bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in a Cohort of Children Referred with Suspected Hypertension: Characteristics of Children with and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Grisaru Silviu , Yue Melissa W. , Mah Justin C. , Hamiwka Lorraine A.
Published: July 2013

Childhood hypertension’s increasing prevalence has generally been linked to the obesity epidemic. We observed that a significant proportion of children referred to our pediatric center with documented office hypertension are nonobese and have a history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To define the extent of this anecdotal observation, we performed a retrospective analysis of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) tests which in our center are routinely performed in newly referred children suspected of hypertension. Twenty-one percent (48 of 227 new referrals) had a history of ADHD, and 81% of them were treated with psychostimulant medications at the time of their ABPM test. Children in this group had a significantly lower average BMIz-score compared with the rest of the children (0.18 versus 0.75) and were significantly more likely to have abnormally elevated wake systolic loads on ABPM (38% versus 4%). The overall proportion of children with any abnormality on ABPM was comparable in both groups (46% versus 40%).Conclusion. A significant proportion of children suspected of hypertension have ADHD which may be related to higher wake systolic BP values. The prevalence of hypertension among children with ADHD will have to be determined in prospective studies.
Chronic Exposure to Cadmium Disrupts the Adrenal Gland Activity of the NewtTriturus carnifex(Amphibia, Urodela)
Authors: Gay Flaminia , Laforgia Vincenza , Caputo Ivana , Esposito Carla , Lepretti Marilena , Capaldo Anna
Published: July 2013

We intended to verify the safety of the freshwater values established for cadmium by the European Community and the Italian Ministry of Health in drinking water (5 μg/L) and sewage waters (20 μg/L). Therefore, we chronically exposed the newtTriturus carnifexto 5 μg/L and 20 μg/L doses of cadmium, respectively, during 3 and 9 months and verified the effects on the adrenal gland. We evaluated the serum concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone, aldosterone, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. During the 3-month exposure, both doses of cadmium decreased ACTH and corticosterone serum levels and increased aldosterone and epinephrine serum levels. During the 9-month exposure, the 5 μg/L dose decreased ACTH and increased aldosterone and epinephrine serum levels; the 20 μg/L dose decreased norepinephrine and epinephrine serum levels, without affecting the other hormones. It was concluded that (1) chronic exposure to the safety values established for cadmium disrupted the adrenal gland activity and (2) the effects of cadmium were related both to the length of exposure and the dose administered. Moreover, our results suggest probable risks to human health, due to the use of water contaminated by cadmium.
Inferior Epigastric Artery Pseudoaneurysm in a Kidney Transplant Recipient
Authors: Tozzi M. , Molteni B. , Franchin M. , Ietto G. , Soldini G. , Bertocchi V. , Carcano G.
Published: July 2013

Pseudoaneurysm of inferior epigastric artery (IEA) is a very rare clinical entity. We reported a case of combined kidney transplant and pseudoaneurysmectomy in a young HBV-HCV-HIV recipient. This case emphasizes the possibility of planning a safe and correct surgical treatment and the best timing to treat IEA pseudoaneurysm. An exhaustive preoperative radiological study in all patients candidate to kidney transplant could identify the possible aortoiliac disease both stenotic or dilatative even if it is rare and helps to define the best treatment options.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk among Asian Indians in the US: A Pilot Study
Authors: Thomas Annie , Ashcraft Alyce
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate type 2 diabetes risk among Asian Indians of Kerala ethnicity living in a West Texas County of the USA. The study used a descriptive correlational design with thirty-seven adult nondiabetic Asian Indian subjects between 20 and 70 years of age. The measurement included nonbiochemical indices of obesity, family history of type 2 diabetes, length of immigration in the US, history of hypertension, physical activity pattern, and fruit and vegetable intake. The majority of the subjects showed an increased nonbiochemical indices corresponding with overweight and obesity, placing them at risk for type 2 diabetes and associated cardiovascular complications. The physical activity pattern indicated a sedentary lifestyle. The decreased physical activity was associated with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat percentage; length of residence in the US greater than 10 years was associated with increased body fat percentage and BMI; family history of type 2 diabetes was associated with an increase in body fat percentage. Fruit and vegetable intake pattern was not associated with a risk for type 2 diabetes. Further studies are recommended for risk surveillance among Asian Indian population living in the US.
Cellular Response to a Novel Fetal Acellular Collagen Matrix: Implications for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Rennert Robert C. , Sorkin Michael , Garg Ravi K. , Januszyk Michael , Gurtner Geoffrey C.
Published: July 2013

Introduction. PriMatrix (TEI Biosciences Inc., Boston, MA, USA) is a novel acellular collagen matrix derived from fetal bovine dermis that is designed for use in partial- and full-thickness wounds. This study analyzes the cellular response to PriMatrixin vivo, as well as the ability of this matrix to facilitate normal tissue regeneration.Methods. Five by five mm squares of rehydrated PriMatrix were implanted in a subcutaneous fashion on the dorsum of wild-type mice. Implant site tissue was harvested for histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometric analyses at multiple time points until day 28.Results. PriMatrix implants were found to go through a biological progression initiated by a transient infiltrate of inflammatory cells, followed by mesenchymal cell recruitment and vascular development. IHC analysis revealed that the majority of the implanted fetal dermal collagen fibers persisted through day 28 but underwent remodeling and cellular repopulation to form tissue with a density and morphology consistent with healthy dermis.Conclusions. PriMatrix implants undergo progressivein vivoremodeling, facilitating the regeneration of histologically normal tissue through a mild inflammatory and progenitor cell response. Regeneration of normal tissue is especially important in a wound environment, and these findings warrant further investigation of PriMatrix in this setting.
An Evapotranspiration Assimilation Method Based on Ensemble Kalman Filter and À Trous Wavelet
Authors: Chen Shaohui , Qi Jianwei , Sun Xiaomin , Deng Xiangzheng , Tian Jing
Published: July 2013

It is challenging to assimilate the evapotranspiration product (EP) retrieved from satellite data into land surface models (LSMs). In this paper, a perturbed ensemble Kalman filter (PEKF) and à trous wavelet transform (AWT) integrated method are proposed to implement the evapotranspiration assimilation. In this method, the AWT is used to decompose the EPs into multiple channels since it is very powerful in fusing high frequency spatial information of multisource data, and then the Kalman filter is performed in the AWT domain. The proposed method combines the advantages of the PEKF that is capable of accommodating model error and observation error, and the AWT can effectively perform multiresolution fusion. Assimilation experiment conducted with the Noah model and the EP retrieved from the MODIS data shows that the proposed method performs better than the traditional ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) and PEKF methods. The analysis results fit well with the evapotranspiration observation at two field sites with different land surface conditions. These indicate that the proposed method is promising for assimilating regional scale satellite retrieved EP into LSMs.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patients with Portal Hypertension
Authors: Biecker Erwin
Published: July 2013

Gastrointestinal bleeding related to portal hypertension is a serious complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. Most patients bleed from esophageal or gastric varices, but bleeding from ectopic varices or portal hypertensive gastropathy is also possible. The management of acute bleeding has changed over the last years. Patients are managed with a combination of endoscopic and pharmacologic treatment. The endoscopic treatment of choice for esophageal variceal bleeding is variceal band ligation. Bleeding from gastric varices is treated by injection with cyanoacrylate. Treatment with vasoactive drugs as well as antibiotic treatment is started before or at the time point of endoscopy. The first-line treatment for primary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding is nonselective beta blockers. Pharmacologic therapy is recommended for most patients; band ligation is an alternative in patients with contraindications for or intolerability of beta blockers. Treatment options for secondary prophylaxis include variceal band ligation, beta blockers, a combination of nitrates and beta blockers, and combination of band ligation and pharmacologic treatment. A clear superiority of one treatment over the other has not been shown. Bleeding from portal hypertensive gastropathy or ectopic varices is less common. Treatment options include beta blocker therapy, injection therapy, and interventional radiology.
Risk Modelling for Passages in Approach Channel
Authors: Smolarek Leszek , Śniegocki Henryk
Published: July 2013

Methods of multivariate statistics, stochastic processes, and simulation methods are used to identify and assess the risk measures. This paper presents the use of generalized linear models and Markov models to study risks to ships along the approach channel. These models combined with simulation testing are used to determine the time required for continuous monitoring of endangered objects or period at which the level of risk should be verified.
Existence Results for a Fully Fourth-Order Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Li Yongxiang , Liang Qiuyan
Published: July 2013

We discuss the existence of solution for the fully fourth-order boundary value problemu(4)=f(t,u,u′,u′′,u′′′),0≤t≤1,u(0)=u(1)=u′′(0)=u′′(1)=0. A growth condition onfguaranteeing the existence of solution is presented. The discussion is based on the Fourier analysis method and Leray-Schauder fixed point theorem.
Coding B-Frames of Color Videos with Fuzzy Transforms
Authors: Di Martino Ferdinando , Sessa Salvatore
Published: July 2013

We use a new method based on discrete fuzzy transforms for coding/decoding frames of color videos in which we determine dynamically the GOP sequences. Frames can be differentiated into intraframes, predictive frames, and bidirectional frames, and we consider particular frames, called Δ-frames (resp., R-frames), for coding P-frames (resp., B-frames) by using two similarity measures based on Lukasiewicz -norm; moreover, a preprocessing phase is proposed to determine similarity thresholds for classifying the above types of frame. The proposed method provides acceptable results in terms of quality of the reconstructed videos to a certain extent if compared with classical-based F-transforms method and the standard MPEG-4.
Smallpox Still Haunts Scientists: Results of a Questionnaire‐Based Inquiry on the Views of Health Care and Life Science Experts and Students on Preserving the Remaining Variola Virus Stocks
Authors: Srinivasan Thangavelu , Dedeepiya Vidyasagar Devaprasad , John Sudhakar , Senthilkumar Rajappa , Reena Helen C. , Rajendran Paramasivam , Balamurugan Madasamy , Kurosawa Gene , Iwasaki Masaru , Preethy Senthilkumar , Abraham Samuel J. K.
Published: July 2013

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared eradication of the dreadful disease “smallpox” in 1980. Though the disease has died down, the causative virus “variola” has not, as it has been well preserved in two high security laboratories—one in USA and another in Russia. The debate on whether the remaining stocks of the smallpox virus should be destroyed or not is ongoing, and the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 2011 has decided to postpone the review on this debate to the 67th WHA in 2014. A short questionnaire‐based inquiry was organized during a one‐day stem cell meeting to explore the views of various health care and life science specialists especially students on this aspect. Among the 200 participants of the meeting, only 66 had answered the questionnaire. 60.6% of participants who responded to the questionnaire were for preserving the virus for future reference, while 36.4% of the participants were for destroying the virus considering the magnitude with which it killed millions. However, 3% of the respondents were not able to decide on any verdict. Therefore, this inquiry expresses the view that “what we cannot create, we do not have the right to destroy.”
Transient Aspects of Wave Propagation Connected with Spatial Coherence
Authors: Bakhoum Ezzat G. , Toma Cristian
Published: July 2013

This study presents transient aspects of light wave propagation connected with spatial coherence. It is shown that reflection and refraction phenomena involve spatial patterns which are created within a certain transient time interval. After this transient time interval, these patterns act like a memory, determining the wave vector for subsequent sets of reflected/refracted waves. The validity of this model is based on intuitive aspects regarding phase conservation of energy for waves reflected/refracted by multiple centers in a certain material medium.
Dynamic Response in Transient Operation of a Variable Geometry Turbine Stage: Influence of the Aerodynamic Performance
Authors: Binder Nicolas , Garcia Benitez Jaime , Carbonneau Xavier
Published: July 2013

The transient response of a radial turbine stage with a variable geometry system is evaluated. Mainly, the consequences of the variations of the aerodynamic performance of the stage on the response time are checked. A simple quasi-steady model is derived in order to formalize the expected dependences. Then an experimental campaign is conducted: a brutal step in the feeding conditions of the stage is imposed, and the response time in terms of rotational speed is measured. This has been reproduced on different declinations of the same stage, through the variation of the stator geometry, and correlated to the steady-state performance of the initial and final operating points of the transient phase. The matching between theoretical expectation and results is surprisingly good for some configurations, less for others. The most important factor identified is the mass-flow level during the transient phase. It increases the reactivity, even far above the theoretical expectation for some configurations. For those cases, it is demonstrated that the quasi-steady approach may not be sufficient to explain how the transient response is set.
Analysis and Denoising of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Image in the Curvelet Domain
Authors: Xu Dong , Sun Lei , Luo Jianshu , Liu Zhihui
Published: July 2013

A new denoising algorithm is proposed according to the characteristics of hyperspectral remote sensing image (HRSI) in the curvelet domain. Firstly, each band of HRSI is transformed into the curvelet domain, and the sets of subband images are obtained from different wavelength of HRSI. And then the detail subband images in the same scale and same direction from different wavelengths of HRSI are stacked to obtain new 3-D datacubes of the curvelet domain. Again, the characteristics analysis of these 3-D datacubes is performed. The analysis result shows that each new 3-D datacube has the strong spectral correlation. At last, due to the strong spectral correlation of new 3-D datacubes, the multiple linear regression is introduced to deal with these new 3-D datacubes in the curvelet domain. The simulated and the real data experiments are performed. The simulated data experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is superior to the compared algorithms in the references in terms of SNR. Furthermore, MSE and MSSIM in each band are utilized to show that the proposed algorithm is superior. The real data experimental results show that the proposed algorithm effectively removes the common spotty noise and the strip noise and simultaneously maintains more fine features during the denoising process.
Nanofibrous p-n Junction and Its Rectifying Characteristics
Authors: Fang Jian , Wang Xungai , Lin Tong
Published: July 2013

Randomly oriented tin oxide (SnO2) nanofibers and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PEDOT:PSS/PVP) nanofibers were prepared by a two‐step electrospinning technique to form a layered fibrous mat. The current‐voltage measurement revealed that the fibrous mat had an obvious diode‐rectifying characteristic. The thickness of the nanofiber layers was found to have a considerable influence on the device resistance and rectifying performance. Such an interesting rectifying property was attributed to the formation of a p‐n junction between the fibrous SnO2 and PEDOT:PSS/PVP layers. This is the first report that a rectifying junction can be formed between two layers of electrospun nanofiber mats, and the resulting nanofibrous diode rectifier may find applications in sensors, energy harvest, and electronic textiles.
Pathophysiology of Vascular Remodeling in Hypertension
Authors: Renna Nicolás F. , de las Heras Natalia , Miatello Roberto M.
Published: July 2013

Vascular remodeling refers to alterations in the structure of resistance vessels contributing to elevated systemic vascular resistance in hypertension. We start with some historical aspects, underscoring the importance of Glagov’s contribution. We then move to some basic concepts on the biomechanics of blood vessels and explain the definitions proposed by Mulvany for specific forms of remodeling, especially inward eutrophic and inward hypertrophic. The available evidence for the existence of remodeled resistance vessels in hypertension comes next, with relatively more weight given to human, in comparison with animal data. Mechanisms are discussed. The impact of antihypertensive drug treatment on remodeling is described, again with emphasis on human data. Some details are given on the three mechanisms to date which point to remodeling resistance arteries as an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients. We terminate by considering the potential role of remodeling in the pathogenesis of endorgan damage and in the perpetuation of hypertension.
Potential of RAS Inhibition to Improve Metabolic Bone Disorders
Authors: Gebru Yoseph , Diao Teng-Yue , Pan Hai , Mukwaya Emmanuel , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2013

Metabolic bone disorder is usually caused by abnormalities of minerals and hormones metabolism. Recently, it has been proved by several studies that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in local bone tissue is directly involved in bone metabolism. Activation of skeletal RAS plays an important role in bone metabolic disorders. Based onin vitro,in vivo, and clinical studies, this review explains the roles of RAS in bone metabolism and also covers the potential approaches and beneficial effects of RAS inhibition on bone health. Differential strategies for inhibiting RAS can be employed to maintain bone health, which are attributed primarily to the reduced level of angiotensin II (AngII) and suppressed stimulation of the AngII signaling pathway. The use of renin inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and AngII receptor blockers either individually or in combination with each other could have promising results in fighting bone metabolic disorders associated with other cardiovascular diseases as well as independent bone injuries.
Portable Bioactive Paper-Based Sensor for Quantification of Pesticides
Authors: Kavruk Murat , Özalp Veli Cengiz , Öktem Hüseyin Avni
Published: July 2013

A paper-based biosensor was developed for the detection of the degradation products of organophosphorus pesticides. The biosensor quantifies acetylcholine esterase inhibitors in a fast, disposable, cheap, and accurate format. We specifically focused on the use of sugar or protein stabilizer to achieve a biosensor with long shelf-life. The new biosensor detected malathion with a detection limit of 2.5 ppm in 5 min incubation time. The operational stability was confirmed by testing 60 days storage at 4°C when glucose was used as stabilizer.
An Atypical Case of Taravana Syndrome in a Breath-Hold Underwater Fishing Champion: A Case Report
Authors: Cortegiani Andrea , Foresta Grazia , Strano Giustino , Strano Maria Teresa , Montalto Francesca , Garbo Domenico , Raineri Santi Maurizio
Published: July 2013

Dysbaric accidents are usually referred to compressed air-supplied diving. Nonetheless, some cases of decompression illness are known to have occurred among breath-hold (BH) divers also, and they are reported in the medical literature. A male BH diver (57 years old), underwater fishing champion, presented neurological disorders as dizziness, sensory numbness, blurred vision, and left frontoparietal pain after many dives to a 30–35 meters sea water depth with short surface intervals. Symptoms spontaneously regressed and the patient came back home. The following morning, pain and neurological impairment occurred again and the diver went by himself to the hospital where he had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure and lost consciousness. A magnetic resonance imaging of the brain disclofsed a cortical T1-weighted hypointense area in the temporal region corresponding to infarction with partial hemorrhage. An early hyperbaric oxygen therapy led to prompt resolution of neurological findings. All clinical and imaging characteristics were referable to the Taravana diving syndrome, induced by repetitive prolonged deep BH dives. The reappearance of neurological signs after an uncommon 21-hour symptom-free interval may suggest an atypical case of Taravana syndrome.
Estimates for Discrete-Time Markovian Jump Linear Systems
Authors: Terra Marco H. , Jesus Gildson , Ishihara João Y.
Published: July 2013

This paper deals with the problem of filtering for discrete-time Markovian jump linear systems. Predicted and filtered estimates are obtained based on the game theory. Both filters are solved through recursive algorithms. The Markovian system considered assumes that the jump parameters are not accessible. Necessary and sufficient conditions are provided to the existence of the filters. A numerical example is provided in order to show the effectiveness of the approach proposed.
Pomegranate Juice Augments Memory and fMRI Activity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Mild Memory Complaints
Authors: Bookheimer Susan Y. , Renner Brian A. , Ekstrom Arne , Li Zhaoping , Henning Susanne M. , Brown Jesse A. , Jones Mike , Moody Teena , Small Gary W.
Published: July 2013

Despite increasing emphasis on the potential of dietary antioxidants in preventing memory loss and on diet as a precursor of neurological health, rigorous studies investigating the cognitive effects of foods and their components are rare. Recent animal studies have reported memory and other cognitive benefits of polyphenols, found abundantly in pomegranate juice. We performed a preliminary, placebo-controlled randomized trial of pomegranate juice in older subjects with age-associated memory complaints using memory testing and functional brain activation (fMRI) as outcome measures. Thirty-two subjects (28 completers) were randomly assigned to drink 8 ounces of either pomegranate juice or a flavor-matched placebo drink for 4 weeks. Subjects received memory testing, fMRI scans during cognitive tasks, and blood draws for peripheral biomarkers before and after the intervention. Investigators and subjects were all blind to group membership. After 4 weeks, only the pomegranate group showed a significant improvement in the Buschke selective reminding test of verbal memory and a significant increase in plasma trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and urolithin A-glucuronide. Furthermore, compared to the placebo group, the pomegranate group had increased fMRI activity during verbal and visual memory tasks. While preliminary, these results suggest a role for pomegranate juice in augmenting memory function through task-related increases in functional brain activity.
Wide-Gap p-μc-Si1-xOx:H Films and Their Application to Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Krajangsang Taweewat , Inthisang Sorapong , Hongsingthong Aswin , Limmanee Amornrat , Sritharathikhun Jaran , Sriprapha Kobsak
Published: July 2013

Optimization of p-type hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon oxide thin films (p-μc-Si1-xOx:H) by very high frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition 40 MHz method for use as a p-layer of a-Si:H solar cells was performed. The properties of p-μc-Si1-xOx:H films were characterized by conductivity, Raman scattering spectroscopy, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The wide optical band gap p-μc-Si1-xOx:H films were optimized by CO2/SiH4ratio and H2/SiH4dilution. Besides, the effects of wide-gap p-μc-Si1-xOx:H layer on the performance of a-Si:H solar cells with various optical band gaps of p-layer were also investigated. Furthermore, improvements of open circuit voltage, short circuit current, and performance of the solar cells by using the effective wide-gap p-μc-Si1-xOx:H were observed in this study. These results indicate that wide-gap p-μc-Si1-xOx:H is promising to use as window layer in a-Si:H solar cells.
Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Artery Dissection: Clinical and Angiographic Follow-Up
Authors: Mohammadian Reza , Taheraghdam Ali Akbar , Sharifipour Ehsan , Mansourizadeh Reza , Pashapour Ali , Shimia Mohammad , Shokouhi Ghaffar , shakeri Moslem , Hashemzadeh Ali
Published: July 2013

Background. Intracranial artery dissections are rare and many controversies exist about treatment options. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the endovascular approach in patients with an intracranial dissection presenting with different symptoms.Methods. We prospectively evaluated the clinical features and treatment outcomes of 30 patients who had angiographically confirmed nontraumatic intracranial dissections over 4 years. Patients were followed up for 17 months, and their final outcomes were assessed by the modified Rankin Score (mRS) and angiography.Results. Sixteen (53.3%) patients had a dissection of the anterior circulation, whereas 14 (46.7%) had a posterior circulation dissection. Overall, 83.3% of the patients suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Grade IV Hunt and Hess score was seen in 32% of the SAH presenting cases. Parent artery occlusion (PAO) with coil embolization was used in 70% of the cases. The prevalence of overall procedural complications was 23.3%, and all were completely resolved at the end of follow-up. No evidence of in-stent occlusion/stenosis or rebleeding was observed in our cases during follow-up. Angiography results improved more frequently in the PAO with coil embolization group (100%) than in the stent-only-treated group (88.9%) (P=0.310) and the unruptured dissection group (5/5, 100%) in comparison with the group that presented with SAH (95.8%) (P=0.833).Conclusion. Favorable outcomes were achieved following an endovascular approach for symptomatic ruptured or unruptured dissecting aneurysms. However, the long-term efficacy and durability of these procedures remain to be determined in a larger series.
Presence of Contagious Yawning in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Usui Saori , Senju Atsushi , Kikuchi Yukiko , Akechi Hironori , Tojo Yoshikuni , Osanai Hiroo , Hasegawa Toshikazu
Published: July 2013

Most previous studies suggest diminished susceptibility to contagious yawning in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it could be driven by their atypical attention to the face. To test this hypothesis, children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children were shown yawning and control movies. To ensure participants' attention to the face, an eye tracker controlled the onset of the yawning and control stimuli. Results demonstrated that both TD children and children with ASD yawned more frequently when they watched the yawning stimuli than the control stimuli. It is suggested therefore that the absence of contagious yawning in children with ASD, as reported in previous studies, might relate to their weaker tendency to spontaneously attend to others' faces.
Aggressive Angiomyxoma with Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Dynamic Contrast Enhancement: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Brunelle S. , Bertucci F. , Chetaille B. , Lelong B. , Piana G. , Sarran A.
Published: July 2013

Introduction: Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a rare benign soft tissue tumour usually affecting the pelvis and perineum of young women. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial in the management of AA patients for its diagnostic contribution and for the preoperative assessment of the actual tumour extension. Given the current development of less aggressive therapeutics associated with a higher risk of recurrence, close follow-up with MRI is fundamental after treatment. In this context, diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging has already shown high efficacy in the detection of early small relapses in prostate or rectal cancer. Case Report: We report here a case of pelvic AA in a 51-year-old woman examined with dynamic contrast enhancement and DW-MRI, including apparent diffusion coefficient mapping and calculation. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first description of DW-MRI in AA reported in the literature. Here, knowledge about imaging features of AA will be reviewed and expanded.
A Case of Panitumumab-Responsive Metastatic Rectal Cancer Initially Refractory to Cetuximab
Authors: Kasagi Yuta , Oki Eiji , Ando Koji , Kimura Yasue , Ikegami Toru , Saeki Hiroshi , Morita Masaru , Kusumoto Tetsuya , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: July 2013

A 64-year-old man was initially diagnosed with rectal cancer and liver metastasis. He underwent rectal amputation and partial hepatectomy. mFOLFOX6 was begun as first-line chemotherapy, but multiple pulmonary and right femoral lymph node metastases were found 1 year postoperatively. FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab was then started, but the tumors recurred after 2 years and 11 months. The regimen was changed to cetuximab with CPT-11. The lesions partially responded after 3 months, and the patient was free from progression for 1.5 years. Four years and 7 months after the adjuvant chemotherapy was started, the metastatic lesions gradually increased again, and the regimen was changed to panitumumab. After 2 months, the lesions had markedly decreased again and showed a partial response for 6 months. Although the pulmonary lesions became progressive again, the patient has been alive for 5 years and 8 months since the first operation.
Pleuropulmonary and Lymph Node Progression after Docetaxel - Benefits from Treatment with Cabazitaxel in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Segura Huerta Angel , Reche Santos Encarnación , Bruixola Campos Gema , Salvador Coloma Carmen , Niño Gómez Oscar
Published: July 2013

Introduction: To date, there are no guidelines for a rational and more favourable sequence of treatment after docetaxel. Two drugs (cabazitaxel and abiraterone) have recently been approved as second-line treatment after docetaxel failure in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), but there are no studies comparing abiraterone versus cabazitaxel. The most suitable drug is chosen based on the physician's opinion and the patient's characteristics. In patients with a good performance status who are able to receive either treatment, it would be convenient to begin with cabazitaxel and to reserve abiraterone in case there is a worsening of the general status, in consideration of abiraterone's more favourable toxicity profile. Case Report: We describe the case of a 74-year-old male with mCRPC who presented with an interesting and uncommon tumour dissemination (pleuropulmonary) occurring after the first standard treatment with docetaxel. Intravenous treatment with cabazitaxel 25 mg/m2 and oral prednisone 10 mg continuously was initiated. The patient received a total of 8 cycles of chemotherapy. A reduction of mediastinal adenopathies and infrarenal para-aortic stable bone involvement and an absence of pleural effusion were observed. No relevant toxicity was noted. Since February 2012, a progressive PSA increase without clinical deterioration has been noted. Conclusions: The selection criteria for second- and third-line systemic treatment and the excellent response obtained with cabazitaxel in an unusual disease setting are described. The results confirm the long duration and quality of response of cabazitaxel treatment. Further therapeutic options in this group of patients are suggested.
Usefulness of Pure Laparoscopic Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Severely Cirrhotic Patient
Authors: Hosokawa Isamu , Yoshitomi Hideyuki , Shimizu Hiroaki , Takayashiki Tsukasa , Miyazaki Masaru
Published: July 2013

The number of patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy has rapidly increased in recent years, and indications for this procedure are gradually expanding. Pure laparoscopic hepatectomy is reportedly useful in cases with severe liver cirrhosis. A 55-year-old woman under observation for liver cirrhosis was found to have hepatocellular carcinoma in liver segment III and was referred to our hospital for surgery. The tumor was located in the edge of liver segment III, where percutaneous ablation therapy was unsuitable. Since her hepatic functional reserve was poor, pure laparoscopic partial hepatectomy was performed. The postoperative course was favorable, with no ascites retention, edema or weight gain. The greatest advantage of pure laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma with concomitant liver cirrhosis is that postoperative ascites retention is minimal, meaning that there is little risk of water-electrolyte imbalance associated with ascites retention or hypoproteinemia. This is believed to be because the abdominal incision is small and mobilization of the liver is minimized, reducing the destruction of the routes of collateral lymph flow and blood flow generated in patients with liver cirrhosis. Pure laparoscopic hepatectomy may be a treatment choice for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and concomitant severe liver cirrhosis.
Multi-Forum Non-State Actors: Navigating the Regime Complexes for Forestry and Genetic Resources
Authors: Orsini Amandine
Published: July 2013

This research brings together studies of non-state actors (NSAs) in environmental negotiations, transnational networks, and institutional fragmentation, to shed light on the influence of NSAs on policy-making in regime complexes. It presents a new analytical framework with a series of deductive assumptions about the influence of “multi-forum” NSAs, as compared with “single forum” NSAs. Multi-forum NSAs cover several elements of a regime complex, and are thereby able to follow and potentially influence fragmented institutional processes. Focusing on two cases of fragmented environmental governance—forestry and access to genetic resources—the analysis provides a quantitative (statistics, network analysis) and qualitative (interviews) testing ground for the proposed framework. Because of their considerable material, organizational and ideational resources, and long-term engagement, multi-forum NSAs have greater access to the negotiations and may become central players. The strategies such NSAs adopt can further the integration of regime complexes when they undertake forum linking, or push towards further fragmentation when they undertake forum shopping or forum shifting.
Revision of Sciasmomyia Hendel (Diptera: Lauxaniidae), with eight new species
Authors: SHI LI , GAIMARI STEPHEN D. , YANG DING
Published: July 2013

The genus Sciasmomyia Hendel is revised. Eight new species are proposed, including Sciasmomyia decussata sp. nov. (China), S. leishanensis sp. nov. (China), S. longicurvata sp. nov. (China), S. longissima sp. nov. (China), S. lui sp. nov. (China), S. quadricuspis sp. nov. (China), S. thaii sp. nov. (Vietnam), and S. tubata sp. nov. (China). The two previously known species, Sciasmomyia meijerei Hendel and S. supraorientalis (Papp), are recorded for the first time as occurring in China, with the latter species also newly recorded for India, Nepal and Thailand. A key to separate the 10 species of this genus is presented, and a lectotype is designated for Sciasmomyia meijerei.
Species of Nepalomyia Hollis from Taiwan (Diptera: Dolichopodidae: Peloropeodinae)
Authors: WANG MENGQING , CHEN HONGYIN , YANG DING
Published: July 2013

An overview is presented for the species of the genus Nepalomyia Hollis, 1964 from Taiwan. Nepalomyia xiaoyanae sp. nov. is described and N. brevifurcata (Yang & Saigusa, 2001) and N. orientalis (Yang & Li, 1998) are recorded from Taiwan for the first time. A key is provided for all seven named species of this genus from Taiwan.
Description of a new Cladolasma (Opiliones: Nemastomatidae: Ortholasmatinae) species from China
Authors: ZHANG CHAO , ZHANG FENG
Published: July 2013

The harvestmen genus Cladolasma Suzuki, 1963, previously known only from Japan and Thailand, is here reported from China for the first time. A new species, Cladolasma damingshan sp. nov., is described on the basis of a single male specimen collected from Daming Mountain, Guangxi, China. The new species is distinct from C. parvulum Suzuki, 1963 and C. angka (Schwendinger & Gruber, 1992) in lacking keels around the eyes; and from the known males of C. parvulum in the arrangement of large spines on the penial glans. The finding also represents the first record of Nemastomatidae and Ortholasmatinae for China.
Maintenance of the Stratospheric Structure in an Idealized General Circulation Model
Authors: Jucker M. , Fueglistaler S. , Vallis G. K.
Published: July 2013

This work explores the maintenance of the stratospheric structure in a primitive equation model that is forced by a Newtonian cooling with a prescribed radiative equilibrium temperature field. Models such as this are well suited to analyze and address questions regarding the nature of wave propagation and troposphere–stratosphere interactions. The focus lies on the lower to midstratosphere and the mean annual cycle, with its large interhemispheric variations in the radiative background state and forcing, is taken as a benchmark to be simulated with reasonable verisimilitude. A reasonably realistic basic stratospheric temperature structure is a necessary first step in understanding stratospheric dynamics.

It is first shown that using a realistic radiative background temperature field based on radiative transfer calculations substantially improves the basic structure of the model stratosphere compared to previously used setups. Then, the physical processes that are needed to maintain the seasonal cycle of temperature in the lower stratosphere are explored. It is found that an improved stratosphere and seasonally varying topographically forced stationary waves are, in themselves, insufficient to produce a seasonal cycle of sufficient amplitude in the tropics, even if the topographic forcing is large. Upwelling associated with baroclinic wave activity is an important influence on the tropical lower stratosphere and the seasonal variation of tropospheric baroclinic activity contributes significantly to the seasonal cycle of the lower tropical stratosphere. Given a reasonably realistic basic stratospheric structure and a seasonal cycle in both stationary wave activity and tropospheric baroclinic instability, it is possible to obtain a seasonal cycle in the lower stratosphere of amplitude comparable to the observations.
The Genesis of African Easterly Waves by Upstream Development
Authors: Diaz Michael , Aiyyer Anantha
Published: July 2013

A genesis mechanism for African easterly waves (AEWs) is proposed. In the same manner that new troughs and ridges in the midlatitudes form downstream of existing ones through a mechanism known as downstream development, it is proposed that new AEWs can be generated upstream of existing AEWs. A local eddy kinetic energy budget of the AEW that ultimately became Hurricane Alberto (2000) demonstrates that upstream development explains its genesis more convincingly than previous theories of AEW genesis. The energetics and ageostrophic secondary circulation of a composite AEW are consistent with a new AEW forming as a result of this mechanism. Some strengths and weaknesses of upstream development as a paradigm for AEW genesis are discussed with respect to other potential mechanisms.
Genesis of Hurricane Julia (2010) within an African Easterly Wave: Low-Level Vortices and Upper-Level Warming
Authors: Cecelski Stefan F. , Zhang Da-Lin
Published: July 2013

While a robust theoretical framework for tropical cyclogenesis (TCG) within African easterly waves (AEWs) has recently been developed, little work explores the development of low-level meso-β-scale vortices (LLVs) and a meso-α-scale surface low in relation to deep convection and upper-tropospheric warming. In this study, the development of an LLV into Hurricane Julia (2010) is shown through a high-resolution model simulation with the finest grid size of 1 km. The results presented expand upon the connections between LLVs and the AEW presented in previous studies while demonstrating the importance of upper-tropospheric warming for TCG.

It is found that the significant intensification phase of Hurricane Julia is triggered by the pronounced upper-tropospheric warming associated with organized deep convection. The warming is able to intensify and expand during TCG owing to formation of a storm-scale outflow beyond the Rossby radius of deformation. Results confirm previous ideas by demonstrating that the intersection of the AEW's trough axis and critical latitude is a preferred location for TCG, while supplementing such work by illustrating the importance of upper-tropospheric warming and meso-α-scale surface pressure falls during TCG. It is shown that the meso-β-scale surface low enhances boundary layer convergence and aids in the bottom-up vorticity development of the meso-β-scale LLV. The upper-level warming is attributed to heating within convective bursts at earlier TCG stages while compensating subsidence warming becomes more prevalent once a mesoscale convective system develops.
On the Origin and Impact of a Polygonal Eyewall in the Rapid Intensification of Hurricane Wilma (2005)
Authors: Menelaou Konstantinos , Yau M. K. , Martinez Yosvany
Published: July 2013

An analysis of a high-resolution dataset from a realistic simulation of Hurricane Wilma (2005) was performed to understand the mechanism for the formation of a prominent polygonal eyewall and mesovortices during the rapid intensifying stage of the hurricane. The impact of these asymmetries on the intensity change of the hurricane vortex was assessed using the empirical normal mode (ENM) method and Eliassen–Palm (EP) flux calculations.

The results indicated that the eyewall of Wilma exhibited an early azimuthal wavenumber-4 (m = 4) asymmetry followed by a transition to lower-wavenumber asymmetries. The simulated reflectivity and the spatial structure of potential vorticity (PV) anomalies strongly suggest that barotropic instability is the most likely driving mechanism for these asymmetries. From the ENM analysis, it was found that the dominant modes for m = 4 and m = 3 asymmetries are vortex Rossby waves (VRWs) that possess characteristics of unstable modes, supporting the importance of barotropic instability. The EP flux calculations associated with these modes indicate that the VRWs act to decelerate the flow at the initial radius of maximum wind while they act to accelerate the flow radially inside and outside of this location, suggesting that VRWs may provide a positive impact to the intensification of the vortex.

The present results complement previous findings of theoretical and highly idealized numerical studies that a polygonal eyewall and mesovortices are the result of barotropic instability, thereby furnishing a bridge between idealized studies and observations. The work also provides new insight on the role of asymmetries and VRWs in the intensification of hurricanes.
Oscillatory Climate Modes in the Indian Monsoon, North Atlantic, and Tropical Pacific
Authors: Feliks Yizhak , Groth Andreas , Robertson Andrew W. , Ghil Michael
Published: July 2013

This paper explores the three-way interactions between the Indian monsoon, the North Atlantic, and the tropical Pacific. Four climate records were analyzed: the monsoon rainfall in two Indian regions, the Southern Oscillation index for the tropical Pacific, and the NAO index for the North Atlantic. The individual records exhibit highly significant oscillatory modes with spectral peaks at 7–8 yr and in the quasi-biennial and quasi-quadrennial bands.

The interactions between the three regions were investigated in the light of the synchronization theory of chaotic oscillators. The theory was applied here by combining multichannel singular-spectrum analysis (M-SSA) with a recently introduced varimax rotation of the M-SSA eigenvectors.

A key result is that the 7–8-yr and 2.7-yr oscillatory modes in all three regions are synchronized, at least in part. The energy-ratio analysis, as well as time-lag results, suggests that the NAO plays a leading role in the 7–8-yr mode. It was found therewith that the South Asian monsoon is not slaved to forcing from the equatorial Pacific, although it does interact strongly with it. The time-lag analysis pinpointed this to be the case in particular for the quasi-biennial oscillatory modes.

Overall, these results confirm that the approach of synchronized oscillators, combined with varimax-rotated M-SSA, is a powerful tool in studying teleconnections between regional climate modes and that it helps identify the mechanisms that operate in various frequency bands. This approach should be readily applicable to ocean modes of variability and to the problems of air–sea interaction as well.
Impact of Land Model Calibration on Coupled Land–Atmosphere Prediction
Authors: Santanello Joseph A. , Kumar Sujay V. , Peters-Lidard Christa D. , Harrison Ken , Zhou Shujia
Published: July 2013

Land–atmosphere (LA) interactions play a critical role in determining the diurnal evolution of both planetary boundary layer (PBL) and land surface heat and moisture budgets, as well as controlling feedbacks with clouds and precipitation that lead to the persistence of dry and wet regimes. In this study, the authors examine the impact of improved specification of land surface states, anomalies, and fluxes on coupled Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) forecasts during the summers of extreme dry (2006) and wet (2007) land surface conditions in the U.S. southern Great Plains. The improved land initialization and surface flux parameterizations are obtained through calibration of the Noah land surface model using the new optimization and uncertainty estimation subsystems in NASA's Land Information System (LIS-OPT/LIS-UE). The impact of the calibration on the 1) spinup of the land surface used as initial conditions and 2) the simulated heat and moisture states and fluxes of the coupled WRF simulations is then assessed. In addition, the sensitivity of this approach to the period of calibration (dry, wet, or average) is investigated. Results show that the offline calibration is successful in providing improved initial conditions and land surface physics for the coupled simulations and in turn leads to systematic improvements in land–PBL fluxes and near-surface temperature and humidity forecasts. Impacts are larger during dry regimes, but calibration during either primarily wet or dry periods leads to improvements in coupled simulations due to the reduction in land surface model bias. Overall, these results provide guidance on the questions of what, how, and when to calibrate land surface models for coupled model prediction.