bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organ-specific dietary fatty acid uptake in humans using positron emission tomography coupled to computed tomography
Authors: Labbé Sébastien M. , Grenier-Larouche Thomas , Croteau Etienne , Normand-Lauzière François , Frisch Frédérique , Ouellet René , Guérin Brigitte , Turcotte Eric E. , Carpentier André C.
Published: November 2010

A noninvasive method to determine postprandial fatty acid tissue partition may elucidate the link between excess dietary fat and type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that the positron-emitting fatty acid analog 14( R, S)-[18F]fluoro-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid (18FTHA) administered orally during a meal would be incorporated into chylomicron triglycerides, allowing determination of interorgan dietary fatty acid uptake. We administered 18FTHA orally at the beginning of a standard liquid meal ingested in nine healthy men. There was no significant 18FTHA uptake in the portal vein and the liver during the 1st hour. Whole body PET/CT acquisition revealed early appearance of 18FTHA in the distal thoracic duct, reaching a peak at time 240 min. 18FTHA mean standard uptake value increased progressively in the liver, heart, quadriceps, and subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues between time 60 and 240 min. Most circulating 18F activity between time 0 and 360 min was recovered into chylomicron triglycerides. Using Triton WR-1339 treatment in rats that received 18FTHA by gavage, we confirmed that >90% of this tracer reached the circulation as triglycerides. This novel noninvasive method to determine tissue dietary fatty acid distribution in humans should prove useful in the study of the mechanisms leading to lipotoxicity.
New procedure to obtain Bragg-reflection intensities from FULLPROF suite for powder crystal-structure determination using GEST and PECKCRYST programs
Authors: Feng Zhen Jie , Zheng Yong Lei , Su Yu Ling , Shao Biao , Li Ming Tao , Cao Shi Xun , Zhang Jin Cang
Published: November 2010

A useful procedure is described to rapidly obtain Bragg-reflection intensities from the FULLPROF suite, and the Bragg intensities can then be input into the GEST and the PECKCRYST programs for crystal-structure determination of small molecules. An example on using the new procedure for the structure determination from powder diffraction determination of hydrochlorothiazide (C7H8ClN3O4S2) is presented, and the powder-structure results obtained by the PECKCRYST program are in good agreement with previously reported single-crystal results.
Powder diffraction data of novel complexes CdX2-2(NH2-PhY), part I
Authors: Dobija Anna , Rafalska-Łasocha Alicja , Łasocha Wiesław
Published: November 2010

Four new compounds with general formula CdI2-2(NH2-PhX) (Ph represents phenyl radical; X represents Cl or H atoms) were obtained and characterized. Two of them, bisaniline diiodidecadmium(II) — CdI2⋅2[NH2–C6H5] {1} and bis(2-chloroaniline) diiodidecadmium(II) — CdI2⋅2[NH2–C6H4Cl] {2}, crystallize in monoclinic system, whereas another two, bis(3-chloroaniline) diiodidecadmium(II) — CdI2⋅2[NH2–C6H4Cl]{3} and bis(4-chloroaniline) diiodidecadmium(II) hemi(4-chloroanilate) — CdI2⋅2[NH2–C6H4Cl]½[NH2–C6H4Cl] {4}, crystallize in triclinic system. The investigated compounds, from chemical point of view, are similar to the so-called cisplatin—a compound used as a chemotherapy drug to treat many types of cancers. Their syntheses and results of X-ray powder diffraction studies at room and elevated temperatures are described in this paper.
Crystal structure of the mineral strontiodresserite from laboratory powder diffraction data
Authors: Whitfield P. S. , Mitchell L. D. , Le Page Y. , Margeson J. , Roberts A. C.
Published: November 2010

The crystal structure of the mineral strontiodresserite, (Sr,Ca)Al2(CO3)2(OH)4⋅H2O, from the Francon Quarry, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, has been solved from laboratory powder diffraction data using a combination of charge-flipping and simulated annealing methods. The structure is orthorhombic in space group Pnma with a=16.0990(7), b=5.6133(3), and c=9.1804(4) Å (Z=4) and the framework of the mineral is isostructural with that of dundasite. The strontium has a coordination number of 9 and the carbonate anions form a bridge between the SrO9 polyhedra and AlO6 octahedra. The water molecule lies in a channel that runs parallel to the b axis. An ordered network of hydrogen atoms could be uniquely determined from crystal-chemical principles in the channels of strontiodresserite. Ab initio density functional theory (DFT) energy minimization of the whole structure gave results in full agreement with X-ray refinement results for nonhydrogen atoms. The stability of this model (as well as that of the corresponding model of dundasite) in the proposed Pnma space group was tested by DFT optimization in space group P1 of random small distortions of this structure. This test confirms that both minerals are isostructural, including their hydrogen-bond networks.
X-ray powder diffraction data for a DACH Pt iodide, cis-[diiodo(1R,2R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-κN,κN′] platinum(II)
Authors: Pažout R. , Maixner J.
Published: November 2010

X-ray powder diffraction data, unit-cell parameters, and space group for a novel platinum-based anticancer complex cis-[diiodo(1R,2R)-1,2-diaminocyclo-hexane-κN,κN′] platinum(II), Pt(C6H14N2)I2, are presented [a=14.048(4) Å, b=7.588(3) Å, c=11.502(4) Å, β=98.446(5)°, space group C2, cell volume=1212.80 Å3, and Z=4]. All measured lines were indexed and are consistent with the C2 space group. No detectable impurities were observed.
X-ray powder diffraction data for a new nickel zinc chromate, (NH4OH)3/2NiZn2Cr2O9⋅2H2O
Authors: Arboleda Johana , Echavarría Adriana
Published: November 2010

A new nickel zinc chromate with the composition of (NH4OH)3/2NiZn2Cr2O9⋅2H2O was synthesized by hydrothermal method. The compound was characterized by XRD, TGA, and XRF. X-ray powder diffraction data show that the crystal system of the title compound is hexagonal with space group R-3m, z=3, and unit-cell parameters: a=5.9794 and c=21.4875 Å.
Dynamic Obstacle Avoidance for an Omnidirectional Mobile Robot
Authors: Williams Robert L. , Wu Jianhua
Published: November 2010

We have established a novel method of obstacle-avoidance motion planning for mobile robots in dynamic environments, wherein the obstacles are moving with general velocities and accelerations, and their motion profiles are not preknown. A hybrid system is presented in which a global deliberate approach is applied to determine the motion in the desired path line (DPL), and a local reactive approach is used for moving obstacle avoidance. A machine vision system is required to sense obstacle motion. Through theoretical analysis, simulation, and experimental validation applied to the Ohio University RoboCup robot, we show the method is effective to avoid collisions with moving obstacles in a dynamic environment.
CaM Kinase Kinase β-Mediated Activation of the Growth Regulatory Kinase AMPK Is Required for Androgen-Dependent Migration of Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Frigo Daniel E. , Howe Matthew K. , Wittmann Bryan M. , Brunner Abigail M. , Cushman Ian , Wang Qianben , Brown Myles , Means Anthony R. , McDonnell Donald P.
Published: November 2010

While patients with advanced prostate cancer initially respond favorably to androgen ablation therapy, most experience a relapse of the disease within 1–2 years. Although hormone-refractory disease is unresponsive to androgen-deprivation, androgen receptor (AR)-regulated signaling pathways remain active and are necessary for cancer progression. Thus, both AR itself and the processes downstream of the receptor remain viable targets for therapeutic intervention. Microarray analysis of multiple clinical cohorts showed that the serine/threonine kinase Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ) is both highly expressed in the prostate and further elevated in prostate cancers. Using cellular models of prostate cancer, we have determined that androgens (a) directly increase the expression of a CaMKKβ splice variant and (b) increase functional CaMKKβ protein levels as determined by the phosphorylation of both CaMKI and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), two of CaMKKβ's primary substrates. Importantly, inhibition of the CaMKKβ-AMPK, but not CaMKI, signaling axis in prostate cancer cells by pharmacological inhibitors or siRNA-mediated knockdown blocks androgen-mediated migration and invasion. Conversely, overexpression of CaMKKβ alone leads to both increased AMPK phosphorylation and cell migration. Given the key roles of CaMKKβ and AMPK in the biology of prostate cancer cells, we propose that these enzymes are potential therapeutic targets in prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 71(2); 528–37. ©2010 AACR.
Targeting the BCR-ABL Signaling Pathway in Therapy-Resistant Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Leukemia
Authors: O'Hare Thomas , Deininger Michael W.N. , Eide Christopher A. , Clackson Tim , Druker Brian J.
Published: November 2010

Beginning with imatinib a decade ago, therapy based on targeted inhibition of the BCR-ABL kinase has greatly improved the prognosis for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. The recognition that some patients experience relapse due to resistance-conferring point mutations within BCR-ABL sparked the development of the second-generation ABL kinase inhibitors nilotinib and dasatinib. Collectively, these drugs target most resistant BCR-ABL mutants, with the exception of BCR-ABLT315I. A third wave of advances is now cresting in the form of ABL kinase inhibitors whose target profile encompasses BCR-ABLT315I. The leading third-generation clinical candidate for treatment-refractory CML, including patients with the T315I mutation, is ponatinib (AP24534), a pan-BCR-ABL inhibitor that has entered pivotal phase 2 testing. A second inhibitor with activity against the BCR-ABLT315I mutant, DCC-2036, is in phase 1 clinical evaluation. We provide an up-to-date synopsis of BCR-ABL signaling pathways, highlight new findings on mechanisms underlying BCR-ABL mutation acquisition and disease progression, discuss the use of nilotinib and dasatinib in a first-line capacity, and evaluate ponatinib, DCC-2036, and other ABL kinase inhibitors with activity against BCR-ABLT315I in the development pipeline. Clin Cancer Res; 17(2); 212–21. ©2010 AACR.
HGF Rescues Colorectal Cancer Cells from EGFR Inhibition via MET Activation
Authors: Liska David , Chen Chin-Tung , Bachleitner-Hofmann Thomas , Christensen James G. , Weiser Martin R.
Published: November 2010

Purpose: Cetuximab, an antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), is active in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, response rates range from only 10% to 20%. Here, we investigate hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-dependent mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) activation as a mediator of cetuximab resistance through signal diversification in CRC cell lines.

Experimental Design: DiFi, GEO, and LIM1215 cells were treated with varying concentrations and combinations of EGF, HGF, cetuximab, and PHA-665752 (a highly specific MET kinase inhibitor). Biological end points included proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Proliferation was measured using WST-1 assays and synergy investigated via isobolograms. Expression and signaling were examined using immunoblotting.

Results: EGFR and MET are coexpressed in these CRC cell lines, and dual receptor activation synergistically increased proliferation. Cetuximab inhibited cell growth by 60%–80% with an associated dephosphorylation of EGFR, MAPK, and/or AKT. Addition of HGF to cetuximab-treated cells phosphorylated MET, but not EGFR or ErbB3, restimulated the MAPK and AKT pathways, restored cell proliferation, and rescued cells from G1 arrest and apoptosis. Importantly, this effect could be abrogated by inhibiting MET activation with PHA-665752 or by downregulating MET expression with RNAi.

Conclusions: HGF-induced MET activation is a novel mechanism of cetuximab resistance in CRC. Inhibition of the HGF-MET pathway may improve response to EGFR inhibitors in CRC, and combination therapy should be further investigated. Clin Cancer Res; 17(3); 472–82. ©2010 AACR.
A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Docetaxel versus Pemetrexed in Second-Line Chemotherapy for Stage IIIb or IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in China
Authors: Yu Yong-feng , Chen Zhi-wei , Zhou Zhen , Song Zheng-bo , Li Zi-ming , Jian Hong , Zhang Yi-fei , Lu Shun
Published: November 2010

Background: To study the cost-efficacy of docetaxel and pemetrexed as single agents versus platinum-based combination agents in second-line treatment of stage IIIb or IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients by evaluating chemotherapeutic indexes and medical costs. Methods: Treatment responses were evaluated by progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), hematological and gastrointestinal toxicities. Results: Two hundred and seven stage IIIb or IV NSCLC patients were recruited to this clinical observation retrospective study. Thirty-four subjects were treated with docetaxel (group A), 98 with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy with docetaxel (group B), 42 with pemetrexed (group C), and 33 patients with platinum-based doublet combination therapy with pemetrexed (group D). The average PFS of groups A and B was 3.28 and 4.58 months, respectively (p = 0.042). The mean PFS of groups C and D was 3.1 and 4.98 months, respectively (p = 0.017). The mean OS of these groups was 12.88, 13.17, 12.40 and 13.04 months, respectively, without significant differences. The total medical costs in these four groups amounted to USD 5,533, 7,745, 8,569 and 15,291, respectively. Conclusions: Platinum-based doublet chemotherapy with docetaxel or pemetrexed could significantly increase PFS, however, without significant OS improvement in comparison with using them as single agents. The medical expenses associated with doublet therapy were much higher than those associated with single therapy with a significant portion of the medical expenses spent on treating hematological and gastrointestinal toxicity.
Activation of Pulmonary Dendritic Cells and Th2-Type Inflammatory Responses on Instillation of Engineered, Environmental Diesel Emission Source or Ambient Air Pollutant Particles in vivo
Authors: Bezemer Gillina F.G. , Bauer Stephen M. , Oberdörster Günter , Breysse Patrick N. , Pieters Raymond H.H. , Georas Steve N. , Williams Marc A.
Published: November 2010

The biological effects of acute particulate air pollution exposure in host innate immunity remain obscure and have relied largely on in vitro models. We hypothesized that single acute exposure to ambient or engineered particulate matter (PM) in the absence of other secondary stimuli would activate lung dendritic cells (DC) in vivo and provide information on the early immunological events of PM exposure and DC activation in a mouse model naïve to prior PM exposure. Activation of purified lung DC was studied following oropharyngeal instillation of ambient particulate matter (APM). We compared the effects of APM exposure with that of diesel-enriched PM (DEP), carbon black particles (CBP) and silver nanoparticles (AgP). We found that PM species induced variable cellular infiltration in the lungs and only APM exposure induced eosinophilic infiltration. Both APM and DEP activated pulmonary DC and promoted a Th2-type cytokine response from naïve CD4+ T cells ex vivo. Cultures of primary peribronchial lymph node cells from mice exposed to APM and DEP also displayed a Th2-type immune response ex vivo. We conclude that exposure of the lower airway to various PM species induces differential immunological responses and immunomodulation of DC subsets. Environmental APM and DEP activated DC in vivo and provoked a Th2 response ex vivo. By contrast, CBP and AgP induced altered lung tissue barrier integrity but failed to stimulate CD4+ T cells as effectively. Our work suggests that respirable pollutants activate the innate immune response with enhanced DC activation, pulmonary inflammation and Th2-immune responsiveness.
Myocardial Perfusion Scans
Authors: Berrington de Gonzalez Amy , Kim Kwang-Pyo , Smith-Bindman Rebecca , McAreavey Dorothea
Published: November 2010

Background—

Myocardial perfusion scans contribute up to 20% of the estimated annual collective radiation dose to the US population. We estimated potential future cancer risk from these scans by age at exposure and current frequency of use in the United States.

Methods and Results—

Usage patterns were determined from national survey data, and radionuclide dosage was based on current guidelines. Cancer risk projection models were generated on the basis of the National Research Council Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII report, under the assumption that risk has a linear relationship with radiation exposure even at low doses. The mean projected number of radiation-related incident cancers and 95% uncertainty intervals were estimated with the use of Monte Carlo simulations. Estimated risks for a scan performed at age 50 years ranged from 2 cancers per 10 000 scans (95% uncertainty interval, 1 to 5) for a positron emission tomography ammonia-13 test to 25 cancers per 10 000 scans (95% uncertainty interval, 9 to 58) for a dual-isotope (thallium-201 plus technetium-99m) scan. Risks were 50% lower at age 70 years but were similar for men and women. The combination of cancer risk estimates and data on frequency of use suggests that the 9.1 million myocardial perfusion scans performed annually in the United States could result in 7400 (95% uncertainty interval, 3300 to 13 700) additional future cancers.

Conclusions—

The lifetime cancer risk from a single myocardial perfusion scan is small and should be balanced against likely benefit and appropriateness of the test. The estimates depend on a number of assumptions, including life expectancy. They apply directly to asymptomatic individuals with life expectancies similar to those of the general population. For individuals with a symptomatic clinical profile, on whom such scans are typically performed, the risks will be lower because of shorter life expectancy.
Temporal Trends in Survival to Adulthood Among Patients Born With Congenital Heart Disease From 1970 to 1992 in Belgium
Authors: Moons Philip , Bovijn Lore , Budts Werner , Belmans Ann , Gewillig Marc
Published: November 2010

Background—

Over the past decades, the life expectancy of individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD) has increased significantly. However, precise estimates for survival to adulthood are scarce for patients with CHD. We investigated the proportion of CHD patients born between 1990 and 1992 who survived into adulthood. We also compared their survival with that of CHD patients born in earlier eras and evaluated survival as a function of the type of heart defect.

Methods and Results—

We reviewed the CHD program administrative and clinical database at the University Hospitals Leuven (Leuven, Belgium) and analyzed the records of 7497 CHD patients born from 1970 to 1992. Survival to 18 years of age in patients born between 1990 and 1992 was 88.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 86.3% to 90.5%), which was significantly greater than that of patients born in previous decades (
P
<0.0001). For patients born between 1990 and 1992, survival into adulthood for those with mild heart defects was 98.0% (95% CI, 95.8% to 99.1%), whereas survival for those with moderate- and severe-complexity heart defects was 90.0% (95% CI, 86.8% to 92.5%) and 56.4% (95% CI, 47.4% to 64.5%), respectively. Analysis per heart defect confirmed these findings, demonstrating that patients with univentricular heart (49.1% [95% CI, 30.8% to 65.1%]) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (7.5% [95% CI, 0.6% to 26.6%]) had the poorest survival rate.

Conclusion—

This study demonstrates that almost 90% of children with CHD have the prospect of surviving into adulthood.
Long-Term Results of Catheter Ablation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ouyang Feifan , Tilz Roland , Chun Julian , Schmidt Boris , Wissner Erik , Zerm Thomas , Neven Kars , Köktürk Bulent , Konstantinidou Melanie , Metzner Andreas , Fuernkranz Alexander , Kuck Karl-Heinz
Published: November 2010

Background—

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) naturally progresses toward chronic AF at an estimated rate of 15% to 30% over a 1- to 3-year period. Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is increasingly performed for the treatment of drug-refractory paroxysmal AF. The long-term data on clinical outcome after circumferential PV isolation are limited.

Methods and Results—

From 2003 to late 2004, 161 patients (121 men; age, 59.8±9.7 years) with symptomatic paroxysmal AF and normal left ventricular function underwent circumferential PV isolation guided by 3-dimensional mapping and double Lasso technique. Right-sided and left-sided continuous circular lesions encircling the ipsilateral PVs were placed with irrigated radiofrequency energy. The procedure end point was the absence of all PV spikes for at least 30 minutes after PV isolation verified by 2 Lasso catheters placed within the ipsilateral PVs. Sinus rhythm was present in 75 patients (46.6%) after the initial procedure during a median follow-up period of 4.8 years (0.33 to 5.5 years). A second procedure was performed in 66 and a third procedure in 12 patients. Recovered PV isolation conduction was observed in 62 of 66 patients (94.0%) during the second and in 8 of 12 patients (66.7%) during the third procedure. After a median of 1 (1 to 3) procedure, stable sinus rhythm was achieved in 128 of 161 patients (79.5%), whereas clinical improvement occurred in an additional 21 of 161 patients (13.0%) during a median follow-up of 4.6 years (0.33 to 5.5 years). Four patients in stable sinus rhythm died during follow-up. Progression toward chronic AF was observed in 4 patients (2.4%); however, only 2 patients reported symptoms.

Conclusion—

In patients with paroxysmal AF and normal left ventricular function, circumferential PV isolation results in stable sinus rhythm in the majority of patients, and low incidence of chronic AF was observed after ablation during up to 5 years of follow-up.
Mortality Resulting From Congenital Heart Disease Among Children and Adults in the United States, 1999 to 2006
Authors: Gilboa Suzanne M. , Salemi Jason L. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Fixler David E. , Correa Adolfo
Published: November 2010

Background—

Previous reports suggest that mortality resulting from congenital heart disease (CHD) among infants and young children has been decreasing. There is little population-based information on CHD mortality trends and patterns among older children and adults.

Methods and Results—

We used data from death certificates filed in the United States from 1999 to 2006 to calculate annual CHD mortality by age at death, race-ethnicity, and sex. To calculate mortality rates for individuals ≥1 year of age, population counts from the US Census were used in the denominator; for infant mortality, live birth counts were used. From 1999 to 2006, there were 41 494 CHD-related deaths and 27 960 deaths resulting from CHD (age-standardized mortality rates, 1.78 and 1.20 per 100 000, respectively). During this period, mortality resulting from CHD declined 24.1% overall. Mortality resulting from CHD significantly declined among all race-ethnicities studied. However, disparities persisted; overall and among infants, mortality resulting from CHD was consistently higher among non-Hispanic blacks compared with non-Hispanic whites. Infant mortality accounted for 48.1% of all mortality resulting from CHD; among those who survived the first year of life, 76.1% of deaths occurred during adulthood (≥18 years of age).

Conclusions—

CHD mortality continued to decline among both children and adults; however, differences between race-ethnicities persisted. A large proportion of CHD-related mortality occurred during infancy, although significant CHD mortality occurred during adulthood, indicating the need for adult CHD specialty management.
The sPLA2Inhibition to Decrease Enzyme Release After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (SPIDER-PCI) Trial
Authors: Džavík Vladimír , Lavi Shahar , Thorpe Kevin , Yip Paul M. , Plante Sylvain , Ing Douglas , Overgaard Christopher B. , Osten Mark D. , Lan Julie , Robbins Kim , Miner Steven E. , Horlick Eric M. , Cantor Warren J.
Published: November 2010

Background—

Secretory phospholipase A2(sPLA2) may play a role in myonecrosis after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Inhibition of this enzyme may have a beneficial effect. The central hypothesis of this study was that treatment with varespladib, a small-molecule inhibitor of sPLA2would reduce postprocedural release of cardiac biomarkers after elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Results—

Between October 2007 and June 2009, 144 stable patients were randomized in a phase II trial to receive varespladib 500 mg PO BID or placebo 3 to 5 days before and for 5 days after elective percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary end point was elevation of troponin I or creatine kinase-MB above the upper limit of normal at 6 to 8 or 18 to 24 hours after percutaneous coronary intervention. Mean age was 63±10 and 64±10 years, with 38% and 42% with diabetes mellitus and 29% and 28% with prior myocardial infarction for the varespladib and placebo groups, respectively. The primary end point occurred in 75% of varespladib and 63% of placebo patients (P=0.14). Troponin I 3 times the upper limit of normal was observed in 57% and 50% (P=0.39) and creatine kinase-MB 2 times the upper limit of normal in 14% and 3% (P=0.018). Median (first and third quartiles) change in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in these 2 groups was 0.65 mg/L (−0.18 and 1.48) and 0.70 mg/L (0.00 and 1.50) at 18 to 24 hours (P=0.81) and 0.20 mg/L (−0.70 and 1.40) and 0.60 mg/L (−0.12 and 1.72) at 3 to 5 days (P=0.23), whereas change in sPLA2activity at 3 to 5 days in a subset was −2.85 ng/ml (−3.40 and −1.85) and 0.25 ng/ml (−0.20 and 0.85) (P<0.001).

Conclusions—

Inhibition of sPLA2by varespladib administered for 3 to 5 days before the procedure does not reduce periprocedural myonecrosis associated with elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00533039.
Myocardial Infarction and Risk of Suicide
Authors: Larsen Karen Kjær , Agerbo Esben , Christensen Bo , Søndergaard Jens , Vestergaard Mogens
Published: November 2010

Background—

Myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression, low quality of life, and all-cause mortality. Whether MI is associated with an increased risk of suicide is unknown. We examined the association between MI and suicide.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a population-based case-control study by retrieving data from 5 nationwide longitudinal registers in Denmark. As cases, we selected all persons aged 40 to 89 years who died by suicide from 1981 to 2006. As controls, we randomly selected up to 10 persons per case matched by sex, day of birth, and calendar time. We identified 19 857 persons who committed suicide and 190 058 controls. MI was associated with a marked increased risk of suicide. The risk of suicide was highest during the first month after discharge for MI for patients with no history of psychiatric illness (adjusted rate ratio, 3.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.61 to 6.56) and for patients with a history of psychiatric illness (adjusted rate ratio, 64.05; 95% confidence interval, 13.36 to 307.06) compared with those with no history of MI or psychiatric illness. However, the risk remained high for at least 5 years after MI.

Conclusions—

MI is followed by an increased risk of suicide for persons with and without psychiatric illness. Our results suggest the importance of screening patients with MI for depression and suicidal ideation.
Genetic Variation in Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (
EPHX2
) Is Associated With Forearm Vasodilator Responses in Humans
Authors: Lee Craig R. , Pretorius Mias , Schuck Robert N. , Burch Lauranell H. , Bartlett Jackie , Williams Scott M. , Zeldin Darryl C. , Brown Nancy J.
Published: November 2010

Cytochrome P450-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids are potent vasodilators in preclinical models and are hydrolyzed by soluble epoxide hydrolase (
EPHX2
). Associations between the
EPHX2
Lys55Arg and Arg287Gln polymorphisms and cardiovascular disease risk have been reported; however, their impact on vascular function in humans has not been investigated. In 265 volunteers (198 white, 67 black American), forearm blood flow was measured by strain-gauge venous occlusion plethysmography at baseline and in response to bradykinin, methacholine, and sodium nitroprusside. Forearm vascular resistance was calculated as mean arterial pressure/forearm blood flow. In white Americans, Lys55Arg genotype was associated with vasodilator response to bradykinin, such that forearm blood flow was significantly lower (
P
=0.043) and forearm vascular resistance was significantly higher (
P
=0.013) in Arg55 variant allele carriers compared to wild-type individuals. Significant associations were also observed with methacholine and sodium nitroprusside. In contrast, no relationship was observed in black Americans. In black Americans, Arg287Gln genotype was associated with vasodilator response to bradykinin. Although the difference in forearm blood flow did not reach statistical significance (
P
=0.058), forearm vascular resistance was significantly lower (
P
=0.037) in Gln287 variant allele carriers compared to wild-type individuals. Significant associations were also observed with methacholine and sodium nitroprusside. In white Americans, Gln287 variant allele carriers did not exhibit significantly higher forearm blood flow (
P
=0.128) or lower forearm vascular resistance (
P
=0.080). Genetic variation in
EPHX2
is associated with forearm vasodilator responses in a bradykinin receptor- and endothelium-independent manner, suggesting an important role for soluble epoxide hydrolase in the regulation of vascular function in humans.
Maternal Cardiac Dysfunction and Remodeling in Women With Preeclampsia at Term
Authors: Melchiorre Karen , Sutherland George Ross , Baltabaeva Aigul , Liberati Marco , Thilaganathan Basky
Published: November 2010

Preeclampsia is a disease associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity during pregnancy and in later life. This study was designed to evaluate cardiac function and remodeling in preeclampsia occurring at term. This was a prospective case–control study of 50 term preeclampsia and 50 normal pregnancies assessed by echocardiography and tissue Doppler analysis. Global diastolic dysfunction was observed more frequently in preeclampsia versus control pregnancies (40% versus 14%,
P
=0.007). Increased cardiac work and left ventricular mass indices suggest that left ventricular remodeling was an adaptive response to maintain myocardial contractility with preeclampsia at term. Approximately 20% of patients with preeclampsia at term have more evident myocardial damage. Diastolic dysfunction usually precedes systolic dysfunction in the evolution of ischemic or hypertensive cardiac diseases and is of prognostic value in the prediction of long-term cardiovascular morbidity. The study findings also have significant implications for the acute medical management of preeclampsia.
Variation of abundance and density of Puma concolor in zones of high and low concentration of camera traps in Central Mexico
Authors: Soria-Díaz Leroy , Monroy-Vilchis Octavio , Rodríguez-Soto Clarita , Zarco-González Martha , Urios Vicente
Published: November 2010

Little is known about the status of Puma concolor populations in Central and South America. Due to this reason, the present study contributes to the knowledge on puma populations providing information on abundance and density in Sierra Nanchititla, Mexico, as well as comparing recorded values against those obtained from zones of high and low concentration of camera traps. The sampling was carried out during a period of 30 months, which were divided into 3-month independent blocks. For the 8 first blocks, ten camera traps were set in an area where the separation among cameras was 1.6 km, and in the 2 last blocks 17 camera traps were set in an area where the separation was 4.6 km. The abundance was estimated between 2 and 5 individuals for the area with the highest concentration of cameras, lower than the abundance obtained in the area with the lowest concentration of cameras, i.e., 6 individuals. The density of the area with the highest camera concentration had a variation between 2.74 and 6.86 individuals/100 km2 in an effective survey area of 72.8 km2 and for the area of lowest concentration it was 1.21 individual/100 km2 in an effective survey area of 492.6 km2.
Seasonal variation of prey consumption by Liolaemus barbarae, a highland lizard endemic to Northern Chile
Authors: Mella Jorge , Tirado Carlos , Cortés Arturo , Carretero Miguel
Published: November 2010

Liolaemus barbarae is a small liolaemid lizard (SVL: 56 mm) endemic to the high Andes of northern Chile. Diet and prey availability were assessed during three seasons of activity (spring 2003, summer 2004, autumn 2004) in order to determine patterns of prey consumption and eventual selection. Liolaemus barbarae was strictly insectivorous preying on flying and epigeous insects, mainly chinch bugs (Lygaeidae) and ants. Prey types were consumed in different proportions than available in the environment. The selection for Lygaeidae, the most frequent prey consumed, was inversely correlated with their availability suggesting a nutrient-optimization strategy. Ants acted as complementary prey but they were less consumed than available. Despite the harsh environmental conditions, this Andean lizard seems able to fulfil its trophic requirements, its annual diet being less variable than the seasonal fluctuations of insects in the environment.
A skeletochronological estimation of age and body size by the Sichuan torrent frog (Amolops mantzorum) between two populations at different altitudes
Authors: Liao Wen Bo , Lu Xin
Published: November 2010

The age and body size of Amolops mantzorum between two populations distributed in western China were estimated using skeletochronology. The age at sexual mature of individuals was be estimated 2 yrs old in males for both populations while females reached sexual maturity at 2 yrs old at the low-altitude site and 3 yrs old at the high-altitude site. The oldest males and females from the high-altitude site were 7 yrs and 10 yrs old while longevity of males reached 6 yrs and 7 yrs in females at the low-altitude site. Average age between males and females differed significantly at the high-altitude site, but it did no differ significantly at the low-altitude site. For both sexes, average age did not differ significantly between the populations. On average, adult females had significantly larger body sizes than adult males for both populations. Sexual size dimorphism from the low-altitude site and the high-altitude site was 0.280 and 0.282, respectively. Body size between the populations differed significantly within each sex. Positive correlations were found between age and body size for both sexes within each site. The growth coefficient did not differ significantly within a population both sexes or in a sex between the populations. Our findings suggest that inter-population difference in body size of the frogs seems to be related to longevity of individuals, ambient temperature and construction of dams for electricity.
Contracts of Carriage: Legislation and Case Law in Estonia
Authors: Sein Karin , Uusen-Nacke Triin
Published: November 2010

On 1 July 2002, the new Law of Obligations Act (LOA) entered into force in Estonia regulating inter alia contracts for the carriage of goods and contracts for the carriage of passengers. This article highlights these new regulations as well as relevant Estonian case law.The article demonstrates that, in respect of contracts for the carriage of goods, German legislation and case law have exerted considerable influence on the drafting of relevant provisions in the 2001 LOA as well as Estonian case law in this field. In addition, the importance of the the 1956 Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR Convention) cannot be overlooked: it serves as a model for drafting domestic legislation and, also, has a role in case law and national practice.That part of the 2001 LOA regulating contracts for the carriage of passengers has been drafted on the basis of Book 8 "Vehicles and Carriage" of the 1991 Dutch Civil Code; but, contrary to the Dutch Code, the LOA does not distinguish among types of carriers. In particular, with regard to carriers' liability for the carriage of passengers, the provisions have been modeled, to a large degree, upon the 1929 Warsaw Convention, the 1961 Guadalajara Convention, the 1974 Athens Convention and the 1990 German Law on the Carriage of Passengers (Personenbeförderungsgesetz). The authors consider the choice of statutory models for contracts for the carriage of goods and passengers to be fully justified as they ensure the compliance of relevant Estonian legislation with modern standards.
Volume, Freshwater, and Heat Fluxes through Davis Strait, 2004–05*
Authors: Curry B. , Lee C. M. , Petrie B.
Published: November 2010

Davis Strait volume [−2.3 ± 0.7 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1); negative sign indicates southward transport], freshwater (−116 ± 41 mSv), and heat (20 ± 9 TW) fluxes estimated from objectively mapped 2004–05 moored array data do not differ significantly from values based on a 1987–90 array but are distributed differently across the strait. The 2004–05 array provided the first year-long measurements in the upper 100 m and over the shelves. The upper 100 m accounts for 39% (−0.9 Sv) of the net volume and 59% (−69 mSv) of the net freshwater fluxes. Shelf contributions are small: 0.4 Sv (volume), 15 mSv (freshwater), and 3 TW (heat) from the West Greenland shelf and −0.1 Sv, −7 mSv, and 1 TW from the Baffin Island shelf. Contemporaneous measurements of the Baffin Bay inflows and outflows indicate that volume and freshwater budgets balance to within 26% and 4%, respectively, of the net Davis Strait outflow. Davis Strait volume and freshwater fluxes nearly equal those from Fram Strait, indicating that both are significant Arctic freshwater pathways.
The Physical Education and School Sport Environment Inventory
Authors: Fairclough Stuart J. , Hilland Toni A. , Vinson Don , Stratton Gareth
Published: November 2010

The study purpose was to assess preliminary validity and reliability of the Physical Education and School Sport Environment Inventory (PESSEI), which was designed to audit physical education (PE) and school sport spaces and resources. PE teachers from eight English secondary schools completed the PESSEI. Criterion validity was assessed by researcher observations of schools’ spaces and facilities. To measure test–retest reliability, teachers completed the PESSEI twice within 14 days. Pearson’s correlations for teacher and researcher observations ranged from r = .8 through .99. Test–retest reliability was also very high (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.93 through 1.0). Limits of agreement were acceptable for all variables with the exception of indoor spatial area. Results support the potential of the PESSEI as an objective measure of the school physical environment. To confirm these initial findings, further validity and reliability analyses are required in differing school contexts.
Levels and functions of HIV/AIDS stigma within the Iranian community living in the Sydney metropolitan area
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Hassan , Hossain Syeda Zakia , Niknami Shamsaddin
Published: November 2010

Objective: This study examines the levels of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) related stigma among the Iranian population and the factors that contribute to the formation of stigma within the study population.

Design: A quantitative research design was used in this research whereby participants completed a self-administrated questionnaire. A sample of 236 adults aged 20–65 were collected using non-probability sampling techniques.

Setting: The study was carried out in the Sydney (Australia) metropolitan area and data were collected in 2007.

Method: To obtain a desirable sample size, multivariate techniques including snowball were used. Herek’s (1986) functional approach to attitudes was used to analyze HIV/AIDS stigma in the study population.

Results: The findings illustrate that HIV/AIDS-related stigma was dominant among the study population. Overall, participants had negative feelings toward people with HIV/AIDS (PWHA); they were in favour of punitive policies against them and were more likely to avoid having contact with people who had contracted HIV/AIDS. Multiple regression analysis revealed that both instrumental (fear of contamination) and symbolic factors (attitudes towards homosexuals and injecting drug user) independently contributed to HIV/AIDS stigma.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that HIV/AIDS stigma has instrumental and symbolic function, and concentrating solely on instrumental (HIV/AIDS transmission routes) factors is less likely to address it properly. Therefore, educational campaigns to reduce HIV/AIDS stigma should also focus on symbolic factors. The findings contribute to the knowledge area of better understanding of HIV/AIDS stigma among ethnic minorities of similar characteristics. The results are valuable for the Iranian community, health service providers, health educators and policy makers.
Strength of composite angle brackets with multiple geometries and nanofiber-enhanced resins
Authors: Avalon Stephanie C. , Donaldson Steven L.
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the change in strength and failure mode of composite angle brackets due to changes in both the angle bend radius and laminate thickness, as well as the addition of vapor-grown carbon nanofiber to the epoxy resin matrix. The brackets explored within this study each contained a 90° bend and was subjected to four-point bend loading. Such angle brackets exhibit weakness around the radius due to the excessive through-the-thickness tensile stresses which can lead to delamination. Composite brackets of 8- and 16-plies were examined, with bend radii of 3.175 and 6.35 mm. The composites consisted of Hexcel AS4 carbon fiber, five-harness satin weave, and Epon 862/Epikure W epoxy resin. Specimens were fabricated with and without ASI PR-24 vapor-grown carbon nanofiber in the epoxy matrix. A servo-hydraulic load frame was used to perform a four-point-bend test as per American Society for Testing and Materials International D6415 for measuring the curved beam strength (CBS) of a fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite. Despite a threefold difference in failure load and CBS, data reduction using both closed-form and finite element modeling resulted in a nearly single critical value of radial peel stress at initial failure of 30—32 MPa for all specimens. The mechanical load response (large load drop vs. ‘stick-slip’ after initial failure) and optical microscopy results are explored in detail.
PLA/clay/wood nanocomposites: nanoclay effects on mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Meng Q.K. , Hetzer M. , De Kee D.
Published: November 2010

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/clay/wood nanocomposites were prepared by melt extrusion of PLA, nanoclay, and wood flour (WF). The clay particles exhibit an intercalated structure in the PLA matrix and the addition of WF slightly increases the spacing in the galleries of the intercalated structure. The intercalated clay particles and WF in the PLA matrix restrict the motion of the PLA molecules and crystals. The tensile and flexural moduli of PLA/clay/wood nanocomposites with 30 wt% WF, respectively, increase from 3.75 to 7.08 GPa and from 3.83 to 6.01 GPa compared to neat PLA by adding up to 5 wt% nanoclay. Voids around clay particles, observed via scanning electron microscopy are associated with the negative effect of the clay particles on the interfacial adhesion between the WF and the PLA matrix. Clay particles improve the thermal decomposition temperature (T d) of PLA/clay/wood nanocomposites by about 10°C compared to that of PLA/wood composites. The effects of clay particles on other thermal properties such as glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), and linear thermal expansion are also discussed in this article.
Atmospheric pressure plasma modification of polyester fabric for improvement of textile-specific properties
Authors: Gotoh Keiko , Yasukawa Akemi
Published: November 2010

Polyester fabrics were treated by atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) to enhance hydrophilic behavior of the fiber surfaces. Damage of the fabric due to the APP exposure was not significantly observed. It was found that the APP exposure increased the wettability, oxygen concentration and roughness of the polyester fiber surface. As a result, the water wicking and antistatic property were successfully enhanced. Moreover, the detergency and the dyeability were found to be enhanced. It was found that the exposure of polyester fabrics to APP may help to improve its functional properties.
A new approach for fabric hand prediction with a nearest neighbor algorithm-based feature selection scheme
Authors: Yong Yu  , Hui Chi Leung Patrick , Choi Tsan-Ming , Ng Sau Fun Frency
Published: November 2010

Fabric hand refers to the subjective perception of fabric mechanical properties. It is an important factor in fabric selection. In the literature, various instruments and tools have been developed to evaluate fabric hand by means of the related physical and mechanical properties. These works have studied the prediction of fabric specimens based on the fabric hand descriptors via either traditional statistical methods or artificial intelligence methods. The artificial neural network (ANN) model and its variation, the fuzzy neural network (FNN)-based intelligent fabric hand prediction system have been studied previously, and they show good accuracy in the forecasting task. The FNN model is especially useful as it provides good prediction accuracy and understandable rule-set at the same time. However, real-world application of the FNN model is restricted because of the great burden of required computation. In this paper, a nearest neighbor algorithm is used for feature selection to reduce computation burden. An improved FNN-based fabric hand prediction model is devised. Data sets collected from 30 participants’ evaluation on a set of 20 fabric specimens, taken from the data source used by Lau et al., are used to verify the proposed system; the system is found to be capable of carrying out fabric hand predictions with many input parameters quickly and with good accuracy.
Yarn simulations with sharp edges
Authors: De Meulemeester Simon , Puissant Patrick , Van Langenhove Lieva
Published: November 2010

This paper describes a new method for collision handling of particle based systems moving on sharp edges using intermediate points and correction methods for particles passing these edges. It aims at facilitating the simulation of physically realistic movement of the particles in contact with surfaces, even if those surfaces contain sharp edges. The method was developed in order to increase the range of surfaces that allow valid simulations. The method has for the moment only been applied to the simulation of yarn, which is represented as a one-dimensional system of particles connected by springs and dampers. This could be extended however to two-dimensional systems such as cloth, although the technique is developed for explicit integration schemes. Validation has been done by comparing with surfaces with smoothed edges as well as by comparing with actual high speed camera results. From the results, it was shown that physically realistic movement of yarn over a sharp edge can now successfully be simulated.