bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of a Three-Phase Grid-Connected PV Power System Using a Modified Dual-Stage Inverter
Authors: Martins Denizar Cruz
Published: January 2013

This paper presents a grid-connected PV system in a centralized configuration constructed through a three-phase dual-stage inverter. For the DC-DC stage the three-phase series resonant converter is chosen thanks to the advantages that it exhibits. However, it is inadequate for the accomplishment of MPPT, due to its efficiency strongly depending on the implemented deadtime and switching frequency. Then, this paper proposes a conceptual modification, that is, a modified dual-stage inverter in which the inverter stage is responsible for both the MPPT and the grid-current control. In addition, the DC-DC converter operates with constant duty cycle and frequency. Such configuration requires a new concept, introduced as Behavior Matching. It serves as a fundamental feature for the DC-DC converter to reproduce the PV array I–V characteristic when they are connected, without control action. The maximum power operating point is found by maximizing the direct axis current, obtained by Park's transformation from the inverter, through the perturbation and observation algorithm. Any specific measurement to realize the MPPT is needed. The galvanic isolation is achieved by using a high-frequency transformer. The structure is appropriate for high power applications, above 10 kW.
The Linked Response: Lessons Emerging from Integration of HIV and Reproductive Health Services in Cambodia
Authors: White Joanna , Delvaux Thérèse , Chhea Chhorvann , Saramony Sarun , Ouk Vichea , Saphonn Vonthanak
Published: January 2013

A qualitative assessment was made of service provider and user perceptions of the quality of integrated reproductive health services established through a pilot intervention in Cambodia. The intervention aimed to promote pregnant women's HIV testing and general utilization of reproductive health facilities as well as improve the follow-up of HIV-positive women and exposed infants through strengthened referral and operational linkages amongst health facilities/services and community-based support interventions for PLHIV. The study was conducted in one operational district where the intervention was piloted and for comparative purposes in a district where integrated services had yet to be implemented. Service providers in the pilot district reported improved collaboration and coordination of services, more effective referral, and the positive impact of improved proximity of HIV testing through integrated local level facilities. Community-based support teams for PLHIV embraced their expanded role, were valued by families receiving their assistance, and were understood to have had an important role in referral, PMTCT follow-up and countering PLHIV stigmatization; findings which underscore the potential role of community support in integrated service provision. Challenges identified included stigmatization of PLHIV by health staff at district hospital level and a lack of confidence amongst non-specialized health staff when managing deliveries by HIV-positive women, partly due to fear of HIV transmission.
Acute Pancreatitis Complicating Acute Hepatitis E Virus Infection: A Case Report and Review
Authors: Nayak Hemanta Kumar , Kamble Nitish L. , Raizada Nishant , Garg Sandeep , Daga Mradul Kumar
Published: January 2013

Acute pancreatitis complicating fulminant viral hepatitis has been well recognized; however, acute pancreatitis occurring in nonfulminant hepatitis is very rare. The case presented describes moderate pancreatitis in a young male, manifesting during the course of nonfulminant acute hepatitis E infection. The diagnosis of acute viral hepatitis E was confirmed by serology and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to demonstrate Hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA in both stool and serum. Patients with acute viral hepatitis presenting with severe abdominal pain should have a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis suspected and appropriate investigations including serum amylase, lipase, biliary ultrasonography and/or contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen should be undertaken. The identification of this unusual complication of Hepatitis E is important; however, the prognosis for patients with Acute Pancreatitis Complicating Acute Hepatitis E Virus Infection is good, and uncomplicated recovery with conservative treatment is expected.
Plasmapheresis in Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy: An Effective Treatment
Authors: Seyyed Majidi Mohammad Reza , Vafaeimanesh Jamshid
Published: January 2013

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is an idiopathic disorder with an unknown cause occurring in late pregnancy. The treatment in these patients is often immediate termination of pregnancy, and plasmapheresis provides an effective treatment option. In this paper, we introduce three pregnant women treated with plasmapheresis. The first case was a 22-year-old primigravida woman treated with 22 sessions of plasmapheresis due to AFLP, hepatic and renal failure, coagulopathy, and ventilator-dependent respiratory failure. The second case was a 23-year-old woman in her second pregnancy treated with 4 plasmapheresis sessions due to AFLP, hepatic and renal failure, coagulopathy, and hypoglycemia. The third patient was a 23-year-old primigravida woman treated with 3 plasmapheresis sessions due to AFLP, renal failure, and coagulopathy. Plasmapheresis can be a life-saving treatment in patients with AFLP and is strongly recommended for patients with severity of their disease accompanied by other organ disorders. In addition, shortening the time interval between the termination of pregnancy and initializing plasmapheresis improves the outcome and reduces the duration of hospital stay and sessions of plasmapheresis.
A Study of the Initial Stages of Co Deposition on a Silver Electrode in Ammonia Medium Using an Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Authors: Montes-Rojas A. , Donjuan-Medrano A. L.
Published: January 2013

The early stages of Co deposition on a silver electrode in ammonia medium were studied using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry coupled with quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) in ammonia solution. The results obtained by means of EQCM showed that during the initial stages of cobalt deposition a monolayer is formed on the substrate both in the underpotential and overpotential region, and this monolayer is formed at −600 mV and −980 mV. Once the cobalt deposition process starts, the growth is very fast making the investigation of the initial stages rather difficult. During this process, cobalt atoms transfer their two electrons through free species and not through cobalt hydroxide species adsorbed on the electrode as CoOH+ or Co(OH)2. In addition, it has been found that at potentials more positive than −600 mV, ammonia adsorption takes place on the substrate surface, and theses species are replaced when the cobalt atoms arrive at potentials more negative than −600 mV.
Comparison of Prostate-Specific Promoters and the Use of PSP-Driven Virotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lu Yi , Zhang Yu , Chang Guimin , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2013

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men today. Although virus-based gene therapy is a promising strategy to combat advanced prostate cancer, its current effectiveness is limited partially due to inefficient cellular transductionin vivo. To overcome this obstacle, conditional oncolytic viruses (such as conditional replication adenovirus (CRAD)) are developed to specifically target prostate without (or with minimal) systemic toxicity due to viral self-replication. In this study, we have analyzed and compared three prostate-specific promoters (PSA, probasin, and MMTV LTR) for their specificity and activity bothin vitroandin vivo. Both mice model with xenograft prostate tumor model and canine model were used. The best PSP was selected to construct a prostate-specific oncolytic adenovirus (CRAD) by controlling the adenoviral E1 region. The efficacy and specificity of CRAD on prostate cancer cells were examined in cell culture and animal models.
The Cross-Race Effect: Resistant to Instructions
Authors: Bornstein Brian H. , Laub Cindy E. , Meissner Christian A. , Susa Kyle J.
Published: January 2013

The cross-race effect (CRE) is the tendency for eyewitnesses to be better at recognizing members of their own race/ethnicity than members of other races/ethnicities. It manifests in terms of both better discrimination (i.e., telling apart previously seen from new targets) and a more conservative response criterion for own-race than for other-race faces. The CRE is quite robust and generally resistant to change. Two studies examined the effectiveness of reducing the CRE with special instructions given prior to retrieval. Although instructions at retrieval did change participants’ response criterion—making them less likely to identify test faces as previously seen—they did not shift their response criterion selectively for other-race faces. The findings indirectly support the importance of encoding processes in producing the CRE.
Cost Analysis of Integrative Inpatient Treatment Based on DRG Data: The Example of Anthroposophic Medicine
Authors: Heinz Jürgen , Fiori Wolfgang , Heusser Peter , Ostermann Thomas
Published: January 2013

Background.Much work has been done to evaluate the outcome of integrative inpatient treatment but scarcely the costs. This paper evaluates the costs for inpatient treatment in three anthroposophic hospitals (AHs).Material and Methods.Cost and performance data from a total of 23,180 cases were analyzed and compared to national reference data. Subgroup analysis was performed between the cases with and without anthroposophic medical complex (AMC) treatment.Results.Costs and length of stay in the cases without AMC displayed no relevant differences compared to the national reference data. In contrast the inlier cases with AMC caused an average of € 1,394 more costs. However costs per diem were not higher than those in the national reference data. Hence, the delivery of AMC was associated with a prolonged length of stay. 46.6% of the cases with AMC were high outliers. Only 10.6% of the inlier cases with AMC were discharged before reaching the mean length of stay of each DRG.Discussion.Treatment in an AH is not generally associated with an increased use of resources. However, the provision of AMC leads to a prolonged length of stay and cannot be adequately reimbursed by the current G-DRG system. Due to the heterogeneity of the patient population, an additional payment should be negotiated individually.
General Formulation of Second-Order Semi-Lagrangian Methods for Convection-Diffusion Problems
Authors: Long Xiaohan , Chen Chuanjun
Published: January 2013

The general formulation of the second-order semi-Lagrangian methods was presented for convection-dominated diffusion problems. In view of the method of lines, this formulation is in a sufficiently general fashion as to include two-step backward difference formula and Crank-Nicolson type semi-Lagrangian schemes as particular ones. And it is easy to be extended to higher-order schemes. We show that it maintains second-order accuracy even if the involved numerical characteristic lines are first-order accurate. The relationship between semi-Lagrangian methods and the modified method of characteristic is also addressed. Finally convergence properties of the semi-Lagrangian finite difference schemes are tested.
Gastroesophageal Reflux in Critically Ill Children: A Review
Authors: Solana García Maria José , López-Herce Cid Jesús , Sánchez Sánchez César
Published: January 2013

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is very common in children due to immaturity of the antireflux barrier. In critically ill patients there is also a high incidence due to a partial or complete loss of pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter though other factors, such as the use of nasogastric tubes, treatment with adrenergic agonists, bronchodilators, or opiates and mechanical ventilation, can further increase the risk of GER. Vomiting and regurgitation are the most common manifestations in infants and are considered pathological when they have repercussions on the nutritional status. In critically ill children, damage to the esophageal mucosa predisposes to digestive tract hemorrhage and nosocomial pneumonia secondary to repeated microaspiration. GER is mainly alkaline in children, as is also the case in critically ill pediatric patients. pH-metry combined with multichannel intraluminal impedance is therefore the technique of choice for diagnosis. The proton pump inhibitors are the drugs of choice for the treatment of GER because they have a greater effect, longer duration of action, and a good safety profile.
A New Dual-Promoter System for Cardiomyocyte-Specific Conditional Induction of Apoptosis
Authors: Agostini Silvia , Lionetti Vincenzo , Matteucci Marco , Chiuppesi Flavia , Giacca Mauro , Pistello Mauro , Recchia Fabio A.
Published: January 2013

Apoptosis is a key determinant of major pathological processes, including chronic cardiac failure. We developed and testedin vitroa novel system to induce cardiomyocyte-specific apoptosis by virus-mediated delivery of a conditional transgene. The entire system was packaged in a lentiviral vector. We used the cardiomyocyte-specific Na+-Ca2+exchange promoter to control the transcription of the reverse tetracycline transactivator, while the transgene expression was driven by the tetracycline-responsive element. The proapoptotic transgene of choice was the short isoform of the apoptosis-inducing factor, known to quickly induce the caspase-independent apoptosis when overexpressed in cells. Transduction of cardiomyocyte cells with this vector caused a tetracycline-regulated induction of apoptosis, which was not observed in noncardiac cells. Therefore, our system proved a valuable molecular tool for inducing controlled apoptosis in selected cells. Furthermore, the vector we developed is suitable for “lentivirus transgenesis,” an interesting strategy recently proposed for the genetic manipulation of animals other than mice, including large mammals.
Realistic Approach of the Relations of Uncertainty of Heisenberg
Authors: Sterian Paul E.
Published: January 2013

Due to the requirements of the principle of causality in the theory of relativity, one cannot make a device for the simultaneous measuring of the canonical conjugate variables in the conjugate Fourier spaces. Instead of admitting that a particle’s position and its conjugate momentum cannot be accurately measured at the same time, we consider the only probabilities which can be determined when working at subatomic level to be valid. On the other hand, based on Schwinger's action principle and using the quadridimensional form of the unitary transformation generator function of the quantum operators in the paper, the general form of the evolution equation for these operators is established. In the nonrelativistic case one obtains the Heisenberg's type evolution equations which can be particularized to derive Heisenberg's uncertainty relations. The analysis of the uncertainty relations as implicit evolution equations allows us to put into evidence the intrinsic nature of the correlation expressed by these equations in straight relations with the measuring process. The independence of the quantisation postulate from the causal evolution postulate of quantum mechanics is also put into discussion.
TGF-β Mediates Homing of Bone Marrow–Derived Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Glioma Stem Cells
Authors: Shinojima Naoki , Hossain Anwar , Takezaki Tatsuya , Fueyo Juan , Gumin Joy , Gao Feng , Nwajei Felix , Marini Frank C. , Andreeff Michael , Kuratsu Jun-Ichi , Lang Frederick F.
Published: January 2013

Although studies have suggested that bone marrow human mesenchymal stem cells (BM-hMSC) may be used as delivery vehicles for cancer therapy, it remains unclear whether BM-hMSCs are capable of targeting cancer stem cells, including glioma stem cells (GSC), which are the tumor-initiating cells responsible for treatment failures. Using standard glioma models, we identify TGF-β as a tumor factor that attracts BM-hMSCs via TGF-β receptors (TGFβR) on BM-hMSCs. Using human and rat GSCs, we then show for the first time that intravascularly administered BM-hMSCs home to GSC-xenografts that express TGF-β. In therapeutic studies, we show that BM-hMSCs carrying the oncolytic adenovirus Delta-24-RGD prolonged the survival of TGF-β–secreting GSC xenografts and that the efficacy of this strategy can be abrogated by inhibition of TGFβR on BM-hMSCs. These findings reveal the TGF-β/TGFβR axis as a mediator of the tropism of BM-hMSCs for GSCs and suggest that TGF-β predicts patients in whom BM-hMSC delivery will be effective. Cancer Res; 73(7); 2333–44. ©2012 AACR.
SHP2 Is Overexpressed and Inhibits pSTAT1-Mediated APM Component Expression, T-cell Attracting Chemokine Secretion, and CTL Recognition in Head and Neck Cancer Cells
Authors: Leibowitz Michael S. , Srivastava Raghvendra M. , Andrade Filho Pedro A. , Egloff Ann Marie , Wang Lin , Seethala Raja R. , Ferrone Soldano , Ferris Robert L.
Published: January 2013

Purpose: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen processing machinery (APM) component downregulation permits escape of malignant cells from recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and correlates with poor prognosis in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Activated STAT1 (pSTAT1) is necessary for APM component expression in HNC cells. We investigated whether an overexpressed phosphatase was responsible for basal suppression of pSTAT1 and subsequent APM component-mediated immune escape in HNC cells.

Experimental Design: Immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcription PCR of paired HNC tumors was performed for the phosphatases src homology domain-containing phosphatase (SHP)–1 and SHP2. Depletion of phosphatase activity in HNC and STAT1−/− tumor cells was achieved by siRNA knockdown. HLA class I–restricted, tumor antigen-specific CTL were used in IFN-γ ELISPOT assays against HNC cells. Chemokine secretion was measured after SHP2 depletion in HNC cells.

Results: SHP2, but not SHP1, was significantly upregulated in HNC tissues. In HNC cells, SHP2 depletion significantly upregulated expression of pSTAT1 and HLA class I APM components. Overexpression of SHP2 in nonmalignant keratinocytes inhibited IFN-γ–mediated STAT1 phosphorylation, and SHP2 depletion in STAT1−/− tumor cells did not significantly induce IFN-γ–mediated APM component expression, verifying STAT1 dependence of SHP2 activity. SHP2 depletion induced recognition of HNC cells by HLA class I–restricted CTL and secretion of inflammatory, T-cell attracting chemokines, RANTES and IP10.

Conclusion: These findings suggest for the first time an important role for SHP2 in APM-mediated escape of HNC cells from CTL recognition. Targeting SHP2 could enhance T-cell–based cancer immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 19(4); 798–808. ©2012 AACR.
Effects of Simultaneous Knockdown of HER2 and PTK6 on Malignancy and Tumor Progression in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Ludyga Natalie , Anastasov Natasa , Rosemann Michael , Seiler Jana , Lohmann Nadine , Braselmann Herbert , Mengele Karin , Schmitt Manfred , Höfler Heinz , Aubele Michaela
Published: January 2013

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women of the Western world. One prominent feature of breast cancer is the co- and overexpression of HER2 and protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6). According to the current clinical cancer therapy guidelines, HER2-overexpressing tumors are routinely treated with trastuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting HER2. Approximately, 30% of HER2-overexpressing breast tumors at least initially respond to the anti-HER2 therapy, but a subgroup of these tumors develops resistance shortly after the administration of trastuzumab. A PTK6-targeted therapy does not yet exist. Here, we show for the first time that the simultaneous knockdown in vitro, compared with the single knockdown of HER2 and PTK6, in particular in the trastuzumab-resistant JIMT-1 cells, leads to a significantly decreased phosphorylation of crucial signaling proteins: mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/3 (MAPK 1/3, ERK 1/2) and p38 MAPK, and (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten) PTEN that are involved in tumorigenesis. In addition, dual knockdown strongly reduced the migration and invasion of the JIMT-1 cells. Moreover, the downregulation of HER2 and PTK6 led to an induction of p27, and the dual knockdown significantly diminished cell proliferation in JIMT-1 and T47D cells. In vivo experiments showed significantly reduced levels of tumor growth following HER2 or PTK6 knockdown. Our results indicate a novel strategy also for the treatment of trastuzumab resistance in tumors. Thus, the inhibition of these two signaling proteins may lead to a more effective control of breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 11(4); 381–92. ©2013 AACR.
Alpha-CaMKII Plays a Critical Role in Determining the Aggressive Behavior of Human Osteosarcoma
Authors: Daft Paul G. , Yuan Kaiyu , Warram Jason M. , Klein Michael J. , Siegal Gene P. , Zayzafoon Majd
Published: January 2013

Osteosarcoma is among the most frequently occurring primary bone tumors, primarily affecting adolescents and young adults. Despite improvements in osteosarcoma treatment, more specific molecular targets are needed as potential therapeutic options. One target of interest is α-Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (α-CaMKII), a ubiquitous mediator of Ca2+-linked signaling, which has been shown to regulate tumor cell proliferation and differentiation. Here, we investigate the role of α-CaMKII in the growth and tumorigenicity of human osteosarcoma. We show that α-CaMKII is highly expressed in primary osteosarcoma tissue derived from 114 patients, and is expressed in varying levels in different human osteosarcoma (OS) cell lines [MG-63, N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)/HOS, and 143B). To examine whether α-CaMKII regulates osteosarcoma tumorigenic properties, we genetically inhibited α-CaMKII in two osteosarcoma cell lines using two different α-CaMKII shRNAs delivered by lentiviral vectors and overexpressed α-CaMKII by retrovirus. The genetic deletion of α-CaMKII by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in MG-63 and 143B cells resulted in decreased proliferation (50% and 41%), migration (22% and 25%), and invasion (95% and 90%), respectively. The overexpression of α-CaMKII in HOS cells resulted in increased proliferation (240%), migration (640%), and invasion (10,000%). Furthermore, α-CaMKII deletion in MG-63 cells significantly reduced tumor burden in vivo (65%), whereas α-CaMKII overexpression resulted in tumor formation in a previously nontumor forming osteosarcoma cell line (HOS). Our results suggest that α-CaMKII plays a critical role in determining the aggressive phenotype of osteosarcoma, and its inhibition could be an attractive therapeutic target to combat this devastating adolescent disease. Mol Cancer Res; 11(4); 349–59. ©2013 AACR.
Defining the Role of Histone Deacetylases in the Inhibition of Mammary Carcinogenesis by Dietary Energy Restriction (DER): Effects of Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid (SAHA) and DER in a Rat Model
Authors: Zhu Zongjian , Jiang Weiqin , McGinley John N. , Thompson Henry J.
Published: January 2013

Dietary energy restriction (DER) inhibits experimentally induced mammary cancer, an effect accompanied by elevated levels of silent information regulator 2 (SIRT1), a class III histone deacetylase (HDAC). However, the effect of DER on targets of other classes of HDACs has not been reported, a highly relevant issue given evidence that HDAC induction favors the development of cancer and tumor growth. Experiments were carried out to determine whether suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor with broad activity, would affect the anti-cancer activity of DER. Female Sprague Dawley rats (n = 30/group) were injected with 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea (50 mg/kg) at 21 days of age and 7 days thereafter were randomized to groups fed: (i) control diet (AIN-93G), (ii) 0.1% SAHA (w/w), (iii) 40% DER, or (iv) 0.1% SAHA + 40% DER. An additional group was fed 0.1% SAHA + 40%DER for 5 weeks and released to control diet for 3 weeks. DER significantly reduced mammary cancer incidence, multiplicity, and cancer burden and prolonged cancer latency (P < 0.01). Cancer inhibition was maintained in SAHA + DER, despite evidence that histone (H2ALys9, H2BLys5, and H4Lys5/8/12/16, but not H3Lys9; P < 0.001) and non-histone protein deacetylation (p53Lys373 and p53Lys382; P < 0.001) induced by DER was reversed by SAHA. This indicates that the inhibition of DER of cancer is not dependent on HDAC induction. After releasing rats from DER + SAHA, cancer multiplicity remained lower than control (P < 0.05), consistent with apoptosis-mediated cell deletion. These findings support further investigation of the hypothesis that HDAC induction by DER blunts its anti-carcinogenic impact. Cancer Prev Res; 6(4); 290–8. ©2013 AACR.
Disruption of components of vascular endothelial growth factor angiogenic signalling system in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Akter Shamima , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Islam Md. Majedul , Islam A. M. Shahidul , Sultana Sayeeda N. , Mowa Chishimba N. , Yamaguchi Naoto , Okazaki Osamu , Satoru Kawano , Kimura Sosuke , Hiroe Michiaki , Mizutani Taro , Moroi Masao , Jesmin Subrina
Published: January 2013

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with impaired angiogenesis, a process that is chiefly regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) upon binding to its specific receptors, VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R2. The purpose of the present study was to assess trends or patterns in plasma levels of VEGF and its soluble receptors in subjects with (MetS) or without (non-MetS) MetS; and further examine their association with clinical or metabolic parameters using a subpopu-lation of South Asian country. A total of 1,802 rural Bangladeshi women aged ≥15 years were studied using a population-based cross-sectional survey. Plasma levels of VEGF were found to be significantly increased (MetS vs. non-MetS: 483.9 vs. 386.9, p<0.001), whereas, the soluble forms of VEGF receptors, sVEGF-R1 and sVEGF-R2, were significantly decreased in subjects with Mets (sVEGF-R1, MetS vs. non-MetS: 512.5 vs. 631.3, p<0.001; sVEGF-R2, MetS vs. non-MetS: 9,302.8 vs. 9,787.4, p=0.004). After adjustment for age and all potential variables, multiple regression analysis revealed that plasma levels of VEGF had significant positive association with blood glucose (p = 0.019) and body mass index (p = 0.007). We also found that mean plasma levels of VEGF increased in direct proportion to levels of MetS components. The present study is the first ever to demonstrate a positive association between trends in levels of plasma VEGF and MetS using a large sample size from South Asia. The association between plasma VEGF and MetS needs further investigations in order to clearly decipher the clinical predictive value and accuracy of plasma VEGF in MetS.
Serum levels of anti-apolipoprotein A-1 auto-antibodies and myeloperoxidase as predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events after carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Spinella Giovanni , Pagano Sabrina , Bertolotto Maria , Pane Bianca , Pende Aldo , Galan Katia , Roux-Lombard Pascale , Combescure Christophe , Dallegri Franco , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Montecucco Fabrizio , Mach François , Palombo Domenico
Published: January 2013

We aimed at challenging the prognostic accuracies of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and antibodies anti-apolipoprotein A-1 (anti-apoA-1 IgG), alone or in combination, for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) prediction, one year after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). In this prospective single centre study, 178 patients undergoing elective CEA were included. Serum anti-apoA-1 IgG and MPO were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay prior to the surgery. Post-hoc determination of the MPO cut-off was performed by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses. MACE was defined by the occurrence of fatal or non-fatal acute coronary syndromes or stroke during one year follow-up. Prognostic accuracy of anti-apoA-1 IgG was assessed by ROC curve analyses, survival analyses and reclassification statistics. During follow-up, 5% (9/178) of patients presented a MACE, and 29% (52/178) were positive for anti-apoA-1 IgG. Patients with MACE had higher median MPO and anti-apoA-1 IgG levels at admission (p=0.01), but no difference for the 10-year global Framingham risk score (FRS) was observed (p=0.22). ROC analyses indicated that both MPO and anti-apoA-1 IgG were significant predictors of subsequent MACE (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.75, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.61–0.89, p=0.01; and 0.74, 95%CI: 0.59–90; p=0.01), but combining anti-apoA-1 IgG positivity and MPO>857 ng/ml displayed the best predictive accuracy (AUC: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.65–0.91; p=0.007). It was associated with a poorer MACE-free survival (98.2% vs. 57.1%; p<0.001, LogRank), with a positive likelihood ratio of 13.67, and provided incremental predictive ability over FRS. In conclusion, combining the assessment of anti-apoA-1 IgG and MPO appears as a promising risk stratification tool in patients with severe carotid stenosis.
Radial Strain Delay Based on Segmental Timing and Strain Amplitude Predicts Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling and Survival After Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Kydd Anna C. , Khan Fakhar Z. , O’Halloran Denis , Pugh Peter J. , Virdee Munmohan S. , Dutka David P.
Published: January 2013

Background—

Dyssynchrony assessment based on the timing of regional contraction is inherently independent of underlying myocardial contractility. We tested the hypothesis that patient selection for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) would be enhanced using a parameter derived from the net radial strain delay (RSD) for the 12 basal and mid–left ventricular segments (calculated radial strain delay RSD [RSD
c
]), based on not only timing but also amplitude of segmental strain.

Methods and Results—

Echocardiographic data were analyzed in 240 patients with symptomatic heart failure undergoing CRT (New York Heart Association class III/IV; QRS >120 milliseconds; ejection fraction, 23±7%). RSD
c
was calculated as the sum of difference between peak radial strain and radial strain at aortic valve closure before CRT implantation. CRT response was defined as >15% reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume at 6 months. In a derivation group (n=102), RSD
c
was higher in responders compared with nonresponders (74±39% versus 29±15%;
P
<0.001) and related to the change in left ventricular end-systolic volume (
r
=−0.53;
P
<0.001). RSD
c
>40% predicted remodeling (sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 88%). In the validation group (n=108), RSD
c
similarly predicted response (sensitivity, 89%; specificity, 84%). Survival at long-term follow-up was greater in patients with RSD
c
>40% (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

RSD
c
, based on both the timing and the amplitude of segmental strain, has a strong predictive value for CRT remodeling response and long-term survival.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Cardiovascular Drug Discovery
Authors: Mercola Mark , Colas Alexandre , Willems Erik
Published: January 2013

The unexpected discovery that somatic cells can be reprogrammed to a pluripotent state yielding induced pluripotent stem cells has made it possible to produce cardiovascular cells exhibiting inherited traits and disorders. Use of these cells in high throughput analyses should broaden our insight into fundamental disease mechanisms and provide many benefits for patients, including new therapeutics and individually tailored therapies. Here we review recent progress in generating induced pluripotent stem cell-based models of cardiovascular disease and their multiple applications in drug development.
Syntactic Identity in Sluicing: How Much and Why
Authors: Chung Sandra
Published: January 2013

Research on sluicing has not yet reached consensus on whether the identity condition on this ellipsis construction is syntactic or semantic. Evidence from Chamorro and English is presented that over and above semantic identity, sluicing requires limited syntactic identity. The limited syntactic identity condition involves argument structure on the one hand and abstract Case on the other. This approach is shown to account for a range of novel and familiar sluicing patterns in the two languages. It also provides new evidence for the idea that the Chamorro antipassive is an implicit argument construction.
Stress Uniformity in Albanian: Morphological Arguments for Cyclicity
Authors: Trommer Jochen
Published: January 2013

The uniformity of stress assignment across inflectional forms in Albanian leads to massive phonological opacity, which seems to lend itself either to paradigmatic output-output constraints ( Benua 1997 , McCarthy 2005 ) or to a stratal organization of phonology ( Kiparsky 2000 , Bermúdez-Otero 2008 ) where inflected word forms preserve the stress assigned to stems at an earlier stratum. In this article, I show that a detailed analysis of Albanian morphology provides strong evidence for a stratal account: stress position in inflected word forms is correctly predicted by their stems, but not by ( partially defective) paradigms.
Isolation and characterization of six polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Malagasy spider tortoise, Pyxis arachnoides and cross-amplification in Pyxis planicauda
Authors: Orozco-terWengel Pablo , Chiari Ylenia , Vieites David R. , Pedrono Miguel , Louis Jr. Edward
Published: January 2013

Pyxis arachnoides is a Critically Endangered Malagasy tortoise for which little data about its natural history and genetic variation are available. This lack of knowledge complicates undertaking conservation measures considering Pyxis genetic diversity. Here, we describe six new microsatellites for Pyxis arachnoides from wild specimens and several localities, and the cross amplification of two Astrochelys radiata microsatellites. Of these microsatellites, two are monomorphic among the three distinct subspecies and a closely related species, while the remaining six are polymorphic. Microsatellite data are needed for this species to study the inter- and intra-subspecies genetic diversity, especially for the highly endangered subspecies P. a. brygooi, which currently occurs only in remote localities. The availability of polymorphic microsatellites will allow identifying the population of origin of individuals and will aid in justifying their management as separate evolutionary lineages for conservation purposes. The rationale is to preserve both evolutionary processes and adaptive potential.
Diet of the Eurasian badger (Meles meles) in the Western Carpathians and its implications for species conservation in Poland
Authors: Mysłajek Robert W. , Nowak Sabina , Rożen Anna , Jędrzejewska Bogumiła
Published: January 2013

Food composition of the Eurasian badger Meles meles was studied in the mountain zone and foothills of the Western Carpathians (Southern Poland). The diet, obtained by scat analysis, was compared with availability of earthworms, fruits, amphibians, rodents and ground nesting birds (capercaillie Tetrao urogallus and hazel grouse Bonasa bonasia) within both altitudinal zones. Earthworms and fruits were the most abundant food source in the foothills, while amphibians were scarce and rodents were equally available in both altitudinal zones. Capercaillie and hazel grouse occurred in the forests above 560 m a.s.l. In the foothills, vegetable matter (mainly fruits), constituted 56.3%, and earthworms 39.6%, of the biomass consumed, while mammals were supplementary resources (2.9%). In the mountains, the importance of vegetable matter was smaller (47.9%). Earthworms and insects had a similar share (37.8% and 1.8%, respectively), but mammals were eaten much more intensively (13.9%). Birds (exclusively domestic hen) were taken by badgers only in the foothills (0.6%). There was a seasonal variation in badger diet composition in both altitudinal zones, as earthworms dominated in spring, while fruits were eaten mainly in summer and autumn. The composition of the badgers’ diet only slightly differed between foothills and mountains. This was probably caused by regular movement of badgers between elevational zones during foraging. We conclude that the present hunting regulation, which allows year-round hunting on badgers in areas inhabited by capercaillie, is not justified.
Coral-associated decapods (Crustacea) from the Mexican Tropical Pacific coast
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ LUIS , ORTIZ GEORGINA RAMÍREZ , REYES-BONILLA HÉCTOR
Published: January 2013

Our study provides a checklist of 36 crustacean decapods from the Mexican tropical Pacific coastline. Most of the species were previously recorded from coral communities in the Gulf of California. Data were obtained by visual censuses of coral communities and some specimens were collected by extractions of coral branches (approximately eight liters of coral volume). We found new geographic records for three species from the Eastern Pacific and seven species that have extended ranges into Mexican waters. Only one species is documented with a northerly range from Central America to Mexican waters.
Three new species of Neofidelia (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Megachilidae) from Northern Chile
Authors: DUMESH SHEILA , PACKER LAURENCE
Published: January 2013

Neofidelia apacheta Dumesh and Packer, sp. nov., N. camanchaca Dumesh and Packer, sp. nov., and N. submersa Dumesh and Packer, sp. nov. are described from northern Chile. Neofidelia apacheta is known from large numbers of specimens and localities at moderately high elevation (1600–3200m). Neofidelia camanchaca is only known from the ho-lotype male. Neofidelia submersa is known from the holotype male and a pair of paratypes in poor condition, all from a coastal fog oasis. Comparisons are made with the two previously described species of the genus. The collection of N. apa-cheta from so far north in Chile suggests that Neofidelia is likely to be found in southern Peru. A key for the five species of the genus is provided.
Cottus specus, a new troglomorphic species of sculpin (Cottidae) from southeastern Missouri.
Authors: ADAMS GINNY L. , BURR BROOKS M. , STARKEY DAVID E.
Published: January 2013

Cottus specus, a new species, is described from the karst regions of the Bois Brule drainage in eastern Missouri, USA. Cottus specus is distinguishable from all members of the genus Cottus using both genetic and morphological characters, including eye size and cephalic pore size. Cottus specus represents the first description of a cave species within Cottus. The addition of C. specus brings the total number of recognized species of Cottus to 33 in North American fresh waters.
Erratum: Andrew T. McDonald, Eduardo Espílez, Luis Mampel, James I. Kirkland & Luis Alcalá (2012) An unusual new basal iguanodont (Dinosauria: Ornithopoda) from the Lower Cretaceous of Teruel, Spain. Zootaxa, 3595, 61–76.
Authors: MCDONALD ANDREW T. , ESPÍLEZ EDUARDO , MAMPEL LUIS , KIRKLAND JAMES I. , ALCALÁ LUIS
Published: January 2013

(Erratum)
Extensions of Mantel–Haenszel for Multilevel DIF Detection
Authors: French Brian F. , Finch W. Holmes
Published: January 2013

Multilevel data structures are ubiquitous in the assessment of differential item functioning (DIF), particularly in large-scale testing programs. There are a handful of DIF procures for researchers to select from that appropriately account for multilevel data structures. However, little, if any, work has been completed to extend a popular DIF method to this case. Thus, the primary goal of this study was to introduce and investigate the effectiveness of several new options for DIF assessment in the presence of multilevel data with the Mantel–Haenszel (MH) procedure, a popular, flexible, and effective tool for DIF detection. The performance of these new methods was compared with the standard MH technique through a simulation study, where data were simulated in a multilevel framework, corresponding to examinees nested in schools, for example. The standard MH test for DIF detection was employed, along with several multilevel extensions of MH. Results demonstrated that these multilevel tests proved to be preferable to standard MH in a wide variety of cases where multilevel data were present, particularly when the intraclass correlation was relatively large. Implications of this study for practice and future research are discussed.
Training Haptic Stiffness Discrimination
Authors: Teodorescu Kinneret , Bouchigny Sylvain , Korman Maria
Published: January 2013

Objective:

In this study, we explored the time course of haptic stiffness discrimination learning and how it was affected by two experimental factors, the addition of visual information and/or knowledge of results (KR) during training.

Background:

Stiffness perception may integrate both haptic and visual modalities. However, in many tasks, the visual field is typically occluded, forcing stiffness perception to be dependent exclusively on haptic information. No studies to date addressed the time course of haptic stiffness perceptual learning.

Method:

Using a virtual environment (VE) haptic interface and a two-alternative forced-choice discrimination task, the haptic stiffness discrimination ability of 48 participants was tested across 2 days. Each day included two haptic test blocks separated by a training block. Additional visual information and/or KR were manipulated between participants during training blocks.

Results:

Practice repetitions alone induced significant improvement in haptic stiffness discrimination. Between days, accuracy was slightly improved, but decision time performance was deteriorated. The addition of visual information and/or KR had only temporary effects on decision time, without affecting the time course of haptic discrimination learning.

Conclusion:

Learning in haptic stiffness discrimination appears to evolve through at least two distinctive phases: A single training session resulted in both immediate and latent learning. This learning was not affected by the training manipulations inspected.

Application:

Training skills in VE in spaced sessions can be beneficial for tasks in which haptic perception is critical, such as surgery procedures, when the visual field is occluded. However, training protocols for such tasks should account for low impact of multisensory information and KR.
Emerging Polycentricity in Beijing: Evidence from Housing Price Variations, 2001–05
Authors: Qin Bo , Han Sun Sheng
Published: January 2013

This paper examines the emerging multiple centre urban spatial structure in Beijing using housing price variation as an indicator. A random sample of 3783 apartment units was used. These apartments were recent sales in 2001, 2003 and 2005. The dataset included transaction prices and main housing attributes gathered from the Beijing Construction Committee. A hedonic price model was calibrated to investigate the importance of the different urban centres to housing price variations. The results show that multiple urban centres (such as Tian’anmen, CBD, Zhongguancun and the Olympic Centre) explain more of the variations in housing price differences in the metropolitan space than any centre does alone. The findings also reveal changes in impacts from the individual centres in the study period. These outcomes confirm that Beijing is moving towards a polycentric urban form. The emerging multiple urban centres are key factors in understanding the spatial restructuring of Beijing, especially in modelling its emerging housing market.
ToP’s Greatest Hits
Authors: Griggs Richard A. , Collisson Brian
Published: January 2013

The authors conducted citation analyses to identify the most influential articles published in Teaching of Psychology. Using the Web of Science and PsycINFO databases, we gathered citation counts for the 2,986 articles appearing in the journal from 1974 through 2011 and then used these counts to compile a Top 20 list for total citations, an index that favors older articles, and another list for average number of citations per year, which favors more recent articles. We discuss the nature and content of the articles comprising the two lists as well as possible explanations for their impact. We conclude that although the journal has a history of low impact factors, some articles, especially large survey articles, have been very influential.
Analyzing Data From Studies Depicted on Video
Authors: Thompson W. Burt , Fisher-Thompson Donna
Published: January 2013

We describe an activity that combines the instructional benefits of video with the active and integrative learning inherent in the analysis and interpretation of realistic data. In the activity, students watched a brief video clip that showed how an actual research study was conducted. Students then analyzed raw data from the study, interpreted the results, and compared their work to published results and conclusions. The activity allows students to practice applying their knowledge of statistics and research methodology to realistic situations without having to conduct actual research. Students reported that the activity is engaging and helpful, and a comparison of pretest and posttest quiz scores suggested that it helps students learn to use and interpret statistical procedures.
High Intellectual Ability
Authors: Sastre-Riba Sylvia
Published: January 2013

This study aims to provide a better understanding of high intellectual abilities and of how to address the educational needs of those who possess such abilities. Within the emergent paradigm, high intellectual abilities are understood as multidimensional and as the result of lifetime development; that is, not only are they the result of their neurobiological basis but also of the interrelation among opportunity, personality, psychosocial factors, and individual effort. This study describes the basis of a program of extracurricular enrichment and its interrelation with research procedures and results.