bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface modes and acoustic scattering of microspheres and ultrasound contrast agents
Authors: Falou Omar , Jafari Sojahrood Amin , Carl Kumaradas J. , Kolios Michael C.
Published: September 2012

Surface modes of spherical objects subject to ultrasound excitation have been recently proposed to explain experimental measurements of scattering from microspheres and ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs). In this work, the relationship between surface modes and resonance frequencies of microspheres and UCAs is investigated. A finite-element model, built upon the fundamentals of wave propagation and structural mechanics, was introduced and validated against analytical solutions (error <5%). Numerical results showed the existence of a systematic relationship between resonance frequencies and surface modes of a 30 μm microsphere driven at 1–70 MHz. On the contrary, for a 100 nm shelled, 4 μm diameter UCA, no clear relationship between the resonance frequencies and the surface modes was found in the frequency range examined. Instead, the UCA exhibited a collection of complex oscillations, which appear to be a combination of various surface modes and displacements. A study of the effects of varying the shell properties on the backscatter showed the presence of peaks in the backscatter of thick-shelled UCAs, which are not predicted by previous models. In summary, this work presents a systematic effort to examine scattering and surface modes from ultrasound contrast agents using finite-element models.
Anthrax Vaccine–Induced Antibodies Provide Cross-Species Prediction of Survival to Aerosol Challenge
Authors: Fay Michael P. , Follmann Dean A. , Lynn Freyja , Schiffer Jarad M. , Stark Gregory V. , Kohberger Robert , Quinn Conrad P. , Nuzum Edwin O.
Published: September 2012

Lethal toxin–neutralizing activity in serum after vaccination can provide cross-species predictions of survival against inhalation anthrax.
Spontaneous gastric perforation in an 11-year-old boy with anorexia nervosa: rare presentation with right iliac fossa pain
Authors: Hashmi Khawar Sibtain , Ellul Thomas , Leopard Daniel Charles , Woodward Alan
Published: September 2012

Spontaneous gastric perforation is rare in children. It is usually associated with prematurity, foreign bodies and trauma. Anorexia nervosa (AN) can be an underlying condition although no cases are reported in the literature. We are reporting a rare case of 1- year-old boy with AN who presented with right iliac fossa (RIF) pain mimicking acute appendicitis. Intraoperative findings proved a gastric perforation. Pathophysiology of this condition in AN is poorly understood. Gastric smooth muscle atrophy and ischaemia can be the possible underlying mechanisms. The case discussed here highlights the fact that any abdominal pain in patients with underlying eating disorders (EDs) should raise suspicion of perforation as diagnosis can be far more complicated.
Osteogenesis imperfecta with right renal artery occlusion
Authors: Vaish Arvind Kumar , Kumar Nitin , Jain Nirdesh , Agarwal Abhishek
Published: September 2012

We here report a case of osteogenesis imperfecta who presented with severe hypertension and left ventricular failure and had right renal artery occlusion. The case is very interesting as renal artery occlusion has not been reported earlier in osteogenesis imperfecta.
Psoas abscess secondary to haematoma after a fall causing multiple osteoporotic fractures
Authors: Whitehouse Kathrin , Horne Simon , Gay David
Published: September 2012

A 78-year-old woman presented 28 days after a low-impact fall, where she sustained a right pubic ramus fracture, with increasing left hip pain and fever. Her blood results showed a high white cell count and deranged urea and electrolytes. An MRI revealed multiple osteoporotic fractures and bilateral gluteal abscesses with left iliopsoas abscess, which had likely formed in a haematoma of a sacral fracture. She received a long course of intravenous antibiotics and CT-guided drainage of the abscesses. She developed symptoms of cauda equina, but no evidence of epidural extension of the abscess was found at operation. She required neurorehabilitation. This case highlights the complications of pelvic osteoporotic fractures, and high associated morbidity and mortality in the elderly population.
Thrombolysis in anterior spinal artery syndrome: Figure 1
Authors: Müller Kai Ivar , Steffensen Linn Hofsøy , Johnsen Stein Harald
Published: September 2012

Anterior spinal artery syndrome (ASAS) is often a devastating spinal stroke occurring when the anterior spinal artery or one of its supplying anterior medullary arteries are occluded. The most common causes are arteriosclerosis, dissection of the abdominal aorta, cardiac embolism and degenerative spine disease, and the major risk factors are smoking, hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia. The treatment has generally been supportive. We believe thrombolysis should be considered in the acute phase of this condition, and present a case with ASAS who experienced partial recovery after treatment given 4.5 h after symptom onset.
DEPICTING OPTIONS AND INVESTMENT APPRAISAL INFORMATION IN ROADMAPS
Authors: KERR CLIVE , PHAAL ROBERT , PROBERT DAVID
Published: September 2012

Roadmapping provides a visual canvas upon which a depiction of business strategy can be articulated and shared both within and between organizations. In this regard, roadmaps can be considered as boundary objects because they are used to forge the links between the differing stakeholders and communicate their shared viewpoints. Typically, the format of the roadmap is that of a skeletal structure consisting of a time-based axis against layers of functional perspectives (e.g., market, product, technology). However, in the later stages of the strategic planning and development activity, there is a need to clearly represent the options identified and embed the associated quantitative measures in the roadmap so as to provide greater assistance in the decision-making process. This is critical since options embody flexibility. From a program management perspective such flexibility is typically manifested through making decisions as to whether to defer, abandon, switch, expand/contract different project elements; for instance, choosing to terminate specific R&D, design or procurement activities. Such decisions are made upon evolving market, product and technology conditions. For example, customer needs, operational requirements, product functionalities and performance levels, technology availability and maturity. In order to visually represent options in terms of decision-point timing and size of investment, this paper presents an initial set of visual objects that could be overlaid on the canvas of a roadmap. To illustrate their use, a real-world case study is presented. A fully populated options-based roadmap, containing a set of alternative futures, is described. It is intended that this roadmap acts as a graphical prototype form for visually depicting options and associated investment appraisal information.
High-Current Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors on H-Terminated Diamond Surfaces and Their High-Frequency Operation
Authors: Kawarada Hiroshi
Published: September 2012

Metal semiconductor field-effect transistors (MESFETs) or metal oxide semiconductor FETs (MOSFETs) can be fabricated on hydrogen-terminated diamond without losing the surface hydrogen–carbon bonds and the surface adsorbates responsible for the surface carrier generation. Those FETs show their best performance in diamond transistors. The maximum drain current density is above 1 A/mm and the highest transconductance is 400 mS/mm. These values are comparable to those of modern FETs made of Si or III–V semiconductors. Regarding RF performance, the highest cutoff frequency reaches nearly 50 GHz. The power handling capability exceeds those of Si and GaAs at 1 GHz. The function of surface adsorbates and their stabilization are crucial for the application of diamond FETs.
Enforcement of Levitation Force by Capturing Magnetic Flux between YBa2Cu3O7-x Superconductor Bulk and Permanent Magnet
Authors: Song Daniel , Jang Hyungkwan , Kim Se Bin , Han Young Hee , Park Byung Jun , Sung Tae Hyun
Published: September 2012

An iron block was placed on a permanent magnet (PM) as a path to capture the magnetic flux between a high-temperature superconductor (HTS) bulk and a PM. The effects of the magnetic flux for different iron block thicknesses (0, 2, 4, and 6 mm), configurations, and dimensions were experimentally determined. The optimal conditions for increasing the levitation force, which increased with decreasing air gap between the iron block and the PM, and with increasing iron block thickness, were determined. As the area of the iron block decreased, the levitation force increased, reaching a saturation point. Some iron block configurations acted as a path to capture the magnetic flux, and a higher levitation force was observed for a certain gap distance. Software simulation results support the obtained experimental results.
Compensation of Native Defect Acceptors in Microcrystalline Ge and Si1-xGex Thin Films by Oxygen Incorporation: Electrical Properties and Solar Cell Performance
Authors: Matsui Takuya , Chang Chia-Wen , Mizuno Kouichi , Takeuchi Yoshiaki , Kondo Michio
Published: September 2012

Undoped hydrogenated microcrystalline Ge (µc-Ge:H) films grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition reveal high concentration of free holes (>1018 cm-3) when the films exhibit a high crystalline volume fraction. ESR and Hall-effect experiments suggest that the acceptor states arise from the native dangling bond defects at Ge crystalline grain boundaries. It is demonstrated that an intentional oxygen incorporation during the µc-Ge:H deposition reduces the hole concentration by two orders of magnitude. Furthermore, µc-Si1-x
Ge
x
:H (x=0.1–0.3) alloy p–i–n solar cells show marked improvements in photocarrier collection properties upon oxygen incorporation into the i-layer in the order of 5×1018–1020 cm-3. These findings are explained by the effect of the compensation of the negatively charged Ge dangling bonds by oxygen donors.
Low-Loss 1 ×2 Plastic Optical Fiber Coupler Incorporating a Tapered Polymeric Waveguide and Plastic Optical Fiber Transition Regions
Authors: Kim Kwang Taek , Kim Min Kuk
Published: September 2012

We propose and demonstrate a low-loss 1×2 plastic optical fiber (POF) coupler incorporating a tapered polymeric waveguide and two POF transition regions. The design concept for acquiring a low optical loss is presented. The measured excess losses of coupler for the optical splitting and optical combining were 0.7 and 1.4 dB, respectively.
Molecular Beam Epitaxy of BaSi2 Films with Grain Size over 4 µm on Si(111)
Authors: Baba Masakazu , Nakamura Kotaro , Du Weijie , Khan M. Ajmal , Koike Shintaro , Toko Kaoru , Usami Noritaka , Saito Noriyuki , Yoshizawa Noriko , Suemasu Takashi
Published: September 2012

100-nm-thick BaSi2 epitaxial films were grown on Si(111) substrates by a two-step growth method including reactive deposition epitaxy (RDE) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The Ba deposition rate and duration were varied from 0.25 to 1.0 nm/min and from 5 to 120 min during RDE, respectively. Plan-view transmission electron micrographs indicated that the grain size in the MBE-grown BaSi2 was significantly dependent on the RDE growth conditions and was varied from approximately 0.2 to more than 4 µm.
Leucine supplementation increases SIRT1 expression and prevents mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic disorders in high-fat diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Li Hongliang , Xu Mingjiang , Lee Jiyeon , He Chaoyong , Xie Zhonglin
Published: September 2012

Leucine supplementation has been shown to prevent high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia in animal models, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Recent studies suggest that activation of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is an important mechanism to maintain energy and metabolic homeostasis. We therefore examined the involvement of SIRT1 in leucine supplementation-prevented obesity and insulin resistance. To accomplish this goal, male C57BL/6J mice were fed normal diet or HFD, supplemented with or without leucine. After 2 mo of treatment, alterations in SIRT1 expression, insulin signaling, and energy metabolism were analyzed. Eight weeks of HFD induced obesity, fatty liver, mitochondrial dysfunction, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance in mice. Addition of leucine to HFD correlated with increased expression of SIRT1 and NAMPT (nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase) as well as higher intracellular NAD+levels, which decreased acetylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) and forkhead box O1 (FoxO1). The deacetylation of PGC1α may contribute to upregulation of genes controlling mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation, thereby improving mitochondrial function and preventing HFD-induced obesity in mice. Moreover, decreased acetylation of FoxO1 was accompanied by decreased expression of pseudokinase tribble 3 (TRB3) and reduced the association between TRB3 and Akt, which enhanced insulin sensitivity and improved glucose metabolism. Finally, transfection of dominant negative AMPK prevented activation of SIRT1 signaling in HFD-Leu mice. These data suggest that increased expression of SIRT1 after leucine supplementation may lead to reduced acetylation of PGC1α and FoxO1, which is associated with attenuation of HFD-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance, and obesity.
Enhanced excitability of guinea pig inferior mesenteric ganglion neurons during and following recovery from chemical colitis
Authors: Linden David R.
Published: September 2012

Postganglionic sympathetic neurons in the prevertebral ganglia (PVG) provide ongoing inhibitory tone to the gastrointestinal tract and receive innervation from mechanosensory intestinofugal afferent neurons primarily located in the colon and rectum. This study tests the hypothesis that colitis alters the excitability of PVG neurons. Intracellular recording techniques were used to evaluate changes in the electrical properties of inferior mesenteric ganglion (IMG) neurons in the trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) and acetic acid models of guinea pig colitis. Visceromotor IMG neurons were hyperexcitable 12 and 24 h, but not 6 h, post-TNBS during “acute” inflammation. Hyperexcitability persisted at 6 days post-TNBS during “chronic” inflammation, as well as at 56 days post-TNBS when colitis had resolved. In contrast, there was only a modest decrease in the current required to elicit an action potential at 24 h after acetic acid administration. Vasomotor neurons from inflamed preparations exhibited normal excitability. The excitatory effects of XE-991, a blocker of the channel that contributes to the M-type potassium current, and heteropodatoxin-2, a blocker of the channel that contributes to the A-type potassium current, were unchanged in TNBS-inflamed preparations, suggesting that these currents did not contribute to hyperexcitability. Riluzole, an inhibitor of persistent sodium currents, caused tonic visceromotor neurons to accommodate to sustained current pulses, regardless of the inflammatory state of the preparation, and restored a normal rheobase in neurons from TNBS-inflamed preparations but did not alter the rheobase of control preparations, suggesting that enhanced activity of voltage-gated sodium channels may contribute to colitis-induced hyperexcitability. Collectively, these data indicate that enhanced sympathetic drive as a result of hyperexcitable visceromotor neurons may contribute to small bowel dysfunction during colitis.
Insights from a novel model of slow-transit constipation generated by partial outlet obstruction in the murine large intestine
Authors: Heredia Dante J. , Grainger Nathan , McCann Conor J. , Smith Terence K.
Published: September 2012

The mechanisms underlying slow-transit constipation (STC) are unclear. In 50% of patients with STC, some form of outlet obstruction has been reported; also an elongated colon has been linked to patients with STC. Our aims were 1) to develop a murine model of STC induced by partial outlet obstruction and 2) to determine whether this leads to colonic elongation and, consequently, activation of the inhibitory “occult reflex,” which may contribute to STC in humans. Using a purse-string suture, we physically reduced the maximal anal sphincter opening in C57BL/6 mice. After 4 days, the mice were euthanized (acutely obstructed), the suture was removed (relieved), or the suture was removed and replaced repeatedly (chronically obstructed, over 24–31 days). In partially obstructed mice, we observed increased cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 levels in muscularis and mucosa, an elongated impacted large bowel, slowed transit, nonpropagating colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs), a lack of mucosal reflexes, a depolarized circular muscle with slow-wave activity due to a lack of spontaneous inhibitory junction potentials, muscle hypertrophy, and CMMCs in mucosa-free preparations. Elongation of the empty obstructed colon produced a pronounced occult reflex. Removal of the obstruction or addition of a COX-2 antagonist (in vitro and in vivo) restored membrane potential, spontaneous inhibitory junction potentials, CMMC propagation, and mucosal reflexes. We conclude that partial outlet obstruction increases COX-2 leading to a hyperexcitable colon. This hyperexcitability is largely due to suppression of only descending inhibitory nerve pathways by prostaglandins. The upregulation of motility is suppressed by the occult reflex activated by colonic elongation.
Relationships between neck muscle electromyography and three-dimensional head kinematics during centrally induced torsional head perturbations
Authors: Farshadmanesh Farshad , Byrne Patrick , Wang Hongying , Corneil Brian D. , Crawford J. Douglas
Published: September 2012

The relationship between neck muscle electromyography (EMG) and torsional head rotation (about the nasooccipital axis) is difficult to assess during normal gaze behaviors with the head upright. Here, we induced acute head tilts similar to cervical dystonia (torticollis) in two monkeys by electrically stimulating 20 interstitial nucleus of Cajal (INC) sites or inactivating 19 INC sites by injection of muscimol. Animals engaged in a simple gaze fixation task while we recorded three-dimensional head kinematics and intramuscular EMG from six bilateral neck muscle pairs. We used a cross-validation-based stepwise regression to quantitatively examine the relationships between neck EMG and torsional head kinematics under three conditions: 1) unilateral INC stimulation (where the head rotated torsionally toward the side of stimulation); 2) corrective poststimulation movements (where the head returned toward upright); and 3) unilateral INC inactivation (where the head tilted toward the opposite side of inactivation). Our cross-validated results of corrective movements were slightly better than those obtained during unperturbed gaze movements and showed many more torsional terms, mostly related to velocity, although some orientation and acceleration terms were retained. In addition, several simplifying principles were identified. First, bilateral muscle pairs showed similar, but opposite EMG-torsional coupling terms, i.e., a change in torsional kinematics was associated with increased muscle activity on one side and decreased activity on the other side. s, whenever torsional terms were retained in a given muscle, they were independent of the inputs we tested, i.e., INC stimulation vs. corrective motion vs. INC inactivation, and left vs. right INC data. These findings suggest that, despite the complexity of the head-neck system, the brain can use a single, bilaterally coupled inverse model for torsional head control that is valid across different behaviors and movement directions. Combined with our previous data, these new data provide the terms for a more complete three-dimensional model of EMG: head rotation coupling for the muscles and gaze behaviors that we recorded.
Temporal stability of visually selective responses in intracranial field potentials recorded from human occipital and temporal lobes
Authors: Bansal Arjun K. , Singer Jedediah M. , Anderson William S. , Golby Alexandra , Madsen Joseph R. , Kreiman Gabriel
Published: September 2012

The cerebral cortex needs to maintain information for long time periods while at the same time being capable of learning and adapting to changes. The degree of stability of physiological signals in the human brain in response to external stimuli over temporal scales spanning hours to days remains unclear. Here, we quantitatively assessed the stability across sessions of visually selective intracranial field potentials (IFPs) elicited by brief flashes of visual stimuli presented to 27 subjects. The interval between sessions ranged from hours to multiple days. We considered electrodes that showed robust visual selectivity to different shapes; these electrodes were typically located in the inferior occipital gyrus, the inferior temporal cortex, and the fusiform gyrus. We found that IFP responses showed a strong degree of stability across sessions. This stability was evident in averaged responses as well as single-trial decoding analyses, at the image exemplar level as well as at the category level, across different parts of visual cortex, and for three different visual recognition tasks. These results establish a quantitative evaluation of the degree of stationarity of visually selective IFP responses within and across sessions and provide a baseline for studies of cortical plasticity and for the development of brain-machine interfaces.
Neck rotation modulates flexion synergy torques, indicating an ipsilateral reticulospinal source for impairment in stroke
Authors: Ellis Michael D. , Drogos Justin , Carmona Carolina , Keller Thierry , Dewald Julius P. A.
Published: September 2012

The effect of reticular formation excitability on maximum voluntary torque (MVT) generation and associated muscle activation at the shoulder and elbow was investigated through natural elicitation (active head rotation) of the asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR) in 26 individuals with stroke and 9 age-range-matched controls. Isometric MVT generation at the shoulder and elbow was quantified with the head rotated (face pointing) contralateral and ipsilateral to the paretic (stroke) and dominant (control) arm. Given the dominance of abnormal torque coupling of elbow flexion with shoulder abduction (flexion synergy) in stroke and well-developed animal models demonstrating a linkage between reticular formation and ipsilateral elbow flexors and shoulder abductors, we hypothesized that constituent torques of flexion synergy, specifically elbow flexion and shoulder abduction, would increase with contralateral head rotation. The findings of this investigation support this hypothesis. Increases in MVT for three of four flexion synergy constituents (elbow flexion, shoulder abduction, and shoulder external rotation) were observed during contralateral head rotation only in individuals with stroke. Electromyographic data of the associated muscle coactivations were nonsignificant but are presented for consideration in light of a likely underpowered statistical design for this specific variable. This study not only provides evidence for the reemergence of ATNR following stroke but also indicates a common neuroanatomical link, namely, an increased reliance on ipsilateral reticulospinal pathways, as the likely mechanism underlying the expression of both ATNR and flexion synergy that results in the loss of independent joint control.
Presynaptic CaV2.1 calcium channels carrying familial hemiplegic migraine mutation R192Q allow faster recovery from synaptic depression in mouse calyx of Held
Authors: Inchauspe Carlota González , Urbano Francisco J. , Di Guilmi Mariano N. , Ferrari Michel D. , van den Maagdenberg Arn M. J. M. , Forsythe Ian D. , Uchitel Osvaldo D.
Published: September 2012

CaV2.1 Ca2+ channels have a dominant and specific role in initiating fast synaptic transmission at central excitatory synapses, through a close association between release sites and calcium sensors. Familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM-1) is an autosomal-dominant subtype of migraine with aura, caused by missense mutations in the CACNA1A gene that encodes the α1A pore-forming subunit of CaV2.1 channel. We used knock-in (KI) transgenic mice harboring the FHM-1 mutation R192Q to study the consequences of this mutation in neurotransmission at the giant synapse of the auditory system formed by the presynaptic calyx of Held terminal and the postsynaptic neurons of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). Although synaptic transmission seems unaffected by low-frequency stimulation in physiological Ca2+ concentration, we observed that with low Ca2+ concentrations (<1 mM) excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) showed increased amplitudes in R192Q KI mice compared with wild type (WT), meaning significant differences in the nonlinear calcium dependence of nerve-evoked transmitter release. In addition, when EPSCs were evoked by broadened presynaptic action potentials (achieved by inhibition of K+ channels) via Cav2.1-triggered exocytosis, R192Q KI mice exhibited further enhancement of EPSC amplitude and charge compared with WT mice. Repetitive stimulation of afferent axons to the MNTB at different frequencies caused short-term depression of EPSCs that recovered significantly faster in R192Q KI mice than in WT mice. Faster recovery in R192Q KI mice was prevented by the calcium chelator EGTA-AM, pointing to enlarged residual calcium as a key factor in accelerating the replenishment of synaptic vesicles.
Comparison of Learning Software Architecture by Developing Social Applications versus Games on the Android Platform
Authors: Wu Bian , Wang Alf Inge
Published: September 2012

This paper describes an empirical study where the focus was on discovering differences and similarities in students working on development of social applications versus students working on development of games using the same Android development platform. In 2010-2011, students attending the software architecture course at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) could choose between four types of projects. Independently of the chosen type of project, all students had to go through the same phases, produce the same documents based on the same templates, and follow exactly the same process. This study focuses on one of projects—Android project, to see how much the application domain affects the course project independently of the chosen technology. Our results revealed some positive effects for the students doing game development compared to social application development to learn software architecture, like motivated to work with games, a better focus on quality attributes such as modifiability and testability during the development, production of software architectures of higher complexity, and more productive coding working for the project. However, we did not find significant differences in awarded grade between students choosing the two different domains.
The New Digital Flexible Ureteroscopes: ‘Size Does Matter’ – Increased Ureteric Access Sheath Use!
Authors: Bach C. , Nesar S. , Kumar P. , Goyal A. , Kachrilas S. , Papatsoris A. , Masood J. , Buchholz N.
Published: September 2012

Objectives: To evaluate whether the use of sheaths to access the ureter has increased after the introduction of new digital ureterorenoscopes in patients undergoing flexible ureteroscopy. Methods: 140 patients with kidney stones were randomised to be scoped with either an old-generation fibre-optic flexible ureteroscope (DUR-8, Elite, ACMI; distal tip diameter = 6.75 Fr) or a new-generation digital LCD flexible ureteroscope (Invisio D-URD flexible ureteroscope; distal tip diameter = 8.7 Fr). We recorded the necessity to use a sheath to access the ureter, sheath-related and postoperative complications, and whether or not a JJ stent was left behind. Results: 157 (80 fibre-optic and 77 digital) ureterorenoscopies were performed. Ureteral access sheaths were used significantly more frequently with digital scopes (p = 0.00174). Two patients in the digital scope group had a small distal ureteric perforation from the introducer sheath compared with none in the fibre-optic scope group. Conclusions: A statistically significant increase in sheath use was observed in the new-generation digital flexible ureteroscopy group. Despite the improvement in image quality, better durability and improved stone clearance, there are some potential drawbacks of these scopes. The increased distal tip diameter can result in increased use of ureteric access sheaths and this may increase morbidity and expense.
Development of prognostic tools in pulmonary arterial hypertension: Lessons from modern day registries
Authors: Gomberg-Maitland Mardi , Frost Adaani , Frantz Robert , Humbert Marc , McGoon Michael , Benza Raymond
Published: September 2012

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterised by increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries leading to right-sided ventricular failure, and death. Identification of factors that affect patient survival is important to improve patient management and outcomes. The first registry to evaluate survival and develop a prognostic model was the National Institutes of Health (NIH) registry in 1981. Importantly this prognostic model is based on data collected prior to availability of PAH-targeted therapies and does not reflect survival rates for treated patients. Since the 1980s, however, four modern registries of PAH now exist which compensate for the NIH equations shortcomings and include the French National registry, Pulmonary Hypertension Connection registry, the Mayo registry, and the Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL). The similarities and difference in these registries are highlighted in this review and although similar in many respects, the four registries vary in patient population, including the numbers of newly and previously diagnosed patients, as well as the era of observation, period of survival, and timing of assessment of potential predictive factors. Despite this, the predictive factors identified in each registry and described in detail within the body of this manuscript share surprising homology in that disease aetiology, patient gender and factors reflective of right heart failure are integral in depicting survival. Future modifications of modern prognostic equations should be an ongoing goal of the PAH community in order to provide increased accuracy with identification of novel risk factors and prediction of disease course.
Maternal chromosome 4 heterodisomy/isodisomy and Bβ chain Trp323X mutation resulting in severe hypodysfibrinogenaemia
Authors: Xi Xiaodong , Ding Qiulan , Ouyang Qi , Wang Xuefeng , Shen Yiping , Wang Hongli
Published: September 2012

We report a rare case of congenital hypodysfibrinogenaemia due to maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 4 (mat UPD 4) and a maternally inherited novel nonsense mutation Trp323X in the fibrinogen Bβ chain (FGB) gene. Western blot analysis of patient's plasma revealed an abnormal fibrinogen which consisted of truncated Bβ chain and normal Aα and γ chains. Patient's clinical history and laboratory evidence are presented. Microsatellite genotyping analysis revealed a mixed nature of heterodisomy and isodisomy along chromosome 4. High density SNP genotyping array analysis further confirmed the mat UPD 4 and defined two segments of chromosome 4 (4pter-p15.33 and 4q31.21–4q32.3) as maternal isodisomy (iUPD4) and the remaining regions as maternal heterodisomy (hUPD4), with the FGB gene carrying the mutation resided in the iUPD4 region on the long (q) arm. It was predicted that the segmental nature of iUPD and hUPD was caused by three recombination events at positions around 167.96 cM, 145.51 cM and 14.40 cM on chromosome 4 followed by a meiosis I non-disjunction. This case is clinically and molecularly unique and offers an opportunity for understanding novel mechanisms of congenital hypodysfibrinogenaemia associated with complex UPD and fibrinogen secretion.
Exercise training in intermittent claudication: Effects on antioxidant genes, inflammatory mediators and proangiogenic progenitor cells
Authors: Nowobilski Roman , Kusinska Katarzyna , Bukowska-Strakova Karolina , Nizankowski Rafal , Nowak Witold , Mika Piotr , Jozkowicz Alicja , Szczeklik Andrzej , Dulak Jozef
Published: September 2012

Exercise training remains a therapy of choice in intermittent claudication (IC). However, too exhaustive exercise may cause ischaemic injury and inflammatory response. We tested the impact of three-month treadmill training and single treadmill exercise on antioxidant gene expressions, cytokine concentrations and number of marrow-derived proangiogenic progenitor cells (PPC) in the blood of IC patients. Blood samples of 12 patients were collected before and after training, before and 1, 3 and 6 hours after the single exercise. PPCs were analysed with flow cytometry, cytokine concentrations were checked with Milliplex MAP, while expression of mRNAs and miRNAs was evaluated with qRT-PCR. Treadmill training improved pain-free walking time (from 144 ± 44 seconds [s] to 311 ± 134 s, p=0.02) and maximum walking time (from 578 ± 293 s to 859 ± 423 s, p=0.01) in IC patients. Before, but not after training, the single treadmill exercise increased the number of circulating CD45dimCD34+CD133-KDR+ PPCs (p=0.048), decreased expression of HMOX1 (p=0.04) in circulating leukocytes, reduced tumour necrosis factor-α (p=0.03) and tended to elevate myeloperoxidase (p=0.06) concentrations in plasma. In contrast, total plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 was decreased by single exercise only after, but not before training (p=0.02). Both before and after training the single exercise decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 (p=0.006 and p=0.03) concentration and increased SOD1 (p=0.001 and p=0.01) expression. Patients after training had also less interleukin-6 (p=0.03), but more MCP-1 (p=0.04) in the blood. In conclusion, treadmill training improves walking performance of IC patients, attenuates the single exercise-induced changes in gene expressions or PPC mobilisation, but may also lead to higher production of some proinflammatory cytokines.
Increased prevalence of hypertension in haemophilia patients
Authors: van de Putte Dietje E. , Fischer Kathelijn , Makris Michael , Tait R. , Collins Peter W. , Meijer Karina , Roosendaal Goris , Chowdary Pratima , Schutgens Roger E. G. , Mauser-Bunschoten Eveline P.
Published: September 2012

An increased prevalence of hypertension is reported in haemophilia patients, but data from large, unbiased studies are lacking. The aim of our study was to cross-sectionally assess the prevalence of hypertension in a large cohort of 701 haemophilia patients. Blood pressure (BP) measurements performed in 386 Dutch and 315 UK haemophilia patients aged 30 years or older were analysed and compared with the general age-matched male population. Mean values of up to three BP measurements were used when available. Hypertension was defined as BP over 140/90 mmHg and/or the use of antihypertensive medication. A total of 49% of patients had severe haemophilia. Mean age was 49.8 years. The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in haemophilia patients (49%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 45–53) than in the general population (40%, 95% CI 37–43). The prevalence of hypertension was higher in patients with severe haemophilia than in those with non-severe disease, but similar across haemophilia types and in Dutch and UK patients. Multiple BP measurements were available for 70%.The prevalence of hypertension was similar in patients with multiple BP measurements and the complete cohort. Hypertension was not significantly associated with renal function, a history of renal bleeding or with infection with hepatitis C or HIV, but it was associated with overweight/obesity and age. In conclusion, the prevalence of hypertension is higher in haemophilia patients than in the general population. The cause of this increased prevalence is unknown. Blood pressure measurements should be part of standard care in haemophilia patients aged 30 years or older.
Lipid levels do not influence the risk of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Mahmoodi Bakhtawar , Gansevoort Ron , Muntinghe Friso , Dullaart Robin , Kluin-Nelemans Hanneke , Veeger Nic , van Schouwenburg Inge , Meijer Karina
Published: September 2012

Studies on the association between lipid profile and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are inconsistent. This could be caused by classical lipoproteins being inferior to apolipoproteins as markers for VTE risk. Therefore, we examined whether apolipoproteins are more strongly related to VTE than lipoproteins. For this analysis we used the PREVEND prospective community based observational cohort study. Levels of apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), non-HDL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), lipoprotein(a), ApoB/ApoA1 and TC/HDL ratio were assessed. Subjects with VTE were identified using databases of the national registries of hospital discharge diagnoses, death certificates, and the regional anticoagulation clinic. Out of 7,627 subjects, 110 developed VTE during a median follow-up of 10.5 years. In both univariate and multivariable analyses no significant associations between apolipoproteins and overall VTE were observed. Of the classical lipoproteins, TC, non-HDL, LDL, TG, and TC/HDL ratio were significantly associated with overall VTE in univariate analysis. Significant associations were no longer present in multivariable analysis. TGL and LDL were significantly associated with unprovoked VTE in univariate analysis. After adjustment for age and sex this significance was lost. No significant associations between (apo-) lipoproteins and provoked VTE were found. We conclude that apolipoproteins are not better in predicting VTE risk than the classical lipoproteins. Our population-based cohort study does not show an association between both apolipoproteins and the classical lipoproteins and VTE risk.
Atheroprotective mechanisms of shear stress-regulated microRNAs
Authors: Boon Reinier A. , Hergenreider Eduard , Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: September 2012

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that control gene expression by inhibiting translation or inducing degradation of targeted mRNA. miRs play a crucial role in vascular homeostasis but also during pathophysiological processes. Functionally active endothelial cells maintain homeostasis of the vasculature and protect against cardiovascular disease. The mechanical activation of endothelial cells by laminar shear stress provides a potent atheroprotective effect and reduces endothelial inflammation and cell cycle progression. Laminar shear stress induces profound changes in gene expression and recently was shown to regulate various miRs. The down-regulation of miR-92a by shear stress enhances the expression of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase, whereas the up-regulation of miR-19a contributes to the shear stress-induced inhibition of cell proliferation. In addition, members of the miR-23–27–24 cluster are increased and specifically miR-23b blocks cell cycle progression, whereas miR-27b was shown to reduce endothelial cell repulsive signals. Finally, increased miR-10 expression in atheroprotected regions reduced the inflammatory response of endothelial cells and increased endothelial miR-143/145 levels improved smooth muscle cells functions. Together, the regulation of miRs by shear stress contributes to the anti-inflammatory, cell cycle inhibitory and vasculoprotective effects in endothelial cells.
Circulating miRNAs: messengers on the move in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Egea Virginia , Weber Christian , Schober Andreas
Published: September 2012

Note: The review process for this paper was fully handled by G. Y. H. Lip, Editor in Chief.
CLP36 Is a Negative Regulator of Glycoprotein VI Signaling in Platelets
Authors: Gupta Shuchi , Braun Attila , Morowski Martina , Premsler Thomas , Bender Markus , Nagy Zoltan , Sickmann Albert , Hermanns Heike M. , Bösl Michael , Nieswandt Bernhard
Published: September 2012

Rationale:

At sites of vascular injury, exposed subendothelial collagens not only trigger sudden platelet adhesion and aggregation, thereby initiating normal hemostasis, but also can lead to acute ischemic diseases, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. The glycoprotein (GP) VI/Fc receptor γ-chain complex is a central regulator of these processes because it mediates platelet activation on collagens through a series of tyrosine phosphorylation events downstream of the Fc receptor γ-chain–associated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif. GPVI signaling has to be tightly regulated to prevent uncontrolled intravascular platelet activation, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.

Objective:

We studied the role of PDZ and LIM domain family member CLP36 in platelet physiology in vitro and in vivo.

Methods and Results:

We report that CLP36 acts as a major inhibitor of GPVI immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif signaling in platelets. Platelets from mice either expressing a low amount of a truncated form of CLP36 lacking the LIM domain (
Clp36

ΔLIM

) or lacking the whole protein (
Clp36
−/−
) displayed profound hyperactivation in response to GPVI agonists, whereas other signaling pathways were unaffected. This was associated with hyperphosphorylation of signaling proteins and enhanced Ca
2+
mobilization, granule secretion, and integrin activation downstream of GPVI. The lack of functional CLP36 translated into accelerated thrombus formation and enhanced procoagulant activity, assembling a prothrombotic phenotype in vivo.

Conclusions:

These data reveal an inhibitory function of CLP36 in GPVI immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif signaling and establish it as a key regulator of arterial thrombosis.
Priorities in Residential Water Use
Authors: Sadalla Edward , Berlin Anna , Neel Rebecca , Ledlow Susan
Published: September 2012

A trade-off paradigm was used to examine priorities in residential water use. A total of 426 participants allocated either a small or large budget to various household water uses.  A comparison of allocations across budget conditions revealed which water uses were regarded as most important, as well as the amount of water regarded as sufficient for each use. Further analyses focused on the perceived importance of outdoor water use, which accounts for the majority of the water used in residences. Data indicated that indoor uses, especially those related to health and sanitation, were consistently higher priorities for participants in this study.   The finding that residents are more willing to curtail outdoor water use than indoor water use has important implications for behavior change campaigns. Individual difference variables of environmental orientation and duration of residence in the desert accounted for some of the variance in water choices.
Local Adaptation in Community Perception
Authors: O’Brien Daniel Tumminelli , Norton Charles Cornell , Cohen Jeremy , Wilson David Sloan
Published: September 2012

When observing an unfamiliar neighborhood, people use indicators of physical disorder to judge the local community (i.e., community perception), associating them with crime and weak relationships between neighbors. The authors argue that these judgments depend on people’s definition of disorder, which is adapted to their local community. This is tested with an experiment. Undergraduate students from across New York State rated the collective efficacy (i.e., social quality) of neighborhoods from a single city using images of physical structures. Participants reported which features they attended to when making these judgments. Participants were categorized as being from New York City (NYC), NYC suburbs, or the less densely populated upstate region. Images were from an upstate city. Those from NYC attended more to pavement than others. Ratings by those from upstate were most accurate and positive. These results supported the initial hypotheses and suggested that community perception combines heuristics and familiarity to make inferences.
Circulating Visions of ‘High Islam’: The Adoption of Fantasy Middle Eastern Architecture in Constructing Malaysian National Identity
Authors: Moser Sarah
Published: September 2012

This paper examines how growing conservatism among Muslims in Malaysia has been manifested in the architecture and urban design of Putrajaya, Malaysia’s new capital. Rather than drawing on vernacular design traditions or developing a design idiom that recognises a religiously and ethnically diverse population, the state has recently adopted a fantasy Middle Eastern style for secular national buildings in Putrajaya. In this paper, recent architectural change is examined as a manifestation of social, political and religious trends as well as a demonstration of how Putrajaya’s design can reinforce existing social hierarchies and legitimise the ideological agenda of the state. It is suggested that there are various reasons for the adoption of ‘High Islam’ that relate to broader transnational religious change, Malaysian identity politics and nation-building, and lingering influences of the colonial occupation.
Projecting Post-colonial Conditions at Shanghai Expo 2010, China: Floppy Ears, Lofty Dreams and Macao’s Immutable Mobiles
Authors: Ong Chin-Ee , du Cros Hilary
Published: September 2012

Recent years have seen increased academic attention in urban studies on the flows of city artefacts and images. Conceptualised as ‘immutable mobiles’, the Macao Pavilion and its associated objects on show at Shanghai Expo 2010 are examined for the ways they encouraged and regulated uniformed flows of people and city images. Specifically, these immutable mobiles projected Macao’s lofty dreams of paradoxical affinity to and difference from mainland China—the city is a steadfast Special Administrative Region of China, but the immigration flow of Chinese citizens has been tightly regulated. This paper unpacks the ways in which urban actants articulate and perform such contradictory imaginings of the (im)mobilities of this post-colonial territory. Accordingly, it provides a basis for further study of post-colonial conditions in Macao, and adds to post-colonial research on mobilities in and of Chinese urban spaces.
Technological Advances in the Treatment of Trauma
Authors: Paul Lisa A. , Hassija Christina M. , Clapp Joshua D.
Published: September 2012

Given the availability of empirically supported practices for addressing posttraumatic stress disorder and other forms of trauma-related distress, the development and implementation of new technology to deliver these treatments is exciting. Technological innovations in this literature aim to expand availability of empirically based intervention, increase treatment adherence and acceptability, and overcome barriers commonly encountered with conventional trauma-focused treatment. Much of the current research on these technological developments consists of brief reviews and case studies of the separate therapy modalities. Although this work serves to document the appeal and utility of these innovations, it does not provide comprehensive information about the host of options available. To that end, the three general categories of technological advances in trauma therapy (i.e., videoconferencing, e-Health, virtual reality) are reviewed here, including information regarding their empirical support and suggestions for future research and clinical practice.