bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of
Microbacterium
sp. Strain CH12i, Isolated from Shallow Groundwater in Cape Hallett, Antarctica
Authors: Ferreras Eloy R. , De Maayer Pieter , Makhalanyane Thulani P. , Guerrero Leandro D. , Aislabie Jackie M. , Cowan Don A.
Published: August 2014

The Antarctic continent is largely covered by an expansive ice sheet, but it harbors diverse terrestrial and aquatic habitats in the coastal ice-free continental margins. Here we present the draft genome of
Microbacterium
sp. CH12i, which was isolated from hypersaline, alkaline, and nutrient-rich groundwater from Cape Hallett, northern Victoria Land, Antarctica.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Pasteurella multocida Strains Isolated from Buffaloes in India with Hemorrhagic Septicemia Disease
Authors: Abrahante J. E. , Veeregowda B. M. , Hogtapur S. S. , Briggs R. E. , Maheswaran S. K. , Sreevatsan S.
Published: August 2014

Pasteurella multocida
serotype B:2 is the causative agent of hemorrhagic septicemia in cattle and buffaloes in Asia. It is an acute fatal disease and is considered one of the most economically important diseases in this region of the world. We present here the draft genome sequences of strains 2213 and 3213 of
P. multocida
.
The multiple lifestyle modification for patients with prehypertension and hypertension patients: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Li Juan , Zheng Hui , Du Huai-bin , Tian Xiao-ping , Jiang Yi-jing , Zhang Shao-lan , Kang Yu , Li Xiang , Chen Jie , Lu Chao , Lai Zhen-hong , Liang Fan-rong
Published: August 2014

Introduction

The objective of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness, efficacy and safety of multiple concomitant lifestyle modification therapies for patients with hypertension or prehypertension.

Methods and analysis

Electronic searches will be performed in the Cochrane Library, OVID, EMBASE, etc, along with manual searches in the reference lists of relevant papers found during electronic search. We will identify eligible randomised controlled trials utilising multiple lifestyle modifications to lower blood pressure. The control could be drug therapy, single lifestyle change or no intervention. Changes in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure constitute primary end points, and secondary end points include the number of patients meeting the office target blood pressure, the number of patients reporting microvascular or macrovascular complications, etc. We will extract descriptive, methodological and efficacy data from identified randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We will calculate the relative risk for proportion of patients with a normal blood pressure in the experimental group. Dichotomous data will be analysed using risk difference and continuous data using weighted mean differences, both with 95% CI. We will use the χ2test and the I2statistic to assess heterogeneity. We will use the fixed effects model to compute the efficacy unless there is evidence of heterogeneity. If heterogeneity of effect size persists with respect to blood pressure change, further metaregression will be performed within groups. We will examine the potential for publication bias by using a funnel plot.

Dissemination

We will synthesise results from RCTs which provide more precise and accurate information on the effect of multiple lifestyle changes on blood pressure. The results of this review will increase the understanding of multiple lifestyle modifications for patients with hypertension or prehypertension.

Trail registration number

Our protocol is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42013006476),http://www.crd.your.ac.uk/PROSPERO.
AN ANALOGUE-DIGITAL CHURCH-TURING THESIS
Authors: BEGGS EDWIN , COSTA JOSÉ FÉLIX , POÇAS DIOGO , TUCKER JOHN V.
Published: August 2014

We argue that dynamical systems involving discrete and continuous data can be modelled by Turing machines with oracles that are physical processes. Using the theory introduced in Beggs et al. [2,3], we consider the scope and limits of polynomial time computations by such systems. We propose a general polynomial time Church-Turing Thesis for feasible computations by analogue-digital systems, having the non-uniform complexity class BPP//log* as theoretical upper bound. We show why BPP//log* should be replace P/poly, which was proposed by Siegelmann for neural nets [23,24]. Then we examine whether other sources of hypercomputation can be found in analogue-digital systems besides the oracle itself. We prove that the higher polytime limit P/poly can be attained via non-computable analogue-digital interface protocols.
TOWARDS COMPUTATION WITH MICROCHEMOMECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Authors: VOIGT ANDREAS , GREINER RINALDO , ALLERDIßEN MERLE , RICHTER ANDREAS , HENKER STEPHAN , VÖLP MARCUS
Published: August 2014

Labs-on-chips are promising candidates for the realization of chemical information systems, where data are embodied in the form of chemical concentrations. In this paper we present the concept of microchemomechanical systems, a lab-on-a-chip technology based on intrinsically active components. The active components are chemical transistors fabricated from phase-changeable polymers that provide a direct feedback mechanism. Therefore this microfluidic platform facilitates the realization of logic operations, if-then structures and the sampling of chemical signals. In analogy with electronic von Neumann CPUs, control and execution unit are integrated on a single chip. Due to the intrinsic activity of the chemical transistors and their small size, microchemomechanical systems are highly suitable for large-scale integration.
SYSTEMATIC DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF RECONFIGURABLE ARITHMETIC COMPONENTS IN THE DEEP SUBMICRON DOMAIN
Authors: BEKIARIS DIMITRIS , XYDIS SOTIRIOS , ECONOMAKOS GEORGE
Published: August 2014

In the era of deep submicron integration, digital design complexity is increasing with rates that are hard to follow. On one hand, market demand for newer, faster and reliable applications never stops. On the other hand, fabrication technology can not cover this demand with frequency increase and dimension shrinking only, as it has been done in the past. Reconfigurable computing is a new design paradigm that takes advantage of idle components or shared functionality between different algorithms, to maximize utilization and improve performance, based on efficient circuit switching interconnections. However, dense and fast switching interconnections bring power dissipation problems, which are more clear in the deep submicron domain. This paper, presents a systematic design methodology, handling performance, area and both dynamic and static power reduction optimizations in the ASIC domain, for a class of reconfigurable arithmetic components, which can be used as IPs in register-transfer level (RTL) and above RTL synthesis methodologies (electronic system level — ESL, high-level synthesis — HLS, IP-based). Both operand bitwidth and technology scaling are explored, showing that the overall proposed architecture offers clear advantages as device dimensions shrink.
The rational Khovanov homology of 3-strand pretzel links
Authors: Manion Andrew
Published: August 2014

The 3-strand pretzel knots and links are a well-studied source of examples in knot theory. However, while there have been computations of the Khovanov homology and Rasmussen s-invariants of some sub-families of 3-strand pretzel knots, no general formula has been given for all of them. We give a formula for the unreduced Khovanov homology, over the rational numbers, of all 3-strand pretzel links. We also compute generalized s-invariants of these links.
ON INTERSECTING IFS FRACTALS WITH LINES
Authors: VASS JÓZSEF
Published: August 2014

IFS fractals — the attractors of Iterated Function Systems — have motivated plenty of research to date, partly due to their simplicity and applicability in various fields, such as the modeling of plants in computer graphics, and the design of fractal antennas. The statement and resolution of the Fractal-Line Intersection Problem is imperative for a more efficient treatment of certain applications. This paper intends to take further steps towards this resolution, building on the literature. For the broad class of hyperdense fractals, a verifiable condition guaranteeing intersection with any line passing through the convex hull of a planar IFS fractal is shown, in general ℝd for hyperplanes. The condition also implies a constructive algorithm for finding the points of intersection. Under certain conditions, an infinite number of approximate intersections are guaranteed, if there is at least one. Quantification of the intersection is done via an explicit formula for the invariant measure of IFS.
The explicit probability distribution of the sum of two telegraph processes
Authors: Kolesnik Alexander D.
Published: August 2014

We consider two independent Goldstein–Kac telegraph processes X1(t) and X2(t) on the real line ℝ, both developing with constant speed c > 0, that, at the initial time instant t = 0, simultaneously start from the origin 0 ∈ ℝ and whose evolutions are controlled by two independent homogeneous Poisson processes of the same rate λ > 0. Closed-form expressions for the transition density φ(x, t) and the probability distribution function Φ(x, t) = Pr {S(t) < x}, x ∈ ℝ, t > 0, of the sum S(t) = X1(t) + X2(t) of these processes at arbitrary time instant t > 0, are obtained. It is also proved that the shifted time derivative g(x, t) = (∂/∂t + 2λ)φ(x, t) satisfies the Goldstein–Kac telegraph equation with doubled parameters 2c and 2λ. From this fact it follows that φ(x, t) solves a third-order hyperbolic partial differential equation, but is not its fundamental solution. The general case is also discussed.
Unveiling Technology Acquisition and Deployment Decisions for Technological Innovation: An Exploratory Study in Indian Power Distribution Firms
Authors: Dasgupta Meeta
Published: August 2014

How managers take decisions with respect to the acquisition and deployment of technology to promote technological innovation is central to the field of strategic management. The main objective of this research is to explore how technology decisions drive technological innovation in organizations. Technology decisions have been explored through the lens of substance and enactment of technology strategy. The paper reports findings from three Indian Power Distribution Firms that have taken various initiatives to turn around the dilapidated power distribution situation in the country. The study in addition to proposing typologies of technology acquisition and deployment strategies on the basis of patterns discovered also puts forth propositions linking technological innovation to the typologies. A modified model linking the technological innovation process to the substance and enactment of technology strategy has also been proposed.
Some remarks on the Gromov width of homogeneous Hodge manifolds
Authors: Loi Andrea , Mossa Roberto , Zuddas Fabio
Published: August 2014

We provide an upper bound for the Gromov width of compact homogeneous Hodge manifolds (M, ω) with b2(M) = 1. As an application we obtain an upper bound on the Seshadri constant ϵ(L) where L is the ample line bundle on M such that [Formula: see text].
Building a Pre-Calculated Quick Forecast System for Tsunami Run-Up Height
Authors: Lin Jing-Hua , Chen Yi-Fan , Liu Chin-Chu , Chen Guan-Yu
Published: August 2014

The main purpose of this study is to build a run-up database using an analytical Green's function of 1D fully nonlinear shallow water equations over a uniform constant slope. The total mechanical energy, tsunami run-up height and inundation distance can be quickly derived once a submarine earthquake occurs. Only fast fourier transformation (FFT), multiplication and superposition are employed in the present algorithm.

The in situ investigations of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and 2011 Tohoku Tsunami are used to validate the present methodology. Most calculated run-up heights are on the safe side and the inundation distance is reasonable. The computational procedure can be efficiently finished within a few seconds so that complete tsunami information can be provided after integrating the existing numerical Green's function database.
Hydrodynamic Forces on a Group of Three Emerged Cylinders by Solitary Waves and Bores: Effect of Cylinder Arrangements and Distances
Authors: Leschka Stefan , Oumeraci Hocine , Larsen Ole
Published: August 2014

In tsunami hazard assessment, usually depth-averaged flow models are applied which use the quadratic friction law with Manning's coefficients to describe the surface roughness of the bottom. Large roughness elements such as buildings and tree vegetation, which are too small to be resolved by the grid of the bottom topography, are mainly considered by using purely empirical Manning coefficients. This approach, however, is not physically sound and may thus result in very large uncertainties in inundation modeling. A more physically-based approach is to determine prediction formulae for the hydraulic resistance of large roughness elements, considering for example different shapes, sizes and types of arrangement which can then be directly implemented in depth-averaged models such as nonlinear shallow water (NLSW) models. Such prediction formulae can be determined on the basis of systematic simulations using a well-validated 3D numerical model. To better understand complex flow phenomena involved in tsunami inundation, three vertical emerged cylinders have been arranged in four different configurations with four different distances between each other and subject to a solitary wave and to a bore. A validated three-dimensional two-phase Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) model with the volume of fluid (VOF) method has been used to assess flow velocities and water levels near the cylinders. In this study, the validation of the numerical model by data obtained from large-scale model tests in the Large Wave Flume (GWK) Hanover, the flume at the Leichtweiss Institute for Hydraulic Engineering and Water resources (LWI) and the wave tank of the University of Washington is presented and the effects types of cylinder arrangement and distances between the cylinders on the flow induced by a solitary wave and a bore in the near field are discussed.
ERK activation is required for CCK-mediated pancreatic adaptive growth in mice
Authors: Holtz Bryan J. , Lodewyk Kevin B. , Sebolt-Leopold Judith S. , Ernst Stephen A. , Williams John A.
Published: August 2014

High levels of cholecystokinin (CCK) can stimulate pancreatic adaptive growth in which mature acinar cells divide, leading to enhanced pancreatic mass with parallel increases in protein, DNA, RNA, and digestive enzyme content. Prolonged release of CCK can be induced by feeding trypsin inhibitor (TI) to disrupt normal feedback control. This leads to exocrine growth in a CCK-dependent manner. The extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway regulates many proliferative processes in various tissues and disease models. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ERK signaling in pancreatic adaptive growth using the MEK inhibitors PD-0325901 and trametinib (GSK-1120212). It was determined that PD-0325901 given two times daily by gavage or mixed into powdered chow was an effective and specific inhibitor of ERK signaling in vivo. TI-containing chow led to a robust increase in pancreatic mass, protein, DNA, and RNA content. This pancreatic adaptive growth was blocked in mice fed chow containing the MEK inhibitors. PD-0325901 blocked TI-induced ERK-regulated early response genes, cell-cycle proteins, and mitogenesis by acinar cells. It was determined that ERK signaling is necessary for the initiation of pancreatic adaptive growth but not necessary to maintain it. PD-0325901 blocked adaptive growth when given before cell-cycle initiation but not after mitogenesis had been established. Furthermore, GSK-1120212, a chemically distinct inhibitor of the ERK pathway that is now approved for clinical use, inhibited growth similar to PD-0325901. These data demonstrate that the ERK pathway is required for CCK-stimulated pancreatic adaptive growth.
Finasteride improves motor, EEG, and cellular changes in rat brain in thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Mladenović Dušan , Hrnčić Dragan , Petronijević Nataša , Jevtić Gordana , Radosavljević Tatjana , Rašić-Marković Aleksandra , Puškaš Nela , Maksić Nebojša , Stanojlović Olivera
Published: August 2014

Neurosteroids are involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This study evaluated the effects of finasteride, inhibitor of neurosteroid synthesis, on motor, EEG, and cellular changes in rat brain in thioacetamide-induced HE. Male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: 1) control; 2) thioacetamide-treated group, TAA (300 mg·kg−1·day−1); 3) finasteride-treated group, FIN (50 mg·kg−1·day−1); and 4) group treated with FIN and TAA (FIN + TAA). Daily doses of TAA and FIN were administered in three subsequent days intraperitoneally, and in the FIN + TAA group FIN was administered 2 h before every dose of TAA. Motor and reflex activity was determined at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h, whereas EEG activity was registered about 24 h after treatment. The expressions of neuronal (NeuN), astrocytic [glial fibrilary acidic protein (GFAP)], microglial (Iba1), and oligodendrocyte (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) marker were determined 24 h after treatment. While TAA decreased all tests, FIN pretreatment (FIN + TAA) significantly improved equilibrium, placement test, auditory startle, head shake reflex, motor activity, and exploratory behavior vs. the TAA group. Vital reflexes (withdrawal, grasping, righting and corneal reflex) together with mean EEG voltage were significantly higher ( P < 0.01) in the FIN + TAA vs. the TAA group. Hippocampal NeuN expression was significantly lower in TAA vs. control ( P < 0.05). Cortical Iba1 expression was significantly higher in experimental groups vs. control ( P < 0.05), whereas hippocampal GFAP expression was increased in TAA and decreased in the FIN + TAA group vs. control ( P < 0.05). Finasteride improves motor and EEG changes in TAA-induced HE and completely prevents the development of hepatic coma.
Modeling rate sensitivity of exercise transient responses to limb motion
Authors: Yamashiro Stanley M. , Kato Takahide
Published: August 2014

Transient responses of ventilation (V̇e) to limb motion can exhibit predictive characteristics. In response to a change in limb motion, a rapid change in V̇e is commonly observed with characteristics different than during a change in workload. This rapid change has been attributed to a feed-forward or adaptive response. Rate sensitivity was explored as a specific hypothesis to explain predictive V̇e responses to limb motion. A simple model assuming an additive feed-forward summation of V̇e proportional to the rate of change of limb motion was studied. This model was able to successfully account for the adaptive phase correction observed during human sinusoidal changes in limb motion. Adaptation of rate sensitivity might also explain the reduction of the fast component of V̇e responses previously reported following sudden exercise termination. Adaptation of the fast component of V̇e response could occur by reduction of rate sensitivity. Rate sensitivity of limb motion was predicted by the model to reduce the phase delay between limb motion and V̇e response without changing the steady-state response to exercise load. In this way, V̇e can respond more quickly to an exercise change without interfering with overall feedback control. The asymmetry between responses to an incremental and decremental ramp change in exercise can also be accounted for by the proposed model. Rate sensitivity leads to predicted behavior, which resembles responses observed in exercise tied to expiratory reserve volume.
The Human Gut Microbiome as a Screening Tool for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zackular Joseph P. , Rogers Mary A.M. , Ruffin Mack T. , Schloss Patrick D.
Published: August 2014

Recent studies have suggested that the gut microbiome may be an important factor in the development of colorectal cancer. Abnormalities in the gut microbiome have been reported in patients with colorectal cancer; however, this microbial community has not been explored as a potential screen for early-stage disease. We characterized the gut microbiome in patients from three clinical groups representing the stages of colorectal cancer development: healthy, adenoma, and carcinoma. Analysis of the gut microbiome from stool samples revealed both an enrichment and depletion of several bacterial populations associated with adenomas and carcinomas. Combined with known clinical risk factors of colorectal cancer (e.g., BMI, age, race), data from the gut microbiome significantly improved the ability to differentiate between healthy, adenoma, and carcinoma clinical groups relative to risk factors alone. Using Bayesian methods, we determined that using gut microbiome data as a screening tool improved the pretest to posttest probability of adenoma more than 50-fold. For example, the pretest probability in a 65-year-old was 0.17% and, after using the microbiome data, this increased to 10.67% (1 in 9 chance of having an adenoma). Taken together, the results of our study demonstrate the feasibility of using the composition of the gut microbiome to detect the presence of precancerous and cancerous lesions. Furthermore, these results support the need for more cross-sectional studies with diverse populations and linkage to other stool markers, dietary data, and personal health information. Cancer Prev Res; 7(11); 1112–21. ©2014 AACR.
Discovery of Biomarkers Predictive of GSI Response in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Authors: Stoeck Alexander , Lejnine Serguei , Truong Andrew , Pan Li , Wang Hongfang , Zang Chongzhi , Yuan Jing , Ware Chris , MacLean John , Garrett-Engele Philip W. , Kluk Michael , Laskey Jason , Haines Brian B. , Moskaluk Christopher , Zawel Leigh , Fawell Stephen , Gilliland Gary , Zhang Theresa , Kremer Brandon E. , Knoechel Birgit , Bernstein Bradley E. , Pear Warren S. , Liu X. Shirley , Aster Jon C. , Sathyanarayanan Sriram
Published: August 2014

Next-generation sequencing was used to identify Notch mutations in a large collection of diverse solid tumors. NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 rearrangements leading to constitutive receptor activation were confined to triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC; 6 of 66 tumors). TNBC cell lines with NOTCH1 rearrangements associated with high levels of activated NOTCH1 (N1-ICD) were sensitive to the gamma-secretase inhibitor (GSI) MRK-003, both alone and in combination with paclitaxel, in vitro and in vivo, whereas cell lines with NOTCH2 rearrangements were resistant to GSI. Immunohistochemical staining of N1-ICD in TNBC xenografts correlated with responsiveness, and expression levels of the direct Notch target gene HES4 correlated with outcome in patients with TNBC. Activating NOTCH1 point mutations were also identified in other solid tumors, including adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Notably, ACC primary tumor xenografts with activating NOTCH1 mutations and high N1-ICD levels were sensitive to GSI, whereas N1-ICD–low tumors without NOTCH1 mutations were resistant.

Significance: NOTCH1 mutations, immunohistochemical staining for activated NOTCH1, and HES4 expression are biomarkers that can be used to identify solid tumors that are likely to respond to GSI-based therapies. Cancer Discov; 4(10); 1154–67. ©2014 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1103
Our Experience with Retroperitoneal Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Ureterolithotomy
Authors: Wu Zhonghua , Xu Youming , Yu Jianhua , Liu Jin , Chen Jiushun , Wang Shaoliang , Chen Kan
Published: August 2014

Aim: To report our experience with retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) ureterolithotomy for the management of large proximal ureteral stones. Patients and Methods: From July 2011 to April 2012, 20 patients underwent retroperitoneal LESS ureterolithotomy. The indications for the operation were impacted upper ureteral stones larger than 15 mm. A reusable elastic single-port device with 3 working channels was inserted through the 2.5-cm incision at the midpoint between the costal arch and iliac crest on the mid-axillary line. A rigid 10-mm 30° extra-long laparoscope was introduced for monitoring, and a combination of lengthened pre-bent and conventional laparoscopic instruments was used for handling. The surgical procedure was similar to conventional retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy. Results: Retroperitoneal LESS ureterolithotomy was completed in all of the patients. The mean stone size was 18.8 mm (range 16-28). The mean operative time was 108 min (range 75-140). Significant bleeding was not observed, and no major intraoperative complications occurred in any of the patients. The mean hospital stay was 4.4 days (range 3-7). Conclusions: Retroperitoneal LESS ureterolithotomy, using a reusable elastic single-port device, is technically feasible and safe, and the combination of conventional and pre-bent laparoscopic instruments represents an attractive option for retroperitoneal LESS.
High-Resolution Ultrasound Allows Percutaneous Initiation and Surveillance of Prostate Cancer in an Orthotopic Murine Model
Authors: Körbel Christina , Jung Volker , Kamradt Jörn , Stöckle Michael , Unteregger Gerhard , Menger Michael D. , Saar Matthias
Published: August 2014

Introduction: Prostate cancer xenografts should prefer orthotopic growth to subcutaneous tumors as the former more closely mimics the natural tumor environment. However, these models are technically demanding and require an invasive laparotomy. To overcome these problems, we evaluated a minimally invasive approach by performing percutaneous prostate puncture under the control of high-resolution ultrasound imaging. Materials and Methods: Orthotopic tumor cell inoculation was performed in two groups of mice, i.e. in 10 nude mice via ultrasound-guided inoculation and in another 10 nude mice via an open surgical approach. Tumor growth was monitored after 4, 5 and 6 weeks by means of a high-resolution ultrasound system. Results: High-resolution ultrasound allowed exact tumor growth monitoring. After ultrasound-guided inoculation, 8 of 10 animals showed tumor engraftment. The surgical procedure was successful in 9 of 10 animals. Tumor volume was slightly but not significantly greater after surgical tumor induction. Our work demonstrates that tumor cell inoculation via percutaneous puncture of the prostate is feasible, less time-consuming and minimally invasive compared to an open surgical approach. This reduces the animal burden. Conclusion: Although the tumor size and the precision of inoculation is lower compared to the open surgical technique, this novel procedure enables real-time prostate punctures, suggesting the feasibility of other procedures including biopsy and local drug applications.
Radiation-Induced Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Xu Jiaping , Cao Yongjun
Published: August 2014

In recent decades, with the improvement of radiotherapy (RT) technology and comprehensive treatment, the survival rate of head and neck malignancies has gained remarkable progress. Vascular injury and subsequent carotid stenosis following RT, as the backbone of treatment, have received increasing attention. Many investigations have demonstrated that radiation can result in the increase in carotid intima-media thickness, carotid stenosis and consequently lead to a higher risk of cerebrovascular events such as transient ischemic attack and stroke. In this review, we will examine the incidence of radiation-induced carotid artery stenosis, its morphological and histological characteristics, as well as its pathogenesis. The treatment and prevention methods, including follow-up strategies, will also be discussed at the end of the present review.
Impact of Time to Treatment on Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator–Induced Recanalization in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Muchada Marian , Rodriguez-Luna David , Pagola Jorge , Flores Alan , Sanjuan Estela , Meler Pilar , Boned Sandra , Alvarez-Sabin Jose , Ribo Marc , Molina Carlos A. , Rubiera Marta
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—

Although tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) efficacy depends on time, it is unknown whether its effect on recanalization is time dependent. Information about likelihood of successful recanalization as a function of time to treatment may improve patient selection for advanced reperfusion strategies. We aimed to identify the impact of time to treatment on tPA-induced recanalization in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Consecutive patients with intracranial acute occlusion treated with intravenous tPA underwent transcranial Doppler examination before and 1 hour after tPA administration. Patients were categorized according to occlusion localization in proximal and distal occlusion. Sequential analysis of recanalization according to time to treatment was performed for every 30-minute cutoff point.

Results—

Overall (n=508), 54.3% had proximal and 45.7% had distal occlusion. Median time to treatment was 171.4±61.9 minutes, and 5.9% were treated >270 minutes. Recanalization occurred in 36.1% of patients. There was no linear association between time to treatment and time to recanalization, but sequential analysis showed that patients treated >270 minutes had a lower recanalization rate. Lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission (odds ratio [OR], 0.305; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1–0.933) and time to treatment ≤270 minutes (OR, 0.995; 95% CI, 0.99–0.999) emerged as independent predictors of recanalization. In patients with proximal occlusion, 41.8% recanalized. Time to treatment >90 minutes was associated with lower recanalization rate. However, only younger age (OR, 0.975; 95% CI, 0.952–0.999) and lower baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (OR, 0.921; 95% CI, 0.855–0.993) independently predicted recanalization. In distal occlusion patients, male sex was the only independent predictor of recanalization (OR, 0.416; 95% CI, 0.195–0.887). None recanalized >270 minutes.

Conclusions—

The effect of tPA on recanalization may decrease over time. Treatment >270 minutes predicted lack of recanalization, especially in distal occlusions.
Taxonomic revision of the semi-aquatic skink Parvoscincus leucospilos (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with description of three new species
Authors: SILER CAMERON D. , LINKEM CHARLES W. , COBB KERRY , WATTERS JESSA L. , CUMMINGS SEAN T. , DIESMOS ARVIN C. , BROWN RAFE M.
Published: August 2014

We review the recent discovery of multiple populations of the enigmatic, semi-aquatic Sphenomorphus Group skink, Parvoscincus leucospilos Peters, and investigate the morphological and genetic diversity of isolated, allopatric populations of this unique skink. Our investigations support the recognition of four unique evolutionary lineages distributed across Luzon Island in the Philippines, three of which are herein described as new species (P. tikbalangi sp. nov., P. manananggalae sp. nov., and P. duwendorum sp. nov.). All four recognized species are genetically divergent in both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences, and morphologically distinct. The description of three new Luzon Island endemic species adds to the growing body of literature suggesting that mechanisms driving the accumulation of vertebrate diversity in the Philippines may vary regionally across the archipelago.
Helicopsyche (Feropsyche) timbira sp. nov. (Trichoptera: Helicopsychidae), a new species from southeastern Brazil
Authors: DA SILVA ANDRÉ LUIZ RAMOS , SANTOS ALLAN PAULO MOREIRA , NESSIMIAN JORGE LUIZ
Published: August 2014

The family Helicopsychidae comprises only two genera, the monotypic Rakiura McFarlane 1973 and the diverse Helicopsyche von Siebold 1856. Johanson (1998) provided a phylogenetic and biogeographic analysis for Helicopsyche, and ranked all other previously Helicopsychidae genera as subgenera of Helicopsyche. Currently, Helicopsyche is subdivided into six subgenera: Helicopsyche, Petrotrichia Ulmer 1910, Galeopsyche Johanson 1998, Saetotrichia Brauer 1865, Cochliopsyche Müller 1885, and Feropsyche Johanson 1998. Johanson (2002, 2003) provided revisions to Neotropical species of Helicopsyche. These species belong to the subgenus Cochliopsyche (currently with 16 species) or to the subgenus Feropsyche (with about 100 species), both endemic to the Neotropics. According to Johanson & Malm (2006), the Neotropical fauna can be divided into three regions: One that includes the West Indies, where 33 Helicopsyche species are recorded, another including Central America, with 25 Helicopsyche species, and finally, another one that includes South America, with 41 Helicopsyche species. In Brazil, only 19 species are recorded, of which six are from the southeastern region (Santos et al. 2013). However, the Brazilian fauna is underestimated and possibly much richer than these numbers indicate, especially when it is compared to regions of Central America or South America, such as Venezuela (28 spp.) and Mexico (18 spp.) (Johanson & Malm 2006). In this work, a new species of Helicopsyche (Feropsyche) is described from southeastern Brazil. Specimens were collected at Serra dos Órgãos (Rio de Janeiro State), a mountain range that includes a large remnant of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Additional specimens were identified from São Paulo State, in an area that, along with the Serra dos Órgãos, is a part of the forest corridor of the mountain range named Serra do Mar.
Morphological differentiation of seven species of the genus Heterocypris Claus, 1892 (Ostracoda, Crustacea) based on the upper lip
Authors: KARAN-ŽNIDARŠIČ TAMARA , PETROV BRIGITA
Published: August 2014

Morphological differences of upper lip shape were analyzed in seven Heterocypris species occurring in the Mediterranean region. Descriptive observations and morphometric analysis of upper lip length, height and maximum height position are given for 17 populations from the Pannonian Plain, Balkan Peninsula and Iberian Peninsula. We found high variation in relative upper lip measurements between the species, indicating that upper lip traits can be used as additional taxonomic characters. The most distinctive upper lip shapes were noted in H. exigua and H. gevgelica, while the greatest intraspecific variability was present in H. barbara, H. incongruens and H. rotundata. Previously described qualitative characters in the form of differently arranged patches of pseudochaetae on the upper lip surface were also observed.
Urbanization and Rainfall Variability in the Beijing Metropolitan Region
Authors: Zhang Yan , Smith James A. , Luo Lifeng , Wang Zifa , Baeck Mary Lynn
Published: August 2014

In this study, rainfall variability in the Beijing metropolitan region and its link to urbanization during the first 10 years of the twenty-first century (2000–09) was examined. Analyses are based on both observations and regional climate model simulations. The study was focused on August, one of the summer months that receive most of the warm season precipitation in Beijing. Observations from surface stations and weather radars in Beijing and its surrounding regions along with satellite observations from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) are used to characterize the spatial and temporal variability of precipitation. It is found that the urban area has fewer rain days and higher rainfall intensity compared to its surrounding region. This suggests a possible impact of urbanization on the spatial variability of rainfall for the region. Regional climate model simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model are thus performed with two land use–land cover datasets that represent different stages of urbanization in the Beijing metropolitan region to investigate such an impact. The modeling study demonstrates how urbanization modifies the surface energy budget and the planetary boundary layer, which in turn affects the production of precipitation.
Impacts of Raindrop Fall Velocity and Axis Ratio Errors on Dual-Polarization Radar Rainfall Estimation
Authors: Pei Bin , Testik Firat Y. , Gebremichael Mekonnen
Published: August 2014

Motivated by the field observations of fall velocity and axis ratio deviations from predicted terminal velocity and equilibrium axis ratio values, the combined effects of raindrop fall velocity and axis ratio deviations on dual-polarization radar rainfall estimations were investigated. A radar rainfall retrieval algorithm [Colorado State University–Hydrometeor Identification Rainfall Optimization (CSU-HIDRO)] served as the test bed. Subsequent investigations determined that the available field measurements, which were very limited in scope, of the fall velocity and axis ratio deviations indicated rain-rate estimation errors of approximately 20%. Based on these findings, a sensitivity study was then performed using uncorrelated fall velocity and axis ratio deviations around the predicted values. Significant rain-rate estimation errors were observed for the realistic combinations of fall velocity and axis ratio deviations. It was shown that the maximum rain-rate estimation error can reach up to approximately 200% for combinations of fall velocity and axis ratio deviations (5000 drop size distribution samples were simulated for each combination) between −10% and +10% of the predicted values for each. The maximum standard deviation of errors was as great as 75% for the same combinations of fall velocity and axis ratio deviations. The authors found that use of dual-polarization radars to accurately estimate rainfall, during natural rain events, also requires a reanalysis of the parameterizations for raindrop fall velocity and axis ratio. These parameterizations should consider both the coupling between these two parameters and factors that may introduce any possible deviations of the predicted values of these parameters.
An Observing System Simulation Experiment for the Unmanned Aircraft System Data Impact on Tropical Cyclone Track Forecasts
Authors: Privé N. C. , Xie Yuanfu , Koch Steven , Atlas Robert , Majumdar Sharanya J. , Hoffman Ross N.
Published: August 2014

High-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft systems (HALE UAS) are capable of extended flights for atmospheric sampling. A case study was conducted to evaluate the potential impact of dropwindsonde observations from HALE UAS on tropical cyclone track prediction; tropical cyclone intensity was not addressed. This study employs a global observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) developed at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Earth System Research Laboratory (NOAA/ESRL) that is based on the NOAA/National Centers for Environmental Prediction gridpoint statistical interpolation (GSI) data assimilation system and Global Forecast System (GFS) model. Different strategies for dropwindsonde deployment and UAS flight paths were compared. The introduction of UAS-deployed dropwindsondes was found to consistently improve the track forecast skill during the early forecast up to 96 h, with the caveat that the experiments omitted both vortex relocation and dropwindsondes from manned flights in the tropical cyclone region. The more effective UAS dropwindsonde deployment patterns sampled both the environment and the body of the tropical cyclone.
Social problem solving in chronic pain: An integrative model of coping predicts mental health in chronic pain patients
Authors: Suso-Ribera Carlos , Camacho-Guerrero Laura , McCracken Lance M , Maydeu-Olivares Alberto , Gallardo-Pujol David
Published: August 2014

Despite several models of coping have been proposed in chronic pain, research is not integrative and has not yet identified a reliable set of beneficial coping strategies. We intend to offer a comprehensive view of coping using the social problem-solving model. Participants were 369 chronic pain patients (63.78% women; mean age 58.89 years; standard deviation = 15.12 years). Correlation analyses and the structural equation model for mental health revealed potentially beneficial and harmful problem-solving components. This integrative perspective on general coping could be used to promote changes in the way patients deal with stressful conditions other than pain.
Ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide inhibits cholestasis- and hypoxia-induced apoptosis by upregulating antiapoptosis proteins
Authors: Sellinger Myra , Xu Weihong , Pathil Anita , Stremmel Wolfgang , Chamulitrat Walee
Published: August 2014

An increase of toxic bile acids such as glycochenodeoxycholic acid occurs during warm ischemia reperfusion causing cholestasis and damage in hepatocytes and intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells. We aim to test antiapoptosis effects of ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide under cholestatic induction by glycochenodeoxycholic acid treatment of mouse hepatocytes and hypoxia induction by cobalt chloride treatment of intrahepatic biliary epithelial cancer Mz-ChA-1cell line. Such treatments caused marked increases in apoptosis as evidenced by activation of caspase 3, caspase 8 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1. Co-treatment with ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide significantly inhibited these increases. Interestingly, ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide was able to increase expression of antiapoptotic cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein in both cell types. Ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide also prevented the decreases of myeloid cell leukemia sequence-1 protein in both experimental systems, and this protection was due to ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide’s ability to inhibit ubiquitination-mediated degradation of myeloid cell leukemia sequence-1, and to increase the phosphorylation of GSK-3β. In addition, ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide was able to prevent the decreased expression of another antiapoptotic cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 2 in cobalt chloride-treated Mz-ChA-1 cells. Hence, ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide mediated cytoprotection against apoptosis during toxic bile-acid and ischemic stresses by a mechanism involving accumulation of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein, myeloid cell leukemia sequence-1 and cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 2 proteins. Ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide may thus be used as an agent to prevent hepatic ischemia reperfusion.
Electrodynamics in the duskside inner magnetosphere and plasmasphere during a super magnetic storm on March 13–15, 1989
Authors: Shinbori A. , Nishimura Y. , Ono T. , Kumamoto A. , Oya H.
Published: August 2014

Variations of cold plasma density distribution and large-scale electric field in the inner magnetosphere and plasmasphere during a geomagnetic storm were investigated by using the observation data of the Akebono satellite which has been carried out for more than 15 yeas since March, 1989. We focus on the super geomagnetic storm on March 13–15, 1989, for which the maximum negative excursion of the Dst index was −589 nT. During the main phase of the magnetic storm, the strong convection electric field with a spatially inhomogeneous structure appears in the inner magnetosphere between L = 2.0 and 7.0. The averaged intensity of the electric field was in a range of about 2.5–9.2 mV/m. The spatial distribution in the magnetic equatorial region indicates that the magnitude within an L-value range of 2.2–7.0 is much larger than that observed at L = 7.0–10.0. Associated with the appearance of the strong convection electric field, the cold plasma density near the trough region around L = 3.0–6.0 was enhanced with one or two order magnitude, compared with that in the magnetically quiet condition. This implies that a mount of the ionospheric plasma may be supplied from the topside ionosphere into the trough and plasmasphere regions by the frictional heating due to the fast plasma convection in the ionosphere as pointed out by previous studies on the enhancements of plasma density in these regions, based on incoherent scatter radar and total electron content (TEC) observations (e.g., Yeh and Foster, 1990; Foster et al., 2004). During the recovery phase of the magnetic storm, the convection electric field observed in the inner magnetosphere and plasmasphere regions recovers within 3-4 days almost up to the level of the magnetically quiet condition.
Subsurface structural mapping of Gebel El-Zeit area, Gulf of Suez, Egypt using aeromagnetic data
Authors: Aboud Essam , Salem Ahmed , Ushijima Keisuke
Published: August 2014

The Gebel El-Zeit area is located on the western coast of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. The areas in/and around the Gulf of Suez are generally important due to their hydrocarbon resources. In this study, we have applied gradient interpretation techniques (Euler deconvolution and analytic signal) to the aeromagnetic data of the Gebel El-Zeit area. The main objective of this study is to identify and delineate the possible subsurface structure of the area that may assist in locating new hydrocarbon prospects. Results of Euler method suggested that, on the eastern and western parts of the area, the basement could be observed on the ground (~50 m over the ground) and became more deeper on the central part to reach depth of 5 km (from the ground level). Results from the analytic signal method indicated that, the depth to the basement has an average value of 156 m on the eastern side and 758 m on the western side. Generally, the area is characterized by a graben structure bounded by major faults striking in the NW-SE direction.
Investigation of electron density profile in the lower ionosphere by SRP-4 rocket experiment
Authors: Ishisaka K. , Okada T. , Hawkins J. , Murakami S. , Miyake T. , Murayama Y. , Nagano I. , Matsumoto H.
Published: August 2014

The SRP-4 rocket was launched at 12:07 LT on 18 March 2002. The objective of this rocket experiment is the investigation of the electron density profile in the high-latitude D-region of the ionosphere at noon. The Low frequency and Medium frequency band radio Receiver (LMR) and the DC Probe System (DPS) were installed on-board the rocket to estimate the D-region electron density. The LMR measured the intensities of radio waves received from ground-based stations operating at 257 kHz, 660 kHz and 820 kHz, respectively. The DPS measured the electron current and the positive ion current using the biased electrodes. The electron density profile at altitudes below 90 km was estimated from the measured absorption of these radio waves. It was found that the electron density began to increase at the altitude of 52 km and was larger than that estimated by the International Reference Ionosphere model at altitudes from 74 km to 89 km.
Iberia-Azores Gravity Model (IAGRM) using multi-source gravity data
Authors: Catalao J.
Published: August 2014

A consistent high precision and high resolution gravity model in the north-east Atlantic off Iberia peninsula using multi-source gravity data, ship-borne and satellite derived gravity anomalies, is presented. A solution strategy based on least squares optimal interpolation was used to assimilate into a coherent gravity model, gravity data with different spectral and spatial resolutions. Satellite derived gravity anomalies from KMS02 model, with an error covariance of 25 mGal2, and marine data carefully edited and validated by bias crossover error adjustment, were used in this study. The observation error variance was determined from ship-borne track adjustment and assigned an independent value for each track determined from error variance propagation. Unbiased ship-borne gravity observations were assimilated into the satellite derived gravity KMS02 model by the least squares optimal interpolation algorithm (OI) with bias removed by applying a regional bias to all ship tracks (OI-b) and alternatively by constraining all ship tracks to KMS02 using bias and tilt (OI-t). External error of the model was determined by comparing with recent surveys and it was verified that OI-t approach improved the final gravity model to an accuracy of about 3 mGal. The effect of different merging approaches on geoid solution was also evaluated and it was verified that the merging process can contribute to improve the geoid accuracy up to 4 cm with the OI-t approach.