeler Hayley M. , Straka Matus , Tipirneni Aaryani , Kemp Stephanie M. , Zaharchuk Greg , Olivot Jean-Marc , Bammer Roland , Lansberg Maarten G. , Albers Gregory W.
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose—

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and extent of early diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion reversal after endovascular therapy and to determine whether early reversal is sustained or transient.

Methods—

MRI with DWI perfusion imaging was performed before (DWI 1) and within 12 hours after (DWI 2) endovascular treatment; follow-up MRI was obtained on day 5. Both DWIs were coregistered to follow-up MRI. Early DWI reversal was defined as the volume of the DWI 1 lesion that was not superimposed on the DWI 2 lesion. Permanent reversal was the volume of the DWI 1 lesion not superimposed on the day 5 infarct volume. Associations between early DWI reversal and clinical outcomes in patients with and without reperfusion were assessed.

Results—

A total of 110 patients had technically adequate DWI before endovascular therapy (performed median [interquartile range], 4.5 [2.8–6.2] hours after onset); 60 were eligible for this study. Thirty-two percent had early DWI reversal >10 mL; 17% had sustained reversal. The median volume of permanent reversal at 5 days was 3 mL (interquartile range, 1.7–7.0). Only 2 patients (3%) had a final infarct volume that was smaller than their baseline DWI lesion. Early DWI reversal was not an independent predictor of clinical outcome and was not associated with early reperfusion.

Conclusions—

Early DWI reversal occurred in about one third of patients after endovascular therapy; however, reversal was often transient and was not associated with a significant volume of tissue salvage or favorable clinical outcome.
Nascent Proteomes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells as a Novel Source for Biomarker Discovery in Human Stroke
Authors: Bian Fang , Simon Roger P. , Li Yun , David Larry , Wainwright Jolita , Hall Casey L. , Frankel Michael , Zhou An
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose—

The proteome of newly synthesized proteins (nascent proteome) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can be a novel source of stroke biomarkers. Changes in the PBMC nascent proteome after stroke reflect the dynamic response-in-action not detectable in the total proteome (all existing proteins) in blood. Here, we test the application of nascent proteomics as a novel approach for stroke biomarker discovery.

Methods—

The PBMC nascent proteome in human blood was determined by metabolic labeling of fresh PBMC cultures with azidohomoalanine (an azide-containing methionine surrogate), followed by mass spectrometry detection and quantification of azidohomoalanine-labeled proteins. The PBMC nascent and total proteomes were compared between patients with stroke and matched controls.

Results—

Both PBMC nascent and total proteomes showed differences between stroke patients and controls. Results of hierarchical clustering analysis of proteomic data revealed greater changes in the nascent than in the total PBMC proteomes, supporting the usefulness of the PBMC nascent proteome as a novel source of stroke biomarkers.

Conclusions—

Nascent proteomes in PBMC can be a novel source for biomarker discovery in human stroke.
Spiritual Farming: Performance at Shanghai's Downstream Garage
Authors: Leibenluft Michael , Wang Maja-Stina Johansson
Published: February 2014

Since 2004, Shanghai's Downstream Garage has been a center for independent artists who challenge the conventions that limit the language, physicality, and content of contemporary Chinese performance. By presenting unregistered open rehearsals and providing space free of charge, Downstream minimizes the commercial pressures and strict governmental oversight that typically confine Chinese artists.
Social and Cultural Protection for Environmentally Displaced Populations: Banaban Minority Rights in Fiji
Authors: Tabucanon Gil Marvel P.
Published: February 2014

The effects of global warming are now being felt in various parts of the world. Few aspects of social and cultural life are likely to remain unaffected. The Pacific is widely regarded as one of the most vulnerable regions. Among the impacts of long-term environmental changes will be community migration and displacement. While most displacements are projected to be internal and temporary, for low lying atoll states in the Pacific permanent international relocation may be the only option. This article examines social and cultural rights of environmental migrants, and focuses on the Banaban resettlement in Fiji as a case study on minority rights protection of an environmentally-displaced population. While the Banaban displacement was not due to climate change but to long-term impacts of phosphate extraction on Banaba Island, the Banaban experience provides important lessons on the role of minority rights in the protection of culture and identity of environmentally-displaced communities. That the Banabans retained their collective identity and under existing Fijian law are allowed to maintain their indigenous system of self-government as well as use their native language are proofs of the resettlement’s success. However, Banaban minority protection is no longer as secure as it once seemed to be. Recent developments in Fiji threaten to veer away from minority rights protection and ethnic diversity. Ethnic or cultural minorities, including those displaced by environmental triggers, have distinct customs, traditions and histories requiring legal protection as well as physical and social space to thrive. The protection of cultural diversity promoting a balance of cultural identity retention and acculturation as a by-product of a healthy interaction with the host society constitute a component of successful long-term resettlement.
First report of reticulate perforation plates in the Melastomataceae
Authors: Guimarães Alessandra Ribeiro , Baumgratz José Fernando A. , Vieira Ricardo Cardoso
Published: February 2014

For the first time, the occurrence of reticulate perforation plates in Melastomataceae is reported. They were discovered in the course of a study of the wood anatomy of the tribe Microlicieae. The occurrence and frequency of the types of plates are discussed with respect to their structure, function, and environment. The reticulate perforation plates seem to be the result of parallel evolution. Some speculations are offered about their possible adaptive value.
Early Miocene Woods of Egypt
Authors: El-Saadawi Wagieh , Kamal-El-Din Marwah , Wheeler Elisabeth A. , Osman Rifaat , El-Faramawi Marwa , El-Noamani Zeinab
Published: February 2014

Thirty-eight silicified eudicot wood samples were collected from a single locality in the early Miocene Gebel El-Khashab Formation exposed along the Cairo- Bahariya Oasis Desert Road of Egypt. This locality is remarkable because it is dominated by trunks of Bombacoxylon, family Malvaceae (32 samples). Whether this reflects the composition of the original regional vegetation or is a result of sorting during transport prior to fossilization is not known. These woods are characterized by having few, wide vessels, functional traits consistent with the tropical, warm humid climate suggested for the early Miocene of North Africa. Additionally, there is one sample each of wood resembling Terminalioxylon (Combretaceae) and Cynometroxylon (Leguminosae/Caesalpinioideae). Affinities of four other samples could not be determined. A list of all Miocene wood species of Egypt known to date is given along with general interpretations of the paleoclimate in the region and suggestions for future work.
Variability in the Distribution of Middle Lamella Lignin in Secondary Vascular Tissues of Kenaf Stems
Authors: Wi Seung Gon , Lee Kwang Ho , Bae Hyeun Jong , Park Byung Dae , Singh Adya P.
Published: February 2014

Lignin in the middle lamella of the secondary xylem of angiosperms appears to be inhomogeneously distributed, based on studies where the focus is on a close examinantion of the middle lamella region of fibre cell walls by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This is in contrast to the secondary xylem of gymnosperms which often display a more uniform distribution of lignin in the middle lamella of secondary xylem elements. The aim of our study was to undertake TEM examination of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), an angiosperm plant mainly cultivated for its high quality secondary phloem fibres, to investigate lignin distribution in the middle lamella of secondary vascular tissues, including secondary phloem fibres. The middle lamella displayed considerable heterogeneity in the distribution of lignin in all lignified secondary vascular tissues, including xylem and phloem fibres, vessels and axial xylem parenchyma cells. The results provided evidence of lignin inhomogeneity in the secondary phloem fibres as well as in other lignified elements of kenaf vascular tissues, extending previous observations which were confined only to fibre cells.
The grandiculus- and metacarpalis-group of the genus Apanteles Foerster, 1862 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) from China, with descriptions of eight new species
Authors: LIU ZHEN , HE JUN-HUA , CHEN XUE-XIN
Published: February 2014

Two species groups (the grandiculus- and the metacarpalis-group) of genus Apanteles Foerster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) from China are revised and keyed, with eight new species, namely, A. muticiculus Liu & Chen, sp. n., A. parvus Liu & Chen, sp. n. and A. flavicapus Liu & Chen, sp. n. of the grandiculus-group; A. transtergum Liu & Chen, sp. n., A. malleus Liu & Chen, sp. n., A. dumosus Liu & Chen, sp. n. A. cosmopterygivorus Liu & Chen, sp. n. and A. incurvus Liu & Chen, sp. n. of the metacarpalis-group, and two newly recorded species of the metacarpalis-group described and illustrated. Keys to the Chinese species of these two species-groups are provided.
Four new species and first nominal record of Chasmogenus Sharp, 1882 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) from Brazil
Authors: CLARKSON BRUNO , FERREIRA-JR NELSON
Published: February 2014

The genus Chasmogenus Sharp, 1882 (Hydrophilidae: Acidocerinae) is recorded from Brazil for the first time. Four new species are described and illustrated from the Southeastern Region of the country: C. fluminensis sp. nov. (Rio de Janeiro State), C. lilianae sp. nov. (Rio de Janeiro State), C. itatiaia sp. nov. (Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro States), and C. ubatuba sp. nov. (São Paulo State). Chasmogenus sapucay Fernández, 1986 is recorded for the first time from Northern and Southeastern Brazil. Notes on morphology and an updated key for the South American species are provided.
New taxa and notes of some described species of Agraeciini
(Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae) from Malay Peninsula
Authors: TAN MING KAI , INGRISCH SIGFRID
Published: February 2014

Four new species from three genera of Agraeciini from Malay Peninsula are described: Paragraecia temasek sp. n., Peracca mirzai sp. n., Peracca macritchiensis sp. n. from Singapore, and Lichnofugia malaya sp. n. from Peninsular Malaysia. The first records and descriptions of the female of Liara alata Ingrisch, 1998 and the male of Paragraecia gracilis Ingrisch, 1998 are given.