bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-216a/217-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Targets Pten and SMAD7 to Promote Drug Resistance and Recurrence of Liver Cancer
Authors: Xia Hongping , Ooi London Lucien P.J. , Hui Kam M.
Published: March 2013

Tumor recurrence and metastases are the major obstacles to improving the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To identify novel risk factors associated with HCC recurrence and metastases, we have established a panel of recurrence-associated microRNAs (miRNAs) by comparing miRNA expression in recurrent and nonrecurrent human HCC tissue samples using microarrays (recurrence is defined as recurrent disease occurring within a 2-year time point of the original treatment). Among the panel, expression of the miR-216a/217 cluster was consistently and significantly up-regulated in HCC tissue samples and cell lines associated with early tumor recurrence, poor disease-free survival, and an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. Stable overexpression of miR-216a/217-induced EMT increased the stem-like cell population, migration, and metastatic ability of epithelial HCC cells. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 (SMAD7) were subsequently identified as two functional targets of miR-216a/217, and both PTEN and SMAD7 were down-regulated in HCC. Ectopic expression of PTEN or SMAD7 partially rescued miR-216a/217-mediated EMT, cell migration, and stem-like properties of HCC cells. Previously, SMAD7 was shown to be a transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) type 1 receptor antagonist. Here, we further demonstrated that overexpression of miR-216a/217 acted as a positive feedback regulator for the TGF-β pathway and the canonical pathway involved in the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase K (PI3K/Akt) signaling in HCC cells. Additionally, activation of the TGF-β- and PI3K/Akt-signaling pathways in HCC cells resulted in an acquired resistance to sorafenib, whereas blocking activation of the TGF-β pathway overcame miR-216a/217-induced sorafenib resistance and prevented tumor metastases in HCC.

Conclusion

: Overexpression of miR-216a/217 activates the PI3K/Akt and TGF-β pathways by targeting PTEN and SMAD7, contributing to hepatocarcinogenesis and tumor recurrence in HCC. (Hepatology 2013;58:629–641)
The nutritional management of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis: International society for hepatic encephalopathy and nitrogen metabolism consensus
Authors: Amodio Piero , Bemeur Chantal , Butterworth Roger , Cordoba Juan , Kato Akinobu , Montagnese Sara , Uribe Misael , Vilstrup Hendrik , Morgan Marsha Y.
Published: March 2013

Nitrogen metabolism plays a major role in the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with cirrhosis. Modulation of this relationship is key to the management of HE, but is not the only nutritional issue that needs to be addressed. The assessment of nutritional status in patients with cirrhosis is problematic. In addition, there are significant sex-related differences in body composition and in the characteristics of tissue loss, which limit the usefulness of techniques based on measures of muscle mass and function in women. Techniques that combine subjective and objective variables provide reasonably accurate information and are recommended. Energy and nitrogen requirements in patients with HE are unlikely to differ substantially from those recommended in patients with cirrhosis per se viz. 35-45 kcal/g and 1.2-1.5g/kg protein daily. Small meals evenly distributed throughout the day and a late-night snack of complex carbohydrates will help minimize protein utilization. Compliance is, however, likely to be a problem. Diets rich in vegetables and dairy protein may be beneficial and are therefore recommended, but tolerance varies considerably in relation to the nature of the staple diet. Branched chain amino acid supplements may be of value in the occasional patient intolerant of dietary protein. Increasing dietary fiber may be of value, but the utility of probiotics is, as yet, unclear. Short-term multivitamin supplementation should be considered in patients admitted with decompensated cirrhosis. Hyponatremia may worsen HE; it should be prevented as far as possible and should always be corrected slowly. Conclusion: Effective management of these patients requires an integrated multidimensional approach. However, further research is needed to fill the gaps in the current evidence base to optimize the nutritional management of patients with cirrhosis and HE. (Hepatology 2013)
An Unbalance Between von Willebrand Factor and ADAMTS13 in Acute Liver Failure: Implications for Hemostasis and Clinical Outcome
Authors: Hugenholtz Greg C. G. , Adelmeijer Jelle , Meijers Joost C. M. , Porte Robert J. , Stravitz Todd R. , Lisman Ton
Published: March 2013

Emerging evidence supports the concept of a rebalanced hemostatic state in liver disease as a result of a commensurate decline in prohemostatic and antihemostatic drivers. In the present study, we assessed levels and functionality of the platelet-adhesive protein von Willebrand factor (VWF) and its cleaving protease ADAMTS13 in the plasma of patients with acute liver injury and acute liver failure (ALI/ALF). Furthermore, we explored possible associations between VWF, ADAMTS13, and disease outcome. We analyzed the plasma of 50 patients taken on the day of admission for ALI/ALF. The plasma of 40 healthy volunteers served as controls. VWF antigen levels were highly elevated in patients with ALI/ALF. In contrast, the collagen-binding activity and the ratio of the VWF ristocetin cofactor activity and VWF antigen was significantly decreased when compared with healthy controls. Also, the proportion of high molecular weight VWF multimers was reduced, despite severely decreased ADAMTS13 levels. In spite of these functional defects, platelet adhesion and aggregation were better supported by plasma of patients with ALI/ALF when compared with control plasma. Low ADAMTS13 activity, but not high VWF antigen, was associated with poor outcome in patients with ALI/ALF as evidenced by higher grades of encephalopathy, higher transplantation rates, and lower survival. VWF or ADAMTS13 levels were not associated with bleeding or thrombotic complications.

Conclusion

: Highly elevated levels of VWF in plasma of patients with ALI/ALF support platelet adhesion, despite a relative loss of function of the molecule. Furthermore, low ADAMTS13 activity is associated with progressive liver failure in the patient cohort, which might be attributed to platelet-induced microthrombus formation in the diseased liver resulting from a substantially unbalanced VWF/ADAMTS13 ratio. (Hepatology 2013;58:752–761)
Microrna-195 Suppresses Angiogenesis and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma By Inhibiting the Expression of VEGF, VAV2, and CDC42
Authors: Wang Ruizhi , Zhao Na , Li Siwen , Fang Jian-Hong , Chen Mei-Xian , Yang Jine , Jia Wei-Hua , Yuan Yunfei , Zhuang Shi-Mei
Published: March 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by active angiogenesis and metastasis, which account for rapid recurrence and poor survival. There is frequent down-regulation of miR-195 expression in HCC tissues. In this study, the role of miR-195 in HCC angiogenesis and metastasis was investigated with

in vitro

capillary tube formation and transwell assays,

in vivo

orthotopic xenograft mouse models, and human HCC specimens. Reduction of miR-195 in HCC tissues was significantly associated with increased angiogenesis, metastasis, and worse recurrence-free survival. Both gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies of

in vitro

models revealed that miR-195 not only suppressed the ability of HCC cells to promote the migration and capillary tube formation of endothelial cells but also directly repressed the abilities of HCC cells to migrate and invade extracellular matrix gel. Based on mouse models, we found that the induced expression of miR-195 dramatically reduced microvessel densities in xenograft tumors and repressed both intrahepatic and pulmonary metastasis. Subsequent investigations disclosed that miR-195 directly inhibited the expression of the proangiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the prometastatic factors VAV2 and CDC42. Knockdown of these target molecules of miR-195 phenocopied the effects of miR-195 restoration, whereas overexpression of these targets antagonized the function of miR-195. Furthermore, we revealed that miR-195 down-regulation resulted in enhanced VEGF levels in the tumor microenvironment, which subsequently activated VEGF receptor 2 signaling in endothelial cells and thereby promoted angiogenesis. Additionally, miR-195 down-regulation led to increases in VAV2 and CDC42 expression, which stimulated VAV2/Rac1/CDC42 signaling and lamellipodia formation and thereby facilitated the metastasis of HCC cells.

Conclusion

: miR-195 deregulation contributes to angiogenesis and metastasis in HCC. The restoration of miR-195 expression may be a promising strategy for HCC therapy. (Hepatology 2013;58:642-653)
Improving the representation of soil moisture by using a semi‐analytical infiltration model
Authors: Brocca L. , Camici S. , Melone F. , Moramarco T. , Martínez‐Fernández J. , Didon‐Lescot J.‐F. , Morbidelli R.
Published: March 2013

Soil moisture is widely recognized as a fundamental variable governing the mass and energy fluxes between the land surface and the atmosphere. In this study, the soil moisture modelling at sub‐daily timescale is addressed by using an accurate representation of the infiltration component. For that, the semi‐analytical infiltration model proposed by Corradini et al. (1997) has been incorporated into a soil water balance model to simulate the evolution in time of surface and profile soil moisture. The performances of this new soil moisture model [soil water balance module‐semi‐analytical (SWBM‐SA)] are compared with those of a precedent version [SWBM‐Green–Ampt (GA)] where the GA approach was employed. Their capability to reproduce in situ soil moisture observations at three sites in Italy, Spain and France is analysed. Hourly observations of quality‐checked rainfall, temperature and soil moisture data for a 2‐year period are used for testing the modelling approaches. Specifically, different configurations for the calibration and validation of the models are adopted by varying a single parameter, that is, the saturated hydraulic conductivity.

Results indicate that both SWBMs are able to reproduce satisfactorily the hourly soil moisture temporal pattern for the three sites with root mean square errors lower than 0.024 m3/m3 both in the calibration and validation periods. For all sites, the SWBM‐SA model outperforms the SWBM‐GA with an average reduction of the root mean square error of ~20%. Specifically, the higher improvement is observed for the French site for which in situ observations are measured at 30 cm depth, and this is attributed to the capability of the SA infiltration model to simulate the time evolution of the whole soil moisture profile. The reasonable models performance coupled with the need to calibrate only a single parameter makes them useful tools for soil moisture simulation in different regions worldwide, also in scarcely gauged areas. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The importance of surface controls on overland flow connectivity in semi‐arid environments: results from a numerical experimental approach
Authors: Reaney S. M. , Bracken L. J. , Kirkby M. J.
Published: March 2013

In semi‐arid environments, the characteristics of the land surface determine how rainfall is transformed into surface runoff and influences how this runoff moves from the hillslopes into river channels. Whether or not water reaches the river channel is determined by the hydrological connectivity. This paper uses a numerical experiment‐based approach to systematically assess the effects of slope length, gradient, flow path convergence, infiltration rates and vegetation patterns on the generation and connectivity of runoff. The experiments were performed with the Connectivity of Runoff Model, 2D version distributed, physically based, hydrological model. The experiments presented are set within a semi‐arid environment, characteristic of south‐eastern Spain, which is subject to low frequency high rainfall intensity storm events. As a result, the dominant hydrological processes are infiltration excess runoff generation and surface flow dynamics. The results from the modelling experiments demonstrate that three surface factors are important in determining the form of the discharge hydrograph: the slope length, the slope gradient and the infiltration characteristics at the hillslope‐channel connection. These factors are all related to the time required for generated runoff to reach an efficient flow channel, because once in this channel, the transmission losses significantly decrease. Because these factors are distributed across the landscape, they have a fundamental role in controlling the landscape hydrological response to storm events. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INCASE: SIMULATING EXPERIENCE TO ACCELERATE EXPERTISE DEVELOPMENT BY KNOWLEDGE WORKERS
Authors: Arnold Vicky , Collier Philip A. , Leech Stewart A. , Sutton Steve G. , Vincent Andrew
Published: March 2013

INCASE, a web‐based electronic learning (e‐learning) environment, has been built to enable rapid expertise development in novice‐level professional knowledge workers. This paper describes the theoretical underpinnings (constructivist epistemology) behind INCASE and uses a design science methodology to describe its design, construction, instantiation, and validation. The INCASE system addresses a fundamental problem in knowledge worker domains where experience is a necessary component of expertise development and a barrier to the rapid development of domain experts. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fermentative aroma compounds and sensory profiles of Godello and Albariño wines as influenced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains
Authors: Blanco Pilar , Mirás‐Avalos José Manuel , Pereira Esteban , Orriols Ignacio
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

Yeasts responsible for fermentation have an important repercussion on wine quality. This study presents the influence of two autochthonous strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (XG1 and XG3), a commercial yeast (QA23) and spontaneous fermentation on the chemical and sensory properties of wines from Godello and Albariño.

RESULTS

All the yeasts showed normal fermentative kinetics and were able to lead fermentations; therefore, they were responsible for wine chemical and sensory characteristics. Significant differences were found at the chemical level depending on yeast strain and variety. Albariño wines from XG1 and XG3 presented low total acidity and glycerol content. Godello wines from QA23 had higher total acidity but lower alcohol content than those from XG1, XG3 and spontaneous fermentation. QA23 wines presented a greater amount of higher alcohols and 2‐phenylethanol for both grapevine cultivars, whereas XG3 and spontaneous fermentations yielded wines with a higher concentration of esters, mainly ethyl lactate, and fatty acids. These differences were detected at the sensory level; thus, Albariño made with XG3 and Godello from spontaneous fermentation were the most appreciated wines.

CONCLUSION

XG3, an autochthonous strain of S. cerevisiae, constitutes a useful tool to elaborate wines with singular characteristics. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Relief Bragg reflectors inscribed on the capillary walls of solid‐core photonic crystal fibers
Authors: Konstantaki Maria , Childs Paul , Sozzi Michele , Pissadakis Stavros
Published: March 2013

The inscription of relief Bragg grating reflectors on the capillary walls of a solid‐core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) using laser radiation is presented. The inscription method followed is based on the infiltration and adsorption of a thin layer of toluene on the capillaries of the PCF and the subsequent exposure of the infiltrated fiber using 248‐nm excimer laser radiation and phase mask interference. Gratings are characterized spectrally and by scanning electron microscopy while their sensing capabilities are exemplified by infiltrating them with organic solvents. Thermal studies revealed that the gratings exhibit high thermal endurance characteristics, withstanding tens of hours annealing at 950°C.
The Start‐Up of You
Authors: Hoffman Reid , Casnocha Ben
Published: March 2013

Looking for opportunities really means looking for people, according to Hoffman and Casnocha. Citing historical examples from Benjamin Franklin to J. P. Morgan, Hoffman and Casnocha show how ideas materialize into achievements through groups of smart, forward‐thinking people banding together. Hoffman's experience at PayPal enabled him to join a “PayPal mafia” of former executives, which ultimately led to Hoffman starting the social media company LinkedIn. Networks of people provide a “uniquely rich source of opportunities,” the authors contend, because of the high‐quality members, shared interests and experience, the ability to learn from each other, and cooperating with each other while sharing ideas and information.
Preparation and Optical Property of New Fluorescent Nanoparticles
Authors: Chong Hui , Zhu Chunlei , Song Jinzhao , Feng Liheng , Yang Qiong , Liu Libing , Lv Fengting , Wang Shu
Published: March 2013

A new fluorescent nanoparticle (PIOT‐HA) is synthesized with cationic polyester (PIOT) and anionic hyaluronic acid (HA) by electrostatic interactions in an aqueous solution. The nanoparticles (NPs) are degradable upon treatments with alkali or hyaluronidase, which exhibits better biological safety and potential application in vitro and in vivo. Through specific interactions between the HA locating on the surfaces of PIOT‐HA NPs and the CD44 protein over‐expressed on the MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cell line, PIOT‐HA NPs could selectively image the cancer cells. Upon white light irradiation, the PIOT‐HA NPs can sensitize oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that inactivate the neighboring CD44 protein, which inhibits the migration of MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cells.

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Phenytoin‐Rifampin Drug Interaction in a Hypoalbuminemic, Renal Failure Patient: A Complex Clinical Case
Authors: Van Berkel Megan A. , Hurdle April C. , Twilla Jennifer D.
Published: March 2013

Phenytoin, a commonly used antiepileptic, is difficult to dose optimally due to its narrow therapeutic window, nonlinear pharmacokinetics, extensive protein binding, and participation in clinically significant drug interactions. Although clinicians are aware of the interaction with two widely used antituberculosis agents, rifampin and isoniazid, few reports have described the implications for managing phenytoin dosing in this situation. To our knowledge, only two reports of the clinical experience with this interaction have been published, and only one of these reports involved the addition of isoniazid. We present a case of a 60‐year‐old man treated with triple antiepileptic therapy, including phenytoin, who experienced seizures shortly after hospital admission. Dosing of phenytoin proved difficult in this patient due to an acute kidney injury and severe hypoalbuminemia requiring hemodialysis. A further complexity was the addition of antituberculosis therapy (rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol [RIPE]) for suspected tuberculosis meningitis after the patient experienced persistent encephalopathy. Phenytoin concentrations decreased steadily after rifampin and isoniazid initiation despite dose increases, and the free concentration of phenytoin reached a low of less than 0.5 µg/ml on day 8 of RIPE therapy. The patient continued on a stable dose of phenytoin and RIPE therapy for unconfirmed tuberculosis meningitis until discharge. This report is the first description of this drug interaction in 20 years and highlights the need for appropriate management of phenytoin in a patient with complicated needs for pharmacotherapy.
Nonequilibrium dynamics of multiorbital correlated electron system under time‐dependent electric fields
Authors: Onishi Hiroaki
Published: March 2013

To clarify a key role of orbital degrees of freedom in the response of the many‐body electron state of correlated electrons to an external field, we investigate the real‐time dynamics in an eg‐orbital Hubbard model under applied electric fields by exploiting numerical techniques such as a time‐dependent density‐matrix renormalization group (DMRG) method. The ground state without applying an electric field is found to be an antiferromagnetic/ferro‐orbital state. After we switch on an oscillating electric field, it gives rise to the creation of holon–doublon pairs when the frequency of the applied electric field exceeds a charge excitation gap. We argue that a pair‐hopping process yields a dynamical deformation of the orbital configuration.
Heavy‐fermion superconductivity and Fermi‐surface properties under pressure
Authors: Ōnuki Yoshichika , Settai Rikio , Miura Yasunao , Tsutsumi Hiroki , Honda Fuminori , Harima Hisatomo
Published: March 2013

We present an overview of the Fermi‐surface properties for antiferromagnets CeRh2Si2, CeIn3, CeRhIn5, and CeIrSi3, which were clarified from the de Haas–van Alphen (dHvA) experiments under strong magnetic fields up to 170 kOe and high pressures up to 3 GPa. A drastic change of the 4f‐electronic state from a 4f‐localized Fermi surface to a 4f‐itinerant Fermi surface occurs in CeRh2Si2, CeIn3, and CeRhIn5 when the pressure P crosses a critical pressure Pc or $P_{{\rm c}}^{*} $. Here, the Néel temperature TN disappears and the superconducting state appears at around Pc or $P_{{\rm c}}^{*} $. A critical pressure $P_{{\rm c}}^{*} $ in CeRhIn5 is the pressure when TN is extrapolated to zero in the temperature vs. pressure phase diagram, and/or the antiferromagnetic state disappears completely even in magnetic fields. This is because the antiferromagnetic state is stable against magnetic fields, or in other words, the antiferromagnetic state recovers in magnetic fields. CeIrSi3 without inversion symmetry in the tetragonal structure is also similar to CeRhIn5 in the superconducting and Fermi‐surface properties. It is characteristic that a huge upper critical field at zero temperature in superconductivity $H_{{\rm c2}} (0) \simeq 450\,{\rm kOe}$ is realized for $H{\parallel} [001]$ in CeIrSi3 with the superconducting transition temperature Tsc = 1.6 K.
Dynamic uplink frame optimization with adaptive coding and modulation in DVB‐RCS2 satellite networks
Authors: Pietrabissa Antonio , Fiaschetti Andrea
Published: March 2013

In the current generation of satellite networks, modulation and coding schemes can be dynamically changed in real‐time to face different link conditions. Therefore, the link budget is not anymore required to be computed under the worst case, with relevant advantages in terms of efficiency. The new digital video broadcasting‐return channel via satellite 2 standard extends the dynamic modulation and coding to the return link: by using different modulation and coding schemes within the uplink frame, the terminals experiencing good link conditions transmit at very high bitrates, whereas the terminals experiencing fade events transmit at lower bitrates. This paper addresses the problem of optimizing the uplink frame modulation and coding schemes based on the current link conditions experienced by the terminals and on their transmission capacity requirements. The problem is formulated as an Integer Program and an efficient Linear Program approximation is proposed. Simulation results validate the proposed approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell envelope disruption of E. coli Exposed to ϵ‐polylysine by FESEM and TEM technology
Authors: Zhou Junying , Guo Ailing , Qi Xiaobao
Published: March 2013

To investigate the action mechanism of ϵ‐polylysine (ϵ‐PL) against Escherichia coli (E. coli), a new field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technology has been developed. The log phase E. coli cells were first incubated with ϵ‐PL for 8 min, then the samples were directly added onto the silicon platelet and the copper grid, followed by a simple in situ fixation and freezing dehydration. FESEM and TEM were used to examine the ultrastructure changes in the bacterial envelope which was affected by ϵ‐PL. various damages of E. coli cell envelope by ϵ‐PL have demonstrated the detachment of outer membrane, the swelling of inner membrane, the apical burst of cells and the leakage of cytosol at a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) concentration. It also exhibited whole cell lysis at double MIC concentration. In summary, the new FESEM and TEM technology and appropriate sample preparation protocols have been found to be useful for investigating the biocidal activity of ϵ‐PL against E. coli. SCANNING 35:412–417, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Peptides as New Smart Bionanomaterials: Molecular‐Recognition and Self‐Assembly Capabilities
Authors: Sawada Toshiki , Mihara Hisakazu , Serizawa Takeshi
Published: March 2013

Biomolecules express exquisite properties that are required for molecular recognition and self‐assembly on the nanoscale. These smart capabilities have developed through evolution and such biomolecules operate based on smart functions in natural systems. Recently, these remarkable smart capabilities have been utilized in not only biologically related fields, but also in materials science and engineering. A peptide‐screening technology that uses phage‐display systems has been developed based on this natural smart evolution for the generation of new functional peptide bionanomaterials. We focused on peptides that specifically bound to synthetic polymers. These polymer‐binding peptides were screened by using a phage‐display peptide library to recognize nanostructures that were derived from polymeric structural features and were utilized for possible applications as new bionanomaterials. We also focused on self‐assembling peptides with β‐sheet structures that formed nanoscale, fibrous structures for applications in new bottom‐up nanomaterials. Moreover, nanofiber‐binding peptides were also screened to introduce the desired functionalities into nanofibers without the need for additional molecular design. Our approach to construct new bionanomaterials that employ peptides will open up excellent opportunities for the next generation of materials science and technology.
Finite element simulation of wind turbine aerodynamics: validation study using NREL Phase VI experiment
Authors: Hsu Ming‐Chen , Akkerman Ido , Bazilevs Yuri
Published: March 2013

A validation study using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Phase VI wind turbine is presented. The aerodynamics simulations are performed using the finite element arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian–variational multiscale formulation augmented with weakly enforced essential boundary conditions. In all cases, the rotor is assumed to be rigid and its rotation is prescribed. The rotor‐only simulations are performed for a wide range of wind conditions, and the computational results compare favorably with the experimental findings in all cases. The sliding‐interface method is adopted for the simulation of the full wind turbine configuration. The full‐wind‐turbine simulations capture the blade–tower interaction effect, and the results of these simulations are also in good agreement with the experimental data. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coupling Image Restoration and Segmentation: A Generalized Linear Model/Bregman Perspective
Authors: Paul Grégory , Cardinale Janick , Sbalzarini Ivo F.
Published: March 2013

We introduce a new class of data-fitting energies that couple image segmentation with image restoration. These functionals model the image intensity using the statistical framework of generalized linear models. By duality, we establish an information-theoretic interpretation using Bregman divergences. We demonstrate how this formulation couples in a principled way image restoration tasks such as denoising, deblurring (deconvolution), and inpainting with segmentation. We present an alternating minimization algorithm to solve the resulting composite photometric/geometric inverse problem. We use Fisher scoring to solve the photometric problem and to provide asymptotic uncertainty estimates. We derive the shape gradient of our data-fitting energy and investigate convex relaxation for the geometric problem. We introduce a new alternating split-Bregman strategy to solve the resulting convex problem and present experiments and comparisons on both synthetic and real-world images.
Trajectories of loneliness during childhood and adolescence: Predictors and health outcomes
Authors: Qualter P. , Brown S.L. , Rotenberg K.J. , Vanhalst J. , Harris R.A. , Goossens L. , Bangee M. , Munn P.
Published: March 2013

The present study employed latent growth mixture modeling to discern distinct trajectories of loneliness using data collected at 2‐year intervals from age 7–17 years (N = 586) and examine whether measures taken at age 5 years were good predictors of group membership. Four loneliness trajectory classes were identified: (1) low stable (37% of the sample), (2) moderate decliners (23%), (3) moderate increasers (18%), and (4) relatively high stable (22%). Predictors at age 5 years for the high stable trajectory were low trust beliefs, low trusting, low peer acceptance, parent reported negative reactivity, an internalizing attribution style, low self‐worth, and passivity during observed play. The model also included outcome variables. We found that both the high stable and moderate increasing trajectories were associated with depressive symptoms, a higher frequency of visits to the doctor, and lower perceived general health at age 17. We discuss implications of findings for future empirical work.
Functional differences between Streptococcus pyogenes cluster 1 and cluster 2b streptokinases are determined by their β‐domains
Authors: Zhang Yueling , Liang Zhong , Glinton Kristofor , Ploplis Victoria A. , Castellino Francis J.
Published: March 2013

Cluster 1 streptokinases (SK1) from Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) show substantially higher human plasminogen (hPg) activation activities and tighter hPg binding affinities than cluster 2b streptokinases (SK2b) in solution. The extent to which the different domains of SK are responsible for these differences is unknown. We exchanged each of the three known SK domains (α, β, and γ) between SK1 and SK2b and assessed the function of the resulting variants. Our results show that primary structural differences in the β‐domains dictate these functional differences. This first report on the primary structure–functional relationship between naturally occurring SK1 and SK2b sheds new light on the mechanism of hPg activation by SK, a critical virulence determinant in this species of human pathogenic bacteria.
Neocortical β‐amyloid area is associated with dementia and APOE in the oldest‐old
Authors: Berlau Daniel J. , Corrada María M. , Robinson John L. , Geser Felix , Arnold Steven E. , Lee Virginia M.‐Y. , Kawas Claudia H. , Trojanowski John Q.
Published: March 2013

Objective

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε2 carriers may be protected from dementia because of reduced levels of cortical β‐amyloid. In the oldest‐old, however, APOE ε2 carriers have high β‐amyloid plaque scores and preserved cognition. We compared different measures of β‐amyloid pathology across APOE genotypes in the oldest‐old, and their relationship with dementia.

Methods

The study included 96 participants from The 90+ Study. Using all information, dementia diagnoses were made. Neuropathological examination included staging for amyloid plaques and β‐amyloid cortical percent area stained by NAB228 antibody.

Results

Both APOE ε2 and APOE ε4 carriers had high Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease plaque scores. However, APOE ε2 carriers had low cortical β‐amyloid percent areas. β‐amyloid percent area was associated with dementia across APOE genotypes.

Conclusions

Lower levels of percent area in APOE ε2 carriers may reflect lower total β‐amyloid and may contribute to APOE ε2 carriers' decreased risk of dementia, despite high β‐amyloid plaque scores. The relationship between β‐amyloid plaques and dementia in the oldest‐old may vary by APOE genotype.
Effects of Different Strength Training on Muscle Architecture: Clinical and Ultrasonographic Evaluation in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Malas Fevziye Ünsal , Özçakar Levent , Kaymak Bayram , Ulaşlı Alper , Güner Senem , Kara Murat , Akıncı Ayşen
Published: March 2013

Background

Different strengthening exercises are generally prescribed to overcome the undesirable effects of decreased muscular function on the osteoarthritic joint. Although a few studies have shown the effects of strengthening on the muscle structure in healthy individuals, the literature lacks relevant data concerning knee osteoarthritis.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of different exercises on quadriceps muscle strength and structure in persons with knee osteoarthritis.

Design

A randomized controlled study.

Setting

Physical medicine and rehabilitation department of a university hospital.

Population

Sixty‐one patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned into 6 exercise groups (isometric right/left, isotonic right/left, isokinetic right/left).

Methods

Subjects were evaluated for pain and functional status with use of the visual analog pain scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, 50‐step walking, and single‐leg stance tests before and after 15 sessions of physical therapy. Isokinetic tests were performed at 60° per second. Ultrasonographic measurements for pennation angle, fascicle length, and muscle thickness were performed from the vastus lateralis muscles bilaterally.

Results

Increased knee extensor strength was observed bilaterally in the isometric group (P < .01). In the same group, fascicle length and muscle thickness on the strengthened side (P < .01) and fascicle length on the contralateral side (P < .05) were increased. In the isokinetic group, muscle thickness bilaterally and fascicle length on the contralateral side increased (all P < .05). In the isotonic group, muscle thickness increased bilaterally (P < .05).

Conclusion

These findings showed that isometric quadriceps training resulted in bilateral strengthening and that accompanying increase in muscle thickness and fascicle length in the same group was consistent with the strength improvement. In this study we evaluated the effects of different strength training on muscle strength and architecture in patients with knee osteoarthritis by using isokinetic measurements and ultrasound. Our results suggest that exercises may influence the muscle architecture in patients with knee osteoarthritis. To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the effects of cross‐education on muscle architecture.
Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis: A Rare Complication of Snake Bite
Authors: Senthilkumaran Subramanian , Menezes Ritesh G. , Pant Sadip , Thirumalaikolundusubramanian Ponniah
Published: March 2013

Snake bite is an environmental and occupational hazard in many tropical and subtropical countries. It demands a high level of knowledge and skill in managing the envenomation syndrome. Herein, we describe a rare case of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) that developed in a 36-year-old man after an Indian cobra ( Naja naja) bite in the absence of any other predisposing factors for AAC. The probable mechanisms for the occurrence of AAC have been highlighted. Recognizing the possibility of such a complication after envenomation will definitely aid in early diagnosis and, subsequently, a better outcome.
Contact Dermatitis From Eriodictyon parryi: A Novel Cause of Contact Dermatitis in California
Authors: Czaplicki Christopher D.
Published: March 2013

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by Eriodictyon parryi, better known as poodle-dog bush, is a growing cause of contact dermatitis in California. Blooming after a large fire, E parryi is a threat to reforestation workers as well as countless outdoor enthusiasts across the state. This paper focuses on the epidemiology, identification, immunochemistry, pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of contact dermatitis from this little-researched plant.
The evolution of the Lansarine–Baouala salt canopy in the North African Cretaceous passive margin in Tunisia
Authors: MASROUHI AMARA , BELLIER OLIVIER , KOYI HEMIN , VILA JEAN-MARIE , GHANMI MOHAMED
Published: March 2013

Detailed geological mapping, dating, and gravimetric and seismic data are used to interpret the Lansarine–Baouala salt structure (North Tunisia) as a salt canopy emplaced during the Cretaceous Period. The extensional tectonic regime related to the Cretaceous continental margin offered at least two factors that encouraged buried Triassic salt to extrude onto the sea floor and flow downslope: (i) extension induced normal faults that provided routes to the surface, and led to the formation of sub-marine slopes along which salt could flow; (ii) this structural setting led to differential sedimentation and consequently differential loading as a mechanism for salt movement. The present 40-km-long Lansarine–Baouala salt structure with its unique mass of allochthonous Triassic salt at surface was fed from at least four stems. The salt structure is recognized as one of the few examples worldwide of a subaerial salt canopy due to the coalescence of submarine sheets of Triassic salt extruded in Cretaceous times.
Risk Management with Leverage: Evidence from Project Finance
Authors: Byoun Soku , Kim Jaemin , Yoo Sean Sehyun
Published: March 2013

We examine capital structures of 2,572 project-financed investments in 124 countries for the period 1997–2006. In contrast to the general prediction of the trade-off theory, we find that project companies use more leverage when project risk is high, but they use less leverage in the presence of risk-reducing features including offtake agreements. Project companies use less leverage and instead rely more on offtake agreements when the control benefits of cash flow from the project are high, suggesting that leverage and contract structures in the project company are important hedging mechanisms.
SLAM-based maneuverability strategy for unmanned car-like vehicles
Authors: Cheein Fernando A. Auat
Published: March 2013

In this work, an optimal maneuverability strategy for car-like unmanned vehicles operating in restricted environments is presented. The maneuverability strategy is based on a path planning algorithm that uses the environment information to plan a safe, feasible and optimum path for the unmanned mobile robot. The environment information is obtained by means of a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm. The SLAM algorithm uses the sensors' information to build a map of the surrounding environment. A Monte Carlo sampling technique is used to find an optimal and safe path within the environment based on the SLAM information. The objective of the planning is to safely reach a desired orientation in a bounded space. Theoretical demonstrations and real-time experimental results (in indoor and outdoor environments) are also presented in this work.
Digital holographic microscopy for the evaluation of human sperm structure
Authors: Coppola G. , Di Caprio G. , Wilding M. , Ferraro P. , Esposito G. , Di Matteo L. , Dale R. , Coppola G. , Dale B.
Published: March 2013

The morphology of the sperm head has often been correlated with the outcome ofin vitrofertilization, and has been shown to be the sole parameter in semen of value in predicting the success of intracytoplasmic sperm injection and intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection.

In this paper, we have studied whether digital holographic microscopy (DHM) may be useful to obtain quantitative data on human sperm head structure and compared this technique with high-power digitally enhanced Nomarski optics. The main advantage of digital holography is that high-resolution three-dimensional quantitative sample imaging may be automatically produced by numerical refocusing of a two-dimensional image at different object planes without any mechanical scanning. We show that DHM generates useful information on the dimensions and structure of human sperm, not revealed by conventional phase-contrast microscopy, in particular the volume of vacuoles, and suggest its use as an additional prognostic tool in assisted reproduction technology.
Patterns of Prospective Memory Impairment Among Individuals with Depression: The Influence of Cue Type and Delay Interval
Authors: Li Yanqi Ryan , Weinborn Michael , Loft Shayne , Maybery Murray
Published: March 2013

The present study investigated the impact of cue type and delay interval on prospective memory performance in depressed, compared to non-depressed, individuals using a clinically relevant measure, the Memory for Intentions Screening Test. The depressed group demonstrated impaired performance on time-based, but not event-based, prospective memory tasks relative to the nondepressed group. The depressed group also demonstrated impaired prospective memory on tasks with longer delay intervals (15 min), but not on tasks with shorter delay intervals (2 min). These data support theoretical frameworks that posit that depression is associated with deficits in cognitive initiative (i.e., reduced ability to voluntarily direct attention to relevant tasks) and thus that depressed individuals are susceptible to poor performance on strategically demanding tasks. The results also raise multiple avenues for developing interventions (e.g., implementation intentions) to improve prospective memory performance among individuals with depression, with potential implications for medication and other treatment adherence. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–5)
THE ROAD NOT TAKEN: WHAT IS THE “APPROPRIATE” PATH TO DEVELOPMENT WHEN GROWTH IS UNBALANCED?
Authors: Rahman Ahmed S.
Published: March 2013

This paper develops a model that endogenizes both directed technologies and demography. Potential innovators decide which technologies to develop after considering available factors of production, and individuals decide the quality and quantity of their children after considering available technologies. This interaction allows us to evaluate potentially divergent development paths. We find that unskilled labor–biased technological growth can induce higher fertility and lower education, exerting downward pressure on growth in per-person income. Despite this, for most plausible developing-country scenarios, unskilled intensive growth produces more per-person income than skill-intensive growth. This result is robust to a variety of growth modeling assumptions.
Predicted vitamin D status and incidence of tooth loss and periodontitis
Authors: Jimenez Monik , Giovannucci Edward , Krall Kaye Elizabeth , Joshipura Kaumudi J , Dietrich Thomas
Published: March 2013

Objective

Vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent, with particular subgroups at greater risk (e.g. the elderly and those with darker skin). Vitamin D insufficiency may partly explain US racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of periodontitis and tooth loss. We evaluated the association between a predictor score of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and incidence of periodontitis and tooth loss.

Design

Detailed biennial questionnaires were collected on medical history, lifestyle practices and incident periodontitis and tooth loss. The predictor score was derived from variables known to influence circulating concentrations of plasma 25(OH)D and validated against plasma concentrations among a sub-sample. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models with time-varying covariates estimated the association between the predicted 25(OH)D score and time until first tooth loss.

Subjects

A total of 42 730 participants of the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study aged 40–75 years at baseline were followed from 1986 to 2006.

Setting

USA, representing all fifty states and the District of Columbia.

Results

We observed 13 581 incident tooth loss events from 539 335 person-years. There was a dose-dependent significant inverse association across quintiles of the predicted 25(OH)D score and incidence of tooth loss. In multivariable analyses, the highest quintile of the updated predicted 25(OH)D score compared with the lowest was associated with a 20 % lower incidence of tooth loss (hazard ratio = 0·80, 95 % CI 0·76, 0·85;Pvalue for trend <0·0 0 1); UV-B was also independently associated. Results for the predicted 25(OH)D score and periodontitis were similar.

Conclusions

These results are suggestive of an association between predictors of vitamin D and lower incidence of tooth loss and periodontitis.
Manipulation of Arousal by Caffeine Reduces Metacontrast Masking Mostly When Target and Mask Shapes Are Incongruent
Authors: Ojasoo Norman , Murd Carolina , Aru Mari , Bachmann Talis
Published: March 2013

Metacontrast masking is a popular method used to control target accessibility for explicit perception. It is thus a valuable tool in research on preconscious processing, consciousness mechanisms, and visual sensory interactions. However, the dependence of metacontrast effects on nonspecific factors determining subjects’ general arousal level has not been studied. We manipulated arousal by caffeine versus placebo treatment and found, instead of the expected uniform improvement in target perception with caffeine, an intricate interaction between target-to-mask temporal delay, congruence between target and mask shapes, and arousal condition. Caffeine improved target perception mostly when a longer SOA was used in combination with shape-wise incongruent target-mask pairings. Possible reasons for this effect are discussed.
Effects of Repeated Exposure to Science TV Shows on Beliefs About Scientific Evidence and Interest in Science
Authors: Retzbach Joachim , Retzbach Andrea , Maier Michaela , Otto Lukas , Rahnke Marion
Published: March 2013

For scientific laypersons, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the concept of scientific evidence. Prior research shows that the media tend to underrepresent the tentativeness and uncertainty of research findings. Yet presently it remains unclear whether beliefs about the certainty or uncertainty of scientific evidence are affected by the mass media’s science coverage. In this study, we tested cultivation effects of features from German science TV shows on laypersons’ beliefs about science and their interest in science. A sample of adults (N = 700) representative of the German population in terms of age, sex, and education participated in a longitudinal field experiment with an extended Solomon four-group design (two experimental and three control groups). The treatment consisted of six successive media stimuli, which portrayed scientific evidence as either certain or uncertain, over the course of 6 weeks. Results indicate media effects on participants’ beliefs about the certainty of scientific evidence. Additionally, the treatment portraying science as certain enhanced participants’ interest in science, whereas the uncertainty treatment had no effect on interest. These experimental findings demonstrate cultivation effects using real-world stimuli and are interpreted in support of the claim for a greater acknowledgement of uncertainty in science communication.