bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Septal Deformation Patterns Delineate Mechanical Dyssynchrony and Regional Differences in Contractility
Authors: Leenders Geert E. , Lumens Joost , Cramer Maarten J. , De Boeck Bart W.L. , Doevendans Pieter A. , Delhaas Tammo , Prinzen Frits W.
Published: October 2011

Background—

Response to cardiac resynchronization therapy depends both on dyssynchrony and (regional) contractility. We hypothesized that septal deformation can be used to infer integrated information on dyssynchrony and regional contractility, and thereby predict cardiac resynchronization therapy response.

Methods and Results—

In 132 cardiac resynchronization therapy candidates with left bundle branch block (LBBB)-like electrocardiogram morphology (left ventricular ejection fraction 19±6%; QRS width 170±23 ms), longitudinal septal strain was assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography. To investigate the effects of dyssynchronous activation and differences in septal and left ventricular free wall contractility on septal deformation pattern, we used the CircAdapt computer model of the human heart and circulation. In the patients, 3 characteristic septal deformation patterns were identified: LBBB-1=double-peaked systolic shortening (n=28); LBBB-2=early systolic shortening followed by prominent systolic stretching (n=34); and LBBB-3=pseudonormal shortening with less pronounced late systolic stretch (n=70). LBBB-3 revealed more scar (2 [2–5] segments) compared with LBBB-1 and LBBB-2 (both 0 [0–1],
P
<0.05). In the model, imposing a time difference of activation between septum and left ventricular free wall resulted in pattern LBBB-1. This transformed into pattern LBBB-2 by additionally simulating septal hypocontractility, and into pattern LBBB-3 by imposing additional left ventricular free wall or global left ventricular hypocontractility. Improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction and reduction of left ventricular volumes after cardiac resynchronization therapy were most pronounced in LBBB-1 and worst in LBBB-3 patients.

Conclusions—

A double-peaked systolic septal deformation pattern is characteristic for LBBB and results from intraventricular dyssynchrony. Abnormal contractility modifies this pattern. A computer model can be helpful in understanding septal deformation and predicting cardiac resynchronization therapy response.
Mitochondrial STAT3 Activation and Cardioprotection by Ischemic Postconditioning in Pigs With Regional Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Heusch Gerd , Musiolik Judith , Gedik Nilguen , Skyschally Andreas
Published: October 2011

Rationale:

Timely restoration of coronary blood flow is the only way to salvage myocardium from infarction, but reperfusion per se brings on additional injury. Such reperfusion injury and the resulting size of myocardial infarction is attenuated by ischemic postconditioning, ie, the repeated brief interruption of coronary blood flow during early reperfusion. The signal transduction of ischemic postconditioning is under intense investigation, but no signaling step has yet been identified as causal for such protection in larger mammals in situ.

Objective:

We have now in an in situ pig model of regional myocardial ischemia/reperfusion addressed the role of mitochondrial signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3).

Methods and Results:

We demonstrated reduction of infarct size by ischemic postconditioning (26±3% of area at risk versus 38±2% in controls with immediate full reperfusion) along with more markedly increased tyrosine
705
phosphorylation of STAT3 in myocardial biopsies (at 10 minutes reperfusion: 9.2±3.0-fold from baseline versus 6.6±2.9-fold in controls with immediate full reperfusion). Increased tyrosine
705
phosphorylation of STAT3 and better preservation of complex 1 respiration and calcium retention capacity were also present in isolated mitochondria from postconditioned myocardium in vitro. Prior janus kinase/STAT inhibition with AG490 in vivo abrogated the infarct size reduction and the better preservation of mitochondrial function, and the STAT3 inhibitor Stattic in vitro also abrogated better preservation of mitochondrial function.

Conclusions:

Our data support a causal role for mitochondrial STAT3 activation to mediate cardioprotection through better mitochondrial function.
Neurosurgical Advances in the Treatment of Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Pandey Paritosh , Steinberg Gary K.
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—

Moyamoya disease is characterized by chronic stenoocclusive vasculopathy involving the distal supraclinoid internal carotid arteries and presents with ischemic or hemorrhagic symptoms. We review advances in the understanding and management of moyamoya disease.

Summary of Review—

Cerebral revascularization, either direct or indirect, is the cornerstone of treatment for moyamoya disease. Recent advances have been made in understanding the molecular biology and pathophysiology of moyamoya disease, and new genetic mutations and deletions have been identified. Imaging for moyamoya disease is also rapidly improving with new sequences of MRI and better methods of assessing ischemia and cerebrovascular reserve. Positron emission tomography has emerged as an important tool to measure cerebrovascular reserve. Novel surgical techniques assess patency and ischemia during superficial temporal to middle cerebral artery bypass, including indocyanine green videoangiography to evaluate anastomosis patency, and various methods to monitor intraoperative blood flow. Newer methods of indirect revascularization have been described with placement of more tissues supplied by the external carotid artery on the brain surface. Postoperative hyperperfusion to the chronically ischemic brain tissue is a recently identified causative factor of complications. Interestingly, complications from hyperperfusion mimic those caused by ischemia, although they have different treatments, making the role of postoperative blood flow assessment important in distinguishing between the two. Awareness has also increased that even asymptomatic patients can experience significant cognitive decline attributable to chronic ischemia. Whether this reverts after successful revascularization requires investigation.

Conclusions—

Surgical revascularization with direct, indirect, and combined methods remains the preferred procedure for patients with moyamoya disease.
Long-Term Stimulation of Neural Progenitor Cell Migration After Cortical Ischemia in Mice
Authors: Osman Ahmed M. , Porritt Michelle J. , Nilsson Michael , Kuhn H. Georg
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—

Cortical ischemia induces neural progenitor cell migration toward the injury site; however, whether these cells are capable of maintaining the migratory response for a longer period after injury remains uncertain.

Methods—

We analyzed progenitor migration up to 1 year after induction of photothrombotic stroke to the mouse neocortex. Migrating progenitors identified as doublecortin positive cells (DCX
+
) were assessed using the immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The thymidine analogues chlorodeoxyuridine and iododeoxyuridine were used to birth-date the progenitor cells.

Results—

In the striatum, we detected elevated numbers of DCX
+
cells up to 6 weeks postlesion. In the corpus callosum and the peri-infarct cortex (Ctx), DCX
+
cell numbers were increased up to 1 year. The orientation of the migrating progenitors was mostly aligned with the corpus callosum fiber tract at all time points; however, in the Ctx, they aligned parallel to the infarct border. The injured cortex continuously receives new progenitors up to 1 year after lesion. Cells born after lesion did not become mature neurons, although a portion of the migrating progenitors showed initial signs of differentiation into neurons.

Conclusions—

Neural progenitors might have a role in brain plasticity after cortical stroke, especially considering the prolonged window of migratory responses of up to 1 year after stroke lesion.
Angiogenic T-Cells and Putative Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Hypertension-Related Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Rouhl Rob P.W. , Mertens Annelien E.C.S. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Damoiseaux Jan G.M.C. , Debrus-Palmans Lucienne L. , Henskens Léon H.G. , Kroon Abraham A. , de Leeuw Peter W. , Lodder Jan , Cohen Tervaert Jan Willem
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) may be caused by endothelial dysfunction, whereas endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) may attenuate endothelial dysfunction. Their vitality is lower in CSVD. A subset of lymphocytes, angiogenic T-cells, is capable to stimulate EPC function. The purpose of our study was to explore the relation between CSVD manifestations, angiogenic T-cells, and EPC in hypertensive patients with CSVD.

Methods—

We compared 32 essential hypertensive patients with CSVD (white matter lesions, asymptomatic lacunar infarcts, or microbleeds on 1.5-Tesla MRI) to 29 age-matched and sex-matched hypertensive controls. We counted angiogenic T-cells (CD3
+
/CD31
+
/CD184
+
) and putative EPC (CD31
+
/CD34
+
/CD45
-
/KDR
+
) by flow cytometry and determined EPC vitality by in vitro cluster formation.

Results—

Putative EPC numbers were lower in hypertensive individuals with CSVD than in those without (10±7
.
10
3
/mL versus 13±6
.
10
3
/mL [median±interquartile range];
P
=0.011). Angiogenic T-cell numbers were also lower in hypertensive individuals with CSVD than in those without (0.56±0.25
.
10
9
/mL versus 0.78±0.50
.
10
9
/mL;
P
=0.008). Higher angiogenic T-cell numbers independently related to absence of CSVD (odds ratio, 0.088; 95% confidence interval, 0.012–0.627).

Conclusions—

Our data suggest that angiogenic T-cells and putative EPC independently relate to radiological CSVD manifestations in hypertensive patients.
The Hyperintense Acute Reperfusion Marker on Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is Caused by Gadolinium in the Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Köhrmann Martin , Struffert Tobias , Frenzel Thomas , Schwab Stefan , Doerfler Arnd
Published: October 2011

Background and Purposes—

The hyperintense acute reperfusion marker (HARM) on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI is believed to be caused by gadolinium-based contrast agents crossing a disrupted blood–brain barrier. However, this hypothesis has never been directly verified in humans.

Methods—

In this study, we analyzed cerebrospinal fluid samples of patients with HARM on imaging regarding the presence and concentration of gadolinium-based contrast agents.

Results—

Gadobutrol was found in concentrations of approximately 50 μmol/L. Using phantom MRI experiments, we demonstrate that the detected concentrations are consistent with the observed HARM imaging pattern.

Conclusions—

Our study yields first direct evidence in humans that the imaging phenomenon HARM is indeed caused by leakage of gadolinium-based contrast agents into the cerebrospinal fluid.
Specific Neural Traces for Intonational Discourse Categories as Revealed by Human-evoked Potentials
Authors: Borràs-Comes Joan , Costa-Faidella Jordi , Prieto Pilar , Escera Carles
Published: October 2011

The neural representation of segmental and tonal phonological distinctions has been shown by means of the MMN ERP, yet this is not the case for intonational discourse contrasts. In Catalan, a rising–falling intonational sequence can be perceived as a statement or as a counterexpectational question, depending exclusively on the size of the pitch range interval of the rising movement. We tested here, using the MMN, whether such categorical distinctions elicited distinct neurophysiological patterns of activity, supporting their specific neural representation. From a behavioral identification experiment, we set the boundary between the two categories and defined four stimuli across the continuum. Although the physical distance between each pair of stimuli was kept constant, the central pair represented an across-category contrast, whereas the other pairs represented within-category contrasts. These four auditory stimuli were contrasted by pairs in three different oddball blocks. The mean amplitude of the MMN was larger for the across-category contrast, suggesting that intonational contrasts in the target language can be encoded automatically in the auditory cortex. These results are in line with recent findings in other fields of linguistics, showing that, when a boundary between categories is crossed, the MMN response is not just larger but rather includes a separate subcomponent.
Rapid Interactions between Lexical Semantic and Word Form Analysis during Word Recognition in Context: Evidence from ERPs
Authors: Kim Albert , Lai Vicky
Published: October 2011

We used ERPs to investigate the time course of interactions between lexical semantic and sublexical visual word form processing during word recognition. Participants read sentence-embedded pseudowords that orthographically resembled a contextually supported real word (e.g., “She measured the flour so she could bake a ceke…”) or did not (e.g., “She measured the flour so she could bake a tont…”) along with nonword consonant strings (e.g., “She measured the flour so she could bake a srdt…”). Pseudowords that resembled a contextually supported real word (“ceke”) elicited an enhanced positivity at 130 msec (P130), relative to real words (e.g., “She measured the flour so she could bake a cake…”). Pseudowords that did not resemble a plausible real word (“tont”) enhanced the N170 component, as did nonword consonant strings (“srdt”). The effect pattern shows that the visual word recognition system is, perhaps, counterintuitively, more rapidly sensitive to minor than to flagrant deviations from contextually predicted inputs. The findings are consistent with rapid interactions between lexical and sublexical representations during word recognition, in which rapid lexical access of a contextually supported word (CAKE) provides top–down excitation of form features (“cake”), highlighting the anomaly of an unexpected word “ceke.”
Using the Stochastic Multicloud Model to Improve Tropical Convective Parameterization: A Paradigm Example
Authors: Frenkel Yevgeniy , Majda Andrew J. , Khouider Boualem
Published: October 2011

Despite recent advances in supercomputing, current general circulation models (GCMs) poorly represent the variability associated with organized tropical convection. A stochastic multicloud convective parameterization based on three cloud types (congestus, deep, and stratiform), introduced recently by Khouider, Biello, and Majda in the context of a single column model, is used here to study flows above the equator without rotation effects. The stochastic model dramatically improves the variability of tropical convection compared to the conventional moderate- and coarse-resolution paradigm GCM parameterizations. This increase in variability comes from intermittent coherent structures such as synoptic and mesoscale convective systems, analogs of squall lines and convectively coupled waves seen in nature whose representation is improved by the stochastic parameterization. Furthermore, simulations with a sea surface temperature (SST) gradient yield realistic mean Walker cell circulation with plausible high variability. An additional feature of the present stochastic parameterization is a natural scaling of the model from moderate to coarse grids that preserves the variability and statistical structure of the coherent features. These results systematically illustrate, in a paradigm model, the benefits of using the stochastic multicloud framework to improve deterministic parameterizations with clear deficiencies.
Accuracy of DIF Estimates and Power in Unbalanced Designs Using the Mantel–Haenszel DIF Detection Procedure
Authors: Paek Insu , Guo Hongwen
Published: October 2011

This study examined how much improvement was attainable with respect to accuracy of differential item functioning (DIF) measures and DIF detection rates in the Mantel–Haenszel procedure when employing focal and reference groups with notably unbalanced sample sizes where the focal group has a fixed small sample which does not satisfy the minimum DIF sample size requirement specified by the testing programs, while the reference group sample size far exceeds the minimum requirement. Results showed equivalent or better results with such unbalanced but large samples than with some of the currently used minimum DIF sample size conditions. DIF investigation, therefore, does not necessarily need to cease when the focal group does not meet the minimum sample size requirement. Some analytic explanations and guidelines for DIF investigations with unbalanced sample sizes are also provided.
Promoting Happiness and Life Satisfaction in School Children
Authors: McCabe Kelly , Bray Melissa A. , Kehle Thomas J. , Theodore Lea A. , Gelbar Nicholas W.
Published: October 2011

Studies in positive psychology, including happiness, well-being, and life satisfaction, are reviewed. The preponderance of the research literature on the promotion of positive psychology tends to focus on broad social competences. However, there is an emerging body of evidence that supports employing specific techniques that are more amenable to school-based practice, can also promote happiness and life satisfaction in children and adolescents. An exploratory study conducted by McCabe-Fitch (2009) is included that exemplified the use of the specific techniques of the Gratitude Letter and Three Good Things in Life.
Modelling the power parameters of the spherical motion burnishing
Authors: Maximov J T , Duncheva G V , Amudjev I M , Kuzmanov T V
Published: October 2011

This article presents the outcomes from analytical and experimental modelling, the power parameters of new burnishing of external cylindrical surfaces called spherical motion burnishing. The axes of the workpiece and the ring-shaped tool having toroidal acting surface intersect at an angle of 2°. The tool motion is superposition from a spherical motion and a rectilinear translation with respect to the workpiece. The method is implemented on lathes. The tool transfer angular velocity is assigned by the lathe spindle, and the relative one is a consequence from unknown manufacturing resistance. Analytical models of the power parameters of the new burnishing process have been obtained. The unknown manufacturing intensities in these models have been determined experimentally. For proving the authenticity of the proposed semi-analytical models a comparison of the results obtained for the axial force with the experimental ones has been made. For that purpose, the axial force has been measured by means of a strain gauge system. The comparison shows a good agreement.
Design and application of a platform for CAE-based optimization using a grid-based environment
Authors: Weng Y , Wang P , Jin X , Cao Y
Published: October 2011

This article introduces a platform for computer-aided engineering-based optimization using a Grid-based environment. Established upon China National Grid (CNGrid) environment, the platform is designed to maximize the efficiency of optimization process while taking advantage of Grid computing. This research provides the grid users with easier access to simulation-based optimization problem, so that they will not be distracted by lower level details and can concentrate on the problem itself. The architecture and the techniques used are thoroughly explained in this article. Practicality of the platform is further validated through application on an optimization project in automotive industry for lightweight design of a body in white.
The Push and Pull of Temptation
Authors: Nordgren Loran F. , Chou Eileen Y.
Published: October 2011

This article examines how people respond to the emergence of temptation in their environment. Three studies demonstrated that how people respond to temptation depends critically on their visceral state—whether or not they are actively experiencing visceral drives such as hunger, drug craving, or sexual arousal. We found that when people were in a “cold,” nonvisceral state, the presence of temptation prompted cognition to support self-control. However, when people were in a “hot,” visceral state, temptation prompted the same cognitive processes to support impulsive behavior. Study 1 examined how heterosexual men’s level of sexual arousal influences their attention to attractive women. Study 2 examined whether satiated and craving smokers would engage in motivated reasoning in order to dampen (or enhance) the appeal of smoking when confronted with the temptation to smoke. Study 3 tested the boundaries of the interaction between visceral state and temptation.
Stability region analysis of the parasitic loop of the semi-strapdown homing seeker
Authors: Jianmei S , Gaohua C , Xianxiang C , Lixia K
Published: October 2011

The stability of the parasitic loop induced by the disturbance rejection effect (DRE) of a semi-strapdown homing seeker (SSHS) is analysed in this paper. First, the seeker’s tracking controller is designed so as to have a simple structure and then the explicit relationships between the control parameters and the desired performance index is presented. Mathematical models of the DRE of the SSHS and the parasitic loop are then proposed. The approximate maximum magnitude of the seeker’s DRE as a function of the friction coefficient and the counter electromotive force coefficient is also given. Routh’s criterion is used to obtain the approximate stability region of the parasitic loop. The necessary and sufficient conditions which ensure the stability of the parasitic loop are directly related to the seeker’s control parameters. This approach provides direct theoretical support for the design of a seeker’s control system. Simulations are performed to verify the validity of the stability analysis performed on the parasitic loop.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Concerning Infection Control Among Travelers Between Taiwan and Mainland China
Authors: Chen Chien Min , Tsai Jan Sin , Chen Sheu Hua , Lee Hong Tau
Published: October 2011

With an increase in the number of travelers around the world in recent years, widespread efforts to control the human-transmissible influenza and increased surveillance among poultry and humans should be given the highest priority. The purpose of this article is to describe an examination of the passengers traveling via “mini links” from Xiamen (China) to Kinmen (Taiwan) with reference to their knowledge and practice on infection control measures and satisfaction with public health policies. A survey of perceptions, attitudes, and practices was accordingly carried out. Although some research has been conducted on selected health topics and patients, little research has examined the perceptions of normal travelers. The results demonstrate that travelers’ perception of risk for infection control was high; by contrast, their practices were not sufficient. The content analysis of this study also provides an empirical starting point for future research into combining travelers’ knowledge and practice on disease problems with the worldwide public health policies.
Alloimmune neonatal neutropenia and neonatal isoerythrolysis in a Thoroughbred colt
Authors: Wong David M. , Alcott Cody J. , Clark Sandra K. , Jones Douglas E. , Fisher Phyllis G. , Sponseller Brett A.
Published: October 2011

A 3-day-old Thoroughbred colt was originally presented for treatment of neonatal isoerythrolysis, which was treated with a blood transfusion. However, persistent neutropenia was observed despite the absence of detectable infection. Subsequently, a granulocyte agglutination test was performed by incubating the colt’s neutrophils with the mare’s serum; results were positive, leading to a clinical diagnosis of alloimmune neonatal neutropenia. The diagnosis was further supported via flow cytometric analysis. The colt was hospitalized and treated prophylactically with antimicrobials and 4 separate doses of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF; 1.4–3.5 µg/kg, subcutaneously) in attempts to maintain the neutrophil count within reference intervals over a 4-week period. The colt’s neutrophil count increased after administration of rhG-CSF and eventually stabilized within reference intervals by day 20. The colt maintained normal neutrophil counts after discharge and was reportedly healthy at 6 months of age. Alloimmune neonatal neutropenia should be considered in foals with persistent neutropenia in the absence of infection. Alloimmune neonatal neutropenia can be treated with prophylactic antimicrobials combined with rhG-CSF with a favorable outcome.
‘The urge towards love is an urge towards (un)death’: Romance, masochistic desire and postfeminism in the Twilight novels
Authors: Taylor Anthea
Published: October 2011

Stephanie Meyer’s enormously popular Twilight saga of teen vampire romance novels is commonly referred to as the young adult fiction equivalent of what the Harry Potter series was for children. Central to the series, which sells in the tens of millions globally, is an adolescent romantic relationship that, as I will show, is in many ways masochistic. Interrogating gendered subjectivity within the series, particularly in regard to its teenage narrator, Bella Swan, and her relationship with the hyper-idealized vampire hero, Edward Cullen, this article analyses the way the four narratives figure adolescent feminine desire as well as how they link eroticism and death. It also positions the series within broader feminist debates about postfeminism within popular culture, and explores how (and, with more difficulty, why) a masochistic relationship and an undead subjectivity for a teenage girl are seen as utopic sites of possibility in these narratives. If, as Nina Auerbach argues, each age produces the vampire it requires, then might Edward Cullen and his teen vampire bride suggest about the current, purportedly ‘postfeminist’, context and young women in particular?
A Longitudinal Analysis of Latina/o Students’ Academic Persistence
Authors: Bordes-Edgar Veronica , Arredondo Patricia , Kurpius Sharon Robinson , Rund James
Published: October 2011

This was a 4.5-year follow-up study of university persistence involving 71 Latina/o students, who were initially surveyed as 1st-semester freshmen. Academic (high school grade point average [GPA], entrance exam scores, and college GPA) and nonacademic (self-beliefs, social support, and academic persistence decisions) factors were examined to determine impact on persistence. Self-beliefs and mentoring predicted academic persistence and college GPA. Students who graduated had stronger high school GPAs, more mentoring, and more positive initial academic persistence decisions.
Indigenous New Zealand honeys exhibit multiple anti-inflammatory activities
Authors: Leong Aidan G , Herst Patries M , Harper Jacquie L
Published: October 2011

Recent evidence suggests a potential role for honeys in mediating clinical inflammation and tissue damage. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of a selection of previously untested indigenous New Zealand (NZ) honeys. We found that several, but not all, New Zealand rewarewa, manuka and kanuka honey samples exhibited potent, dose-dependent reduction of human neutrophil superoxide production in vitro. This inhibitory activity did not correlate with levels of known phenolic-based free radical scavengers. Furthermore, the active honeys did not scavenge superoxide generated in a cell-free xanthine/xanthine oxidase assay. In C57BL/6 J mice, topical application of manuka and rewarewa honey samples with the highest in vitro activity suppressed arachidonic acid-induced ear oedema, and rewarewa honey suppressed both oedema and leukocyte (monocyte and neutrophil) infiltration. Together, these findings demonstrate that some indigenous NZ honeys exhibit clinically relevant anti-inflammatory activity. Further investigation is warranted to identify the active component(s) and mechanisms responsible for these activities and to determine potential applications for anti-inflammatory honeys in the topical treatment of clinical inflammation.
DC-STAMP knock-down deregulates cytokine production and T-cell stimulatory capacity of LPS-matured dendritic cells
Authors: Sanecka Anna , Ansems Marleen , Prosser Amy C , Danielski Katharina , Warner Kathrin , den Brok Martijn H , Jansen Bastiaan JH , Eleveld-Trancikova Dagmar , Adema Gosse J
Published: October 2011

Background

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the highly specialized antigen presenting cells of the immune system that play a key role in regulating immune responses. DCs can efficiently initiate immune responses or induce tolerance. Due to this dual function, DCs are studied in the context of immunotherapy for both cancer and autoimmune diseases. Characterization of DC-specific genes, leading to better understanding of DC immunobiology, will help to guide their use in clinical settings. We previously identified DC-STAMP, a multi-membrane spanning protein preferentially expressed by DCs. DC-STAMP resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of immature DCs and translocates towards the Golgi compartment upon maturation. In this study we knocked down DC-STAMP in mouse bone marrow-derived DCs (mBMDCs) to determine its function.

Results

We demonstrate that DC-STAMP knock-down mBMDCs secrete less IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IL-10 while IL-1 production is enhanced. Moreover, LPS-matured DC-STAMP knock-down mBMDCs show impaired T cell activation potential and induction of Th1 responses in an alloreaction.

Conclusions

We show that DC-STAMP plays an important role in cytokine production by mBMDCs following LPS exposure. Our results reveal a novel function of DC-STAMP in regulating DC-initiated immune responses.
Is the impact of hospital performance data greater in patients who have compared hospitals?
Authors: de Groot Ingrid B , Otten Wilma , Smeets Harm J , Marang-van de Mheen Perla J ,   the CHOICE-2 study group
Published: October 2011

Background

Public information on average has limited impact on patients' hospital choice. However, the impact may be greater in consumers who have compared hospitals prior to their hospital choice. We therefore assessed whether patients who have compared hospitals based their hospital choice mainly on public information, rather than e.g. advice of their general practitioner and consider other information important than patients who have not compared hospitals.

Methods

337 new surgical patients completed an internet-based questionnaire. They were asked whether they had compared hospitals prior to their hospital choice and which factors influenced their choice. They were also asked to select between four and ten items of hospital information (total: 41 items) relevant for their future hospital choice. These were subsequently used in a hospital choice experiment in which participants were asked to compare hospitals in an Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint analysis to estimate which of the hospital characteristics had the highest Relative Importance (RI).

Results

Patients who have compared hospitals more often used public information for their hospital choice than patients who have not compared hospitals (12.7% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001). However, they still mostly relied on their own (47.9%) and other people's experiences (31%) rather than to base their decision on public information. Both groups valued physician's expertise (RI 20.2 [16.6-24.8] in patients comparing hospitals vs. 16.5 [14.2-18.8] in patients not comparing hospitals) and waiting time (RI 15.1 [10.7-19.6] vs. 15.6 [13.2-17.9] respectively) as most important public information. Patients who have compared hospitals assigned greater importance to information on wound infections (p = 0.010) and respect for patients (p = 0.022), but lower importance to hospital distance (p = 0.041).

Conclusion

Public information has limited impact on patient's hospital choice, even in patients who have actually compared hospitals prior to hospital choice.
Establishing a TaqMan-Based Real-Time PCR Assay for the rapid detection and quantification of the newly emerged duck tembusu virus
Authors: Yan Liping , Yan Pixi , Zhou Jiewen , Teng Qiaoyang , Li Zejun
Published: October 2011

To establish an accurate, rapid, and a quantifiable method for the detection of the newly emerged duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) that recently caused a widespread infectious disease in ducks in China, we developed a TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay by using E gene-specific primers and a TaqMan probe. This real-time PCR assay was 100 times more sensitive than the conventional PCR. The reproducibility and specificity of the real-time PCR assay were confirmed using plasmids containing E genes or RNAs and DNAs extracted from well-known viruses causing duck diseases. The reliability of this real-time PCR assay was confirmed in 19 of the 24 swab samples, 22 of the 24 tissue samples collected from experimentally infected ducks, as well as 15 of the 21 clinical samples collected from sick ducks since they were verified as DTMUV-positive. The results reveal that the newly established real-time PCR assay might be a useful diagnostic method for epidemiologically investigating and closely observing the newly emerged DTMUV.
Alzheimer-specific variants in the 3'UTR of Amyloid precursor protein affect microRNA function
Authors: Delay Charlotte , Calon Frédéric , Mathews Paul , Hébert Sébastien S
Published: October 2011

Background

APP expression misregulation can cause genetic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent evidences support the hypothesis that polymorphisms located in microRNA (miRNA) target sites could influence the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and frontotemporal dementia. Recently, a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the 3'UTR of APP have been found in AD patients with family history of dementia. Because miRNAs have previously been implicated in APP expression regulation, we set out to determine whether these polymorphisms could affect miRNA function and therefore APP levels.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis identified twelve putative miRNA bindings sites located in or near the APP 3'UTR variants T117C, A454G and A833C. Among those candidates, seven miRNAs, including miR-20a, miR-17, miR-147, miR-655, miR-323-3p, miR-644, and miR-153 could regulate APP expression in vitro and under physiological conditions in cells. Using luciferase-based assays, we could show that the T117C variant inhibited miR-147 binding, whereas the A454G variant increased miR-20a binding, consequently having opposite effects on APP expression.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results provide proof-of-principle that APP 3'UTR polymorphisms could affect AD risk through modulation of APP expression regulation, and set the stage for further association studies in genetic and sporadic AD.
Automated 4D analysis of dendritic spine morphology: applications to stimulus-induced spine remodeling and pharmacological rescue in a disease model
Authors: Swanger Sharon A , Yao Xiaodi , Gross Christina , Bassell Gary J
Published: October 2011

Uncovering the mechanisms that regulate dendritic spine morphology has been limited, in part, by the lack of efficient and unbiased methods for analyzing spines. Here, we describe an automated 3D spine morphometry method and its application to spine remodeling in live neurons and spine abnormalities in a disease model. We anticipate that this approach will advance studies of synapse structure and function in brain development, plasticity, and disease.
Animated Documentary and the Scene of Death: Experiencing Waltz with Bashir
Authors: Schlunke Katrina
Published: October 2011

When brought together in the animated documentary, animation with its tradition of comic storytelling and gothic graphic fiction and the documentary film with its tradition of “realism” create new possibilities for understanding the relationship between spectatorship and memory. In this form memory and reality are volatile and changeable, yet believable. In the Israeli film Waltzwith Bashir (dir. Ari Folman, 2008), the animated form of the bulk of the film is ultimately juxtaposed with television footage and still shots of the massacre within the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. The film's final sequence of live footage, some of which would have appeared on most of our television screens across the world, makes of those passing seconds a death scene. As a “death scene” we see again but really for the first time the horror and the miracle of survival. The preceding animation with its intertwining flows of dreams and reality not only interrogates but enacts how memory can be seen.
A systematic review of studies concerning observer agreement during medical specialist diagnosis using videoconferencing
Authors: Martin-Khan Melinda , Wootton Richard , Whited John , Gray Leonard C
Published: October 2011

We conducted a systematic review of studies of observer agreement for medical specialist diagnosis via videoconferencing. The review was based on searches of electronic databases and a hand search of relevant journals and reference lists between 1966 and June 2010. There were 20 studies comparing videoconferencing diagnosis with a non-telemedicine alternative by reporting a measure of agreement. Half of the studies were in the field of dermatology; these studies provided solid support for the reliability of videoconferencing. The other 10 studies were in psychiatry, geriatrics, minor injuries, neurology and rheumatology. Reliability of diagnosis via videoconferencing was confirmed in all studies. In the studies where physical examination was an element of the diagnostic process, results were reliable but authors recommended greater care during the diagnostic process (e.g. good equipment, onsite support, additional camera angles). Four studies incorporated a second group to measure agreement in paired face-to-face assessments. Although useful evidence for the reliability of diagnosis via videoconferencing was provided by the studies in the review, the range of medical specialties was small. The variation in research methodology and statistical analysis suggests a lack of clarity about which research design is appropriate for measuring observer agreement in relation to diagnostic reliability.
Technical and organisational feasibility of a multifunctional telemedicine system in an emergency medical service – an observational study
Authors: Bergrath Sebastian , Rörtgen Daniel , Rossaint Rolf , Beckers Stefan K , Fischermann Harold , Brokmann Jörg Ch , Czaplik Michael , Felzen Marc , Schneiders Marie-Thérèse , Skorning Max
Published: October 2011

We evaluated the technical and organisational feasibility of a multifunctional telemedicine system in an emergency medical service (EMS) from the user's perspective. The telemedicine system was designed to transmit vital signs data and 12-lead-ECG data, send still pictures and allow voice communication and video transmission from an ambulance. The data were sent to a teleconsultation centre staffed with EMS physicians (tele-EMS physician). The system was used in 157 EMS missions. The applications were used successfully on 80% of missions for real-time vital signs transmission and on 97% for video transmission. The quality of the transmitted still images ( n = 64) was: 23% excellent, 50% good, 17% moderate, 9% rather poor and 0% unusable. The quality of the video streaming ( n = 36) was: 33% excellent, 56% good, 6% moderate, 6% rather poor and 0% unusable. The tele-EMS physician was able to assist the EMS team in several cases and provided the preliminary information for the hospital in nearly all missions. Use of the telemedical system in EMS is feasible and the quality of the transmitted images and video was satisfactory. However, technical reliability and availability need to be improved prior to routine use.
C-Reactive Protein Induces Release of Both Endothelial Microparticles and Circulating Endothelial Cells In Vitro and In Vivo: Further Evidence of Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Devaraj Sridevi , Kumaresan Pappanaicken R , Jialal Ishwarlal
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is pivotal in atherosclerosis. A key early event in atherosclerosis is endothelial dysfunction. C-reactive protein (CRP), the prototypic marker of inflammation in humans, is a risk marker for cardiovascular disease, and there is mounting evidence to support its role in atherothrombosis. CRP has been shown to promote endothelial dysfunction both in vitro and in vivo. Emerging biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction include circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and endothelial microparticles (EMPs). However, there is a paucity of data examining the effect of CRP on CEC and EMP production in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

In this report, we treated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) with increasing concentrations of CRP (0–50 μg/mL) or boiled CRP. We counted CECs and EMPs by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Although CRP treatment resulted in a significant increase in release of both CECs and EMPs, boiled CRP failed to have an effect. Pretreatment of HAECs with sepiapterin or diethylenetriamine NONOate, both of which preserve nitric oxide (NO), resulted in attenuation of CRP's effects on CECs and EMPs. CD32 and CD64 blocking antibodies but not CD16 antibody or lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor 1 small interfering RNA (LOX-1 siRNA) prevented CRP-induced production of CECs and EMPs. Furthermore, delivery of human CRP to Wistar rats compared with human serum albumin resulted in significantly increased CECs and EMPs, corroborating the in vitro findings.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide novel data that CRP, via NO deficiency, promotes endothelial dysfunction by inducing release of CECs and EMPs, which are biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction.
Beobachtungen zum Taktikon Escorialense
Authors: Krsmanović Bojana
Published: October 2011

The Taktikon Escorialense, a list of functions compiled in the time of John I Tzimiskes, is an important source for studying the reform of the military organisation and state apparatus of Byzantium during the 10th century. Records of this reform, however, can also be found in other, literary and sigillographic sources, so its beginnings, principal stages and characteristics, and how the organisation of the provinces evolved in the 11th century, were reconstructed independently from the TE by Ahrweiler.

Like many other sources of this kind, the TE has particular characteristics that lead one to ask in what measure this list of functions really reflected the transformation of the state apparatus in the 10th century. The conclusion may be drawn that this taktikon was an unfinished list of Byzantine functions and honorary titles, and, as indicated by data from other sources (first of all, sigillographic ones), it testifies only to a temporary phase in the reform carried out in Byzantium in the course of the 10th century. There are certain illogical elements in the TE, in the sequence of mentioning the functionaries; some data about the creation of new appointments mentioned in other sources, were omitted from this list of functions, etc. Despite the said shortcomings, though, the TE makes it possible to pose fresh questions, and reactivates some earlier ones connected with the problem of the transformation of the Byzantine central and provincial system, especially in the domain of the Empire's military organisation.
Vita Sancti Marciani Oeconomi
Authors: Wortley John
Published: October 2011

Marcian (? – ca 474) was appointed oeconomos of the properties of the Great Church by the Patriarch Gennadius (458–471) possibly after serving as the last Novatian bishop of Constantinople. He employed his considerable personal wealth in founding and restoring churches in the capital, most significantly one named Anastasia, incorporating the “small oratory” in which Gregory of Nazianzen had ministered to the faithful remnant of Nicenes during the winter of 379–380: a church with significant Gothic connections. A critical edition of the complete text of the vita (previously only available in the Metaphrastic version, PG 114, 429–456) is here presented and translated. The vita was composed by one Sergius almost certainly some considerable time after the death of Marcian for, although it provides some useful information on the nature of the surviving buildings attributed to him, the little it has to say about the man himself largely consists of conventional miracula rather than of biographical detail – of which there is surprisingly little. Even certain data known from other sources are passed over in silence. On the other hand, the healing properties of the Anastasia church are affirmed with a passage taken almost verbatim from Sozomen. While the vita is in no sense a biography of the saint, it does contain a wealth of information on a fifth-century Constantinople.
A Reappraisal of the Chronicle of Theodore of Kyzikos
Authors: Zafeiris Konstantinos
Published: October 2011

Although the Chronicle of Theodore of Kyzikos has been known to scholarship and was included in Kurmbacher's Geschichte Der Byzantinischen Litteratur, it was later identified with the Synopsis Chronike, and hence excluded from any further research. The article reconsiders the text and its place in Byzantine historiography, focusing on its relationship to the Synopsis Chronike. It analyses their similarities and differences, particularly in terms of textual criticism, and examines possible connections between them. Finally, it concludes that the accepted hypothesis that the two texts are one and the same (or mere variations of the same text) is not valid. Instead, it proposes that the Chronicle of Theodore of Kyzikos and the Synopsis Chronike are two distinct chronicles that derive from an earlier common archetype, which is now lost.
“Du lernst, dass du das nicht brauchst” — Ein transformationales Produkt zur Steigerung der Selbstkontrolle
Authors: Kehr Flavius , Laschke Matthias , Hassenzahl Marc
Published: October 2011

Wir stellen ein transformationales Produkt vor, das verführerische Situationen schafft, zu deren Bewältigung Selbstkontrolle erforderlich ist. Im Rahmen einer Pilotstudie wird untersucht, welche Erfahrungen Personen bei der 14-tägigen Nutzung des Produkts machen. Es zeigt sich, dass die Nutzung des Produkts auf eine freudvolle Weise zu einer stärkeren Selbstreflexion, zur Entwicklung spezifischer Bewältigungsstrategien und zur Verminderung der benötigten Selbstkontrollstärke führt.
Zeiterfassung — Mobile Games — Lerntheorie
Authors: Bublitz Arno
Published: October 2011

Zeiterfassung. Nichts ist schlimmer als Zeiterfassung. Sie hält von der Arbeit ab. Sie ist mühsam. Sie wird gerne vergessen. Es soll schon mal einen Menschen gegeben haben, der gerne Zeiterfassung gemacht hat. Getroffen hat ihn noch niemand. Und doch: Ohne Zeiterfassung keine Abrechnung. Und kein Geld vom Kunden. Was liegt näher als das Problem der Zeiterfassung, wenn wir über persuasives Design nachdenken wollen? Wenn wir nachdenken wollen über Anwendungen, die unser Verhalten ändern? Ein System zur Zeiterfassung sollte so gestaltet werden, dass der Nutzer gern und oft seine Zeiten eingibt. Der Anbieter der Software möchte dieses aus Verhalten herbeiführen. Der Nutzer hat selbst ebenfalls ein Interesse an dieser Verhaltensänderung: Sie erleichtert erheblich das Leben. Ich möchte in diesem Artikel einen Dreisprung wagen: Von Lerntheorie über einen Vergleich von Zeiterfassung und Mobile Games hin zu den Erfordernissen an die Konzeption und Dokumentation von persuasivem Design.
Berechnung von Erfolgskennzahlen für Facebook Fan-Pages
Authors: Brocke Anna , Faust Alexander
Published: October 2011

Dieser Beitrag definiert für Facebook Fan-Pages den Begriff “Erfolg” genauer und beschäftigt sich anschließend mit der Herleitung und Berechnung von Erfolgskennzahlen. Wir stellen Möglichkeiten manueller und automatisierter Auswertung vor. Beispiele für Berechnungen werden aufgezeigt und erste Ergebnisse diskutiert.