bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IGSF1 Deficiency: Lessons From an Extensive Case Series and Recommendations for Clinical Management
Authors: Joustra S. D. , Heinen C. A. , Schoenmakers N. , Bonomi M. , Ballieux B. E. P. B. , Turgeon M.-O. , Bernard D. J. , Fliers E. , van Trotsenburg A. S. P. , Losekoot M. , Persani L. , Wit J. M. , Biermasz N. R. , Pereira A. M. , Oostdijk W. ,   on behalf of the IGSF1 Clinical Care Group
Published: February 2016

Context:

Mutations in the immunoglobulin superfamily, member 1 (IGSF1) gene cause the X-linked IGSF1 deficiency syndrome consisting of central hypothyroidism, delayed pubertal testosterone rise, adult macroorchidism, variable prolactin deficiency, and occasionally transient partial GH deficiency. Since our first reports, we discovered 20 new families with 18 new pathogenic IGSF1 mutations.

Objective:

We aimed to share data on the largest cohort of patients with IGSF1 deficiency to date and formulate recommendations for clinical management.

Methods:

We collected clinical and biochemical characteristics of 69 male patients (35 children, 34 adults) and 56 female IGSF1 mutation carriers (three children, 53 adults) from 30 unrelated families according to a standardized clinical protocol. At evaluation, boys were treated with levothyroxine in 89%, adult males in 44%, and females in 5% of cases.

Results:

Additional symptoms in male patients included small thyroid gland volume (74%), high birth weight (25%), and large head circumference (20%). In general, the timing of pubertal testicular growth was normal or even premature, in contrast to a late rise in T levels. Late adrenarche was observed in patients with prolactin deficiency, and adult dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations were decreased in 40%. Hypocortisolism was observed in 6 of 28 evaluated newborns, although cortisol concentrations were normal later. Waist circumference of male patients was increased in 60%, but blood lipids were normal. Female carriers showed low free T4 (FT4) and low-normal FT4 in 18% and 60%, respectively, delayed age at menarche in 31%, mild prolactin deficiency in 22%, increased waist circumference in 57%, and a negative correlation between FT4 concentrations and metabolic parameters.

Conclusion:

IGSF1 deficiency represents the most common genetic cause of central hypothyroidism and is associated with multiple other characteristics. Based on these results, we provide recommendations for mutational analysis, endocrine work-up, and long-term care.
Calsyntenin1-mediated trafficking of axon guidance receptors regulates the switch in axonal responsiveness at a choice point
Authors: Alther Tobias A. , Domanitskaya Elena , Stoeckli Esther T.
Published: February 2016

Axon guidance at choice points depends on the precise regulation of guidance receptors on the growth cone surface. Upon arrival at the intermediate target or choice point, a switch from attraction to repulsion is required for the axon to move on. Dorsal commissural (dI1) axons crossing the ventral midline of the spinal cord in the floor plate represent a convenient model for the analysis of the molecular mechanism underlying the switch in axonal behavior.

We identified a role of Calsyntenin1 in the regulation of vesicular trafficking of guidance receptors in dI1 axons at choice points. In cooperation with RabGDI, Calsyntenin1 shuttles Rab11-positive vesicles containing Robo1 to the growth cone surface in a precisely regulated manner. In contrast, Calsyntenin1-mediated trafficking of Frizzled3, a guidance receptor in the Wnt pathway, is independent of RabGDI. Thus, tightly regulated insertion of guidance receptors, which is required for midline crossing and the subsequent turn into the longitudinal axis, is achieved by specific trafficking.
Mammary epithelial tubes elongate through MAPK-dependent coordination of cell migration
Authors: Huebner Robert J. , Neumann Neil M. , Ewald Andrew J.
Published: February 2016

Mammary branching morphogenesis is regulated by receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). We sought to determine how these RTK signals alter proliferation and migration to accomplish tube elongation. Both behaviors occur but it has been difficult to determine their relative contribution to elongation in vivo, as mammary adipocytes scatter light and limit the depth of optical imaging. Accordingly, we utilized 3D culture to study elongation in an experimentally accessible setting. We first used antibodies to localize RTK signals and discovered that p-ERK was spatially enriched in cells near the front of elongating ducts, while p-AKT was ubiquitous. We next observed a gradient of cell migration speeds from rear to front of elongating ducts, with the front characterized by both high p-ERK and the fastest cells. Furthermore, cells within elongating ducts oriented both their protrusions and their migration in the direction of tube elongation. In contrast, cells within the organoid body were isotropically protrusive. We next tested the requirement for proliferation and migration. Early inhibition of proliferation blocked the creation of migratory cells, while late inhibition of proliferation did not block continued duct elongation. In contrast, pharmacologic inhibition of either MEK or Rac signaling acutely blocked both cell migration and duct elongation. Finally, conditional induction of MEK activity was sufficient to induce collective cell migration and ductal elongation. Our data suggest a model for ductal elongation in which RTK dependent proliferation creates motile cells with high p-ERK, whose collective migration acutely requires both MEK and Rac signaling.
Will We Ever Stop Using Fossil Fuels?
Authors: Covert Thomas , Greenstone Michael , Knittel Christopher R.
Published: February 2016

Scientists believe significant climate change is unavoidable without a drastic reduction in the emissions of greenhouse gases from the combustion of fossil fuels. However, few countries have implemented comprehensive policies that price this externality or devote serious resources to developing low-carbon energy sources. In many respects, the world is betting that we will greatly reduce the use of fossil fuels because we will run out of inexpensive fossil fuels (there will be decreases in supply) and/or technological advances will lead to the discovery of less-expensive low-carbon technologies (there will be decreases in demand). The historical record indicates that the supply of fossil fuels has consistently increased over time and that their relative price advantage over low-carbon energy sources has not declined substantially over time. Without robust efforts to correct the market failures around greenhouse gases, relying on supply and/or demand forces to limit greenhouse gas emissions is relying heavily on hope.
Retrospectives: What Did the Ancient Greeks Mean by Oikonomia?
Authors: Leshem Dotan
Published: February 2016

Nearly every economist has at some point in the standard coursework been exposed to a brief explanation that the origin of the word “economy” can be traced back to the Greek word oikonomia, which in turn is composed of two words: oikos, which is usually translated as “household”; and nemein, which is best translated as “management and dispensation.” Thus, the cursory story usually goes, the term oikonomia referred to “household management” and while this was in some loose way linked to the idea of budgeting, it has little or no relevance to contemporary economics. This article introduces in more detail what the ancient Greek philosophers meant by “oikonomia.” It begins with a short history of the word. It then explores some of the key elements of oikonomia, while offering some comparisons and contrasts with modern economic thought. For example, both Ancient Greek oikonomia and contemporary economics study human behavior as a relationship between ends and means which have alternative uses. However, while both approaches hold that the rationality of any economic action is dependent on the frugal use of means, contemporary economics is largely neutral between ends, while in ancient economic theory, an action is considered economically rational only when taken towards a praiseworthy end. Moreover, the ancient philosophers had a distinct view of what constituted such an end—specifically, acting as a philosopher or as an active participant in the life of the city-state.
The New Role for the World Bank
Authors: Clemens Michael A. , Kremer Michael
Published: February 2016

The World Bank was founded to address what we would today call imperfections in international capital markets. Its founders thought that countries would borrow from the Bank temporarily until they grew enough to borrow commercially. Some critiques and analyses of the Bank are based on the assumption that this continues to be its role. For example, some argue that the growth of private capital flows to the developing world has rendered the Bank irrelevant. However, we will argue that modern analyses should proceed from the premise that the World Bank’s central goal is and should be to reduce extreme poverty, and that addressing failures in global capital markets is now of subsidiary importance. In this paper, we discuss what the Bank does: how it spends money, how it influences policy, and how it presents its mission. We argue that the role of the Bank is now best understood as facilitating international agreements to reduce poverty, and we examine implications of this perspective.
Rise of Fundamentalist Discourse and the Reassertion of Modern Ethos
Authors: Abdul Wahab Suri
Published: February 2016

The religious resurgence in the contemporary world has generally been described as a threat to global peace in general and to the axiological centrality of humanist values i.e. autonomy and self-determination, in particular. This threat presumes an oversimplified version of fundamentalism which is not only predominantly modernistic but also views religious reservations against modern life-world in abstraction to postmodern critique on the colonization of modern discursive practices. Islamic discourse determines the limit of modernity in the non-Western, post-colonial world; on the other hand, it provides substantive theoretical resistance to anti-foundationalist, contingent and relativistic postmodernism prevailing in Eurocentric cultures. In this way, Islamic discourse naturally performs two functions simultaneously which has the potential to be instrumentalised for the sustenance of modern institutional order.
Distribusi butiran sedimen di pantai Dalegan, Gresik, Jawa Timur
Authors: Bayhaqi Ahmad , Dungga Caesar M.A.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Erosion or sedimentation process is an important thing to know the condition of beach. That process can be noticed from sediment’s feature. Meanwhile, the particle size of sediment is of paramount thing than other feature such as speed of deposition and mass density. This study was conducted to find out distribution of particle size in Dalegan beach. Samples were collected from 15 sampling sites in different zones (zone A: lowest tide zone, zone B: 5 meters from zone A, zone C: 5 meters from zone B) with purposive sampling method. Sediments were grouped by Wentworth scale. Sieve and Granulometry analysis were used in this research to know type of sediment and its distribution. Results of study showed that the dominant of sediment type is fine sand. The spreading of this type be more dominant to the open sea and west direction along the coast. The condition of this spreading can be potential to make a change of beach condition.Keywords: Particle size; Sediment; Fine Sand; GranulometryAbstrak. Proses erosi dan sedimentasi adalah hal yang penting untuk mengetahui kondisi pantai. Proses tersebut dapat diketahui dengan sifat-sifat sedimen. Ukuran butir sedimen merupakan hal yang terpenting diantara sifat-sifat sedimen yang lainnya seperti kecepatan endap dan kepadatan massa. Tujuan penelitian ini ialah untuk mengetahui distribusi ukuran butir sedimen di Pantai Dalegan. Sampel dikumpulkan dari 15 titik sampling yang berbeda dari 3 zona (zona A : zona surut terendah, zona B : zona 5 meter dari zona A dan zona C : zona 5 meter dari zona B) menggunakan purposive sampling method.  Sedimen dikelompokkan dengan skala Wenworth. Analisis ayakan dan granulometri digunakan untuk mengetahui jenis sedimen dan penyebaran ukuran butirnya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa jenis sedimen yang mendominasi adalah pasir halus. Penyebaran jenis sedimen ini lebih cenderung dominan ke arah laut terbuka dan semakin ke barat dari pantai. Kondisi penyebaran distribusi ukuran butir sedimen dapat berpotesi membuat perubahan pada kondisi pantai.Kata kunci : Ukuran Butir; Sedimen; Pasir Halus; Granulometri
Kajian suhu permukaan laut mengunakan data satelit Aqua-MODIS di perairan Jayapura, Papua
Authors: Hamuna Baigo , P. Paulangan Yunus , Dimara Lisiard
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Information about sea surface temperature (SST) very important role in ocean and fisheries study. Aqua-MODIS satellite data very important to monitoring SST periodically exchange. The aim or this study to analyze temporal distribution and spatial SST in Jayapura waters of Papua Province. SST data from Aqua-MODIS satellite used on June 2011 to May 2015 period. Descriptive analysis on this research consist of temporary SST analysis base on monthly and seasonal fluctuating of SST in time series graph, and spatial analyze base on color degradation visualization on monthly average SST distribution map. The result show that temporal pattern variations in Jayapura waters experience decreasing in four years of monthly SST. Variations of SST in Jayapura waters are 25°C-31°C with dominant SST revolve 27°C-29°C. The maximum SST value in November (29.25°C) and the minimum in March (27.86°C). Variability of SST value in Jayapura waters be affected by moonson. SST value on east monsoon and intermediate II tend more higher than SST on west monsoon and intermediate I. Spatial distribution of SST in offshore tends highly than spatial distributions near from coastal.Keywords: SST; Aqua-MODIS; Variability Temporal and Spatial; Jayapura WatersAbstrak. Informasi suhu permukaan laut (SPL) dalam bidang kelautan dan perikanan memiliki peran yang sangat penting. Data satelit Aqua-MODIS sangat baik untuk pemantauan perubahan SPL secara berkala. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menganalisis sebaran temporal dan spasial SPL di perairan Jayapura, Papua. Data yang digunakan adalah data SPL dari sensor satelit Aqua-MODIS periode Juni 2011 sampai Mei 2015. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif yang meliputi analisis SPL secara temporal berdasarkan fluktuasi SPL bulanan dan musiman dalam bentuk grafik deret waktu, dan analisis spasial berdasarkan visualisasi degradasi warna pada peta sebaran rata-rata SPL bulanan. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa variasi temporal SPL bulanan di perairan Jayapura selama empat tahun cenderung mengalami penurunan. Nilai SPL di perairan Jayapura bervariasi antara 25°C-31°C dengan SPL dominan berkisar antara 27°C-29°C. Nilai SPL maksimum terjadi pada bulan November (29.25°C) dan minimum pada bulan Maret (27.86°C). Variabilitas nilai SPL di perairan Jayapura dipengaruhi oleh musim, SPL pada musim timur dan musim peralihan II cenderung lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan SPL pada musim barat dan musim peralihan I. Sebaran spasial SPL di perairan lepas pantai cenderung lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan SPL di perairan dekat pesisir.Kata kunci : SPL; Aqua-MODIS; Variabilitas Temporal dan Spasial; Perairan Jayapura
Differences in Family Planning Services by Rural–urban Geography: Survey of Title X–Supported Clinics In Great Plains and Midwestern States
Authors: Martins Summer L. , Starr Katherine A. , Hellerstedt Wendy L. , Gilliam Melissa L.
Published: February 2016

CONTEXT

Understanding the nature of rural–urban variation in U.S. family planning services would help address disparities in unmet contraceptive need.

METHODS

In 2012, some 558 Title X–supported clinics in 16 Great Plains and Midwestern states were surveyed. Rural–urban commuting area (RUCA) codes were used to categorize clinic locations as urban, large rural city, small rural town or isolated small rural town. Bivariate analyses examined key domains of service provision by RUCA category and clinic type.

RESULTS

The proportion of clinics offering walk‐in appointments was lower in isolated small rural towns (47%) than in the other RUCA categories (67–73%). Results were similar for sites that do not specialize in family planning or reproductive health, but no variation was seen among specialty clinics. Overall, availability of evening or weekend appointments varied in a linear fashion, falling from 73% in urban areas to 29% in isolated small rural towns. On‐site provision of most hormonal methods was most common in urban areas and least common in isolated small rural towns, while provision of nonhormonal methods was similar across RUCA categories. Sixty percent of clinics provided IUDs or implants. For clinics that did not, the only barriers that varied geographically were low IUD demand and lack of trained IUD providers; these barriers were most common in isolated rural towns (42% and 70%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

While important characteristics, such as clinics’ specialization (or lack thereof), are linked to the provision of family planning services, geographic disparities exist.
Envejecer en Colombia
Authors: Santos Pérez María Lourdes , Valencia Olivero Nelcy Yoly
Published: February 2016

A partir de datos procedentes de fuentes estadísticas y de informes oficiales, se propone una aproximación crítica a la vejez en Colombia, específicamente desde el punto de vista de las políticas públicas que se están llevando a cabo o que se hallan en proyecto. Nuestra hipótesis principal es que dichas medidas renuncian a un tratamiento integral de la vejez en términos de necesidades y derechos apostando por un sistema de carácter asistencialista, lo que contribuye a afianzar un imaginario de vejez dependiente y empobrecida, con consecuencias «fatales» para el mantenimiento y la reproducción del sistema socioeconómico.
A GESTÃO DE PESSOAS NAS MICRO E PEQUENAS EMPRESAS: COMPARANDO EXPERIÊNCIAS
Authors: Silva Laís Fernanda Azevedo , Scheffer Angela Beatriz Busato
Published: February 2016

A gestão de pessoas é uma área que vem evoluindo ao longo do tempo e representa um constante desafio nas organizações. O Brasil apresenta um cenário no qual as atividades de comércio, produção e serviço das Micro e Pequenas Empresa (MPEs) são responsáveis por 60% da geração de empregos formais no país. Mesmo com a notória relevância das MPEs, a literatura acadêmica pouco aborda a gestão de pessoas nesse contexto e privilegia os modelos de gestão das grandes organizações. Portanto, o objetivo central deste trabalho é investigar a maneira com que tem sido construída e praticada a gestão de pessoas nos pequenos empreendimentos, bem como apresentar as experiências de profissionais que atuaram tanto em pequenas como em grandes empresas. Foram realizadas entrevistas com proprietários e gestores de MPEs de variados ramos e com pessoas que saíram de grandes empresas para trabalhar em micro ou pequenos negócios. Verificou-se a construção da gestão de pessoas pautada nas vivências e nas experiências de seus proprietários, a forte influência do paternalismo nas práticas, a presença de algumas ideias diferenciadas e um espaço valorizado de possibilidades para os que, oriundos das grandes empresas, escolhem as menores para fazerem suas carreiras.
SER OU NÃO SER EMPREENDEDOR: O PROFISSIONAL TÉCNICO E O DILEMA DA MUDANÇA DE CARREIRA
Authors: Pinotti Saulo , Andreassi Tales , Salusse Marcus , Mata Machado Solange Gualberto
Published: February 2016

O presente estudo tem por objetivo compreender como indivíduos com formação e carreira em áreas eminentemente técnicas, como engenharia, química e biologia, tornam-se empreendedores, identificando as experiências que os influenciaram a mudar da carreira técnica para a carreira empreendedora. A pesquisa é de caráter qualitativo e exploratório, utilizando-se da metodologia de História de Vida com perspectiva temporal longitudinal e retrospectiva. Realizou-se entrevistas ao longo do tempo com três empreendedores com formação técnico-científica cujas empresas já tenham experimentado um crescimento significativo. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o entorno familiar exerce grande influência na decisão de empreender, especialmente se o profissional técnico teve um modelo de educação que lhe trouxe independência e autoconfiança e se a família for um “porto seguro” para as incertezas da vida empreendedora. Além disso, o profissional técnico faz a transição de carreira de forma planejada e empreende na mesma área de conhecimento, visando minimização de riscos.
ESTUDO DO EMPREENDEDORISMO SOB A ÓTICA DO DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL
Authors: Orsiolli Thálita Anny Estefanuto , Nobre Farley Simon
Published: February 2016

Discussões sobre o desenvolvimento sustentável têm estimulado os diversos atores na sociedade e, em especial, as empresas, a repensarem suas estratégias a fim de contribuir não somente para o crescimento econômico, mas também na criação de valores socioambientais, e, sobretudo, garantir que as necessidades das gerações atuais possam também ser atendidas pelas futuras gerações. Diante disso, o empreendedorismo sustentável pode ser compreendido como uma extensão do empreendedorismo tradicional (econômico) ao envolver em sua perspectiva as dimensões econômica, social e ambiental. Sob esse contexto, este artigo se propõe em levantar critérios do empreendedorismo sustentável e associá-los às dimensões do desenvolvimento sustentável contribuindo para discussão e melhor compreensão sobre como o empreendedorismo corrobora para um desenvolvimento que envolva dimensões econômica, social e ambiental. O Sistema Mandalla de Produção Familiar Rural (SMPFR) é utilizado nesta pesquisa como forma de demonstrar a associação entre os dois construtos investigados. Desta forma, utiliza-se de pesquisa bibliográfica, caracterizada como exploratória e qualitativa. Resultados corroboram com a premissa de que o empreendedorismo sustentável contribui para o desenvolvimento sustentável à medida que proporciona condições necessárias para criação de valores econômicos, sociais e ambientais de maneira conjunta por meio de suas estratégias de negócios.
Development of a method for monitoring of insect induced forest defoliation – limitation of MODIS data in Fennoscandian forest landscapes
Authors: Olsson Per-Ola , Kantola Tuula , Lyytikäinen-Saarenmaa Päivi , Jönsson Anna , Eklundh Lars
Published: February 2016

We investigated if coarse-resolution satellite data from the MODIS sensor can be used for regional monitoring of insect disturbances in Fennoscandia. A damage detection method based on z-scores of seasonal maximums of the 2-band Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI2) was developed. Time-series smoothing was applied and Receiver Operating Characteristics graphs were used for optimisation. The method was developed in fragmented and heavily managed forests in eastern Finland dominated by Scots pine ( L.) (pinaceae) and with defoliation of European pine sawfly ( Geoffr.) (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) and common pine sawfly ( L.) (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae). The method was also applied to subalpine mountain birch ( N.I. Orlova) forests in northern Sweden, infested by autumnal moth (Borkhausen) and winter moth ( L.). In Finland, detection accuracies were fairly low with 50% of the damaged stands detected, and a misclassification of healthy stands of 22%. In areas with long outbreak histories the method resulted in extensive misclassification. In northern Sweden accuracies were higher, with 75% of the damage detected and a misclassification of healthy samples of 19%. Our results indicate that MODIS data may fail to detect damage in fragmented forests, particularly when the damage history is long. Therefore, regional studies based on these data may underestimate defoliation. However, the method yielded accurate results in homogeneous forest ecosystems and when long-enough periods without damage could be identified. Furthermore, the method is likely to be useful for insect disturbance detection using future medium-resolution data, e.g. from Sentinelâ2.Pinus sylvestrisNeodiprion sertiferDiprion piniBetula pubescensssp. Czerepanovii Epirrita autumnata Operophtera brumata
REINFORCED ENCODING FOR PLANNING AS SAT
Authors: Balyo Tomáš , Barták Roman , Trunda Otakar
Published: February 2016

Solving planning problems via translation to satisfiability (SAT) is one of the most successful approaches to automated planning. We propose a new encoding scheme, called Reinforced Encoding, which encodes a planning problem represented in the SAS+ formalism into SAT. The Reinforced Encoding is a combination of the transition-based SASE encoding with the classical propositional encoding. In our experiments we compare our new encoding to other known SAS+ based encodings. The results indicate, that he Reinforced encoding performs well on the benchmark problems of the 2011 International Planning Competition and can outperform all the other known encodings for several domains.
Aortic Dissection Caused by Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: 2 New Case Reports and Detailed Analysis of 86 Previous Cases
Authors: Shah Priyank , Bajaj Sharad , Shamoon Fayez
Published: February 2016

Aortic dissection, a rare sequela of percutaneous coronary intervention, can be fatal when it is not recognized and treated promptly. Treatment varies from conservative management to invasive aortic repair and revascularization. We report the cases of 2 patients whose aortic dissection was caused by percutaneous coronary intervention. In addition, we present detailed analyses of 86 previously reported cases. Aortic dissection was most often seen during intervention to the right coronary artery (in 76.7% of instances). The 2 most frequently reported causes were catheter trauma (in 54% of cases) and balloon inflation (in 23.8%). The overall mortality rate was 7.1%. We conclude that most patients can be treated conservatively or by means of stenting alone, with no need for surgical intervention.
Progressive Left Ventricular Hypertrophy after Heart Transplantation: Insights and Mechanisms Suggested by Multimodal Images
Authors: Ananthasubramaniam Karthik , Garikapati Kiran , Williams Celeste T.
Published: February 2016

Immunosuppression is the typical measure to prevent rejection after heart transplantation. Although rejection is the usual cause of cardiac hypertrophy, numerous other factors warrant consideration. Calcineurin inhibitors rarely cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; the few relevant reports have described children after orthotopic kidney or liver transplantation. We present the case of a 73-year-old woman, an asymptomatic orthotopic heart transplantation patient, in whom chronic immunosuppression with prednisone and cyclosporine apparently caused a phenotype of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The natural course of her midapical hypertrophy was revealed by single-photon-emission computed tomography, positron-emission tomography, and 2-dimensional echocardiography.

Clinicians and radiographers should be alert to progressive left ventricular hypertrophy and various perfusion patterns in heart transplantation patients even in the absence of underlying coronary artery disease. Toward this end, we recommend that advanced imaging methods be used to their fullest extent.
Predictors of Elevated Cardiac Enzyme Levels in Hospitalized Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and No Known Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Vinales Karyne L. , Najib Mohammad Q. , Marella Punnaiah C. , Katayama Minako , Chaliki Hari P.
Published: February 2016

We retrospectively studied the predictive capabilities of elevated cardiac enzyme levels in terms of the prognosis of patients who were hospitalized with atrial fibrillation and who had no known coronary artery disease.

Among 321 patients with atrial fibrillation, 60 without known coronary artery disease had their cardiac enzyme concentrations measured during hospitalization and underwent stress testing or cardiac catheterization within 12 months before or after hospitalization. We then compared the clinical and electrocardiographic characteristics of the 20 patients who had elevated cardiac enzyme levels and the 40 patients who had normal levels.

Age, sex, and comorbidities did not differ between the groups. In the patients with elevated cardiac enzyme levels, the mean concentrations of troponin T and creatine kinase-MB isoenzymes were 0.08 ± 0.08 ng/mL and 6.49 ± 4.94 ng/mL, respectively. In univariate analyses, only peak heart rate during atrial tachyarrhythmia was predictive of elevated enzyme levels (P <0.0001). Mean heart rate was higher in the elevated-level patients (146 ± 22 vs 117 ± 29 beats/min; P=0.0007). Upon multivariate analysis, heart rate was the only independent predictor of elevated levels. Coronary artery disease was found in only 2 patients who had elevated levels and in one patient who had normal levels (P=0.26).

Increased myocardial demand is probably why the presenting heart rate was predictive of elevated cardiac enzyme levels. Most patients with elevated enzyme levels did not have coronary artery disease, and none died of cardiac causes during the 6-month follow-up period. To validate our findings, larger studies are warranted.
Successful Orthotopic Heart Transplantation and Immunosuppressive Management in 2 Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Seropositive Patients
Authors: Conte Antonio Hernandez , Kittleson Michelle M. , Dilibero Deanna , Hardy W. David , Kobashigawa Jon A. , Esmailian Fardad
Published: February 2016

Few orthotopic heart transplantations have been performed in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus since the first such case was reported in 2001. Since that time, advances in highly active antiretroviral therapy have resulted in potent and durable suppression of the causative human immunodeficiency virus—accompanied by robust immune reconstitution, reversal of previous immunodeficiency, a marked decrease in opportunistic and other infections, and near-normal long-term survival. Although human immunodeficiency virus infection is not an absolute contraindication, few centers in the United States and Canada have performed heart transplantations in this patient population; these patients have been de facto excluded from this procedure in North America.

Re-evaluation of the reasons for excluding these patients from cardiac transplantation is warranted in light of such significant advances in antiretroviral therapy. This case report documents successful orthotopic heart transplantation in 2 patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus, and we describe their antiretroviral therapy and immunosuppressive management challenges. Both patients were doing well without sequelae 43 and 38 months after transplantation.
Surgery for Aortic Root Abscess: A 15-Year Experience
Authors: Kirali Kaan , Sarikaya Sabit , Ozen Yucel , Sacli Hakan , Basaran Eylul , Yerlikhan Ozge Altas , Aydin Ebuzer , Rabus Murat Bulent
Published: February 2016

Aortic root abscess is the most severe sequela of infective endocarditis, and its surgical management is a complicated procedure because of the high risk of morbidity and death.

Twenty-seven patients were included in this 15-year retrospective study: 21 (77.8%) with native- and 6 (22.2%) with prosthetic-valve endocarditis. The surgical reconstruction of the aortic root consisted of aortic valve replacement in 19 patients (70.4%) with (11) or without (8) a pericardial patch, or total aortic root replacement in 7 patients (25.9%); 5 of the 27 (18.5%) underwent the modified Bentall procedure with the flanged conduit. Only one patient (3.7%) underwent subaortic pericardial patch reconstruction without valve replacement. A total of 7 patients (25.9%) underwent reoperation: 6 with prior valve surgery, and 1 with prior isolated sinus of Valsalva repair. The mean follow-up period was 6.8 ± 3.7 years.

There were 6 (22.2%) in-hospital deaths, 3 (11.1%) of which were perioperative, among patients who underwent emergent surgery. Five patients (23.8%) died during follow-up, and the overall survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 70.3% ± 5.8%, 62.9% ± 6.4%, and 59.2% ± 7.2%, respectively. Two of 21 patients (9.5%) underwent reoperation because of paravalvular leakage and early recurrence of infection during follow-up.

After complete resection of the perianular abscess, replacement of the aortic root can be implemented for reconstruction of the aortic root, with or without left ventricular outflow tract injuries. Replacing the aortic root with a flanged composite graft might provide the best anatomic fit.
Q Fever Endocarditis Presenting with Superior Mesenteric Artery Embolism and Renal Infarction
Authors: Raizada Amol , Apte Nachiket , Pham Scott
Published: February 2016

Q fever is a zoonotic disease with a reservoir in mammals, birds, and ticks. Acute cases in human beings can be asymptomatic, or they can present with a flu-like illness, pneumonia, or hepatitis. Approximately 5% of cases progress to chronic Q fever. Endocarditis, the most typical manifestation of chronic Q fever, is usually associated with small vegetations that occur in patients who have had prior valvular damage or who are immunocompromised. We present what we think is the first reported case of superior mesenteric artery embolism from Q fever endocarditis of the aortic valve, in a 39-year-old woman who needed surgical embolectomy and subsequent aortic valve replacement.
A Late Sequela of the David Procedure: Left Main Coronary Artery Compression and Myocardial Infarction due to Pseudoaneurysm Formation
Authors: Karatas Mehmet Baran , Tuygun Abdullah Kemal , Gungor Baris , Sisman Seviye Bora , Sahin Sinan , Bolca Osman
Published: February 2016

Valve-sparing root replacement (the David procedure) is a valuable alternative to conventional aortic root replacement with a composite graft, especially in patients whose aortic valve leaflets have not been altered. However, reintervention rates are higher than are those associated with composite graft implantation. In this report, we present the case of a patient who had undergone valve-sparing root replacement 2 years earlier and was admitted to our hospital with myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock secondary to coronary ostial button dissection, aortic pseudoaneurysm formation, and severe left main coronary artery compression. To our knowledge, this case is exceedingly rare. Rather than attempt local reconstruction of the mouth of the pseudoaneurysm, we excised the lesion, the aortic valve, and the graft, and we successfully implanted a composite aortic graft with a mechanical aortic valve.
Sinus of Valsalva Pseudoaneurysm as a Sequela to Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Lee Chin C. , Siegel Robert J.
Published: February 2016

Pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon sequela of infective endocarditis. We treated a 44-year-old man who had an active case of group B streptococcal infective endocarditis of the aortic valve despite no evidence of valvular dysfunction or vegetation on his initial transesophageal echocardiogram. After completing 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotic therapy, the patient developed a sinus of Valsalva pseudoaneurysm and severe aortic regurgitation caused by partial detachment of the left coronary cusp.

We used a pericardial patch to close the pseudoaneurysm and repair the coronary cusp. This case shows the importance of routine clinical follow-up evaluation in infective endocarditis, even after completion of antibiotic therapy. Late sequelae associated with infective endocarditis or its therapy include recurrent infection, heart failure caused by valvular dysfunction (albeit delayed), and antibiotic toxicity such as aminoglycoside-induced nephropathy and vestibular toxicity.
Alternative Surgical Approach to Repairing a Giant Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm
Authors: Giambruno Vincenzo , Cucchietti Cristina , Pisano Calogera , Hyde Jonathan
Published: February 2016

We report our method of surgically repairing an unruptured giant aneurysm of the right coronary sinus of Valsalva, a lesion that caused moderate aortic regurgitation but no symptoms in a 61-year-old woman. We excised the aneurysm, reconstructed the right sinus of Valsalva with use of a patch, performed mechanical aortic valve replacement directly through the excised aneurysm's cavity, and constructed a single bypass graft to the right coronary artery. The patient was discharged from the hospital after 5 days. Twelve months postoperatively, her clinical and echocardiographic results were normal, and she was doing well. To our knowledge, our surgical approach to this repair has not been described previously.
Minimally Invasive Repair of Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm after Transapical Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Ramlawi Basel , Abu Saleh Walid K. , Al Jabbari Odeaa , Barker Colin M. , Kleiman Neal S. , Reardon Michael J.
Published: February 2016

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is becoming a routine procedure to treat severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. At most transcatheter aortic valve replacement centers, transapical access is a frequent alternative for use in patients whose ileofemoral access is inadequate. Transapical access is increasingly applied to a variety of other structural heart and aortic procedures as well.

There is a caveat, however. When performed in elderly patients with friable myocardium, transapical access is associated with such serious sequelae as bleeding and left ventricular apical pseudoaneurysmal formation.

Here, we describe the case of a 70-year-old woman who developed a left ventricular apical pseudoaneurysm 3 weeks after transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Our successful repair took a minimally invasive left lateral approach that involved peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass cannulation, Foley catheter occlusion and primary defect closure, and BioGlue reinforcement.
Conflicting Strategies of Management and Memory at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, 1933-34
Authors: Balensuela C Matthew
Published: February 2016

The Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis houses a unique artifact relating to the reception of jazz and popular music in the early 1930s known as the “Jazz Door.” Two stagehands listed the bands that played at the Roof from 1933 to 1936 on the door, giving a rating of one to four stars (fair to extraordinary), for each band. This paper compares the entries on the Door for the 1933-34 season with ticket prices and publicity for the Ballroom, as seen in the local newspapers.  Such a comparision demonstrates that the creators of the Jazz Door and the management of the Indiana Roof Ballroom had differing opinions on the roles and purposes of popular music. In seeking to explain these differences, this paper views the Jazz Door not only as a record of jazz criticism, but seeks to place the Door within the larger contexts of society and commerce at the height of the Depression.
Down to Business: Herman Lubinsky and the Postwar Music Industry
Authors: Cherry Robert , Griffith Jennifer
Published: February 2016

This article assesses the claims of exploitation leveled against mid-twentieth-century Jewish record company owners, focusing on Herman Lubinsky and his Savoy Records. Lubinsky faced a highly competitive economic climate as the commercial popularity of jazz waned in the 1950s. By attending solely to the few record company owners who became successful, and treating favorably those with noticeable appreciation for the music or the musicians, historians have mischaracterized owners, like Lubinsky, who prioritized risk management in their business ventures.
Lee Morgan: A Retrospective
Authors: Fulcher Howard Sterling
Published: February 2016

Howard Sterling Fulcher remembers presenting Lee Morgan's quintet at the Lafayette Playhouse in Paterson, New Jersey, in 1970. Images of the band in action are included.
Dig - It: The Musical Life of Ted Brown
Authors: Jago Marian
Published: February 2016

Amid the mass of jazz scholarship which still concentrates on the most famous architects of the music (Parker, Davis, Coltrane etc) it is all too easy to overlook the contributions of less recorded and commercially successful artists.  Ted Brown, tenor saxophonist and former student of pianist / educator Lennie Tristano, is such a player.  Never quite as successful or well known as fellow Tristano students Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh, Brown nonetheless participated fully in the musical culture that grew up around Tristano's Manhattan studio.  A unique and melodic improviser and composer who contributed several tunes to the Tristano canon, Brown managed to reach the highest levels of jazz performance while simultaneously working a full-time day job.  An examination of his musical life lends insight into what Nat Hentoff called 'the jazz life', as well as into the practical application of Tristano's pedagogical methods.  A talented artist with a decidedly unique story, Ted Brown serves to remind us that some of the most interesting voices of jazz can be of those few people recognize.
New Institutional Economics’ Perspective on Wealth and Poverty of Nations. Concise Review and General Remarks on Acemoglu and Robinson’s Concept
Authors: Dzionek-Kozłowska Joanna , Matera Rafał
Published: February 2016

Many thinkers made attempts to explain differences in economic development between countries, and point out what should be done to foster development. We review briefly some spectacular theories focused on these fundamental problems. We use the tools of economic analysis and the methods characteristic especially for institutional economics and economic history. However, the paper’s central aim is to analyse and assess one of the newest voices in that still open discussion coming from Acemoglu and Robinson and presented in their “Why Nation Failed? The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty”. Their book is brimmed with compelling illustrations, which we acknowledge as its strongest point. While the accuracy and coherence of their generalisations leave much to be desired. The analysis of those examples let to infer that the most important element encouraging or hampering economic development is the common participation of the people in economic and political processes.
Histological, surface ultrastructural, and histochemical study of the stomach of red piranha, Pygocentrus nattereri (Kner)
Authors: Ghosh Saroj Kumar , Chakrabarti Padmanabha
Published: February 2016

The structural characterization and function of the stomach in the omnivore Pygocentrus nattereri were described using light and scanning electron microscopy. The sac-like stomach was morphologically divided into the cardiac and pyloric regions. The histological structure of the stomach consisted of four layers of the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. The superficial epithelium of the cardiac stomach was lined with columnar epithelial cells and the glandular epithelium contained numerous gastric glands. Gastric glands were completely absent in the pyloric portion. The mucosal surface of the stomach was a meshwork of various folds, provided with oval or rounded columnar epithelial cells which were densely packed with short, stubby microvilli. The occasional presence of conspicuous gastric pits was surrounded by epithelial cells. The localization and chemical nature of acid and neutral mucins in the various cells of the stomach was studied by employing combined the Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff (AB-PAS) technique. The deposition of glycogen was detected in the gastric glands as well as in the epithelial lining of the stomach. The utmost reactions for protein and tryptophan were recorded in the gastric glands of mucosa. The cellular organization and histochemical characterization of the stomach are discussed in relation to the feeding and digestion of the fish concerned.
Which parameters – rates of survival or growth – determine the best moment for stocking trout larvae?
Authors: Domagała Józef , Czerniawski Robert , Pilecka-Rapacz Małgorzata
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the best moment to stock trout, Salmo trutta L., larvae into the wild. This goal was accomplished by determining weekly changes in the growth parameters of larvae that were fed in seven variants: on the day of 2/3 yolk sac resorption; from the first week after the day of 2/3 yolk sac resorption; from the second week after the day of 2/3 yolk sac resorption; from the third week after the day of 2/3 yolk sac resorption; from the fourth week after the day of 2/3 yolk sac resorption; from the fifth week after the day of 2/3 yolk sac resorption; from the sixth week after the day of 2/3 yolk sac resorption. Based on our results, we concluded the following: 1) trout larvae are ready to start eating at the time of the resorption of 2/3 of the yolk sac; 2) trout larvae can live without food for three weeks following the resorption 2/3 of the yolk sac without any notable losses; 3) the best moment to stock trout larvae into the wild is in the period from the resorption of 2/3 of the yolk sac to the third week after this resorption, so one week after full resorption. This is the optimal period to stock any waters with trout larvae.
Harmful impact of filamentous algae (Spirogyra sp.) on juvenile crayfish
Authors: Ulikowski Dariusz , Chybowski Łucjan , Traczuk Piotr
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of filamentous algae on the growth and survival of juvenile narrow-clawed crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus (Esch.), in rearing basins. Three stocking variants were used: A - basins with a layer of filamentous algae without imitation mineral substrate; B - basins with a layer of filamentous algae with imitation mineral substrate; C - basins without filamentous algae but with mineral substrate. The crayfish were reared from June 12 to October 10 under natural thermal conditions and fed a commercial feed. The results indicated that the presence of the filamentous algae did not have a statistically significant impact on the growth of the juvenile crayfish (P > 0.05). The presence of the filamentous algae had a strong negative impact on juvenile crayfish survival and stock biomass (P < 0.05). The layer of gravel and small stones that imitated the mineral substrate of natural aquatic basins somewhat neutralized the disadvantageous impact the filamentous algae had on the crayfish.
Formation of in-volume nanogratings in glass induced by spatiotemporally focused femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Wang Zhaohui , Liao Yang , Wang Peng , Qi Jia , Qiao Lingling , Sugioka Koji , Cheng Ya
Published: February 2016

We present comparative investigations on the formation of in-volume nanogratings in a porous glass with both conventionally and spatiotemporally focused femtosecond laser pulses. Our results show that despite the different spatiotemporal characteristics of the light fields produced at the foci with the two focusing schemes, nanogratings can be formed in both cases, whereas their structural features are different. We discuss the physical mechanism behind the experimental observations.
Atmospheric pollution in Kosovo is associated with increased DNA damage in the human population
Authors: Alija Avdulla J. , Asllani Fisnik , Bajraktari Ismet D. , Collins Andrew Richard , Dreshaj Shemsedin , Bresgen Nikolaus , Eckl Peter M.
Published: February 2016

In order to assess DNA damage associated with exposure to environmental pollution in two polluted sites and one control site in Kosovo, whole blood samples were collected from volunteers in two polluted areas (Kastriot/ Obiliq - lignite-based power plants and lignite mines - and Drenas/Gllogovc - Ferronikeli smelting plant) as well as from Peja, representing an unpolluted area. White blood cells were isolated, and DNA damage was analyzed by the alkaline comet assay. Significantly higher levels of DNA damage (strand breaks) were found in white blood cells from subjects living in the polluted areas compared with residents of the unpolluted city, indicating a potential threat to human health.