bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NeuroThera® Efficacy and Safety Trial – 3 (NEST-3): A Double-Blind, Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Parallel Group, Multicenter, Pivotal Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Transcranial Laser Therapy with the NeuroThera® Laser System for the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke within 24 h of Stroke Onset
Authors: Zivin J. A. , Sehra R. , Shoshoo A. , Albers G. W. , Bornstein N. M. , Dahlof B. , Kasner S. E. , Howard G. , Shuaib A. , Streeter J. , Richieri S. P. , Hacke W. ,   for the NEST-3 investigators
Published: September 2012

Rationale

Transcranial laser therapy is undergoing clinical trials in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The NeuroThera® Efficacy and Safety Trial-1 was strongly positive for 90-day functional benefit with transcranial laser therapy, and post hoc analyses of the subsequent NeuroThera® Efficacy and Safety Trial-2 trial suggested a meaningful beneficial effect in patients with moderate to moderately severe ischemic stroke within 24 h of onset. These served as the basis for the NeuroThera® Efficacy and Safety Trial-3 randomized controlled trial.

Aim

The purpose of this pivotal study was to demonstrate safety and efficacy of transcranial laser therapy with the NeuroThera® Laser System in the treatment of subjects diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke.

Design

NeuroThera® Efficacy and Safety Trial-3 is a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, parallel group, multicenter, pivotal study that will enroll 1000 subjects at up to 50 sites. All subjects will receive standard medical management based on the American Stroke Association and European Stroke Organization Guidelines. In addition to standard medical management, both groups will undergo the transcranial laser therapy procedure between 4·5 and 24 h of stroke onset. The study population will be randomized into two arms: the sham control group will receive a sham transcranial laser therapy procedure and the transcranial laser therapy group will receive an active transcranial laser therapy procedure. The randomization ratio will be 1:1 and will be stratified to ensure a balanced subject distribution between study arms.

Study Outcomes

The primary efficacy end point is disability at 90 days (or the last rating), as assessed on the modified Rankin Scale, dichotomized as a success (a score of 0–2) or a failure (a score of 3 to 6).
Early Ischaemic Diffusion Lesion Reduction in Patients Treated with Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator: Infrequent, but Significantly Associated with Recanalization
Authors: Sakamoto Yuki , Kimura Kazumi , Shibazaki Kensaku , Inoue Takeshi , Uemura Jyunichi , Aoki Junya , Sakai Kenichiro , Iguchi Yasuyuki
Published: September 2012

Background and purpose

Recent studies have shown that thrombolysis could decrease or eliminate ischaemic diffusion-weighted imaging lesions. However, the features of such diffusion-weighted imaging lesion reduction are not well known.

Aims

To clarify, the frequency of and factors associated with lesion reduction were investigated.

Methods

Patients given intravenous tissue plasminogen activator therapy within three-hours of onset were prospectively enrolled. Magnetic resonance imaging including diffusion-weighted imaging and magnetic resonance angiography was performed four times: on admission, just after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, 24 h from intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, and seven-days after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. The diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volume was measured by manual trace using National Institutes of Health imaging software. All patients were divided into three groups according to the early diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volume change from admission to just after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator: the lesion reduction group (>20% decrease); the lesion growth group (>20% increase); and the lesion unchanged group.

Results

In total, 105 patients [56 males, median age 77 (interquartile range 70–83) years, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 16 ( 10 – 22 )] were enrolled. Early diffusion-weighted imaging lesion reduction was observed in seven (7%) patients. The decreased lesion increased subsequently. On multivariate analysis, the glucose level on admission (odds ratio 0·95, 95% confidence interval 0·91 to 0·99, P = 0·045) and early recanalization (odds ratio 15·7, 95% confidence interval 1·61 to 153, P = 0·018) were independently related to early lesion reduction.

Conclusion

Early diffusion-weighted imaging lesion reduction was observed in 7% of patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. The decreased lesion increased subsequently. Initial glucose level and early recanalization were independently associated with early diffusion-weighted imaging lesion reduction.
Frequency of Anxiety after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Burton C. Alexia Campbell , Murray Jenni , Holmes John , Astin Felicity , Greenwood Darren , Knapp Peter
Published: September 2012

Background and purpose

Negative psychological outcomes occur frequently after stroke; however, there is uncertainty regarding the occurrence of anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms after stroke. A systematic review of observational studies was conducted that assessed the frequency of anxiety in stroke patients using a diagnostic or screening tool.

Summary of review

Databases were searched up to March 2011. A random effects model was used to summarize the pooled estimate. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Forty-four published studies comprising 5760 stroke patients were included. The overall pooled estimate of anxiety disorders assessed by clinical interview was 18% (95%confidence interval 8–29%, I2 = 97%) and was 25% (95% confidence interval 21–28%, I2 = 90%) for anxiety assessed by rating scale. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale ‘probable’ and ‘possible’ cutoff scores were the most widely used assessment criteria. The combined rate of anxiety by time after stroke was: 20% (95% confidence interval 13–27%, I2 = 96%) within one-month of stroke; 23% (95% confidence interval 19–27%, I2 = 84%) one to five-months after stroke; and 24% (95% confidence interval 19–29%, I2 = 89%) six-months or more after stroke.

Conclusion

Anxiety after stroke occurs frequently although methodological limitations in the primary studies may limit generalizability. Given the association between prevalence rates and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety cutoff used in studies, reported rates could in fact underrepresent the extent of the problem. Additionally, risk factors for anxiety, its impact on patient outcomes, and effects in tangent with depression remain unclear.
Comparison of Stroke Warning Sign Campaigns in Australia, England, and Canada
Authors: Trobbiani Kym , Freeman Kate , Arango Manuel , Lalor Erin , Jenkinson Damian , Thrift Amanda G.
Published: September 2012

Background

Public awareness of the signs of stroke is essential to ensure that those affected by stroke arrive at the hospital in time for lifesaving therapies. It is unclear how well stroke awareness campaigns improve awareness of stroke signs and whether people translate this into action.

Methods

We evaluated stroke awareness campaigns conducted in England, Australia, and Canada using pre- and post-campaign surveys. We assessed the proportion of people who could name the main signs of stroke, and compared the proportion naming these correctly between locations. We also assessed whether people would call emergency services in the event of a stroke. Proportion responding correctly was compared using chi-square analysis.

Results

The amount spent on the campaigns was different in each country. The post-campaign survey was conducted among 400 people in Australia, 1921 in England, and 2703 in Canada. Sixty-eight per cent of people in Australia and 57% in Canada could name two or more signs of stroke ( P < 0·001). After the campaign, knowledge of each of the elements of the campaign (face, arm, speech, time) was significantly greater in England than in Australia ( P < 0·001 for each item). A high proportion of participants reported that they would call emergency services in the event of a stroke (97% in England, 90% in Australia, and 67% in Canada).

Conclusion

Knowledge of stroke signs and the action to be taken can be improved with awareness campaigns. The effectiveness of these campaigns may be enhanced by spend on media, media mix, and key messages. It is critical to ensure that campaigns provide the clear and bold message that prompt action is an essential ingredient to reduce death and disability following stroke.
Bilateral adrenal lesions
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Bhalla Ashu , Sharma Raju
Published: September 2012

Bilateral adrenal lesions include a spectrum of disorders: neoplastic disorders (metastases, lymphoma, bilateral phaeochromocytoma, adrenocortical carcinoma and myelolipoma); longstanding congenital adrenal hyperplasia and macronodular adrenal hyperplasia; infections such as tuberculosis, histoplasmosis and blastomycosis; adrenal haemorrhage; adrenals in hypoperfusion complex and paediatric masses. Bilateral distribution in addition to other imaging characteristics can help narrow differential diagnoses in case of adrenal masses. We present a pictorial review highlighting the adrenal lesions that can present bilaterally.
Effect of age on the pharmacokinetics of a single daily dose of gentamicin sulfate in healthy foals
Authors: Burton A. J. , Giguère S. , Warner L. , Alhamhoom Y. , Arnold R. D.
Published: September 2012

Reasons for performing study

Therapeutic drug monitoring in a small number of foals of various ages indicates that the standard adult dose of 6.6 mg/kg bwt q. 24 h for gentamicin is too low and a dose of 12 mg/kg bwt has been proposed. The pharmacokinetics of this dosage in foals and the ages at which this higher dose should be used have not previously been investigated.

Objective

To determine the effect of age on the pharmacokinetics of a single 12 mg/kg bwt i.v. dose of gentamicin in foals.

Methods

Six healthy foals were given a single i.v. dose of gentamicin at 1–3 days, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age. Plasma concentrations were measured usingLC‐MS/MS.

Results

Elimination half‐life (mean ± s.d.) was significantly longer in 1–3‐day‐old foals (8.2 ± 2.0 h) than in foals 4 weeks of age (3.7 ± 1.5 h) or older. Volume of distribution was significantly higher in 1–3‐day‐old foals (0.75 ± 0.20 l/kg bwt) than in 8‐ (0.27 ± 0.10 l/kg bwt) or 12‐week‐old foals (0.29 ± 0.11 l/kg bwt). Concentrations of gentamicin 1 h after administration were significantly lower in 1–3‐day‐old foals (20.52 ± 2.07 μg/ml) than in all other age groups (>42.16 ± 17.57 μg/ml). Concentrations of gentamicin 24 h after administration were significantly higher in the 1–3‐day‐old foals (1.97 ± 0.90 μg/ml) than in all the other age groups (<0.85 ± 0.46 μg/ml).

Conclusions

The pharmacokinetics of gentamicin change considerably in the first 2 weeks of life.

Potential relevance

Intravenous administration of gentamicin at a dose of 12 mg/kg bwt q. 36 h would be required in foals less than 2 weeks of age. In foals 2 weeks of age or older, a lower dose of 6.6 mg/kg bwt given q. 24 h was predicted to be adequate.
Questioning and reading goals: Information‐seeking questions asked on scientific texts read under different task conditions
Authors: Ishiwa Koto , Sanjosé Vicente , Otero José
Published: September 2012

Background

A number of studies report that few questions are asked in classrooms and that many of them are shallow questions.

Aims

This study investigates the way in which reading goals determine questioning on scientific texts. Reading goals were manipulated through two different tasks: reading for understanding versus reading to solve a problem.

Sample

A total of 183 university students.

Methods

In the first and third questioning experiments, the participants read two short texts. Students in one condition were instructed to understand the texts, whereas in the alternative condition they had to read texts to solve a problem. Students were instructed to write down any questions they might have about the texts. The questions were categorized according to the type of underlying obstacle: associative, explanatory, or predictive. The second experiment used a think‐aloud methodology to identify the mental representations generated by the students.

Results and Conclusions

The two questioning experiments show that the questions asked depend on the reading goals. Significantly more explanation questions were asked in the understanding condition than in the problem‐solving condition. Also, the two conditions were found to have a different influence on the generation of association and explanation questions. Very few prediction questions were asked in either condition. The think‐aloud experiment revealed that the mental representations attempted by readers under the two conditions were indeed different. In conclusion, the experiments showed that, given a certain textual input, readers' questions depend on the reading goals associated with tasks.
Using stop signals to reduce impulsive choices for palatable unhealthy foods
Authors: Veling Harm , Aarts Henk , Stroebe Wolfgang
Published: September 2012

Objective

Exposure to palatable foods in the environment can trigger impulsive reactions to obtain them, which may lead to unhealthy food choices and eating behaviour. Two studies tested the fundamental question whether impulsive unhealthy food choices can be altered by means of linking unhealthy palatable foods to behavioural stop signals.

Design

Study 1 adopted a 2 (signal condition: stop signal vs. control) by 2 (appetite: low vs. high) between‐subjects design. Study 2 adopted a 2 (signal condition: stop signal vs. control) between‐subjects design with frequency to consume unhealthy palatable foods as a continuous factor.

Methods

Participants performed a task in which behavioural stop signals were either consistently (or not) presented in close temporal proximity to unhealthy palatable snack foods. Next, participants were given the opportunity to select snacks that they would like to consume.

Results

Two studies showed that participants were less likely to select unhealthy palatable foods that had been presented near stop signals, and that they selected healthy foods instead. Importantly, this reduction in choices for palatable foods was especially observed when participants' appetite was relatively high (Study 1), or when this food was part of their habit to frequently consume this food (Study 2).

Conclusion

These findings show that a short stop signal intervention in which palatable foods are presented in close temporal proximity of stop signals can reduce palatable food choices by modifying an impulsive determinant of eating behaviour.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject? Exposure to unhealthy palatable foods in the environment can lead to impulsive food choices. People's habits towards unhealthy palatable foods and their current state of appetite are important determinants of such impulsive food choices. This impulsive behaviour is hard to change.

What this study add?

Linking unhealthy palatable foods to behavioural stop signals reduces choices for these foods, and increases healthy food choices.

This effect is particularly strong when people's food choices are driven by their current state of appetite or habits.

Behavioural stop signals foster healthy eating behaviour by modifying an impulsive determinant of behaviour.
Impulsivity and risk for mania: Towards greater specificity
Authors: Johnson Sheri L. , Carver Charles S. , Mulé Serena , Joormann Jutta
Published: September 2012

Background

Impulsivity is elevated among people diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and recent evidence suggests that impulsivity can predict onset among those at risk for the disorder. Impulsivity, though, is a broad construct.

Objective

The goal of this study was to examine whether some aspects of impulsivity are more correlated with risk for mania than others. We hypothesized that risk for mania would be related specifically to difficulties controlling impulsive responses to emotions.

Design and Methods

Undergraduates (N = 257) completed a large battery of measures of emotion‐relevant and non‐emotional forms of impulsivity, along with a well‐validated measure of risk for mania, the Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS).

Results

Analyses examined correlations of impulsivity scales with the HPS, and partial correlations controlling for lifetime tendencies towards depressive symptoms and current symptoms of alcohol abuse, both of which relate to impulsivity and often co‐occur with mania. After controlling for these measures, risk for mania remained correlated with measures of impulsive responses to positive emotions, but not with difficulties in following through or with impulsivity in the context of general distress emotions.

Conclusions

Although impulsivity is a major concern among those at risk for mania and those diagnosed with mania, difficulties may be especially evident during positive affective states, and other forms of impulsivity may be less related to mania risk. Discussion focuses on limitations and future directions.

Practitioner Points

Impulsivity is correlated with risk for mania.

Mania risk appears tied to tendencies towards impulsive action, particularly during positive affective states.

Mania risk was not significantly correlated with other non‐emotional forms of impulsivity.

A better understanding of what aspects of impulsivity are problematic in bipolar disorder could guide more refined interventions.
Activation of the P2X7 receptor induces migration of glial cells by inducing cathepsin B degradation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1
Authors: Murphy Niamh , Lynch Marina A.
Published: September 2012

The P2X7 receptor is an ion‐gated channel, which is activated by high extracellular concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Activation of P2X7 receptors has been shown to induce neuroinflammatory changes associated with several neurological conditions. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases that have several functions including degradation of the extracellular matrix, cell migration and modulation of bioactive molecules. The actions of MMPs are prevented by a family of protease inhibitors called tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In this study, we show that ATP‐treated glial cultures from neonatal C57BL/6 mice release and increase MMP‐9 activity, which is coupled with a decrease in release of TIMP‐1 and an increase in activated cathepsin B within the extracellular space. This process occurs independently of NLRP3‐inflammasome formation. Treatment with a P2X7 receptor antagonist prevents ATP‐induced MMP‐9 activity, inhibition of active cathepsin B release and allows for TIMP‐1 to be released from the cell. We have shown that cathepsin B degrades TIMP‐1, and inhibition of cathepsin B allows for release of TIMP‐1 and inhibits MMP‐9 activity. We also present data that indicate that ATP or cell damage induces glial cell migration, which is inhibited by P2X7 antagonism, depletion of MMP‐9 or inhibition of cathepsin B.
The Relationship between Martin Heidegger’s Nazism and his Interest in the Pre‐Socratics
Authors: Ramet Sabrina P.
Published: September 2012

Although Heidegger was influenced by a number of thinkers, above all ancient Greeks and nineteenth‐century Germans, the fragments of the pre‐Socratic philosophers Heraclitus and Parmenides exerted a particular fascination on Heidegger. Revolted by what he considered the superficiality of bourgeois life and the spiritual decline of the West, Heidegger wanted to demolish that society, looked to the Nazis to effect a revolution in politics, and drew inspiration for his Nazism from the pre‐Socratics. In the process, he rejected the moral universalism of Kant, distorted Nietzsche’s thinking, and marshaled the pre‐Socratics in support of his call on Germans to accept their destiny and undertake their mission to struggle for glory and for spiritual rejuvenation. Heidegger’s interpretation of Heraclitus and Parmenides was, thus, an integral component of his particular brand of Nazism.
Long‐term enhancement of synaptic transmission between antennal lobe and mushroom body in cultured Drosophila brain
Authors: Ueno Kohei , Naganos Shintaro , Hirano Yukinori , Horiuchi Junjiro , Saitoe Minoru
Published: October 2012

Key points

During olfactory aversive conditioning in Drosophila, odour and shock information are delivered to the mushroom bodies (MBs) through projection neurons in the antennal lobes (ALs) and ascending fibres of the ventral nerve cord (AFV), respectively.

Using an isolated cultured brain expressing a Ca2+ indicator in the MBs, we demonstrated that the simultaneous stimulation of the ALs and AFV establishes long‐term enhancement (LTE) in AL‐induced Ca2+ responses.

The physiological properties of LTE, including associativity, input specificity and persistence, are highly reminiscent of those of olfactory memory.

Similar to olfactory aversive memory, LTE requires the activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors that mediate the AL‐evoked Ca2+ response, NMDA receptors that mediate the AFV‐induced Ca2+ response, and D1 dopamine receptors during the simultaneous stimulation of the ALs and AFV.

Considering the physiological and genetic analogies, we propose that LTE at the AL–MB synapse can be a relevant cellular model for olfactory memory.

Abstract  In Drosophila, the mushroom body (MB) is a critical brain structure for olfactory associative learning. During aversive conditioning, the MBs are thought to associate odour signals, conveyed by projection neurons (PNs) from the antennal lobe (AL), with shock signals conveyed through ascending fibres of the ventral nerve cord (AFV). Although synaptic transmission between AL and MB might play a crucial role for olfactory associative learning, its physiological properties have not been examined directly. Using a cultured Drosophila brain expressing a Ca2+ indicator in the MBs, we investigated synaptic transmission and plasticity at the AL–MB synapse. Following stimulation with a glass micro‐electrode, AL‐induced Ca2+ responses in the MBs were mediated through Drosophila nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (dnAChRs), while AFV‐induced Ca2+ responses were mediated through Drosophila NMDA receptors (dNRs). AL–MB synaptic transmission was enhanced more than 2 h after the simultaneous ‘associative‐stimulation’ of AL and AFV, and such long‐term enhancement (LTE) was specifically formed at the AL–MB synapses but not at the AFV–MB synapses. AL–MB LTE was not induced by intense stimulation of the AL alone, and the LTE decays within 60 min after subsequent repetitive AL stimulation. These phenotypes of associativity, input specificity and persistence of AL–MB LTE are highly reminiscent of olfactory memory. Furthermore, similar to olfactory aversive memory, AL–MB LTE formation required activation of the Drosophila D1 dopamine receptor, DopR, along with dnAChR and dNR during associative stimulations. These physiological and genetic analogies indicate that AL–MB LTE might be a relevant cellular model for olfactory memory.
Tilted nanostructure fabrication by electron beam lithography
Authors: Zhang Jian , Shokouhi Babak , Cui Bo
Published: September 2012

Periodic tilted nanostructures over large area have various applications. In this work tilted nanostructures were created by SEM scanning of electron beam resists with the substrate tilted at 45°. The key to the process is the usage of the dynamic focus function that is available for most SEM systems for imaging purpose (but not for lithography), as otherwise the tilted substrate will be out of focus of the electron beam. The pattern created by this method is limited to periodic pillar or hole array using negative or positive resist, respectively, with the number of pillars or holes per scan given by the image resolution (e.g., 1024 × 768). The diameter of the pillars or holes was determined by the exposure dose, which is in turn determined by the beam current and scan speed (scanning time per frame). The array period is controlled by the magnification (that determines image area, e.g., 1 mm2) and image resolution. The pillar or hole pattern in the resist can be further transferred to another material such as Au by electroplating.
High-temperature stability of postgrowth-annealed Al-doped MgxZn1-xO films without the phase separation effect
Authors: Hsueh Kuang-Po , Cheng Yi-Chang , Lin Wen-Yen , Cheng Po-Wei , Chiu Hsien-Chin , Wang Hsiang-Chun , Sheu Jinn-Kong , Yeh Yu-Hsiang
Published: September 2012

This study investigates the effects of thermal annealing on Al-doped MgxZn1−xO (AMZO) films. AMZO films were deposited by a radio-frequency magnetron sputtering system using a 4 in. ZnO/MgO/Al2O3 (76/19/5 wt. %) target. This study measures and reports the Hall results, x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmittance, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data. XRD results show that the ZnO (002) and MgO2 (002) wurtzite peaks in addition to the (111)-cubic peak disappeared after 1000 °C annealing. This indicates the coexistence of two phases in the as-grown AMZO films rebuilt after higher thermal treatment. The absorption edges of these as-grown AMZO films shifted toward the short wavelength of 323 nm under 80% transmittance, implying that band gaps can be tuned by changing the Mg content of the AMZO layer. The XPS spectra of AMZO films were also used to analyze the composition of the as-grown and annealed AMZO films.
Fabrication of Au nanorod and nanogap split-ring structures by reactive-monolayer-assisted thermal nanoimprint lithography involving electrodeposition
Authors: Tomioka Tatsuya , Kubo Shoichi , Nagase Koichi , Hoga Morihisa , Nakagawa Masaru
Published: September 2012

Au nanorods and Au nanogap split-ring (SR) structures were fabricated to investigate the ability of wet etching and Ar ion milling processes to remove an underlying Au electrode layer on shapes of electrodeposited Au structures. A reactive-monolayer-assisted thermal nanoimprint lithography process involving Au electrodeposition was used to make 100 nm × 500 nm Au nanorods and Au nanogap SR structures with widths of 125 nm and two 20 nm gaps. Individual Au bump structures were successfully demonstrated on transparent silica substrates by Ar ion milling and subsequent Cr wet etching. Au nanorod and nanogap SR structures were obtained almost uniformly over a 100-μm square area, which was sufficient to investigate their optical properties. The array comprising electrodeposited Au nanorods showed an anisotropic absorption band, attributable to a transverse plasmon band at wavelengths ranging from 500 to 700 nm when an incident light was linearly polarized perpendicular to the long axis of Au nanorods.
CuO/MgO Nanocomposites by Wet Impregnation: An XPS Study
Authors: Khairallah Fares , Glisenti Antonella , Natile Marta Maria , Galenda Alessandro
Published: September 2012

Two copper oxide/magnesium oxide nanocomposite powders were prepared by wet impregnation of nanosized magnesia powders. The supporting magnesia was formed by precipitation through the addition of tetraethyl ammonium hydroxide to magnesium nitrate. The samples are characterized by a nominal (i.e. calculated from the weighted amount of precursors) Cu/Mg atomic ratios of 0.01 or 0.5. The surface properties and the influence of the Cu/Mg atomic ratio are investigated by means of XPS (using an Al Kα x-ray source). In addition to the wide scan spectra, detailed spectra for the Mg 1s, Cu 2p, and O 1s regions and related data are presented and discussed. XPS analysis confirms the presence of MgO and CuO; the peak shapes are consistent with a more heterogeneous chemical environment for the sample with lower Cu/Mg atomic ratio. In both cases, the measured Cu/Mg atomic ratio is less than nominal concentration suggesting that there is diffusion of Cu inside the support. The O/(Mg+Cu) atomic ratio decreases with increasing Cu/Mg and is higher than the nominal one confirming the surface hydroxylation.
Application of Zernike polynomials towards accelerated adaptive focusing of transcranial high intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Kaye Elena A. , Hertzberg Yoni , Marx Michael , Werner Beat , Navon Gil , Levoy Marc , Pauly Kim Butts
Published: September 2012

Purpose:

To study the phase aberrations produced by human skulls during transcranial magnetic resonance imaging guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS), to demonstrate the potential of Zernike polynomials (ZPs) to accelerate the adaptive focusing process, and to investigate the benefits of using phase corrections obtained in previous studies to provide the initial guess for correction of a new data set.

Methods:

The five phase aberration data sets, analyzed here, were calculated based on preoperative computerized tomography (CT) images of the head obtained during previous transcranial MRgFUS treatments performed using a clinical prototype hemispherical transducer. The noniterative adaptive focusing algorithm [Larrat et al., “MR‐guided adaptive focusing of ultrasound,” IEEE Trans. Ultrason. Ferroelectr. Freq. Control 57(8), 1734–1747 (2010)] 10.1109/TUFFC.2010.1612 was modified by replacing Hadamard encoding with Zernike encoding. The algorithm was tested in simulations to correct the patients’ phase aberrations. MR acoustic radiation force imaging (MR‐ARFI) was used to visualize the effect of the phase aberration correction on the focusing of a hemispherical transducer. In addition, two methods for constructing initial phase correction estimate based on previous patientˈs data were investigated. The benefits of the initial estimates in the Zernike‐based algorithm were analyzed by measuring their effect on the ultrasound intensity at the focus and on the number of ZP modes necessary to achieve 90% of the intensity of the nonaberrated case.

Results:

Covariance of the pairs of the phase aberrations data sets showed high correlation between aberration data of several patients and suggested that subgroups can be based on level of correlation. Simulation of the Zernike‐based algorithm demonstrated the overall greater correction effectiveness of the low modes of ZPs. The focal intensity achieves 90% of nonaberrated intensity using fewer than 170 modes of ZPs. The initial estimates based on using the average of the phase aberration data from the individual subgroups of subjects was shown to increase the intensity at the focal spot for the five subjects.

Conclusions:

The application of ZPs to phase aberration correction was shown to be beneficial for adaptive focusing of transcranial ultrasound. The skull‐based phase aberrations were found to be well approximated by the number of ZP modes representing only a fraction of the number of elements in the hemispherical transducer. Implementing the initial phase aberration estimate together with Zernike‐based algorithm can be used to improve the robustness and can potentially greatly increase the viability of MR‐ARFI‐based focusing for a clinical transcranial MRgFUS therapy.
Mapping of distributions of a local b‐matrix cross‐term strength using diffusion tensor MRI in patients with Alzheimerˈs disease
Authors: Jahng Geon‐Ho , Xu Songfan , Kim Min‐Ji
Published: September 2012

Purpose:

Mapping of the distribution of local susceptibility strength could be very important in understanding the mechanisms of progression in neurodegenerative diseases, due to depositions of iron and iron‐containing plaques. The goal of this study is to map the voxelwise distribution of local cross‐termb‐value (bc) effect caused by interactions between the external and internal gradients, in subjects with Alzheimerˈs disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and cognitively normal (CN) elderly, using a diffusion tensor (DT) MRI.

Methods:

Two DT‐MRI experiments were conducted with opposite polarities of the external diffusion‐sensitizing gradients, and the authors modeled the 3 × 3 tensor matrix ofbc maps and drove a rotationally independent mean bc (i.e., MBc) maps. To test whether AD has higher cross‐term gradients than MCI and/or CN, 15 AD patients, 18 MCI patients, and 16 CN controls were acquired from DT‐MRI data, with six diffusion encoding directions, five b‐values (0, 160, 360, 640, and 1000 s/mm2), and positively and negatively alternating polarities of the external diffusion‐sensitizing gradients. The bc and MBc maps were calculated and were spatially normalized into a study specific template for all subjects. The differences of MBc maps across the three subject groups were investigated with voxelwise one‐way ANOVA tests for each b‐value. The differences of MBc maps, among the four b‐values, were also investigated with a voxelwise one‐way within‐subject ANOVA test for each group.

Results:

The authors successfully mapped the local cross‐term strength, using a DT‐MRI data in the three groups. The MBc differences between the groups were increased with increasing b‐values. Compared with the CN group and the MCI group, MBc values in the AD group were significantly increased. However, compared with the CN group, MBc values in the MCI group were not significantly different for all the b‐values.

Conclusions:

In order to map theb‐matrix cross‐term effect, the authors developed a rotationally invariant index of MBc, and the index was applied in AD, MCI, and CN subjects. In the AD group, compared with the MCI and CN groups, MBc values were increased. AD patients may have much more local intrinsic gradients in the brain than those MCI or CN subjects. MBc maps may be used to detect the intrinsically susceptible materials in the human brain, such as iron‐containing plaques in the brain with AD.
NUMERICAL CALCULATION OF BESSEL FUNCTIONS
Authors: SCHWARTZ CHARLES
Published: September 2012

A new computational procedure is offered to provide simple, accurate and flexible methods for using modern computers to give numerical evaluations of the various Bessel functions. The trapezoidal rule, applied to suitable integral representations, may become the method of choice for evaluation of the many special functions of mathematical physics.
CLASSICAL, QUANTUM AND SUPERQUANTUM CORRELATIONS
Authors: GHIRARDI GIANCARLO , ROMANO RAFFAELE
Published: October 2012

A deeper understanding of the origin of quantum correlations is expected to allow a better comprehension of the physical principles underlying quantum mechanics. In this work, we reconsider the possibility of devising "crypto-nonlocal theories", using a terminology firstly introduced by Leggett. We generalize and simplify the investigations on this subject which can be found in the literature. At their deeper level, such theories allow nonlocal correlations which can overcome the quantum limit.
GROUPS OF FIBONACCI TYPE REVISITED
Authors: WILLIAMS GERALD
Published: September 2012

This article concerns a class of groups of Fibonacci type introduced by Johnson and Mawdesley that includes Conway's Fibonacci groups, the Sieradski groups, and the Gilbert–Howie groups. This class of groups provides an interesting focus for developing the theory of cyclically presented groups and, following questions by Bardakov and Vesnin and by Cavicchioli, Hegenbarth, and Repovš, they have enjoyed renewed interest in recent years. We survey results concerning their algebraic properties, such as isomorphisms within the class, the classification of the finite groups, small cancellation properties, abelianizations, asphericity, connections with Labeled Oriented Graph groups, and the semigroups of Fibonacci type. Further, we present a new method of proving the classification of the finite groups that deals with all but three groups.
COMPRESSED DECISION PROBLEMS FOR GRAPH PRODUCTS AND APPLICATIONS TO (OUTER) AUTOMORPHISM GROUPS
Authors: HAUBOLD NIKO , LOHREY MARKUS , MATHISSEN CHRISTIAN
Published: September 2012

It is shown that the compressed word problem of a graph product of finitely generated groups is polynomial time Turing-reducible to the compressed word problems of the vertex groups. A direct corollary of this result is that the word problem for the automorphism group of a right-angled Artin group or a right-angled Coxeter group can be solved in polynomial time. Moreover, it is shown that a restricted variant of the simultaneous compressed conjugacy problem is polynomial time Turing-reducible to the same problem for the vertex groups. A direct corollary of this result is that the word problem for the outer automorphism group of a right-angled Artin group or a right-angled Coxeter group can be solved in polynomial time. Finally, it is shown that the compressed variant of the ordinary conjugacy problem can be solved in polynomial time for right-angled Artin groups.
Telomere shortening is associated with reduced duodenal HCO3−secretory but normal gastric acid secretory capacity in aging mice
Authors: Tuo Biguang , Ju Zhenyu , Riederer Brigitte , Engelhardt Regina , Manns Michael P. , Rudolph K. Lenhard , Seidler Ursula
Published: September 2012

The incidence of duodenal ulcer, especially Helicobacter pylori-negative duodenal ulcer, strongly increases with age. In humans, telomere length shortening is considered to be one critical factor in cellular senescence and organ survival. In this study, we compared basal and stimulated gastric acid and duodenal HCO3−secretory rates in aged late-generation (G3) telomerase-deficient (mTERC−/−) mice, which are characterized by severe telomere dysfunction due to the inability to elongate telomeres during cell division. We found that basal and forskolin-stimulated HCO3−secretion and short-circuit current ( Isc) in isolated duodenal mucosa of G3mTERC−/−mice were markedly reduced compared with age-matched wild-type mice. In contrast, basal and forskolin-stimulated acid secretory rates in isolated G3mTERC−/−gastric mucosa were not significantly altered. Correspondingly, duodenal mucosa of G3mTERC−/−mice showed slimming and shortening of villi, whereas gastric mucosal histology was not significantly altered. However, the ratios of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and solute-linked carrier 26 gene family (Slc26a6) mRNA expression in relation to cytokeratin-18 were not altered in duodenal mucosa. The further knockout of p21, which is a downstream effector of telomere shortening-induced senescence, rescued villus atrophy of duodenal mucosa, and basal and forskolin-stimulated duodenal HCO3−secretion and Iscin mTERC−/−p21−/−double-knockout mice were not different from wild-type controls. In conclusion, genetic ablation of telomerase resulted in p21-dependent duodenal mucosal atrophy and reduced duodenal HCO3−secretory capacity, whereas gastric morphology and acid secretory function were preserved. This suggests that telomere shortening during aging may result in an imbalance between aggressive and protective secretions against duodenal mucosa and thus predispose to ulcer formation.
Active vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) increases host susceptibility toCitrobacter rodentiumby suppressing mucosal Th17 responses
Authors: Ryz Natasha R. , Patterson Scott J. , Zhang Yiqun , Ma Caixia , Huang Tina , Bhinder Ganive , Wu Xiujuan , Chan Justin , Glesby Alexa , Sham Ho Pan , Dutz Jan P. , Levings Megan K. , Jacobson Kevan , Vallance Bruce A.
Published: September 2012

Vitamin D deficiency affects more that 1 billion people worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of developing a number of inflammatory/autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). At present, the basis for the impact of vitamin D on IBD and mucosal immune responses is unclear; however, IBD is known to reflect exaggerated immune responses to luminal bacteria, and vitamin D has been shown to play a role in regulating bacteria-host interactions. Therefore, to test the effect of active vitamin D on host responses to enteric bacteria, we gave 1,25(OH)2D3to mice infected with the bacterial pathogen Citrobacter rodentium, an extracellular microbe that causes acute colitis characterized by a strong Th1/Th17 immune response. 1,25(OH)2D3treatment of infected mice led to increased pathogen burdens and exaggerated tissue pathology. In association with their increased susceptibility, 1,25(OH)2D3-treated mice showed substantially reduced numbers of Th17 T cells within their infected colons, whereas only modest differences were noted in Th1 and Treg numbers. In accordance with the impaired Th17 responses, 1,25(OH)2D3-treated mice showed defects in their production of the antimicrobial peptide REG3γ. Taken together, these studies show that 1,25(OH)2D3suppresses Th17 T-cell responses in vivo and impairs mucosal host defense against an enteric bacterial pathogen.
OSR1-sensitive small intestinal Na+ transport
Authors: Pasham Venkanna , Pathare Ganesh , Fajol Abul , Rexhepaj Rexhep , Michael Diana , Pakladok Tatsiana , Alesutan Ioana , Rotte Anand , Föller Michael , Lang Florian
Published: September 2012

The oxidative stress responsive kinase 1 (OSR1) contributes to WNK (with no K)-dependent regulation of renal tubular salt transport, renal salt excretion, and blood pressure. Little is known, however, about a role of OSR1 in the regulation of intestinal salt transport. The present study thus explored whether OSR1 is expressed in intestinal tissue and whether small intestinal Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE), small intestinal Na+-glucose cotransport (SGLT1), and/or colonic epithelium Na+ channel (ENaC) differ between knockin mice carrying one allele of WNK-resistant OSR1 ( osr1 +/KI) and wild-type mice ( osr1 +/+). OSR1 protein abundance was determined by Western blotting, cytosolic pH from BCECF fluorescence, NHE activity from Na+-dependent realkalinization following an ammonium pulse, SGLT1 activity from glucose-induced current, and colonic ENaC activity from amiloride-sensitive transepithelial current in Ussing chamber experiments. As a result, OSR1 protein was expressed in small intestine of both osr1 +/KI mice and osr1 +/+ mice. Daily fecal Na+, K+, and H2O excretion and jejunal SGLT1 activity were lower, whereas small intestinal NHE activity and colonic ENaC activity were higher in osr1 +/KI mice than in osr1 +/+ mice. NHE3 inhibitor S-3226 significantly reduced NHE activity in both genotypes but did not abrogate the difference between the genotypes. Plasma osmolarity, serum antidiuretic hormone, plasma aldosterone, and plasma corticosterone concentrations were similar in both genotypes. Small intestinal NHE3 and colonic α-ENaC protein abundance were not significantly different between genotypes, but colonic phospho-β-ENaC (ser633) was significantly higher in osr1 +/KI mice. In conclusion, OSR1 is expressed in intestine and partial WNK insensitivity of OSR1 increases intestinal NHE activity and colonic ENaC activity.
Characterization of the effects of exercise training on hematopoietic stem cell quantity and function
Authors: De Lisio Michael , Parise Gianni
Published: September 2012

The effect of exercise training on hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) is largely unknown. The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether exercise training could expand the bone marrow HSC pool and influence various aspects of HSC function. Mice were either exercise trained (EX; 1 h/day, 3 days/wk, for 8 wk) or remained sedentary (SED). Bone marrow (BM) from SED or EX mice was extracted from different HSC niches for cell cycle analysis, HSC (lineage−, Sca-1+, c-Kit+) quantification, and differentiation along various hematopoietic lineages via flow cytometry. Serum was collected for evaluation of cytokines known to regulate HSC. To determine HSC function, BM from EX and SED mice was transplanted into primary and secondary recipients in a BM transplant assay. EX increased HSC quantity in the vascular BM niche 20% vs. SED ( P < 0.05) and increased the proportion of whole BM cells in G2/M phase of cell cycle ( P < 0.05). The number of spleen colonies was 48% greater ( P < 0.05) in recipients transplanted with BM from EX. Serum IL-6 levels were decreased 38% in EX, and differentiation along the lineage trended to increase (16%, P = 0.053 and 16%, P = 0.061, respectively). Short- or long-term engraftment and homing in primary recipients were not altered in EX. HSC self-renewal as analyzed by hematopoietic regeneration in secondary recipients was also unaffected by EX. Here we demonstrate that HSC quantity is increased in the BM niche associated with more activated, differentiated HSC, and that this expansion does not improve or impair HSC function.
The mechanisms of cachexia underlying muscle dysfunction in COPD
Authors: Remels A. H. V. , Gosker H. R. , Langen R. C. J. , Schols A. M. W. J.
Published: September 2012

Pulmonary cachexia is a prevalent, debilitating, and well-recognized feature of COPD associated with increased mortality and loss of peripheral and respiratory muscle function. The exact cause and underlying mechanisms of cachexia in COPD are still poorly understood. Increasing evidence, however, shows that pathological changes in intracellular mechanisms of muscle mass maintenance (i.e., protein turnover and myonuclear turnover) are likely involved. Potential factors triggering alterations in these mechanisms in COPD include oxidative stress, myostatin, and inflammation. In addition to muscle wasting, peripheral muscle in COPD is characterized by a fiber-type shift toward a more type II, glycolytic phenotype and an impaired oxidative capacity (collectively referred to as an impaired oxidative phenotype). Atrophied diaphragm muscle in COPD, however, displays an enhanced oxidative phenotype. Interestingly, intrinsic abnormalities in (lower limb) peripheral muscle seem more pronounced in either cachectic patients or weight loss-susceptible emphysema patients, suggesting that muscle wasting and intrinsic changes in peripheral muscle's oxidative phenotype are somehow intertwined. In this manuscript, we will review alterations in mechanisms of muscle mass maintenance in COPD and discuss the involvement of oxidative stress, inflammation, and myostatin as potential triggers of cachexia. Moreover, we postulate that an impaired muscle oxidative phenotype in COPD can accelerate the process of cachexia, as it renders muscle in COPD less energy efficient, thereby contributing to an energy deficit and weight loss when not dietary compensated. Furthermore, loss of peripheral muscle oxidative phenotype may increase the muscle's susceptibility to inflammation- and oxidative stress-induced muscle damage and wasting.
A phenomenological model of muscle fatigue and the power-endurance relationship
Authors: James A. , Green S.
Published: September 2012

The relationship between power output and the time that it can be sustained during exercise (i.e., endurance) at high intensities is curvilinear. Although fatigue is implicit in this relationship, there is little evidence pertaining to it. To address this, we developed a phenomenological model that predicts the temporal response of muscle power during submaximal and maximal exercise and which was based on the type, contractile properties (e.g., fatiguability), and recruitment of motor units (MUs) during exercise. The model was first used to predict power outputs during all-out exercise when fatigue is clearly manifest and for several distributions of MU type. The model was then used to predict times that different submaximal power outputs could be sustained for several MU distributions, from which several power-endurance curves were obtained. The model was simultaneously fitted to two sets of human data pertaining to all-out exercise (power-time profile) and submaximal exercise (power-endurance relationship), yielding a high goodness of fit ( R2= 0.96–0.97). This suggested that this simple model provides an accurate description of human power output during submaximal and maximal exercise and that fatigue-related processes inherent in it account for the curvilinearity of the power-endurance relationship.