bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sielos žetonai: naujo kripto santykių teisinio reguliavimo iššūkiai
Authors: Mikalajūnas Evaldas
Published: May 2024

Straipsnyje nagrinėjamas visiškai naujas ir galimai nepatenkantis į Europos Sąjungos reglamente dėl kripto turto rinkų, kuriuo iš dalies keičiama Direktyva (ES) 2019/1973 (MiCA), „kripto turto“ apibrėžimas „Soulbound“, žetonų (SBT) turinys ir teisinė bruožų charakteristika. Tyrimas koncentruojasi į SBT žetono unikalias neperleidžiamumo ir turtinės vertės neturėjimo savybes, kurios, galimai, kels naujus iššūkius egzistuojančiam teisiniam reglamentavimui, sietinam su Europos Sąjungos MiCA, pinigų plovimo prevencijos ir duomenų apsaugos teisės normomis. Pirmoje straipsnio dalyje atskleidžiami SBT termino technologiniai veikimo principai ir pagrindiniai veikimo bruožai. Analizuojamas SBT ir MiCA reglamente įtvirtintos kripto turto sąvokos santykis. Loginės analizės būdu yra vertinama abiejų terminų sutaptis. Atskleidžiama egzistuojanti problematika, sietina su SBT neperleidžiamumo ir vertės bruožais. Taip pat šioje dalyje yra analizuojama SBT, kaip pinigų plovimo ir terorizmo finansavimo prevencijos įstatymo objekto, taikymo perspektyva. Išryškinama problematika sietina su finansinės vertės ir operacijų vykdymo sąlygomis. Antroje straipsnio dalyje atskleidžiamas SBT santykis su Bendruoju duomenų apsaugos reglamentu. Yra išskiriamos dvi SBT rūšys, susietos su pateikiamų duomenų turiniu. Galiausiai, bandoma atskleisti SBT, kaip asmens duomenis vaizduojančios technologijos problematiką ir ryšį su asmens duomenų apsauga bei ją reglamentuojančiomis imperatyviomis teisės normomis. Labiausiai dėmesį kreipiant į ofertos ir akcepto reikalavimus bei teise būti informuotam apie tokių duomenų tvarkymą ir tokio tvarkymo atsisakymo galimybę.
Radiation Pattern Reconfigurable Arch-Shaped Dual-Band Antenna for Wi-Fi and WLAN Applications
Authors: Salah E. M. , Atallah H. A. , Abdelaziz A. , Mohamed H.  A. , Hamad E. K. I.
Published: May 2024

This paper describes the design and analysis of a reconfigurable radiation pattern dual-band antenna for Wi-Fi and WLAN applications. The antenna patch comprises two parts: the upper part, which consists of three symmetrical oval rings, and the lower part, which is shaped like a lotus flower. By controlling the ON and OFF states of lumped p-i-n switches to control the direction of the radiation beams, the proposed pattern reconfigurable antenna achieves three reconfigurable states. The beam's direction change is performed by two switches that are connected in the gap between the feedline and the arch. The proposed antenna operates at 2.4 and 5.5 GHz, covering the bands from 2.1882 to 2.55 GHz and from 5.31 to 5.96 GHz, respectively. Additionally, the directivity over the working bands is about 1.92 to 4 dBi while the gain lies in the range of 1.66 to 3.5 dB. Moreover, the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) varies from 1 to 1.20. The size of the antenna is 47×59.5 mm2 which is printed on a 1.6 mm thickness FR-4 substrate of 4.4 relative permittivity. Computer simulation technology Microwave Studio is used to design and study the recommended constructions. The proposed design achieves an acceptable value of VSWR, stable gain, and good directivity, which makes it a suitable choice for future radiation pattern reconfiguration applications. The proposed antenna is distinguished by a simple shape, compact size, respectable return loss, good radiation characteristics, and high efficiency. The obtained results from measurements are quite close to the simulations.
Comportamento do resultado orçamentário antes e durante a pandemia da COVID-19 nos Estados e Distrito Federal
Authors: Ramos Heloisa Candida de Lima , Silva Valdemir da , Bellini Elyrouse Cavalcante de Oliveira , Souza Érica Xavier de
Published: May 2024

Este estudo analisa o comportamento dos quocientes do resultado orçamentário antes e durante a pandemia da Covid-19 nos Estados e Distrito Federal entre os anos de 2018 a 2021. Para alcançar este objetivo, foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva, documental e quantitativa, compreendendo o universo composto pelas 27 unidades federativas do Brasil, englobando o período de 2018 a 2021. Os indicadores de execução foram os resultados orçamentários categorizados economicamente em correntes e de capital, bem como consolidado.  Os resultados revelam que a pandemia não foi óbice para alcance de superávit orçamentário, pois, antes da crise sanitária, 13 unidades federativas, em 2018, e 18, em 2020, apresentavam superávit orçamentários. Entretanto, em 2020 e 2021, 25 unidades federativas apresentavam resultado orçamentário positivo. Esta performance orçamentária positiva provém da arrecadação das receitas correntes que excederam as despesas correntes nos quatro exercícios analisados, gerando superávit corrente antes e durante a pandemia da Covid-19.  A contribuição deste estudo está pautada no fato da pandemia ser um fenômeno inesperado, que modificou drasticamente o dia a dia de pessoas e o desempenho das organizações públicas, tornando seus resultados o conjunto de informações que demonstram para a sociedade os reflexos da arrecadação de receitas e realização de despesas.
Role of Self Efficacy and Personality in Academic Dishonesty of Undergraduate Students: Implication for Future Careers
Authors: Peasah Bernice Serwaa Ofosuhene , Asamoah-Gyawu Joseph , Attila Frank Lamadoku
Published: May 2024

Various terms describe academic dishonesty, including academic fraud, cheating, and misrepresentation. This paper investigated the forms and prevalence of academic dishonesty among Ghanaian undergraduates students. It also examined how self-efficacy and personality type predict academic fraud within on-campus settings. The study employed a cross-sectional questionnaire-based design, surveying a sample of 453 students. Three scales addressed the hypotheses and research questions. Descriptive statistics (percentages, means, frequencies, standard deviations) were used to answer the research questions, while standard linear regression tested the hypothesis. The results indicated high levels of self-efficacy and conscientiousness among students, yet academic dishonesty was still present. Conscientiousness, openness, and self-efficacy were found to predict academic fraud. One key implication is that such students may carry the negative habits into their future careers. The paper concluded by examining some strategies for mitigating academic dishonesty within the educational context.
Molecular Detection of Candida aaseri in Oral Cavity of Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Rashak Saad J. , Al-Maqtoofi Marwan Y. , Burghal Ahmed A.
Published: May 2024

The impaired human immune system, resulting from diabetes mellitus, can lead to the transition of Candida from a commensal to a pathogenic status, causing oral fungal infections. Candida aaseri is a dimorphic yeast with lipolytic activity which has not been previously reported in clinical infections. This study reports an extremely rare oral fungal infection associated with C. aaseri in a patient with type II diabetes mellitus. The patient, a 42-year-old female with diabetes mellitus type II from Basrah, Iraq, was and identified with a fungal oral infection. Swab samples were collected from the patient's oral cavity for microbial investigation and cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) at 37°C for 48 hours. The results revealed pure yeast growth. Blue colonies were observed on CHROMagar Candida. The genomic DNA of the isolated yeast was extracted for molecular-level diagnosis, utilizing the mRNA gene's internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. C. aaseri was the sole yeast species identified in this clinical case. Anti-fungal sensitivity tests indicated that C. aaseri was sensitive to Nystatin, Posaconazole, and Fluconazole while exhibiting significant resistance to Colistin Sulfate. This study represents the first global report of isolating C. aaseri from an oral infection in an immunocompromised patient.
Effect of Elevated CO2 and Temperature on Chlorophyll Content and Growth Attributes of Rice-wheat Cropping System in Central India
Authors: Parmar Rakesh , Kollah Bharati , Devi Mayanglambam Homeshwari , Trivedi Sudhir Kumar , Gupta Subhash Chandra , Mohanty Santosh Ranjan
Published: May 2024

Rice-wheat is a major cropping system in India and it is predicted that the productivity of both crops will decline due to climate change factors including elevated CO2 and temperature. To define the mechanisms, a field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of elevated CO2 and temperature on growth attributes of rice and wheat crops using a Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) system. The treatments were ambient CO2+ambient temperature, elevatedCO2of 600ppm+ambient temperature, ambient CO2 + elevated temperature (+2°C), ambient CO2+elevated temperature (+3°C), elevated CO2 600 ppm +elevated temperature (+2°C) and elevated CO2 600ppm +elevated temperature (+3°C). Elevated CO2 and elevated temperature (+2°C or +3°C) strongly affected the crop growth. Elevated CO2 stimulated leaf chlorophyll content, root-shoot length and biomass yield. However, elevated temperature inhibited chlorophyll content in both the crops. Elevated CO2enhanced chlorophyll content by 12.9–19% in rice and 8.8–16.5%in wheat. Elevated temperature reduced chlorophyll content by a range of 20.5-27.3% in rice and 6.3-11.5% in wheat. Combined effect of elevated CO2and elevated temperature decreased the leaf total chlorophyll and plant biomass in both crops. Study highlights that elevated CO2 concentration and rising temperature may affect the photosynthesis and productivity of rice and wheat crop in central India.
A GIS-based Approach to Spatially Explicit Mean Monthly Areal Rainfall Estimation of Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Indraja P. , Krupavathi K. , Supraja K.V.L.
Published: May 2024

Rainfall analysis is pivotal for understanding hydrological systems, crucial for effective water resource management. In this study spatial rainfall analysis is carried out for Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh using ArcGIS software. Rainfall data for a period of 30 years (1992-2021) was collected from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Utilizing the spatial interpolation techniques in Geographic Information System (GIS) software, mean monthly areal rainfall was found using the three methods viz., Arithmetic mean, Thiessen’s polygon and isohyet method. This study utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to visualize spatial patterns of rainfall across Krishna district. To account for missing data in the rainfall record, the normal ratio method was implemented. Spatial maps were generated to depict mean monthly areal rainfall variations. The analysis yielded mean monthly areal rainfall for Krishna district as 84.72 mm, 85.22 mm and 83.97 mm using the arithmetic mean, Thiessen polygon and Isohyet methods, respectively. Isohyet method is considered to be more accurate and rainfall is the basic data required for all hydrological analysis as an input layer for runoff generation, water resources planning, evapotranspiration studies, crop planning, flood estimation and water budget estimations etc.
Assessment and Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Fermented African oil Bean Seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla) for Probiotic Application
Authors: Ezea Ifeanyi Boniface , Ewoh Anthonia Ngozi , Aneke Chinwe Jacinta
Published: May 2024

Among the bacteria in fermented foods, lactic acid bacteria play a pivotal role and its main function is to convert carbohydrates and other related raw materials into lactic acid (organic acid). Therefore, the aim of this research was to assess and use lactic acid bacteria isolates obtained from fermented African oil bean seeds as probiotics. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated using MRS agar and screened for organic acid production and the ability to tolerate some environmental conditions such as temperature, pH, and osmotic pressure. The use of the isolates as probiotics was investigated by screening and determining the antimicrobial inhibitory zone diameter of the isolates obtained against the indicator microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Results show that isolate2, isolate3, isolate5, isolate6, isolate7 and isolate8 were able to produce organic acid. Out of the six bacterial isolates tested for antimicrobial activities against the indicator microorganisms, isolate2, isolate3, isolate6 and isolate8 were able to show antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes using different dilutions (10- 1 to 10- 3) of the isolates. The isolates were able to grow at temperatures of 37oCand 45oC; pH of 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0; finally the osmotic pressure of 1.0, 1.5, 2.5 and 5.0 % w/v NaCl. The isolates were identified as Lactobacillus species and can be used as probiotics.
Low‐Temperature Behaviour of Charge Transfer Excitons in Narrow‐Bandgap Polymer‐Based Bulk Heterojunctions
Authors: Jarzab Dorota , Cordella Fabrizio , Gao Jio , Scharber Markus , Egelhaaf Hans‐Joachim , Loi Maria Antonietta
Published: May 2011

Photoluminescence studies of the charge transfer exciton emission from a narrow‐bandgap polymer‐based bulk heterojunction are reported. The quantum yield of this emission is as high as 0.03%. Low temperature measurements reveal that while the dynamics of the singlet exciton is slower at low temperature, the dynamics of the charge transfer exciton emission is temperature independent. This behavior rules out any diffusion process of the charge transfer excitons and energy transfer from these interfacial states toward lower lying states. Photoluminescence measurements performed on the device under bias show a reduction (but not the total suppression) of the charge transfer exciton recombination. Finally, based on the low temperature results the role of the charge transfer excitons and the possible pathways to populate them are identified.
Enhancement in Thermoelectric Figure‐Of‐Merit of an N‐Type Half‐Heusler Compound by the Nanocomposite Approach
Authors: Joshi Giri , Yan Xiao , Wang Hengzhi , Liu Weishu , Chen Gang , Ren Zhifeng
Published: May 2011

An enhancement in the dimensionless thermoelectric figure‐of‐merit (ZT) of an n‐type half‐Heusler material is reported using a nanocomposite approach. A peak ZT value of 1.0 was achieved at 600 °C–700 °C, which is about 25% higher than the previously reported highest value. The samples were made by ball‐milling ingots of composition Hf0.75Zr0.25NiSn0.99Sb0.01 into nanopowders and hot‐pressing the powders into dense bulk samples. The ingots were formed by arc‐melting the elements. The ZT enhancement mainly comes from reduction of thermal conductivity due to increased phonon scattering at grain boundaries and crystal defects, and optimization of antimony doping.
Fusion of coccyx to sacrum in humans: Prevalence, correlates, and effect on pelvic size, with obstetrical and evolutionary implications
Authors: Tague Robert G.
Published: May 2011

Humans do not have a tail, but we have four rudimentary coccygeal vertebrae. This study considers several issues pertaining to fusion of the coccyx to the sacrum, including prevalence, sexual differences, effect on pelvic size, and obstetrical and evolutionary implications. Previous research on sacral–coccygeal fusion has reported: (1) lower prevalence in females than males, (2) prevalence increases with age, (3) range in prevalence among 13 samples from 0 to 72%, and (4) obstetrical complications. This study uses a sample of 2,354 American skeletons of known sex, age 20 years and older to ascertain prevalence of sacral–coccygeal fusion and to evaluate some of its correlates. Results show that the sexes do not differ in prevalence of sacral–coccygeal fusion for five of seven decades of life, but that prevalence does increase with advancing age—from 24 to 47% from the third to eighth decades of life in females. Pelvimetric analysis of 132 females shows that those with sacral–coccygeal fusion have a shorter posterior sagittal diameter of the outlet compared to those without fusion; more than half of those with sacral–coccygeal fusion have an obstetrically contracted posterior sagittal diameter. Shortening of the posterior sagittal diameter is important, because its conjoint occurrence with a narrow subpubic arch may result in an obstetrically inadequate outlet. This study concludes that sacral–coccygeal fusion is a principal contributor to the evolution of sexual dimorphism in sacral angulation, which is a determinant of the length of the posterior sagittal diameter of the outlet. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Technical note: Some observations on the conversion of dental enamel δ18op values to δ18ow to determine human mobility
Authors: Pollard A.M. , Pellegrini M. , Lee‐Thorp J.A.
Published: May 2011

It has become a widespread practice to convert δ18Op values measured in human and animal dental enamel to a corresponding value of δ18Ow and compare these data with mapped δ18Ow groundwater or meteoric water values to locate the region where the owner of the tooth lived during the formation of the enamel. Because this is a regression procedure, the errors associated with the predicted δ18Ow values will depend critically on the correlation between the comparative data used to perform the regression. By comparing four widely used regression equations we demonstrate that the smallest 95% error is likely to be greater than ±1% in δ18Ow, and could be as large as ±3.5%. These values are significantly higher than those quoted in some of the recent literature, and measurements with errors at the higher end of this range would render many of the published geographical attributions statistically unsupportable. We suggest that the simplest solution to this situation is to make geographical attributions based on the direct comparison of measured values of δ18Op rather than on predicted values of δ18Ow. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pattern and pace of dental eruption in Tarsius
Authors: Guthrie Emily H. , Frost Stephen R.
Published: May 2011

This article uses data on the dental eruption pattern and life history of Tarsius to test the utility of Schultz's rule. Schultz's rule claims a relationship between the relative pattern of eruption and the absolute pace of dental development and life history and may be useful in reconstructing life histories in extinct primates. Here, we document an unusual eruption pattern in Tarsius combining early eruption (relative to molars) of anterior replacement teeth (P2 and incisors) and relatively late eruption of the posterior replacement teeth (C, P3, and P4). This eruption pattern does not accurately predict the “slow” pace of life documented for Tarsius [Roberts: Int J Primatol 15 (1994) 1–28], nor aspects of life history directly associated with dental development as would be expected using Schultz's rule. In Tarsius, the anterior teeth and M1 erupt at an early age and therefore are not only fast in a relative sense but also fast in an absolute sense. This seems to be related to a developmental anomaly in the deciduous precursor teeth, which are essentially skipped. This decoupling among dental eruption pattern, dental eruption pace, and life history pace in Tarsius undermines the assumptions that life histories can accurately be described as “fast” or “slow” and that dental eruption pattern alone can be used to infer overall life history pace. The relatively and absolutely early eruption of the anterior dentition may be due to the utility of these front teeth in early food acquisition rather than with the pace of life history. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new brain endocast of Homo erectus from Hulu Cave, Nanjing, China
Authors: Wu Xiujie , Holloway Ralph L. , Schepartz Lynne A. , Xing Song
Published: May 2011

A new brain endocast of Homo erectus from Hulu Cave, Tangshan, Nanjing is described and compared with a broad sample of endocasts of H. erectus, Neanderthals, and recent modern humans. The Nanjing 1 endocast is reconstructed based on two portions of endocranial casts taken from the original fossil fragments. The fossil was discovered in 1993, near Nanjing, South China and is dated to ∼ 0.58–0.62 Ma. The cranial capacity is ∼ 876 cc, as determined by endocast water displacement. There are some common features of Nanjing 1 and other H. erectus endocasts that differentiate them from the Neanderthals and modern humans in our sample. These include small cranial capacity, low height dimensions, simple middle meningeal vessel patterns, a high degree of cerebral‐over‐cerebellar lobe overhang, elongated and quite separated cerebellar lobes, and a narrow, low, short and flat frontal region. Some features are found to vary among H. erectus, Neanderthals and modern humans, such as the lateral Sylvian fissure position and the venous sinus and petalial patterns. The Nanjing 1 endocast has unique, large, superior frontal convolutions, and strongly protruding Broca's caps. In contrast to other Chinese H. erectus from Hexian and Zhoukoudian, Nanjing 1 lacks strong posterior projection of the occipital lobes. Bivariate and principal component analyses indicate that the small volume and shape of Nanjing 1 is most similar to KNM‐WT 15000, KNM‐ER 3883, Sangiran 2 and Hexian, illustrating the combination of narrow, low, and short frontal lobes with wide posterior lobes. Am J Phys Anthropol,2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overexpression of Lewis (y) Antigen Protects Ovarian Cancer RMG‐1 Cells from Carboplatin‐Induced Apoptosis by the Upregulation of Topo‐I and Topo‐II β
Authors: Wang Changzhi , Yan Limei , Wang Yifei , Lin Bei , Liu Shuice , Li Quanrong , Gao Lili , Zhang Shulan , Iwamori Masao
Published: May 2011

Lewis (y) antigen, a difucosylated oligosaccharide, has been shown to be associated with malignant properties of ovarian carcinomas. In this study, we have investigated the potential role of Lewis (y) antigen, which was stably transfected into ovarian cancer RMG‐1 cells, on carboplatin‐induced apoptosis. Overexpression of Lewis (y) antigen effectively protected vitronectin‐adherent RMG‐1 cells from carboplatin‐induced apoptosis as assessed by Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry. Treatment with anti‐Lewis (y) antigen, anti‐integrin αv, or anti‐integrin β3 antibody partially abolished the protective effect on apoptosis and markedly inhibited the expression of Topo‐II β in cells overexpressing Lewis (y) antigen (all P < 0.01). Moreover, elevated expression of Topo‐I and Topo‐II β was found in Lewis (y) antigen‐overexpressing cells (P < 0.01). However, no obvious changes in Topo‐II α were observed throughout the study (P > 0.05). Taken together, these data suggest that the overexpression of Lewis (y) antigen confers cell adhesion‐mediated drug resistance to apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells by the upregulation of Topo‐I and Topo‐II β. Therefore, the inhibition of Lewis (y) antigen may be a novel strategy of cancer chemotherapy. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Comparative Assessment of the Size of the Frontal Air Sinus in the Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Authors: Badlangana N. Ludo , Adams Justin W. , Manger Paul R.
Published: May 2011

The current study examines the frontal air sinus of the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) cranium with the aim of evaluating previously offered hypotheses as to why they have such an atypically voluminous frontal sinus relative to other artiodactyls. To date, no quantification of the frontal sinus in the adult or developing giraffe has been undertaken or compared to other artiodactyl species. Crania from eight species of adult artiodactyls, and giraffes varying in age from newborn to adult, were studied using CT scans to provide a volumetric assessment of the frontal sinus. Sinus volume was strongly correlated to cranial mass in the male giraffe ontogenetic series. The adult giraffe of both sexes were found to possess a far larger than predicted sinus volume relative to the relationship between frontal sinus volume and cranial mass observed in the other adult artiodactyls. Our results suggest that the volume of the frontal sinus in the giraffe is likely to be unique among artiodactyls, and the potential function and evolution we consider in light of several previously articulated hypotheses. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accessing the Hidden Majority of Marine Natural Products through Metagenomics
Authors: Donia Mohamed S. , Ruffner Duane E. , Cao Sheng , Schmidt Eric W.
Published: May 2011

Tiny marine animals represent an untapped reservoir for undiscovered, bioactive natural products. However, their small size and extreme chemical variability preclude traditional chemical approaches to discovering new bioactive compounds. Here, we use a metagenomic method to directly discover and rapidly access cyanobactin class natural products from these variable samples, and provide proof‐of‐concept for genome‐based discovery and supply of marine natural products. We also address practical optimization of complex, multistep ribosomal peptide pathways in heterologous hosts, which is still very challenging. The resulting methods and concepts will be applicable to ribosomal peptide and other biosynthetic pathways.
Trans catheter aortic valve implantation with core valve revalving system in uncoiled (horizontal) aorta. overcoming anatomical and technical challenges for successful deployment
Authors: Sarkar Kunal , Ussia Gian Paolo , Tamburino Corrado
Published: May 2011

Uncoiling of the aortic root (horizontal aorta) offers a considerable technical challenge in successful deployment of core valve prosthesis. The problem is compounded in the presence of significant calcification of the ascending aorta that limits the capability to control the tension on delivery catheter during device release and may lead to implant failure. Recognition of adverse anatomical features and use of proximal access sites such as subclavian artery are likely to attenuate the degree of technical difficulty in these cases. Familiarity and facility with retrieval techniques using a snare catheter is desirable in cases of implant failure. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The “Bladder sign”—An important early marker of retroperitoneal hemorrhage
Authors: Freilich Mark I. , Gossman David E. , Applegate Robert J. , Werns Steven W. , Gips Sanford J. , Turi Zoltan G.
Published: May 2011

Retroperitoneal hemorrhage remains one of the major complications of cardiac and peripheral vascular catheterization. Its high associated morbidity and mortality require vigilance and early intervention. We report six cases of retroperitoneal hemorrhage featuring a “bladder sign.” The compression of the bladder described in this series can be visualized on the incidental cystogram that results from contrast given during catheterization. Its significance as a highly specific marker of retroperitoneal hemorrhage should be appreciated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Catheter conversion of classic glenn to bidirectional glenn with closure of left central shunt years after surgical attempts
Authors: Ebeid Makram R. , Gaymes Charles H.
Published: May 2011

Bidirectional Glenn shunt is usually performed in patients with single ventricle in preparation for a total cavo‐pulmonary connection. We present a patient born with complex congenital heart disease consisting of single ventricle, pulmonary atresia, non confluent pulmonary arteries, and anomalous pulmonary venous return in whom surgical bidirectional Glenn was attempted. After multiple surgical attempts she was converted to a Classic Glenn and a central ascending aorta to left pulmonary artery shunt. Several years later by the aid of radiofrequency wire the occluded pulmonary artery segment was canalized establishing continuity between the two pulmonary artery branches with stenting of the intervening segment. The central shunt to the left pulmonary artery was subsequently embolized. Thus this patient was converted in the catheterization laboratory from the physiology of a classic Glenn to the more preferred bidirectional Glenn physiology. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seven‐year safety and efficacy of the unrestricted use of drug‐eluting stents in saphenous vein bypass grafts
Authors: Nauta Sjoerd T. , Van Mieghem Nicolas M. , Magro Michael , Deckers Jaap W. , Simsek Cihan , Jan Van Geuns Robert , Van Der Giessen Wim J. , De Jaegere Peter , Regar Evelyn , Van Domburg Ron T. , Serruys Patrick W.
Published: May 2011

Objectives: The aim was to investigate the 7‐year clinical outcomes of patients treated with either drug‐eluting stents (DES) or bare‐metal stents (BMS) for saphenous vein graft disease (SVG). Background: Atherosclerotic disease in SVG has several peculiarities which make it difficult to extrapolate outcomes of the use of DES as compared to BMS, from outcomes observed in native coronary arteries. To date no long‐term safety and efficacy results for DES in SVG have been published. Methods: Between January, 2000 and December, 2005 a total of 250 consecutive patients with saphenous vein graft disease were sequentially treated with DES (either sirolimus‐ or paclitaxel‐eluting stents) or with BMS. Yearly follow‐up was performed. Results: At 87 months (7.25 years), a total of 101 patients died (58 [46%] in the BMS group and 43 [42%] in the DES group, P‐value= 0.4). There was no significant difference in the combined endpoint mortality or myocardial infarction. Cumulative target vessel revascularisation (TVR) was higher in the BMS group compared to the DES group (41% vs. 29%, respectively; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39–1.0). The cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiac events was 73% vs. 68% in the BMS and DES groups, respectively (adjusted HR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.67–1.3). Conclusions: In the present study, the unrestricted use of DES for SVG lesions appeared safe and effective up to 7.25 years‐ and the use of DES resulted in a clinically relevant lower rate of TVR. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Economic outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention with drug‐eluting stents versus bypass surgery for patients with left main or three‐vessel coronary artery disease: One‐year results from the SYNTAX trial
Authors: Cohen David J. , Lavelle Tara A. , Van Hout Ben , Li Haiyan , Lei Yang , Robertus Katherine , Pinto Duane , Magnuson Elizabeth A. , Mcgarry Thomas F. , Lucas Scott K. , Horwitz Phillip A. , Henry Carl A. , Serruys Patrick W. , Mohr Friedrich W. , Kappetein A. Pieter
Published: May 2011

Objectives: To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of alternative approaches to revascularization for patients with three‐vessel or left main coronary artery disease (CAD). Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that, despite higher initial costs, long‐term costs with bypass surgery (CABG) in multivessel CAD are similar to those for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The impact of drug‐eluting stents (DES) on these results is unknown. Methods: The SYNTAX trial randomized 1,800 patients with left main or three‐vessel CAD to either CABG (n = 897) or PCI using paclitaxel‐eluting stents (n = 903). Resource utilization data were collected prospectively for all patients, and cumulative 1‐year costs were assessed from the perspective of the U.S. healthcare system. Results: Total costs for the initial hospitalization were $5,693/patient higher with CABG, whereas follow‐up costs were $2,282/patient higher with PCI due mainly to more frequent revascularization procedures and higher outpatient medication costs. Total 1‐year costs were thus $3,590/patient higher with CABG, while quality‐adjusted life expectancy was slightly higher with PCI. Although PCI was an economically dominant strategy for the overall population, cost‐effectiveness varied considerably according to angiographic complexity. For patients with high angiographic complexity (SYNTAX score > 32), total 1‐year costs were similar for CABG and PCI, and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for CABG was $43,486 per quality‐adjusted life‐year gained. Conclusions: Among patients with three‐vessel or left main CAD, PCI is an economically attractive strategy over the first year for patients with low and moderate angiographic complexity, while CABG is favored among patients with high angiographic complexity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rescue “valve in valve” implantation after late onset corevalve cusp rupture leading to acute massive aortic insufficiency
Authors: Pagnotta Paolo , Ferrante Giuseppe , Presbitero Patrizia
Published: May 2011

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a feasible and effective alternative to aortic valve replacement in patients at high surgical risk, and is associated with a lower risk of death at 1 year follow‐up when compared with standard therapy. In a recent large study, enrolling 663 high risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis TAVI with the use of CoreValve system has been associated with early and sustained clinical and hemodynamic benefits, with a cumulative mortality of 15.0% at 1 year follow‐up. This study has shown that paravalvular aortic regurgitation after successful TAVI is a frequent finding, being of mild entity in the vast majority of cases, whereas valvular regurgitation is almost entirely absent or mild. Of note, no cases of structural valve deterioration were reported. We report a case of a successful implantation of a CoreValve that complicated with late onset massive intravalvular aortic regurgitation, due to CoreValve cusp rupture, leading to low output state with acute pulmonary edema, which was successfully treated with “valve in valve” implantation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Duration of dual antiplatelet therapy and outcomes after coronary stenting with the genous™ bio‐engineered R stent™ in patients from the e‐healing registry
Authors: Damman Peter , Klomp Margo , Silber Sigmund , Beijk Marcel A. , Ribeiro Expedito E. , Suryapranata Harry , Wójcik Jaroslaw , Sim Kui Hian , Tijssen Jan G.P. , de Winter Robbert J. ,   on behalf of the e‐Healing investigators
Published: May 2011

Objective: We investigated the relation between duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and clinical outcomes up to 12 months after Genous™ endothelial progenitor cell capturing R stent™ placement in patients from the e‐HEALING registry. Background: Cessation of (DAPT) has been shown to be associated with the occurrence of stent thrombosis (ST). After Genous placement, 1 month of DAPT is recommended. Methods: Patients were analyzed according to continuation or discontinuation of DAPT at a 30‐day and 6‐month landmark, excluding patients with events before the landmark. Each landmark was a new baseline, and outcomes were followed up to 12 months after stenting. The main outcome for our current analysis was target vessel failure (TVF), defined as target vessel‐related cardiac death or myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization. Secondary outcomes included ST. (Un)adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for TVF were calculated with Cox regression. Results: No difference was observed in the incidence of TVF [HR: 1.03; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.65–1.65, P = 0.89] in patients continuing DAPT (n = 4,249) at 30 days versus patients stopped (n = 309), and HR: 0.82 (95% CI: 0.55–1.23, P = 0.34) in patients continuing DAPT (n = 2,654) at 6 months versus patients stopped [n = 1,408] DAPT). Furthermore, no differences were observed in ST. Even after addition of identified independent predictors for TVF, adjusted TVF hazards were comparable. Conclusions: In a post‐hoc analysis of e‐HEALING, duration of DAPT was not associated with the occurrence of the outcomes TVF or ST. The Genous stent may be an attractive treatment especially in patients at increased risk for (temporary) cessation of DAPT or bleeding. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new strategy for septal ablation with transendocardial ethanol injection using a multifunctional intracardiac echocardiography catheter: A feasibility study in canines
Authors: Guo Rui , Qian Jun , Yang Ya , Zhu Que , Liu Dichuan , Deng Changming , Wang Zhigang , Huang Jing
Published: May 2011

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a novel multifunctional intracardiac echocardiography catheter for target septal ablation with transendocardial ethanol injection in canines. Background: Percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation has been the primary catheter‐based strategy for the treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). However, inherent limitations of the technique have reduced its therapeutic efficacy. Methods: A new catheter (10 F), integrated with a nitinol needle (29 G) and a 6.5–10‐MHz, 32‐element, side‐fire ultrasound imaging transducer, was delivered into the right ventricle in nine canines and the left ventricle in three canines. A 0.3‐ml microbubble and 0.5–1.5 ml absolute ethanol were sequentially injected into the interventricular septum. Electrocardiograph recordings were obtained during the whole procedure. Three hours after this operation, the heart was harvested for gross and histological examination. Results: In all canines, the catheter provided the structural support and helped guide proper needle position within the septum. The microbubble further allowed the confirmation of the needle location through focal echo‐density enhancement. Different amounts of ethanol infusion produced a dose‐related effect on myocardial ablation. Macroscopic examination showed that the target myocardium became pale with a distinct border between lesions and normal tissue. Hematoxylin and eosin staining further confirmed necrosis within the injection region. Conclusions: Transendocardial ethanol injection at the interventricular septum resulted in controlled myocardial infarction. In addition, the injection depth could be visually followed using this new system, which may provide a safer and more intuitive method for the treatment of HOCM or other cardiomyopathies. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anchor Points for the Unified Brønsted Acidity Scale: The rCCC Model for the Calculation of Standard Gibbs Energies of Proton Solvation in Eleven Representative Liquid Media
Authors: Himmel Daniel , Goll Sascha K. , Leito Ivo , Krossing Ingo
Published: May 2011

The COSMO cluster‐continuum (CCC) solvation model is introduced for the calculation of standard Gibbs solvation energies of protons. The solvation sphere of the proton is divided into an inner proton–solvent cluster with covalent interactions and an outer solvation sphere that interacts electrostatically with the cluster. Thus, the solvation of the proton is divided into two steps that are calculated separately: 1) The interaction of the proton with one or more solvent molecules is calculated in the gas phase with high‐level quantum‐chemical methods (modified G3 method). 2) The Gibbs solvation energy of the proton–solvent cluster is calculated by using the conductor‐like screening model (COSMO). For every solvent, the solvation of the proton in at least two (and up to 11) proton–solvent clusters was calculated. The resulting Gibbs solvation energies of the proton were weighted by using Boltzmann statistics. The model was evaluated for the calculation of Gibbs solvation energies by using experimental data of water, MeCN, and DMSO as a reference. Allowing structural relaxation of the proton–solvent clusters and the use of structurally relaxed Gibbs solvation energies improved the accordance with experimental data especially for larger clusters. This variation is denoted as the relaxed COSMO cluster‐continuum (rCCC) model, for which we estimate a 1σ error bar of 10 kJ mol−1. Gibbs solvation energies of protons in the following representative solvents were calculated: Water, acetonitrile, sulfur dioxide, dimethyl sulfoxide, benzene, diethyl ether, methylene chloride, 1,2‐dichloroethane, sulfuric acid, fluorosulfonic acid, and hydrogen fluoride. The obtained values are absolute chemical standard potentials of the proton (pH=0 in this solvent). They are used to anchor the individual solvent specific acidity (pH) scales to our recently introduced absolute acidity scale.
4,4′‐Dithiobisdipicolinic Acid: A Small and Convenient Lanthanide Binding Tag for Protein NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Jia Xinying , Maleckis Ansis , Huber Thomas , Otting Gottfried
Published: May 2011

Pseudocontact shifts (PCS) from paramagnetic lanthanide ions present powerful long‐range structure restraints for studies of proteins by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. To elicit PCSs, the lanthanide must be attached site‐specifically to the target protein. In addition, it needs to be attached rigidly to avoid averaging of the PCSs due to mobility with respect to the protein and it must not interfere with the function of the protein. Here, we present a dipicolinic acid reagent that spontaneously forms a disulfide bond with thiol groups of accessible cysteine residues. A minimal number of rotatable bonds between the cysteine side chain and the tag helps to minimise mobility. Combined with the small size of the tag and quantitative tagging yields, these features make it a highly attractive tool for generating structure restraints by paramagnetic lanthanides.
Novel 2‐Substituted Quinolin‐4‐yl‐benzenesulfonate Derivatives: Synthesis, Antiproliferative Activity, and Inhibition of Cellular Tubulin Polymerization
Authors: Kakadiya Rajesh , Wu Yi‐Chen , Dong Huajin , Kuo Hsiao‐Hui , Yih Ling‐Huei , Chou Ting‐Chao , Su Tsann‐Long
Published: May 2011

A series of 2‐substituted quinolin‐4‐yl‐benzenesulfonate derivatives were synthesized for the purpose of evaluating antiproliferative activity. Structure–activity relationships of the newly synthesized compounds against human lymphoblastic leukemia and various solid tumor cell growths in culture are discussed. Of these derivatives, 2‐phenyl‐6‐pyrrolidinyl‐4‐quinoline sulfonate analogues 10 f, 10 g, and 10 k, and 4′‐nitrophenyl sulfonate 10 m exhibit superior cytotoxicity over other sulfonates. The antiproliferative activities of these compounds correlate well with their abilities to induce mitotic arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistic studies indicate that they target the vinblastine binding site of tubulin and inhibit cellular tubulin polymerization. Hence, these compounds induce the formation of aberrant mitotic spindles and mitotic arrest, resulting in intensive apoptosis. The tested compounds were shown to be poor substrates for membrane multidrug resistance transporters. The present studies suggest that these newly synthesized compounds are promising tubulin polymerization inhibitors and are worthy of further investigation as antitumor agents.
Developmental mechanisms that regulate retinal ganglion cell dendritic morphology
Authors: Tian Ning
Published: May 2011

One of the fundamental features of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is that dendrites of individual RGCs are confined to one or a few narrow strata within the inner plexiform layer (IPL), and each RGC synapses only with a small group of presynaptic bipolar and amacrine cells with axons/dendrites ramified in the same strata to process distinct visual features. The underlying mechanisms which control the development of this laminar‐restricted distribution pattern of RGC dendrites have been extensively studied, and it is still an open question whether the dendritic pattern of RGCs is determined by molecular cues or by activity‐dependent refinement. Accumulating evidence suggests that both molecular cues and activity‐dependent refinement might regulate RGC dendrites in a cell subtype‐specific manner. However, identification of morphological subtypes of RGCs before they have achieved their mature dendritic pattern is a major challenge in the study of RGC dendritic development. This problem is now being circumvented through the use of molecular markers in genetically engineered mouse lines to identify RGC subsets early during development. Another unanswered fundamental question in the study of activity‐dependent refinement of RGC dendrites is how changes in synaptic activity lead to the changes in dendritic morphology. Recent studies have started to shed light on the molecular basis of activity‐dependent dendritic refinement of RGCs by showing that some molecular cascades control the cytoskeleton reorganization of RGCs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 1297‐1309, 2011
Determination of pethidine hydrochloride using potentiometric coated graphite and carbon paste electrodes
Authors: Abu‐Shawish Hazem M. , Dalou Ayoub A. , Ghalwa Nasser Abu , Khraish Ghada I. , Hammad Jehad , Basheer Abdel‐Hakem
Published: May 2011

A new approach for lowering the detection limit of a pethidine ion‐selective electrode is presented. A coated graphite (CGE) and carbon paste (CPE) electrodes for pethidine ions based on pethidine‐phosphotungstate (PD‐PT) as ion‐pair complex are described. The sensors exhibit a Nernstian slope of 58.1 and 54.2 mVdecade−1 for pethidine ion over a wide concentration range from 2.6 × 10−7 to 1.0 × 10−2 M and 2.1 × 10−6 to 1.0 × 10−2 M with a detection limit of 1.8 × 10−7 M and 7.3 × 10−7 M for pethidine coated graphite (PD‐CGE) and pethidine carbon paste electrode (PD‐CPE), respectively. These sensors exhibited a fast response time (about 5–8 s) and good stability. The standard electrode potentials, Eo, were determined at different temperatures and used to calculate the isothermal temperature coefficient (dEo/dT) of the PD‐CGE and PD‐CPE, which was 0.0062 and 0.0071 V/ °C, respectively. Selectivity coefficients, determined by matched potential method (MPM) and separate solution method (SSM), showed high selectivity for pethidine hydrochloride (PDCl) over a large number of inorganic cations, organic cations, sugars, urine components, and some common drug excipients. The sensors were applied for determination of PDCl in ampoule and in spiked urine samples using potentiometric determination, standard addition and the calibration curve methods. The results obtained were satisfactory with excellent percentage recovery comparable and sometimes better than those obtained by other routine methods for the assay. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The subcellular location of antigen expressed by adenoviral vectors modifies adaptive immunity but not dependency on cross‐presenting dendritic cells
Authors: Henning Petra , Gustafsson Tobias , Flach Carl‐Fredrik , Hua Yeu‐Jiann , Strömbeck Anna , Holmgren Jan , Lindholm Leif , Yrlid Ulf
Published: May 2011

Adenoviral (Ad) vaccine vectors can generate protective immunity to various pathogens in animal studies. However, recent failures in clinical vaccine trials have underscored the need for a better understanding of how mucosal immune responses to Ad‐encoded vaccine Ags are generated in vivo. In this study, we addressed whether directing Ad‐encoded ovalbumin (OVA) to different subcellular compartments influences the generation of OVA‐specific acquired immunity and the APCs required following i.n. immunization of mice. We show that both secreted and membrane‐anchored OVA activate CD4+ T cells, induce cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTLs) and generate serum IgG. Additionally, vaginal IgG is induced when OVA is expressed at these subcellular locations, but only the secreted form generates a significant IgA response in the lungs. On the contrary, intracellular expression of OVA efficiently expands CD8+ T cells but fails to activate CD4+ T cells, results in poor CTL activity, and does not generate Abs. Finally, we show that regardless of the subcellular localization of OVA, conventional DCs (cDCs) are required for the activation of T cells. However, the direct transduction of conventional DCs is not essential. These findings have important implications for the improvement of Ad vector design and vaccine‐induced mucosal immunity.