bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left ventricular mass by echocardiographic measures in children and adolescents
Authors: Mehta Sudhir K.
Published: November 2012

Background

Recent evidence in adults suggests that left ventricular mass measured as left ventricular mass/height1.7 predicts cardiovascular morbidity and mortality better than the two widely used indices, left ventricular mass/body surface area and left ventricular mass/height2.7. Standards of left ventricular mass/height1.7 have not been reported in children, for whom, owing to lack of significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, body mass index has traditionally been used as a potential cardiovascular risk factor.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 692 clinically normal children aged 1 day to 18 years underwent detailed echocardiographic assessment to assess whether any of the left ventricular mass indices – left ventricular mass/height1.7, left ventricular mass/body surface area, and left ventricular mass/height2.7 – are associated with obesity as measured by body mass index. Correlations, t-tests, and linear regressions were used for statistical testing.

Results

Left ventricular mass/height1.7 was better correlated (R2 = 0.36) with body mass index than left ventricular mass/body surface area (R2 = 0.179) and left ventricular mass/height2.7 (R2 = 0.006), although all three dependent variables show a significant correlation (p < 0.035). In addition, a higher percentage of obese patients were noted to have elevated left ventricular mass as measured by left ventricular mass/height1.7 than by the other two methods.

Conclusions

Left ventricular mass/height1.7 is a reliable indicator of obesity-associated left ventricular hypertrophy. Left ventricular mass/height1.7 can be used conveniently during transitions from youth to adults for long-term follow-up. These findings support the importance of including left ventricular mass/height1.7 in future studies of cardiovascular risks and preventive strategies in children and adolescents.
Accounting for the kinetics in order parameter analysis: Lessons from theoretical models and a disordered peptide
Authors: Berezovska Ganna , Prada-Gracia Diego , Mostarda Stefano , Rao Francesco
Published: November 2012

Molecular simulations as well as single molecule experiments have been widely analyzed in terms of order parameters, the latter representing candidate probes for the relevant degrees of freedom. Notwithstanding this approach is very intuitive, mounting evidence showed that such descriptions are inaccurate, leading to ambiguous definitions of states and wrong kinetics. To overcome these limitations a framework making use of order parameter fluctuations in conjunction with complex network analysis is investigated. Derived from recent advances in the analysis of single molecule time traces, this approach takes into account the fluctuations around each time point to distinguish between states that have similar values of the order parameter but different dynamics. Snapshots with similar fluctuations are used as nodes of a transition network, the clusterization of which into states provides accurate Markov-state-models of the system under study. Application of the methodology to theoretical models with a noisy order parameter as well as the dynamics of a disordered peptide illustrates the possibility to build accurate descriptions of molecular processes on the sole basis of order parameter time series without using any supplementary information.
Combination of glycolysis inhibition with chemotherapy results in an antitumor immune response
Authors: Bénéteau Marie , Zunino Barbara , Jacquin Marie A. , Meynet Ophélie , Chiche Johanna , Pradelli Ludivine A. , Marchetti Sandrine , Cornille Aurore , Carles Michel , Ricci Jean-Ehrland
Published: November 2012

Most DNA-damaging agents are weak inducers of an anticancer immune response. Increased glycolysis is one of the best-described hallmarks of tumor cells; therefore, we investigated the impact of glycolysis inhibition, using 2-deoxyglucose (2DG), in combination with cytotoxic agents on the induction of immunogenic cell death. We demonstrated that 2DG synergized with etoposide-induced cytotoxicity and significantly increased the life span of immunocompetent mice but not immunodeficient mice. We then established that only cotreated cells induced an efficient tumor-specific T-cell activation ex vivo and that tumor antigen-specific T cells could only be isolated from cotreated animals. In addition, only when mice were immunized with cotreated dead tumor cells could they be protected (vaccinated) from a subsequent challenge using the same tumor in viable form. Finally, we demonstrated that this effect was at least partially mediated through ERp57/calreticulin exposure on the plasma membrane. These data identify that the targeting of glycolysis can convert conventional tolerogenic cancer cell death stimuli into immunogenic ones, thus creating new strategies for immunogenic chemotherapy.
Nosocomial Transmission of New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase-1-ProducingKlebsiella pneumoniaein Toronto, Canada
Authors: Lowe Christopher F. , Kus Julianne V. , Salt Natasha , Callery Sandra , Louie Lisa , Khan Mohammed A. , Vearncombe Mary , Simor Andrew E.
Published: November 2012

Design.

An analysis of a cluster of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-l-producingKlebsiella pneumoniae(NDMl-Kp) and a retrospective case-cohort analysis of risk factors for acquisition in contacts of NDM1-Kp-positive patients.

Setting.

A 1,100-bed Canadian academic tertiary care center.

Patients.

Two index patients positive for NDMl-Kp as well as 45 contacts (roommates, ward mates, or environmental contacts) were investigated.

Methods.

Retrospective chart reviews of all patients colonized or infected with NDM1-Kp as well as contacts of these patients were performed in order to describe the epidemiology and impact of infection prevention and control measures. A case-cohort analysis was conducted investigating 45 contacts of NDM1-Kp-positive patients to determine risk factors for acquisition of NDM1-Kp. Rectal swabs were screened for NDMl-Kp using chromogenic agar. Presence ofblaNDM-1was confirmed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Clonality was assessed with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using restriction enzymeXbaI.

Results.

Two index cases carrying NDM1-Kp with different PFGE patterns were identified. Nosocomial transmission to 7 patients (4 roommates, 2 ward mates, and 1 environmental contact) was subsequenüy identified. Risk factors for acquisition of NDM1-Kp were a history of prior receipt of certain antibiotics (fluoroquinolones [odds ratio (OR), 16.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-58.8);P= .005], trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole [OR, 11.3 (95% CI, 1.84-70.0);P= .01], and carbapenems [OR, 16.8 (95% CI, 1.79-157.3);P= .04]) and duration of exposure to NDM1-Kp-positive roommates (26.5 vs 6.7 days;P< .001).

Conclusion.

Two distinct clones of NDM1-Kp were transmitted to 7 inpatient contacts over several months. Implementation of contact precautions, screening of contacts for NDM1-Kp carriage, and attention to environmental disinfection contributed to the interruption of subsequent spread of the organism. The appropriate duration and frequency of screening contacts of NDMl-Kp-positive patients require further study.
Overuse of Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography in the Evaluation of Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Embolism in the Emergency Department
Authors: Crichlow Amanda , Cuker Adam , Mills Angela M.
Published: November 2012

Background

Clinical decision rules have been developed and validated for the evaluation of patients presenting with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) to the emergency department (ED).

Objectives

The objective was to assess the percentage of computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CT‐PA) procedures that could have been avoided by use of the Wells score coupled with D‐dimer testing (Wells/D‐dimer) or pulmonary embolism rule‐out criteria (PERC) in ED patients with suspected PE.

Methods

The authors conducted a prospective cohort study of adult ED patients undergoing CT‐PA for suspected PE. Wells score and PERC were calculated. A research blood sample was obtained for D‐dimer testing for subjects who did not undergo testing as part of their ED evaluation. The primary outcome was PE by CT‐PA or 90‐day follow‐up. Secondary outcomes were ED length of stay (LOS) and CT‐PA time as defined by time from order to initial radiologist interpretation.

Results

Of 152 suspected PE subjects available for analysis (mean ± SD age = 46.3 ± 15.6 years, 74% female, 59% black or African American, 11.8% diagnosed with PE), 14 (9.2%) met PERC, none of whom were diagnosed with PE. A low‐risk Wells score (≤4) was assigned to 110 (72%) subjects, of whom only 38 (35%) underwent clinical D‐dimer testing (elevated in 33/38). Of the 72 subjects with low‐risk Wells scores who did not have D‐dimers performed in the ED, archived research samples were negative in 16 (22%). All 21 subjects with low‐risk Wells scores and negative D‐dimers were PE‐negative. CT‐PA time (median = 160 minutes) accounted for more than half of total ED LOS (median = 295 minutes).

Conclusions

In total, 9.2 and 13.8% of CT‐PA procedures could have been avoided by use of PERC and Wells/D‐dimer, respectively.
Larazotide acetate in patients with coeliac disease undergoing a gluten challenge: a randomised placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Kelly C. P. , Green P. H. R. , Murray J. A. , DiMarino A. , Colatrella A. , Leffler D. A. , Alexander T. , Arsenescu R. , Leon F. , Jiang J. G. , Arterburn L. A. , Paterson B. M. , Fedorak R. N. ,   the Larazotide Acetate Celiac Disease Study Group
Published: November 2012

Background

Coeliac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion, is managed by a gluten‐free diet (GFD), which is difficult for many patients. Larazotide acetate is a first‐in‐class oral peptide that prevents tight junction opening, and may reduce gluten uptake and associated sequelae.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of larazotide acetate during gluten challenge.

Methods

This exploratory, double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled study included 184 patients maintaining a GFD before and during the study. After a GFD run‐in, patients were randomised to larazotide acetate (1, 4, or 8 mg three times daily) or placebo and received 2.7 grams of gluten daily for 6 weeks. Outcomes included an experimental biomarker of intestinal permeability, the lactulose‐to‐mannitol (LAMA) ratio and clinical symptoms assessed by Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and anti‐transglutaminase antibody levels.

Results

No significant differences in LAMA ratios were observed between larazotide acetate and placebo groups. Larazotide acetate 1‐mg limited gluten‐induced symptoms measured by GSRS (P = 0.002 vs. placebo). Mean ratio of anti‐tissue transglutaminase IgA levels over baseline was 19.0 in the placebo group compared with 5.78 (P = 0.010), 3.88 (P = 0.005) and 7.72 (P = 0.025) in the larazotide acetate 1‐, 4‐, and 8‐mg groups, respectively. Adverse event rates were similar between larazotide acetate and placebo groups.

Conclusions

Larazotide acetate reduced gluten‐induced immune reactivity and symptoms in patients with coeliac disease undergoing gluten challenge and was generally well tolerated; however, no significant difference in LAMA ratios between larazotide acetate and placebo was observed. Results and design of this exploratory study can inform the design of future studies of pharmacological interventions in patients with coeliac disease.
Spindle‐cell variant of primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma spreading to the hepatobiliary tree, mimicking Klatskin tumor
Authors: Rozati Sima , Kerl Katrin , Kempf Werner , Tinguely Marianne , Zimmermann Dieter R. , Dummer Reinhard , Cozzio Antonio
Published: November 2012

Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (pcFCL) is an indolent type of primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma (pcBCL) rarely disseminating to other organs. PcBCL with spindle‐cell morphology has been described as a rare variant of pcFCL but the prognosis data of this variant is sparse.

We report a rare case of spindle‐cell pcFCL with CD20+, CD79a+, CD3+, Bcl‐6+, Mum‐1− and CD10−tumor cells that infiltrated the hepatic hilum, mimicking a Klatskin tumor.

On the basis of the sparse published data on spindle‐cell morphology of pcBCL, this growth pattern should elicit awareness of an increased risk of systemic involvement in the otherwise indolent pcFCL.
Systolic and Diastolic Ventricular Function Assessed by Tissue Doppler Imaging in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Simpson John M. , Rawlins Debbie , Mathur Sujeev , Chubb Henry , Sinha Manish D.
Published: November 2012

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk even during childhood. Tissue Doppler is a sensitive technique for the assessment of ventricular dysfunction with relatively little data available in children with CKD. We report a prospective cross‐sectional echocardiographic study at a tertiary center. Forty‐nine patients with median (range) age 11.2 years (6.9–17.9), weight 39.6 kg (23.6–99.7) and height 146 cm (122–185). Thirty‐one patients were male. Median duration of follow‐up for CKD was 7.1 years (range 0.13–16.9). Patients were in CKD stage 3 (n = 37) or 4 (n = 12). Mitral valve E‐wave, A‐wave, and E/A ratio showed mean (SD) z‐scores of 0.08 (0.93), 0.12 (0.82) and −0.13 (0.84), respectively. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) at the lateral mitral valve annulus showed e′, a′, s′, and E/e′ z‐scores mean (SD) −1.10 (0.76), −0.29 (0.92), −1.2 (0.7), and 0.86 (1.1), respectively. There was a significant negative correlation of e′ and s′ z‐score with patient age. E/e′ ratio correlated positively with patient age. Blood pressure, left ventricular mass, and relative wall thickness did not correlate with tissue Doppler measurements. The e′ and s′ velocities correlated significantly with each other, suggesting an interaction of systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Children with CKD may have abnormalities of systolic and diastolic ventricular function on TDI, which are not evident on blood pool Doppler. The tissue Doppler results are consistent with worsening ventricular function in older patients.
Backlash, Repetition, Untimeliness: The Temporal Dynamics of Feminist Politics
Authors: Browne Victoria
Published: November 2012

Susan Faludi'sBacklash, first published in 1991, offers a compelling account of feminism being forced to repeat itself in an era hostile to its transformative potentials and ambitions. Twenty years on, this paper offers a philosophical reading of Faludi's text, unpacking the model of social and historical change that underlies the “backlash” thesis. It focuses specifically on the tension between Faludi's ideal model of social change as a movement of linear, step‐by‐step, continuous progress, and her depiction of feminist history in terms of endless repetition. If we uphold a linear, teleological ideal of social change, I argue, repetition can only be thought of in negative terms—as a step backwards or a waste of time—which in turn has a negative and demoralizing impact within feminism itself. To explore an alternative model of historical time and change, I turn to the work of feminist philosopher Christine Battersby, who rethinks repetition through the Kierkegaardian mode of “recollecting forwards,” and the Nietzschean notion of “untimeliness.” I suggest that Battersby's philosophical reconceptualization of historical repetition, as a potentially creative, productive phenomenon, can be of great utility to feminists as we enact and negotiate the dynamics of backlash politics.
Computing Pareto‐optimal Predictor Composites for Complex Selection Decisions
Authors: Druart Celina , De Corte Wilfried
Published: November 2012

A complex selection situation encompasses vacancies for several different positions and applicants that apply simultaneously for one or several of these positions. This article presents an analytic method for estimating the expected selection quality, as well as the adverse impact ratio of these complex selections, when the decisions are based on a single predictor composite score. In addition, the method is integrated within a broader decision‐making framework for designing complex selection decisions that show a Pareto‐optimal balance between the selection quality and diversity goals. Finally, the decision aid is used to demonstrate the importance of applying the appropriate selection format (either the simple or the complex format) when exploring the front of Pareto‐optimal outcomes of planned selections.
Is intravenous iron sucrose the treatment of choice for pregnant anemic women?
Authors: Devasenapathy Niveditha , Neogi Sutapa Bandyopadhyay , Zodpey Sanjay
Published: November 2012

Anemia during pregnancy remains an important public health problem in developing countries like India. Anemia is the direct cause of 12–15% of maternal deaths. Iron deficiency is the commonest cause for anemia in the Indian subcontinent. Several preventive and therapeutic approaches are in practice. The available routes of iron supplementation are oral and intravenous. In spite of oral iron being least invasive, cheap and safe, the ineffectiveness of oral iron due to dietary inhibitors and poor compliance are well known. Intravenous iron sucrose can be a promising therapy for moderate to severely anemic pregnant women and has been in practice for quite some time in private and public health practices. In this article, we report the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of intravenous iron sucrose in anemic pregnant women on hematological and clinical outcomes. Though the evidence on its efficacy in improving hemoglobin and serum ferritin is convincing, its effect on maternal and fetal outcomes are unclear. This is primarily due to lack of well‐designed and larger studies powered to detect difference in clinical outcomes. Hence, there is a need to gather evidence from a well‐designed large randomized clinical trial conducted in a developing country. The results of such a study would feed into the national policy and would form the basis to frame guidelines for management of anemia in developing countries.
GIS and people with visual impairments or blindness: Exploring the potential for education, orientation, and navigation
Authors: JACOBSON R DAN , KITCHIN ROBERT M
Published: November 2012

GIS, with their predominantly visual communication of spatial information, may appear to have little to offer people with visual impairments or blindness. However, because GIS store and manage the spatial relations between objects, alternative, non‐visual ways to communicate this information can be utilized. As such, modified GIS could provide people with visual impairments access to detailed spatial information that would aid spatial learning, orientation, and spatial choice and decision making. In this paper, we explore the ways that GIS have been, and might be, adapted for use by people with visual impairments or blindness. We review current developments, report upon a small experimental study that compares the ability of GIS‐based and various adaptive technologies to communicate spatial information using non‐visual media, and provide an agenda for future research. We argue that adapted GIS hold much promise for implicitly improving the quality of life for visually impaired people by increasing mobility and independence.
Bottom–up and top–down forces structuring consumer communities in an experimental grassland
Authors: Rzanny Michael , Kuu Annely , Voigt Winfried
Published: November 2012

Synthesis

The interplay between bottom‐up and top‐down effects is certainly a general manifestation of any changes in both species abundances and diversity. Summary variables, such as species numbers, diversity indices or lumped species abundances provide too limited information about highly complex ecosystems. In contrast, species by species analyses of ecological communities comprising hundreds of species are inevitably only snapshot‐like and lack generality in explaining processes within communities.

Our synthesis, based on species matrices of functional groups of all trophic levels, simplifies community complexity to a manageable degree while retaining full species‐specific information. Taking into account plant species richness, plant biomass, soil properties and relevant spatial scales, we decompose variance of abundance in consumer functional groups to determine the direction and the magnitude of community controlling processes.

After decades of intensive research, the relative importance of top–down and bottom–up control for structuring ecological communities is still a particularly disputed issue among ecologists. In our study, we determine the relative role of bottom–up and top–down forces in structuring the composition of 13 arthropod functional groups (FG) comprising different trophic consumer levels. Based on species‐specific plant biomass and arthropod abundance data from 50 plots of a grassland biodiversity experiment, we quantified the proportions of bottom–up and top–down forces on consumer FG composition while taking into account direct and indirect effects of plant diversity, functional diversity, community biomass, soil properties and spatial arrangement of these plots. Variance partitioning using partial redundancy analysis explained 21–44% of total variation in arthropod functional group composition. Plant‐mediated bottom–up forces accounted for the major part of the explainable variation within the composition of all FGs. Predator‐mediated top–down forces, however, were much weaker, yet influenced the majority of consumer FGs. Plant functional group composition, notably legume composition, had the most important impact on virtually all consumer FGs. Compared to plant species richness and plant functional group richness, plant community biomass explained a much higher proportion of variation in consumer community composition.
Mesenchymal stem cells combined with barrier domes enhance vertical bone formation
Authors: Zigdon‐Giladi Hadar , Lewinson Dina , Bick Tova , Machtei Eli E.
Published: November 2012

Aim

To enhance vertical bone formation in a rat calvarium following combination of guided bone regeneration (GBR) and transplantation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSC).

Materials and Methods

Gold domes (7 mm radius, 5 mm height) were filled with 5 × 105 bmMSC or osteogenic transformed bmMSC (otMSC) that were isolated from tibia of inbred rats and mixed with βTCP. Domes filled with βTCP served as control. Rats were sacrificed after 3 months. New bone formation was analysed by histology and histomorphometry.

Results

In all rats hard tissue filled the space under the dome. In the lower part of the specimens the newly formed mature bone was continuous with the original calvaria, whereas the upper (distal) part of the augmented tissue contained residual scaffold surrounded by connective tissue. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that cell transplantation doubled vertical bone height: (bmMSC 4.13 ± 0.5 mm, otMSC 4.14 ± 0.3 mm βTCP 2.29 ± 0.22 mm, p ≤ 0.001). Bone area fraction (%) was significantly increased following transplantation of otMSC (47.2 ± 2.5%) when compared with bmMSC (37.3 ± 3.35%) and with βTCP (31.09 ± 2.7%) (p ≤ 0.031 versus bmMSC, p ≤ 0.0004 versus control)

Conclusion

In a rat calvaria model transplantation of both otMSC and bmMSC, when combined with GBR significantly enhanced bone formation.
Long‐Term Effects of Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect on Cardiac Remodeling and Exercise Capacity in Patients Older than 40 Years with a Reduction in Cardiopulmonary Function
Authors: TAKAYA YOICHI , TANIGUCHI MANABU , AKAGI TEIJI , NOBUSADA SAORI , KUSANO KENGO , ITO HIROSHI , SANO SHUNJI
Published: November 2012

Background

Although it has been demonstrated that cardiac remodeling and exercise capacity improve after transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD), little is known about long‐term benefits in middle‐aged and elderly patients with a reduction in cardiopulmonary function.

Objectives

To evaluate long‐term extent and time course of improvements in cardiac remodeling and exercise capacity in those patients.

Methods:

Twenty ASD patients ≥ 40 years of age with a reduction in cardiopulmonary function (predicted peak oxygen uptake [VO2] < 65%) were enrolled. Transthoracic echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing were performed at baseline and at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and >12 months after the procedure.

Results

At 1 month after the procedure, significant decreases in right ventricular (RV) end‐diastolic diameter (38.2 ± 4.4 to 31.9 ± 4.4 mm; P < 0.001) and RV/left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter ratio (0.95 ± 0.17 to 0.71 ± 0.13; P < 0.001) occurred, and they were maintained during the follow‐up period. Normal RV size was achieved in 11 of 18 patients with RV enlargement. Predicted peak VO2 did not change at 1 month and 3 months, but it improved significantly after 6 months (53.6 ± 6.5 to 62.1 ± 12.6%; P < 0.01). Sixteen of the 20 patients showed improved predicted peak VO2.

Conclusions

Cardiac remodeling and exercise capacity could be improved over the long‐term period after transcatheter closure of ASD in middle‐aged and elderly patients with a reduction in cardiopulmonary function. There were differences in the time course of improvement between cardiac remodeling and exercise capacity in those patients. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:195–199)
Genetic variants of heat shock protein A1L2437 and A1B1267 as possible risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in India
Authors: Medhi S. , Sarma M. P. , Asim M. , Kar P.
Published: November 2012

To study the role of heat shock protein A1L (HSPA1L) and A1B (HSPA1B) polymorphisms and subsequent risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in India. Subjects enrolled included 185 cases of HCC, 182 cases of chronic hepatitis (CH) and 200 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was typed for HSPA1L2437 and HSPA1B1267 SNP using polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism. Other risk factors were also analysed. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, older age >35 years and high aflatoxin level in urine increased the risk of HCC. The frequencies of HSPA1L BB genotype and B allele in HCC were more than in CH [odds ratio (OR): 9.83; P = 0.000], but also in HBV‐related HCC than Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) [OR: 3.44; P = 0.004] and HCV‐related HCC compared to CHC [OR: 6.32; P = 0.010]. The frequency of HSPA1B genotype in the homozygous state was more in CH [OR: 6.01; P = 0.001] and is a good marker to predict the risk of HCV‐related CH (CHC) compared to controls. HCV‐related HCC has a higher frequency of the B allele of HSPA1B than healthy controls [OR: 3.95; P = 0.000] and CHC [OR: 2.35; P = 0.000], respectively. The frequencies increased further significantly in CHC compared to healthy controls [OR: 9.26; P = 0.000]. The risk for the development of CH and HCC compared to healthy controls irrespective of the aetiology was significant in terms of the HSPA1B marker than HSPA1L in the Indian population.
Mixed glioneuronal tumor: A dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor with rosette‐forming glioneuronal tumor component
Authors: Xiong Ji , Ding LiLi , Chen Hong , Chen Haixia , Wang Yin
Published: November 2012

Neuronal and mixed neuronal‐glial tumors of the CNS show a wide spectrum of components. Here, we report an unusual case of brain tumor with combined histological features of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT) and rosette‐forming glioneuronal tumor (RGNT) in a 23‐year‐old man. It arose in the left anterior cingulate cortex with a pseudo‐polycystic appearance on neuroimaging. Histological features contained the “specific glioneuronal element” mimicking DNT and the components of distinct neurocytic rosettes with a center of neuropil islands and pilocytic astrocytoma resembling RGNT. Although the mechanisms of mixed glioneuronal tumor are far from being well‐known, their co‐existence might suggest a possible etiologic relationship between DNT and RGNT.
Protective effects of a wheat cultivar mixture against splash‐dispersed septoria tritici blotch epidemics
Authors: Gigot C. , Saint‐Jean S. , Huber L. , Maumené C. , Leconte M. , Kerhornou B. , de Vallavieille‐Pope C.
Published: November 2012

The use of cultivar mixtures to control foliar fungal diseases is well documented for windborne diseases, but remains controversial for splash‐dispersed diseases. To try to improve this strategy, a cultivar mixture was designed consisting of two wheat cultivars with contrasted resistance to
Mycosphaerella graminicola
, responsible for the rainborne disease septoria tritici blotch (STB), in a 1:3 susceptible:resistant ratio rather than the 1:1 ratio commonly used in previous studies. The impact of natural STB epidemics in this cultivar mixture was studied in field experiments over 4 years. Weekly assessments of the number of sporulating lesions, pycnidial leaf area and green leaf area were carried out on the susceptible cultivar. In years with sufficient STB pressure, disease impacts on the susceptible cultivar in the mixture were always significantly lower than in the pure stand (e.g. 42% reduction of pycnidial leaf area for the three upper leaves in 2008 and 41% in 2009). In years with low STB pressure (2010 and 2011), a reduction of disease impacts was also shown but was not always significant. After major rainfall events, the number of sporulating lesions observed on the susceptible cultivar after one latent period was reduced on average by 45% in the mixture compared to the pure stand. All the measurements showed that a susceptible cultivar was consistently protected, at least moderately, in a mixture under low to moderate STB pressure. Therefore, the results prove that the design of an efficient cultivar mixture can include the control of STB, among other foliar diseases.
Seal Killing, the Inuit and European Union Law
Authors: Krämer Ludwig
Published: November 2012

In September 2009, the European Union (EU) adopted legislation that provides for a wide ban on trade in seal products, allowing, nonetheless, an exception for products resulting from hunts traditionally conducted by Inuit and contributing to their subsistence. Natural and legal Inuit persons attacked this legislation before the European Courts, arguing that the derogation did not go far enough. This article retraces the discussion before the EU Courts, where an appeal procedure is pending on the question of whether the Inuit action is admissible.
Mitochondrial DNA variation is associated with elite athletic status in the Polish population
Authors: Maruszak A. , Adamczyk J. G. , Siewierski M. , Sozański H. , Gajewski A. , Żekanowski C.
Published: November 2012

There is mounting evidence that genetic factors located in mitochondrial and nuclear genomes influence sport performance. Certain mitochondrial haplogroups and polymorphisms were associated with the status of elite athlete, especially in endurance performance. The aim of our study was to assess whether selected mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA variants are associated with elite athlete performance in a group of 395 elite Polish athletes (213 endurance athletes and 182 power athletes) and 413 sedentary controls. Our major finding was that the mtDNA haplogroup H and HV cluster influence endurance performance at the Olympic/World Class level of performance (P = 0.018 and P = 0.0185, respectively). We showed that two polymorphisms located in the mtDNA control region were associated with achieving the elite performance level either in the total athlete's group as compared with controls (m.16362C, 3.8% vs 9.2%, respectively, P = 0.0025, odds ratio = 0.39, 95% confidence interval: 0.21–0.72), or in the endurance athletes as compared with controls (m.16080G, 2.35% vs 0%, respectively, P = 0.004). Our results indicate that mtDNA variability affects the endurance capacity rather than the power one. We also propose that mtDNA haplogroups and subhaplogroups, as well as individual mtDNA polymorphisms favoring endurance performance, could be population‐specific, reflecting complex cross‐talk between nuclear and mitochondrial genomes.
Worlds of Welfare Services: From Discovery to Exploration
Authors: Stoy Volquart
Published: November 2012

A recent thread of debate in social policy research has been the ‘discovery’ of welfare services. Previous comparative studies in this field have been largely erratic and have led to different results. This ambiguity is mainly due to flaws inherent in the data sets. In order to overcome these problems, this article uses an alternative approach of operationalizing welfare services. Employment patterns in the welfare sector provide a holistic picture of welfare services regarding quantity, kind, and organization. Cluster analysis leads to a four‐cluster structure that bears high resemblance to the conventional welfare regime typology by Esping‐Andersen and its subsequent advancements. These findings are set in the context of the welfare regimes literature in order to enhance our understanding of the functioning of welfare regimes. The study suggests that the ideological orientation of the welfare state is a good starting point for a holistic framework of welfare regimes combining the transfer and the service component.
Extensive haplotype diversity in African American mothers and their cord blood units
Authors: Tu B. , Leahy N. , Yang R. , Cha N. , Kariyawasam K. , Hou L. , Xiao Y. , Masaberg C. , Pulse‐Earle D. , Maiers M. , Ng J. , Kurtzberg J. , Hurley C. K.
Published: November 2012

HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, ‐DQB1 assignments were obtained for 374 pairs of African American mothers and their umbilical cord blood units (CBU) by DNA sequencing. An algorithm developed by the National Marrow Donor Program was used to assign 1122 haplotypes by segregation. Seventy percent of the haplotypes carried assignments at all five loci. In the remainder, alleles at various loci, most often DQB1 in 48% of the haplotypes with a missing assignment, could not be assigned due to sharing of both alleles by mother and CBU. There were 652 haplotypes carrying a unique combination of alleles at the five loci; the majority (74%) were singletons. Novel B∼C and DRB1∼DQB1 associations were observed. The results show the genetic diversity in this population and provide validation for a publically available tool for pedigree analysis. Our observations underscore the need for procurement of increased numbers of units in the national cord blood inventory in order to identify matching donors for all patients requiring hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
On the abelianization of derived categories and a negative solution to Rosický’s problem
Authors: Bazzoni Silvana , Šťovíček Jan
Published: November 2012

We prove for a large family of rings R that their λ-pure global dimension is greater than one for each infinite regular cardinal λ. This answers in the negative a problem posed by Rosický. The derived categories of such rings then do not satisfy, for any λ, the Adams λ-representability for morphisms. Equivalently, they are examples of well-generated triangulated categories whose λ-abelianization in the sense of Neeman is not a full functor for any λ. In particular, we show that given a compactly generated triangulated category, one may not be able to find a Rosický functor among the λ-abelianization functors.
Thermal Instability of Rivlin–Ericksen Elastico-Viscous Nanofluid Saturated by a Porous Medium
Authors: Chand Ramesh , Rana G. C.
Published: November 2012

Thermal instability in a horizontal layer of Rivlin–Ericksen elastico-viscous nanofluid in a porous medium is considered. A linear stability analysis based upon normal mode analysis is used to find a solution of the fluid layer confined between two free boundaries. The onset criterion for stationary and oscillatory convection is derived analytically and graphs have been plotted by giving numerical values to various parameters to depict the stability characteristics. The effects of the concentration Rayleigh number, Vadasz number, capacity ratio, Lewis number, and kinematics viscoelasticity parameter on the stability of the system are investigated. Regimes of oscillatory and nonoscillatory convection for various parameters are derived and discussed in detail. The sufficient conditions for the nonexistence of oscillatory convection have also been obtained.
Another Look at Rocket Thrust
Authors: Hester Brooke , Burris Jennifer
Published: November 2012

Rocket propulsion is often introduced as an example of Newton's third law. The rocket exerts a force on the exhaust gas being ejected; the gas exerts an equal and opposite force—the thrust—on the rocket.1,2 Equivalently, in the absence of a net external force, the total momentum of the system, rocket plus ejected gas, remains constant. The law of conservation of momentum is generally used in textbooks3,4 and elsewhere5 in deriving the rocket thrust equation. In this paper we take the somewhat different approach of explicitly applying Newton's second law to the rocket. This method provides a good opportunity to show the importance of choosing carefully the system to which Newton's second law is applied.
Cooling Rates of Humans in Air and in Water: An Experiment
Authors: Bohren Craig F.
Published: November 2012

In a previous article1 I analyzed in detail the physical factors resulting in greater cooling rates of objects in still water than in still air, emphasizing cooling of the human body. By cooling rate I mean the rate of decrease of core temperature uncompensated by metabolism. I concluded that the “correct ratio for humans is closer to 2 than to 10.” To support this assertion I subsequently did experiments, which I report following a digression on hypothermia.
Taking physics class into the world
Authors: Chiaverina Chris
Published: November 2012

The world outside the classroom provides endless possibilities for discovering and understanding nature's laws. My colleague Jim Hicks and I have found that through experiments and exploratory activities performed in non-traditional settings, students can be made aware of the beauty and wonders of physics operating on a larger scale. Furthermore, such experiences make evident the examples and applications of physics in everyday life.
The Treatment of cardiovascular Risk in Primary care using Electronic Decision suppOrt (TORPEDO) study: intervention development and protocol for a cluster randomised, controlled trial of an electronic decision support and quality improvement intervention in Australian primary healthcare
Authors: Peiris David , Usherwood Tim , Panaretto Katie , Harris Mark , Hunt Jenny , Patel Bindu , Zwar Nicholas , Redfern Julie , MacMahon Stephen , Colagiuri Stephen , Hayman Noel , Patel Anushka
Published: November 2012

Background

Large gaps exist in the implementation of guideline recommendations for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk management. Electronic decision support (EDS) systems are promising interventions to close these gaps but few have undergone clinical trial evaluation in Australia. We have developed HealthTracker, a multifaceted EDS and quality improvement intervention to improve the management of CVD risk.

Methods/design

It is hypothesised that the use of HealthTracker over a 12-month period will result in: (1) an increased proportion of patients receiving guideline-indicated measurements of CVD risk factors and (2) an increased proportion of patients at high risk will receive guideline-indicated prescriptions for lowering their CVD risk. Sixty health services (40 general practices and 20 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) will be randomised in a 1:1 allocation to receive either the intervention package or continue with usual care, stratified by service type, size and participation in existing quality improvement initiatives. The intervention consists of point-of-care decision support; a risk communication interface; a clinical audit tool to assess performance on CVD-related indicators; a quality improvement component comprising peer-ranked data feedback and support to develop strategies to improve performance. The control arm will continue with usual care without access to these intervention components. Quantitative data will be derived from cross-sectional samples at baseline and end of study via automated data extraction. Detailed process and economic evaluations will also be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

The general practice component of the study is approved by the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and the ACCHS component is approved by the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council HREC. Formal agreements with each of the participating sites have been signed. In addition to the usual scientific forums, results will be disseminated via newsletters, study websites, face-to-face feedback forums and workshops.

Trial registration

The trial is registered with the Australian Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN 12611000478910.
A Study of Stock Price Behavior in Taiwan via Residual Income Valuation Theory and Structural Identification
Authors: Tswei Keshin , Kuo Chen-Yin
Published: November 2012

This study adopts the methodology introduced by Lee (2006) to analyze stock prices in response to information shocks in six of Taiwan's stock market sectors and present market anomalies utilizing behavioral finance theory. Using the Residual Income Model (RIM) of equity valuation, we specified our empirical model to identify structural fundamental and nonfundamental shocks from reduced-form tangible and intangible news, and we obtained three major results. First, fundamental shock is primarily induced by tangible news and nonfundamental shock by intangible news, suggesting that tangible-oriented RIM can capture the information content of stock prices. Second, impulse response analyses show that investors generally underreact to fundamental shocks and consistently overreact to nonfundamental shocks in the short-run. This finding is compatible with the overconfidence theory of Daniel et al. (1998) in behavioral finance literature. Third, information diffusion efficiency in a market appears to depend on the value relevance quality of its tangible information. This is based on our finding that when tangible information constitutes a higher share of a market's fundamental shock, its price converges faster to the long-run equilibrium associated with the shock.
Acculturation to the global culture and internet adoption
Authors: Ayouby Reem , Croteau Anne-Marie , Raymond Louis
Published: November 2012

Globalization is felt in most parts of the world and its effects on culture are becoming a topic of interest to society and in particular to the IS academic community. Our research addresses calls for research on the issue of globalization and its cultural effects in the IS field. We present the survey results of 136 members of the general public in a developing country, namely Jordan, which has felt the effects of globalization in the last decade. Our findings show that there is a significant and positive relationship between an individual's acculturation to the global culture and his or her intention to adopt the Internet. This behavioral intention is also significantly related to the individual's perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the Internet. Results indicate that the survey's respondents who were exposed to other cultures through travel and media and have learned other languages were more likely to adopt the Internet for communication, education and entertainment, but were less ready to conduct commercial exchanges through the Internet. This initial validation of a new construct, namely acculturation to the global culture as an antecedent to the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), is an important contribution to the area of IS research on cultural effects.
Kommerell’s Diverticulum: An Unusual Cause of Chronic Cough
Authors: Magazine Rahul , Sambhaji Charudutt , Shetty Ranjan , Goneppanavar Umesh
Published: November 2012

A 62-year-old male presented to the outpatient department of chest with history of dry cough since two months and swelling on the anterior aspect of neck of 30-year duration. Physical examination revealed a goitre. However, further imaging studies revealed presence of another associated pathology, a Kommerell’s diverticulum in association with a right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery. The enlarged thyroid was not compressing the trachea, and its occurrence in this case could be incidental. The diverticulum was considered as the cause of chronic cough in our case as it was causing tracheal compression, and also there were no other obvious causes which could explain the symptom. Vascular anomalies such as Kommerell’s diverticulum, though uncommon, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic cough particularly when other common causes have been ruled out.
Phosphodiesterase Type 3A Regulates Basal Myocardial Contractility Through Interacting With Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase Type 2a Signaling Complexes in Mouse Heart
Authors: Beca Sanja , Ahmad Faiyaz , Shen Weixing , Liu Jie , Makary Samy , Polidovitch Nazari , Sun Junhui , Hockman Steven , Chung Youn Wook , Movsesian Matthew , Murphy Elizabeth , Manganiello Vincent , Backx Peter H.
Published: November 2012

Rationale:

cAMP is an important regulator of myocardial function, and regulation of cAMP hydrolysis by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) is a critical determinant of the amplitude, duration, and compartmentation of cAMP-mediated signaling. The role of different PDE isozymes, particularly PDE3A vs PDE3B, in the regulation of heart function remains unclear.

Objective:

To determine the relative contribution of PDE3A vs PDE3B isozymes in the regulation of heart function and to dissect the molecular basis for this regulation.

Methods and Results:

Compared with wild-type littermates, cardiac contractility and relaxation were enhanced in isolated hearts from PDE3A
−/−
, but not PDE3B
−/−
, mice. Furthermore, PDE3 inhibition had no effect on PDE3A
−/−
hearts but increased contractility in wild-type (as expected) and PDE3B
−/−
hearts to levels indistinguishable from PDE3A
−/−
. The enhanced contractility in PDE3A
−/−
hearts was associated with cAMP-dependent elevations in Ca
2+
transient amplitudes and increased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca
2+
content, without changes in L-type Ca
2+
currents of cardiomyocytes, as well as with increased SR Ca
2+
-ATPase type 2a activity, SR Ca
2+
uptake rates, and phospholamban phosphorylation in SR fractions. Consistent with these observations, PDE3 activity was reduced ≈8-fold in SR fractions from PDE3A
−/−
hearts. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments further revealed that PDE3A associates with both SR calcium ATPase type 2a and phospholamban in a complex that also contains A-kinase anchoring protein-18, protein kinase type A-RII, and protein phosphatase type 2A.

Conclusions:

Our data support the conclusion that PDE3A is the primary PDE3 isozyme modulating basal contractility and SR Ca
2+
content by regulating cAMP in microdomains containing macromolecular complexes of SR calcium ATPase type 2a–phospholamban–PDE3A.