bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Comparison of IEEE 802.11p and IEEE 802.11b for Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications in Highway, Rural, and Urban Areas
Authors: Bilgin B. E. , Gungor V. C.
Published: November 2013

Communication between vehicles has recently been a popular research topic. Generally, the Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), and Infrastructure-to-Infrastructure (I2I) communications applications can be divided into two sections: (i) safety applications and (ii) nonsafety applications. In this study, we have investigated the performance of IEEE 802.11p and IEEE 802.11b based on real-world measurements and radio propagation models of V2V networks in different environments, including highway, rural, and urban areas. Furthermore, we have investigated the most used V2V mobility models and simulation tools. Comparative performance evaluations show that the IEEE 802.11p achieves higher network throughput, low end-to-end delay, and higher delivery ratio compared to IEEE 802.11b. Overall, our main objective is to describe potential advantages, research challenges, and applications of V2V networks and show how IEEE 802.11p and IEEE 802.11b will perform under different radio propagation environments.
Improved Survival Outcomes in Cancer Patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Duarte Christine W. , Murray Kimberly , Lucas F. Lee , Fairfield Kathleen , Miller Heather , Brooks Peter , Vary Calvin P.H.
Published: November 2013

Background: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic disorder characterized by deficiency in endoglin, an angiogenic protein. The net effect of endoglin expression on cancer outcomes from animal studies has proven controversial. We evaluated whether reduced systemic endoglin levels, expected in patients diagnosed with HHT, impacted clinical outcomes for cancer.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare was conducted to evaluate the effect of HHT on survival among patients diagnosed with breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer between 2000 and 2007 (n = 540,520). We generated Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox models to compare the effect of HHT on all-cause survival for a composite of the four cancers, and separate models by cancer, adjusting for demographic variables, cancer type, cancer stage, and comorbidities.

Results: All-cause survival analysis for a composite of the four cancers showed an adjusted HR of 0.69 [95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.51–0.91; P = 0.009] for HHT, indicating significantly improved survival outcome. When stratified by cancer type, HHT diagnosis showed a significant protective effect among breast cancer patients with an adjusted HR of 0.31 (95% CI, 0.13–0.75; P = 0.009).

Conclusions: There was a significant association between HHT and improved survival outcome for a composite of patients with breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer, and in analysis stratified by cancer, the association was significant for HHT patients with breast cancer.

Impact: This study supports the hypothesis that systemically educed endoglin expression is associated with improved survival outcome in multiple cancers, and suggests that anti-endoglin antibody therapy may have broad-based application. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(1); 117–25. ©2013 AACR.
Oncogenic Function of SCCRO5/DCUN1D5 Requires Its Neddylation E3 Activity and Nuclear Localization
Authors: Bommeljé Claire C. , Weeda Víola B. , Huang Guochang , Shah Kushyup , Bains Sarina , Buss Elizabeth , Shaha Manish , Gönen Mithat , Ghossein Ronald , Ramanathan Suresh Y. , Singh Bhuvanesh
Published: November 2013

Purpose: To determine mechanisms by which SCCRO5 (aka DCUN1D5) promotes oncogenesis.

Experimental Design: SCCRO5 mRNA and protein expression were assessed in 203 randomly selected primary cancer tissue samples, matched histologically normal tissues, and cell lines by use of real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. SCCRO5 overexpression was correlated with survival. The effect of SCCRO5 knockdown on viability was assessed in selected cancer cell lines. Structure–function studies were performed to determine the SCCRO5 residues required for binding to the neddylation components, for neddylation-promoting activity, and for transformation.

Results: In oral and lung squamous cell carcinomas, SCCRO5 mRNA levels corresponded with protein levels and overexpression correlated with decreased disease-specific survival. Knockdown of SCCRO5 by RNAi resulted in a selective decrease in the viability of cancer cells with high endogenous levels, suggesting the presence of oncogene addiction. SCCRO5 promoted cullin neddylation while maintaining conserved reaction processivity paradigms involved in ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like protein conjugation, establishing it as a component of the neddylation E3. Neddylation activities in vitro required the potentiating of neddylation (PONY) domain but not the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) domain. In contrast, both the NLS domain and the PONY domain were required for transformation of NIH-3T3 cells.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that SCCRO5 has oncogenic potential that requires its function as a component of the neddylation E3. Neddylation activity and nuclear localization of SCCRO5 are important for its in vivo function. Clin Cancer Res; 20(2); 372–81. ©2013 AACR.
A High Frequency of Activating Extracellular Domain ERBB2 (HER2) Mutation in Micropapillary Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Ross Jeffrey S. , Wang Kai , Gay Laurie M. , Al-Rohil Rami N. , Nazeer Tipu , Sheehan Christine E. , Jennings Timothy A. , Otto Geoff A. , Donahue Amy , He Jie , Palmer Gary , Ali Siraj , Nahas Michelle , Young Geneva , LaBrecque Elaine , Frampton Garrett , Erlich Rachel , Curran John A. , Brennan Kristina , Downing Sean R. , Yelensky Roman , Lipson Doron , Hawryluk Matthew , Miller Vincent A. , Stephens Philip J.
Published: November 2013

Purpose: Micropapillary urothelial carcinoma (MPUC) is a rare and aggressive form of bladder cancer. We conducted genomic analyses [next-generation sequencing (NGS)] of MPUC and non-micropapillary urothelial bladder carcinomas (non-MPUC) to characterize the genomic landscape and identify targeted treatment options.

Experimental Design: DNA was extracted from 40 μm of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections from 15 MPUC and 64 non-MPUC tumors. Sequencing (NGS) was performed on hybridization-captured, adaptor ligation–based libraries to high coverage for 3,230 exons of 182 cancer-related genes plus 37 introns from 14 genes frequently rearranged in cancer. The results were evaluated for all classes of genomic alteration.

Results: Mutations in the extracellular domain of ERBB2 were identified in 6 of 15 (40%) of MPUC: S310F (four cases), S310Y (one case), and R157W (one case). All six cases of MPUC with ERBB2 mutation were negative for ERBB2 amplification and Erbb2 overexpression. In contrast, 6 of 64 (9.4%) non-MPUC harbored an ERBB2 alteration, including base substitution (three cases), amplification (two cases), and gene fusion (one case), which is higher than the 2 of 159 (1.3%) protein-changing ERBB2 mutations reported for urinary tract cancer in COSMIC. The enrichment of ERBB2 alterations in MPUC compared with non-MPUC is significant both between this series (P < 0.0084) and for all types of urinary tract cancer in COSMIC (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: NGS of MPUC revealed a high incidence of mutation in the extracellular domain of ERBB2, a gene for which there are five approved targeted therapies. NGS can identify genomic alteration, which inform treatment options for the majority of MPUC patients. Clin Cancer Res; 20(1); 68–75. ©2013 AACR.
Reversible Action of Diaminothiazoles in Cancer Cells Is Implicated by the Induction of a Fast Conformational Change of Tubulin and Suppression of Microtubule Dynamics
Authors: Thomas Nisha E. , Thamkachy Reshma , Sivakumar Krishnankutty C. , Sreedevi Krishnakumar J. , Louis Xavier Lieben , Thomas Sannu A. , Kumar Rohith , Rajasekharan Kallikat N. , Cassimeris Lynne , Sengupta Suparna
Published: November 2013

Diaminothiazoles are novel cytotoxic compounds that have shown efficacy toward different cancer cell lines. They show potent antimitotic and antiangiogenic activity upon binding to the colchicine-binding site of tubulin. However, the mechanism of action of diaminothiazoles at the molecular level is not known. Here, we show a reversible binding to tubulin with a fast conformational change that allows the lead diaminothiazole DAT1 [4-amino-5-benzoyl-2-(4-methoxy phenyl amino)thiazole] to cause a reversible mitotic block. DAT1 also suppresses microtubule dynamic instability at much lower concentration than its IC50 value in cancer cells. Both growth and shortening events were reduced by DAT1 in a concentration-dependent way. Colchicine, the long-studied tubulin-binding drug, has previously failed in the treatment of cancer due to its toxicity, even though it generates a strong apoptotic response. The toxicity is attributable to its slow removal from the cell due to irreversible tubulin binding caused by a slow conformational change. DAT1 binds to tubulin at an optimal pH lower than colchicine. Tubulin conformational studies showed that the binding environments of DAT1 and colchicine are different. Molecular dynamic simulations showed a difference in the number of H-bonding interactions that accounts for the different pH optima. This study gives an insight of the action of compounds targeting tubulin's colchicine-binding site, as many such compounds have entered into clinical trials recently. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(1); 179–89. ©2013 AACR.
Changes in Candida spp., Mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli following Treatment of Early Childhood Caries: A 1-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Klinke T. , Urban M. , Lück C. , Hannig C. , Kuhn M. , Krämer N.
Published: November 2013

Early childhood caries (ECC) is closely related to high numbers of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and Candida albicans. Oral colonization of these microorganisms was monitored in a prospective clinical study in order to investigate the effect of comprehensive treatment under general anesthesia and the sustainability of microbial changes. Saliva samples were collected from 50 healthy infants with ECC before and in regular intervals up to 12 months after treatment. Microorganisms were detected by cultivation on selective agars (CRT® bacteria and Sabouraud/CandiSelect™) and scored. Additionally, plaque on upper front teeth and the dmft were recorded. Parents were repeatedly interviewed regarding the children's diet and oral hygiene, accompanied by corresponding advice. Plaque frequency and the numbers of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeasts were significantly reduced as a result of treatment (p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon test). Nevertheless, this effect was not permanent. An ordinal regression model on the follow-up period revealed that the odds for bacteria and yeasts to reach a higher score increased linearly over time (p < 0.01) with an odds ratio of 2.244 per year. One third (34%) of the children developed new dentinal lesions within 1 year postoperatively. High scores of lactobacilli before treatment predicted caries relapse (p < 0.05). Nutritional and oral hygiene habits changed only slightly despite advising. Elimination and restoration of ECC lesions under general anesthesia proved to be an effective procedure in reducing cariogenic bacteria and yeasts. A satisfactory and sustainable success, however, could be achieved neither regarding microbiologic parameters nor with respect to the relapse rate. More suitable strategies are needed.
Lack of Association between Lactotransferrin Polymorphism and Dental Caries
Authors: Volckova M. , Borilova Linhartova P. , Trefna T. , Vlazny J. , Musilova K. , Kukletova M. , Kukla L. , Izakovicova Holla L.
Published: November 2013

Objective: Dental caries is a complex, multifactorial disease and one of the most common illnesses worldwide. Its etiology is related to microbial, dietary and host factors. Recent evidence suggests a role of lactotransferrin (LTF) in caries. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between LTF gene polymorphism and dental caries. Methods: In this case-control study, 637 unrelated children, aged 11-13 years, were enrolled. The subjects were divided into two groups, i.e. caries-free (decayed/missing/filled teeth = 0) and caries-affected children (decayed/missing/filled teeth ≥ 1). The LTF rs1126478 (140A/G in exon 2, Lys/Arg) genotypes were determined by PCR with restriction analysis using the EarI enzyme. Results: Of 637 children, 155 (24.3%) were caries free. There were no statistically significant differences between caries levels and allele or genotype distributions in the total cohort. When the caries-affected group (n = 482) was stratified into low (decayed/missing/filled teeth = 1), moderate (2 ≤ decayed/missing/filled teeth ≤ 3) and high (decayed/missing/filled teeth ≥ 4) caries experience, allele and genotype frequencies were similar among all subgroups. Conclusions: The LTF 140A/G (exon 2, Lys/Arg) polymorphism was not associated with the susceptibility to or severity of dental caries in the Czech population.
Association between Dental Caries and Adiposity Status (General, Central, and Peripheral Adiposity) in 12-Year-Old Children
Authors: Peng S.M. , Wong H.M. , King N.M. , McGrath C.
Published: November 2013

Background/Aims: To investigate the cross-sectional relationship between dental caries experience and adiposity status (general, central, and peripheral adiposity) in 12-year-old children in Hong Kong. Methods: A random sample of 668 12-year-old students was recruited. Clinical assessment for dental caries (DMFT) was conducted using WHO criteria. Anthropometric measurements for body height, body weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference and triceps skinfold thickness (TRSKF) were performed to assess general adiposity (weight-height ratio, body mass index); central adiposity (WC; waist-hip ratio, WHR), and peripheral adiposity (TRSKF). Associations between adiposity indices and dental caries experience [prevalence DMFT >0, ‘high' experience (DMFT ≥ SiC Index value) and ‘very high' experience (DMFT ≥ SiC10 Index value)] were examined in bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. Results: The response rate was 76.9% (n = 514/668). Regression analyses (adjusted for oral hygiene practice, snacking habits, and socio-demographic factors) identified that WHR z score was associated with ‘high' dental caries experience (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.05, 1.70, p = 0.02), and that WHR z score was associated with ‘very high' dental caries experience (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10, 2.11, p = 0.01). TRSKF z score was associated with ‘very high' dental caries experience (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.10, 1.96, p = 0.01). Conclusions: In a population-based sample of 12-year-old children in Hong Kong, dental caries experience was associated with adiposity. Central and peripheral, but not general adiposity was associated with dental caries experience.
Hearing Loss Is Part of the Clinical Picture of ENPP1 Loss of Function Mutation
Authors: Brachet C. , Mansbach A.L. , Clerckx A. , Deltenre P. , Heinrichs C.
Published: November 2013

Background: Ecto/nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 (ENPP1) loss-of-function mutations have been described in patients with autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets (HR), in patients with generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) and in several patients with both conditions. Out of more than 50 cases of homozygous or compound heterozygous ENPP1 loss-of-function mutations published so far, 1 case with labyrinthine deafness probably due to occlusion of inner ear supplying arteries and 2 cases of conductive hearing loss due to stapedovestibular calcification diagnosed in childhood have been reported. Aims: To report a case of ENPP1 loss-of-function novel mutation presenting with HR and very early onset and severe hearing loss. Methods: Case report and review of the literature. Results: We report on a patient homozygous for a novel 1-bp deletion in ENPP1 that presented with GACI evolving towards HR associated with a mixed hearing loss (both labyrinthine and conductive) diagnosed at 9 days of life that evolved towards profound labyrinthine deafness. Conclusion: Hearing loss is a rare finding in patients with ENPP1 loss-of-function mutations. Interestingly, it has already been described in other affected patients, in ENPP1 knock-out mice and in other diseases of pyrophosphate metabolism. Conversely it seems to be absent in children with the X-linked form of HR.
Correlation of Fundus Fluorescein Angiography and Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Identification of Membrane Subtypes in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Mathew Raeba , Pefkianaki Maria , Kopsachilis Nickolaos , Brar Manpreet , Richardson Matthew , Sivaprasad Sobha
Published: November 2013

Aims: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) for the determination of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) subtypes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) compared to fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and also the agreement between the two procedures. Design: This was a retrospective, observational study. Methods: We evaluated and compared the CNV subtypes on FFA and OCT in 100 eyes initiated on ranibizumab for neovascular AMD. Results: SDOCT showed high sensitivity (85.7-98.3%) and specificity (84.2-100%) compared to FFA in the diagnosis of the CNV subtype. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve ranged from 0.9 to 0.93 (p value <0.0001) for the different CNV subtypes. Weighted kappa statistics showed a near-perfect agreement of 0.85 between the procedures. Conclusion: SDOCT is a reliable tool for the diagnosis of CNV subtypes in neovascular AMD obviating the need for an invasive procedure such as FFA.
Cisplatin versus Cetuximab Given Concurrently with Definitive Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ley Jessica , Mehan Paul , Wildes Tanya M. , Thorstad Wade , Gay Hiram A. , Michel Loren , Nussenbaum Brian , Trinkaus Kathryn , Adkins Douglas
Published: November 2013

Objective: Whether or not cisplatin and cetuximab are similarly effective in improving outcomes when added to radiation therapy (RT) in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is unknown. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed of patients treated with definitive RT and cisplatin (n = 18) or cetuximab (n = 29). Results: T and N classifications, stage, human papillomavirus status and smoking history were balanced in the two groups; however, patients in the cisplatin group were younger and had a better performance status. Delivery of RT was similar between the two groups. Median follow-up was 23 (4-64) months. Disease-specific survival (DSS) at 3 years was 83% in the cisplatin group and 31% in the cetuximab group. Recurrent disease was more common in the cetuximab group compared with the cisplatin group (17 vs. 4 patients). Propensity score analysis to adjust for differences in patient characteristics which influenced treatment selection showed that DSS was indeed longer with cisplatin than with cetuximab (DSS hazard ratio 0.15, confidence interval 0.033, 0.66; p = 0.012). Conclusions: DSS was superior in the patients given cisplatin with definitive RT compared to cetuximab with definitive RT due to a lower risk of recurrent disease in the cisplatin group. These observations could not be explained by differences between the two groups in the patient and tumor characteristics or in treatment delivery.
Role of Aquaporin-5 in Gallbladder Carcinoma
Authors: Sekine S. , Shimada Y. , Nagata T. , Sawada S. , Yoshioka I. , Matsui K. , Moriyama M. , Omura T. , Osawa S. , Shibuya K. , Hashimoto I. , Watanabe T. , Hojo S. , Hori R. , Okumura T. , Yoshida T. , Tsukada K.
Published: November 2013

Background/Purpose: Aquaporins (AQPs) are important in controlling bile formation. However, the exact role in human gallbladder carcinogenesis has not yet been defined. Methods: AQP-5-expressing gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) cell lines (NOZ) were transfected with anti-AQP-5 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Growth, migration, invasion assay, and drug susceptibility tests were performed. Next, microRNA (miRNA) expression was analyzed by miRNA oligo chip (3D-Gene®). AQP-5 and AQP-5-related miRNA target gene expressions were also analyzed using tissue microarray (TMA) in 44 GBC samples. Results: Treatment with AQP-5 siRNA decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. On the other hand, those cells increased IC50 of gemcitabine. By performing miRNA assays, miR-29b, -200a, and -21 were shown to be highly overexpressed in cells treated with AQP-5 siRNA NOZ. When focusing on miR-21, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was found to be a target of miR-21. In the TMA, AQP-5/PTEN coexpression was significantly associated with the depth of invasion and MIB-1 index (p = 0.003, 0.010). Survival of patients with a high AQP-5/PTEN coexpression was longer than that of patients with a low coexpression (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Our result suggested that miR-21 and PTEN may contribute to the role of AQP-5 in GBC. AQP-5 and PTEN cascades are favorable biomarkers of GBC.
Life-Threatening Gastrointestinal Mucosal Necrosis during Methotrexate Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Tsukada Tomoya , Nakano Tatsuo , Miyata Takashi , Sasaki Shozo
Published: November 2013

Methotrexate (MTX), a folic acid antagonist, is widely used in the treatment of neoplasms, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Despite its efficacy, MTX sometimes finds limited application because of its adverse effects, including renal or liver impairment, bone marrow toxicity and gastrointestinal mucosal injury. Intestinal mucositis, bleeding and peptic ulcers are well-known gastrointestinal adverse effects of MTX, although cases of fatal mucosal necrosis induced by MTX are extremely rare. Here, we report the case of an 82-year-old Japanese woman who developed severe gastrointestinal mucosal necrosis after 8 years of treatment with low-dose MTX (8 mg/week). In the drug lymphocyte stimulation test, MTX showed a strong positive reaction, with a stimulation index of 443% against normal controls. Physicians must be aware of potential drug-induced adverse effects in patients with chronic diseases who are on long-term medication.
Explaining the Decline in Coronary Heart Disease Mortality in Portugal Between 1995 and 2008
Authors: Pereira Marta , Azevedo Ana , Lunet Nuno , Carreira Helena , O’Flaherty Martin , Capewell Simon , Bennett Kathleen
Published: November 2013

Background—

We aimed to quantify the contribution of treatments and risk factors to the decline in coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality in Portugal, 1995 to 2008.

Methods and Results—

The IMPACT mortality model was used to integrate data on trends in uptake of treatments and exposure to risk factors to explain the CHD mortality variation. Between 1995 and 2008, CHD mortality rates in Portugal decreased by 29% in men and 21% in women aged 25 to 84 years, corresponding to 3760 fewer deaths in 2008 than expected if 1995 mortality rates had persisted. Approximately 92% of the estimated decrease in number of deaths could be explained by the model; the remaining 8% were attributed to changes in unmeasured factors. Approximately 50% of the decrease explained by the model was attributable to an increased uptake of treatments, mainly antihypertensive medication (12%) and initial treatments after an acute myocardial infarction (10%), and 42% to population risk factor reductions, mainly blood pressure (27% in men and 60% in women), total cholesterol (14% in men and 5% in women), and smoking (11% in men). However, these reductions were partially offset by adverse trends in diabetes mellitus (18% in men and 2% in women) and obesity (6% in men and 5% in women) and smoking (2% in women).

Conclusions—

In this low CHD risk population, modern treatments explained approximately half of the overall decline in CHD deaths. The biggest contributions to the CHD mortality decline came from secular decreases in blood pressure and increases in hypertension treatment.
Pilot Study of Intravenous Glyburide in Patients With a Large Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sheth Kevin N. , Kimberly W. Taylor , Elm Jordan J. , Kent Thomas A. , Mandava Pitchaiah , Yoo Albert J. , Thomalla Götz , Campbell Bruce , Donnan Geoffrey A. , Davis Stephen M. , Albers Gregory W. , Jacobson Sven , Simard J. Marc , Stern Barney J.
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose—

Preclinical and retrospective clinical data indicate that glyburide, a selective inhibitor of sulfonylurea receptor 1-transient receptor potential melastatin 4, is effective in preventing edema and improving outcome after focal ischemia. We assessed the feasibility of recruiting and treating patients with severe stroke while obtaining preliminary information on the safety and tolerability of RP-1127 (glyburide for injection).

Methods—

We studied 10 patients with acute ischemic stroke, with baseline diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volumes of 82 to 210 cm
3
, whether treated with intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator, age 18 to 80 years, and time to RP-1127 ≤10 hours.

Results—

Recruitment was completed within 10 months. The mean age was 50.5 years, and baseline diffusion-weighted image lesion volume was 102±23 cm
3
. There were no serious adverse events related to drug and no symptomatic hypoglycemia. The increase in ipsilateral hemisphere volume was 50±33 cm
3
. The proportion of 90-day modified Rankin Scale ≤4 was 90% (40% modified Rankin Scale, ≤3).

Conclusions—

RP-1127 at a dose of 3 mg/d was well tolerated and did not require any dose reductions. A clinical trial of RP-1127 is feasible.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01268683.
Perfusion Characteristics of Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Schubert Gerrit Alexander , Czabanka Marcus , Seiz Marcel , Horn Peter , Vajkoczy Peter , Thomé Claudius
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose—

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is characterized by unique angiographic features of collateralization. However, a detailed quantification as well as comparative analysis with cerebrovascular atherosclerotic disease (CAD) and healthy controls have not been performed to date.

Methods—

We reviewed 67 patients with MMD undergoing Xenon-enhanced computed tomography, as well as 108 patients with CAD and 5 controls. In addition to cortical, central, and infratentorial regions of interest, particular emphasis was put on regions that are typically involved in MMD (pericallosal territory, basal ganglia). Cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebrovascular reserve capacity (CVRC), and hemodynamic stress distribution were calculated.

Results—

MMD is characterized by a significant, ubiquitous decrease in CVRC and a cortical but not pericallosal decrease in CBF when compared with controls. Baseline perfusion is maintained within the basal ganglia, and hemodynamic stress distribution confirmed a relative preservation of central regions of interest in MMD, indicative for its characteristic proximal collateralization pattern. In MMD and CAD, cortical and central CBF decreased significantly with age, whereas CVRC and hemodynamic stress distribution are relatively unaffected by age. No difference in CVRC of comparable regions of interest was seen between MMD and CAD, but stress distribution was significantly higher in MMD, illustrating the functionality of the characteristic rete mirabilis.

Conclusions—

Our data provide quantitative support for a territory-specific perfusion pattern that is unique for MMD, including central preservation of CBF compared with controls and patients with CAD. This correlates well with its characteristic feature of proximal collateralization. CVRC and hemodynamic stress distribution seem to be more robust parameters than CBF alone for assessment of disease severity.
Systems and Automatisms: Jack Burnham, Stanley Cavell and the Evolution of a Neoliberal Aesthetic
Authors: Terranova Charissa N.
Published: November 2013

This paper compares Jack Burnham's “systems esthetics” and Stanley Cavell's “automatisms,” linking them by way of organizational and systems theories of the mid-20th century and the rise of the post-medium condition in art. Although rarely paired, curator and critic Burnham and philosopher Cavell offer similar ontologies of art in the post--World War II period. Their ideas freed artists from old constraints of formalism and medium specificity while foreshadowing the rise of an artistic atomization driven by technology and economics. If Burnham's concept of systems aesthetics is concerned with a sense of cybernetic connectivity based on a feedback loop between the artist, artwork, art community and monetizing power of the market, then Cavell's automatisms describe a condition of laissez-faire independence in which each artist must work entrepreneurially, wholly for and unto herself.
Alternative Ways of Seeing the Inner Body: an Arts-Led Approach to Visualising MRI Scan Data
Authors: McGhee John , Johnson Nigel
Published: November 2013

As artists working with clinical radiological data how might we identify and develop new models of working within the context of disease communication? Historically, we can identify various models of mediating human inner body spaces. This practice-led research explores how a blended model of 3-D CGI image creation can result in imagery that moves beyond the didactic.
Combining a Cloud-Resolving Model with Satellite for Cloud Process Model Simulation Validation
Authors: Negri Renato G. , Machado Luiz A. T. , English Stephen , Forsythe Mary
Published: November 2013

Advances in computer power have made it possible to increase the spatial resolution of regional numerical models to a scale encompassing larger convective elements of less than 5 km in size. One goal of high resolution is to begin to resolve convective processes, and therefore it is necessary to evaluate the realism of convective clouds resolved explicitly at this resolution. This paper presents a method that is based on satellite comparisons to examine the simulation of continental tropical convection over Africa, in a high-resolution integration of the Met Office Unified Model (UK UM), developed under the Cascade project. The spatial resolution of these simulations is 1.5 km, the temporal resolution is 15 min, and the convection is resolved explicitly. The Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) radiometer measurements were simulated by the Radiative Transfer for the Television and Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS) Operational Vertical Sounder (RTTOV) model, and then a comparison between the simulations and real SEVIRI measurements was performed. The analysis using the presented method shows that the UK UM can represent tropical convection dynamics realistically. However, an error has been found in the high-level humidity distribution, which is characterized by strong humidity gradients. A key point of this paper is to present a method for establishing the credibility of a convection-permitting model by direct comparison with satellite data.
Rayleigh Damping in the Free Troposphere
Authors: Romps David M.
Published: November 2013

This paper explores whether cumulus drag (i.e., the damping of winds by convective momentum transport) can be described by an effective Rayleigh drag (i.e., the damping of winds on a constant time scale). Analytical expressions are derived for the damping time scale and descent speed of wind profiles as caused by unorganized convection. Unlike Rayleigh drag, which has a constant damping time scale and zero descent speed, the theory predicts a damping time scale and a descent speed that both depend on the vertical wavelength of the wind profile. These results predict that short wavelengths damp faster and descend faster than long wavelengths, and these predictions are confirmed using large-eddy simulations. Both theory and simulations predict that the convective damping of large-scale circulations occurs on a time scale of O(1–10) days for vertical wavelengths in the range of 2–10 km.
Estimation of Daily Winter Precipitation in the Snowy Mountains of Southeastern Australia
Authors: Dai Jingru , Manton Michael J. , Siems Steven T. , Ebert Elizabeth E.
Published: November 2013

Wintertime precipitation in the Snowy Mountains provides water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use in inland southeastern Australia. Unlike most of Australia, much of this precipitation falls as snow, and it is recorded by a private network of heated tipping-bucket gauges. These observations are used in the present study to assess the accuracy of a poor man’s ensemble (PME) prediction of precipitation in the Snowy Mountains based on seven numerical weather prediction models. While the PME performs quite well, there is significant underestimation of precipitation intensity. It is shown that indicators of the synoptic environment can be used to improve the PME estimates of precipitation. Four synoptic regimes associated with different precipitation classes are identified from upper-air data. The reliability of the PME forecasts can be sharpened by considering the precipitation in each of the four synoptic classes. A linear regression, based on the synoptic classification and the PME estimate, is used to reduce the forecast errors. The potential to extend the method for forecasting purposes is discussed.
Sensitivity of the Ocean State to Lee Wave–Driven Mixing
Authors: Melet Angélique , Hallberg Robert , Legg Sonya , Nikurashin Maxim
Published: November 2013

Diapycnal mixing plays a key role in maintaining the ocean stratification and the meridional overturning circulation (MOC). In the ocean interior, it is mainly sustained by breaking internal waves. Two important classes of internal waves are internal tides and lee waves, generated by barotropic tides and geostrophic flows interacting with rough topography, respectively. Currently, regarding internal wave–driven mixing, most climate models only explicitly parameterize the local dissipation of internal tides. In this study, the authors explore the combined effects of internal tide– and lee wave–driven mixing on the ocean state. A series of sensitivity experiments using the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory CM2G ocean–ice–atmosphere coupled model are performed, including a parameterization of lee wave–driven mixing using a recent estimate for the global map of energy conversion into lee waves, in addition to the tidal mixing parameterization. It is shown that, although the global energy input in the deep ocean into lee waves (0.2 TW; where 1 TW = 1012 W) is small compared to that into internal tides (1.4 TW), lee wave–driven mixing makes a significant impact on the ocean state, notably on the ocean thermal structure and stratification, as well as on the MOC. The vertically integrated circulation is also impacted in the Southern Ocean, which accounts for half of the lee wave energy flux. Finally, it is shown that the different spatial distribution of the internal tide and lee wave energy input impacts the sensitivity described in this study. These results suggest that lee wave–driven mixing should be parameterized in climate models, preferably using more physically based parameterizations that allow the internal lee wave–driven mixing to evolve in a changing ocean.
Cloud Classification of Ground-Based Images Using Texture–Structure Features
Authors: Zhuo Wen , Cao Zhiguo , Xiao Yang
Published: November 2013

Cloud classification of ground-based images is a challenging task. Recent research has focused on extracting discriminative image features, which are mainly divided into two categories: 1) choosing appropriate texture features and 2) constructing structure features. However, simply using texture or structure features separately may not produce a high performance for cloud classification. In this paper, an algorithm is proposed that can capture both texture and structure information from a color sky image. The algorithm comprises three main stages. First, a preprocessing color census transform (CCT) is applied. The CCT contains two steps: converting red, green, and blue (RGB) values to opponent color space and applying census transform to each component. The CCT can capture texture and local structure information. Second, a novel automatic block assignment method is proposed that can capture global rough structure information. A histogram and image statistics are computed in every block and are concatenated to form a feature vector. Third, the feature vector is fed into a trained support vector machine (SVM) classifier to obtain the cloud type. The results show that this approach outperforms other existing cloud classification methods. In addition, several different color spaces were tested and the results show that the opponent color space is most suitable for cloud classification. Another comparison experiment on classifiers shows that the SVM classifier is more accurate than the k–nearest neighbor (k-NN) and neural networks classifiers.
Adorno on the Radio
Authors: Mariotti Shannon L.
Published: November 2013

This essay explores the political significance of two largely unexplored texts on American radio that Adorno originally composed in English after emigrating to the United States: Current of Music: Elements of a Radio Theory and The Psychological Technique of Martin Luther Thomas’ Radio Addresses. Here, productively complicating the traditional image of him, Adorno translates his theory to a broader public in ways that reflect a desire to understand and inform democratic citizenship as enacted at the level of the everyday customs, conventions, and habits of the people. Ultimately, Adorno’s writings on radio in the United States show how he tries to strengthen the substantive practice of democracy through a unique form of democratic leadership as democratic pedagogy that represents the practical enactment of an early version of negative dialectics. With this justification for Adorno’s complicated commitments to democracy in mind, we might begin to read him as a twentieth-century democratic theorist and productively turn to an unlikely thinker, not just to read a message in a bottle but to help us chart our current position and navigate our future course.
William E. Connolly
Authors: Wenman Mark
Published: November 2013

William Connolly has made important interventions in political theory over a period of four decades, and the past few years have seen a surge in recognition of his contribution. Those who are familiar with Connolly’s ideas will know the role that continental theorists—especially Friedrich Nietzsche, Michel Foucault, and Gilles Deleuze—have played in the development of his thought, and more recently the uses he has made of advances in the natural sciences, for example in complexity theory, in the work of the neuroscientist Antonio Damasio, and the Nobel Prize–winning chemist Ilya Prigogine. With reference to these innovations, a consensus has emerged in recent discussions, that there is a basic discontinuity between Connolly’s “postmodern” theory of pluralism and the “old” pluralism of the generation of post-war political scientists. By way of contrast, in this essay I outline the congruity between Connolly’s ideas and earlier iterations of pluralism. I trace the essential continuities between Connolly and the leading post-war writers, especially Robert Dahl, Charles Lindblom, David Truman, and David Easton, and also his proximity to a tradition of pluralism that flourished in the early part of the twentieth century and was exemplified in the work of Arthur Bentley. Indeed, I make the case that Connolly’s work is best understood as the resumption and enhancement of a distinct canon of pluralism in American political thought.
Category labels induce boundary-dependent perceptual warping in learned speech categories
Authors: Swan Kristen , Myers Emily
Published: November 2013

Adults tend to perceive speech sounds from their native language as members of distinct and stable categories; however, they fail to perceive differences between many non-native speech sounds without a great deal of training. The present study investigates the effects of categorization training on adults’ ability to discriminate non-native phonetic contrasts. It was hypothesized that only individuals who successfully learned the appropriate categories would show selective improvements in discriminating between-category contrasts. Participants were trained to categorize progressively narrow phonetic contrasts across one of two non-native boundaries, with discrimination pre- and post-tests completed to measure the effects of training on participants’ perceptual sensitivity. Results suggest that changes in adults’ ability to discriminate a non-native contrast depend on their successful learning of the relevant category structure. Furthermore, post-training identification functions show that changes in perceptual categories specifically correspond to their relative placement of the category boundary. Taken together, these results indicate that learning to assign category labels to a non-native speech continuum is sufficient to induce discontinuous perception of between- versus within-category contrasts.
The Anti-inflammatory and Matrix Restorative Mechanisms of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Sundman Emily A. , Cole Brian J. , Karas Vasili , Della Valle Craig , Tetreault Mathew W. , Mohammed Hussni O. , Fortier Lisa A.
Published: November 2013

Background:

Intra-articular (IA) treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for osteoarthritis (OA) results in improved patient-reported pain and function scores.

Purpose:

To measure the effects of PRP and high molecular weight hyaluronan (HA) on the expression of anabolic and catabolic genes and on the secretion of nociceptive and inflammatory mediators from OA cartilage and synoviocytes.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Synovium and cartilage harvested from patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were co-cultured with media of PRP or HA. Tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β were measured in the media by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hyaluronan synthase–2 ( HAS-2), matrix metalloproteinase–1 ( MMP-1), MMP-13, and TNF-α genes were measured in synoviocytes by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Collagen type I α1 ( COL1A1), COL2A1, aggrecan ( ACAN), and MMP-13 gene expression were measured in cartilage by quantitative RT-PCR.

Results:

Media TNF-α concentration was decreased in PRP and HA compared with control cultures (PRP = 6.94 pg/mL, HA = 6.39 pg/mL, control = 9.70 pg/mL; P ≤ .05). Media IL-6 concentration was decreased in HA compared with PRP and control (HA = 5027 pg/mL, PRP = 5899 pg/mL, control = 5613 pg/mL; P ≤ .05). Media IL-1β was below detectable concentrations (<0.1 pg/mL) in all samples. Synoviocyte MMP-13 expression was decreased in PRP compared with HA and control (PRP = 10.1, HA = 12.8, control = 13.5; P ≤ .05). Synoviocyte HAS-2 expression was increased in PRP compared with HA and control (PRP = 12.1, HA = 9.8, control = 8.7; P ≤ .05). Cartilage ACAN expression was increased in PRP compared with HA, but neither was different from control (PRP = 8.8, HA = 7.7, control = 7.6; P ≤ .05); COL1A1 expression was increased in HA compared with PRP, but neither was different from control (PRP = 14.9, HA = 13.5, control = 12.9; P ≤ .05). Neither platelet nor leukocyte concentration had a significant effect on outcome measurements (gene or protein expression data) in cartilage or synoviocytes ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

Both PRP and HA treatments of OA joint tissues result in decreased catabolism, but PRP treatment also resulted in a significant reduction of MMP-13, an increase in HAS-2 expression in synoviocytes, and an increase in cartilage synthetic activity compared with HA. These results indicate that PRP acts to stimulate endogenous HA production and decrease cartilage catabolism. Platelet-rich plasma showed similar effects as HA in the suppression of inflammatory mediator concentration and expression of their genes in synoviocytes and cartilage.

Clinical Relevance:

The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of PRP support its use in OA joints to reduce pain and modulate the disease process. This study supports further clinical investigations of IA PRP for the treatment of OA.
Physiological biosafety assessment of genetically modified canola on weed (Avena sativa)
Authors: Syed Kashmala , Shinwari Zabta Khan
Published: November 2013

The present study was carried out for the assessment of physiological biosafety and effects of genetically modified (GM) canola on Avena sativa, which is a common weed plant of South Asia. Methanolic extracts of GM and non-GM canola were assessed on seed germination and growth of A. sativa under sterilized conditions. The extracts were treated with 3%, 5%, and 10% concentrations of methanol. Results showed that the extract of GM canola increases the number of roots and root fresh weight. However, root length was significantly decreased. Similarly, a significant rate of increase was observed in shoot fresh weight and shoot length of A. sativa by treatment of GM canola. Emergence percentage, germination index, and emergence rate index show a significant effect of decrease when treated with GM canola.
In vitro risk assessment of usnic acid
Authors: Polat Zühal , Aydın Elanur , Türkez Hasan , Aslan Ali
Published: November 2013

Lichens are symbiotic organisms composed of fungi and algae and are very common in Turkey. Lichen secondary metabolites are mainly phenolic compounds produced by fungal partner of lichen symbiosis. Usnic acid (UA) is one of the most common lichen metabolites, and it was reported that to be effective for a wide range of pharmacological purposes including antiviral, antitumor, and antiprotozoal. However, there are limited data on the genotoxic and antioxidant effects of UA in cultured human peripheral blood cells. Therefore, the aim of this thesis study was to investigate the genetic and oxidative effects of UA in cultured human blood cells ( n = 5). The UA was added into culture tubes at various concentrations (0–200 μg/ml). Chromosomal aberrations (CA) and micronuclei (MN) tests were performed for genotoxic damage influences estimation. In addition, biochemical parameters (total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative status (TOS)) were examined to determine oxidative effects. In our in vitro test systems, it was observed that UA had no mutagenic effects on human lymphocytes. Furthermore, our results indicated that low concentrations (1 and 5 μg/ml) of UA caused increases of TAC levels in cultured human blood cells. And, the TOS levels were not changed ( p > 0.05) when all the concentrations (except for 200 μg/ml) of UA were applied. In conclusion, UA can be a new resource of therapeutics as recognized in this study with their nonmutagenic and antioxidant features.