bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Course, outcomes, and psychosocial interventions for first‐episode mania
Authors: McMurrich Stephanie , Sylvia Louisa G , Dupuy Jamie M , Peckham Andrew D , Peters Amy T , Deckersbach Thilo , Perlis Roy H
Published: September 2012

McMurrich S, Sylvia LG, Dupuy JM, Peckham AD, Peters AT, Deckersbach T, Perlis RH. Course, outcomes, and psychosocial interventions for first‐episode mania. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 797–808. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  The course of bipolar disorder tends to worsen over time, highlighting the importance of early intervention. Despite the recognized need for adjunctive psychosocial treatments in first‐episode mania, very few studies have evaluated psychological interventions for this period of significant risk. In this empirical review, we evaluate existing research on first‐episode bipolar disorder, compare this body of research to parallel studies of first‐episode schizophrenia, and identify strategies for future research.

Methods:  A comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE and PsychINFO databases was conducted to identify studies of first‐episode mania, as well as first‐episode schizophrenia. Recovery and relapse rates were compared across studies.

Results:  In contrast to a number of studies of first‐episode schizophrenia, the authors identified only seven independent programs assessing first‐episode mania. Findings from these studies suggest that, while pharmacological treatment helps patients achieve recovery from acute episodes, it fails to bring patients to sustained remission. Early psychosocial intervention may be imperative in reducing residual symptoms, preventing recurrence of mood episodes, and improving psychosocial functioning. However, very few studies of psychosocial interventions for first‐episode mania have been systematically studied.

Conclusions:  Studies of first‐episode mania indicate a gap between syndromal/symptomatic and functional recovery. Novel psychosocial interventions for first‐episode mania may help bridge this gap, but require controlled study.
Is Exercise Training Beneficial for Heart Failure Patients Taking β‐Adrenergic Blockers? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ismail Hashbullah , McFarlane James , Smart Neil A.
Published: September 2012

The authors sought to conduct a systematic review comparing the effects of exercise training in heart failure patients taking β‐blockers vs those not. A systematic search of exercise training trials in chronic heart failure patients that compared groups who took β‐blocker medication or compared selective and nonselective β‐blockers during exercise training was conducted. Eight prospective studies met the criteria for the quantitative synthesis, which included data from 236 participants. The increment in peak oxygen consumption (VO2) was greater in exercising vs control participants, with a mean difference (MD) of 1.27 mL/kg/min (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85–1.70; P<.00001). In exercising patients, the increment in peak VO2 was greater in the group taking β‐blocker vs those taking placebo (MD, 1.66 mL/kg/min; 95% CI, 0.36–2.97; P=.01). In exercising patients, there was no difference in the increment of peak VO2 between nonselective β‐blocker and selective β‐blockers groups (MD, −0.09 mL/kg/min; 95% CI, −1.54–1.36; P=.09). Minnesota Quality of Life Score was significantly better in the exercise group vs sedentary control group (both groups taking β‐blockers) (MD, −11.3; 95% CI, −15.9 to −6.8; P<.00001). Our analysis demonstrated that β‐adrenergic blocker therapy did not reduce exercise capacity or exercise training adaptations and quality of life in heart failure patients.
Incorporating phylogenetic uncertainty on phylogeny‐based palaeontological dating and the timing of turtle diversification
Authors: Sterli Juliana , Pol Diego , Laurin Michel
Published: September 2012

Methods improving the performance of molecular dating of divergence time of clades have improved dramatically in recent years. The calibration of molecular dating using the first appearance of a clade in the fossil record is a crucial step towards inferring the minimal diversification time of various groups and the choice of extinct taxa can strongly influence the molecular dates. Here, we evaluate the uncertainty on the phylogenetic position of extinct taxa through non‐parametric bootstrapping. The recognition of phylogenetic uncertainty resulted in the definition of the Bootstrap Uncertainty Range (BUR) for the age of first appearance of a given clade. The BUR is calculated as the interval of geological time in which the diversification of a given clade can be inferred to have occurred, based on the temporal information of the fossil record and the topologies of the bootstrap trees. Divergence times based on BUR analyses were calculated for three clades of turtles: Testudines, Pleurodira and Cryptodira. This resulted in extensive uncertainty ranges of topology‐dependent minimal divergence dates for these clades.
Disclosing the origin and diversity of Omani cattle
Authors: Mahgoub Osman , Babiker Hamza A. , Kadim I.T. , Al‐Kindi Mohammed , Hassan Salwa , Al‐Marzooqi W. , Eltahir Yasmin E. , Al‐Abri M. A. , Al‐Khayat Aisha , Al‐Sinani Kareema R. , Hilal Al‐Khanjari Homoud , Costa Vânia , Chen Shanyuan , Beja‐Pereira Albano
Published: September 2012

Among all livestock species, cattle have a prominent status as they have contributed greatly to the economy, nutrition and culture from the beginning of farming societies until the present time. The origins and diversity of local cattle breeds have been widely assessed. However, there are still some regions for which very little of their local genetic resources is known. The present work aimed to estimate the genetic diversity and the origins of Omani cattle. Located in the south‐eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, close to the Near East, East Africa and the Indian subcontinent, the Sultanate of Oman occupies a key position, which may enable understanding cattle dispersal around the Indian Ocean. To disclose the origin of this cattle population, we used a set of 11 polymorphic microsatellites and 113 samples representing the European, African and Indian ancestry to compare with cattle from Oman. This study found a very heterogenic population with a markedly Bos indicus ancestry and with some degree of admixture with Bos taurus of African and Near East origin.
Re‐evaluating the effect of harvesting regimes on Nile crocodiles using an integral projection model
Authors: Wallace Kevin , Leslie Alison , Coulson Tim
Published: September 2012

Crocodile populations are size‐structured, and for populations that are subject to harvesting, removal is typically size selective. For this reason, size‐structured matrix models are typically used to analyse the dynamics of crocodile populations. The boundaries between the size classes used to classify individuals in these models are typically chosen arbitrarily. This is problematic because results can depend upon the number and width of size classes.

The recent development of continuous character population models termed integral projection models (IPM) has removed the need to arbitrarily classify individuals. These models are yet to be applied to harvested animal populations.

Using information obtained from the literature, we develop an IPM for crocodiles. We use perturbation analyses to investigate how altering size‐specific demographic rates influences the population growth rate and the strength of selection on snout to vent length.

We find that perturbations can lead to complex responses. Sensitivity analysis to population growth and fertility selection reveals that the smallest animals and the sizes of early breeding individuals and their eggs may have more influence on these population biology parameters than previously thought.

Although our model is relatively simple, our results show that IPM can be used to gain theoretical insight into the possible consequences of altering size‐specific demographic rates on the population and evolutionary ecology of harvested populations.
sarA negatively regulates Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation by modulating expression of 1 MDa extracellular matrix binding protein and autolysis‐dependent release of eDNA
Authors: Christner Martin , Heinze Constanze , Busch Michael , Franke Gefion , Hentschke Moritz , Bayard Dühring Sara , Büttner Henning , Kotasinska Marta , Wischnewski Victoria , Kroll Gesche , Buck Friedrich , Molin Soeren , Otto Michael , Rohde Holger
Published: September 2012

Biofilm formation is essential for Staphylococcus epidermidis pathogenicity in implant‐associated infections. Nonetheless, large proportions of invasive Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates fail to form a biofilm in vitro. We here tested the hypothesis that this apparent paradox is related to the existence of superimposed regulatory systems suppressing a multicellular biofilm life style in vitro. Transposon mutagenesis of clinical significant but biofilm‐negative S. epidermidis 1585 was used to isolate a biofilm positive mutant carrying a Tn917 insertion in sarA, chief regulator of staphylococcal virulence. Genetic analysis revealed that inactivation of sarA induced biofilm formation via overexpression of the giant 1 MDa extracellular matrix binding protein (Embp), serving as an intercellular adhesin. In addition to Embp, increased extracellular DNA (eDNA) release significantly contributed to biofilm formation in mutant 1585ΔsarA. Increased eDNA amounts indirectly resulted from upregulation of metalloprotease SepA, leading to boosted processing of autolysin AtlE, in turn inducing augmented autolysis and release of eDNA. Hence, this study identifies sarA as a negative regulator of Embp‐ and eDNA‐dependent biofilm formation. Given the importance of SarA as a positive regulator of polysaccharide mediated cell aggregation, the regulator enables S. epidermidis to switch between mechanisms of biofilm formation, ensuring S. epidermidis adaptation to hostile environments.
Foetal exposure to maternal stressful events increases the risk of having asthma and atopic diseases in childhood
Authors: de Marco Roberto , Pesce Giancarlo , Girardi Paolo , Marchetti Pierpaolo , Rava Marta , Ricci Paolo , Marcon Alessandro
Published: September 2012

To cite this article: de Marco R, Pesce G, Girardi P, Marchetti P, Rava M, Ricci P, Marcon A. Foetal exposure to maternal stressful events increases the risk of having asthma and atopic diseases in childhood. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 724–729.

Background:  The natural history of asthma and atopic diseases begins in utero. Studies investigating the influence of foetal exposure to maternal stressful life events during pregnancy (SLEP) on asthma and atopic diseases are lacking.

Aim:  To test whether the children of mothers who had experienced SLEP are at an increased risk for asthma, atopic eczema and allergic rhinitis.

Methods:  The association between maternal SLEP (at least one among: divorce, mourning or loss of the job) and the occurrence of asthma and atopic diseases in childhood was studied in a population (n = 3854) of children, aged 3–14 yrs, living in Northern Italy. The parents filled in a standardized questionnaire about the children’s health and the events occurred to their mothers during pregnancy.

Results:  Three hundred and thirty‐three (9%) of the mothers experienced SLEP. Their children had a statistically significantly higher lifetime prevalence of wheezing (31.6% vs. 23.1%), asthma (8.9% vs. 5.6%), allergic rhinitis (10.9% vs. 7.3%) and atopic eczema (29.7% vs. 21.1%) than those of mothers without SLEP. After adjusting for potential confounders, the foetal exposure to SLEP was positively associated with wheezing (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.03–1.94), asthma (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.02–2.89), allergic rhinitis (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.08–2.84) and atopic eczema (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.11–2.10).

Conclusion:  The children of mothers who had experienced SLEP were at a moderately increased risk of having wheezing, asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis during their childhood. Maternal stress during pregnancy might enhance the expression of asthma and atopic phenotypes in children.
Pollen limitation and Allee effect related to population size and sex ratio in the endangered Ottelia acuminata (Hydrocharitaceae): implications for conservation and reintroduction
Authors: Xia J. , Lu J. , Wang Z. X. , Hao B. B. , Wang H. B. , Liu G. H.
Published: September 2012

Small populations may suffer more severe pollen limitation and result in Allee effects. Sex ratio may also affect pollination and reproduction success in dioecious species, which is always overlooked when performing conservation and reintroduction tasks. In this study, we investigated whether and how population size and sex ratio affected pollen limitation and reproduction in the endangered Ottelia acuminata, a dioecious submerged species. We established experimental plots with increasing population size and male sex ratio. We observed insect visitation, estimated pollen limitation by hand‐pollinations and counted fruit set and seed production per fruit. Fruit set and seed production decreased significantly in small populations due to pollinator scarcity and thus suffered more severe pollen limitation. Although frequently visited, female‐biased larger populations also suffered severe pollen limitation due to few effective visits and insufficient pollen availability. Rising male ratio enhanced pollination service and hence reproduction. Unexpectedly, pollinator preferences did not cause reduced reproduction in male‐biased populations because of high pollen availability. However, reproductive outputs showed more variability in severe male‐biased populations. Our results revealed two component Allee effects in fruit set and seed production, mediated by pollen limitation in O. acuminata. Moreover, reproduction decreased significantly in larger female‐biased populations, increasing the risk of an Allee effect.
Relationships Between Fertility and Some Parameters in Male Broiler Breeders (Body and Testicular Weight, Histology and Immunohistochemistry of Testes, Spermatogenesis and Hormonal Levels)
Authors: Sarabia Fragoso J , Pizarro Díaz M , Abad Moreno JC , Casanovas Infesta P , Rodriguez‐Bertos A , Barger K
Published: September 2012

Contents

In a farm of grandparent broiler breeder chickens, we followed the development of 350 roosters from 6 to 55 weeks of age. Data collected and evaluated from these males included body weight, testicular weight, histologic and immunohistochemistry studies of the testes, hormone levels (testosterone, estradiol and corticosterone) and sperm production. The objective was to understand the factors that affect or influence hatch loss that is commonly observed after 45 weeks of age in breeder flocksare often correlated to broiler breeder male chickens. The results of this study showed that in conjunction with the weight of the rooster, the testicle weight increases quickly after the rooster receives light stimulation. At an older age, the study showed that there is a process of testicular shrinkage, and the same effect is seen in sperm production and testosterone levels in broiler breeder roosters. From the histology evaluation, we defined 5 histologic phases that illustrate the evolution of the testicular tissue: perinatal, infantile, puberty, adult and senile. We observed that the adult males with a body weight <3800 g were infertile or had subfertile levels and also had low levels of testosterone and high levels of corticosterone. In contrast, the heaviest males showed correct testicular vitality, high levels of testosterone and low levels of corticosterone. However, the roosters that had acquired this high body weight were also at risk of having less complete copulations because of their physical mass. The loss of uniformity of the males and the appearance of hierarchies within the flock accompany a decline in the percentages of hatches as a consequence of the poor confirmation of the males for copulation or the restriction to the access to the females. Results of this study show that the decrease in fertility from 45 weeks of age has been associated with a decline in testicular weight, sperm production and the testosterone levels in animals with a sub‐par weight. Likewise, decreasing hatch in older flocks may also result from a loss of conformation, and the lack of complete copulations is possible because of animals that are grossly overweight.
Low molecular weight heparin decreases the permeability of glomerular endothelial cells when exposed to pre‐eclampsia serum in vitro
Authors: Li Yuqi , Wu Yuanyuan , Gong Xun , Shi Xinwei , Qiao Fuyuan , Liu Haiyi
Published: September 2012

Aim

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been used to treat certain kidney diseases such as pre‐eclampsia, in which extensive levels of proteinuria are associated with dysfunction of glomerular endothelium. In our study, we investigated whether LMWH could affect the permeability of and ET‐1 expression in human glomerular endothelial cells (GEnC) incubated with pre‐eclampsia serum.

Methods

Serum from pre‐eclampsia patients was collected and incubated with GEnC in the absence or presence of LMWH. We assessed the permeability of glomerular endothelial monolayer by measuring the amount of bovine serum albumin (BSA) that crosses into the lower chamber of a trans‐well device. In addition, we measured ET‐1 mRNA expression levels in and proliferation and apoptotic rates of GEnC exposed to pre‐eclampsia serum with or without LMWH.

Results

The permeability of ET‐1 mRNA expression in GEnC increased upon incubation with pre‐eclampsia serum, but decreased significantly when LMWH was added. The presence of LMWH did not alter the proliferation and apoptosis of GEnC incubated with pre‐eclampsia serum.

Conclusion

Low molecular weight heparin maintains the integrity of the kidney probably by strengthening the defence of glomerular endothelium.
Epidemiology and Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Tonkic Ante , Tonkic Marija , Lehours Philippe , Mégraud Francis
Published: September 2012

Medline, PubMed and the Cochrane databases were searched on epidemiology and diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori for the period of April 2011–March 2012. Several studies have shown that the prevalence of H. pylori infection is decreasing in adults and children in many countries. Various diagnostic tests are available, and most of them have high sensitivity and specificity. The Maastricht IV/Florence consensus report states that the urea breath test using 13C urea remains the best test to diagnose H. pylori infection. Among the stool antigen tests, the ELISA monoclonal antibody test is recommended. All these tests were used, either as a single diagnostic test or in combination, to investigate H. pylori infection among different populations throughout the world. Of particular interest, current improvements in high‐resolution endoscopic technologies enable increased diagnostic accuracy for the detection of H. pylori infection, but none of these techniques, at present, are specific enough for obtaining a real‐time diagnosis of H. pylori infection.
Globalization and a Conservative Dilemma: Economic Openness and Retributive Policies
Authors: Breckenridge James N. , Moghaddam Fathali M.
Published: September 2012

Globalization is associated with economic openness and, in this sense, is in line with conservative free market ideology that embraces less government intervention. Globalization is also associated with greater contact with dissimilar outgroups and potential threats from terrorists and seems to run against conservative attitudes toward outgroup threat and civil liberties. We report research employing two nationally representative samples of 1,000 adults (collected in 2006 and 2008) that explored conservative individuals’ attitudes as American views of terrorism evolved following 9/11. Despite diminishing estimates of the likelihood of terrorist attacks, conservatism remained strongly associated with support for seeking revenge for foreign terrorist attacks and for restricting the civil liberties of foreign visitors and noncitizens in order to prevent terrorism. These trends were not accounted for by differences in levels of perceived threat or by demographic characteristics distinguishing conservatives from others. Results are discussed in the context of globalization and the role of political ideology.
The Role of Dehumanization in Attitudes Toward the Social Exclusion and Rehabilitation of Sex Offenders
Authors: Viki G. Tendayi , Fullerton Iona , Raggett Hannah , Tait Fiona , Wiltshire Suzanne
Published: September 2012

We examined the role of dehumanization in people's attitudes toward the rehabilitation of sex offenders. In Study 1, the more participants dehumanized sex offenders, the less they supported their rehabilitation and the longer the sentences they recommended. In Study 2, the more participants dehumanized sex offenders, the more likely they were to support their exclusion from society. In Study 3, the more participants dehumanized sex offenders, the more they supported their violent ill treatment. In Study 4, within a sample of correctional staff, good quality contact with sex offenders was related to less dehumanization and more support for rehabilitation. Mediation analyses indicated that the relationship between quality of contact and support for rehabilitation was mediated via dehumanization.
Genotype‐dependent consequences of traumatic stress in four inbred mouse strains
Authors: Szklarczyk K. , Korostynski M. , Golda S. , Solecki W. , Przewlocki R.
Published: September 2012

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that develops in predisposed individuals following a terrifying event. Studies on isogenic animal populations might explain susceptibility to PTSD by revealing associations between the molecular and behavioural consequences of traumatic stress. Our study employed four inbred mouse strains to search for differences in post‐stress response to a 1.5‐mA electric foot shock. One day to 6 weeks after the foot shock anxiety, depression and addiction‐like phenotypes were assessed. In addition, expression levels of selected stress‐related genes were analysed in hippocampus and amygdala. C57BL/6J mice exhibited up‐regulation in the expression of Tsc22d3, Nfkbia, Plat and Crhr1 genes in both brain regions. These alterations were associated with an increase of sensitized fear and depressive‐like behaviour over time. Traumatic stress induced expression of Tsc22d3, Nfkbia, Plat and Fkbp5 genes and developed social withdrawal in DBA/2J mice. In 129P3/J strain, exposure to stress produced the up‐regulation of Tsc22d3 and Nfkbia genes and enhanced sensitivity to the rewarding properties of morphine. Whereas, SWR/J mice displayed increase only in Pdyn expression in the amygdala and had the lowest conditioned fear. Our results reveal a complex genetic background of phenotypic variation in response to stress and indicate the SWR/J strain as a valuable model of stress resistance. We found potential links between the alterations in expression of Tsc22d3, Nfkbia and Pdyn, and different aspects of susceptibility to stress.
Vibration Characteristics of Guided Circular Saws: Experimental and Numerical Analyses
Authors: Khorasany Ramin M. H. , MohammadPanah Ahmad , Hutton Stanley G.
Published: September 2012

Studying the vibrational characteristics of guided circular saws is of particular interest in the current study. Guided circular saws are free in both the inner and outer rim. They are restrained from having axial motion by using two space-fixed guide pads in either side of the blade. Because of the small clearance between the guide pads and the saw blade, the blade is capable of having rigid body tilting and a translational degree of freedom. At first, we attempted to develop an understanding regarding the vibrational characteristics of such disks through experimental investigations. An electromagnet was used to generate random white noise for the purpose of exciting the bending waves. Using inductance displacement probes, the frequencies and amplitudes of the disk vibrations were measured and the mean deflections were plotted. In the next step, a space-fixed external force (air jet) was used to excite the disks in the lateral direction. The experimental results indicate that the blade frequencies show a significant change as a result of the initial lateral displacement imposed by the external force. It was also seen that due to the presence of the external force, a stationary wave develops and collapses at a higher speed. For the numerical simulations, the nonlinear governing equations based on Von Kármán plate theory were used. The effect of rigid body degrees of freedom was taken into account. As an approximation, the guide pads were modeled with four space-fixed springs. Using Galerkin’s method, the governing equations were discretized and their equilibrium solutions were found. After linearizing the governing equations around the equilibrium solution, the effect of nonlinearity on the amplitude and frequency response of the guided blade was investigated. It was seen that the numerical results were in close agreement with the experimental results.
Influence Coefficients of Stress Intensity Factors for Curved Tubing With a Semi-Elliptical Crack
Authors: Plante Kirsten , Tan Choon-Lai
Published: September 2012

The boundary element method is employed to determine polynomial influence coefficients of stress intensity factors, KI, for a semi-elliptical crack in internally pressurized thick-walled curved tubing. Numerical results of these coefficients are obtained for a wide range of geometric parameters; they are the bend radius ratio, cross-sectional radius ratio, angular extent of the bend, and relative crack depth. The use of influence coefficients allows KI solutions to be determined for different load cases without repetitive 3D stress analysis of the cracked body. This is demonstrated for the case of autofrettage where the effects on KI of the residual stresses arising from it are presented.
Staging Membrane Fusion
Authors: Rizo Josep
Published: September 2012

Optical tweezers reveal how single neuronal SNARE complexes assemble in three stages to force synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Hydrogenotrophic, Methanogenic Archaeon Methanoculleus bourgensis Strain MS2
T
, Isolated from a Sewage Sludge Digester
Authors: Maus Irena , Wibberg Daniel , Stantscheff Robbin , Eikmeyer Felix-Gregor , Seffner Anja , Boelter Jürgen , Szczepanowski Rafael , Blom Jochen , Jaenicke Sebastian , König Helmut , Pühler Alfred , Schlüter Andreas
Published: September 2012

Methanoculleus bourgensis
, of the order
Methanomicrobiales
, is a dominant methanogenic archaeon in many biogas-producing reactor systems fed with renewable primary products. It is capable of synthesizing methane via the hydrogenotrophic pathway utilizing hydrogen and carbon dioxide or formate as the substrates. Here we report the complete and finished genome sequence of
M. bourgensis
strain MS2
T
, isolated from a sewage sludge digester.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Field Strain of Rearranged Porcine Circovirus Type 2 in Southern China
Authors: Huang Zhen , Su Shuo , Wei Chun-ya , Xie Jie-xiong , Zhu Wan-jun , Chen Ji-dang , Wang Heng , Zhang Guihong
Published: September 2012

We report here the complete genomic sequence of a novel porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) strain, which is supposed to be the result of natural genetic recombination between the ORF1 gene of genotype PCV2b-1B and the ORF2 gene of PCV2b-1C. Further analyses revealed that this novel PCV2 strain arose from recombination between PCV2a and PCV2b strains within the ORF2 gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report of both inter- and intragenotype PCV2 gene rearrangement in the field, and it will help in understanding the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of porcine circovirus type 2(PCV2) in southern China.
ISOSPIN DEPENDENCE OF THE SATURATION PROPERTIES OF ASYMMETRIC NUCLEAR MATTER IN NONRELATIVISTIC MEAN FIELD MODEL
Authors: CHAKRABORTY S. , SAHOO B. , SAHOO S.
Published: September 2012

A phenomenological momentum dependent interaction (MDI) is considered to describe the equation of state (EOS) for isospin asymmetric nuclear matter (ANM), where the density dependence of the nuclear symmetry is the basic input. In this interaction, the symmetry energy shows soft dependence of density. Within the nonrelativistic mean field approach we calculate the nuclear matter fourth-order symmetry energy E sym, 4 (ρ). Our result shows that the value of E sym, 4 (ρ) at normal nuclear matter density ρ0( = 0.161 fm -3) is less than 1 MeV conforming the empirical parabolic approximation to the EOS of ANM at ρ0. Then the higher-order effects of the isospin asymmetry on the saturation density ρ sat (β), binding energy per nucleon K sat (β) and isobaric incompressibility K sat (β) of ANM is being studied, where [Formula: see text] is the isospin asymmetry. We have found that the fourth-order isospin asymmetry β cannot be neglected, while calculating these quantities. Hence the second-order K sat , 2 parameter basically characterizes the isospin dependence of the incompressibility of ANM at saturation density.
QUANTUM SIMULATION OF SIMPLE MANY-BODY DYNAMICS
Authors: FAN YALE
Published: September 2012

We describe a general quantum computational algorithm that simulates the time evolution of an arbitrary nonrelativistic, Coulombic many-body system in three dimensions, considering only spatial degrees of freedom. We use a simple discretized model of Schrödinger evolution in the coordinate representation and discuss detailed constructions of the operators necessary to realize the scheme of Wiesner and Zalka. The algorithm is simulated numerically for small test cases, and its outputs are found to be in good agreement with analytical solutions.
HOW LONG CAN IT TAKE FOR A QUANTUM CHANNEL TO FORGET EVERYTHING?
Authors: AHLBRECHT ANDRE , RICHTER FLORIAN , WERNER REINHARD F.
Published: September 2012

We investigate quantum channels, which after a finite number k of repeated applications erase all input information, i.e. channels whose kth power (but no smaller power) is a completely depolarizing channel. We show that on a system with Hilbert space dimension d, the order is bounded by k ≤ d2 - 1, and give an explicit construction scheme for such channels. We also consider strictly forgetful memory channels, i.e. channels with an additional input and output in every step, which after exactly k steps retain no information about the initial memory state. We establish an explicit representation for such channels showing that the same bound applies for the memory depth k in terms of the memory dimension d.
Adaptive Deployment Scheme for Mobile Relays in Substitution Networks
Authors: Miranda Karen , Natalizio Enrico , Razafindralambo Tahiry
Published: September 2012

We present how the mobility of routers impacts the performance of a wireless substitution network. To that end, we simulate a scenario where a wireless router moves between three static nodes, a source and two destinations of UDP traffic. Specifically, our goal is to deploy or redeploy the mobile relays so that application-level requirements, such as data delivery or latency, are met. Our proposal for a mobile relay achieves these goals by using an adaptive approach to self-adjust their position based on local information. We obtain results on the performance of end-to-end delay, jitter, loss percentage, and throughput under such mobility pattern for the mobile relay. We show how the proposed solution is able to adapt to topology changes and to the evolution of the network characteristics through the usage of limited neighborhood knowledge.
Managing Patient Factors in the Assessment of Swallowing via Telerehabilitation
Authors: Ward Elizabeth C. , Sharma Shobha , Burns Clare , Theodoros Deborah , Russell Trevor
Published: September 2012

Undoubtedly, the identification of patient suitability for a telerehabilitation assessment should be carried out on a case-by-case basis. However, at present there is minimal discussion of how telerehabilitation systems can accommodate and adapt to various patient factors, which may pose challenges to successful service delivery. The current study examines a subgroup of 10 patients who underwent an online assessment of their swallowing difficulties. Although all assessments were completed successfully; there were certain patient factors, which complicated the delivery of the online assessment session. The paper presents a discussion of the main patient factors observed in this cohort including the presence of speech and/or voice disorders, hearing impairment, dyskinesia, and behavioural and/or emotional issues and examines how the assessment session, the telerehabilitation system, and the staff involved were manipulated to accommodate these patient factors. In order for telerehabilitation systems to be more widely incorporated into routine clinical care, systems need to have the flexibility and design capabilities to adjust and accommodate for patients with varying levels of function and physical and psychological comorbidities.
In with the Old, in with the New: The Promiscuity of the Duplication Process Engenders Diverse Pathways for Novel Gene Creation
Authors: Katju Vaishali
Published: September 2012

The gene duplication process has exhibited far greater promiscuity in the creation of paralogs with novel exon-intron structures than anticipated even by Ohno. In this paper I explore the history of the field, from the neo-Darwinian synthesis through Ohno’s formulation of the canonical model for the evolution of gene duplicates and culminating in the present genomic era. I delineate the major tenets of Ohno’s model and discuss its failure to encapsulate the full complexity of the duplication process as revealed in the era of genomics. I discuss the diverse classes of paralogs originating from both DNA- and RNA-mediated duplication events and their evolutionary potential for assuming radically altered functions, as well as the degree to which they can function unconstrained from the pressure of gene conversion. Lastly, I explore theoretical population-genetic considerations of how the effective population size (Ne) of a species may influence the probability of emergence of genes with radically altered functions.
Impact of Competitive Flow on Hemodynamics in Coronary Surgery: Numerical Study of ITA-LAD Model
Authors: Ding Jinli , Liu Youjun , Wang Feng , Bai Fan
Published: September 2012

Competitive flow from native coronary artery is considered as a major factor in the failure of the coronary artery bypass grafts. However, the physiological effects are not very clear. The aim is to research the impact of competitive flow caused by different left anterior descending (LAD) artery stenosis degrees on hemodynamics in internal thoracic artery (ITA) bypass graft. An idealized ITA-LAD model was built in CAD tools. The degree of the competitive flow was divided into five classes according to different LAD stenosis degrees: higher (no stenosis), secondary (30% stenosis), reduced (50% stenosis), lower (75% stenosis) and no competitive flow (fully stenosis). Finite volume method was employed for the numerical simulation. The flow velocity distributions, wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index were analyzed. Results showed that higher competitive flow in the bypass graft would produce unbeneficial wall shear stress distribution associating with endothelial dysfunction and subsequent graft failure. The coronary bypass graft surgery was preferred to be carried out when the LAD stenosis was higher than 75%.
Nestin Protein Is Phosphorylated in Adult Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells and Not Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Namiki Jun , Suzuki Sayuri , Masuda Takeshi , Ishihama Yasushi , Okano Hideyuki
Published: September 2012

An intermediate filament protein, Nestin, is known as a neural stem/progenitor cell marker. It was shown to be required for the survival and self-renewal of neural stem cells according to the phenotypes of Nestin knockout mice. Nestin expression has also been reported in vascular endothelial cells, and we recently reported Nestin expression in proliferating endothelial progenitor cells, but not in mature endothelial cells. Using quantitative phosphoproteome analysis, we studied differences in phosphorylation levels between CNS Nestin in adult neural stem cells and vascular Nestin in adult bone-marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells. We detected 495 phosphopeptides in the cell lysates of adult CNS stem/progenitor cells and identified 11 significant phosphorylated amino acid residues in the Nestin protein. In contrast, endothelial progenitor cells showed no significant phosphorylation of Nestin. We also measured neoplastic endothelial cells of the mouse brain and identified 13 phosphorylated amino acid residues in the Nestin protein. Among the 11 phosphorylated amino acids of adult CNS Nestin, five (S565, S570, S819, S883, and S886) were CNS Nestin-specific phosphorylation sites. Detection of the CNS-specific phosphorylation sites in Nestin, for example, by a phospho-specific Nestin antibody, may allow the expression of CNS Nestin to be distinguished from vascular Nestin.
Cognitively Stimulating Activities: Effects on Cognition across Four Studies with up to 21 Years of Longitudinal Data
Authors: Mitchell Meghan B. , Cimino Cynthia R. , Benitez Andreana , Brown Cassandra L. , Gibbons Laura E. , Kennison Robert F. , Shirk Steven D. , Atri Alireza , Robitaille Annie , MacDonald Stuart W. S. , Lindwall Magnus , Zelinski Elizabeth M. , Willis Sherry L. , Schaie K. Warner , Johansson Boo , Dixon Roger A. , Mungas Dan M. , Hofer Scott M. , Piccinin Andrea M.
Published: September 2012

Engagement in cognitively stimulating activities has been considered to maintain or strengthen cognitive skills, thereby minimizing age-related cognitive decline. While the idea that there may be a modifiable behavior that could lower risk for cognitive decline is appealing and potentially empowering for older adults, research findings have not consistently supported the beneficial effects of engaging in cognitively stimulating tasks. Using observational studies of naturalistic cognitive activities, we report a series of mixed effects models that include baseline and change in cognitive activity predicting cognitive outcomes over up to 21 years in four longitudinal studies of aging. Consistent evidence was found for cross-sectional relationships between level of cognitive activity and cognitive test performance. Baseline activity at an earlier age did not, however, predict rate of decline later in life, thus not supporting the concept that engaging in cognitive activity at an earlier point in time increases one's ability to mitigate future age-related cognitive decline. In contrast, change in activity was associated with relative change in cognitive performance. Results therefore suggest that change in cognitive activity from one's previous level has at least a transitory association with cognitive performance measured at the same point in time.
Correlates of Cervical Cancer Screening among Vietnamese American Women
Authors: Ma Grace X. , Fang Carolyn Y. , Feng Ziding , Tan Yin , Gao Wanzhen , Ge Shaokui , Nguyen Cuc
Published: September 2012

Objective. Vietnamese American women are at the greatest risk for cervical cancer but have the lowest cervical cancer screening rates. This study was to determine whether demographic and acculturation, healthcare access, and knowledge and beliefs are associated with a prior history of cervical cancer screening among Vietnamese women.Methods. Vietnamese women (n=1450) from 30 Vietnamese community-based organizations located in Pennsylvania and New Jersey participated in the study and completed baseline assessments. Logistic regression analyses were performed.Results. Overall levels of knowledge about cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) are low. Factors in knowledge, attitude, and beliefs domains were significantly associated with Pap test behavior. In multivariate analyses, physician recommendation for screening and having health insurance were positively associated with prior screening.Conclusion. Understanding the factors that are associated with cervical cancer screening will inform the development of culturally appropriate intervention strategies that would potentially lead to increasing cervical cancer screening rates among Vietnamese women.
The Sum and Difference of Two Lognormal Random Variables
Authors: Lo C. F.
Published: September 2012

We have presented a new unified approach to model the dynamics of both the sum and difference of two correlated lognormal stochastic variables. By the Lie‐Trotter operator splitting method, both the sum and difference are shown to follow a shifted lognormal stochastic process, and approximate probability distributions are determined in closed form. Illustrative numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the validity and accuracy of these approximate distributions. In terms of the approximate probability distributions, we have also obtained an analytical series expansion of the exact solutions, which can allow us to improve the approximation in a systematic manner. Moreover, we believe that this new approach can be extended to study both (1) the algebraic sum of N lognormals, and (2) the sum and difference of other correlated stochastic processes, for example, two correlated CEV processes, two correlated CIR processes, and two correlated lognormal processes with mean‐reversion.
Tolerance of an Aquatic Power Training Program by Older Adults with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Segal Neil A. , Wallace Robert
Published: September 2012

Objective. To determine the tolerance and feasibility of aquatic-based power training for improving lower limb muscle power, impairments, and mobility in adults with symptomatic knee OA. Participants. Twenty-nine adults, age 50 years and over, with symptomatic knee OA (ACR clinical criteria) and mobility limitation (400-meter walk time slower than median for sex and decade) completed 45-minute aquatic power training sessions twice weekly for 6 weeks. Main Outcome Measurements. Prospective outcomes included tolerance of the program, as well as change in stair climb power, 400-meter walk time, overall and knee-specific pain, activities of daily living (ADL), quality of life (QOL), and lower limb function at 6- and 12-week follow-up. Results. The training intensity required modification for 9 of the 29 participants. Lower limb muscle power, ADL, QOL, and overall pain were improved immediately and 6 weeks following completion (all ). However, 400-meter walk times, and lower limb function did not differ from baseline. Conclusions. A 6-week aquatic rehabilitation program appears to be well tolerated by adults with symptomatic knee OA with mobility limitations and may result in improved lower limb muscle power, symptoms, ADL, and QOL. However, this intervention may have insufficient specificity or intensity for improving physical function.
The Evolution of Chemokine Release Supports a Bimodal Mechanism of Spinal Cord Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Smith Phillip D. , Puskas Ferenc , Meng Xianzhong , Lee Joon H. , Cleveland Joseph C. , Weyant Michael J. , Fullerton David A. , Reece T. Brett
Published: September 2012

Background—

Paraplegia remains a devastating complication of thoracic aortic surgery. The mechanism of the antecedent spinal cord ischemia and reperfusion injury (IR) remains poorly described. IR involves 2 injuries, an initial ischemic insult and subsequent inflammatory amplification of the injury. This mechanism is consistent with the clinical phenomenon of delayed onset paraplegia. This study sought to characterize the inflammatory response in the spinal cord after IR and hypothesized that this would support a bimodal mechanism of injury.

Methods and Results—

Male C57Bl/6 mice were subjected to 5 minutes of aortic arch and left subclavian occlusion with subsequent reperfusion to generate spinal cord ischemia. Functional outcomes were scored at 12-hour intervals. Spinal cords were harvested after 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 hours of reperfusion. Cytokine levels were analyzed using a mouse magnetic bead–based multiplex immunoassay. Inflammatory chemokine concentrations (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, keratinocyte-derived cytokine, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, RANTES, and tumor necrosis factor-α) peaked at 6 hours and 36 to 48 hours after reperfusion. Functional scores reflected initial gain in function with subsequent decline, inversely proportional to cytokine levels. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated microglia activation at 12 and 48 hours.

Conclusions—

Spinal cord ischemia and reperfusion injury occurs in 2 phases, correlating to increases in inflammatory chemokines release and microglial activation. These observations chronologically parallel the too-common clinical syndrome of delayed-onset paraplegia. Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of this injury may allow future intervention to prevent this devastating complication.
Impact of Controlled Pericardial Drainage on Critical Cardiac Tamponade With Acute Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Hayashi Taro , Tsukube Takuro , Yamashita Teruo , Haraguchi Tomonori , Matsukawa Ritsu , Kozawa Shuichi , Ogawa Kyoichi , Okita Yutaka
Published: September 2012

Background—

Cardiac tamponade is associated with fatal outcomes for patients with acute type A aortic dissection, and the presence of cardiac tamponade should prompt urgent aortic repair. However, treatment of the patient with critical cardiac tamponade who cannot survive until surgery remains unclear. We analyzed our experience of controlled pericardial drainage (CPD) managing critical cardiac tamponade.

Methods and Results—

Between September 2003 and May 2011, 175 patients with acute type A aortic dissection were treated surgically, including 43 (24.6%) who presented with cardiac tamponade on arrival. Eighteen patients, who did not respond to intravenous volume resuscitation, underwent CPD in the emergency department. An 8F pigtail drainage catheter was inserted percutaneously, and drainage volume was controlled by means of several cycles of intermittent drainage to maintain blood pressure at ≈90 mm Hg. After CPD, all of the patients were transferred to the operating room, and immediate aortic repair was performed. Systolic blood pressure before CPD was 64.3±8.2 mm Hg and elevated significantly in all of the cases after CPD. Systolic blood pressure after CPD was 94.8±10.5 mm Hg, and increase in systolic pressure was 30.5±11.7 mm Hg. Total volume of aspirated pericardial effusion was 40.1±30.6 mL, and 10 patients required only ≤30-mL aspiration volume. All of the patients underwent aortic repair successfully. In-hospital mortality was 16.7%; however, there was no complications or mortality related to CPD.

Conclusions—

Preoperative pericardial drainage with control of volume is a safe and effective procedure for acute type A aortic dissection complicated by critical cardiac tamponade. In our patient population, timely controlled pericardial drainage is warranted.