bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E-067 Safety and efficacy of the starclose vascular closure device with use of large French femoral sheath
Authors: Sharma J , Kulhari A , Vargas E , Moradzadeh N , Jung R , Blackham K
Published: July 2012

Background

Large French (Fr) sheaths are commonly used to obtain optimum common femoral artery (CFA) access while performing acute stroke endovascular treatments. The StarClose Vascular Closure System (Abott Vascular) is currently indicated for the percutaneous closure of CFA access sheaths of 5 Fr or 6Fr procedural size. Limited data exists regarding off-label use of the StarClose device in patients who had 7–9 French CFA access.

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the StarClose extravascular closure device in achieving post femoral artery catheterization hemostasis after placement of large Fr femoral sheath.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed between 2009 and 2011 of 73 patients who underwent endovascular treatment for acute stroke who were closed with the StarClose device. The study included 39 females and 34 males with mean age 68.1 years. 86.4% (n=63) had hypertension, 26% (n=19) had diabetes mellitus, 75.34% (n=55) had dyslipidemia, 42.5% (n=31) had coronary artery disease, and 39.7% had (n=29) had atrial fibrillation. The primary endpoints were successful hemostasis and sheath related post procedure major and minor complication rates.

Results

A 5Fr (1.4%) sheath was used in 1 patient, 6Fr sheaths in 37 (58.7%) patients, 7Fr sheaths in 2 (2.7%) patients, 8Fr sheaths in 14 (19%) patients, and 9Fr sheaths in 19 (26%) patients during acute stroke interventions. Overall, successful hemostasis was achieved in 72 (99%) cases. One (0.95%) minor complication was observed post procedure in the patient with a 6Fr access size. The patient had intermittent minor bleeding from the groin site and was found to have a CFA pseudoaneursym. No mortality or significant morbidity was observed associated with groin site closure in this study.

Conclusion

The StarClose vascular closure device is safe and effective in achieving hemostasis during acute stroke endovascular interventions while using large French procedural access sheaths.

Competing interests

None.
E-073 n-BCA salvage of a recanalized carotid sacrifice in a patient with a direct carotid cavernous fistula: Abstract E-073 Figure 1
Authors: Samarawickrama D , Somers S , Basu S , Jacobson P
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Coil embolization sacrifice of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is an accepted method for management of a direct carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) when adequate collateral pathways exist. With well packed coils, the expected outcome is irreversible occlusion of the artery and cessation of flow in the fistula. We present a case of an ICA sacrifice, for CCF, that subsequently recanalized and was later salvaged with glue embolization.

Methods

A 61-year-old female developed right eye chemosis and proptosis. Workup revealed a direct left ICA CCF. The cavernous left ICA was subsequently embolized with coils from distal to proximal across the fistula, resulting in angiographic occlusion. Her symptoms resolved over several days. The patient resumed Plavix following the procedure for pre-existing coronary artery disease. Two months after the procedure, the patient returned with recurrence of her original symptoms. Repeat angiography showed a recurrence of the fistula fed by backflow from the anterior communicating artery and the small left posterior communicating artery as well as from flow, albeit decreased, through a recanalized embolized left ICA. Attempts to access the distal left ICA to embolize the distal coil pack were unsuccessful. Next, n-BCA embolization of the CCF was performed through the coil mass from the proximal ICA with penetration to the sinus, reestablishing ICA occlusion and cessation of fistula flow into the cavernous sinus. Plavix was withheld following the procedure to assist in maturation of the occlusion.

Results

During a clinic visit a few weeks later, the patient reported stable complete resolution of symptoms, including normalization of intraocular pressures.

Conclusion

Recanalization of a well coiled internal carotid artery is rare. The use of Plavix following the coil embolization and the persistent backflow from the circle of Willis collaterals may have led to failure of occlusion. Nevertheless, this case shows that n-BCA embolization through the coil mass can salvage a failed sacrifice.

Competing interests

None.

Abstract E-073 Figure 1
Gymnasium-based unsupervised exercise maintains benefits in oxygen uptake kinetics obtained following supervised training in type 2 diabetes
Authors: MacAnaney Oscar , O’Shea Donal , Warmington Stuart A. , Green Simon , Egaña Mikel
Published: July 2012

Supervised exercise (SE) in patients with type 2 diabetes improves oxygen uptake kinetics at the onset of exercise. Maintenance of these improvements, however, has not been examined when supervision is removed. We explored if potential improvements in oxygen uptake kinetics following a 12-week SE that combined aerobic and resistance training were maintained after a subsequent 12-week unsupervised exercise (UE). The involvement of cardiac output (CO) in these improvements was also tested. Nineteen volunteers with type 2 diabetes were recruited. Oxygen uptake kinetics and CO (inert gas rebreathing) responses to constant-load cycling at 50% ventilatory threshold (VT), 80% VT, and mid-point between VT and peak workload (50% Δ) were examined at baseline (on 2 occasions) and following each 12-week training period. Participants decided to exercise at a local gymnasium during the UE. Thirteen subjects completed all the interventions. The time constant of phase 2 of oxygen uptake was significantly faster (p < 0.05) post-SE and post-UE compared with baseline at 50% VT (17.3 ± 10.7 s and 17.5 ± 5.9 s vs. 29.9 ± 10.7 s), 80% VT (18.9 ± 4.7 and 20.9 ± 8.4 vs. 34.3 ± 12.7s), and 50% Δ (20.4 ± 8.2 s and 20.2 ± 6.0 s vs. 27.6 ± 3.7 s). SE also induced faster heart rate kinetics at all 3 intensities and a larger increase in CO at 30 s in relation to 240 s at 80% VT; and these responses were maintained post-UE. Unsupervised exercise maintained benefits in oxygen uptake kinetics obtained during a supervised exercise in subjects with diabetes, and these benefits were associated with a faster dynamic response of heart rate after training.
Seasonal variation in vitamin D status in professional soccer players of the English Premier League
Authors: Morton James P. , Iqbal Zafar , Drust Barry , Burgess Darren , Close Graeme L. , Brukner Peter D.
Published: July 2012

The prevalence of seasonal variation in vitamin D status was examined in 20 FA Premier League soccer players residing at a latitude of 53°N. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels decreased (P < 0.001) between August (104.4 ± 21.1 nmol·L–1, range 68–151) and December (51.0 ± 19.0 nmol·L–1, range 22–86), such that levels for 65% of the sample were insufficient (<50 nmol·L–1) in winter. Strategies to augment vitamin D3 availability may therefore be advantageous for UK soccer players so as to maintain muscle function.
Ingesting a high-dose carbohydrate solution during the cycle section of a simulated Olympic-distance triathlon improves subsequent run performance
Authors: McGawley Kerry , Shannon Oliver , Betts James
Published: July 2012

The well-established ergogenic benefit of ingesting carbohydrates during single-discipline endurance sports has only been tested once within an Olympic-distance (OD) triathlon. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of ingesting a 2:1 maltodextrin/fructose solution with a placebo on simulated OD triathlon performance. Six male and 4 female amateur triathletes (age, 25 ± 7 years; body mass, 66.8 ± 9.2 kg; peak oxygen uptake, 4.2 ± 0.6 L·min–1) completed a 1500-m swim time-trial and an incremental cycle test to determine peak oxygen uptake before performing 2 simulated OD triathlons. The swim and cycle sections of the main trials were of fixed intensities, while the run section was completed as a time-trial. Two minutes prior to completing every quarter of the cycle participants consumed 202 ± 20 mL of either a solution containing 1.2 g·min–1 of maltodextrin plus 0.6 g·min–1 of fructose at 14.4% concentration (CHO) or a sugar-free, fruit-flavored drink (PLA). The time-trial was 4.0% ± 1.3% faster during the CHO versus PLA trial, with run times of 38:43 ± 1:10 min:s and 40:22 ± 1:18 min:s, respectively (p = 0.010). Blood glucose concentrations were higher in the CHO versus PLA trial (p < 0.001), while perceived stomach upset did not differ between trials (p = 0.555). The current findings show that a 2:1 maltodextrin/fructose solution (1.8 g·min–1 at 14.4%) ingested throughout the cycle section of a simulated OD triathlon enhances subsequent 10-km run performance in triathletes.
A segmental evaluation of arterial stiffness before and after prolonged strenuous exercise
Authors: Phillips Aaron A. , Cote Anita T. , Foulds Heather J. , Charlesworth Sarah , Bredin Shannon S.D. , Burr Jamie F. , Ngai Shirley , Ivey Adam , Drury C. Taylor , Fougere Renee J. , Warburton Darren E.R.
Published: July 2012

We aimed to investigate the effects of a single session of prolonged strenuous exercise (PSE) on arterial stiffness by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV) before and after competition in an ultramarathon. A total of 20 routine ultramarathon competitors (UM) completed baseline and postrace evaluation of central PWV (cPWV), upper-limb PWV (uPWV), and lower-limb PWV (lPWV) using carotid artery – femoral artery, carotid artery – finger, and femoral artery – toe segments, respectively. Fourteen additional age- and gender-matched normally active participants (NA) took part in the identical baseline evaluation but did not participate in the race. Average ultramarathon completion time was 30 h 47 min. Mean arterial blood pressure was reduced after exercise (before exercise (pre), 92 ± 7 mm Hg; after exercise (post), 84 ± 7 mm Hg; P < 0.001), whereas heart rate was increased (pre, 57 ± 10 beats·min–1; post, 73 ± 12 beats·min–1; P < 0.001). Also, lPWV (pre, 11.8 ± 3.6 m·s–1; post, 9.6 ± 2.6 m·s–1; P < 0.05) and uPWV (pre, 5.0 ± 0.53 m·s–1; post, 4.4 ± 0.8 m·s–1; P < 0.01) were reduced after exercise. No change in cPWV occurred (pre, 4.1 ± 0.8 m·s–1; post, 3.9 ± 1.3 m·s–1; P = 0.55). At baseline, the NA group had significantly increased cPWV in comparison with the UM group (UM, 4.1 ± 0.8 m·s–1; NA, 7.4 ± 1.3 m·s–1; P < 0.001). Acute participation in PSE influenced peripheral but not central arterial stiffness. Those who routinely participate in PSE have reduced central arterial stiffness as compared with normally active, age- and gender-matched controls.
Relationship between physical activity, physical performance, and iron status in adult women
Authors: Crouter Scott E. , DellaValle Diane M. , Haas Jere D.
Published: July 2012

Iron deficiency affects approximately 16% of US females 18–45 years old. Iron is a key component of heme-containing proteins, which are essential for oxygen transport throughout the body. With low iron levels, performance and intense physical activity may be compromised. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between iron status, physical performance, and physical activity in 18- to 45-year-old females. Participants (N = 109) were screened for iron status using a venous blood sample, had their height and mass measured, and self-reported their physical activity level. The screening was used to match iron-depleted nonanemic females (hemoglobin, Hgb > 120 g·L–1; serum ferritin, sFer < 20 µg·L–1) to females with normal iron levels. After participant matching, they had their body composition measured, performed three cycle ergometer tests (maximal, endurance, and efficiency), and wore an ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer for five consecutive days, except when sleeping or during water activities. The final sample consisted of 25 iron-depleted participants and 24 with normal iron levels. Key findings were as follows: (i) after controlling for fat-free mass and vigorous physical activity, iron-depleted females had a significantly lower [Formula: see text]O2at ventilatory threshold compared with those with normal iron levels (P < 0.05); and (ii) after controlling for age, iron-depleted females spent significantly more time in sedentary behaviors and significantly less time in light physical activity than those with normal iron levels (P < 0.05). The increased sedentary time in iron-depleted females may contribute to excess mass gain over time; however, further investigation is needed to confirm these results.
Effects of acute hypoxia on the oxygen uptake kinetics of older adults during cycling exercise
Authors: Zerbini Livio , Brighenti Alfredo , Pellegrini Barbara , Bortolan Lorenzo , Antonetti Tommaso , Schena Federico
Published: July 2012

Pulmonary oxygen uptake, heart rate (HR), and deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) kinetics were studied in a group of older adults exercising in hypoxic conditions. Fourteen healthy older adults (aged 66 ± 6 years) performed 4 exercise sessions that consisted of (i) an incremental test to exhaustion on a cycloergometer while breathing normoxic room air (fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) = 20.9% O2); (ii) an incremental test to exhaustion on a cycloergometer while breathing hypoxic room air (FiO2 = 15% O2); (iii) 3 repeated square wave cycling exercises at moderate intensity while breathing normoxic room air; and (iv) 3 repeated square wave cycling exercises at moderate intensity while breathing hypoxic room air. During all exercise sessions, pulmonary gas exchange was measured breath-by-breath; HHb was determined on the vastus lateralis muscle by near-infrared spectroscopy; and HR was collected beat-by-beat. The pulomary oxygen uptake kinetics became slower in hypoxia (31 ± 9 s) than in normoxia (27 ± 7 s) because of an increased mismatching between O2 delivery to O2 utilization at the level of the muscle. The HR and HHb kinetics did not change between hypoxia and normoxia,
Systematic review of physical activity and health in the early years (aged 0–4 years)
Authors: Timmons Brian W. , LeBlanc Allana G. , Carson Valerie , Connor Gorber Sarah , Dillman Carrie , Janssen Ian , Kho Michelle E. , Spence John C. , Stearns Jodie A. , Tremblay Mark S.
Published: July 2012

The early years represent a critical period for promoting physical activity. However, the amount of physical activity needed for healthy growth and development is not clear. Using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework, we aimed to present the best available evidence to determine the relationship between physical activity and measures of adiposity, bone and skeletal health, motor skill development, psychosocial health, cognitive development, and cardiometabolic health indicators in infants (1 month – 1 year), toddlers (1.1–3.0 years), and preschoolers (3.1–4.9 years). Online databases, personal libraries, and government documents were searched for relevant studies. Twenty-two articles, representing 18 unique studies and 12 742 enrolled participants, met inclusion criteria. The health indicators of interest were adiposity (n = 11), bone and skeletal health (n = 2), motor development (n = 4), psychosocial health (n = 3), cognitive development (n = 1), and cardiometabolic health indicators (n = 3); these indicators were pre-specified by an expert panel. Five unique studies involved infants, 2 involved toddlers, and 11 involved preschoolers. In infants, there was low- to moderate-quality evidence to suggest that increased or higher physical activity was positively associated with improved measures of adiposity, motor skill development, and cognitive development. In toddlers, there was moderate-quality evidence to suggest that increased or higher physical activity was positively associated with bone and skeletal health. In preschoolers, there was low- to high-quality evidence on the relationship between increased or higher physical activity and improved measures of adiposity, motor skill development, psychosocial health, and cardiometabolic health indicators. There was no serious inconsistency in any of the studies reviewed. This evidence can help to inform public health guidelines. (PROSPERO registration: CRD42011001243)
SOLUTION OF HIGHER-ORDER ABEL EQUATIONS BY DIFFERENTIAL TRANSFORM METHOD
Authors: MUKHERJEE SUPRIYA , GOSWAMI DEBKALPA , ROY BANAMALI
Published: July 2012

In this paper, the second-, third- and fourth-order Abel equations are solved. The differential transform method (DTM) is used to compute approximate solutions of the nonlinear ordinary Abel differential equations. The results are compared with the results obtained by the classical Runge–Kutta (RK4) method. Figures are presented to show the reliability and simplicity of the method.
CONFLICTS AND DELAYS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS
Authors: HUR JUNG
Published: July 2012

Motivated by the current delay in WTO negotiations, we consider a model of a bilateral trade agreement in the presence of asymmetric cross-border externalities. In this model, we show that both countries conflict in their preferred set of policy agendas and thus have incentives to delay their negotiations. We also find that the extent of delay depends on the level of transfer between them. These results imply an importance of bilateral compensation scheme between developing and developed countries in the current WTO negotiations so as to reduce the delays.
RADIAL SENSITIVITY OF THE ELASTIC SCATTERING AROUND THE COULOMB BARRIER ENERGIES FOR WEAKLY-BOUND AND HALO NUCLEI
Authors: SERT Y. , CANER T. , BAYRAK O. , BOZTOSUN I.
Published: July 2012

The radial sensitivity of the elastic scattering of the weakly-bound 6 Li and halo 6 He nuclei on medium-mass 64 Zn target and heavy target 208 Pb is examined around the Coulomb barrier energies. We present that very good agreement between theoretical and experimental results have been obtained with small χ2/N values. The fusion cross-section and volume integrals of the potentials have been deduced from the theoretical calculations for all studied systems at relevant energies. We have also analyzed the elastic scattering of the 6 He +208 Pb system at E lab = 14, 16, 18, 22, 27 MeV in order to investigate whether there is a dispersion relation between the real and imaginary parts of the optical potential.
NEUTRINO SHORTCUTS IN SPACETIME
Authors: NICOLAIDIS A.
Published: July 2012

Theories with large extra dimensions may be tested using sterile neutrinos living in the bulk. A bulk neutrino can mix with a flavor neutrino localized in the brane leading to unconventional patterns of neutrino oscillations. A resonance phenomenon, strong mixing between the flavor and the sterile neutrino, allows one to determine the radius of the large extra dimension. If our brane is curved, then the sterile neutrino can take a shortcut through the bulk, leading to an apparent superluminal neutrino speed. The amount of "superluminality" is directly connected to parameters determining the shape of the brane. On the experimental side, we suggest that a long baseline neutrino beam from CERN to NESTOR neutrino telescope will help to clarify these important issues.
EFFECT OF ZINC IMPURITY AND ITS IMPLICATION TO THE PAIRING SYMMETRY IN IRON-BASED SUPERCONDUCTORS
Authors: XU ZHU-AN , CAO GUANGHAN , LI YUKE
Published: July 2012

The effect of nonmagnetic Zn impurity on superconductivity in iron-based superconductors is reviewed. Zn impurity can severely suppress the antiferromagnetic (AFM) order of Fe ions in the parent compound LaFeAsO . In the 1111 type F-doped LaFeAs ( O , F ) system, the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) increases in the underdoped regime, remains unchanged in the optimally-doped regime, and is severely suppressed in the overdoped regime in the presence of Zn impurity. The results suggest a switch of the symmetry of the superconducting order parameters from a s-wave to s±- or d-wave states as the charge carrier doping increases in this system. To our surprise, Zn impurity strongly suppresses Tc in the Co -doped LaFeAsO and BaFe 2 As 2 systems despite of the Co doping level. The absence of universal Zn impurity effect implies that the pairing symmetry of the iron-based superconductors may be dependent on the details of the electronic structure.
INVESTIGATIONS ON DEFECT STRUCTURE AND LIGHT-INDUCED SCATTERING OF Mg:Ho:LiNbO3 WITH VARIOUS Mg2+ CONCENTRATION
Authors: DAI LI , LI DAYONG , QIAN ZHAO , SU YANQING , GUO JINGJIE , XU CHAO , XU YUHENG
Published: July 2012

Congruent Ho 3+ (1 mol.%): LiNbO 3 crystals codoped with MgO (X mol.%, X = 1, 3, 5 and 7) were grown by the Czochralski technique. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and infrared (IR) spectra were measured in order to analyze the defect structure of the crystals. The concentrations of Mg , Ho , Li and Nb in the crystals were carried out with an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. Experimental results indicates as Mg 2+ doping concentration increases in melt, the distribution coefficients of Mg and Ho ions decrease, the Li / Nb ratio in the crystals decreases first and then increases, and the absorption edge shifts to a shorter wavelength. The light-induced scattering of Mg : Ho : LiNbO 3 crystals was quantitatively scaled via the incident exposure energy. The results demonstrated that Mg (7 mol.%): Ho : LiNbO 3 crystal had the weakest light-induced scattering and the mechanism related to their defect structures was discussed.
GAUSSIAN EFFECTIVE POTENTIAL AND ANTIFERROMAGNETISM IN THE HUBBARD MODEL
Authors: MAROTTA L. , SIRINGO F.
Published: July 2012

The Gaussian Effective Potential (GEP) is shown to be a useful variational tool for the study of the magnetic properties of strongly correlated electronic systems. The GEP is derived for a single band Hubbard model on a two-dimensional bi-partite square lattice in the strong coupling regime. At half-filling the antiferromagnetic order parameter emerges as the minimum of the effective potential with an accuracy which improves over RPA calculations and is very close to that achieved by Monte Carlo simulations. Extensions to other magnetic systems are discussed.
RELATIVE TWISTING IN OUTER SPACE
Authors: CLAY MATT , PETTET ALEXANDRA
Published: July 2012

Subsurface projection is indispensable to studying the geometry of the mapping class group and the curve complex of a surface. When the subsurface is an annulus, this projection is sometimes called relative twisting. We give two alternate versions of relative twisting for the outer automorphism group of a free group. We use this to describe sufficient conditions for when a folding path enters the thin part of Culler–Vogtmann's Outer space. As an application of our condition, we produce a sequence of fully irreducible outer automorphisms whose axes in Outer space travel through graphs with arbitrarily short cycles; we also describe the asymptotic behavior of their translation lengths.
SOLVENT INDUCED CHANGES IN THE CONFORMATIONAL STATE OF β-LACTOGLOBULIN AND THE INFLUENCE OF PROTIC IONIC LIQUIDS
Authors: BYRNE NOLENE , BARROW COLIN , MCCLUSKEY ADAM
Published: July 2012

The protic ionic liquids (pILs), triethylammonium acetate, triethylammonium trifluoroacetate, triethylammonium mesylate and trimethylammonium sulfate were used to induce various native and non-native conformational states of the protein β-lactoglobulin (βLG). Changes in the secondary structure of βLG were observed on moving from a high water content to a high pIL content. We examined the stability of various pIL induced states via thermal unfolding and refolding, where it was found that at a given pIL concentration a highly stable non-native conformation was formed. The βLG non-native conformation was characterized by a high α-helical content. Additionally, pIL conditions that promoted amyloid fibril formation were identified and characterized by CD, a Thioflavin T binding assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This work highlights the use of pILs as solvents in the study of protein folding using βLG as a model system.
Progress in Therapy Development for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Venkova-Hristova Kalina , Christov Alexandar , Kamaluddin Zarine , Kobalka Peter , Hensley Kenneth
Published: July 2012

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that cannot be slowed substantially using any currently-available clinical tools. Through decades of studying sporadic and familial ALS (SALS and FALS), researchers are coming to understand ALS as a complex syndrome with diverse genetic and environmental etiologies. It is know appreciated that motor neuron degeneration in ALS requires active (gain of function) and passive (loss of function) events to occur in non-neuronal cells, especially astrocytes and microglia. These neuroinflammatory processes produce paracrine factors that detrimentally affect motor neurons, precipitating protein aggregation and compromising cytoskeletal integrity. The result is a loss of neuronal homeostasis and progressive die-back of motor axons culminating in death of the afflicted motor neurons. This review will discuss experimental therapeutics that have been tested in murine ALS models, with an emphasis on those that have progressed to human clinical trials. Reasons will be considered for the frequent failure of preclinical successes to translate into positive clinical outcomes. Finally, this review will explore current trends in experimental therapeutics for ALS with emphasis on the emerging interest in axon guidance signaling pathways as novel targets for pharmacological support of neural cytoskeletal structure and function in order to slow ALS.
Hippo andrassf1aPathways: A Growing Affair
Authors: Fausti Francesca , Di Agostino Silvia , Sacconi Andrea , Strano Sabrina , Blandino Giovanni
Published: July 2012

First discovered inDrosophila, the Hippo pathway regulates the size and shape of organ development. Its discovery and study have helped to address longstanding questions in developmental biology. Central to this pathway is a kinase cascade leading from the tumor suppressor Hippo (Mst1 and Mst2 in mammals) to the Yki protein (YAP and TAZ in mammals), a transcriptional coactivator of target genes involved in cell proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. A dysfunction of the Hippo pathway activity is frequently detected in human cancers. Recent studies have highlighted that the Hippo pathway may play an important role in tissue homoeostasis through the regulation of stem cells, cell differentiation, and tissue regeneration. Recently, the impact of RASSF proteins on Hippo signaling potentiating its proapoptotic activity has been addressed, thus, providing further evidence for Hippo's key role in mammalian tumorigenesis as well as other important diseases.
Length and PKA Dependence of Force Generation and Loaded Shortening in Porcine Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: McDonald Kerry S. , Hanft Laurin M. , Domeier Timothy L. , Emter Craig A.
Published: July 2012

In healthy hearts, ventricular ejection is determined by three myofibrillar properties; force, force development rate, and rate of loaded shortening (i.e., power). The sarcomere length and PKA dependence of these mechanical properties were measured in porcine cardiac myocytes. Permeabilized myocytes were prepared from left ventricular free walls and myocyte preparations were calcium activated to yield ~50% maximal force after which isometric force was measured at varied sarcomere lengths. Porcine myocyte preparations exhibited two populations of length-tension relationships, one being shallower than the other. Moreover, myocytes with shallow length-tension relationships displayed steeper relationships following PKA. Sarcomere length-Ktrrelationships also were measured andKtrremained nearly constant over ~2.30 μm to ~1.90 μm and then increased at lengths below 1.90 μm. Loaded-shortening and peak-normalized power output was similar at ~2.30 μm and ~1.90 μm even during activations with the same [Ca2+], implicating a myofibrillar mechanism that sustains myocyte power at lower preloads. PKA increased myocyte power and yielded greater shortening-induced cooperative deactivation in myocytes, which likely provides a myofibrillar mechanism to assist ventricular relaxation. Overall, the bimodal distribution of myocyte length-tension relationships and the PKA-mediated changes in myocyte length-tension and power are likely important modulators of Frank-Starling relationships in mammalian hearts.
Regulation of Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Signaling within Hippocampal Glutamatergic Postsynapses during Flurazepam Withdrawal
Authors: Earl Damien E. , Das Paromita , Gunning William T. , Tietz Elizabeth I.
Published: July 2012

Cessation of one-week oral administration of the benzodiazepine flurazepam (FZP) to rats results in withdrawal anxiety after 1 day of withdrawal. FZP withdrawal is correlated with synaptic incorporation of homomeric GluA1-containingα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptors (AMPARs) in the proximal stratum radiatum of CA1 neurons. After 2 days of withdrawal,Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) phosphorylates GluA1 subunits atSer831, increasing channel conductance. Secondary to AMPAR potentiation, GluN2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), known binding partners of CaMKII, are selectively removed from the postsynaptic density (PSD). While activation of synaptic CaMKII is known to involve translocation to the PSD, CaMKII bound to NMDARs may be removed from the PSD. To distinguish these possibilities, the current studies used postembedding immunogold electron microscopy to investigate alterations in CaMKII signaling at CA1 stratum radiatum synapses after 2 days of FZP withdrawal. These studies revealed decreased total, but not autophosphorylated (Thr286) CaMKIIαexpression in CA1 PSDs. The removal of CaMKII-GluN2B complexes from the PSD during drug withdrawal may serve as a homeostatic mechanism to limit AMPAR-mediated CA1 neuron hyperexcitability and benzodiazepine withdrawal anxiety.
Spatial Language and Children’s Spatial Landmark Use
Authors: Ankowski Amber A. , Thom Emily E. , Sandhofer Catherine M. , Blaisdell Aaron P.
Published: July 2012

We examined how spatial language affected search behavior in a landmark spatial search task. In Experiment 1, two- to six-year-old children were trained to find a toy in the center of a square array of four identical landmarks. Children heard one of three spatial language cues once during the initial training trial (“here,” “in the middle,” “next to this one”). After search performance reached criterion, children received a probe test trial in which the landmark array was expanded. In Experiment 2, two- to four-year-old children participated in the search task and also completed a language comprehension task. Results revealed that children’s spatial language comprehension scores and spatial language cues heard during training trials were related to children’s performance in the search task.
Improvement of Pitting Corrosion Resistance of Type 316L Stainless Steel by Potentiostatic Removal of Surface MnS Inclusions
Authors: Hara Nobuyoshi , Hirabayashi Koichi , Sugawara Yu , Muto Izumi
Published: July 2012

The beneficial effect of the removal of MnS inclusions on the pitting of stainless steels has been demonstrated in two ways. (1) High-purity Type 316L stainless steel with no inclusions was used as a specimen in the measurement of anodic polarization curves in 0.5 M NaCl and (2) commercial Type 316L stainless steel with MnS and slag-related inclusions was first polarized at different potentials for 30 min in 1 M Na2SO4of pH 3 and then anodic polarization measurements were taken in 0.5 M NaCl. Pitting did not occur in the passive or transpassive region of the high-purity steel. The polarization treatment dissolved MnS and some oxide inclusions (CaO and SiO2) on the surface of the commercial steel. An increase in pitting potential of the commercial steel was noted after treatment at potentials above 0.2 V. At the same time, the number of current spikes due to metastable pits decreased significantly. These results are more likely due to the beneficial effect of removing MnS inclusions from the steel surface rather than the modification effect of the chemical composition of passive films on the surface.
Catechins and Caffeine Inhibit Fat Accumulation in Mice through the Improvement of Hepatic Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Sugiura Chikako , Nishimatsu Shiho , Moriyama Tatsuya , Ozasa Sayaka , Kawada Teruo , Sayama Kazutoshi
Published: July 2012

To elucidate the inhibiting mechanisms of fat accumulation by catechins, caffeine, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), ICR mice were fed diets containing either 0.3% catechins or 0.1% EGCG and/or 0.05% caffeine for 4 weeks. After the feeding, intraperitoneal adipose tissues weights were significantly lower in the caffeine, catechins + caffeine, and EGCG + caffeine groups compared to controls. Hepatic fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity in the catechins + caffeine group was significantly lower, and the activities of acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-II (CPT-II) were significantly higher, compared to the control group. However, these activities were not observed in the other groups. FAS mRNA expression levels in the catechins + caffeine group were significantly lower than in the control group. ACO and CPT-II mRNA levels were not different among all of the treatment groups. These findings indicate that the inhibitory effects of fat accumulation via a combination of catechins, EGCG, or caffeine were stronger collectively than by either catechins, EGCG, or caffeine alone. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the combination of catechins and caffeine induced inhibition of fat accumulation by suppression of fatty acid synthesis and upregulation of the enzymatic activities involved inβ-oxidation of fatty acid in the liver, but this result was not observed by combination of EGCG and caffeine.
Large-Deviation Results for Discriminant Statistics of Gaussian Locally Stationary Processes
Authors: Hirukawa Junichi
Published: July 2012

This paper discusses the large-deviation principle of discriminant statistics for Gaussian locally stationary processes. First, large-deviation theorems for quadratic forms and the log-likelihood ratio for a Gaussian locally stationary process with a mean function are proved. Their asymptotics are described by the large deviation rate functions. Second, we consider the situations where processes are misspecified to be stationary. In these misspecified cases, we formally make the log-likelihood ratio discriminant statistics and derive the large deviation theorems of them. Since they are complicated, they are evaluated and illustrated by numerical examples. We realize the misspecification of the process to be stationary seriously affecting our discrimination.
Functional Conducting Polymers in the Application of SPR Biosensors
Authors: Janmanee Rapiphun , Chuekachang Sopis , Sriwichai Saengrawee , Baba Akira , Phanichphant Sukon
Published: July 2012

In recent years, conducting polymers have emerged as one of the most promising transducers for both chemical, sensors and biosensors owing to their unique electrical, electrochemical and optical properties that can be used to convert chemical information or biointeractions into electrical or optical signals, which can easily be detected by modern techniques. Different approaches to the application of conducting polymers in chemo- or biosensing applications have been extensively studied. In order to enhance the application of conducting polymers into the area of biosensors, one approach is to introduce functional groups, including carboxylic acid, amine, sulfonate, or thiol groups, into the conducting polymer chain and to form a so-called “self-doped” or by doping with negatively charged polyelectrolytes. The functional conducting polymers have been successfully utilized to immobilize enzymes for construction of biosensors. Recently, the combination of SPR and electrochemical, known as electrochemical-surface plasmon resonance (EC-SPR), spectroscopy, has been used for in situ investigation of optical and electrical properties of conducting polymer films. Moreover, EC-SPR spectroscopy has been applied for monitoring the interaction between biomolecules and electropolymerized conjugated polymer films in biosensor and immunosensor applications. In this paper, recent development and applications on EC-SPR in biosensors will be reviewed.
IRS1 Expression in Hepatic Tissue and Leukocytes in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infected Patients: A Comparative Study
Authors: Kappel Camila Ripoll , Kretzmann Nélson A. , Álvares-da-Silva Mário Reis
Published: July 2012

Aims.To determine lymphocyte IRS (IRS1 cells) in HCV patients, correlating it to liver IRS (IRS 1liver) and HOMA-IR. This study tested the hypothesis that IRS1 cells expression can be used as insulin resistance (IR) marker in HCV-infected patients. IRS1 cells were not studied before in HCV infection.Materials and Methods.HCV chronically infected patients, naïve, nonobese, noncirrhotic, and nondiabetic were prospectively included and compared to controls (blood donors). Blood was taken, and leukocytes were separated. IRS1 was determined by real-time PCR. Liver tissue was obtained from transplant donors as controls.Results.41 HCV-positive patients were included, 26 males (60.5%); mean age of 45 (); 33 (80.5%) from genotype 1. 6 out of 12 controls were males (50%); mean age was 26.7 (). There was expression of IRS1 in leukocytes. The median IRS1 cells (HCV) were 0.061 (0.004 to 0.469); the median IRS 1liver (HCV) was 0.0003 (0.00002 to 0.0186)—lower than in controls (resp., and ). HOMA-IR had an inverse correlation with IRS 1liver (). There was no correlation between IRS1 liver and IRS1 cells ().Conclusions.There was expression of IRS1 in leukocytes. IRS1 cells and IRS1 liver were lower in HCV patients than in controls.
The Effect of Applied Stress on Environment-Induced Cracking of Aluminum Alloy 5052-H3 in 0.5 M NaCl Solution
Authors: Alyousif Osama M. , Nishimura Rokuro
Published: July 2012

The environment-induced cracking (EIC) of aluminum alloy 5052-H3 was investigated as a function of applied stress and orientation (Longitudinal rolling direction—Transverse: LT and Transverse—Longitudinal rolling direction: TL) in 0.5 M sodium chloride solution (NaCl) using a constant load method. The applied stress dependence of the three parameters (time to failure;tf, steady-state elongation rate,Iss, and transition time at which a linear increase in elongation starts to deviate,tss) obtained from the corrosion elongation curve showed that these relationships were divided into three regions, the stress-dominated region, the EIC- dominated region, and the corrosion-dominated region. Aluminum alloy 5052-H3 with both orientations showed the same EIC behavior. The value oftss/tfin the EIC-dominated region was almost constant with0.57±0.02independent of applied stress and orientation. The fracture mode was transgranular for 5052-H3 with both orientations in the EIC-dominated region. The relationships between logIssand logtffor 5052-H3 in the EIC-dominated region became a good straight line with a slope of −2 independent of orientation.
Comment on “Therapeutic Effects and Biomarkers in Sublingual Immunotherapy: A Review”
Authors: Kroker George F. , Sabnis Vijay K. , Morris Mary S. , Thompson James C.
Published: July 2012

Numerous sublingual immunotherapy studies have shown efficacy using a wide variety of dosing regimens. Despite a few grade III and one anaphylactic reaction due to a patient over-dose, there have been no fatal reactions resulting from sublingual immunotherapy treatment. Although safer than SCIT, SLIT is still immunotherapy. Special consideration should be given to what will ensure the highest level of safety for the patient given his or her history, exam and allergy test results. Dosing levels for sublingual immunotherapy should be based on what is therapeutically effective for each individual patient and adjusted accordingly throughout the treatment course.
Bioactive Volatile Content of the Stem and Root of Centaurea carduiformis DC. subsp. carduiformis var. carduiformis
Authors: Demirtas Ibrahim , Sahin Ayse
Published: July 2012

Several species of Centaurea, biennial (or more rarely perennial) plants which belong to the Asteraceae family, possess medicinal properties and are currently used in phytotherapy. In the present study, antiproliferative activity of hexane extract from stems and roots of Centaurea carduiformis DC. subsp. carduiformis var. carduiformis (CCS and CCR) on Vero cells (African green monkey kidney), C6 cells (Rat Brain tumor cells), and HeLa cells (human uterus carcinoma) was investigated in vitro. Antiproliferative effect of the extract was tested at 500 μg/mL and 1000 μg/mL using BrDu Cell Proliferation ELISA. The hexane extract was significantly inhibited proliferation of Vero, HeLa, and C6 cancer cell lines with absorbance values. The extract of CCS and CCR showed the highest activity against the Vero, HeLa, and C6 cell lines at 500 μg/mL and 1000 μg/mL.
Picobirnavirus in Captive Animals from Uruguay: Identification of New Hosts
Authors: Gillman Luciana , Sánchez Ana Maria , Arbiza Juan
Published: July 2012

The Picobirnaviruses (PBVs) have been detected in several species of animals from different countries worldwide, including in South America. The host range of these viruses has increased in recent years; thus, in order to contribute to the knowledge in this topic we analyzed samples from captivity animals from Uruguay. We found the presence of PBVs in four species of animals, Panthera leo, Panthera onca, Puma concolor and Oncifelis geoffroyi, representing new PBV-susceptible hosts. All strains belonged to genogroup I.
Reduced Folate, Increased Vitamin B12 and Homocysteine Concentrations in Women Delivering Preterm
Authors: Dhobale Madhavi , Chavan Preeti , Kulkarni Asmita , Mehendale Savita , Pisal Hemlata , Joshi Sadhana
Published: July 2012

Background and Aim: Maternal nutrition is an important determinant of the duration of pregnancy and fetal growth, and thereby influences pregnancy outcome. Folic acid and vitamin B12 are involved in one-carbon metabolism and are reported to underlie intrauterine programming of adult diseases. Methods: In the present study, the levels of folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine were measured in mothers delivering preterm (PT; gestation <37 weeks; n = 67), those delivering preterm due to preeclampsia (PT-PE; n = 49) and women delivering at term (control group; n = 76). Results: Increased vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels (p < 0.05 for both) were seen in the PT-PE and PT groups as compared to the controls. In addition, reduced folate levels (p < 0.05) were observed in the PT group. A negative association of maternal plasma homocysteine with birth weight was seen in the idiopathic preterm group. Conclusions: Altered maternal micronutrients and resultant increased homocysteine concentrations exist in women delivering preterm. These alterations may also be partly associated with other factors such as undiagnosed inflammatory conditions or inadequate placentation in some women. Since these micronutrients play an important role in epigenetic regulation of vital genes involved in the fetal programming of adult diseases, further studies need to be undertaken to understand their role in preterm deliveries.
A Confidence Set Inference Method for Identifying SNPs That Regulate Quantitative Phenotypes
Authors: Papachristou Charalampos , Lin Shili
Published: July 2012

Aims: We introduce a family-based confidence set inference (CSI) method that can be used in preliminary genome-wide association studies to obtain confidence sets of SNPs that contribute a specific percentage to the additive genetic variance of quantitative traits. Methods: Developed in the framework of generalized linear mixed models, the method utilizes data from outbred families of arbitrary size and structure. Through our own simulation study and analysis of the Genetics Analysis Workshop 16 simulated data, we study the properties of our method and compare its performance to that of the family association method described by Chen and Abecasis [Am J Hum Genet 2007;81:913–926]. We also analyze the Framingham Heart Study data to identify SNPs regulating high-density lipoprotein levels. Results: The simulation studies demonstrated that CSI yields confidence sets with correct coverage and that it can outperform the method introduced by Chen and Abecasis [Am J Hum Genet 2007;81:913–926]. Furthermore, we identified five SNPs that potentially regulate high-density lipoprotein levels: rs9989419, rs11586238, rs1754415, rs9355648, and rs9356560. Conclusion: The CSI method provides confidence sets of SNPs that contribute to the genetic variance of quantitative traits and is a competitive alternative to currently used family association methods. The approach is particularly useful in genome-wide association studies as it significantly reduces the number of SNPs investigated in follow-up studies.
Evaluation of Quality of Life after a Medical Corrective Make-Up Lesson in Patients with Various Dermatoses
Authors: Peuvrel Lucie , Quéreux Gaëlle , Brocard Anabelle , Saint-Jean Mélanie , Vallet Céline , Mère Agnès , Labetoulle Ghislaine , Le Fol Catherine , Dréno Brigitte
Published: July 2012

Background: Apparent skin lesions can impair quality of life (QoL). Objective: To assess QoL improvement brought by a medical corrective make-up lesson and its daily use in practice using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Methods: Patients with facial disorders participating during 2 years in our lessons conducted by a trained nurse were included in an open prospective study. Results: 86 patients aged 4–79 years were included. They suffered from acne (25), rosacea (10), scars (14) and various dermatoses (19). 63 patients (73%) sent back the questionnaire. One-month DLQI improvement was significant (p < 0.001) in acne (p = 0.006) as well as rosacea (p = 0.036), with a trend for scars (p = 0.057). QoL significantly improved, independently of a low (p < 0.001) or high (p = 0.006) initial DLQI. Since the lesson, 95% of patients re-made up with 97% of good tolerance. Conclusion: This is the first study examining at-home make-up completion and showing the beneficial effect of a medical corrective make-up lesson on the QoL of patients with various facial dermatoses in France.
Wolkenkuckucksheim: Art as Metaphor of the Mind
Authors: Weissensteiner Elisabeth , Freksa Christian
Published: July 2012

Wolkenkuckucksheim is a site-specific interactive computer installation created for the Cognitive Systems Group at the University of Bremen, Germany. It was conceived and implemented by the authors: an artist interested in the syntax of space and the semantics of materials, and a cognitive scientist investigating the cognitive implications of ubiquitous computing. The project unites the artistic approach of creating metaphors and the scientific approach of theoretical inquiry. In this essay, artist and scientist show in a dialogical manner how art and science gain complementary insights by working with the same cognitive tools.
Connecting Silos - Inviting Art and Science Interactions
Authors: Reichelt-Brushett Amanda , Smith John
Published: July 2012

In tertiary education in Australia there are often clear divisions between disciplines defined by hierarchy that is established for administrative purposes. These purposes often conflict with notions of trans-disciplinary study by creating an environment of competition rather than one of collaboration. Through this project we brought together science and art by developing a ‘hands on’ workshop where scientists and artists explored tools and techniques from unfamiliar disciplines. Collaborative projects and self emersion post workshop resulted in an exhibition of outcomes. The development of these outcomes challenged both artists and scientists to explore their discipline boundaries and connectivity by using tools and knowledge in unique ways.