bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal‐Induced Transformation of Polydopamine Structures: An Efficient Route for the Stabilization of the Polydopamine Surfaces
Authors: Proks Vladimír , Brus Jiří , Pop‐Georgievski Ognen , Večerníková Eva , Wisniewski Waldemar , Kotek Jiří , Urbanová Matrina , Rypáček František
Published: January 2013

This work brings a new insight into the structural transformation and stabilization of polydopamine (PDA) surfaces induced by thermal treatment. Taking advantage of the isotopic enrichment, 15N CP/MAS NMR experiments produce significant signal enhancements for PDA, allowing detection of a range of nitrogen structural units—the reaction products of the conversion of NH3+ units of 15N‐dopamine·HCl. In addition, 1H‐15N cross‐polarization polarization‐inversion profiles measured for each of the detected 15N NMR signals and 1H‐15N FSLG HETCOR NMR spectra allow revisions and extensions to be made in a structural elucidation of PDA. Combining the NMR data thermogravimetric analyses and an FTIR analysis, several competitive processes that occur during the thermal conversion of dopamine are identified.
Novel insights into protein misfolding diseases revealed by ion mobility‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Williams Danielle M. , Pukala Tara L.
Published: January 2013

Amyloid disorders incorporate a wide range of human diseases arising from the failure of a specific peptide or protein to adopt, or remain in, its native functional conformational state. These pathological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease are highly debilitating, exact enormous costs on both individuals and society, and are predicted to increase in prevalence. Consequently, they form the focus of a topical and rich area of current scientific research. A major goal in attempts to understand and treat protein misfolding diseases is to define the structures and interactions of protein species intermediate between fully folded and aggregated, and extract a description of the aggregation process. This has proven a difficult task due to the inability of traditional structural biology approaches to analyze structurally heterogeneous systems. Continued developments in instrumentation and analytical approaches have seen ion mobility‐mass spectrometry (IM‐MS) emerge as a complementary approach for protein structure determination, and in some cases, a structural biology tool in its own right. IM‐MS is well suited to the study of protein misfolding, and has already yielded significant structural information for selected amyloidogenic systems during the aggregation process. This review describes IM‐MS for protein structure investigation, and provides a summary of current research highlighting how this methodology has unequivocally and unprecedentedly provided structural and mechanistic detail pertaining to the oligomerization of a variety of disease related proteins. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 32:169–187, 2013
Fidaxomicin: novel antibiotic for Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Wilcox Mark
Published: January 2013

Fidaxomicin (Dificlir) is a new antibiotic licensed for the treatment of C. difficile infection in adults. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse events and Professor Mark Wilcox discusses its place in treatment.
Role of spirometry in detection of nasal obstruction
Authors: Farhadi M , Ghanbari H , Izadi F , Amintehran E , Eikani M S , Ghavami Y
Published: January 2013

Background:

A subjective feeling of nasal airflow obstruction is a common symptom. An objective method for quantitative measurement of nasal airflow has long been desired. Rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry have been developed for anatomical and physiological evaluation of nasal obstruction. This study was designed to determine the usefulness of a portable spirometer in assessing upper airway obstruction.

Methods:

One hundred and ninety-six patients were assessed with nasal inspiratory spirometry to determine nasal airflow. All patients also underwent paranasal sinus computed tomography to determine anatomical abnormalities. Spirometry was performed on each nostril separately.

Results:

Sensitivity and specificity levels were high. This portable and easy to use device may be useful in respiratory assessment. Correlation between anatomical obstructions and subjects' complaints was statistically significant (p < 0.001), but no definite correlation between septal deviation severity and spirometric values was found.

Conclusion:

Portable spirometry is an objective and useful method of evaluating nasal obstruction, but needs more investigation to establish a standardised test.
Screening medical patients for distress and depression: does measurement in the clinic prior to the consultation overestimate distress measured at home?
Authors: Hansen C. H. , Walker J. , Thekkumpurath P. , Kleiboer A. , Beale C. , Sawhney A. , Murray G. , Sharpe M.
Published: January 2013

Background

Medical patients are often screened for distress in the clinic using a questionnaire such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) while awaiting their consultation. However, might the context of the clinic artificially inflate the distress score? To address this question we aimed to determine whether those who scored high on the HADS in the clinic remained high scorers when reassessed later at home.

Method

We analysed data collected by a distress and depression screening service for cancer out-patients. All patients had completed the HADS in the clinic (on computer or on paper) prior to their consultation. For a period, patients with a high score (total of ⩾15) also completed the HADS again at home (over the telephone) 1 week later. We used these data to determine what proportion remained high scorers and the mean change in their scores. We estimated the effect of ‘regression to the mean’ on the observed change.

Results

Of the 218 high scorers in the clinic, most [158 (72.5%), 95% confidence interval (CI) 66.6–78.4] scored high at reassessment. The mean fall in the HADS total score was 1.74 (95% CI 1.09–2.39), much of which could be attributed to the estimated change over time (regression to the mean) rather than the context.

Conclusions

Pre-consultation distress screening in clinic is widely used. Reassuringly, it only modestly overestimates distress measured later at home and consequently would result in a small proportion of unnecessary further assessments. We conclude it is a reasonable and convenient strategy.
La représentation mentale du genre pendant la lecture: état actuel de la recherche francophone en psycholinguistique
Authors: GYGAX PASCAL , SARRASIN ORIANE , LÉVY ARIK , SATO SAYAKA , GABRIEL UTE
Published: January 2013

Dans cet article, nous présentons les recherches, relativement récentes, sur l'intégration du genre dans la représentation mentale d'une lectrice ou d'un lecteur, en mettant l'accent sur leurs controverses ainsi que sur les pistes encore peu (ou pas) explorées. Nous espérons ainsi susciter l'intérêt de la communauté francophone sur ce sujet, jusqu'ici relativement discrète. Au travers de cette présentation, nous souhaitons également souligner les retombées sociétales des recherches sur ce sujet, principalement au travers de l'identification de processus langagiers discriminants.

Si la recherche a jusqu'ici principalement ciblé des adultes dits monolingues entre 19 et 25 ans, nous présenterons également les quelques études qui ont été menées sur les enfants entre 6 et 15 ans, un projet en cours sur des enfants entre 2 et 3 ans et quelques résultats d'une étude récente examinant l'influence du bilinguisme sur la représentation du genre.
Antenna-in-package (AiP) in mm-wave band
Authors: Alhenawy Mahmoud , Schneider Martin
Published: January 2013

We studied the viability of the embedded wafer level ball grid array (eWLB) package environment as an antenna platform for 77 GHz automotive radar sensors and the effects of package fabrication tolerances on the antenna performance. The investigation of different antenna concepts in the eWLB package and their characterization methods are addressed. The design procedures for electrically large, differentially fed loop antennas in a multilayer package structure are introduced. Two different planar antennas are developed and measured in an eWLB package showing promising results such as a gain of 9 GHz and an impedance bandwidth of 8 GHz. An acceptable antenna performance is recorded within the tolerance limits. Therefore, the eWLB package is seen as an appropriate platform for mm-wave antennas and as a good candidate for an antenna-in-package (AiP) concept.
Method for real-time critical dimensions signature monitoring and control: Sensor, actuator, and experimental results
Authors: Ngo Yit Sung , Ang Kar Tien , Tay Arthur
Published: January 2013

We present in this paper a system and method for real-time monitoring and control of critical dimensions (CD) signature profile in lithography. The proposed system involves the development and integration of a scatterometry system, a programmable multi-zone thermal processing system, and control system software. Based on scatterometry, the intensity and phase of the reflected light from the resist film are measured at a fixed incident angle and across multiple wavelengths. A programmable thermal processing system is then used to adjust the processing temperature during post-exposure baking in lithography to achieve the desired CD signature profile. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. An improvement of CD signature control of 85% is achieved in terms of the mean square error with and without control.
Resonance Raman spectra of ortho-nitrophenol calculated by real-time time-dependent density functional theory
Authors: Thomas Martin , Latorre Federico , Marquetand Philipp
Published: January 2013

A new approach for the calculation of resonance Raman spectra is presented. The new method is based on dynamic polarizabilities from real-time time-dependent density functional theory, and its estimations are compared to two established techniques for the prediction of resonance Raman spectra. These established methods either use dynamic polarizabilities from linear-response time-dependent density functional theory or employ excited-state gradients. The three different ways to calculate resonance Raman spectra are investigated using the example of ortho-nitrophenol. The three methods give very similar results, respectively, for the four different exchange-correlation functionals applied. Thus, the new approach is validated for the calculation of resonance Raman intensities and advantages as well as disadvantages are discussed.
Artificial material manipulation of magnetic anisotropy in FePt magnetic nanoparticles through application of hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Mito M. , Komorida Y. , Deguchi H. , Tajiri T. , Iwamoto T. , Kitamoto Y.
Published: January 2013

The magnetostructural correlation in FePt nanoparticles (NPs) of various sizes was investigated as a function of pressure. An FePt NP size of approximately 2 nm corresponds to the critical size for the formation of the face-centered tetragonal (fct) structure in the FePt compound. FePt NPs with an initial size D0 of 2.6 nm, in which the fct structure was stably constructed, were investigated from the viewpoints of both their magnetic properties and crystal structure at pressures up to 26 kbar. The magnetic blocking temperature (TB) for D0 = 2.6 nm was reduced by contraction, which was contrary to the pressure-induced enhancement of TB for D0 = 2.0 nm. The pressure response observed for D0 = 2.6 nm rather than that for D0 = 2.0 nm is clearly a characteristic of FePt NPs with the fct structure. For D0 = 2.6 nm, pressure-induced suppression of the effective magnetic anisotropy occurred and, from the viewpoint of the structure, anisotropic contraction occurred on the unit-cell level. This study reveals that anisotropic unit-cell contraction in FePt NPs reduces the effective anisotropic energy K, and the magnetic nature of the NPs could be controlled by changing the contraction manner.
Ge nanoparticle formation by thermal treatment of rf-sputtered ZrO2/ZrGe2O3 superlattices
Authors: Haas S. , Schneider F. , Himcinschi C. , Klemm V. , Schreiber G. , von Borany J. , Heitmann J.
Published: January 2013

ZrO2/ZrGe2O3 superlattices were deposited on Si wafers and thermally treated at different temperatures to form Ge nanocrystals embedded in a ZrO2 matrix. The formation process of Ge nanocrystals has been investigated by means of methods like Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. With increasing temperature, there is first a separation process leading to flat Ge clusters between amorphous ZrO2 layers and then at about 630 °C a crystallization process of both the Ge clusters and the ZrO2 layers starts simultaneously. An orientation relation of the Ge and ZrO2 nanocrystals could be proven by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
Large infrared magnetotransmission effect in composite and nano-composite based on Nd0.5Sr0.5MnO3
Authors: Mostovshchikova E. V. , Loshkareva N. N. , Telegin A. V. , Naumov S. V. , Gizhevskii B. A. , Naumova L. I.
Published: January 2013

Large negative magnetotransmission effect Δt/t0 = (tH − t0)/t0 (where tH, t0 are the light transmissions with and without magnetic field, respectively) of up to 9% was revealed in composites contained coarse-grained and nano-powders of Nd0.5Sr0.5MnO3 in the infrared (IR) range near the Curie temperature in magnetic field H = 8 kOe. The optical density spectra and magnetotransmission effect of the composites are discussed in the context of the polar centers phase model. In the nano-powder composite, the significant magnetotransmission of ∼7% takes place in wide temperature region far below TC. This fact is explained by the existence of the localized charge carriers and spin disorder at the nano-particles surface. An applied magnetic field reduces spin disorder and the localization of charge carriers resulting in negative magnetotransmission effect. Two magnetic phase transitions and phase separation in Nd0.5Sr0.5MnO3 promote the large magnetotransmission effect in a wide temperature range. The Nd0.5Sr0.5MnO3 nano-powder composite is a promising material for magnetooptical devices with a wide working temperature range.
Quantifying the intrinsic amount of fabrication disorder in photonic-crystal waveguides from optical far-field intensity measurements
Authors: García P. D. , Javadi A. , Thyrrestrup H. , Lodahl P.
Published: January 2013

Residual disorder due to fabrication imperfections has important impact in nanophotonics where it may degrade device performance by increasing radiation loss or spontaneously trap light by Anderson localization. We propose and demonstrate experimentally a method of quantifying the intrinsic amount of disorder in state-of-the-art photonic-crystal waveguides from far-field measurements of the Anderson-localized modes. This is achieved by comparing the spectral range where Anderson localization is observed to numerical simulations, and the method offers sensitivity down to ≃1 nm.
Large area sub-wavelength azo-polymer gratings by waveguide modes interference lithography
Authors: Wang Xiangxian , Zhang Douguo , Chen Yikai , Zhu Liangfu , Yu Wenhai , Wang Pei , Yao Peijun , Ming Hai , Wu Wenxuan , Zhang Qijin
Published: January 2013

Except for the commonly used surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), in this letter we demonstrate that waveguide modes (WMs) can realize the large area sub-wavelength gratings. Both transverse-magnetic (TM) and transverse-electric polarized beams can be used in this method, while for the lithography based on SPPs only TM polarized beam is applicable. The WMs interference lithography has the advantages of low heat loss and much suitable for thick photo-resist films. Large area gratings were inscribed on the azo polymer film at period of 187 nm and 189 nm, which are smaller than the half wavelength of the incident beam.
The Phantom Head
Authors: Ramachandran Vilayanur S , Krause Beatrix , Case Laura K
Published: January 2013

A student volunteer was asked to stand just behind a mannequin so that the student was looking at the back of the mannequin's plastic head. The experimenter stood off to one side and used her two hands to stroke and tap the back of the student's head in perfect synchrony with the back of the mannequin's head. After 1 – 2 min the majority of naive subjects tested began experiencing the sensations as emerging from the mannequin's head rather than from their own, demonstrating a novel ‘phantom-head’ illusion. The fact that sensory referral here occurs to a part of the body that is not normally visually accessible challenges the leading Hebbian explanation of the well-studied rubber-hand illusion.
Midlatitude atmospheric OH response to the most recent 11-y solar cycle
Authors: Wang Shuhui , Li King-Fai , Pongetti Thomas J. , Sander Stanley P. , Yung Yuk L. , Liang Mao-Chang , Livesey Nathaniel J. , Santee Michelle L. , Harder Jerald W. , Snow Martin , Mills Franklin P.
Published: January 2013

The hydroxyl radical (OH) plays an important role in middle atmospheric photochemistry, particularly in ozone (O
3
) chemistry. Because it is mainly produced through photolysis and has a short chemical lifetime, OH is expected to show rapid responses to solar forcing [e.g., the 11-y solar cycle (SC)], resulting in variabilities in related middle atmospheric O
3
chemistry. Here, we present an effort to investigate such OH variability using long-term observations (from space and the surface) and model simulations. Ground-based measurements and data from the Microwave Limb Sounder on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Aura satellite suggest an ∼7–10% decrease in OH column abundance from solar maximum to solar minimum that is highly correlated with changes in total solar irradiance, solar Mg-II index, and Lyman-α index during SC 23. However, model simulations using a commonly accepted solar UV variability parameterization give much smaller OH variability (∼3%). Although this discrepancy could result partially from the limitations in our current understanding of middle atmospheric chemistry, recently published solar spectral irradiance data from the Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment suggest a solar UV variability that is much larger than previously believed. With a solar forcing derived from the Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment data, modeled OH variability (∼6–7%) agrees much better with observations. Model simulations reveal the detailed chemical mechanisms, suggesting that such OH variability and the corresponding catalytic chemistry may dominate the O
3
SC signal in the upper stratosphere. Continuing measurements through SC 24 are required to understand this OH variability and its impacts on O
3
further.
Nitrogen trifluoride global emissions estimated from updated atmospheric measurements
Authors: Arnold Tim , Harth Christina M. , Mühle Jens , Manning Alistair J. , Salameh Peter K. , Kim Jooil , Ivy Diane J. , Steele L. Paul , Petrenko Vasilii V. , Severinghaus Jeffrey P. , Baggenstos Daniel , Weiss Ray F.
Published: January 2013

Nitrogen trifluoride (NF
3
) has potential to make a growing contribution to the Earth’s radiative budget; however, our understanding of its atmospheric burden and emission rates has been limited. Based on a revision of our previous calibration and using an expanded set of atmospheric measurements together with an atmospheric model and inverse method, we estimate that the global emissions of NF
3
in 2011 were 1.18 ± 0.21 Gg⋅y
−1
, or ∼20 Tg CO
2
-eq⋅y
−1
(carbon dioxide equivalent emissions based on a 100-y global warming potential of 16,600 for NF
3
). The 2011 global mean tropospheric dry air mole fraction was 0.86 ± 0.04 parts per trillion, resulting from an average emissions growth rate of 0.09 Gg⋅y
−2
over the prior decade. In terms of CO
2
equivalents, current NF
3
emissions represent between 17% and 36% of the emissions of other long-lived fluorinated compounds from electronics manufacture. We also estimate that the emissions benefit of using NF
3
over hexafluoroethane (C
2
F
6
) in electronics manufacture is significant—emissions of between 53 and 220 Tg CO
2
-eq⋅y
−1
were avoided during 2011. Despite these savings, total NF
3
emissions, currently ∼10% of production, are still significantly larger than expected assuming global implementation of ideal industrial practices. As such, there is a continuing need for improvements in NF
3
emissions reduction strategies to keep pace with its increasing use and to slow its rising contribution to anthropogenic climate forcing.
Antimony-resistant but not antimony-sensitiveLeishmania donovaniup-regulates host IL-10 to overexpress multidrug-resistant protein 1
Authors: Mukherjee Budhaditya , Mukhopadhyay Rupkatha , Bannerjee Bijoylaxmi , Chowdhury Sayan , Mukherjee Sandip , Naskar Kshudiram , Allam Uday Sankar , Chakravortty Dipshikha , Sundar Shyam , Dujardin Jean-Claude , Roy Syamal
Published: January 2013

The molecular mechanism of antimony-resistantLeishmania donovani(SbRLD)–driven up-regulation of IL-10 and multidrug-resistant protein 1 (MDR1) in infected macrophages (Mϕs) has been investigated. This study showed that both promastigote and amastigote forms of SbRLD, but not the antimony-sensitive form of LD, express a unique glycan withN-acetylgalactosamine as a terminal sugar. Removal of it either by enzyme treatment or by knocking down the relevant enzyme, galactosyltransferase in SbRLD (KD SbRLD), compromises the ability to induce the above effects. Infection of Mϕs with KD SbRLD enhanced the sensitivity toward antimonials compared with infection with SbRLD, and infection of BALB/c mice with KD SbRLD caused significantly less organ parasite burden compared with infection induced by SbRLD. The innate immune receptor, Toll-like receptor 2/6 heterodimer, is exploited by SbRLD to activate ERK and nuclear translocation of NF-κB involving p50/c-Rel leading to IL-10 induction, whereas MDR1 up-regulation is mediated by PI3K/Akt and the JNK pathway. Interestingly both recombinant IL-10 and SbRLD up-regulate MDR1 in Mϕ with different time kinetics, where phosphorylation of PI3K was noted at 12 h and 48 h, respectively, but Mϕs derived from IL-10−/−mice are unable to show MDR1 up-regulation on infection with SbRLD. Thus, it is very likely that an IL-10 surge is a prerequisite for MDR1 up-regulation. The transcription factor important for IL-10–driven MDR1 up-regulation is c-Fos/c-Jun and not NF-κB, as evident from studies with pharmacological inhibitors and promoter mapping with deletion constructs.
Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Does Changing the Definition Change Quality?
Authors: Press Matthew J. , Metlay Joshua P.
Published: January 2013

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently narrowed its definition of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) to exclude asymptomatic bacteriuria. Although CAUTI rates decreased after the definition was changed, rates of related measures remained relatively stagnant, which indicates that longitudinal measurements of CAUTI may be misleading and that the change in definition did not itself impact care.
A gap for the maximum number of mutually unbiased bases
Authors: Weiner Mihály
Published: January 2013

A collection of pairwise mutually unbiased bases (in short: MUB) in

d
>
1

d>1

dimensions may consist of at most

d
+
1

d+1

bases. Such “complete” collections are known to exist in

C

d

\mathbb {C}^d

when

d
d

is a power of a prime. However, in general, little is known about the maximum number

N
(
d
)

N(d)

of bases that a collection of MUB in

C

d

\mathbb {C}^d

can have.

In this work it is proved that a collection of

d
d

MUB in

C

d

\mathbb {C}^d

can always be completed. Hence

N
(
d
)
≠
d

N(d)\neq d

, and when

d
>
1

d>1

we have a dichotomy: either

N
(
d
)
=
d
+
1

N(d)=d+1

(so that there exists a complete collection of MUB) or

N
(
d
)
≤
d
−
1

N(d)\leq d-1

. In the course of the proof an interesting new characterization is given for a linear subspace of

M
d

(

C

)

M_d(\mathbb {C})

to be a subalgebra.
Endodermal ABA Signaling Promotes Lateral Root Quiescence during Salt Stress inArabidopsisSeedlings
Authors: Duan Lina , Dietrich Daniela , Ng Chong Han , Chan Penny Mei Yeen , Bhalerao Rishikesh , Bennett Malcolm J. , Dinneny José R.
Published: January 2013

The endodermal tissue layer is found in the roots of vascular plants and functions as a semipermeable barrier, regulating the transport of solutes from the soil into the vascular stream. As a gateway for solutes, the endodermis may also serve as an important site for sensing and responding to useful or toxic substances in the environment. Here, we show that high salinity, an environmental stress widely impacting agricultural land, regulates growth of the seedling root system through a signaling network operating primarily in the endodermis. We report that salt stress induces an extended quiescent phase in postemergence lateral roots (LRs) whereby the rate of growth is suppressed for several days before recovery begins. Quiescence is correlated with sustained abscisic acid (ABA) response in LRs and is dependent upon genes necessary for ABA biosynthesis, signaling, and transcriptional regulation. We use a tissue-specific strategy to identify the key cell layers where ABA signaling acts to regulate growth. In the endodermis, misexpression of the ABA insensitive1-1 mutant protein, which dominantly inhibits ABA signaling, leads to a substantial recovery in LR growth under salt stress conditions. Gibberellic acid signaling, which antagonizes the ABA pathway, also acts primarily in the endodermis, and we define the crosstalk between these two hormones. Our results identify the endodermis as a gateway with an ABA-dependent guard, which prevents root growth into saline environments.
Causes of Health Inequalities in Uganda: Evidence from the Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Ssewanyana Sarah , Kasirye Ibrahim
Published: January 2013

Abstract:  Despite sustained macroeconomic growth and impressive income poverty reduction in Uganda, the country's total child nutrition status remains poor. More so, wide within country disparities in stunting and underweight rates exist across the country. This study explored the determinants of child nutrition status and in Uganda using three rounds of the Uganda demographic and health surveys undertaken during 1995–2006. The surveys are nationally representative and capture anthropometric indicators for children aged below 5 years. The study investigated the determinants of health inequalities focusing on child health status through a combination of decomposition and regression analysis. Our results show that household welfare status remains a key determinant of child health status and inequalities in health. Furthermore, the results show that individual maternal education matters more in enhancing child health than does community knowledge about health.
ROY MODEL SORTING AND NONRANDOM SELECTION IN THE VALUATION OF A STATISTICAL LIFE*
Authors: DeLeire Thomas , Khan Shakeeb , Timmins Christopher
Published: January 2013

Wage‐hedonics is used to recover the value of a statistical life (VSL) by exploiting the fact that workers choosing riskier occupations are compensated with a higher wage. Roy (Oxford Economic Papers 3 (1951), 135–46) suggests that observed wage distributions will be distorted if individuals choose jobs according to idiosyncratic returns. We describe how this type of sorting biases wage‐hedonic VSL estimates and implement two new estimation strategies that correct that bias. Using data from the Current Population Surveys, we recover VSL estimates that are three to four times larger than those based on the traditional techniques, statistically significant, and robust to a wide array of specifications.
The Role of Collagen Synthesis in Ventricular and Vascular Adaptation to Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Schreier David , Hacker Timothy , Song Gouqing , Chesler Naomi
Published: January 2013

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rapidly fatal disease in which mortality is typically due to right ventricular (RV) failure. An excellent predictor of mortality in PAH is proximal pulmonary artery stiffening, which is mediated by collagen accumulation in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH) in mice. We sought to investigate the impact of limiting vascular and ventricular collagen accumulation on RV function and the hemodynamic coupling efficiency between the RV and pulmonary vasculature. Inbred mice were exposed to chronic hypoxia for 10 days with either no treatment (HPH) or with treatment with a proline analog that impairs collagen synthesis (CHOP-PEG; HPH + CP). Both groups were compared to control mice (CTL) exposed only to normoxia (no treatment). An admittance catheter was used to measure pressure-volume loops at baseline and during vena cava occlusion, with mice ventilated with either room air or 8% oxygen, from which pulmonary hemodynamics, RV function, and ventricular-vascular coupling efficiency (ηvvc) were calculated. Proline analog treatment limited increases in RV afterload (neither effective arterial elastance Ea nor total pulmonary vascular resistance significantly increased compared to CTL with CHOP-PEG), limited the development of pulmonary hypertension (CHOP-PEG reduced right ventricular systolic pressure by 10% compared to HPH, p < 0.05), and limited RV hypertrophy (CHOP-PEG reduced RV mass by 18% compared to HPH, p < 0.005). In an acutely hypoxic state, treatment improved RV function (CHOP-PEG increased end-systolic elastance Ees by 43%, p < 0.05) and maintained ηvvc at control, room air levels. CHOP-PEG also decreased lung collagen content by 12% measured biochemically compared to HPH (p < 0.01), with differences evident in large and small pulmonary arteries by histology. Our results demonstrate that preventing new collagen synthesis limits pulmonary hypertension development by reducing collagen accumulation in the pulmonary arteries that affect RV afterload. In particular, the proline analog limited structural and functional changes in distal pulmonary arteries in this model of early and somewhat mild pulmonary hypertension. We conclude that collagen plays an important role in small pulmonary artery remodeling and, thereby, affects RV structure and function changes induced by chronic hypoxia.
Effect of neutral beam etching on mechanical property of microcantilevers
Authors: Nishimori Yuki , Ueki Shinji , Miwa Kazuhiro , Kubota Tomohiro , Sugiyama Masakazu , Samukawa Seiji , Hashiguchi Gen
Published: January 2013

As an effective application of neutral beam etching (NBE) to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), here we propose a combination of conventional plasma processes and NBE to remove plasma-induced damage. To evaluate the effect of the combined approach quantitatively, we measured the resonance properties of a microcantilever before and after NBE treatment and compared them with a characteristic quantity. The thickness of the damage layer times the imaginary part of the complex Young's modulus (δEds), which is a parameter of surface damage. Although a plasma process makes the damaged surface of the microcantilevers during their fabrication, the removal of that damage by NBE is confirmed as a reduction in δEds. NBE can provide a damage-free surface for MEMS devices without a high-temperature annealing process.
Vector acoustic intensity around a tuning fork
Authors: Russell Daniel A. , Junell Justin , Ludwigsen Daniel O.
Published: January 2013

The acoustic intensity vector field around a tuning fork is investigated. Theory for a longitudinal quadrupole source predicts a well-defined transition between near-field and far-field, with significant circulation of sound energy in the near-field. Vector components of the time-averaged intensity were measured using a two-microphone intensity probe and found to agree well with predictions from theory. The vector intensity map is interpreted, and shown to provide useful information about the near-field of an acoustic source.
Duodenal adenocarcinoma masked by acute cholecystitis and peptic ulcer disease
Authors: Sahoo Manash R , Gowda Manoj S
Published: January 2013

We report a case of duodenal adenocarcinoma, who presented to the emergency ward, with features of acute cholecystitis and peptic ulcer disease. Ultrasonography and upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy failed to pick up duodenal pathology, previously two times. Only third time endoscopy showed circumferential thickening of first and second part of the duodenum. On diagnosis laparoscopy mass at the D1/2 junction with apparent involvement of head of pancreas was noted. Pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. Histopathological examination showed it to be primary duodenal adenocarcinoma with extension in to head of pancreas. His postoperative course was uneventful. After 4-month follow-up the patient remained well.
Fever of unknown origin, with a twist
Authors: Lobo Ronstan , Meany Brendan , O'Hanlon Rory , Kiernan Thomas John
Published: January 2013

The authors present a case of an 81-year-old man with fever of unknown origin. The case report is illustrated with the images which clarified the diagnosis in this challenging case. The cardiac MR images were of critical importance in arriving at a diagnosis of aortic root mycotic pseudoaneurysm with rupture into the right ventricle.
Lithium-induced sinus node dysfunction at therapeutic levels
Authors: Shetty Ranjan K , Vivek G , Parida Amrita , Chetty Shashikanth
Published: January 2013

Lithium is used as an antimanic and mood-stabilising drug. It can cause various adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, polyuria, fine tremors, myocarditis and arrhythmias. We are describing a case of lithium induced sinus-node dysfunction in a patient with serum lithium levels in therapeutic range.
Synovial osteochondroma originating from the synovium of the anterior cruciate ligament
Authors: AlAqeel Motaz Abdulrhuman , Al-Ahaideb Abdulaziz
Published: January 2013

Primary synovial osteochondromatosis is a rarely seen disorder of the synovium in any joints. Among reported cases of knee osteochondromatosis, those originating from the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are very rare. We report an unusual case of primary synovial osteochondromatosis. A 27-year-old woman complained of a restricted range of right-knee motion and pain when walking. With locking symptoms similar to those associated with a meniscus bucket handle tear. Although plain radiograph and MRI showed normal appearance, diagnostic arthroscopy revealed the curious appearance of a huge mass seated on ACL. In addition, the sign of proliferation of synovium and cartilaginous tissues were apparent. The ACL mass has been removed while preserving the ACL fibres. Histological examination confirmed a diagnosis of osteochondromatosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe synovial osteochondromatosis originating from ACL fibres and has been resected while preserving the ACL.
SLC22A2is associated with tubular creatinine secretion and bias of estimated GFR in renal transplantation
Authors: Reznichenko Anna , Sinkeler Steef J. , Snieder Harold , van den Born Jacob , de Borst Martin H. , Damman Jeffrey , van Dijk Marcory C. R. F. , van Goor Harry , Hepkema Bouke G. , Hillebrands Jan-Luuk , Leuvenink Henri G. D. , Niesing Jan , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Seelen Marc , Navis Gerjan
Published: January 2013

Genome-wide association studies reported SLC22A2 variants to be associated with serum creatinine. As SLC22A2 encodes the organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2), the association might be due to an effect on tubular creatinine handling. To test this hypothesis we studied the association of SLC22A2 polymorphisms with phenotypes of net tubular creatinine secretion: fractional creatinine excretion (FEcreat) and bias of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We also studied the association with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and graft failure (GF) in renal transplant recipients. SLC22A2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs3127573 and rs316009, were genotyped in 1,142 ESRD patients receiving renal transplantation and 1,186 kidney donors as controls. GFR was measured with125I-iothalamate clearance. Creatinine clearance was also assessed. FEcreatwas calculated from the simultaneous clearances of creatinine and125I-iothalamate. Donor rs316009 was associated with FEcreat(beta −0.053, P = 0.024) and with estimated [modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI)] but not measured GFR. In line with this, donor rs316009 was associated with bias of the MDRD and CKD-EPI but not the Cockroft-Gault equation. Both SNPs were associated with ESRD: odds ratios [95% CI] 1.39 [1.16–1.67], P = 0.00065, and 1.23 [1.02–1.48], P = 0.042, for rs3127573 and rs316009, respectively. Neither SNP was associated with GF. Thus, SLC22A2 is associated with phenotypes of net tubular creatinine secretion and ESRD.
MicroRNA-200a Promotes Anoikis Resistance and Metastasis by Targeting YAP1 in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Yu San-Jian , Hu Jing-Ying , Kuang Xia-Ying , Luo Jian-Min , Hou Yi-Feng , Di Gen-Hong , Wu Jiong , Shen Zhen-Zhou , Song Hou-Yan , Shao Zhi-Ming
Published: January 2013

Purpose: The process of metastases involves the dissociation of cells from the primary tumor, penetration into the basement membrane, invasion, and exiting from the vasculature to seed and colonize distant tissues. miR-200a is involved in this multistep metastatic cascade. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that miR-200a promotes metastasis through increased anoikis resistance in breast cancer.

Experimental Design: Breast cancer cells transfected with mimic or inhibitor for miR-200a were assayed for anoikis in vitro. miR-200a expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Luciferase assays, colony formation assays, and animal studies were conducted to identify the targets of miR-200a and the mechanism by which it promotes anoikis resistance.

Results: We found that overexpression of miR-200a promotes whereas inhibition of miR-200a suppresses anoikis resistance in breast cancer cells. We identified Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) as a novel target of miR-200a. Our data showed that targeting of YAP1 by miR-200a resulted in decreased expression of proapoptotic proteins, which leads to anoikis resistance. Overexpression of miR-200a protected tumor cells from anoikis and promoted metastases in vivo. Furthermore, knockdown of YAP1 phenocopied the effects of miR-200a overexpression, whereas restoration of YAP1 in miR-200a overexpressed breast cancer cells reversed the effects of miR-200a on anoikis and metastasis. Remarkably, we found that YAP1 expression was inversely correlated with miR-200a expression in breast cancer clinical specimens, and miR-200a expression was associated with distant metastasis in patients with breast cancer.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that miR-200a functions as anoikis suppressor and contributes to metastasis in breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 19(6); 1389–99. ©2013 AACR.
Cytokine Removal under Hemodiafiltration with Endogenous Reinfusion in Acute Kidney Injury Secondary to Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report
Authors: Staffolani Emiliano , Nicolais Rebeca , Manca di Villahermosa Simone , Galli Diego , Postorino Massimiliano , Di Daniele Nicola
Published: January 2013

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma shows a high release of cytokines. Different blood purification techniques are employed to control hypercytokinemia. Here we investigated the effects of intermittent supra-hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion on cytokine removal in a patient presenting with acute kidney injury. After the first day of chemotherapy for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a 78-year-old male patient developed acute kidney injury and systemic inflammatory response syndrome due to massive release of inflammatory cytokines. Three sessions of supra-hemodiafiltration were performed. Blood samples for evaluation of renal function and inflammatory mediators were collected at the beginning and the end of each dialytic session. A marked improvement of clinical state and renal function was associated to a significant reduction of inflammatory markers. Our results suggest that renal replacement therapy with supra-hemodiafiltration may remove a wide spectrum of inflammatory mediators and uremic toxins involved in acute kidney injury and systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
Diverticular Bleeding of the Colon during Combination Chemotherapy with Bevacizumab and Paclitaxel for Recurrent Breast Cancer
Authors: Nakayama Yoshie , Ito Yoshinori , Tanabe Masahiko , Takahashi Shunji
Published: January 2013

Background: Bevacizumab has been increasingly used in combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel for treatment of metastatic or recurrent breast cancer. The aim of this report is to underline possible risks associated with the new combination chemotherapy. Case Presentation: A 39-year-old woman with recurrent breast cancer was treated with bevacizumab and paclitaxel. Positron emission tomography revealed breast cancer metastasis to the left supraclavicular lymph nodes and right axillary lymph nodes, with no distant metastasis. Results: After the third cycle of bevacizumab and paclitaxel, the patient developed a bloody bowel discharge. Emergent colonoscopy demonstrated diverticular bleeding on one of the multiple diverticula in the ascending colon. The bleeding point was successfully clipped colonoscopically. Conclusion: The factors for diverticular bleeding are believed to be non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, constipation, and bevacizumab. We recommend reviewing anamneses for diverticulitis, multiple prior abdominal surgeries, peritoneal carcinomatosis, and regular use of certain drugs.
Simultaneous Resection of Disseminated Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Colon Cancer
Authors: Haga Yuki , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Ohira Gaku , Kanai Fumihiko , Yokota Hajime , Motoyama Tenyu , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Suzuki Eiichiro , Ooka Yoshihiko , Tawada Akinobu , Miyauchi Hideaki , Matubara Hisahiro , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: January 2013

A 75-year-old woman with abdominal pain and vomiting was admitted to our hospital. Colonoscopy showed an advanced colon cancer that encompassed the entire circumference of the descending colon’s lumen. The patient was diagnosed with occlusive ileus associated with the colon cancer. She had been watched for liver cirrhosis due to the hepatitis C virus and received radiofrequency ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) 6 years previously. Although she exhibited a gradual increase in serum levels of α-fetoprotein and PIVKA-II starting 2 years before admission, no tumors were detected in the liver by abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography. On admission, contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed not only the colon cancer but also a tumor adjacent to the cecum. Both tumors were successfully removed by surgery and a pathological analysis revealed that the cecum tumor was poorly-differentiated HCC. The serum levels of α-fetoprotein and PIVKA-II declined markedly after the operation and no masses considered as peritoneal metastasis have been detected to date. This is the first report of the simultaneous resection of disseminated HCC and colon cancer.
Global Imperatives of the 21st Century: The Academy’s Response
Authors: Granholm Nels H.
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Our twenty-first century world deteriorates socially, biologically, and physically while we in the Academy blindly pursue our “disciplinary truths.” As responsible members of the Academy and as interdisciplinary global studies specialists, we have an obligation to educate our students and colleagues by providing fundamental knowledge, tools, training, and hopefully passion to become interculturally competent and authentic global citizens. As a Coordinator of a Global Studies Program at a Land-Grant University, I would like to discuss specific strategies on how to motivate students, faculty members, and administrators alike in order to confront and resolve widespread problems in global social injustice and the ominously declining biological and physical states of our Earth. Most critically, we in the Academy, our honored and treasured professoriate, are obliged to provide the knowledge, tools, and leadership to engage the world and work toward resolution of our twenty-first century global imperatives.
Systematic Review of Acupuncture in Cancer Care: A Synthesis of the Evidence
Authors: Garcia M. Kay , McQuade Jennifer , Haddad Robin , Patel Sonya , Lee Richard , Yang Peiying , Palmer J. Lynn , Cohen Lorenzo
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Many cancer centers offer acupuncture services. To date, a comprehensive systematic review of acupuncture in cancer care has not been conducted. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for symptom management in patients with cancer.

Methods

Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane (all databases), Scopus, and PubMed were searched from inception through December 2011 for prospective randomized clinical trials (RCT) evaluating acupuncture for symptom management in cancer care. Only studies involving needle insertion into acupuncture points were included. No language limitations were applied. Studies were assessed for risk of bias (ROB) according to Cochrane criteria. Outcomes by symptom were designated as positive, negative, or unclear.

Results

A total of 2,151 publications were screened. Of those, 41 RCTs involving eight symptoms (pain, nausea, hot flashes, fatigue, radiation-induced xerostomia, prolonged postoperative ileus, anxiety/mood disorders, and sleep disturbance) met all inclusion criteria. One positive trial of acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting had low ROB. Of the remaining studies, eight had unclear ROB (four positive, three negative, and one with unclear outcomes). Thirty-three studies had high ROB (19 positive, 11 negative, and three with both positive and negative outcomes depending on the symptom).

Conclusion

Acupuncture is an appropriate adjunctive treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, but additional studies are needed. For other symptoms, efficacy remains undetermined owing to high ROB among studies. Future research should focus on standardizing comparison groups and treatment methods, be at least single-blinded, assess biologic mechanisms, have adequate statistical power, and involve multiple acupuncturists.