bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haptoglobin genotype predicts development of coronary artery calcification in a prospective cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Simpson Melissa , Snell-Bergeon Janet K , Kinney Gregory L , Lache Orit , Miller-Lotan Rachel , Anbinder Yefim , Rewers Marian J , Levy Andrew P
Published: November 2011

Background

Coronary artery disease has been linked with genotypes for haptoglobin (Hp) which modulates extracorpuscular hemoglobin. We hypothesized that the Hp genotype would predict progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Methods

CAC was measured three times in six years among 436 subjects with type 1 diabetes and 526 control subjects participating in the Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes (CACTI) study. Hp typing was performed on plasma samples by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Results

The Hp 2-2 genotype predicted development of significant CAC only in subjects with diabetes who were free of CAC at baseline (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.07-3.56, p = 0.03), compared to those without the Hp 2-2 genotype, controlling for age, sex, blood pressure and HDL-cholesterol. Hp 2 appeared to have an allele-dose effect on development of CAC. Hp genotype did not predict CAC progression in individuals without diabetes.

Conclusions

Hp genotype may aid prediction of accelerated coronary atherosclerosis in subjects with type 1 diabetes.
Calcium-sensing receptor and calcium kidney stones
Authors: Vezzoli Giuseppe , Terranegra Annalisa , Rainone Francesco , Arcidiacono Teresa , Cozzolino Mario , Aloia Andrea , Dogliotti Elena , Cusi Daniele , Soldati Laura
Published: November 2011

Calcium nephrolithiasis may be considered as a complex disease having multiple pathogenetic mechanisms and characterized by various clinical manifestations. Both genetic and environmental factors may increase susceptibility to calcium stones; therefore, it is crucial to characterize the patient phenotype to distinguish homogeneous groups of stone formers. Family and twin studies have shown that the stone transmission pattern is not mendelian, but complex and polygenic. In these studies, heritability of calcium stones was calculated around 50%

Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is mostly expressed in the parathyroid glands and in renal tubules. It regulates the PTH secretion according to the serum calcium concentration. In the kidney, it modulates electrolyte and water excretion regulating the function of different tubular segments. In particular, CaSR reduces passive and active calcium reabsorption in distal tubules, increases phosphate reabsorption in proximal tubules and stimulates proton and water excretion in collecting ducts. Therefore, it is a candidate gene for calcium nephrolithiasis.

In a case-control study we found an association between the normocitraturic stone formers and two SNPs of CaSR, located near the promoters region (rs7652589 and rs1501899). This result was replicated in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, comparing patients with or without kidney stones. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that the minor alleles at these polymorphisms were able to modify the binding sites of specific transcription factors and, consequently, CaSR expression.

Our studies suggest that CaSR is one of the candidate genes explaining individual predisposition to calcium nephrolithiasis. Stone formation may be favored by an altered CaSR expression in kidney medulla involving the normal balance among calcium, phosphate, protons and water excretion.
A trial for the use of qigong in the treatment of pre and mild essential hypertension: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Ji-Eun , Liu Yan , Park Taeseob , Hong Sanghoon , Kim Jung-Eun , Kim Tae-Hun , Kim Ae-Ran , Jung So-Young , Park Hyoju , Choi Sun-Mi
Published: November 2011

Background

Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and the prevalence of hypertension tends to increase with age. Current treatments for hypertension have side effects and poor adherence. Qigong has been studied as an alternative therapy for hypertension; however, the types of qigong used in those studies were diverse, and there have not been many well-designed randomized controlled trials.

Our objectives are the following: 1) To evaluate the effects of qigong on blood pressure, health status and hormone levels for pre- or mild hypertension. 2) To test the methodological appropriateness of this clinical trial and calculate a sample size for future randomized trials.

Methods

Forty subjects with pre- or mild hypertension will be randomized to either the qigong exercise group or the non-treated group. Participants in the qigong group will conduct qigong exercises 5 times per week for 8 weeks, and participants in the non-treated group will maintain their current lifestyle, including diet and exercise. The use of antihypertensive medication is not permitted. The primary endpoint is a change in patient blood pressure. Secondary endpoints are patient health status (as measured by the SF-36 and the MYMOP2 questionnaires) and changes in hormone levels, including norepinephrine, epinephrine, and cortisol.

Discussion

This study will be the first randomized trial to investigate the effectiveness of qigong exercises for the treatment of pre- and mild hypertension. The results of this study will help to establish the optimal approach for the care of adults with pre- or mild hypertension.

Trial registration

Clinical Research Information Service KCT0000140
Nek family of kinases in cell cycle, checkpoint control and cancer
Authors: Moniz Larissa , Dutt Previn , Haider Nasir , Stambolic Vuk
Published: November 2011

Early studies in lower Eukaryotes have defined a role for the members of the NimA related kinase (Nek) family of protein kinases in cell cycle control. Expansion of the Nek family throughout evolution has been accompanied by their broader involvement in checkpoint regulation and cilia biology. Moreover, mutations of Nek family members have been identified as drivers behind the development of ciliopathies and cancer. Recent advances in studying the physiological roles of Nek family members utilizing mouse genetics and RNAi-mediated knockdown are revealing intricate associations of Nek family members with fundamental biological processes. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive account of our understanding of Nek kinase biology and their involvement in cell cycle, checkpoint control and cancer.
Promoter de-methylation of cyclin D2 by sulforaphane in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Hsu Anna , Wong Carmen P , Yu Zhen , Williams David E , Dashwood Roderick H , Ho Emily
Published: November 2011

Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables, induces potent anti-proliferative effects in prostate cancer cells. One mechanism that may contribute to the anti-proliferative effects of SFN is the modulation of epigenetic marks, such as inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes. However, the effects of SFN on other common epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation are understudied. Promoter hyper-methylation of cyclin D2, a major regulator of cell cycle, is correlated with prostate cancer progression, and restoration of cyclin D2 expression exerts anti-proliferative effects on LnCap prostate cancer cells. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of SFN on DNA methylation status of cyclin D2 promoter, and how alteration in promoter methylation impacts cyclin D2 gene expression in LnCap cells. We found that SFN significantly decreased the expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), especially DNMT1 and DNMT3b. Furthermore, SFN significantly decreased methylation in cyclin D2 promoter regions containing c-Myc and multiple Sp1 binding sites. Reduced methlyation of cyclin D2 promoter corresponded to an increase in cyclin D2 transcript levels, suggesting that SFN may de-repress methylation-silenced cyclin D2 by impacting epigenetic pathways. Our results demonstrated the ability of SFN to epigenetically modulate cyclin D2 expression, and provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which SFN may regulate gene expression as a prostate cancer chemopreventive agent.
Comparing the effects of two inhaled glucocorticoids on allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction and markers of systemic effects, a randomised cross‐over double‐blind study
Authors: Lötvall Jan , Palmqvist Mona , Arvidsson Peter
Published: November 2011

Background

Inhaled glucocorticoids are efficient in protecting against asthma exacerbations, but methods to compare their efficacy vs systemic effects have only been attempted in larger multi‐centre studies. The aim of the current study was therefore to directly compare the effects of two separate inhaled glucocorticoids, mometasone and budesonide, to compare the effects on the early and late asthmatic responses to inhaled allergen in patients with mild allergic asthma, and sputum eosinophils, and to relate the clinical positive effects to any systemic effects observed.

Methods

Twelve patients with documented early and late asthmatic responses (EAR and LAR) to inhaled allergen at a screening visit were randomized in a double‐blind fashion to treatment with mometasone (200 μg × 2 or 400 μg × 2), budesonide (400 μg × 2) or placebo in a double‐blind crossover fashion for a period of seven days. Challenge with the total allergen dose causing both an EAR and LAR was given on the last day of treatment taken in the morning. Lung function was assessed using FEV1, and systemic glucocorticoid activity was quantified using 24 h urinary cortisol.

Results

Mometasone and budesonide attenuate both EAR and LAR to allergen to a similar degree. No significant dose‐related effects on the lung function parameters were observed. Both treatments reduced the relative amount of sputum eosinophils (%) after allergen. At the dose of 800 μg daily, mometasone reduced 24 h urinary cortisol by approximately 35%. Both drugs were well tolerated.

Conclusions

Mometasone and budesonide are equieffective in reducing early and late asthmatic responses induced by inhaled allergen challenge. Mometasone 800 μg given for seven days partially affects the HPA axis.
Application of a MANET Testbed for horizontal and vertical scenarios: performance evaluation using delay and jitter metrics
Authors: Hiyama Masahiro , Kulla Elis , Oda Tetsuya , Ikeda Makoto , Barolli Leonard
Published: November 2011

Mobile ad hoc networks are attracting attention for their potential use in several fields such as collaborative computing and communications in indoor areas. Mobility and the absence of any fixed infrastructure make MANETs very attractive for mobility and rescue operations and time-critical applications. Considering mobility of the terminals, routing is a key process for operation of MANETs. In this paper, we analyze the performance of Optimized Link State Routing protocol in an indoor environment considering different scenarios for horizontal and vertical topologies. We evaluate the scenarios based on delay and jitter metrics. The experimental results show that for vertical topology the performance is affected more by mobility and number of hops, in comparison with the horizontal topology.
Target-oriented wavefield tomography using synthesized Born data
Authors: Tang Yaxun , Biondi Biondo
Published: November 2011

We present a new strategy for efficient wave-equation migration-velocity analysis in complex geological settings. The proposed strategy has two main steps: simulating a new data set using an initial unfocused image and performing wavefield-based tomography using this data set. We demonstrated that the new data set can be synthesized by using generalized Born wavefield modeling for a specific target region where velocities are inaccurate. We also showed that the new data set can be much smaller than the original one because of the target-oriented modeling strategy, but it contains necessary velocity information for successful velocity analysis. These interesting features make this new data set suitable for target-oriented, fast and interactive velocity model-building. We demonstrate the performance of our method on both a synthetic data set and a field data set acquired from the Gulf of Mexico, where we update the subsalt velocity in a target-oriented fashion and obtain a subsalt image with improved continuities, signal-to-noise ratio and flattened angle-domain common-image gathers.
Migration velocity analysis using the common image cube (CIC)
Authors: Al-Saleh Saleh M. , Jiao Jianwu , Fox Adam J.
Published: November 2011

Migration velocity analysis (MVA) is commonly performed in the image domain in conjunction with ray-based tomography to update the velocity model. This approach can be challenging in the presence of large velocity errors as it may require many MVA iterations before converging to a model that can focus the events in the image domain. We introduced a downward continuation-based domain for carrying out MVA that is more flexible than conventional domains. This approach consists of two steps: (1) forming the common image cube (CIC) and (2) modeling the Green’s functions. In the first step, the cross-correlation imaging condition is relaxed to produce more than the zero lag common image gather (CIG). Slicing these data at different lags forms a series of CIGs, whereas a conventional CIG can be obtained by slicing the cube at the zero lag. When the velocity model used for the migration differs from the true velocity model, properly flattened events may occur in CIGs other than the zero lag. In the second step, for each event on the CIG, we picked the cross-correlation lag and depth at which it flattens best. For each event, we modeled a Green’s function by seeding a source at the focusing depth using one-way wave-equation modeling. This process is then repeated for other events at different lateral positions. The result is a set of Green’s functions whose wavefield approximates the ones that would have been generated if the correct velocity model was used to simulate these gathers. The updated Green functions are easier to work with than the raw data as they have less noise. Wavefield tomography can then be applied on these data-driven, modeled Green’s functions to build the final velocity model. Tests on synthetic and real 2D data confirm the method’s effectiveness in building velocity models in complex structural areas with large lateral velocity variations.
Rock physics analysis and time-lapse rock imaging of geochemical effects due to the injection of CO2 into reservoir rocks
Authors: Vanorio Tiziana , Nur Amos , Ebert Yael
Published: November 2011

The fundamental concept of time-lapse seismic monitoring is that changes in physical parameters—such as saturation, pore fluid pressure, temperature, and stress—affect rock and fluid properties, which in turn alter the seismic velocity and density. Increasingly, however, time-lapse seismic monitoring is called upon to quantify subsurface changes due in part to chemical reactions between injected fluids and the host rocks. This study springs from a series of laboratory experiments and high-resolution images assessing the changes in microstructure, transport, and seismic properties of fluid-saturated sandstones and carbonates injected with [Formula: see text]. Results show that injecting [Formula: see text] into a brine-rock system induces chemo-mechanical mechanisms that permanently change the rock frame. Injecting [Formula: see text] into brine-saturated-sandstones induces salt precipitation primarily at grain contacts and within small pore throats. In rocks with porosity lower than 10%, salt precipitation reduces permeability and increases P- and S-wave velocities of the dry rock frame. On the other hand, injecting [Formula: see text]-rich water into micritic carbonates induces dissolution of the microcrystalline matrix, leading to porosity enhancement and chemo-mechanical compaction under pressure. In this situation, the elastic moduli of the dry rock frame decrease. The results in these two scenarios illustrate that the time-lapse seismic response of chemically stimulated systems cannot be modeled as a pure fluid-substitution problem. A first set of empirical relationships links the time-variant effects of injection to the elastic properties of the rock frame using laboratory velocity measurements and advanced imaging.
Approximation of pure acoustic seismic wave propagation in TTI media
Authors: Chu Chunlei , Macy Brian K. , Anno Phil D.
Published: November 2011

Pseudoacoustic anisotropic wave equations are simplified elastic wave equations obtained by setting the S-wave velocity to zero along the anisotropy axis of symmetry. These pseudoacoustic wave equations greatly reduce the computational cost of modeling and imaging compared to the full elastic wave equation while preserving P-wave kinematics very well. For this reason, they are widely used in reverse time migration (RTM) to account for anisotropic effects. One fundamental shortcoming of this pseudoacoustic approximation is that it only prevents S-wave propagation along the symmetry axis and not in other directions. This problem leads to the presence of unwanted S-waves in P-wave simulation results and brings artifacts into P-wave RTM images. More significantly, the pseudoacoustic wave equations become unstable for anisotropy parameters [Formula: see text] and for heterogeneous models with highly varying dip and azimuth angles in tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) media. Pure acoustic anisotropic wave equations completely decouple the P-wave response from the elastic wavefield and naturally solve all the above-mentioned problems of the pseudoacoustic wave equations without significantly increasing the computational cost. In this work, we propose new pure acoustic TTI wave equations and compare them with the conventional coupled pseudoacoustic wave equations. Our equations can be directly solved using either the finite-difference method or the pseudospectral method. We give two approaches to derive these equations. One employs Taylor series expansion to approximate the pseudodifferential operator in the decoupled P-wave equation, and the other uses isotropic and elliptically anisotropic dispersion relations to reduce the temporal frequency order of the P-SV dispersion equation. We use several numerical examples to demonstrate that the newly derived pure acoustic wave equations produce highly accurate P-wave results, very close to results produced by coupled pseudoacoustic wave equations, but completely free from S-wave artifacts and instabilities.
A Case-Match Study Comparing Unilateral With Synchronous Bilateral Breast Cancer Outcomes
Authors: Nichol Alan M. , Yerushalmi Rinat , Tyldesley Scott , Lesperance Mary , Bajdik Chris D. , Speers Caroline , Gelmon Karen A. , Olivotto Ivo A.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

There is controversy about whether patients with synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC) have similar or worse outcomes compared with patients with unilateral breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine whether survival outcomes for patients with SBBC can be estimated from the characteristics of their individual cancers.

Patients and Methods

Patients had invasive breast cancer, without metastases or inflammatory disease, diagnosed in British Columbia between 1989 and 2000. There were 207 cases with SBBC (diagnosed ≤ 2 months apart) and 15,497 with unilateral breast cancer. By using 10-year breast cancer–specific survival (BCSS) estimates, the higher-risk cancer of each SBBC case was determined and matched with three breast cancers from the unilateral cohort to select 621 high-risk matches. The priority sequence of matching the prognostic and predictive variables was positive lymph node number, primary tumor size, age, grade, lymphovascular invasion, estrogen receptor status, local therapy used, margin status, treating clinic, diagnosis year, and type of systemic therapy used.

Results

With a median follow-up of 10.2 years, the overall 10-year BCSS was significantly higher for the unilateral cohort (81%; 95% CI, 81% to 82%) than for the SBBC cases (71%; 95% CI, 63% to 77%). The SBBC cases had significantly higher mean age and stage at presentation. The 10-year BCSS was 74% (95% CI, 69% to 77%) for the high-risk matches.

Conclusion

BCSS was not significantly different between the SBBC cases and their high-risk matches.
Plasma MicroRNA Panel to Diagnose Hepatitis B Virus–Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Jian , Yu Lei , Gao Xue , Hu Jie , Wang Jiping , Dai Zhi , Wang Jie-Fei , Zhang Zhiyong , Lu Shaohua , Huang Xiaowu , Wang Zheng , Qiu Shuangjian , Wang Xiaoying , Yang Guohuan , Sun Huichuan , Tang Zhaoyou , Wu Ying , Zhu Hongguang , Fan Jia
Published: November 2011

Purpose

More than 60% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) do not receive curative therapy as a result of late clinical presentation and diagnosis. We aimed to identify plasma microRNAs for diagnosing hepatitis B virus (HBV) –related HCC.

Patients and Methods

Plasma microRNA expression was investigated with three independent cohorts including 934 participants (healthy, chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis, and HBV-related HCC), recruited between August 2008 and June 2010. First, we used microarray to screen 723 microRNAs in 137 plasma samples for diagnosing HCC. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay was then applied to evaluate the expression of selected microRNAs. A logistic regression model was constructed using a training cohort (n = 407) and then validated using an independent cohort (n = 390). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate diagnostic accuracy.

Results

We identified a microRNA panel (miR-122, miR-192, miR-21, miR-223, miR-26a, miR-27a and miR-801) that provided a high diagnostic accuracy of HCC (AUC = 0.864 and 0.888 for training and validation data set, respectively). The satisfactory diagnostic performance of the microRNA panel persisted regardless of disease status (AUCs for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages 0, A, B, and C were 0.888, 0.888, 0.901, and 0.881, respectively). The microRNA panel can also differentiate HCC from healthy (AUC = 0.941), chronic hepatitis B (AUC = 0.842), and cirrhosis (AUC = 0.884), respectively.

Conclusion

We found a plasma microRNA panel that has considerable clinical value in diagnosing early-stage HCC. Thus, patients who would have otherwise missed the curative treatment window can benefit from optimal therapy.
Telangiectasia and venous reflux in the Edinburgh Vein Study
Authors: Ruckley C V , Allan P L , Evans C J , Lee A J , Fowkes F G R
Published: November 2011

Objective

The purpose of this study was to correlate the clinical findings in the Edinburgh Vein Study with the results of duplex scanning of the deep and superficial venous systems.

Methods

An age-stratified random sample of 1566 people (699 men and 867 women) aged 16–64 were selected from computerized age–sex registers of participating practices (twelve general practices with catchment areas geographically and socioeconomically distributed throughout Edinburgh). Screening included clinical examination, photography and duplex ultrasonography of the superficial veins and the deep veins down to popliteal level. Telangiectasia and varicose veins were graded 1–3 according to severity.

Results

Since there was good agreement between the duplex findings of the right versus left legs, the current analyses are based on 1092 subjects (486 men and 606 women) with complete duplex scan data in their left legs. There was no significant trend of increasing incompetence in either the deep veins only ( P = 0.214) or in the combined deep and superficial veins ( P = 0.111) with increasing severity of the telangiectasia. There was a statistically significant trend for increasing incompetence in (a) the superficial veins ( P = 0.006) and (b) either the superficial or deep veins ( P < 0.001) to be associated with advancing grade of telangiectasia. When stratified by gender, significant trends were maintained for male superficial vein incompetence and for either superficial or deep incompetence in both genders. Examination of incompetence in individual venous segments showed that increasing severity of telangiectasia was significantly associated with an increasing proportion of reflux in the upper and lower great saphenous and femoral vein segments. There was no significant association between small saphenous incompetence and increasing grade of telangiectasia.

Conclusion

There is a significant, but not wholly consistent, association between grade of telangiectasia and reflux in both the deep and superficial systems. This association does not apply to the small saphenous system.
From Rumors to Facts, and Facts to Rumors: The Role of Certainty Decay in Consumer Communications
Authors: Dubois David , Rucker Derek D. , Tormala Zakary L.
Published: November 2011

How does a rumor come to be believed as a fact as it spreads across a chain of consumers? This research proposes that because consumers’ certainty about their beliefs (e.g., attitudes, opinions) is less salient than the beliefs themselves, certainty information is more susceptible to being lost in communication. Consistent with this idea, the current studies reveal that though consumers transmit their core beliefs when they communicate with one another, they often fail to transmit their certainty or uncertainty about those beliefs. Thus, a belief originally associated with high uncertainty (certainty) tends to lose this uncertainty (certainty) across communications. The authors demonstrate that increasing the salience of consumers’ uncertainty/certainty when communicating or receiving information can improve uncertainty/certainty communication, and they investigate the consequences for rumor management and word-of-mouth communications.
Motivational Consequences of Perceived Velocity in Consumer Goal Pursuit
Authors: Huang Szu-Chi , Zhang Ying
Published: November 2011

The authors explore the interplay between consumers’ progress levels toward attaining a goal and the perceived velocity in progressing toward the goal to determine consumers’ motivation for further goal pursuit. The authors propose that when progress toward attaining a goal is low, consumers are primarily concerned about the question “Can I get there?” Thus, a high (vs. low) perceived velocity in progressing suggests greater expectations of goal attainment, resulting in greater motivation for pursuing the goal. However, when consumers have achieved sufficient progress and are approaching the end point, their attainment of the goal is relatively secured, so they become more concerned about the question “When will I get there?” and focus more on whether they are effectively reducing the remaining discrepancy so that they can attain the goal quickly. In this case, a low (vs. high) perceived velocity in progressing elicits greater motivation because it suggests that continued effort is needed to ensure a speedy attainment. Empirical evidence from lab and field experiments supports this hypothesis.
The Fewer the Better: Number of Goals and Savings Behavior
Authors: Soman Dilip , Zhao Min
Published: November 2011

This article examines the effect of the number of goals on consumers’ savings behavior. Drawing from research on implementation intention, the authors show that under certain conditions, presenting a single savings goal leads to greater savings intention and actual savings than presenting multiple savings goals. Multiple goals typically evoke trade-offs among competing goals and thus increase the likelihood that people will remain in a deliberative mind-set and defer actions. In contrast, the authors propose and demonstrate that a single goal evokes a stronger implementation intention, which in turn has a greater effect on behavior change. They also show that the advantage of a single goal over multiple goals on saving is attenuated when saving is easier to implement or when the multiple savings goals are integrated rather than competing among themselves. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
The effects of FSH and activin A on follicle development in vitro
Authors: Cossigny Davina A , Findlay Jock K , Drummond Ann E
Published: November 2011

Numerous studies have reported on the roles of activins in gonadal regulation; however, little is known about their specific roles in early folliculogenesis. Ovarian follicular growth was investigated in 10-day cultures of day 4 postnatal whole ovaries treated with activin A (ActA; 50 ng/ml), with or without FSH (100 ng/ml) in vitro. We hypothesized that treatment with ActA±FSH would affect rates of growth and atresia in follicles. None of the treatments affected primordial follicle activation, and antral follicles were not observed after 10 days in culture. Primordial follicle numbers from all treatment groups were ∼20% of those in day 4 fresh ovaries, indicating that activation had occurred. In the presence of ActA, preantral follicle numbers increased significantly (P<0.0001). ActA alone decreased the proportion of atretic follicles in the primary and preantral classes, whereas the combined treatment of ActA+FSH increased the proportion of atretic preantral oocytes. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that follistatin, FSH receptor, and activin βA and βB subunits were all expressed at significantly higher levels in the ActA-only treated group but not in the ActA+FSH group. Here, we report novel findings supporting the role of FSH in primordial follicle survival through an action on apoptosis and a stimulatory role of ActA in the primordial to primary and preantral stages of follicle development, suggesting an inhibitory action of activin on oocyte apoptosis.
Emergency Department Laboratory Evaluations of Fever Without Source in Children Aged 3 to 36 Months
Authors: Simon Alan E. , Lukacs Susan L. , Mendola Pauline
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:

This article describes ordering of diagnostic tests, admission rates, and antibiotic administration among visits to US emergency departments (EDs) by children aged 3 to 36 months with fever without source (FWS).

METHODS:

The 2006–2008 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey–Emergency Department was used to identify visits by 3- to 36-month-old children with FWS. Percentages of visits that included a complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, blood culture, radiograph, rapid influenza test, admission to hospital, and ceftriaxone and other antibiotic administration were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with ordering of a CBC and urinalysis.

RESULTS:

No tests were ordered in 58.6% of visits for FWS. CBCs were ordered in 20.5% of visits and urinalysis in 17.4% of visits. Even among girls with a temperature of ≥39°C, urinalysis was ordered in only 40.2% of visits. Ceftriaxone was given in 7.1% and other antibiotics in 18.3% of visits; 5.2% of the children at these visits were admitted to the hospital. In multivariate analysis, increased temperature, being female, and higher median income of the patient's zip code were associated with increased odds of having a CBC and urinalysis ordered. Being 24 to 36 months of age was associated with lower odds of receiving both a CBC and a urinalysis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Most US emergency department visits for FWS among children aged 3 to 36 months, physicians do not order diagnostic tests. Being female, having a higher fever, and higher median income of the patient's zip code were associated with ordering CBCs and urinalysis.
Changes in Body Mass During Elementary and Middle School in a National Cohort of Kindergarteners
Authors: Datar Ashlesha , Shier Victoria , Sturm Roland
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze changes in BMI, according to gender and race/ethnicity, in a nationally representative cohort of children in the United States during their elementary and middle school years to identify critical periods of excess BMI gains.

METHODS:

The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Class monitored a nationally representative cohort of kindergarten students over 9 years (1998–2007). Height and weight measurements were available for 4240 white, 640 black, and 1070 Hispanic children in kindergarten and 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 8th grades. In each wave, we estimated the proportions of children with BMI values in each quartile of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reference-population distribution according to gender and race/ethnicity. We conducted nonparametric tests of differences in BMI distributions over time within racial/ethnic groups and across racial/ethnic groups in each wave. Piecewise linear growth models were estimated to test for specific time periods during which the largest gains in BMI percentiles occurred.

RESULTS:

Overall, nearly 40% of children started kindergarten with a BMI in the top quartile of the growth charts (BMI > 75th percentile). This proportion increased significantly during the elementary school years, and the largest gains were between 1st and 3rd grades (5.8 percentage points), but there was no further increase during middle school. Increases in BMI percentiles over time were most notable among Hispanic children and black girls.

CONCLUSIONS:

The early school years might be a critical time for excess BMI gains, even among children with normal BMI values at kindergarten entry.
Improving Reporting of Outpatient Pediatric Medical Errors
Authors: Neuspiel Daniel R. , Stubbs Erin H. , Liggin Lori
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Limited information exists about medical errors in ambulatory pediatrics and on effective strategies for improving their reporting. We aimed to implement nonpunitive error reporting, describe errors, and use a team-based approach to promote patient safety in an academic pediatric practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The setting was an academic general pediatric practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, that has ∼26 000 annual visits and primarily serves a diverse, low-income, Medicaid-insured population. We assembled a multidisciplinary patient safety team to detect and analyze ambulatory medical errors by using a reporter-anonymous nonpunitive process. The team used systems analysis and rapid redesign to evaluate each error report and recommend changes to prevent patient harm.

RESULTS:

In 30 months, 216 medical errors were reported, compared with 5 reports in the year before the project. Most reports originated from nurses, physicians, and midlevel providers. The most frequently reported errors were misfiled or erroneously entered patient information (n = 68), laboratory tests delayed or not performed (n = 27), errors in medication prescriptions or dispensing (n = 24), vaccine errors (n = 21), patient not given requested appointment or referral (n = 16), and delay in office care (n = 15), which together comprised 76% of the reports. Many recommended changes were implemented.

CONCLUSIONS:

A voluntary, nonpunitive, multidisciplinary team approach was effective in improving error reporting, analyzing reported errors, and implementing interventions with the aim of reducing patient harm in an outpatient pediatric practice.
Effect of microelement loads on rape (Brassica napus L. ssp. oleifera) grown on calcareous sandy soil
Authors: Kádár Imre
Published: November 2011

Duna–Tisza közi karbonátos homoktalajon vizsgáltuk a 0, 30, 90 és 270 kg·ha-1 mikroelem-terhelés hatását a repcére. A mikroelemek sóit egy ízben a kísérlet indulásakor (1995 tavaszán) szórtuk ki Cr2(SO4)3, K2Cr2O7, CuSO4, Pb(NO3)2, Na2SeO3, ill. ZnSO4 formájában. A 6 elem×4 terhelési szint = 24 kezelés×3 ismétlés = 72 parcellát jelentett (7×5 = 35 m²-es parcellákkal). A termőhely a homoktalajokra jellemzően rossz vízgazdálkodású, aszályérzékeny, és a főbb tápelemekkel (N, P, K) gyengén ellátott. A szántott réteg 0,7–1,0% humuszt, 2–3% CaCO3-ot tartalmaz, a talajvíz 5–10 m mélyen található. Alaptrágyaként 100–100–100 kg N, P2O5 és K2O hatóanyagot alkalmaztunk hektáronként évente az egész kísérletben.
A főbb eredmények:
– Az őszi káposztarepce 10 hónapos tenyészideje alatt összesen 545 mm csapadékot kapott. A száraz őszi és téli időszak miatt a magtermés alig 1 t·ha-1, a melléktermés 5 t·ha-1 mennyiséget ért el a szennyezetlen talajon. A növekvő Se-terhelés nyomán a magtermés igazolhatóan 45%-kal, a melléktermés 22%-kal csökkent a kontrollhoz képest a 7. éves utóhatás eredményeképpen. Egyéb elemek utóhatása nem volt igazolható.
– Az aratáskori szalmában szennyezett talajon a maximális Cr-koncentráció a Cr(III)-kezelésben 0,4, a Cr(VI)-kezelésben 1,6 mg·kg-1 volt. A magban a Cr-dúsulás egyik kezelésben sem volt igazolható. Az Pb-tartalom elérte a 0,6 mg·kg-1 értéket az ólommal erősen szennyezett talajon, de a magban minden esetben méréshatár alatt maradt. A Cu-tartalom is alig emelkedett a magban, a Zn pedig a növekvő Zn-terhelés ellenére nem változott. A melléktermésben a Cu és a Zn megkétszereződött ugyanott. A szelén hiperakkumulációt mutatott mindkét növényi részben, két nagyságrendbeli dúsulással. A repce magja élelmezési, melléktermése takarmányozási célra alkalmatlanná vált az extrém Se-akkumuláció miatt.
– A repce aratáskori föld feletti termésébe a Cr(III)-kezelésben 2,8, a Cr(VI)-kezelésben 10 g·ha-1 Cr épült be. A maximális Pb-, Cu-, Zn- és Se-felvétel 3,6, 30, 109 és 1660 g·ha-1 volt. A felvett Se 93%-át a melléktermés akkumulálta. Ahhoz, hogy pl. a 270 kg·ha-1 talajszennyezés eltűnjön fitoremediációval az Se esetében 163, a cinknél 2477, a réznél 9 ezer, a krómnál (Cr-VI-kezelés) 27 ezer, illetve ólomnál 75 ezer év kellene elméletileg azonos termesztési viszonyokat feltételezve.
– A szennyezetlen kontrolltalajon a repce 1 t mag + a hozzá tartozó melléktermésével 78–46–96–158–27 = N–P2O5–K2O–CaO–MgO kg·t-1 fajlagos tartalmat mutatott. Ez a hazai szaktanácsadásban ajánlott fajlagosakat a K2O esetében mintegy 2-szeresen, míg a CaO és MgO esetén 3-szorosan haladja meg, részben az igen tág melléktermés/főtermés arányra, részben a karbonátos termőhelyre visszavezethetően.
Masons, Klansmen and Kansas in the 1920s
Authors: Allerfeldt Kristofer Mark
Published: November 2011

Based on archive examination in the Grand Lodge of Topeka, this paper seeks to examine the connection between masonry and the Klan at the peak of the Klan’s expansion in the 1920s. What emerges is a tangled relationship. While the Klan recruited strongly from among masons in these years: while it got support from masons—financially, in the courts and in local politics—some leading masons were among the most outspoken and effective of anti-Klan activists in this and other States. In spite of these high profile exceptions, it appears that the relationship was essentially predicated on individual conscience. What it shows is that this is a fruitful area for further research in this divided decade in other regions of America.
A Community-Ecology Framework for Understanding Vector and Vector-Borne Disease Dynamics
Authors: Blaustein Leon , Ostfeld Richard S. , Holt Robert D.
Published: November 2011

The integration of community ecology into the understanding and management of vectors and vector-borne diseases has largely occurred only recently. This compendium examines a variety of community interactions that can affect vector or vector-borne disease dynamics. They include: the importance of risk of predation, risk of ectoparasatism, competition, interactions of competition with transgenic control, apparent competition mediated through vectors, indirect effects of pesticides, vector diversity, and parasite diversity within a vector. In this paper, we summarize these studies and introduce several additional important questions in need of further exploration.
Predator-Induced Shifts in Mosquito Oviposition Site Selection: A Meta-Analysis and Implications for Vector Control
Authors: Vonesh James R. , Blaustein Leon
Published: November 2011

The global resurgence and emergence of new mosquito-borne diseases and increasing resistance of mosquitoes to chemical pesticides have prompted renewed interest in biocontrol methods that use aquatic predators of mosquito larvae. For disease vectors with complex life cycles, like mosquitoes, in which adults are terrestrial and choose aquatic habitats in which to deposit their offspring, shifts in oviposition site selection may have important consequences for vector population dynamics and epidemiology. While there have been numerous studies of mosquito oviposition site selection, methodology and results vary, making it difficult to evaluate the general importance of predator-induced shifts in oviposition site selection for biocontrol scenarios. Here we use meta-analysis to provide a quantitative framework for examining variation in mosquito oviposition responses to predators. Overall, we find a broad pattern of predator avoidance among mosquito and predator taxa. The primary factor explaining variation in oviposition response appears to be taxonomic and/or life-history related—avoidance is weakest or non-existent inAedesspecies that oviposit eggs above water in container habitats. Responses also varied among predators. Generally, oviposition avoidance was strongest in response to fish and insects, weak or nonexistent in response to notostracans, urodeles, or dipterans, and there is limited evidence that some mosquitoes are attracted to cyclopoid crustaceans. Our results highlight that predator avoidance during oviposition is common, but not ubiquitous, in mosquitoes and needs to be considered when evaluating the likely efficacy of aquatic predators for biocontrol.
Nasal Papilloma, a Rare Late Complication of Tongue Flap Repair of Palatal Fistula
Authors: Ragavan Munisamy , Haripriya Uppalu , Rajeshkumar Sankala , Sarvavinothini Janarthanam
Published: November 2011

The use of a tongue flap for treatment of palatal fistulae is a well-established procedure, but it is not without complication. We report on a patient who underwent palatal fistula closure with tongue flap as a child, who then developed a nasal papilloma from the mucosa of the tongue flap 40 years later. This case is the first of its kind to be reported and emphasizes the need for long-term follow-up because the tongue mucosa is vulnerable to many diseases.
Larval Description of Copitarsia incommoda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Pogue Michael G
Published: November 2011

The last instar of Copitarsia incommoda (Walker) is described for the first time. Specimens in this study were reared from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd., Chenopodiaceae), Bolivia, La Paz, 4 km S Viacha, Quipaquipani, 3,880 m. The larva of Copitarsia incommoda is compared with larvae of Copitarsia decolora (Guenée) and Copitarsia corruda Pogue and Simmons.
Diversity of Prominent Moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea: Notodontidae) in the Cloud Forests of Northeastern Ecuador, with Descriptions of 27 New Species
Authors: Miller James S , Thiaucourt Paul
Published: November 2011

The prominent moth fauna (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) of Yanayacu Biological Station (Napo Province) in northeastern Ecuador was surveyed to assess which species at the site had been previously described and which were new to science. Taxonomic studies based on comparisons with type material revealed that, of the 67 Notodontidae recorded at Yanayacu, 54% were undescribed before 2009. In this article, 27 species belonging to 12 different genera in four subfamilies are newly described. These findings emphasize the remarkable levels of undocumented insect diversity found in Andean cloud forests, adding further strength to the argument that conservation efforts should focus on preserving such habitats.
Developmental Arrest in Mexican Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Irradiated in Grapefruit
Authors: Thomas Donald B , Hallman Guy J
Published: November 2011

When holometabolous insect larvae are exposed to a radiation treatment, morbidity or mortality are typically manifested during a major developmental transition, usually a transition involving ecdysis. Thus, early instars fail to develop into later instars or the later instars fail to pupate or pupariate. Over a range of sublethal doses of gamma radiation (increments of 0, 15, 20, 25, and 30 Gy) applied to third-instar Mexican fruit flies, Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae), infesting or implanted in grapefruits, Citrus paradisi Macfayden, survival decreased with increasing dose. At all radiation doses, the majority of treated larvae arrested development at pupal ecdysis, the transformation from a cryptocephalic to a phanerocephalic pupa. More than 96% of treated larvae died at, or before, reaching this transition at the highest dose tested (30 Gy). Contrary to expectations, the radiation treatment did not cause atrophy of the imaginai tissues, a result that we attribute to apoptosis.
On the Identity of Cereal Aphid Parasitoid WaspsAphidius uzbekistanicus,Aphidius rhopalosiphi, andAphidius avenaphis(Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) by Examination of COI Mitochondrial Gene, Geometric Morphometrics, and Morphology
Authors: Kos K , Petrović A , Starý P , Kavallieratos N G , Ivanović A , Toševski I , Jakše J , Trdan S , Tomanovič Ž
Published: November 2011

In this study, the relationships among and the taxonomic status of three closely related parasitic wasps that are widely used as biological control agents of cereal aphids, Aphidius uzbekistanicus Luzhetzki, Aphidius rhopalosiphi De Stefani Perez, and Aphidius avenaphis (Fitch), were examined. Genetic divergence at an average of 6% was recorded between A. uzbekistanicus and A. rhopalosiphi by using the mitochondrial (mt) gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) barcoding region. Identical mtCOI gene sequences were observed in A. uzbekistanicus specimens that originated from Eurasia and in the North American species A. avenaphis. The haplotype fluctuation in A. rhopalosiphi specimens that originated from the west Palaearctic was an average of 1.5% (maximum, 2.4%). In contrast, specimens of A. uzbekistanicus from central and western parts of Eurasia were largely homogenous, with only a single mutation recorded in a specimen from eastern Europe (Serbia). The morphological and genetic diversity found in A. rhopalosiphi may suggest the existence of cryptic species, especially for lineages that have a large degree of mtCOI diversity and sympatric occurrence. The geometric morphometric analysis of stigma shape presented in this study demonstrated that members of A. uzbekistanicus have a shorter forewing r vein and a more elongated stigma, relative to those of A. avenaphis. Our research validates the use of stigma shape and flagellomere 1 color for morphological discrimination between wasp species.
Moiré reduction by a diffuser in a multiview 3‐D imaging system
Authors: Son Jung‐Young , Lee Beom Ryeol , Park Min‐Chul , Lee Hyoung
Published: November 2011

Abstract— Diffusers with different characteristics were inserted between the viewing‐zone forming optics and the image display panel of a contact‐type multiview 3‐D imaging system to examine their effects on moiré and cross‐talk in the system. The diffusers are effective in reducing the moiré but induce an increase in cross‐talk in most cases. However, a diffuser with the characteristics of a 200‐μm‐pitch lenticular diffuser or a scatter plate used in mobile phones can be used to reduce moiré because it does not cause any noticeable increase in the cross‐talk but still preserves the image properties without using a diffuser. This means that a diffuser can be used to reduce moiré in a contact‐type multiview 3‐D imaging system without significantly sacrificing image quality.
Flicker visibility and related visual discomfort in 3‐D displays with LED backlight
Authors: Wang Lili , Tu Yan
Published: November 2011

Abstract— In this paper, the perception of flicker in time‐sequential or field‐sequential 3‐D LC TVs driven by LED backlights is described. The seriousness of the perceived flicker and its influence on visual discomfort is investigated for various backlight operational modes. Results show that display backlights presenting different temporal light distribution have significant contribution to flicker visibility and visual discomfort. The display dimension, 2‐D or 3‐D, affects visual discomfort but not flicker visibility. The relationship between visual discomfort and flicker visibility is proportional when rendering 2‐D images, but not in the case of 3‐D images. Finally, a simple model is presented to evaluate visual discomfort related to flicker in 2‐D rendering.