bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of the leucine-7 to proline-7 variation in the signal sequence of neuropeptide Y with major depression
Authors: Koefoed Pernille , Woldbye David P.D. , Hansen Thomas v. O. , Eplov Lene F. , Christiansen Søren H. , Mors Ole , Kessing Lars V. , Werge Thomas , Kaipio Katja , Pesonen Ullamari , Fahmy Thomas , Mellerup Erling , Jakobsen Klaus D. , Hansen Elsebeth S. , Knudsen Gitte M. , Bukh Jens D. , Bock Camilla , Lindberg Camilla , Kristensen Ann S. , Dam Henrik , Nordentoft Merete , Als Thomas D. , Wang August G. , Gether Ulrik , Rehfeld Jens F. , Bolwig Tom G.
Published: September 2011

Objective:There is clear evidence of a genetic component in major depression, and several studies indicate that neuropeptide Y (NPY) could play an important role in the pathophysiology of the disease. A well-known polymorphism encoding the substitution of leucine to proline in the signal peptide sequence of NPY (Leu7Pro variation) was previously found to protect against depression. Our study aimed at replicating this association in a large Danish population with major depression.

Method:Leu7Pro was studied in a sample of depressed patients and ethnically matched controls, as well as psychiatric disease controls with schizophrenia. Possible functional consequences of Leu7Pro were exploredin vitro.

Results:In contrast to previous studies, Pro7 appeared to be a risk allele for depression, being significantly more frequent in the depression sample (5.5%,n= 593;p= 0.009; odds ratio, OR: 1.46) as compared to ethnically matched controls (3.8%,n= 2912), while schizophrenia patients (4.1%,n= 503) did not differ.In vitro, the Pro7 substitution appeared to be associated with reduced levels of NPY without affecting its mRNA level.

Conclusion:The Leu7Pro variation may increase the risk of major depression, possibly by affecting the biosynthesis of NPY.
Developing the Maternity Portfolio to promote maternal role attainment in women who have undergone artificial reproductive treatment
Authors: IWATA Hiroko , MORI Emi , MAEKAWA Tomoko , MAEHARA Kunie , SAKAJO Akiko , OZAWA Harumi , MORITA Akiko
Published: September 2011

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to develop the Maternity Portfolio to promote maternal role attainment in women who underwent artificial reproductive treatment.

Methods:  The following procedures were undertaken to develop the Maternity Portfolio: (i) a literature review was conducted to identify studies and articles related to maternal diary or portfolio usage; (ii) the research members discussed objectives and usages of the Maternity Portfolio; (iii) a trial product was developed in collaboration with two pregnant women (one following artificial reproductive treatment and one infertility patient) and seven nurses, and after feedback was completed, the product was revised; and (iv) the final product of the Maternity Portfolio was patented.

Results:  The final Maternity Portfolio product consisted of a 40‐page booklet; it contained an information section and a patient comments section. Following artificial reproductive treatment, this booklet can be provided to women during the first trimester. Women would then be instructed to bring the Maternity Portfolio to their prenatal checkups, where a nursing intervention program would be conducted by certified nurses. Through this program and the Maternity Portfolio, participating women are expected to obtain necessary information and maternal role attainment.

Conclusions:  The Maternity Portfolio was developed to promote maternal role attainment for women who have undergone artificial reproductive treatment. The intervention study with the Maternity Portfolio is a work in progress; therefore, a future evaluation of the study will clarify both positive and negative aspects, which should facilitate refinement of the functions and qualities of the Maternity Portfolio.
Dynamic Stability of a Translating String With a Sinusoidally Varying Velocity
Authors: Zhu W. D. , Song X. K. , Zheng N. A.
Published: September 2011

A new parametric instability phenomenon characterized by infinitely compressed, shocklike waves with a bounded displacement and an unbounded vibratory energy is discovered in a translating string with a constant length and tension and a sinusoidally varying velocity. A novel method based on the wave solutions and the fixed point theory is developed to analyze the instability phenomenon. The phase functions of the wave solutions corresponding to the phases of the sinusoidal part of the translation velocity, when an infinitesimal wave arrives at the left boundary, are established. The period number of a fixed point of a phase function is defined as the number of times that the corresponding infinitesimal wave propagates between the two boundaries before the phase repeats itself. The instability conditions are determined by identifying the regions in a parameter plane where attracting fixed points of the phase functions exist. The period-1 instability regions are analytically obtained, and the period-i (i>1) instability regions are numerically calculated using bifurcation diagrams. The wave patterns corresponding to different instability regions are determined, and the strength of instability corresponding to different period numbers is analyzed.
Restrictions on the Validity of the Thermal Conditions at the Porous-Fluid Interface—An Exact Solution
Authors: Yang Kun , Vafai Kambiz
Published: September 2011

Thermal conditions at the porous-fluid interface under local thermal nonequilibrium (LTNE) conditions are analyzed in this work. Exact solutions are derived for both the fluid and solid temperature distributions for five of the most fundamental forms of thermal conditions at the interface between a porous medium and a fluid under LTNE conditions and the relationships between these solutions are discussed. This work concentrates on restrictions, based on the physical attributes of the system, which must be placed for validity of the thermal interface conditions. The analytical results clearly point out the range of validity for each model for the first time in the literature. Furthermore, the range of validity of the local thermal equilibrium (LTE) condition is discussed based on the introduction of a critical parameter. The Nusselt number for the fluid at the wall of a channel that contains the fluid and porous medium is also obtained. The effects of the pertinent parameters such as Darcy number, Biot number, Bi, Interface Biot number, Biint, and fluid to solid thermal conductivity ratio are discussed.
Compatibility with Killer Explains the Rise of RNAi-Deficient Fungi
Authors: Drinnenberg Ines A. , Fink Gerald R. , Bartel David P.
Published: September 2011

Yeast can compensate for the loss of RNA interference by becoming killer yeast through the acquisition of a killer virus.
Functional Innervation of Hepatic iNKT Cells Is Immunosuppressive Following Stroke
Authors: Wong Connie H. Y. , Jenne Craig N. , Lee Woo-Yong , Léger Caroline , Kubes Paul
Published: September 2011

Neurotransmitters relay immunosuppressive signals to natural killer T cells after stroke.
Kepler-16: A Transiting Circumbinary Planet
Authors: Doyle Laurance R. , Carter Joshua A. , Fabrycky Daniel C. , Slawson Robert W. , Howell Steve B. , Winn Joshua N. , Orosz Jerome A. , Prˇsa Andrej , Welsh William F. , Quinn Samuel N. , Latham David , Torres Guillermo , Buchhave Lars A. , Marcy Geoffrey W. , Fortney Jonathan J. , Shporer Avi , Ford Eric B. , Lissauer Jack J. , Ragozzine Darin , Rucker Michael , Batalha Natalie , Jenkins Jon M. , Borucki William J. , Koch David , Middour Christopher K. , Hall Jennifer R. , McCauliff Sean , Fanelli Michael N. , Quintana Elisa V. , Holman Matthew J. , Caldwell Douglas A. , Still Martin , Stefanik Robert P. , Brown Warren R. , Esquerdo Gilbert A. , Tang Sumin , Furesz Gabor , Geary John C. , Berlind Perry , Calkins Michael L. , Short Donald R. , Steffen Jason H. , Sasselov Dimitar , Dunham Edward W. , Cochran William D. , Boss Alan , Haas Michael R. , Buzasi Derek , Fischer Debra
Published: September 2011

An exoplanet has been observed, comparable in size and mass to Saturn, that orbits a pair of stars.
Dueling Visions for Science
Authors: Holt Rush
Published: September 2011

A clash is under way in Washington, DC, between two starkly different visions for the U.S. government's role in research and development (R&D). The outcome of this debate will shape the nation's scientific landscape for years to come.
Nexus of Science and Colonialism
Africa as a Living Laboratory
Empire, Development, and the Problem of Scientific Knowledge, 1870–1950

by Helen Tilley

University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2011. 518 pp. $85, £55. ISBN 9780226803463. Paper, $29, £18.50. ISBN 9780226803470.
Authors: Cooper Frederick
Published: September 2011

Tilley examines the roles of medicine, the environment, geography, race, and ethnography in British colonial Africa.
Epigenetics Linked to Inbreeding Depression
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: September 2011

Evolutionary ecologists have reversed inbreeding depression in
Scabiosa columbaria
, a long-stemmed plant common in European gardens, by short-circuiting DNA methylation, a key epigenetic mechanism, in seeds, they reported at the meeting.
Incidence of midportion Achilles tendinopathy in the general population
Authors: de Jonge S , van den Berg C , de Vos R J , van der Heide H J L , Weir A , Verhaar J A N , Bierma-Zeinstra S M A , Tol J L
Published: September 2011

Background

Achilles tendon disorders, like Achilles tendinopathy, are very common among athletes. In the general population, however, knowledge about the incidence of Achilles tendinopathy is lacking.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

In a cohort of 57.725 persons registered in primary care, the number of patients visiting the general practitioner (GP) with diagnosis of mid-portion Achilles tendon problems was counted using computerised registration networks of GPs in 2009. Subsequently, the authors assessed associations of these rates with demographic characteristics.

Results

The incidence rate of Achilles tendinopathy is 1.85 per 1,000 Dutch GP registered patients. In the adult population (21–60 years), the incidence rate is 2.35 per 1,000. In 35% of the cases, a relationship with sports activity was recorded.

Conclusion

This is the first report on incidence rates of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy in general practice. With an incidence of 1.85 per 1,000 registered persons, Achilles tendinopathy is frequently seen by GPs. The actual incidence might even be higher due to study limitations. More research on the frequency of this injury is required.
Experience with Instillagel® for hysterosonography and analgesia in a complex contraception clinic: a QIPP initiative
Authors: Pillai Mary , Shefras Julia
Published: September 2011

Background

A significant number of women are referred with bleeding problems related to the use of hormonal contraception, for advice on management of heavy periods or following difficulty with intrauterine device insertion. The authors describe their experience with Instillagel®as the contrast medium for hysterosonography in a one-stop clinic for complex contraception referrals. They also comment on its analgesic properties for cervical and uterine instrumentation.

Methods

The authors reviewed 275 referrals seen over a 6-month period in consultant-delivered clinics provided by a contraception service that serves a single county (population 500 000). They describe the simple technique they use for hysterosonography with Instillagel.

Results

The authors found Instillagel useful as a contrast medium for sonographic assessment of the endometrial cavity. Additionally, presence of gel in the endometrial cavity, with a time interval between insertion of gel and uterine instrumentation, appears to result in analgesia and relaxation of the uterus. There was a very low incidence of difficulties in a group of patients who had previously experienced significant problems with uterine instrumentation.

Conclusions

Hysterosonography is an efficacious, simple and inexpensive technique for assessment of the endometrial cavity. It has many potential applications in contraceptive care. An additional benefit appeared to be that once gel was instilled in the cavity for 10–15 minutes it facilitated instrumentation of the uterus.
A MATHEMATICAL REVIEW ON THE MULTIPLE-SOLUTION PROBLEM
Authors: ZHU K. , MO X. H. , YUAN C. Z. , WANG P.
Published: September 2011

The recent multiple-solution problem in extracting physics information from a fit to the experimental data in high energy physics is reviewed from a mathematical viewpoint. All these multiple solutions were previously found via a fit process, while in this paper we prove that if the sum of two coherent Breit–Wigner functions is used to fit the measured distribution, there should be two and only two nontrivial solutions, and they are related to each other by analytical formulae. For real experimental measurements in more complicated situations, we also provide a numerical method to derive the other solution from the already obtained one. The excellent consistency between the exact solution obtained this way and the fit process justifies the method. From our results it is clear that the physics interpretation should be very different depending on which solution is selected. So we suggest that all the experimental measurements with potential multiple solutions be re-analyzed to find the other solution because the result is not complete if only one solution is reported.
An Examination of the Free Cash Flow and Information/Signaling Hypotheses Using Unexpected Dividend Changes Inferred from Option and Stock Prices: The Case of Regular Dividend Increases
Authors: Chen Sheng-Syan , Fu Kuei-Chin
Published: September 2011

This paper measures unexpected dividend changes in testing the free cash flow and information/signaling hypotheses using the Bar–Yosef/Sarig method. The empirical findings reveal the following: (i) The association between announcement period abnormal returns and the cash level is significantly positive for low q firms; (ii) The positive association between announcement period, abnormal returns, and the cash level is stronger in low q than in high q firms for most regressions; (iii) Low q firms reduce their capital and research and development (R&D) expenditures during the four fiscal years following dividend increase announcements. Our results are consistent with the free cash flow hypothesis.
Impedance Properties of Electrodes with Different Additives in Lead-Acid Accumulator
Authors: Abraham P. , Baca Petr , Neoral J.
Published: September 2011

This paper deals with measurement of negative electrodes with different additives in electrode active mass. The main aim of experiment was to find out if additives will have significant effect to imaginary part of impedance. Three electrodes were compared. The first electrode (nr.2) had titan dioxide additive, the second electrode (nr.3) had nano-size titan dioxide additive and the third electrode (nr.5) had the carbon type CR2996 additive.
Low-Temperature Anomaly in Ionic Conductivity of Scandia-Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Barbashov V.I. , Levchenko G.G. , Nesova E.V. , Pismenova N.E.
Published: September 2011

In the 625-740 К temperature range on ceramic composition for 89 mol.% ZrO2 + 10 mol. % Sc2O3 + 1 mol. % CeO2 the jump in ionic conductivity was experimentally detected by a factor of ten with temperature increase. Disconnectedness of indicated anomaly with polymorphic transformation was established by method of X-ray spectral analysis. Discovered effect has the orientation character due to the synchronous ordering of grains for Т ≥ 500 К.
Nanostructured Material Fabrication for Energy Conversion
Authors: Ferrara Germano , Inguanta R. , Vergottini F. , Piazza S. , Sunseri C.
Published: September 2011

The electrochemical deposition is a suitable via to fabricate nanostructured materials for energy conversion, and for other purposes. This paper deals with the electrochemical synthesis of nanostructured alloys and ruthenium oxide, which can be used in Li-ion batteries and polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers.
Dynamic and Power Characteristics of NEXA Fuel Cell in E-Car Application
Authors: Prochazka Petr , Minarik Vladimir
Published: September 2011

This article deals with detailed description of results from measurement on the NEXA fuel cell to get more detailed pictured about it. Statistic and dynamic characteristics where measured for the experimental determination of the behavior and characteristics of this fuel cell. The inner resistance was measured too.
Influence of Discharging Depth and Overcharging on Performance of Alpha Nickel Hydroxide
Authors: Maca T. , Nezgoda L. , Spachman V. , Vondrak Jiri , Sedlarikova Marie
Published: September 2011

Commercial alkaline accumulators with positive electrode based on nickel hydroxide generally comprise beta modification of the active material at present due to its excellent stabilization of performance during electrochemical cycling. The paper refers to a part of research work accomplished in R&D Department of the company Bochemie Inc., which has been aimed to utilization of alpha nickel hydroxide in alkaline batteries including exploration of possibilities to attain its stability in strong alkali medium of the electrolyte. We have focused our effort to elucidate reasons for its transformation tendency and to find way of their suppression. Based on previously obtained empirical evidence, introduction of appropriate variations in depth of discharge seems to be potentially proper solution for us, which led us to verify that.
Preparation and Properties of Manganese Dioxide Studied by QCM
Authors: Sedlarikova Marie , Spicak P. , Novak Vitezslav , Kazelle Jiri , Vondrak Jiri
Published: September 2011

Various metal oxides (e.g., tungsten, molybdenum, manganese and/or titanium) can be prepared by electrodeposition as thin layers. This paper describes their formation and investigation using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Sorption of water into the material can be detected; in the case of manganese oxide it is almost reversible and corresponds to the ratio oxide:H2O = 1:1. Also the electrochemical insertion of lithium from aprotic solvents can be investigated both by voltammetry and QCM measurements
Control Equipment for Very Low Temperature during the Defect Detection of Solar Cells
Authors: Stojan R. , Vanek J.
Published: September 2011

This work deals with measuring of very low temperatures during the detection of local solar cells defects by luminescence method. Temperature in cryo area is measured by the thermocouples. Liquid nitrogen is used to cooling the solar cells. A main part of this work is concept and making equipment for temperature controlling in cryo technique. This equipment is also signaling danger of frost-bite scorch in low temperatures.
New Control Software for LBIC Workplace
Authors: Vesely A. , Vanek J. , Dolensky J. , Kucera F.
Published: September 2011

The LBIC (light beam induced current) method is generally used for detection of local defects in solar cells. But this method is too slow. The LBIC analysis is widely used as a universal method for detecting local defects in the solar cell structure. Scanning of the solar cell surface with a single point light source (laser or LED focused beam) could take several hours of processing time depending on the required picture resolution.We would like present in this paper new control software for this measuring method which markedly accelerates the measurement process
Practical Experiences with Li-Ion Traction Accumulator in an Electric Bike
Authors: Vorel Pavel , Cervinka Dalibor , Pazdera I.
Published: September 2011

An electric bike (1kW) with a Li-Ion accumulator 28V/42A was constructed and tested in the Department of power electrical and electronic engineering. Panasonic cells CGR18650C (ca 2Ah) are used in the accumulator. The battery is completed with 7 serial-connected blocks. Each block is a set of 21 parallel-connected cells. The accumulator was tested in the vehicle since 2005 till now. During the tests a distance of approx. 12000km was driven. Some theoretical know-how about the used charging and discharging strategy and about the battery management system is proposed in this contribution. Practical results regarding the lifetime, capacity decreasing, charging problems, temperature dependencies and cell voltage balancing are visible from the long-time experiment described in this contribution too.
Sulfolane as a Solvent for Aprotic Electrolytes
Authors: Sedlarikova Marie , Zatloukal M. , Vondrak Jiri , Dvorak P. , Maca J.
Published: September 2011

Physiochemical and electrochemical properties of sulfolane were tested for potential use as a solvent in lithium batteries. It is considerably less ignitable than solvents used in lithium batteries now. Its higher freezing point can be lowered by additives (Li salts and some other solvents) sufficienty below 0 °C. Due to its higher viscosity, its specific conductivity is lower to value roughly 15 % in comparison to propylene carbonate.
Exercise training improves systolic function in hypertensive myocardium
Authors: Libonati Joseph R. , Sabri Abdelkarim , Xiao Canhua , MacDonnell Scott M. , Renna Brian F.
Published: September 2011

The general purpose of this study was to test the effect of exercise training on the left ventricular (LV) pressure-volume relationship (LV/PV) and apoptotic signaling markers in normotensive and hypertensive hearts. Four-month-old female normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY; n = 37) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR; n = 38) were assigned to a sedentary (WKY-SED, n = 21; SHR-SED, n = 19) or treadmill-trained (WKY-TRD, n = 16; SHR-TRD, n = 19) group (∼60% V̇o2 peak, 60 min/day, 5 days/wk, 12 wk). Ex vivo LV/PV were established in isovolumic Langendorff-perfused hearts, and LV levels of Akt, phosphorylated Akt (AktPi), Bad, phosphorylated Bad (BadPi) c-IAP, x-IAP, calcineurin, and caspases 3, 8, and 9 were measured. Heart-to-body weight ratio was increased in SHR vs. WKY ( P < 0.05), concomitant with increased calcineurin mRNA ( P < 0.05). There was a rightward shift in the LV/PV ( P < 0.05) and a reduction in systolic elastance (Es) in SHR vs. WKY. Exercise training corrected Es in SHR ( P < 0.05) but had no effect on the LV/PV in WKY. Caspase 3 was increased in SHR-SED relative to WKY-SED, while BadPi, c-IAP, and x-IAP were significantly lower in SHR relative to WKY ( P < 0.05). Exercise training increased BadPi in both WKY and SHR but did not alter caspase 9 activity in either group. While caspase 3 activity was increased with training in WKY ( P < 0.05), it was unchanged with training in SHR. We conclude that moderate levels of regular aerobic exercise attenuate systolic dysfunction early in the compensatory phase of hypertrophy, and that a differential phenotypical response to moderate-intensity exercise exists between WKY and SHR.
Reductions in finger blood flow in men and women induced by 125-Hz vibration: association with vibration perception thresholds
Authors: Ye Ying , Griffin Michael J.
Published: September 2011

Vibration of one hand reduces blood flow in the exposed hand and in the contralateral hand not exposed to vibration, but the mechanisms involved are not understood. This study investigated whether vibration-induced reductions in finger blood flow are associated with vibrotactile perception thresholds mediated by the Pacinian channel and considered sex differences in both vibration thresholds and vibration-induced changes in digital circulation. With force and vibration applied to the thenar eminence of the right hand, finger blood flow and finger skin temperature were measured in the middle fingers of both hands at 30-s intervals during seven successive 4-min periods: 1) pre-exposure with no force or vibration, 2) pre-exposure with force, 3) vibration 1, 4) rest with force, 5) vibration 2, 6) postexposure with force, and 7) recovery with no force or vibration. A 2-N force was applied during periods 2–6 and 125-Hz vibration at 0.5 and 1.5 ms−2root mean square (r.m.s.; unweighted) was applied during periods 3 and 5, respectively. Vibrotactile thresholds were measured at the thenar eminence of right hand using the same force, contact conditions, and vibration frequency. When the vibration magnitude was greater than individual vibration thresholds, changes in finger blood flow were correlated with thresholds (with both 0.5 and 1.5 ms−2r.m.s. vibration): subjects with lower thresholds showed greater reductions in finger blood flow. Women had lower vibrotactile thresholds and showed greater vibration-induced reductions in finger blood flow. It is concluded that mechanoreceptors responsible for mediating vibration perception are involved in the vascular response to vibration.
A Note on the Inverse Moments for Nonnegative ρ‐Mixing Random Variables
Authors: Shen Aiting
Published: September 2011

Wu et al. (2009) studied the asymptotic approximation of inverse moments for nonnegative independent random variables. Shen et al. (2011) extended the result of Wu et al. (2009) to the case of ρ‐mixing random variables. In the paper, we will further study the asymptotic approximation of inverse moments for nonnegative ρ‐mixing random variables, which improves the corresponding results of Wu et al. (2009), Wang et al. (2010), and Shen et al. (2011) under the case of identical distribution.
Metabolic and Molecular Events Occurring during Chromoplast Biogenesis
Authors: Bian Wanping , Barsan Cristina , Egea Isabel , Purgatto Eduardo , Chervin Christian , Zouine Mohamed , Latché Alain , Bouzayen Mondher , Pech Jean-Claude
Published: September 2011

Chromoplasts are nonphotosynthetic plastids that accumulate carotenoids. They derive from other plastid forms, mostly chloroplasts. The biochemical events responsible for the interconversion of one plastid form into another are poorly documented. However, thanks to transcriptomics and proteomics approaches, novel information is now available. Data of proteomic and biochemical analysis revealed the importance of lipid metabolism and carotenoids biosynthetic activities. The loss of photosynthetic activity was associated with the absence of the chlorophyll biosynthesis branch and the presence of proteins involved in chlorophyll degradation. Surprisingly, the entire set of Calvin cycle and of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway persisted after the transition from chloroplast to chromoplast. The role of plastoglobules in the formation and organisation of carotenoid-containing structures and that of theOrgene in the control of chromoplastogenesis are reviewed. Finally, using transcriptomic data, an overview is given the expression pattern of a number of genes encoding plastid-located proteins during tomato fruit ripening.
Multiseptate Gallbladder in an Asymptomatic Child
Authors: Wanaguru Dylan , Jiwane Ashish , Day Andrew S. , Adams Susan
Published: September 2011

A one-year-old child being investigated for urinary tract infection was diagnosed with a multiseptate gallbladder. The patient remains asymptomatic, and investigations demonstrate no associated anomalies. Forty-three cases, including 13 cases in children were identified in the literature. Their presentation and management were reviewed.
Early Experience of Helical Tomotherapy for Hepatobiliary Radiotherapy
Authors: Massabeau Carole , Marchand Virginie , Zefkili Sofia , Servois Vincent , Campana François , Giraud Philippe
Published: September 2011

Helical tomotherapy (HT), an image-guided, intensity-modulated, radiation therapy technique, allows for precise targeting while sparing normal tissues. We retrospectively assessed the feasibility and tolerance of the hepatobiliary HT in 9 patients. A total dose of 54 to 60 Gy was prescribed (1.8 or 2 Gy per fraction) with concurrent capecitabine for 7 patients. There were 1 hepatocarcinoma, 3 cholangiocarcinoma, 4 liver metastatic patients, and 1 pancreatic adenocarcinoma. All but one patient received previous therapies (chemotherapy, liver radiofrequency, and/or surgery). The median doses delivered to the normal liver and to the right kidney were 15.7 Gy and 4.4 Gy, respectively, below the recommended limits for all patients. Most of the treatment-related adverse events were transient and mild in severity. With a median followup of 12 months, no significant late toxicity was noted. Our results suggested that HT could be safely incorporated into the multidisciplinary treatment of hepatobiliary or pancreatic malignant disease.
The Unusual Circulation of the Newt Heart after Ventricular Injury and Its Implications for Regeneration
Authors: Miyachi Yukihisa
Published: September 2011

Why do newts survive after needle puncture of the heart despite significant hemorrhage into the thoracic cavity? The answer involves the unique anatomical changes in the circulation that occur after ventricular injury. If the ventricle ruptures, newts quickly develop valve hyperplasia at the location of both the ventricular inflow and outflow tracts so as to redirect blood flow away from the injured ventricle. In addition, there is collateral flow between the left anterior caval vein and the conus arteriosus (a part of the aorta) after ventricular injury that supplements the systemic circulation and helps maintain vital organ perfusion. During this time period, the damaged ventricle can regenerate.
Existence of Positive Solutions for a Fourth‐Order Periodic Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Li Yongxiang
Published: September 2011

The existence results of positive solutions are obtained for the fourth‐order periodic boundary value problem u(4) − βu′′ + αu = f(t, u, u′′), 0 ≤ t ≤ 1, u(i)(0) = u(i)(1),  i = 0, 1, 2, 3, where f : [0,  1] × ℝ+ × ℝ → ℝ+ is continuous, α,  β ∈ ℝ, and satisfy , β > −2π2, (α/π4) + (β/π2) + 1 > 0. The discussion is based on the fixed point index theory in cones.
In VitroInfection ofTrypanosoma cruziCauses Decrease in Glucose Transporter Protein-1 (GLUT1) Expression in Explants of Human Placental Villi Cultured under Normal and High Glucose Concentrations
Authors: Mezzano Luciana , Repossi Gastón , Fretes Ricardo E. , Lin Susana , Sartori María José , de Fabro Sofía G. Parisi
Published: September 2011

Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic Chagas' disease agent, induces changes in protein pattern of the human placenta syncytiotrophoblast. The glucose transporter protein-1 (GLUT1) is the primary isoform involved in transplacental glucose transport. We carried outin vitroassays to determine ifT. cruziinfection would induce changes in placental GLUT1 protein expression under normal and high concentration of glucose. Using Western blot and immunohistological techniques, GLUT1 expression was determined in normal placental villi cultured under normal or high concentrations of glucose, with or withoutin vitro T. cruziinfection, for 24 and 48 hours. High glucose media orT. cruziinfection alone reduced GLUT1 expression. A yet more accentuated reduction was observed when infection and high glucose condition took place together. We inform, for the first time, thatT. cruziinfection may induce reduction of GLUT1 expression under normal and high glucose concentrations, and this effect is synergic to high glucose concentrations.
Effectiveness of β2-Microglobulin Adsorption Column in Treating Dialysis-Related Amyloidosis: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Kuragano Takahiro , Inoue Toru , Yoh Kosei , Shin Jeongsoo , Fujita Yoshikazu , Yoshiya Kunihiko , Kim Jong Il , Sakai Rumi , Sekita Kenichi , Goto Takeo , Fukagawa Masafumi , Nakanishi Takeshi
Published: September 2011

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to determine whether treatment with β2-microglobulin adsorption column (Lixelle) affects bone cysts and clinical symptoms in patients with dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA). Methods: Radiographic changes in the number and area of bone cysts of the wrist and the hip joint were compared between 39 hemodialysis (HD) patients treated with Lixelle (Lixelle group) and 28 HD patients treated with conventional therapy as retrospective control (HD group). Clinical symptoms of DRA were also evaluated. Results: In the Lixelle group, the number of bone cysts and the cystic area in wrist joints were significantly decreased, although the changes in these parameters in hip joints were not significant. In the HD group, the corresponding parameters in the hip joints even significantly increased. Clinical symptoms notably improved after Lixelle treatment. Conclusion: Treatment with Lixelle reduces the radiolucency of bone cysts in the wrist joints, and improves clinical symptoms associated with DRA.
N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in a Japanese Community
Authors: Doi Yasufumi , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Hata Jun , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Mukai Naoko , Ikeda Fumie , Fukuhara Masayo , Iwase Masanori , Kiyohara Yutaka
Published: September 2011

Objective—

Few studies have examined the association between natriuretic peptides and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Asian populations.

Methods and Results—

A total of 3104 community-dwelling Japanese individuals aged ≥40 years without history of CVD were followed up for 5 years. A total of 127 CVD events were identified. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence of CVD increased with increasing N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels (<55, 55–124, 125–399, and ≥400 pg/mL) at baseline and was significantly higher even in subjects with a modest increase. This association remained robust even after adjustment for other potential risk factors (55–124 pg/mL: multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio=1.85 [95% CI 1.07–3.18],
P
=0.03; 125–399 pg/mL: 2.98 [95% CI 1.65–5.39],
P
<0.001; ≥400 pg/mL: 4.54 [95% CI 2.22–9.29],
P
<0.001). The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for the development of total CVD and its subtypes, coronary heart disease and stroke, were significantly increased by a 1 SD increment of the log NT-proBNP concentrations and were nearly equal among CVD subtypes. Similar findings were observed for stroke subtypes of ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage but not subarachnoid hemorrhage. The effects of the 1 SD increment in log NT-proBNP values were comparable in subjects with and without other cardiovascular risk factors, except for sex. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was significantly (
P
=0.006) increased by adding NT-proBNP values to the model including other potential risk factors.

Conclusion—

Elevated NT-proBNP levels were shown to be a significant risk factor for the development of CVD and its subtypes in a general Japanese population, independently of other cardiovascular risk factors.
Hypoxia Is Present in Murine Atherosclerotic Plaques and Has Multiple Adverse Effects on Macrophage Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Parathath Sajesh , Mick Stephanie L. , Feig Jonathan E. , Joaquin Victor , Grauer Lisa , Habiel David M. , Gassmann Max , Gardner Lawrence B. , Fisher Edward A.
Published: September 2011

Rationale:

Human atherosclerotic plaques contain large numbers of cells deprived of O
2
. In murine atherosclerosis, because the plaques are small, it is controversial whether hypoxia can occur.

Objective:

To examine if murine plaques contain hypoxic cells, and whether hypoxia regulates changes in cellular lipid metabolism and gene expression in macrophages.

Methods and Results:

Aortic plaques from apolipoprotein-E–deficient mice were immunopositive for hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF-1α) and some of its downstream targets. Murine J774 macrophages rendered hypoxic demonstrated significant increases in cellular sterol and triglycerides. The increase in sterol content in hypoxic macrophages correlated with elevated 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase activity and mRNA levels. In addition, when macrophages were incubated with cholesterol complexes, hypoxic cells accumulated 120% more cholesterol, predominately in the free form. Cholesterol-efflux assays showed that hypoxia significantly decreased efflux mediated by ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1), whose sub cellular localization was altered in both J774 and primary macrophages. Furthermore, in vivo expression patterns of selected genes from cells in hypoxic regions of murine plaques were similar to those from J774 and primary macrophages incubated in hypoxia. The hypoxia-induced accumulation of sterol and decreased cholesterol efflux was substantially reversed in vitro by reducing the expression of the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor, HIF-1α.

Conclusion:

Hypoxic regions are present in murine plaques. Hypoxic macrophages have increased sterol content due to the induction of sterol synthesis and the suppression of cholesterol efflux, effects that are in part mediated by HIF-1α.
Colors of Fruit and Vegetables and 10-Year Incidence of Stroke
Authors: Oude Griep Linda M. , Verschuren W.M. Monique , Kromhout Daan , Ocké Marga C. , Geleijnse Johanna M.
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—

The color of the edible portion of fruits and vegetables reflects the presence of pigmented bioactive compounds, (eg, carotenoids, anthocyanidins, and flavonoids). Which fruit and vegetable color groups contribute most to the beneficial association of fruit and vegetables with stroke incidence is unknown. Therefore, we examined associations between consumption of fruit and vegetable color groups with 10-year stroke incidence.

Methods—

This was a prospective, population-based cohort study, including 20 069 men and women age 20 to 65 years and free of cardiovascular diseases at baseline. Participants completed a validated, 178-item food frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated for stroke incidence using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for age, sex, lifestyle, and dietary factors.

Results—

During 10 years of follow-up, 233 incident cases of stroke were documented. Fruits and vegetables were classified into 4 color groups. Medians of green, orange/yellow, red/purple, and white fruit and vegetable consumption were 62, 87, 57, and 118 g/d, respectively. Green, orange/yellow, and red/purple fruits and vegetables were not related to incident stroke. Higher intake of white fruits and vegetables was inversely associated with incident stroke (Q4, >171 g/d, versus Q1, ≤78 g/d; HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.29–0.77). Each 25-g/d increase in white fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with a 9% lower risk of stroke (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85–0.97). Apples and pears were the most commonly consumed white fruit and vegetables (55%).

Conclusions—

High intake of white fruits and vegetables may protect against stroke.
Organized Outpatient Care
Authors: Webster Fiona , Saposnik Gustavo , Kapral Moira K. , Fang Jiming , O'Callaghan Chris , Hachinski Vladimir
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—

Organized inpatient stroke care decreases mortality and morbidity irrespective of patient age, stroke severity, or stroke subtype. Limited information is available on whether organized outpatient care models such as stroke prevention clinics (SPC) improve outcomes after a transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke. We compared 1-year mortality and stroke readmission in patients with transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke referred versus not referred to an SPC.

Methods—

This was a retrospective cohort study including 16 468 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack who were seen in the emergency department or admitted to a hospital between July 1, 2003 and March 31, 2008 at registry stroke centers (n=12) in the province of Ontario. Cox proportional hazards models and propensity score-matched analyses were used to evaluate 1-year mortality and readmission.

Results—

One-year mortality rates were lower in those referred to SPCs compared with those not referred, even after adjustment for age, sex, ethnic origin, income, comorbid conditions, stroke symptoms and severity, receipt of thrombolysis, stroke unit care, discharge destination, and functional status at discharge (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.67; 95% CI, 0.60–0.75). Survival analysis after propensity matching showed a 26% reduction in 1-year mortality (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.65–0.84). There were no significant differences in 1-year readmission rates in those referred versus not referred to SPCs.

Conclusions—

Referral to an SPC is associated with a one-quarter reduction in mortality after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. This supports the argument that outpatient stroke units may prove as effective as their inpatient counterparts.
Clinical Presentation, Etiology, and Long-Term Prognosis in Patients With Nontraumatic Convexal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Beitzke Markus , Gattringer Thomas , Enzinger Christian , Wagner Gerit , Niederkorn Kurt , Fazekas Franz
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—

Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage at the convexity of the brain (cSAH) is an incompletely characterized subtype of nonaneurysmal subarachnoid bleeding. This study sought to systematically describe the clinical presentation, etiology, and long-term outcome in patients with cSAH.

Methods—

For a 6-year period, we searched our radiological database for patients with nontraumatic nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (n=131) seen on CT or MRI. By subsequent image review, we identified 24 patients with cSAH defined by intrasulcal bleeding restricted to the hemispheric convexities. We reviewed their medical records, analyzed the neuroimaging studies, and followed up patients by telephone or a clinical visit.

Results—

The 24 patients with cSAH had a mean age of 70 years (range, 37–88 years), 20 (83%) were >60 years, and 13 (54%) were women. Patients often presented with transient sensory and/or motor symptoms (n=10 [42%]) and seizures (n=5 [21%]), whereas headaches typical of subarachnoid hemorrhage were rare (n=4 [17%]). MRI provided evidence for prior bleedings in 11 patients (microbleeds in 10 and parenchymal bleeds in 5) with a bleeding pattern suggestive of cerebral amyloid angiopathy in 5 subjects. At follow-up (after a mean of 33 months), 14 patients (64%) had an unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin scale score 3–6), including 5 deaths. We did not observe recurrent cSAH.

Conclusions—

Our data suggest that cSAH often presents with features not typical for subarachnoid bleeding. In the elderly, cSAH is frequently associated with bleeding-prone conditions such as cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Recurrence of cSAH is rare but the condition itself is a marker of poor prognosis.
Neural Mass Activity, Bifurcations, and Epilepsy
Authors: Touboul Jonathan , Wendling Fabrice , Chauvel Patrick , Faugeras Olivier
Published: September 2011

In this letter, we propose a general framework for studying neural mass models defined by ordinary differential equations. By studying the bifurcations of the solutions to these equations and their sensitivity to noise, we establish an important relation, similar to a dictionary, between their behaviors and normal and pathological, especially epileptic, cortical patterns of activity. We then apply this framework to the analysis of two models that feature most phenomena of interest, the Jansen and Rit model, and the slightly more complex model recently proposed by Wendling and Chauvel. This model-based approach allows us to test various neurophysiological hypotheses on the origin of pathological cortical behaviors and investigate the effect of medication. We also study the effects of the stochastic nature of the inputs, which gives us clues about the origins of such important phenomena as interictal spikes, interictal bursts, and fast onset activity that are of particular relevance in epilepsy.
Identification and Continuity of the Distributions of Burst-Length and Interspike Intervals in the Stochastic Morris-Lecar Neuron
Authors: Rowat Peter F. , Greenwood Priscilla E.
Published: September 2011

Using the Morris-Lecar model neuron with a type II parameter set and K+-channel noise, we investigate the interspike interval distribution as increasing levels of applied current drive the model through a subcritical Hopf bifurcation. Our goal is to provide a quantitative description of the distributions associated with spiking as a function of applied current. The model generates bursty spiking behavior with sequences of random numbers of spikes (bursts) separated by interburst intervals of random length. This kind of spiking behavior is found in many places in the nervous system, most notably, perhaps, in stuttering inhibitory interneurons in cortex. Here we show several practical and inviting aspects of this model, combining analysis of the stochastic dynamics of the model with estimation based on simulations. We show that the parameter of the exponential tail of the interspike interval distribution is in fact continuous over the entire range of plausible applied current, regardless of the bifurcations in the phase portrait of the model. Further, we show that the spike sequence length, apparently studied for the first time here, has a geometric distribution whose associated parameter is continuous as a function of applied current over the entire input range. Hence, this model is applicable over a much wider range of applied current than has been thought.
A nation state insufficiently imagined?
Authors: Dhulipala Venkat
Published: September 2011

Tropes of ‘insufficient national imagination’, ‘secular nationalism’ and ‘accidental state formation’ have long dominated historical accounts of Pakistan’s origins and have also been critical for explanations regarding this nation-state’s post’colonial trajectory. This article challenges these foundational assumptions about Pakistani nationalism by examining how the idea of Pakistan was articulated and debated in the public sphere and how popular enthusiasm was generated for its successful achievement in the last decade of British colonial rule in India. In this regard, it examines the trajectory of the Pakistan movement in the United Provinces (UP, now Uttar Pradesh, India) and the leading role played by UP Muslims aligned to the Muslim League (ML) in Pakistan’s creation, despite their awareness that the UP itself would not be a part of this new nation-state.
A Role of Oral Bacteria in Bisphosphonate-induced Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Authors: Mawardi H. , Giro G. , Kajiya M. , Ohta K. , Almazrooa S. , Alshwaimi E. , Woo S.-B. , Nishimura I. , Kawai T.
Published: September 2011

No consensus has yet been reached to associate oral bacteria conclusively with the etio-pathogenesis of bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ). Therefore, the present study examined the effects of oral bacteria on the development of BONJ-like lesions in a mouse model. In the pamidronate (Pam)-treated mice, but not control non-drug-treated mice, tooth extraction followed by oral infection with Fusobacterium nucleatum caused BONJ-like lesions and delayed epithelial healing, both of which were completely suppressed by a broad-spectrum antibiotic cocktail. Furthermore, in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, the combination of Pam and Fusobacterium nucleatum caused the death of gingival fibroblasts (GFs) and down-regulated their production of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), which induces epithelial cell growth and migration. Therefore, in periodontal tissues pre-exposed to bisphosphonate, bacterial infection at tooth extraction sites caused diminished KGF expression in GFs, leading to a delay in the epithelial wound-healing process that was mitigated by antibiotics.