bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echocardiography: A Case of Coronary Sinus Endocarditis
Authors: Kwan Clara , Chen On , Radionova Svetlana , Sadiq Adnan , Moskovits Manfred
Published: June 2014

Mini‐Abstract

We present a case of a 23‐year‐old woman with end‐stage renal disease on hemodialysis (HD) via a permacath for the past year, who was found to have endocarditis of the coronary sinus (CS). While patients on HD have higher rates of infective endocarditis (IE), involvement of the CS is rare with only a few cases reported. In our case, the presence of a HD catheter may have predisposed her to IE of the CS. Furthermore, her blood cultures were positive for Acinetobacter baumannii which is a rare pathogen but can be found in hospital settings and in patients on HD.
Two‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Prognostic Parameters in Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Haberka Maciej , Liszka Jerzy , Kozyra Andrzej , Finik Maciej , Gąsior Zbigniew
Published: June 2014

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the left ventricle (LV) function with speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and to assess its relation to prognosis in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

Sixty‐three patients (F/M = 16/47 pts; 62.33 ± 11.85 years old) with AMI (NSTEMI/STEMI 24/39 pts) and successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction; TIMI 3 flow) were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent baseline two‐dimensional conventional echocardiography and STE 3 days (baseline) and 30 days after PCI. All patients were followed up for cardiovascular clinical endpoints, major adverse cardiovascular endpoint (MACE), and functional status (Canadian Cardiovascular Society and New York Heart Association).

Results

During the follow‐up (31.9 ± 5.1 months), there were 3 cardiovascular deaths, 15 patients had AMI, 2 patients had cerebral infarction, 24 patients reached the MACE. Baseline LV torsion (P = 0.035), but none of the other strain parameters were associated with the time to first unplanned cardiovascular hospitalization. Univariate analysis showed that baseline longitudinal two‐chamber and four‐chamber strain (sLa2 0 and sLa4 0) and the same parameters obtained 30 days after the AMI together with transverse four‐chamber strain (sLa2 30, sLa4 30, and sTa4 30) were significantly associated with combined endpoint (MACE). The strongest association in the univariate analysis was found for the baseline sLa2. However, in multivariable analysis only a left ventricular remodeling (LVR – 27% pts) was significantly associated with MACE and strain parameters were not associated with the combined endpoint.

Conclusion

The assessment of LV function with STE may improve cardiovascular risk prediction in postmyocardial infarction patients.
Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm: A Systematic Review of 82 Cases
Authors: Aryal Madan Raj , Hakim Fayaz A. , Ghimire Sailu , Ghimire Sushil , Giri Smith , Pandit Anil , Bhandari Yashoda , Bhandari Naresh , Pathak Ranjan , Karmacharya Paras , Pradhan Rajesh
Published: June 2014

Background

Aneurysm of the left atrial appendage is rare. We sought to systematically review the published literature on left atrial appendage aneurysm (LAAA) to address its demographic features, clinical characteristics, treatment, complications, and outcomes.

Methodology

A systematic electronic search of Medline, PubMed, and EMBASE for case reports, case series, and related articles of LAAA published from 1962 until July 2013 was carried out. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. Logistic Regression Analysis was used to identify the independent predictors of LAAA‐related thrombus formation and embolism.

Results

Eighty‐two cases of LAAA were identified. There was a slight female preponderance and most of the patients presented in their third decades. Palpitation, dyspnea or both were most common clinical symptoms associated with LAAA. Echocardiography was the main diagnostic modality used and the mean size of aneurysm was 7.08 ± 3.03 × 5.75 ± 2.36 cm. Surgical resection of the aneurysm was performed in most patients with favorable results. Systemic embolism and atrial tachyarrhythmias were the two common complications associated with untreated LAAA. Presence of atrial fibrillation/flutter was the only significant predictor of thrombus formation/embolic events.

Conclusion

Aneurysm of left atrial appendage is rare and often an incidental diagnosis during echocardiography. It is important to recognize this entity since it is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by predisposing to atrial tachyarrhythmia and thromboembolism. Surgical resection is the standard of treatment in the current literature. Medical management is directed toward the treatment of thromboembolism and atrial tachyarrhythmia.
Incubation success and habitat selection of shore‐spawning kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka: effects of water‐level regulation and habitat characteristics
Authors: Whitlock Steven L. , Quist Michael C. , Dux Andrew M.
Published: June 2014

Changes to water‐level regimes have been known to restructure fish assemblages and interfere with the population dynamics of both littoral and pelagic species. The effect of altered water‐level regimes on shore‐spawning kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka incubation success was evaluated using a comprehensive in situ study in Lake Pend Oreille, ID, USA. Survival was not related to substrate size composition or depth, indicating that shore‐spawning kokanee do not currently receive a substrate‐mediated survival benefit from higher winter water levels. Substrate composition also did not differ among isobaths in the nearshore area. On average, the odds of an egg surviving to the preemergent stage were more than three times greater for sites in downwelling areas than those lacking downwelling. This study revealed that shoreline spawning habitat is not as limited as previously thought. Downwelling areas appear to contribute substantially to shore‐spawning kokanee recruitment. This research illustrates the value of rigorous in situ studies both for testing potential mechanisms underlying population trends and providing insight into spawning habitat selection.
The utility of simple fish community metrics for evaluating the relative influence of fishing vs. other environmental drivers on Caribbean reef fish communities
Authors: Vallès Henri , Oxenford Hazel A
Published: June 2014

Fish community metrics have been extensively investigated as indicators of fishing effects for ecosystem‐based fisheries management (EBFM) in temperate systems. Little similar work has been performed in the coral reefs of the Caribbean, where simple indicators are urgently needed. Here, we use 415 coral reef surveys throughout the Caribbean to assess the potential of four simple and intuitive fish community metrics, namely, fish biomass, fish density, average fish weight and species richness, to separate fishing effects from those of other environmental factors at both local (tens of kilometres) and broad (hundreds to thousands of kilometres) spatial scales. We found that these fish metrics differed considerably in environmental correlates and the spatial scales underlying fish metric–environment associations. Average fish weight and fish biomass were most sensitive to fishing indices at both spatial scales, although average fish weight responded more sensitively and specifically to fishing than fish biomass. Fish density and species richness were most sensitive to temperature over broad scales and to macroalgae and relief height over local ones. All fish metrics were negatively correlated with macroalgae over broad scales, supporting the utility of macroalgae to inform about the integrity of entire reef ecosystems. Most of the fish metric variance associated with fishing pressure operated over broad scales, highlighting the need for a Caribbean‐wide view of fish community status to establish local management objectives and avoid shifting baselines. Our study clarifies the utility of simple fish community metrics as indicators of fishing effects for EBFM in the Caribbean.
Coupled reductive and oxidative sulfur cycling in the phototrophic plate of a meromictic lake
Authors: Hamilton T. L. , Bovee R. J. , Thiel V. , Sattin S. R. , Mohr W. , Schaperdoth I. , Vogl K. , Gilhooly W. P. , Lyons T. W. , Tomsho L. P. , Schuster S. C. , Overmann J. , Bryant D. A. , Pearson A. , Macalady J. L.
Published: June 2014

Mahoney Lake represents an extreme meromictic model system and is a valuable site for examining the organisms and processes that sustain photic zone euxinia (PZE). A single population of purple sulfur bacteria (PSB) living in a dense phototrophic plate in the chemocline is responsible for most of the primary production in Mahoney Lake. Here, we present metagenomic data from this phototrophic plate – including the genome of the major PSB, as obtained from both a highly enriched culture and from the metagenomic data – as well as evidence for multiple other taxa that contribute to the oxidative sulfur cycle and to sulfate reduction. The planktonic PSB is a member of the Chromatiaceae, here renamed Thiohalocapsa sp. strain ML1. It produces the carotenoid okenone, yet its closest relatives are benthic PSB isolates, a finding that may complicate the use of okenone (okenane) as a biomarker for ancient PZE. Favorable thermodynamics for non‐phototrophic sulfide oxidation and sulfate reduction reactions also occur in the plate, and a suite of organisms capable of oxidizing and reducing sulfur is apparent in the metagenome. Fluctuating supplies of both reduced carbon and reduced sulfur to the chemocline may partly account for the diversity of both autotrophic and heterotrophic species. Collectively, the data demonstrate the physiological potential for maintaining complex sulfur and carbon cycles in an anoxic water column, driven by the input of exogenous organic matter. This is consistent with suggestions that high levels of oxygenic primary production maintain episodes of PZE in Earth's history and that such communities should support a diversity of sulfur cycle reactions.
Mitochondrial phylogeography of the Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus and the first genetic record of A. s. fuscus in Central Europe
Authors: Arbabi Tayebeh , Gonzalez Javier , Witt Hans‐Hinrich , Klein Rolf , Wink Michael
Published: June 2014

The phylogeography and evolutionary history of the long‐distance migratory Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus were analysed using sequence data from the mitochondrial DNA COI gene of 405 individuals and cyt b sequences from a subset of those individuals from 20 breeding, migrating and wintering populations over its wide geographical range. Median‐joining network and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses recovered three lineages corresponding to three subspecies of A. scirpaceus that started to diverge approximately 480 000 years ago: one spanning Asia (Acrocephalus scirpaceus fuscus), one encompassing Europe and Northern Africa (Acrocephalus scirpaceus scirpaceus) and a third that included Eastern Africa and Southwestern Asia (Acrocephalus scirpaceus avicenniae). Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the third clade is basal and diverged from its sister species, the African Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus, around 700 000 years ago. This earliest subspecies (avicenniae) may have survived the Last Glacial Maximum in one of the African refugia, probably the low forest refugium of the Ethiopian Highlands. Sequences of 348 samples from Germany, which were captured for ringing, showed that one bird was genetically assigned to the subspecies fuscus, the first genetic evidence of this Asian subspecies in Central Europe. According to our DNA sequences, 6.8% of Eurasian Reed Warblers were misidentified at the species level, Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris accounting for most of these misidentified specimens. At the subspecies level, of 22 fuscus identified by genetic analyses, only six had been correctly named by the ringers.
A Cu–Pd–V System Filler Alloy for Silicon Nitride Ceramic Joining and the Interfacial Reactions
Authors: Xiong Hua‐Ping , Chen Bo , Pan Yu , Zhao Hai‐Sheng , Mao Wei , Cheng Yao‐Yong
Published: June 2014

A Cu–Pd–V brazing alloy with the composition of Cu–(38.0~42.0)Pd–(7.0~10.0)V (in wt.%) was designed as a filler for joining Si3N4. Its wettability on Si3N4 ceramic was measured with the sessile drop method. It was shown that the Cu–Pd–V alloy gave a contact angle of 71° at 1473 K. The filler alloy was fabricated into foils with a thickness of 0.15 mm. The Si3N4–Si3N4 joints brazed at 1443 K for 10 min exhibit average three‐point bend strength of 263 MPa at room temperature, and the joint strengths at 973 K and 1073 K are 277 MPa and 218 MPa, respectively. The analysis results of SEM, XRD, and TEM for the brazed joint indicate the presence of V2N at the surface of the Si3N4. The increase of the thickness of V2N reaction layer obeyed parabolic law, and the parabolic rate constant (k) can be described as k = 2.8739 × 10−9 exp(−162989.4/RT) m2/s. Pd2Si and Cu3Pd compounds as well as (Cu, Pd) solid solution were detected in the central part of the joints. The presence of (Cu, Pd) phases and especially refractory Pd2Si compounds within the joints should contribute to the stable high‐temperature property. The interfacial reaction mechanisms were discussed.
Engineered Multilayer Thermal Barrier Coatings for Enhanced Durability and Functional Performance
Authors: Viswanathan Vaishak , Dwivedi Gopal , Sampath Sanjay
Published: June 2014

The durability of plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) has been of significant interest ever since their introduction in gas turbine engine components. Of particular importance is the role of coating processing, microstructure and ensuing properties on their thermal cycle life. Among the coating properties of the ceramic top coat that have shown strong correlations with durability include the elastic modulus (i.e., compliance) and the fracture toughness, both of which are influenced by processing as well as thermal aging during service. In this article, we have systematically investigated furnace cycle durability of plasma sprayed TBCs produced from controlled processing conditions, yielding differences in both modulus and toughness. Following performance assessment and mechanistic insights obtained from single layer ceramic coatings, novel bilayer architectures have been proposed and fabricated, in an effort to improve furnace cycle durability. The bilayer approach targets coating properties based on location, by providing dense, high toughness coating at regions prone to delamination failure (near‐interface), while allowing for the majority of the coating to contain high porosity, resulting in reduced overall modulus. Such improved bilayers simultaneously display both high durability and low thermal conductivity enabling a promising approach for functionally optimized coatings. The plasma spray process together with its ability to dynamically change process parameters enables the fabrication of these novel architectures.
Improved Efficiency of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Based on a Single Layer Deposition of Skein‐Like TiO2 Nanotubes
Authors: Mojaddami Majdoddin , Mohammadi Mohammad Reza , Madaah Hosseini Hamid Reza
Published: June 2014

We present a new TiO2 morphology, featuring high surface area and open structure, synthesized by a two‐step chemical route for the manufacture of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This construct is sets of intertwined one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures (i.e., nanotubes), so‐called skein‐like nanotubes (NTs). Such morphology is produced by a combination of TiC oxidation and hydrothermal processes. The mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles, as the product of TiC oxidation operation, is used as the precursor of hydrothermal process to grow the skein‐like NTs. The effect of processing parameters of TiC oxidation and hydrothermal processes is studied. The skein‐like morphology enables to eliminate the conventional three or fourfold layer deposition process by a single layer deposition of TiO2 NTs. The novel TiO2 morphology enhances photon capture of fabricated DSSC by exerting a triple function mechanism including improvement of light scattering, dye sensitization, and electron transport. The presented strategy demonstrates the feasibility of the new concept for improvement of cell efficiency by effective light management.
Local Structure Evolution inBa‐SubstitutedPb(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3Ceramics
Authors: Lv Xin , Liu Guo , Liu Xiao Qiang , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: June 2014

Evolution of crystal structure inPb1‐xBax(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3ceramics has been investigated by X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectra analysis together with the dielectric characterization. The crystal structure for all compositions is cubic and the cell volume indicates a sudden change atx = 0.075.Pb1‐xBax(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3ceramics withx > 0.075 are paraelectric, whereas those forx < 0.075 are ferroelectric at room temperature. The evolution of phonon modes indicates that the ferroelectricity ofPb1‐xBax(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3solid solution ceramics is caused by the off‐centerNb5+inBO6octahedron. The ferroelectric‐related distortion is still observed in paraelectric solid solutions withx > 0.075.
Correlation Between Piezoelectric Properties and Phase Coexistence in (Ba,Ca)(Ti,Zr)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Glaum Julia , Groh Claudia , Ehmke Matthias C. , Blendell John E. , Bowman Keith J. , Hoffman Mark J.
Published: June 2014

High piezoelectric properties are desired for lead‐free piezoelectric materials in consideration as a replacement for lead‐based materials in applications. Due to the high piezoelectric coefficient, (Ba100−xCax) (Ti100−yZry) O3 (BCTZ) piezoelectric ceramics have been considered as a promising lead‐free alternate piezoelectric material. Here, six compositions were selected based on a prediction that all the compositions would have high piezoelectric coefficient at room temperature. The results confirmed all compositions exhibit well developed hysteresis loops and a large piezoelectric coefficient at room temperature. This is due to the coexistence of several phases where the major phase is likely to be orthorhombic and the second phase is proposed to be tetragonal. The phase transition was found to occur over a broad temperature range instead of at a specific temperature only. A relationship between the tetragonal–orthorhombic phase transition temperature and Ca2+ and Zr4+ content was proposed. This enables clear determination of BCTZ compositions with high piezoelectric coefficient at a desired operation temperature.
Electrical Properties of a 0.95(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3–0.05CaTiO3 Thin Film Grown on a Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si Substrate
Authors: Lee Youn‐Seon , Seo In‐Tae , Kim Bo‐Yun , Nahm Sahn , Kang Chong‐Yun , Jeong Young‐Hun , Paik Jong‐Hoo
Published: June 2014

An amorphous phase was formed in a 0.95(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3–0.05CaTiO3 (NKN‐CT) film grown at 300°C, and a low‐temperature transient Ca2Nb2O7 phase was formed in the film grown at 500°C. In films grown at high temperatures (≥600°C), secondary phases such as K5.75Nb10.85O30 and K4Ti10Nb2O27 were developed without the formation of a NKN‐CT phase, probably because of Na2O evaporation. The same secondary phases were formed in the film grown at 300°C and subsequently annealed at 850°C under an air atmosphere. However, a homogeneous NKN‐CT phase was formed in films grown at 300°C and subsequently annealed at 830°C–880°C under the K2O and Na2O atmospheres. Moreover, the film annealed at 830°C in particular exhibited good electric and piezoelectric properties, including a high dielectric constant of 747 with a low dissipation factor of 0.93% at 100 kHz, low leakage current density of 2.0 × 10−7 A/cm2 at 0.1 MV/cm, and high Pr and d33 values of 15.4 μC/cm2 and 124 pm/V at 100 kV/cm, respectively.
First‐Principles Insight into the Composition‐Dependent Structure and Properties of γ‐Alon
Authors: Tu Bingtian , Wang Hao , Liu Xiao , Wang Weimin , Fu Zhengyi
Published: June 2014

Spinel type Aluminum oxynitride (γ‐alon) solid solution exists in the Al2O3‐rich region of AlN–Al2O3 systems. The first‐principles calculations facilitate our investigations on composition‐dependence of structure and properties in γ‐alon without the limit of experimental solubility. The constant anion crystal structure of γ‐alon was described as the solid solution of spinel phase γ‐Al2O3 and the ideal Al3O3N with formula of Al(8+x)/3O4−xNx (0 ≤ x ≤ 1). The unit cell expands with increasing Al3O3N composition. The lattice parameter increases nonlinearly with the composition of Al3O3N, which deviates from Vegard's law. As x increases, the anions dilate from the AlIV along (1 1 1) direction, and two new narrow peaks (approximate –12.7 and –0.3 eV) become stronger and the conduction band presents a downward shift to low energy in the TDOS. The absorption edge in the UV region of ε2(ω) present slight red‐shift of 0.5 eV as x increases. Because the compressibility was improved by expansion of coordination polyhedron, the elastic properties were just slightly enhanced as the nitrogen concentration increases. It is suggested that the notable enhancement of mechanical properties in γ‐alon may be difficult to yield by varying the content of substituted nitrogen atoms. The calculated results provide the basis for understanding the crystal structure and intrinsic properties of γ‐alon with different compositions.
Tunable Mission and Trichromatic White‐Emitting in Oxyfluoride Glasses by Utilization of Cu+ Ions as Multiple Energy‐Transfer Creators
Authors: Lv Tianshuai , Xu Xuhui , Yu Xue , Yu Hongling , Zhou Dacheng , Qiu Jianbei
Published: June 2014

A series of copper species, Tb3+, Mn2+ single‐ and co‐doped oxyfluoride glasses were synthesized by a melt‐quenching method. The photoluminescence properties of the glasses containing copper species were demonstrated. Results indicate that the blue‐green emission band peaking at 440 nm was observed, which was ascribed to the photoluminescence of Cu+ ions rather than the emissions of Cu2+ cations or Cu nano‐particles (Cu NPs) induced by local field effect (LFE) enhancement through surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The interaction mechanisms between Cu+ and Tb3+/Mn2+ have been systematically investigated, and significant enhancement of Cu+ emission and the energy‐transfer (ET) efficiencies of Cu+→Tb3+ and Cu+→Mn2+ were observed in glasses doped with SnO reducing agent. Furthermore, a wide‐range‐tunable emission and ideal white‐light fluorescence were realized in Cu+/Tb3+/Mn2+‐coactivated glasses by utilization of Cu+ cations as dual ET contributors from deep‐UV‐source to multiactivators. Our research further extends the understanding of the interactions between Cu+ and Tb3+/Mn2+ in amorphous materials.
Oxidation Behavior of SiC Whiskers at 600–1400°C in Air
Authors: Kuang Jianlei , Cao Wenbin
Published: June 2014

The oxidation behavior of SiC whiskers (SiCW) with a diameter size of 50–200 nm has been investigated at 600°C–1400°C in air. Experimental results reveal that SiCW exhibit a low oxidation rate below 1100°C while a significant larger oxidation rate after that. This can be attributed to the small diameter size of SiCW, which determines that it is hard to form a protective SiO2 layer thick enough to hamper the diffusion of oxygen effectively. Both nonisothermal and isothermal oxidation kinetics were studied and the apparent oxidation energy was calculated to further understand the oxidation behavior of the SiCW.
Investigations on CaF2:Nd Microcrystal‐Glass Composites with High Transmittance and Long Fluorescence Lifetime
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Zheng Ruilin , Wang Zhongyue , Yue Weiyan , Quan Zhao , Peng Bo , Wei Wei
Published: June 2014

A kind of novel CaF2:Nd microcrystal‐glass composites with high transmittance and long fluorescence lifetime were prepared by a two‐step melt‐quenching technique. Based on Mie theory, a theoretical estimate of the scattering losses was suggested for the microcrystal‐glass composites. By matching dispersion curve of the glass matrix and CaF2 microcrystal in the range of UV–Vis‐NIR, the transmittance can reach 83%. The effects of CaF2:Nd microcrystals/glass ratio on structure and optical properties were investigated. The composite sample‐doped 30 wt% CaF2:Nd nano/microcrystals exhibits long fluorescence lifetime of 518 μs at 1051 nm.
iPSC‐derived human mesenchymal stem cells improve myocardial strain of infarcted myocardium
Authors: Miao Qingfeng , Shim Winston , Tee Nicole , Lim Sze Yun , Chung Ying Ying , Ja K P Myu Mia , Ooi Ting Huay , Tan Grace , Kong Geraldine , Wei Heming , Lim Chong Hee , Sin Yoong Kong , Wong Philip
Published: June 2014

We investigated global and regional effects of myocardial transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) in infarcted myocardium. Acute myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by ligation of left coronary artery of severe combined immunodeficient mice before 2 × 105 iMSCs or cell‐free saline were injected into peri‐infarcted anterior free wall. Sham‐operated animals received no injection. Global and regional myocardial function was assessed serially at 1‐week and 8‐week by segmental strain analysis by using two dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography. Early myocardial remodelling was observed at 1‐week and persisted to 8‐week with global contractility of ejection fraction and fractional area change in saline‐ (32.96 ± 14.23%; 21.50 ± 10.07%) and iMSC‐injected (32.95 ± 10.31%; 21.00 ± 7.11%) groups significantly depressed as compared to sham control (51.17 ± 11.69%, P < 0.05; 34.86 ± 9.82%, P < 0.05). However, myocardial dilatation was observed in saline‐injected animals (4.40 ± 0.62 mm, P < 0.05), but not iMSCs (4.29 ± 0.57 mm), when compared to sham control (3.74 ± 0.32 mm). Furthermore, strain analysis showed significant improved basal anterior wall strain (28.86 ± 8.16%, P < 0.05) in the iMSC group, but not saline‐injected (15.81 ± 13.92%), when compared to sham control (22.18 ± 4.13%). This was corroborated by multi‐segments deterioration of radial strain only in saline‐injected (21.50 ± 5.31%, P < 0.05), but not iMSC (25.67 ± 12.53%), when compared to sham control (34.88 ± 5.77%). Improvements of the myocardial strain coincided with the presence of interconnecting telocytes in interstitial space of the infarcted anterior segment of the heart. Our results show that localized injection of iMSCs alleviates ventricular remodelling, sustains global and regional myocardial strain by paracrine‐driven effect on neoangiogenesis and myocardial deformation/compliance via parenchymal and interstitial cell interactions in the infarcted myocardium.
Transmembrane protein 106A is silenced by promoter region hypermethylation and suppresses gastric cancer growth by inducing apoptosis
Authors: Xu Dong , Qu Liujing , Hu Jia , Li Ge , Lv Ping , Ma Dalong , Guo Mingzhou , Chen Yingyu
Published: June 2014

Inactivation of tumour suppressor genes by promoter methylation plays an important role in the initiation and progression of gastric cancer (GC). Transmembrane 106A gene (TMEM106A) encodes a novel protein of previously unknown function. This study analysed the biological functions, epigenetic changes and the clinical significance of TMEM106A in GC. Data from experiments indicate that TMEM106A is a type II membrane protein, which is localized to mitochondria and the plasma membrane. TMEM106A was down‐regulated or silenced by promoter region hypermethylation in GC cell lines, but expressed in normal gastric tissues. Overexpression of TMEM106A suppressed cell growth and induced apoptosis in GC cell lines, and retarded the growth of xenografts in nude mice. These effects were associated with the activation of caspase‐2, caspase‐9, and caspase‐3, cleavage of BID and inactivation of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP). In primary GC samples, loss or reduction of TMEM106A expression was associated with promoter region hypermethylation. TMEM106A was methylated in 88.6% (93/105) of primary GC and 18.1% (2/11) in cancer adjacent normal tissue samples. Further analysis suggested that TMEM106A methylation in primary GCs was significantly correlated with smoking and tumour metastasis. In conclusion, TMEM106A is frequently methylated in human GC. The expression of TMEM106A is regulated by promoter hypermethylation. TMEM106A is a novel functional tumour suppressor in gastric carcinogenesis.
Zircon (re)crystallization during short‐lived, high‐P granulite facies metamorphism (Eger Complex, NW Bohemian Massif)
Authors: Konopásek J. , Pilátová E. , Košler J. , Sláma J.
Published: June 2014

The Eger Complex in the northwestern Bohemian Massif consists mainly of amphibolite facies granitic gneisses containing a subordinate volume of felsic granulites. Microstructural changes and modelling of metamorphic conditions for both rock types suggest a short‐lived static heating from ~760 to ~850 °C at a constant pressure of ~16 kbar, which led to the partial granulitization of the granitoid rocks. Detailed study of the protolith zircon modifications and modelling of the Zr re‐distribution during the transition from amphibolite to granulite facies suggests that the development of c. 340 Ma old zircon rims in the granulite facies sample is the result of recrystallization of older (c. 475 Ma) protolith zircon. This study suggests that the partial granulitization is a result of a short exposure of the Eger Complex metagranitoids to a temperature of ~850 °C at the base of an arc/fore‐arc domain and their subsequent rapid exhumation during the Lower Carboniferous collision along the western margin of the Bohemian Massif.
The duration of near‐peak metamorphism from diffusion modelling of garnet zoning
Authors: Spear F. S.
Published: June 2014

Garnet in a staurolite–kyanite zone sample from central Vermont displays a bell‐shaped Mn growth zoning with diffusional modification over the outer 100 μm. The diffusion is driven by the prograde net transfer reaction garnet + chlorite = kyanite + biotite as is evidenced by a well‐defined resorption zone on the rim. Analysis of the reaction history and resorbed garnet composition suggests that the peak temperature attained was 620–660 °C. Diffusional modelling of the rim diffusion provides an estimate of the duration of the metamorphic episode over which significant garnet diffusion occurs. The duration is a function of the assumed peak temperature and garnet diffusivities and range from a few hundred thousand years to a few million years. Such short durations require rapid tectonic burial and exhumation of relatively thin tectonic slices.
Aegilops conservation and collection evaluation in the Czech Republic
Authors: HOLUBEC Vojtěch , HANZALOVÁ Alena , DUMALASOVÁ Veronika , BARTOŠ Pavel
Published: June 2014

Aegilops distribution was revised on localities in the territory of the Czech Republic and the former Czechoslovakia, based on herbarium data, literature and floristic databases. The only surviving species Ae. cylindrica forms the northern limit of distribution in the Danube basin, other sites are secondary. In situ conservation was proposed for two Czech sites where Aegilops have been naturalized. An ex situ gene bank collection has been maintained in the Gene Bank Prague since 1985. The collection includes 21 species and 1099 accessions. The whole collection was evaluated for breeding‐valuable characters: resistance to leaf diseases, cereal aphids, viral diseases, and qualitative parameters. Recently, the collection was retested for the present races of leaf and stem rust including new introductions from Kazakhstan. Six different leaf rust races and five different stem rust races collected from the Czech Republic were applied in the older tests, and three races from each rust species in the recent tests. The highest number of accessions resistant both to wheat leaf rust and wheat stem rust and powdery mildew was found in Ae. speltoides (90%). Different reactions of individual accessions of the tested species to the three different pathotypes of each rust species indicates that several diverse genes for specific resistance are present in the accessions of the tested species.
Pediatric malignant hyperthermia: risk factors, morbidity, and mortality identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and Kids' Inpatient Database
Authors: Salazar Jose H. , Yang Jingyan , Shen Liang , Abdullah Fizan , Kim Tae W.
Published: June 2014

Background

Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is a potentially fatal metabolic disorder. Due to its rarity, limited evidence exists about risk factors, morbidity, and mortality especially in children.

Methods

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and the Kid's Inpatient Database (KID), admissions with the ICD‐9 code for MH (995.86) were extracted for patients 0–17 years of age. Demographic characteristics were analyzed. Logistic regression was performed to identify patient and hospital characteristics associated with mortality. A subset of patients with a surgical ICD‐9 code in the KID was studied to calculate the prevalence of MH in the dataset.

Results

A total of 310 pediatric admissions were seen in 13 nonoverlapping years of data. Patients had a mortality of 2.9%. Male sex was predominant (64.8%), and 40.5% of the admissions were treated at centers not identified as children's hospitals. The most common associated diagnosis was rhabdomyolysis, which was present in 26 cases. Regression with the outcome of mortality did not yield significant differences between demographic factors, age, sex race, or hospital type, pediatric vs nonpediatric. Within a surgical subset of 530 449 admissions, MH was coded in 55, giving a rate of 1.04 cases per 10 000 cases.

Conclusions

This study is the first to combine two large databases to study MH in the pediatric population. The analysis provides an insight into the risk factors, comorbidities, mortality, and prevalence of MH in the United States population. Until more methodologically rigorous, large‐scale studies are done, the use of databases will continue to be the optimal method to study rare diseases.
Mapping of quantitative trait loci conferring resistance to bacterial wilt in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
Authors: Lan Tao , Zheng Shanfeng , Yang Liu , Wu Shengxin , Wang Bin , Zhang Shujun , Tong Zhijun , Chen Yazhi , Chen Shunhui , Duan Yuanlin , Wu Weiren
Published: June 2014

Tobacco bacterial wilt (TBW) is one of the most serious tobacco diseases in the world. Studies have shown that tobacco resistance to TBW is quantitatively inherited. This study aimed to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring TBW resistance. An F2 : 3 population containing 237 lines was developed from a cross between two flue‐cured tobacco cultivars, ‘Yanyan 97’ (YY97; moderately resistant to TBW) and ‘Honghua Dajinyuan’ (HD; highly susceptible to TBW), and a linkage map consisting of 201 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers and spanning a total length of 2326.7 cM was constructed based on the population. Field experiments were conducted 2011 and 2012, and disease symptoms were investigated three times in each year. The phenotypic data were analysed either separately or jointly for QTL mapping using the software QTLNetwork 2.1. Eight QTL with significant main effects were mapped on chromosomes 2, 6, 12, 17 and 24. A major QTL (qBWR17a) was detected on chromosome 17, which explained up to 30% of the phenotypic variation. The results can facilitate marker‐assisted selection (MAS) in TBW resistance breeding programme.
A correlation between severe haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn and maternal ABO blood group
Authors: Doyle B. , Quigley J. , Lambert M. , Crumlish J. , Walsh C. , McParland P. , Culliton M. , Murphy K. , Fitzgerald J.
Published: June 2014

SUMMARY

Objective

To analyse anti‐D quantification levels and frequency of intrauterine transfusion (IUT), per maternal ABO blood group.

Background

Maternally derived red cell allo‐antibodies can target fetal red cell antigens in utero leading to haemolytic disease and fetal anaemia. When a clinically significant allo‐antibody is formed the priority is ascertaining the risk to the fetus and maternal ABO blood groups are not considered relevant.

Materials and methods

This was a 10‐year retrospective, observational study carried out on women referred for anti‐D quantification (n = 1106), and women whose fetuses required an IUT to treat fetal anaemia (n = 62) due to anti‐D, in the Republic of Ireland.

Results

Relative to the overall incidence of RhD allo‐immunisation by blood group, women of blood group A were more likely to require IUT compared with those who were blood group O (P = 0·002).

Conclusion

It is known that ABO feto‐maternal compatibility can influence the incidence and level of red cell allo‐antibodies in pregnancy; however, it does not account for the significantly high rate of severe haemolytic disease requiring IUT seen in blood group A women.
Effect of Biomass Feed Size and Air Flow Rate on the Pressure Drop of Gasification Reactor
Authors: Wibowo Wusana Agung , Pranolo Sunu Herwi , Sunarno Juli Novianto , Purwadi Doyok
Published: July 2014

The present work investigates feed size characteristics of the biomass on pressure drop for prediction of gasification reactor performance. Bed of biomass in the reactor resulted pressure drop causes the increase of energy for supplying gasifying agent, thereby reducing the net energy gain. Biomass used in this study are sawdust, rice husk, wood charcoal, coconut shells, peanut shells, corn cobs and leaf litter. Pressure drop test were performed under turbulent condition (Reynolds: 63000; 78000, and 88000) and five bed height variations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 m). It had been found that the higher Reynolds and bed of biomass as well as the smaller particle size of the biomass resulted greater pressure drop. Moreover, the shape characteristic of biomass also affected pressure drop. The study yield correlations of pressure drop, fluid velocity and height of bed for each biomass. The obtained pressure drops are analyzed by Bernoulli equations for investigation of power prediction. The highest power requirement was achieved for saw dust (P= 47.84 W) with Reynolds 88000 and height of 0.5 m. In contrast, the lowest power requirement was achieved for corn cobs (P=11.257 W) with Reynolds 63000 and height of 0.1 m.
Amitriptyline is efficacious in ameliorating muscle inflammation and depressive symptoms in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Manning Jennifer , Kulbida Rebecca , Rai Prerana , Jensen Lindsay , Bouma Judith , Singh Sanjay P. , O'Malley Dervla , Yilmazer‐Hanke Deniz
Published: June 2014

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Individuals suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy show progressive deterioration of muscle function associated with muscle inflammation and are susceptible to anxiety and depression. The central question in this study is whether the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and at the same time has anti‐inflammatory effects in mdx mice, which are a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Amitriptyline reduced inflammation and cytokines in mdx skeletal muscle, and had anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in mdx mice. Moreover, amitriptyline elevated the level of serotonin but reduced the expression of the cytokine interleukin‐6 in the amygdala of mdx mice.

Mutations in the structural protein dystrophin underlie muscular dystrophies characterized by progressive deterioration of muscle function. Dystrophin‐deficient mdx mice are considered a model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Individuals with DMD are also susceptible to mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Therefore, the study objectives were to investigate the effects of the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline on mood, learning, central cytokine expression and skeletal muscle inflammation in mdx mice. Amitriptyline‐induced effects (10 mg kg−1 daily s.c. injections, 25 days) on the behaviour of mdx mice were investigated using the open field arena and tail suspension tests. The effects of chronic amitriptyline treatment on inflammatory markers were studied in the muscle and plasma of mdx mice, and mood‐associated monoamine and cytokine concentrations were measured in the amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, striatum, hypothalamus and midbrain. The mdx mice exhibited increased levels of anxiety and depressive‐like behaviour compared with wild‐type mice. Amitriptyline treatment had anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in mdx mice associated with elevations in serotonin levels in the amygdala and hippocampus. Inflammation in mdx skeletal muscle tissue was also reduced following amitriptyline treatment as indicated by decreased immune cell infiltration of muscle and lower levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 in the forelimb flexors. Interleukin‐6 mRNA expression was remarkably reduced in the amygdala of mdx mice by chronic amitriptyline treatment. Positive effects of amitriptyline on mood, in addition to its anti‐inflammatory effects in skeletal muscle, may make it an attractive therapeutic option for individuals with DMD.
Fructose supplementation worsens the deleterious effects of short‐term high‐fat feeding on hepatic steatosis and lipid metabolism in adult rats
Authors: Crescenzo Raffaella , Bianco Francesca , Coppola Paola , Mazzoli Arianna , Tussellino Margherita , Carotenuto Rosa , Liverini Giovanna , Iossa Susanna
Published: June 2014

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

In humans, ‘Western‐style’ diet is characterized by high levels of both saturated fats and fructose. Lipid oversupply to the liver typical of high‐fat diets could be exacerbated by the coexistence of high levels of fat and fructose in the diet, thus accelerating the development of metabolic deregulation.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Short‐term consumption of a Western diet, rich in saturated fats and fructose, is more conducive to the development of liver steatosis and deleterious to glucose homeostasis than a high‐fat diet. This result points to the harmful effect of adding fructose to the usual Western, high‐fat diet.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the short‐term effect of high‐fat or high‐fat–high‐fructose feeding on hepatic lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function in adult sedentary rats. Adult male rats were fed a high‐fat or high‐fat–high‐fructose diet for 2 weeks. Body and liver composition, hepatic steatosis, plasma lipid profile and hepatic insulin sensitivity, together with whole‐body and hepatic de novo lipogenesis, were assessed. Hepatic mitochondrial mass, functionality, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense were also measured. Rats fed the high‐fat–high‐fructose diet exhibited significantly higher plasma triglycerides, non‐esterified fatty acids, insulin and indexes of hepatic insulin resistance compared with rats fed a low‐fat or a high‐fat diet. Hepatic triglycerides and ceramide, as well as the degree of steatosis and necrosis, were significantly higher, while liver p‐Akt was significantly lower, in rats fed high‐fat–high‐fructose diet than in rats fed high‐fat diet. A significant increase in non‐protein respiratory quotient and hepatic fatty acid synthase and stearoyl CoA desaturase activity was found in rats fed the high‐fat–high‐fructose diet compared with those fed the high‐fat diet. Significantly lower mitochondrial oxidative capacity but significantly higher oxidative stress was found in rats fed high‐fat and high‐fat–high‐fructose diets compared with rats fed low‐fat diet, while mitochondrial mass significantly increased only in rats fed high‐fat–high‐fructose diet. In conclusion, short‐term consumption of a Western diet, rich in saturated fats and fructose, is more conducive to the development of liver steatosis and deleterious to glucose homeostasis than a high‐fat diet.
Insulin action in the hypothalamus and dorsal vagal complex
Authors: Abraham Mona A. , Filippi Beatrice M. , Kang Gil Myoung , Kim Min‐Seon , Lam Tony K. T.
Published: June 2014

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review documents a metabolic role of insulin action in brain.

What advances does it highlight?

This review highlights the role of insulin signalling in the hypothalamus and dorsal vagal complex in the regulation of hepatic glucose production and food intake.

Insulin resistance is a hallmark feature of type 2 diabetes and obesity. In addition to the classical view that insulin resistance in the liver, muscle and fat disrupts glucose homeostasis, studies in the past decade have illustrated that insulin resistance in the hypothalamus dysregulates hepatic glucose production and food intake, leading to type 2 diabetes and obesity. This invited review argues that in addition to the hypothalamus, insulin signalling in the dorsal vagal complex regulates hepatic glucose production and food intake. A thorough understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of insulin action in the hypothalamus and dorsal vagal complex is necessary in order to identify therapeutic targets for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Modulation of human vestibular reflexes with increased postural threat
Authors: Horslen Brian C. , Dakin Christopher J. , Inglis J. Timothy , Blouin Jean‐Sébastien , Carpenter Mark G.
Published: June 2014

Key points

The vestibular system is an important sensory contributor to the control of standing balance.

Fear, anxiety and arousal are thought to influence the excitability of the vestibular system, but it is not clear if these changes lead to altered vestibular‐evoked balance reflexes.

Low and high standing surface heights were used to manipulate fear and anxiety in this study, while stochastic vestibular stimulation was used to evoke balance reflexes.

High surface heights lead to greater coupling between vestibular inputs and balance reflexes, as well as larger responses.

These results support the idea that the manner in which vestibular information is processed is altered when people are exposed to a threat to their balance, and this altered processing may explain why normal balance behaviour is different in threatening scenarios.

Anxiety and arousal have been shown to facilitate human vestibulo‐ocular reflexes, presumably through direct neural connections between the vestibular nuclei and emotional processing areas of the brain. However, the effects of anxiety, fear and arousal on balance‐relevant vestibular reflexes are currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to manipulate standing height to determine whether anxiety and fear can modulate the direct relationship between vestibular signals and balance reflexes during stance. Stochastic vestibular stimulation (SVS; 2–25 Hz) was used to evoke ground reaction forces (GRF) while subjects stood in both LOW and HIGH surface height conditions. Two separate experiments were conducted to investigate the SVS–GRF relationship, in terms of coupling (coherence and cumulant density) and gain, in the medio‐lateral (ML) and antero‐posterior (AP) directions. The short‐ and medium‐latency cumulant density peaks were both significantly increased in the ML and AP directions when standing in HIGH, compared to LOW, conditions. Likewise, coherence was statistically greater between 4.3 Hz and 6.7 Hz in the ML, and between 5.5 and 17.7 Hz in the AP direction. When standing in the HIGH condition, the gain of the SVS–GRF relationship was increased 81% in the ML direction, and 231% in the AP direction. The significant increases in coupling and gain observed in both experiments demonstrate that vestibular‐evoked balance responses are augmented in states of height‐induced postural threat. These data support the possibility that fear or anxiety‐mediated changes to balance control are affected by altered central processing of vestibular information.