bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Coronary Artery Disease in End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Roberts John K. , Patel Uptal D.
Published: September 2011

Despite a substantial number of patients with end‐stage renal disease who have coronary artery disease, the comparative effectiveness of revascularization procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention remain unclear. Innovations in the field of coronary artery revascularization and concomitant changes in the standard of practice have improved outcomes in general. However, meaningful clinical decision‐making remains difficult because it requires clinicians to extrapolate evidence derived from studies in the general population to patients with kidney disease for whom there is limited information from intervention trials. In non‐randomized studies, this high‐risk population for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality appear to derive substantial benefits from coronary revascularization. However, specific treatment decisions are often made based upon individual circumstances and contexts that are not well captured in these studies. This article reviews the available evidence, and its limitations, for deciding between various revascularization strategies for patients with end‐stage renal disease. Several considerations that arise while making such decisions are discussed.
A Proposed Approach to the Dialysis Prescription in Severely Hyponatremic Patients with End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Wendland Erik M. , Kaplan Andre A.
Published: September 2011

Patients with renal failure and severe hyponatremia present a therapeutic dilemma. Conventional hemodialysis is necessary to correct blood chemistries and volume overload, yet it may raise serum sodium (Na) too quickly, potentially resulting in osmotic demyelination syndrome. We present the case of a patient who presented with renal failure requiring dialysis and also with a serum Na of 112 mEq/l. Using a dialysate Na concentration of 130 mEq/l and by limiting the blood flow to 50 ml/minute, we were able to raise her serum Na by only 2 mEq/l/hour during her hemodialysis treatment and thus control both the rate and total change in the patient’s serum Na.
Fatal Leptomeningeal Melanoma in Neurocutaneous Melanosis
Authors: Furtado Shireen , Furtado Sunil V. , Ghosal Nandita , Hegde Alangar S.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  We report an unusual occurrence of a primary dural‐based malignant melanoma in a 13‐year‐old boy with neurocutaneous melanosis. The lesion presented with rapid‐onset symptoms characterized by raised intracranial pressure and seizures, had an aggressive clinical course, and proved to be fatal despite two surgeries and adjuvant therapy. There should be a high index of suspicion for the occurrence of such a malignant leptomeningeal tumor in patients with congenital melanocytic nevi presenting with neurological symptoms of recent onset.
Linear Immunoglobulin A Bullous Disease of Childhood Responsive to Intravenous Immunoglobulin Monotherapy
Authors: Nanda Arti , Khawaja Fatima , Nanda Mousmee , Al‐Sabah Humoud , Selim Mohamed K. , Dvorak Richard , Alsaleh Qasem A.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  We report a case of linear immunoglobulin A bullous disease in a 9‐year‐old boy who presented with rapidly progressive severe disease and could not tolerate dapsone because of high liver enzymes within a week after a low dose of dapsone in association with an underlying fatty liver. He showed remarkable improvement with intravenous immunoglobulins used as monotherapy, with a rapid clearance and a sustained remission after stopping the treatment.
Neonatal Linear Immunoglobulin A Bullous Dermatosis: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Julapalli Meena R. , Brandon Kirra L. , Rosales Cecilia M. , Grover Raminder K. , Plunkett Richard W. , Metry Denise W.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis (LABD) is an autoimmune blistering disease that most commonly presents in preschool‐aged children. There have been few neonatal reports, all of which had life‐threatening aerodigestive complications requiring mechanical intervention and systemic therapy. We present a case of LABD in a neonate who had an uncomplicated course and was treated conservatively with only low‐potency topical corticosteroids and wound care before resolution of his skin lesions.
Cutaneous Mastocytosis Exacerbated by Pinworms in a Young Boy
Authors: PATRIZI ANNALISA , VIRDI ANNALUCIA , NERI IRIA
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Cutaneous mastocytosis in children has an indolent course and undergoes spontaneous regression. Many triggering factors may cause mast cell degranulation and clinical manifestations. Knowledge of these factors is important for patients and their families. We report a case of exacerbation of urticaria pigmentosa due to mast cell degranulation caused by Enterobius vermicularis, which has not been reported before as a triggering factor.
Thermoelectric Properties of Undoped and Doped (Ti0.75Sn0.25)O2
Authors: Dynys Frederick W. , Berger Marie‐Helene , Sehirlioglu Alp
Published: September 2011

Thermoelectric properties of undoped and doped (Ti0.75Sn0.25)O2 were investigated for high‐temperature thermoelectric conversion application. Nano‐composites were formed by annealing above 1000°C. Outside the spinodal dome, ilmenite‐type SnTiO3 precipitated from the rutile structure. Thermoelectric properties were measured in the temperature range from room temperature to 1000°C. (Ti0.75Sn0.25)O2 was doped with both acceptor and donor dopants. Both undoped and doped (Ti0.75Sn0.25)O2 exhibit n‐type electrical behavior independent of the type of the dopant. The electrical conductivity was enhanced three orders of magnitude by donor doping with Nb2O5 or Ta2O5; achieving a maximum of 546 S/m at 850°C. The increase in electrical conductivity was accompanied by reduction of the absolute Seebeck coefficient. Seebeck coefficient reduction of −600 μV/K was observed between undoped and 4% Ta2O5 doped samples. The solid solution and doping reduced the thermal conductivity to <4 W/mK, far below the parent materials TiO2 and SnO2. Lattice thermal conductivity decreased with increasing temperature, achieving 1.9 W/mK at 900°C for 4% Ta2O5 doping. No further reduction in thermal conductivity was observed in annealed samples containing nano‐sized SnTiO3 precipitates. Dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) attained was <0.1.
Structure and the Electrical Properties of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 – Zirconia Composites
Authors: Benčan Andreja , Malič Barbara , Drnovšek Silvo , Tellier Jenny , Rojac Tadej , Pavlič Jernej , Kosec Marija , Webber Kyle G. , Rödel Jürgen , Damjanovič Dragan
Published: September 2011

In this work, the effect of introducing tetragonal yttria‐stabilized zirconia (TZ) particles in soft [Pb0.98Ba0.01][(Zr0.53Ti0.47)0.98Nb0.02]O3 (PZT) was investigated. Both microstructure and electrical properties of the PZT–xTZ (x = 0, 2, 5, 10, 20 vol%) composites were studied and correlated. The addition of zirconia hinders the matrix grain growth, resulting in smaller grains. According to X‐ray diffraction analysis, zirconia containing composites have a higher rhombohedral‐to‐tetragonal phase ratio, in addition to lower dielectric and piezoelectric properties, in comparison to pure PZT. Electrical properties, in terms of strain– and polarization–electric field hysteresis curves, are presented and correlated with the observed phase compositions and microstructures. The extrinsic contribution to the piezoelectric properties in PZT and PZT–xTZ was studied by measuring the frequency and the stress field amplitude dependences of the piezoelectric d33 coefficient.
Maternal smokeless tobacco use in Alaska Native women and singleton infant birth size
Authors: ENGLAND LUCINDA J. , KIM SHIN Y. , SHAPIRO‐MENDOZA CARRIE K. , WILSON HOYT G. , KENDRICK JULIETTE S. , SATTEN GLEN A. , LEWIS CLAIRE A. , WHITTERN PERSENIA , TUCKER MYRA J. , CALLAGHAN WILLIAM M.
Published: September 2011

Objective. To examine the effects of maternal prenatal smokeless tobacco use on infant birth size. Design. A retrospective medical record review of 502 randomly selected deliveries. Population and Setting. Singleton deliveries to Alaska Native women residing in a defined geographical region in western Alaska, 1997–2005. Methods. A regional medical center's electronic records were used to identify singleton deliveries. Data on maternal tobacco exposure and pregnancy outcomes were abstracted from medical records. Logistic models were used to estimate adjusted mean birthweight, length and head circumference for deliveries to women who used no tobacco (n=121), used smokeless tobacco (n=237) or smoked cigarettes (n=59). Differences in mean birthweight, length and head circumference, 95% confidence intervals and p‐values were calculated using non‐users as the reference group. Main Outcome Measures. Infant birthweight, crown–heel length and head circumference. Results. After adjustment for gestational age and other potential confounders, the mean birthweight of infants of smokeless tobacco users was reduced by 78g compared with that of infants of non‐users (p=0.18) and by 331g in infants of smokers (p<0.01). No association was found between maternal smokeless tobacco use and infant length or infant head circumference. Conclusions. We found a modest but non‐significant reduction in the birthweight of infants of smokeless tobacco users compared with infants of tobacco non‐users. Because smokeless tobacco contains many toxic compounds that could affect other pregnancy outcomes, results of this study should not be construed to mean that smokeless tobacco use is safe during pregnancy.
Potential of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid and the oxadiazine indoxacarb for controlling five coleopteran pests of stored grain
Authors: Daglish Gregory J. , Nayak Manoj K.
Published: September 2011

Abstract  The potential for using imidacloprid (a neonicotinoid) and indoxacarb (an oxadiazine) as grain protectants was investigated in bioassays against resistant strains of five stored grain beetles. The species investigated were Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (the lesser grain borer), Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (the rice weevil), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (the rust‐red flour beetle), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (the saw tooth flour beetle), and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) (the flat grain beetle). Each of these species has developed resistance to one or more protectants, including organophosphorus insecticides, synthetic pyrethroids and the juvenile hormone analogue methoprene. Mortality and reproduction after a 2‐week exposure of adults to treated wheat depended on species, dose and insecticide. Imidacloprid had no effect on S. oryzae at any dose, but none of the other species produced any live progeny at 10 mg/kg. Indoxacarb had no effect on T. castaneum at any dose, but none of the other species produced any live progeny at 5 mg/kg. The results show that although both imidacloprid and indoxacarb can control at least four of the five key pests tested at doses comparable to those used for organophosphorus protectants, more potent neonicotinoid or oxadiazine insecticides would be needed than either of these to provide broad spectrum protection of stored grain.
Vascular Calcification in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Nitta Kosaku
Published: September 2011

Vascular calcification is very prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition to having more traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, CKD patients also have a number of non‐traditional CV risk factors that may play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification. The transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells into osteoblast‐like cells seems to be a key element in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification in the presence of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) deposition due to abnormal bone metabolism and impaired renal excretion. Vascular calcification causes increased arterial stiffness, left ventricular hypertrophy, decreased coronary artery perfusion, myocardial ischemia, and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although current treatment strategies focus on correcting abnormal Ca, P, parathyroid hormone, or vitamin D levels in CKD, a better understanding of the mechanisms of abnormal tissue calcification may lead to the development of new therapeutic agents that are capable of reducing vascular calcification and improving the CV outcome of CKD patients. This review article summarizes the following: (i) the pathophysiological mechanism responsible for vascular calcification; (ii) the methods of detecting vascular calcification in CKD patients; and (iii) the treatment of vascular calcification in CKD patients.
Mindfulness‐ and acceptance‐based interventions for anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vøllestad Jon , Nielsen Morten Birkeland , Nielsen Geir Høstmark
Published: September 2011

Purpose. Mindfulness‐ and acceptance‐based interventions (MABIs) are receiving increasing attention in the treatment of mental disorders. These interventions might be beneficial for patients with anxiety disorders, but no prior reviews have comprehensively investigated the effects of this family of interventions on clinical samples. The aim of this study was to review and synthesize extant research on MABIs for patients with diagnoses of anxiety disorders.

Methods. We conducted a systematic search of relevant databases according to pre‐defined criteria. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they employed MABIs for patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

Results. Nineteen eligible studies were found. Meta‐analysis of within‐group pre‐ to post‐treatment effects yielded overall Hedges’g effect sizes of 1.08 for anxiety symptoms and 0.85 for depression symptoms. For controlled studies, overall between‐group Hedges’g was 0.83 for anxiety symptoms and 0.72 for depression symptoms. Moderator analyses examined whether intervention type, design, treatment dosage, or patient sample was associated with systematic variation in effect sizes. No significant moderating effects were found on the variables examined, apart from an observed superiority in effect size for clinical trials on samples of patients with mixed anxiety disorders. However, differential effect sizes indicated benefits of adding specific psychotherapeutic content to mindfulness training, as well as an advantage of individual over group treatment.

Conclusions. MABIs are associated with robust and substantial reductions in symptoms of anxiety and comorbid depressive symptoms. More research is needed to determine the efficacy of MABIs relative to current treatments of choice, and to clarify the contribution of processes of mindfulness and acceptance to observed outcome.
Slip-Flow in Microchannels of Non-Circular Cross Sections
Authors: Tamayol A. , Hooman K.
Published: September 2011

Closed form solutions are presented for fully developed pressure driven slip-flow in straight microchannels of uniform noncircular cross-sections. To achieve this goal, starting from the general solution of the Poisson’s equation in the cylindrical coordinate, a least-squares-matching of boundary values is employed for applying the slip boundary condition at the wall. Then the application of boundary conditions for three different types of cross sections is examined. While the model is general enough to be extended to almost any arbitrary cross section, microchannels of polygonal (with circular as a limiting case), rectangular, and rhombic cross sections are analyzed in this study. The results are then successfully compared to the existing data in the literature.
Axial Thrust Force of Compound Planetary Spur Gear Set
Authors: Fuchun Yang , Jutao Zhou , Xiaojun Zhou , Hongqing Zhu
Published: September 2011

Planetary gears are widely used in automotive and aerospace applications. Traditionally, automatic transmissions have four forward speeds, which can be achieved by using two planes of single pinion (sun-pinion-ring) planetary gear sets. Recently, there is a trend that transmissions have more than five forward speeds, which make compound planetary gear sets with two pinions (ring- or sun-pinion1-pinion2-ring) becoming common. Due to demands for higher power density and compactness, needle bearings are often used in these gear sets. There are significant axial thrust forces between the pinions and the carrier, which could lead to excessive wear of thrust faces and deterioration of bearing system performance. In this paper, we analyzed generation mechanism of axial thrust force in compound planetary spur gear set and calculated the axial thrust force. It was shown that axial thrust force always exists because of the torsional pendulum torque acting on the long planet. Experimental test for a compound planetary spur gear was taken to study axial thrust force and validate the theory calculation.
An Analytical Study for Fluid Flow in Porous Media Imbedded Inside a Channel With Moving or Stationary Walls Subjected to Injection/Suction
Authors: Reza Seyf Hamid , Moein Rassoulinejad-Mousavi Seyed
Published: September 2011

This paper reports a new analytical solution for 2D Darcy-Brinkman equations in porous channels filled with porous media subjected to various boundary conditions at walls. The governing equations of fluid flow through porous medium are reduced to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation (ODE) based on physics of fluid flow. The obtained ODE is solved analytically using homotopy perturbation method (HPM). The analytical models for velocity profile and pressure distribution along the length of channel are validated with data available in the open literature and an independent numerical study using finite volume method (FVM). It was shown that there is an excellent agreement between the presented models and the results of the CFD and previous works. Finally, the effects of Reynolds (Re) and Darcy (Da), numbers suction or injection parameters (α,β) and wall axial velocity coefficients (λ and γ) on velocity profiles and pressure drop in different cases are investigated. The models are applicable to analyze flow in channels filled with and without porous media for both moving and stationary walls and can be used to predict flow in micro and macro channels and over stretching sheets in porous medium as well as study of vapor flow in evaporator section of flat plate heat pipes.
Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements in the Wake of a Cactus-Shaped Cylinder
Authors: Abboud Jack E. , Karaki Wafaa S. , Oweis Ghanem F.
Published: September 2011

The flow field past a biologically inspired cylindrical model with a cactus-shaped cross section is investigated in a wind tunnel using particle image velocimetry and surface pressure measurements at a biologically relevant Reynolds number of ∼ 2 × 105. For the cactus model, the mean streamwise flow heals faster in its immediate wake, the wake turbulent velocity level is lower, and the surface static pressure has better recovery compared to the circular cylinder model.
A Fluid Dynamics Study in a 50 cc Pulsatile Ventricular Assist Device: Influence of Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Nanna Jason C. , Navitsky Michael A. , Topper Stephen R. , Deutsch Steven , Manning Keefe B.
Published: September 2011

Although left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have had success in supporting severe heart failure patients, thrombus formation within these devices still limits their long term use. Research has shown that thrombosis in the Penn State pulsatile LVAD, on a polyurethane blood sac, is largely a function of the underlying fluid mechanics and may be correlated to wall shear rates below 500 s−1. Given the large range of heart rate and systolic durations employed, in vivo it is useful to study the fluid mechanics of pulsatile LVADs under these conditions. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to capture planar flow in the pump body of a Penn State 50 cubic centimeters (cc) LVAD for heart rates of 75–150 bpm and respective systolic durations of 38–50%. Shear rates were calculated along the lower device wall with attention given to the uncertainty of the shear rate measurement as a function of pixel magnification. Spatial and temporal shear rate changes associated with data collection frequency were also investigated. The accuracy of the shear rate calculation improved by approximately 40% as the resolution increased from 35 to 12 μm/pixel. In addition, data collection in 10 ms, rather than 50 ms, intervals was found to be preferable. Increasing heart rate and systolic duration showed little change in wall shear rate patterns, with wall shear rate magnitude scaling by approximately the kinematic viscosity divided by the square of the average inlet velocity, which is essentially half the friction coefficient. Changes in in vivo operating conditions strongly influence wall shear rates within our device, and likely play a significant role in thrombus deposition. Refinement of PIV techniques at higher magnifications can be useful in moving towards better prediction of thrombosis in LVADs.
A Major Constituent of Brown Algae for Use in High-Capacity Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Kovalenko Igor , Zdyrko Bogdan , Magasinski Alexandre , Hertzberg Benjamin , Milicev Zoran , Burtovyy Ruslan , Luzinov Igor , Yushin Gleb
Published: September 2011

Alginate extracts help stabilize silicon nanoparticles used in a high-capacity lithium-silicon battery.
Reduction in the exposure to being out-of-position among car occupants who used a sleeping device
Authors: Lopez-Valdes Francisco J , Fernandez-Bolanos Martin Marta , Alvarez Ruiz-Larrinaga Ainhoa , Segui-Gomez Maria
Published: September 2011

Background

This study assesses the impact on safety of a system designed to enhance sleep in car passengers. The system holds the head posteriorly and limits its rotation in the sagittal and frontal planes, modifying the occupant's head position. This device may have an influence on the interaction between the occupant and the vehicle restraint systems.

Methods

It was a randomised, prospective, single-blind, cross-over controlled study in which 41 volunteers were exposed to using the system while riding as car passengers. Whether the device influenced the posture of the occupants and prevented them from adopting out-of-position (OOP) configurations was also analysed. Occupants were videotaped while they were using both the innovative system (cases) and their normal sleeping device (controls), if any.

Results

Controls were exposed to OOP situations in 825 occasions (18.4%; 95% CI 17.3% to 19.6%), while cases were exposed in 416 occasions (9.3%; 95% CI 8.4% to 10.2%). The paper also analysed how many cases and controls were exposed at least once to a particular event and how frequent a single participant incurred in an OOP situation. In both cases, the innovative device showed a reduction in exposition. When OOP situations were grouped into severe, moderate and minor events, the innovative device produced a statistically significant reduction in the occurrence of severe and moderate events.

Conclusions

A device originally designed to improve comfort and rest in car passengers has been found to reduce the exposure of the occupants to being OOP while resting in the car.

Trial registration number

http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT01062295.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 serological testing and psychosocial harm: a systematic review
Authors: Ross Kaile , Johnston Christine , Wald Anna
Published: September 2011

Background

Serological testing for herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 in persons without a history of genital herpes is not recommended, partly because of concerns that an HSV-2 diagnosis would lead to negative psychosocial sequelae. This review aimed to examine the evidence regarding the psychosocial effects of HSV-2 serological testing.

Methods

Eight electronic databases were searched for empirical studies indexed before March 2010. Abstracts from relevant conferences were reviewed and senior authors contacted to find unpublished materials. Eligible studies examined participants without a history of genital herpes who underwent HSV-2 serological testing and reported data from at least one quantitative or qualitative psychosocial assessment conducted after receiving HSV results.

Results

Of nine studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria, seven reported that HSV-2 diagnosis by serological test did not have a persistent negative impact on 309 participants' mental health or sexual attitude and satisfaction. Two studies reported a negative impact of testing; one found that five HSV-2-seropositive college students had increased distress 3 months post-testing compared with HSV-2-negative individuals, and the other found self-reports of sexual undesirability up to 1 year after diagnosis in some people. The perceived severity of a genital herpes diagnosis was moderately severe for participants before testing; however, post-testing, the reported severity of a herpes diagnosis was lower among those testing HSV-2 positive.

Conclusions

HSV-2 diagnosis by type-specific serological testing did not result in long-term psychosocial harm in most persons without an identified history of genital herpes. Concerns about sustained emotional impact should not deter clinicians from offering HSV-2 serological testing to appropriate patients.
One Health and the neglected zoonoses: turning rhetoric into reality
Authors: Okello Anna L. , Gibbs E. Paul J. , Vandersmissen Alain , Welburn Susan C.
Published: September 2011

Successful adoption of a One Health approach could have far‐reaching impacts on poverty alleviation, health and food security, particularly in developing countries through integrated control of neglected zoonoses. However, the practical implementation of this approach presents many challenges. Anna Okello and colleagues argue that, for effective implementation, lessons learned and ‘best practice’ must be led by national and regional stakeholders drawn from a variety of disciplines. High‐profile regional and international institutions can play an important role in the global governance of One Health by encouraging individual countries to devise appropriate tailored solutions that are workable within their own context.
Including mark–recapture data into a spatial age-structured model: walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) in the eastern Bering Sea
Authors: Hulson Peter-John F. , Miller Sara E. , Ianelli James N. , Quinn Terrance J.
Published: September 2011

Integrated assessment models used to evaluate fish stocks are becoming increasingly complex, with some capable of incorporating spatial considerations. Such a model has been developed to estimate movement of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) between the northwestern and southeastern eastern Bering Sea. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of estimating movement using spatially disaggregated data supplemented by tagging data. Monte Carlo simulation was used to test accuracy and variability of parameter estimation in model scenarios with and without tagging information. Total biomass estimates for models with and without tagging data were unbiased, but uncertainty was smaller when tagging data were available. Uncertainty was also reduced in regional biomass and movement parameters when including tagging data. Our findings indicate that tagging information would be important to provide reliable spatially explicit fisheries management advice for eastern Bering Sea pollock.
The distribution of the Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera) along multiple environmental gradients in lakes and ponds of the eastern Canadian Arctic
Authors: Medeiros Andrew S. , Quinlan Roberto
Published: September 2011

An examination of the Chironomidae, the dominant aquatic invertebrate taxa found in Arctic lakes and ponds, was conducted to determine the environmental gradients that may limit their geographical distribution in the eastern Canadian Arctic. Subfossil chironomid head capsules, comprising 86 taxa, were sampled from surficial sediments of 63 lakes that spanned from tree line (northern Manitoba) across multiple regions within the eastern Canadian Arctic. Water chemistry and environmental data were then compared with chironomid assemblages using multivariate analysis. The distribution of chironomids was found to primarily follow a temperature gradient, but additional significant relationships were also found along a nutrient–productivity gradient. Several species of the Tribe Chironomini, which generally represent warm-water adapted taxa, were also found far beyond tree line in the southern Kivalliq region of Nunavut, indicating a more northerly range than previously known. While temperature and trophic status were found to strongly influence the distribution of some taxa, partially constrained gradient analysis indicates that specific chironomid taxa could be used to indicate a primary response to climate regardless of trophic status. This may allow for more holistic inferences of how aquatic communities may respond to climate change as the range of temperature dependant species expand into Arctic systems.
Does size matter? A bioeconomic perspective on optimal harvesting when price is size-dependent
Authors: Zimmermann Fabian , Heino Mikko , Steinshamn Stein Ivar
Published: September 2011

Body size is a key parameter influencing demographic characteristics of fish populations as well as market value of landed catch. Yet in bioeconomic modelling, body size is often an overlooked biological and economic parameter. Here we evaluate how size-dependent pricing influences optimal harvest strategies in a model parameterized for two pelagic fisheries, those targeting Atlantic herring ( Clupea harengus ) and Atlantic mackerel ( Scomber scombrus ), in Norway. In our model, positively size-dependent pricing clearly shifts optimal harvest strategies towards lower harvest rates and higher mean body size of caught fish. The results are relatively insensitive to biological (e.g., natural mortality) and economic details of the model (e.g., discount rate or demand function). These findings show that size-dependent pricing influences optimal harvest strategies aiming at maximum economic yield and, hence, requires more attention in resource economics and in fisheries management.
GREEDY ALGORITHMS FOR PACKING UNEQUAL SPHERES INTO A CUBOIDAL STRIP OR A CUBOID
Authors: KUBACH TIMO , BORTFELDT ANDREAS , TILLI THOMAS , GEHRING HERMANN
Published: September 2011

Given a finite set of spheres of different sizes, we study the three-dimensional Strip Packing Problem (3D-SPP) as well as the three-dimensional Knapsack Problem (3D-KP). The 3D-SPP asks for a placement of all spheres within a cuboidal strip of fixed width and height so that the variable length of the cuboidal strip is minimized. The 3D-KP requires packing of a subset of the spheres in a given cuboid so that the wasted space is minimized. To solve these problems two greedy algorithms were developed which adapt the algorithms proposed by Huang et al. (2005) to the 3D case with some important enhancements. The resulting methods were tested using the instances provided by Stoyan et al. (2003). Additionally, two series of 12 instances each for the 3D-SPP and for the 3D-KP are introduced and results for these new instances are also reported.
SINGLE MACHINE FAMILY SCHEDULING WITH TWO COMPETING AGENTS TO MINIMIZE MAKESPAN
Authors: DING GUOSHENG , SUN SHIJIE
Published: September 2011

We consider two-agent scheduling on a single machine, where there are job families and setup requirements exist between these families. Each agent's objective function is to minimize his own makespan. One of our goals is to find the optimal solution for one agent with a constraint on the other agent's makespan (constrained optimization). This problem is equivalent to the caudate Knapsack problem that we define in the paper. The other goal is to find single nondominated schedules (i.e., such that a better schedule for one of the two agents necessarily result in a worse schedule of the other agent), and to enumerate all nondominated schedules. Finally, two special cases, one with equal job processing times and the other with equal family setups are studied. We prove that the constrained optimization problems in both cases can be solved in polynomial time and that the cases have a polynomial number of nondominated schedules.
MEASUREMENT OF CP VIOLATION IN Bs→J/ψϕ DECAY
Authors: KREPS MICHAL
Published: September 2011

We briefly discuss measurements of CP violation in Bs→J/ψϕ decay. Both the phenomenology of Bs mixing and the importance of the measurement to searches for new physics, as well as technical details and issues with the analysis are included. While current results are consistent with the standard model, even large contributions from new physics cannot be excluded.
Castration inhibits biliary proliferation induced by bile duct obstruction: novel role for the autocrine trophic effect of testosterone
Authors: Yang Fuquan , Priester Sally , Onori Paolo , Venter Julie , Renzi Anastasia , Franchitto Antonio , Munshi Md Kamruzzaman , Wise Candace , Dostal David E. , Marzioni Marco , Saccomanno Stefania , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Gaudio Eugenio , Glaser Shannon
Published: September 2011

Increased cholangiocyte growth is critical for the maintenance of biliary mass during liver injury by bile duct ligation (BDL). Circulating levels of testosterone decline following castration and during cholestasis. Cholangiocytes secrete sex hormones sustaining cholangiocyte growth by autocrine mechanisms. We tested the hypothesis that testosterone is an autocrine trophic factor stimulating biliary growth. The expression of androgen receptor (AR) was determined in liver sections, male cholangiocytes, and cholangiocyte cultures [normal rat intrahepatic cholangiocyte cultures (NRICC)]. Normal or BDL (immediately after surgery) rats were treated with testosterone or antitestosterone antibody or underwent surgical castration (followed by administration of testosterone) for 1 wk. We evaluated testosterone serum levels; intrahepatic bile duct mass (IBDM) in liver sections of female and male rats following the administration of testosterone; and secretin-stimulated cAMP levels and bile secretion. We evaluated the expression of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 (17β-HSD3, the enzyme regulating testosterone synthesis) in cholangiocytes. We evaluated the effect of testosterone on the proliferation of NRICC in the absence/presence of flutamide (AR antagonist) and antitestosterone antibody and the expression of 17β-HSD3. Proliferation of NRICC was evaluated following stable knock down of 17β-HSD3. We found that cholangiocytes and NRICC expressed AR. Testosterone serum levels decreased in castrated rats (prevented by the administration of testosterone) and rats receiving antitestosterone antibody. Castration decreased IBDM and secretin-stimulated cAMP levels and ductal secretion of BDL rats. Testosterone increased 17β-HSD3 expression and proliferation in NRICC that was blocked by flutamide and antitestosterone antibody. Knock down of 17β-HSD3 blocks the proliferation of NRICC. Drug targeting of 17β-HSD3 may be important for managing cholangiopathies.
Anti-inflammatory effects ofSaccharomyces boulardiimediated by myeloid dendritic cells from patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Authors: Thomas Saskia , Metzke Diana , Schmitz Jürgen , Dörffel Yvonne , Baumgart Daniel C.
Published: September 2011

Saccharomyces boulardii ( Sb) is a probiotic yeast that has demonstrated efficacy in pilot studies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Microbial antigen handling by dendritic cells (DC) is believed to be of critical importance for immunity and tolerance in IBD. The aim was to characterize the effects of Sb on DC from IBD patients. Highly purified (>95%), lipopolysaccharide-stimulated CD1c+CD11c+CD123−myeloid DC (mDC) from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC; n = 36), Crohn's disease (CD; n = 26), or infectious controls (IC; n = 4) were cultured in the presence or absence of fungal supernatant from Sb ( SbS). Phenotype and cytokine production and/or secretion of IBD mDC were measured by flow cytometry and cytometric bead arrays, respectively. T cell phenotype and proliferation were assessed in a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) with allogenic CD4+CD45RA+naïve T cells from healthy donors. Mucosal healing was investigated in epithelial wounding and migration assays with IEC-6 cells. SbS significantly decreased the frequency of CD40-, CD80-, and CD197 (CCR7; chemokine receptor-7)-expressing IBD mDC and reduced their secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 while increasing IL-8. In the MLR, SbS significantly inhibited T cell proliferation induced by IBD mDC. Moreover, SbS inhibited TH1 (TNF-α and interferon-γ) polarization induced by UC mDC and promoted IL-8 and transforming growth factor-β-dependent mucosal healing. In summary, we provide novel evidence of synergistic mechanisms how Sb controls inflammation (inhibition of T cell costimulation and inflammation-associated migration and mobilization of DC) and promotes epithelial restitution relevant in IBD.
Respiratory muscle training improves hemodynamics, autonomic function, baroreceptor sensitivity, and respiratory mechanics in rats with heart failure
Authors: Jaenisch Rodrigo B. , Hentschke Vítor S. , Quagliotto Edson , Cavinato Paulo R. , Schmeing Letiane A. , Xavier Léder L. , Dal Lago Pedro
Published: September 2011

Respiratory muscle training (RMT) improves functional capacity in chronic heart-failure (HF) patients, but the basis for this improvement remains unclear. We evaluate the effects of RMT on the hemodynamic and autonomic function, arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and respiratory mechanics in rats with HF. Rats were assigned to one of four groups: sedentary sham ( n = 8), trained sham ( n = 8), sedentary HF ( n = 8), or trained HF ( n = 8). Trained animals underwent a RMT protocol (30 min/day, 5 day/wk, 6 wk of breathing through a resistor), whereas sedentary animals did not. In HF rats, RMT had significant effects on several parameters. It reduced left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure ( P < 0.01), increased LV systolic pressure ( P < 0.01), and reduced right ventricular hypertrophy ( P < 0.01) and pulmonary ( P < 0.001) and hepatic ( P < 0.001) congestion. It also decreased resting heart rate (HR; P < 0.05), indicating a decrease in the sympathetic and an increase in the vagal modulation of HR. There was also an increase in baroreflex gain ( P < 0.05). The respiratory system resistance was reduced ( P < 0.001), which was associated with the reduction in tissue resistance after RMT ( P < 0.01). The respiratory system and tissue elastance (Est) were also reduced by RMT ( P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Additionally, the quasistatic Est was reduced after RMT ( P < 0.01). These findings show that a 6-wk RMT protocol in HF rats promotes an improvement in hemodynamic function, sympathetic and vagal heart modulation, arterial BRS, and respiratory mechanics, all of which are benefits associated with improvements in cardiopulmonary interaction.
Inverted Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Induced by Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography with Atypical Presentation
Authors: Cadeddu Christian , Nocco Silvio , Cadeddu Fabio , Deidda Martino , Bassareo Pierpaolo , Serra Alessandra , Piga Mario , Mercuro Giuseppe
Published: September 2011

A 48-year-old woman was scheduled by our lab to perform a standard dobutamine/atropine stress echocardiogram. During the test, the patient referred to a slight chest discomfort and developed a progressive left ventricle akinesia of all midbasal LV segments, thus mimicking a midbasal ballooning. ECG persisted without significant abnormalities and with no raise of Troponin I. Coronary angiography showed normal coronary arteries and ventriculography a severe EF reduction and apical hypercontractility. Echocardiography showed a progressive improvement with a complete recovery 48 hours later. This is a rare case of inverted takotsubo syndrome induced by dobutamine stress echocardiography that occurred with atypical presentation.
Chronic Periaortitis (Retroperitoneal Fibrosis) Concurrent with Recurrent Cutaneous Eosinophilic Vasculitis
Authors: Kiorpelidou Despoina , Gaitanis Georgios , Zioga Aikaterini , Tsili Athina C. , Bassukas Ioannis D.
Published: September 2011

Chronic periaortitis (CP) is usually accompanied by at least mild manifestations of systemic autoimmunity; however, skin manifestations are rare. Here, we report an 82-year-old woman presenting with a pruritic annular eosinophilic dermatosis that led to the diagnosis of recurrent cutaneous eosinophilic vasculitis (RCEV) coexisting with a latent CP. The present paper is reminder that a CP should be included as a potential differential diagnosis in the elaboration of patients with cutaneous vasculitis that is suspicious of underlying autoimmunity.
Long-lived Inflammatory Signaling in Irradiated Bone Marrow Is Genome Dependent
Authors: Lorimore Sally A. , Mukherjee Debayan , Robinson Joanne I. , Chrystal Jennifer A. , Wright Eric G.
Published: September 2011

Ionizing radiation is carcinogenic, but genotype is a key determinant of susceptibility. Mutational DNA damage is generally attributed to cause disease, but irradiation also affects multicellular interactions as a result of poorly understood bystander effects that may influence carcinogenic susceptibility. In this study, we show that the bone marrow of irradiated mice will retain the ability to kill hemopoietic clonogenic stem cells and to induce chromosomal instability for up to 3 months after irradiation. Chromosomal instability was induced in bone marrow cells derived from CBA/Ca mice, a strain that is susceptible to radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia (r-AML), but not in C57BL6 mice that are resistant to r-AML. Similarly, clonogenic cell lethality was exhibited in C57BL/6 mice but not CBA/Ca mice. Mechanistic investigations revealed that these genotype-dependent effects involved cytokine-mediated signaling and were mediated by a cyclooxygenase-2–dependent mechanism. Thus, our results suggested that inflammatory processes were responsible for mediating and sustaining the durable effects of ionizing radiation observed on bone marrow cells. Because most exposures to ionizing radiation are directed to only part of the body, our findings imply that genotype-directed tissue responses may be important determinants of understanding the specific consequence of radiation exposure in different individuals. Cancer Res; 71(20); 6485–91. ©2011 AACR.
Antitumor Activity of the Investigational Proteasome Inhibitor MLN9708 in Mouse Models of B-cell and Plasma Cell Malignancies
Authors: Lee Edmund C. , Fitzgerald Michael , Bannerman Bret , Donelan Jill , Bano Kristen , Terkelsen Jennifer , Bradley Daniel P. , Subakan Ozlem , Silva Matthew D. , Liu Ray , Pickard Michael , Li Zhi , Tayber Olga , Li Ping , Hales Paul , Carsillo Mary , Neppalli Vishala T. , Berger Allison J. , Kupperman Erik , Manfredi Mark , Bolen Joseph B. , Van Ness Brian , Janz Siegfried
Published: September 2011

Purpose: The clinical success of the first-in-class proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (VELCADE) has validated the proteasome as a therapeutic target for treating human cancers. MLN9708 is an investigational proteasome inhibitor that, compared with bortezomib, has improved pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity in preclinical studies. Here, we focused on evaluating the in vivo activity of MLN2238 (the biologically active form of MLN9708) in a variety of mouse models of hematologic malignancies, including tumor xenograft models derived from a human lymphoma cell line and primary human lymphoma tissue, and genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models of plasma cell malignancies (PCM).

Experimental Design: Both cell line–derived OCI-Ly10 and primary human lymphoma–derived PHTX22L xenograft models of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were used to evaluate the pharmacodynamics and antitumor effects of MLN2238 and bortezomib. The iMycCα/Bcl-XL GEM model was used to assess their effects on de novo PCM and overall survival. The newly developed DP54-Luc–disseminated model of iMycCα/Bcl-XL was used to determine antitumor activity and effects on osteolytic bone disease.

Results: MLN2238 has an improved pharmacodynamic profile and antitumor activity compared with bortezomib in both OCI-Ly10 and PHTX22L models. Although both MLN2238 and bortezomib prolonged overall survival, reduced splenomegaly, and attenuated IgG2a levels in the iMycCα/Bcl-XL GEM model, only MLN2238 alleviated osteolytic bone disease in the DP54-Luc model.

Conclusions: Our results clearly showed the antitumor activity of MLN2238 in a variety of mouse models of B-cell lymphoma and PCM, supporting its clinical development. MLN9708 is being evaluated in multiple phase I and I/II trials. Clin Cancer Res; 17(23); 7313–23. ©2011 AACR.
Inhibition of Focal Adhesion Kinase by PF-562,271 Inhibits the Growth and Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer Concomitant with Altering the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Stokes Jayme B. , Adair Sara J. , Slack-Davis Jill K. , Walters Dustin M. , Tilghman Robert W. , Hershey E. Dan , Lowrey Bryce , Thomas Keena S. , Bouton Amy H. , Hwang Rosa F. , Stelow Edward B. , Parsons J. Thomas , Bauer Todd W.
Published: September 2011

Current therapies for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) target individual tumor cells. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is activated in PDA, and levels are inversely associated with survival. We investigated the effects of PF-562,271 (a small-molecule inhibitor of FAK/PYK2) on (i) in vitro migration, invasion, and proliferation; (ii) tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in a murine model; and (iii) stromal cell composition in the PDA microenvironment. Migration assays were conducted to assess tumor and stromal cell migration in response to cellular factors, collagen, and the effects of PF-562,271. An orthotopic murine model was used to assess the effects of PF-562,271 on tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Proliferation assays measured PF-562,271 effects on in vitro growth. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the effects of FAK inhibition on the cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment. FAK and PYK2 were activated and expressed in patient-derived PDA tumors, stromal components, and human PDA cell lines. PF-562,271 blocked phosphorylation of FAK (phospho-FAK or Y397) in a dose-dependent manner. PF-562,271 inhibited migration of tumor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and macrophages. Treatment of mice with PF-562,271 resulted in reduced tumor growth, invasion, and metastases. PF-562,271 had no effect on tumor necrosis, angiogenesis, or apoptosis, but it did decrease tumor cell proliferation and resulted in fewer tumor-associated macrophages and fibroblasts than control or gemcitabine. These data support a role for FAK in PDA and suggest that inhibitors of FAK may contribute to efficacious treatment of patients with PDA. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(11); 2135–45. ©2011 AACR.