bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Writing Sǒkkuram: An Archaeology of Inscription Around 1911
Authors: Oppenheim Robert
Published: September 2013

This article makes a case, in the study of Korea's colonial modern transition, for supplementing the examination of writings with attention to historical modalities of writing itself considered as a material inscriptive practice, and thus also for the interdisciplinary engagement of Korean history or art history with material culture studies, science studies, and the phenomenological anthropology of landscape. My focus is Sǒkkuram, surely among the most extensively discussed of all Korean historic sites. Initially, I unveil a record of the temple in the unpublished papers of the anthropologist Frederick Starr stemming from his 1911 visit, in the window between Sǒkkuram's 1907 “rediscovery” and its first rebuilding of 1913. This record illuminates long-forgotten aspects of Sǒkkuram's materiality — such as how it was painted. Yet my purpose is not antiquarian; rather, it is to examine two historically significant non-representational orderings of words and things. In the first, what I call “writing in,” a form given phenomenologically by the relation of the figures on Sǒkkuram's walls contained multiple shifts in its meaningful content. Sǒkkuram became a privileged locus for considering Korea's “multiracial” pasts for a generation of Western authors, a commitment that superseded the overall assignment of meaning to the temple within histories of race, religion, or nation. Meanwhile, Starr's 1911 photographs show the practice of some Korean visitors to the temple of literally “writing on” its surfaces using ink or charcoal. I read “writing on” as a spatio-material practice of placing words, in which significance was not mainly an effect of content.
A Risk Model with Delayed Claims
Authors: Dassios Angelos , Zhao Hongbiao
Published: September 2013

In this paper we introduce a simple risk model with delayed claims, an extension of the classical Poisson model. The claims are assumed to arrive according to a Poisson process and claims follow a light-tailed distribution, and each loss payment of the claims will be settled with a random period of delay. We obtain asymptotic expressions for the ruin probability by exploiting a connection to Poisson models that are not time homogeneous. A finer asymptotic formula is obtained for the special case of exponentially delayed claims and an exact formula is obtained when the claims are also exponentially distributed.
Predecessors and Successors in Random Mappings with Exchangeable In-Degrees
Authors: Hansen Jennie C. , Jaworski Jerzy
Published: September 2013

In this paper we characterise the distributions of the number of predecessors and of the number of successors of a given set of vertices, A, in the random mapping model, TnD̂ (see Hansen and Jaworski (2008)), with exchangeable in-degree sequence (D̂1,D̂2,…,D̂n). We show that the exact formulae for these distributions and their expected values can be given in terms of the distributions of simple functions of the in-degree variables D̂1,D̂2,…,D̂n. As an application of these results, we consider two special examples of TnD̂ which correspond to random mappings with preferential and anti-preferential attachment, and determine the exact distributions for the number of predecessors and the number of successors in these cases. We also characterise, for these two special examples, the asymptotic behaviour of the expected numbers of predecessors and successors and interpret these results in terms of the threshold behaviour of epidemic processes on random mapping graphs. The families of discrete distributions obtained in this paper are also of independent interest.
The Ancestral Process of Long-Range Seed Bank Models
Authors: Blath Jochen , González Casanova Adrián , Kurt Noemi , Spanò Dario
Published: September 2013

We present a new model for seed banks, where direct ancestors of individuals may have lived in the near as well as the very far past. The classical Wright‒Fisher model, as well as a seed bank model with bounded age distribution considered in Kaj, Krone and Lascoux (2001) are special cases of our model. We discern three parameter regimes of the seed bank age distribution, which lead to substantially different behaviour in terms of genetic variability, in particular with respect to fixation of types and time to the most recent common ancestor. We prove that, for age distributions with finite mean, the ancestral process converges to a time-changed Kingman coalescent, while in the case of infinite mean, ancestral lineages might not merge at all with positive probability. Furthermore, we present a construction of the forward-in-time process in equilibrium. The mathematical methods are based on renewal theory, the urn process introduced in Kaj, Krone and Lascoux (2001) as well as on a paper by Hammond and Sheffield (2013).
Emergent Structures in Large Networks
Authors: Aristoff David , Radin Charles
Published: September 2013

We consider a large class of exponential random graph models and prove the existence of a region of parameter space corresponding to the emergent multipartite structure, separated by a phase transition from a region of disordered graphs. An essential feature is the formalism of graph limits as developed by Lovászet al.for dense random graphs.
The Correct Asymptotic Variance for the Sample Mean of a Homogeneous Poisson Marked Point Process
Authors: Garner William , Politis Dimitris N.
Published: September 2013

The asymptotic variance of the sample mean of a homogeneous Poisson marked point process has been studied in the literature, but confusion has arisen as to the correct expression due to some technical intricacies. This note sets the record straight with regards to the variance of the sample mean. In addition, a central limit theorem in the general d-dimensional case is also established.
The trithorax group proteins Kismet and ASH1 promote H3K36 dimethylation to counteract Polycomb group repression inDrosophila
Authors: Dorighi Kristel M. , Tamkun John W.
Published: September 2013

Members of the Polycomb group of repressors and trithorax group of activators maintain heritable states of transcription by modifying nucleosomal histones or remodeling chromatin. Although tremendous progress has been made toward defining the biochemical activities of Polycomb and trithorax group proteins, much remains to be learned about how they interact with each other and the general transcription machinery to maintain on or off states of gene expression. The trithorax group protein Kismet (KIS) is related to the SWI/SNF and CHD families of chromatin remodeling factors. KIS promotes transcription elongation, facilitates the binding of the trithorax group histone methyltransferases ASH1 and TRX to active genes, and counteracts repressive methylation of histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27) by Polycomb group proteins. Here, we sought to clarify the mechanism of action of KIS and how it interacts with ASH1 to antagonize H3K27 methylation in Drosophila. We present evidence that KIS promotes transcription elongation and counteracts Polycomb group repression via distinct mechanisms. A chemical inhibitor of transcription elongation, DRB, had no effect on ASH1 recruitment or H3K27 methylation. Conversely, loss of ASH1 function had no effect on transcription elongation. Mutations in kis cause a global reduction in the di- and tri-methylation of histone H3 on lysine 36 (H3K36) - modifications that antagonize H3K27 methylation in vitro. Furthermore, loss of ASH1 significantly decreases H3K36 dimethylation, providing further evidence that ASH1 is an H3K36 dimethylase in vivo. These and other findings suggest that KIS antagonizes Polycomb group repression by facilitating ASH1-dependent H3K36 dimethylation.
Dynamic responses of endothelial cells to changes in blood flow during vascular remodeling of the mouse yolk sac
Authors: Udan Ryan S. , Vadakkan Tegy J. , Dickinson Mary E.
Published: September 2013

Despite extensive work showing the importance of blood flow in angiogenesis and vessel remodeling, very little is known about how changes in vessel diameter are orchestrated at the cellular level in response to mechanical forces. To define the cellular changes necessary for remodeling, we performed live confocal imaging of cultured mouse embryos during vessel remodeling. Our data revealed that vessel diameter increase occurs via two distinct processes that are dependent on normal blood flow: vessel fusions and directed endothelial cell migrations. Vessel fusions resulted in a rapid change in vessel diameter and were restricted to regions that experience the highest flow near the vitelline artery and vein. Directed cell migrations induced by blood flow resulted in the recruitment of endothelial cells to larger vessels from smaller capillaries and were observed in larger artery segments as they expanded. The dynamic and specific endothelial cell behaviors captured in this study reveal how sensitive endothelial cells are to changes in blood flow and how such responses drive vascular remodeling.
The neogenin/DCC homolog UNC-40 promotes BMP signaling via the RGM protein DRAG-1 in C. elegans
Authors: Tian Chenxi , Shi Herong , Xiong Shan , Hu Fenghua , Xiong Wen-Cheng , Liu Jun
Published: September 2013

The deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) homolog neogenin functions in both netrin- and repulsive guidance molecule (RGM)-mediated axon guidance and in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. How neogenin functions in mediating BMP signaling is not well understood. We show that the sole C. elegans DCC/neogenin homolog UNC-40 positively modulates a BMP-like pathway by functioning in the signal-receiving cells at the ligand/receptor level. This function of UNC-40 is independent of its role in netrin-mediated axon guidance, but requires its association with the RGM protein DRAG-1. We have identified the key residues in the extracellular domain of UNC-40 that are crucial for UNC-40-DRAG-1 interaction and UNC-40 function. Surprisingly, the extracellular domain of UNC-40 is sufficient to promote BMP signaling, in clear contrast to the requirement of its intracellular domain in mediating axon guidance. Mouse neogenin lacking the intracellular domain is also capable of mediating BMP signaling. These findings reveal an unexpected mode of action for neogenin regulation of BMP signaling.
Expression of OA1 limits the fusion of a subset of MVBs with lysosomes; a mechanism likely involved in the initial biogenesis of melanosomes
Authors: Burgoyne T. , Jolly R. , Martin-Martin B. , Seabra M. C. , Piccirillo R. , Schiaffino M. V. , Futter C. E.
Published: September 2013

Multivesicular endosomes/bodies (MVBs) deliver proteins like activated EGF receptors (EGFR) to the lysosome for degradation, and, in pigmented cells, MVBs containing PMEL are an initial stage in melanosome biogenesis. The mechanisms regulating numbers and fate of different populations of MVB are unclear. Here we focus on the role of the G protein coupled receptor, OA1, which is expressed exclusively in pigmented cells and mutations in which cause the most common type of ocular albinism. By exogenously expressing PMEL HeLa cells have been shown to form MVBs resembling early stage melanosomes. To focus on the role of OA1 in the initial stages of melanosome biogenesis we take advantage of the absence of the later stages of melanosome maturation in HeLa cells to determine whether OA1 activity can regulate MVB number and fate. Expression of wild type but not OA1 mutants carrying inactivating mutations/deletions causes MVB numbers to increase. Whilst OA1 expression has no effect on delivery of EGFR-containing MVBs to the lysosome it inhibits the lysosomal delivery of PMEL and PMEL-containing MVBs accumulate. We propose that OA1 activity delays delivery of PMEL-containing MVBs to the lysosome to allow time for melanin synthesis and commitment to melanosome biogenesis.
ADAM12 redistributes and activates MMP-14, resulting in gelatin degradation, reduced apoptosis, and increased tumor growth
Authors: Albrechtsen Reidar , Kveiborg Marie , Stautz Dorte , Vikeså Jonas , Noer Julie B. , Kotzsh Alexander , Nielsen Finn Cilius , Wewer Ulla , Fröhlich Camilla
Published: September 2013

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), in particular MMP-2, -9, and -14, play a key role in various aspects of cancer pathology. Likewise, ADAMs (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteases), including ADAM12, are upregulated in malignant tumors and contribute to the pathology of cancers. Here we showed a positive correlation between MMP-14 and ADAM12 expression in human breast cancer. We demonstrated that in 293-VnR and human breast cancer cells expressing ADAM12 at the cell surface, endogenous MMP-14 was recruited to the cell surface, resulting in its activation. Subsequent to this activation, gelatin degradation was stimulated and tumor-cell apoptosis was decreased, with reduced expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins BCL2L11 and BIK. The effect on gelatin degradation was abrogated by inhibition of the MMP-14 activity and appeared to be dependent on cell-surface αVβ3 integrin localization, but neither the catalytic activity of ADAM12 nor the cytoplasmic tail of ADAM12 were required. The significance of ADAM12-induced activation of MMP-14 was underscored by a reduction in MMP-14–mediated gelatin degradation and abolition of apoptosis-protective effects by specific monoclonal antibodies against ADAM12. Furthermore, orthotopic implantation of ADAM12-expressing MCF7 cells in nude mice produced tumors with increased levels of activated MMP-14 and confirmed that ADAM12 protects tumor cells against apoptosis, leading to increased tumor progression. In conclusion, our data suggest that a ternary protein complex composed of ADAM12, αVβ3 integrin, and MMP-14 at the tumor cell surface regulates MMP-14 functions. This interaction may point to a novel concept for the development of MMP-14–targeting drugs in treating cancer.
Rab4b controls an early endosome sorting event by interacting with the γ subunit of the clathrin adaptor complex 1
Authors: Perrin Laura , Lacas-Gervais Sandra , Gilleron Jérôme , Ceppo Franck , Prodon François , Benmerah Alexandre , Tanti Jean-François , Cormont Mireille
Published: September 2013

The endocytic pathway is essential for cell homeostasis and numerous small GTPase Rab have been involved in its control. The endocytic trafficking step controlled by Rab4b has not been elucidated although recent data suggested it could be important for glucose homeostasis, synaptic homeostasis, or adaptative immunity. Here we show that Rab4b is required for early endosome sorting of transferrin receptors (TfR) to the recycling endosomes and we identified the AP1γ subunit of the clathrin adaptor AP-1 as a Rab4b effector and key component of the machinery of early endosomes sorting. We show that internalized transferrin (Tf) does not reach Vamp3/Rab11 recycling endosomes in absence of Rab4b while it is rapidly recycled back to the plasma membrane. On the contrary, Rab4b overexpression leads to the accumulation of internalized Tf within AP-1 and clathrin-coated vesicles. These vesicles are poor in early and recycling endocytic markers except TfR and require AP1γ for their formation. Furthermore, the targeted over-expression of the Rab4b binding domain of AP1γ to early endosome thanks to its fusion with FYVE domains inhibited the interaction between Rab4b and endogenous AP1γ and perturbed Tf traffic. We thus proposed that the interaction between early endocytic Rab4b and AP1γ could allow the budding of clathrin-coated vesicles for subsequent traffic to recycling endosomes. The data also uncover a novel type of endosomes, characterized by low abundance of either early or recycling endocytic markers, which could potentially be generated in cell types that naturally express high level of Rab4b.
Restricted mitochondrial protein acetylation initiates mitochondrial autophagy
Authors: Webster Bradley R. , Scott Iain , Han Kim , Li Jian H. , Lu Zhongping , Stevens Mark V. , Malide Daniela , Chen Yong , Samsel Leigh , Connelly Patricia S. , Daniels Mathew P. , McCoy J. Philip , Combs Christian A. , Gucek Marjan , Sack Michael N.
Published: September 2013

As nutrient-sensing nuclear/cytosolic acetylation mediates cellular autophagy, we investigated whether mitochondrial acetylation modulates mitochondrial autophagy. Knockdown of GCN5L1, a component of the mitochondrial acetyltransferase machinery, diminished mitochondrial protein acetylation and augmented mitochondrial enrichment of autophagy mediators. This program was disrupted by Sirt3 knockdown. Chronic GCN5L1 depletion increased mitochondrial turnover and reduced mitochondrial protein content/mass. In parallel, mitochondria showed blunted respiration and enhanced ‘stress-resilience’. Genetic disruption of autophagy mediators Atg5 and p62, as well as GCN5L1 reconstitution, abolished deacetylation-induced mitochondrial autophagy. Interestingly, this program is independent of the mitophagy E3-ligase Parkin. Together these data support that deacetylation of mitochondrial proteins initiate mitochondrial autophagy in a canonical autophagy mediator-dependent program and shows that modulation of this regulatory program has ameliorative mitochondrial homeostatic effects.
Embryonic ablation of osteoblast Smad4 interrupts matrix synthesis in response to canonical wnt signaling and causes an osteogenesis imperfecta-like phenotype
Authors: Salazar Valerie S , Zarkadis Nicholas , Huang Lisa , Norris Jin , Grimston Susan K , Mbalaviele Gabriel , Civitelli Roberto
Published: September 2013

To examine interactions between BMP and canonical Wnt signaling during skeletal growth, we ablated Smad4, a key component of the TGF-β/BMP pathway, in Osx1+ cells in mice. Loss of Smad4 causes stunted growth, spontaneous fractures and a combination of features seen in osteogenesis imperfecta, cleidocranial dysplasia and Wnt-deficiency syndromes. Smad4 mutant bones exhibit markers of fully differentiated osteoblasts but lack multiple collagen processing enzymes, including lysyl oxidase, a BMP2-responsive gene regulated by Smad4 and Runx2. Accordingly, the collagen matrix in Smad4 mutants is disorganized, but also hypomineralized. Primary osteoblasts from Smad4 mutant mice do not mineralize in vitro in the presence of BMP2 or Wnt3a; and Smad4 mutant mice fail to accrue new bone following systemic Dkk1 inhibition. Consistent with impaired biological responses to canonical Wnt, Smad4 ablation causes β-catenin cleavage and Lrp5 depletion, associated with increased caspase-3 activity and apoptosis. In summary, Smad4 regulates maturation of skeletal collagen, osteoblast survival, and is required for matrix forming responses to both BMP2 and canonical Wnt.
Quantifying the range of a lipid phosphate signal in vivo
Authors: Mukherjee A. , Neher R. A. , Renault A. D.
Published: September 2013

Quantitative information about the range of influence of extracellular signalling molecules is critical for understanding their effects, but is difficult to determine in the complex and dynamic 3 dimensional environment of a living embryo. Drosophila germ cells migrate during embryogenesis and use spatial information provided by expression of lipid phosphate phosphatases called Wunens to reach the somatic gonad. However whether guidance requires cell contact or involves a diffusible signal is not known. We substituted wild type Wunen expression for various segmentally repeated ectodermal and parasegmental patterns and used germ cell behavior to show that the signal is diffusible and to define its range. We correlated this back to the wild type scenario and found that the germ cell migratory path can be primarily accounted for by Wunen expression. This approach provides the first quantitative information of the effective range of a lipid phosphate in vivo and has implications for the migration of other cell types that respond to lipid phosphates.
Analysis of the availability and completeness of pervious radiological examinations related to plain films
Authors: Völk M. , Strotzer M. , Lenhart M. , Wild T. , Fründ R. , Techert J. , Feuerbach S.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To evaluate the availability and completeness of previous radiological examinations.

Material and Methods: Seven different types of examinations were analysed separately: 1) chest examinations, 2) bedside chest examinations, 3) skeletal examinations, 4) angiographic examinations, 5) mammographic examinations, 6) CT examinations, and 7) MR examinations. A retrospective part of the study covered the calendar year 1997, while a prospective part referred to 1998. The sample size in each modality and each part of the study was 100 observations, resulting in a total number of 1,400 examinations.

Results: The average availability and completeness of radiographs in the retrospective analysis was 96.9% in 1997. The average availability and completeness of radiographs in the prospective analysis was 85.5% for the year 1998. This applied to necessary previous examinations of the same or different modality irrespective whether the examination was conducted internally or externally.

Conclusion: The real loss rate of radiographs derived from the retrospective investigation was 3.1%. The prospective part of the study showed that 14.5% of the required previous internal and external examinations of the same or different modality were not available completely and in time to the examining radiologist.
Does diving damage the brain?: MR control study of divers' central nervous system
Authors: Hutzelmann A. , Tetzlaff K. , Reuter M. , Müller-Hülsbeck S. , Heller M.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of cerebral white matter changes on MR imaging in healthy elderly compressed air divers with a long diving history in comparison with control subjects who have never dived.

Material and Methods: The investigation employed 59 experienced elderly divers and 48 control subjects matched for age, body mass index, alcohol and smoking history. MR studies included a fluid attenuated inversion recovery sequence and T1- and T2-weighted pre- and postcontrast images in axial orientation of the whole brain to localize white matter changes.

Results: MR images did not show any morphologic abnormalities in the brains of divers. Both groups - divers and controls - did not differ significantly with respect to white matter changes of the brain.

Conclusion: No increased prevalence of cerebral white matter changes in compressed air divers compared with a healthy worker sample of similar age were found. Thus, extensive compressed air diving may not necessarily be related to radiological changes on MR.
Doppler ultrasonography in predicting relapse of hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease
Authors: Varsamidis K. , Varsamidou E. , Mavropoulos G.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To determine whether Doppler ultrasonography could be useful in the prediction of relapse of hyperthyroidism in patients with Graves' disease.

Material and Methods: Forty patients with Graves' disease confirmed by laboratory tests were examined for a number of blood flow parameters in the inferior thyroid artery before and after they were subjected to proper antithyroid drug treatment. Data were retrospectively reviewed and compared with findings for a control group of 16 age-matched subjects.

Results: Significantly increased blood flow parameters were observed both in patients with active hyperthyroidism before treatment and in euthyroid patients who presented a relapse shortly after withdrawal of proper antithyroid drug treatment versus normal controls. Conversely, no significant differences were observed between patients who remained in stable remission and normal controls.

Conclusion: Our results support the concept that Doppler ultrasonography evaluation of patients with Graves' disease may contribute to the detection of a relapsing course of hyperthyroidism.
CT findings in tuberculous otomastoiditis: A case report
Authors: Cavallin L. , Muren C.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: Otomastoiditis is a rare but important manifestation of tuberculosis and is well recognizable when information on its clinical course is considered in connection with the radiographic changes.

Material and Method: A patient with a clinical history of chronic otorrhea, resistant to conventional therapy but without dramatic symptoms, was referred for CT examination.

Results: CT revealed widespread soft tissue densities in the tympanic cavity and in the mastoid process, with bone erosions in the latter. Surgery and bacteriology confirmed the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Conclusion: CT evidence of widespread bone destruction without clinical signs of aggressive infection should suggest the diagnosis of a mycobacterial process. Early treatment is essential in order to avoid propagation of the disease and lasting loss of function.
Pre-operative simultaneous stereotactic core biopsy and fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of invasive lobular breast carcinoma
Authors: Leifland K. , Lundquist H. , Måre K. , Erhardt K. , Fernstad R.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To determine the diagnostic value of stereotactic core needle biopsy (SCNB) in comparison to stereotactic fine-needle aspiration biopsy (SFNAB) in patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).

Material and Methods: Twenty-two patients with clinical or mammographic findings suspicious of malignancy underwent surgery where postoperative histopathology showed ILC. Pre-operative attempts of diagnosis were made using SFNAB and SCNB. SFNAB was done with a spinal needle 0.7- or 0.9-mm and SCNB was simultaneously performed with an automated 2.1-mm biopsy gun in all patients.

Results: SFNAB was diagnostic of carcinoma in 9 women, showed “probable carcinoma” in 5 and “atypia” in 3. In the remaining 5 women, SFNAB showed no atypia.

SCNB diagnosed ILC in 20 patients and showed ILC as well as invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) in 1. Ductal carcinoma in situ was suggested in the remaining patient.

Conclusion: SCNB was superior to SFNAB in diagnosing ILC and did not miss any carcinoma, whereas SFNAB was non-diagnostic in 8 cases. SCNB is thus recommended in patients with suspicion of ILC of the breast.
High-resolution imaging of coronary calcifications by intense low-energy fluoroscopic X-ray obtained from synchrotron radiation
Authors: Ohtsuka S. , Sugishita Y. , Takeda T. , Itai Y. , Tada J. , Hyodo K. , Ando M.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To obtain an intense monochromatic low-energy X-ray from synchrotron radiation (SR) and apply it to detect coronary calcifications.

Methods and Results: The SR beam was reflected with a silicon crystal to be expanded (150 mm in height and 80 mm in width) and to be monochromatized at an energy level of 37 keV. The X-ray was intermittently irradiated to obtain dynamic imaging of 30 images/s. Images were recorded by a digital fluorography system. The low-energy X-ray from SR sharply visualized calcification of coronary arteries, while conventional X-ray could not visualize coronary calcification.

Conclusion: The intense monochromatic low-energy X-ray from SR is sensitive, has high-resolution for imaging coronary calcification and may serve as a screening method for coronary artery disease.
A double coaxial delivery system for deployment of a two-stage stent-graft: An experimental feasibility study
Authors: Kónya A. , Wright K. C.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To design and test a delivery system for successive, rapid two-stage deployment of an aortic stent graft.

Material and Methods: An aortic stent graft was made that consisted of two separate parts. A delivery system composed of two independent coaxial mechanisms was fabricated and used to deploy the stages of the graft in dogs' aortas.

Results: Delivery was successful in all four dogs, and required less than 2 min in each animal.

Conclusion: The double coaxial delivery system enabled quick endovascular assembly of a two-stage aortic stent-graft.
Infrapopliteal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for limb salvage
Authors: Boyer L. , Therre T. , Garcier J.M. , Perez N. , Ravel A. , Privat C. , Viallet J.-F.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To evaluate long-term results of infrapopliteal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for limb salvage.

Material and Methods: A retrospective study of 71 consecutive infrapopliteal PTAs in 49 patients with rest pain (n = 20) or ulceration (n = 29) was conducted. In 18 patients, surgical minor amputation or debridment was also performed.

Results: Technical success was achieved in 45 patients. Four failures necessitated 2 amputations. One patient died in the postoperative course. Global morbidity rate was 16%, including minor complications in 5 patients and major vascular complications in 3 patients. After technical success during the follow-up (median duration 21 months), restenoses occurred in 4 patients, of whom 3 had a successful re-PTA (clinical success rate 72%). Survival, primary patency, secondary patency and limb salvage rates were, respectively, 75%, 81%, 88% and 87% after 3 years. The only positive predictive factor for primary patency was the presence of diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion: Infrapopliteal PTA is a safe and effective procedure, allowing good patency and limb salvage rates with low mortality and morbidity.
Impact of intraoperative ultrasonography on surgical treatment of liver tumours
Authors: Özsunar Y. , Skjoldbye B. , Court-Payen M. , Karstrup S. , Burcharth F.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) on surgical decision-making in patients with liver tumours.

Material and Methods: IOUS of the liver was performed in 116 patients undergoing surgery for liver tumours. The patients were evaluated preoperatively by ultrasonography, CT and in some cases, by ERCP and scintigraphy. IOUS findings were compared with the results of preoperative imaging and surgical findings.

Results: The surgical procedures were altered in 50 cases (43%), extended in 19 cases (16%) and reduced in 8 cases (7%). Twenty-three patients (20%) were found inoperable. Intraoperative evaluation caused surgical modification by IOUS in 13 patients (11%), by surgical findings in 14 patients (12%) and by a combination of both in 23 patients (20%).

Conclusion: IOUS is a precise diagnostic method for staging the operability of liver tumours. Unnecessary surgical procedures can be avoided. In total, IOUS altered the preoperative plan in one-third of our patients and is therefore recommended as a routine procedure in connection with major liver surgery.
Videofluoroscopy of deglutition in children after repair of esophageal atresia
Authors: Hörmann M. , Pokieser P. , Scharitzer M. , Pumberger W. , Memarsadeghi M. , Partik B. , Ekberg O.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To evaluate the functional disorders of the oral and pharyngeal phases of deglutition after repair of esophageal atresia in children.

Material and Methods: 19 children (10 girls, 9 boys, mean age 22 months) underwent videofluoroscopy of deglutition after repair of esophageal atresia. The videofluoroscopic studies were assessed according to functional and morphological changes in the oral, pharyngeal and esophageal phases. The persistence of radiologic findings on videofluoroscopy was determined.

Results: The oral phase was normal in all patients. The main functional disorder of the pharyngeal phase was aspiration in 7 (37%) children. A completely normal deglutition in the pharyngeal and esophageal phases was not seen in any patient.

Conclusion: Videofluoroscopy after repair of esophageal atresia is helpful in differentiation of functional and morphological disorders that can lead to prandial aspiration and have an influence on the decision about continued therapy.
Partial and complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament: Direct and indirect MR signs
Authors: Chen W.-T. , Shih T. T.-F. , Tu H.-Y. , Chen R.-C. , Shau W.-Y.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To analyze MR direct and indirect signs for knees with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) partial or complete tear.

Material and Methods: According to documented MR direct and indirect signs for ACL tear, we retrospectively reviewed the incidence of those signs in 15 partial ACL tear and 17 complete ACL tear patients. The findings were also compared with duration of injury (less or more than 6 weeks, as acute or chronic stages).

Results: A residual straight and tight ACL fiber in at least one pulse sequence was more frequently detected in partial ACL tears. The empty notch sign, a wavy contour of ACL, bone contusion at lateral compartment and lateral meniscus posterior horn tear were significantly more frequently seen in complete tear cases. The posterior cruciate ligament angle in chronic complete ACL tear cases (109°±20°) had a tendency to be less than in chronic partial ACL tear cases (119±18°).

Conclusion: The empty notch sign, a wavy ACL, bone contusion, and posterior horn of lateral meniscus tears are suggestive of a complete ACL tear. A residual straight and tight ACL fiber seen in at least one image section is a helpful sign to diagnosis of partial ACL tear. In the acute ACL injury stage, a focal increase of the ACL signal intensity is more suggestive of a partial ACL tear.
Computer-aided preoperative diagnosis of microcalcifications on mammograms
Authors: Kouskos E. , Markopoulos C. , Revenas K. , Koufopoulos K. , Kyriakou V. , Gogas J.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To evaluate of a computer-aided method for differentiating malignant from benign clustered microcalcifications.

Material and Methods: Our material was 350 suspicious microcalcifications on mammograms from 330 female patients who underwent breast biopsy (after hook wire localization and under mammographic guidance). The histologic findings were malignant in 140 cases (40%) and benign in 210 cases (60%). Those clusters were manually detected, computer-aided analyzed and quantitatively estimated. Besides computer analysis, 3 physicians-observers (2 radiologists and 1 breast surgeon) evaluated the malignant or benign nature of the clustered microcalcifications. The performance of the artificial network, each observer and the three observers as a group was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves.

Results: Comparison of the ROC curves revealed the following AUC values (area under the curve): computer – 0.950, physician 1 – 0.815, physician 2 – 0.830, physician 3 – 0.830, and physicians as a group – 0.825. The results, compared by the student t-test for paired data, showed a statistically significant difference between computer analysis and physicians' performance, independently and as a group.

Conclusion: Our study showed that computer analysis achieved statistically significantly better performance than that of physicians in the classification of malignant and benign calcifications.
Patient positioning after fine needle lung biopsy-effect on pneumothorax rate
Authors: Tanisaro K.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of precautionary positioning in preventing the development of pneumothorax and reducing the rate of chest tube placement after fluoroscopy-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB).

Material and Methods: One hundred and seven patients who underwent TTNB were randomly assigned to one of two postbiopsy treatment groups: patients were placed with (precautionary positioning group) and without (non-precautionary positioning group) recumbent puncture site either down (n = 59 and 48, respectively) for at least 30 min.

Results: The overall pneumothorax rate was 8.4% (n = 9). Four of the 9 patients needed chest tube insertion. Pneumothorax rate was 8.33% (4/48) and 8.47% (5/59) in the precaution and non-precaution groups, respectively. Rate of chest tube insertion was 6.25% (n = 3) and 1.85% (n = 1) in the precaution and non-precaution groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of pneumothorax and chest tube insertion between the two groups.

Conclusion: Precautionary positioning after TTNB does not reduce the incidence of postbiopsy pneumothorax and rate of chest tube insertion.
Preoperative right portal vein embolization in patients with metastatic liver disease: Metastatic liver volumes after RPVE
Authors: Barbaro B. , Di Stasi C. , Nuzzo G. , Vellone M. , Giuliante F. , Marano P.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To quantify liver metastases and future remnant liver (FRL) volumes in patients who underwent right portal vein embolization (RPVE) and to evaluate the effects of this procedure on metastase growth.

Material and Methods: Nine patients with liver metastases from primary colon (n = 5), rectal lesions (n = 1) and carcinoid tumors (n = 3) underwent spiral CT to evaluate the ratio of the non-tumorous parenchymal volume of the resected liver to that of the whole liver volume (R2). Hand tracing was used to isolate the entire liver, the resected liver and metastase volumes. All patients with R2 > 60% underwent RPVE.

Results: FRL exhibited a 101–336 cm3 (average 241 cm3) increase in volume 1 month after RPVE. One patient refused surgery for 2 months and before surgery the increase in volume of the FRL was similar to that of other patients (180.64 cm3). Percent metastases volume from colorectal carcinoma in embolized liver parenchyma increased from 62.4% to 138.4% at 1 month and to 562% at 2 months after RPVE. Metastase volume from carcinoid tumors was unchanged.

Conclusion: One month after RPVE, hypertrophy of the FRL is evident. In the embolized liver, there was a progressive increase in metastase volume from colorectal carcinoma while metastase volume from carcinoid tumor was unchanged in embolized and non-embolized liver.
Developmental arrest of Drosophila survival motor neuron (Smn) mutants accounts for differences in expression of minor intron-containing genes
Authors: Garcia Eric L. , Lu Zhipeng , Meers Michael P. , Praveen Kavita , Matera A. Gregory
Published: September 2013

Reduced levels of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein lead to a neuromuscular disease called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Animal models of SMA recapitulate many aspects of the human disease, including locomotion and viability defects, but have thus far failed to uncover the causative link between a lack of SMN protein and neuromuscular dysfunction. While SMN is known to assemble small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) that catalyze pre-mRNA splicing, it remains unclear whether disruptions in splicing are etiologic for SMA. To investigate this issue, we carried out RNA deep-sequencing (RNA-seq) on age-matched Drosophila Smn-null and wild-type larvae. Comparison of genome-wide mRNA expression profiles with publicly available data sets revealed the timing of a developmental arrest in the Smn mutants. Furthermore, genome-wide differences in splicing between wild-type and Smn animals did not correlate with changes in mRNA levels. Specifically, we found that mRNA levels of genes that contain minor introns vary more over developmental time than they do between wild-type and Smn mutants. An analysis of reads mapping to minor-class intron–exon junctions revealed only small changes in the splicing of minor introns in Smn larvae, within the normal fluctuations that occur throughout development. In contrast, Smn mutants displayed a prominent increase in levels of stress-responsive transcripts, indicating a systemic response to the developmental arrest induced by loss of SMN protein. These findings not only provide important mechanistic insight into the developmental arrest displayed by Smn mutants, but also argue against a minor-intron-dependent etiology for SMA.
From the Editor—Optimal Betting, Reducing Unnecessary Mammography in Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Product Line Design, and Value of Information
Authors: Sarin Rakesh K.
Published: September 2013

A brief summary of the five papers published in this issue is provided. These papers deal with diverse topics that include: optimal betting behavior in the presence of ambiguity; public policy on screening for breast cancer; product line design; and value of information.
Matriptase Expression and Zymogen Activation in Human Pilosebaceous Unit
Authors: Wu Bai-Yao , Lee Shiao-Pieng , Hsiao Hui-Chung , Chiu Han , Chen Chi-Yung , Yeo Yee Hui , Lee Herng-Sheng , Chen Ya-Wen , Kaul Malvika , Kataoka Hiroaki , Johnson Michael D. , Wang Jehng-Kang , Lin Chen-Yong
Published: September 2013

Studies of human genetic disorders and mouse models reveal the important roles of matriptase in hair growth. Here, we investigate matriptase expression and zymogen activation in hair follicles. We show: 1) layer-dependent distribution patterns, with much higher matriptase expression in cells of the outer root sheath and matrix cells of the hair bulb than in cells of the inner root sheath; 2) cycle-dependent expression patterns, with matriptase expressed in the anagen and catagen phases of the hair lifecycle, but not in the telogen phase; 3) reduced expression of the matriptase inhibitor, HAI-1, in the catagen phase, suggesting increased proteolytic activity in this phase; and 4) definitive matriptase zymogen activation patterns, with the highest matriptase activation observed in matrix cells and outer root sheath cells in the isthmus/bulge region. In sebaceous glands, matriptase is highly expressed in basal and ductal cells, with much lower expression in the differentiated, lipid-filled cells of the interior. We also show that matriptase potently activates hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in vitro, and that the HGF receptor, c-Met, is co-expressed in those cells that express activated matriptase. Our observations suggest that the matriptase-HGF-c-MET pathway has the potential to be engaged, primarily in proliferative cells rather than terminally differentiated epithelial cells of the human pilosebaceous unit.
Drug-Eluting Stents for Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Lishan
Published: September 2013

Background

Drug-eluting stents (DES) are increasingly used for treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, clinical efficacy and safety of various types of DES is not well established in these subjects. We therefore evaluated clinical utility of second-generation and first-generation DES in patients with ACS by conducting a meta-analysis.

Methods

A search of Medline, Embase, the Cochrane databases, and Web of Science was made. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared second-generation DES (everolimus-eluting stents [EES] or zotarolimus-eluting stents [ZES]) versus first-generation DES (sirolimus-eluting stents [SES] or paclitaxe-eluting stents [PES]) in patients with ACS and provided data on clinical efficacy or safety endpoints were included. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects model.

Result

A total of 2,757 participants with ACS in 6 RCTs were included. Compared with first-generation one, second-generation DES trended to be associated with the decreased incidence of definite or probable stent thrombosis in ACS patients (risk ratio [RR]  = 0.60, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.33 to 1.07, p = 0.09). However, the rate of target lesion revascularization (TLR) significantly increased in second-generation DES (RR = 2.08, 95%CI 1.25 to 3.47, p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), all-cause death, cardiac death, and recurrent myocardial infarction between the two arms (all p>0.10). The second-generation EES showed a tendency towards lower risk of MACEs (p = 0.06) and a beneficial effect on reducing stent thrombosis episodes (p = 0.009), while the second-generation ZES presented an increased occurrence of MACEs (p = 0.02) and TLR (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Second-generation DES, especially EES, appeared to present a lower risk of stent thrombosis, whereas second-generation ZES might increase the need for repeat revascularization in ACS patients. During coronary interventional therapy, DES class should be adequately considered in order to maximize clinical benefit of DES implantation in these specific subjects.
Vitamin D increases circulating IGF1 in adults: potential implication for the treatment of GH deficiency
Authors: Ameri Pietro , Giusti Andrea , Boschetti Mara , Bovio Marta , Teti Claudia , Leoncini Giovanna , Ferone Diego , Murialdo Giovanni , Minuto Francesco
Published: September 2013

Objectives

Previous studies suggested that vitamin D modulates circulating IGF1. We investigated this effect in adults and its clinical relevance in the management of GH deficiency (GHD).

Design and methods

IGF1 levels were prospectively measured before and after 12 weeks of treatment with oral vitamin D3(5000 or 7000 IU/week) vs no intervention in 39 subjects 61.9±7.9 years old. The frequency of IGF1 values ≥50th age- and sex-specific percentile in relation to vitamin D status, as determined by the concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), was retrospectively assessed in 69 GHD patients (57.4±16.6 years) on stable hormone replacement and with 25(OH)D and IGF1 concurrently measured.

Results

Treatment with 5000 and 7000 IU vitamin D3/week significantly raised 25(OH)D by 12.7±8.4 and 13.1±6.5 ng/ml respectively (bothP<0.001 vs baseline). In the 7000 IU group, IGF1 levels also significantly increased by 31.3±36.7 ng/ml (P=0.01). Neither 25(OH)D nor IGF1 significantly varied in controls. IGF1 was ≥50th percentile more frequently in GHD patients with 25(OH)D levels ≥15 than <15 ng/ml (65.9 vs 40.0%,P<0.05). Logistic regression with adjustment for recombinant human GH (rhGH) dose, vitamin D supplements, gender, use of thyroid hormones, corticosteroids or estrogen/testosterone, and season revealed a significant positive association between ≥15 ng/ml 25(OH)D and IGF1 ≥50th percentile (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.0–18.8,P<0.05). A significant negative correlation between 25(OH)D concentrations and rhGH dose was found after correcting for age and IGF1 (β−0.042,P<0.01), but not after further adjusting for sex, thyroid, adrenal or gonadal replacement, and season (β−0.037,P=0.06).

Conclusions

Vitamin D increases circulating IGF1 in adults. As a result, a better vitamin D status may ease the achievement of normal IGF1 values in GHD.
Oligo-Miocene climate change and mammal body-size evolution in the northwest United States: a test of Bergmann's Rule
Authors: Orcutt John D. , Hopkins Samantha S. B.
Published: September 2013

Whether or not climate plays a causal role in mammal body-size evolution is one of the longest-standing debates in ecology. Bergmann's Rule, the longest-standing modeladdressing this topic, posits that geographic body-mass patterns are driven by temperature, whereas subsequent research has suggested that other ecological variables, particularly precipitation and seasonality, may be the major drivers of body-size evolution. While paleoecological data provide a unique and crucial perspective on this debate, paleontological tests of Bergmann's rule and its corollaries have been scarce. We present a study of body-size evolution in three ecologically distinct families of mammal (equids, canids, and sciurids) during the Oligo-Miocene of the northwest United States, an ideal natural laboratory for such studies because of its rich fossil and paleoclimatic records. Body-size trends are different in all three groups, and in no case is a significant relationship observed between body size and any climatic variable, counter to what has been observed in modern ecosystems. We suggest that for most of the Cenozoic, at least in the Northwest, body mass has not been driven by any one climatic factor but instead has been the product of complex interactions between organisms and their environments, though the nature of these interactions varies from taxon to taxon. The relationship that exists between climate and body size in many groups of modern mammals, therefore, is the exception to the rule and may be the product of an exceptionally cool and volatile global climate. As anthropogenic global warming continues and ushers in climatic conditions more comparable to earlier intervals of the Cenozoic than to the modern day, models of corresponding biotic variables such as body size may lose predictive power if they do not incorporate paleoecological data.