bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NSF workshop on task-based information search systems
Authors: Kelly Diane , Arguello Jaime , Capra Robert
Published: January 2014

This workshop gathered leading researchers in information retrieval, human-computer interaction and information behavior to discuss challenges and opportunities associated with the development of systems and tools to support people involved with complex, multi-search and multi-session search tasks. Such task-based search systems present many challenges and the goal of this workshop was to enumerate, discuss, and document these challenges into a research agenda to guide future research. This article includes a description of the motivations and goals of the workshop and syntheses of major workshop activities including pre- workshop identification of challenges by each participant and discussion breakout groups. Major themes of the workshop included the development of domain-neutral modeling techniques to represent tasks, task properties and task-related search behaviors, interface support tools to assist with a variety of task-related information behaviors and the identification of techniques and tools to evaluate task-based search systems. The most critical need identified was the development of task models; this was viewed as essential for addressing the challenges of tools and evaluation measures.
Phosphodiesterase-5 activity exerts a coronary vasoconstrictor influence in awake swine that is mediated in part via an increase in endothelin production
Authors: Zhou Zhichao , de Beer Vincent J. , Bender Shawn B. , Jan Danser A. H. , Merkus Daphne , Laughlin M. Harold , Duncker Dirk J.
Published: January 2014

Nitric oxide (NO)-induced coronary vasodilation is mediated through production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and through inhibition of the endothelin-1 (ET) system. We previously demonstrated that phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5)-mediated cGMP breakdown and ET each exert a vasoconstrictor influence on coronary resistance vessels. However, little is known about the integrated control of coronary resistance vessel tone by these two vasoconstrictor mechanisms. In the present study, we investigated the contribution of PDE5 and ET to the regulation of coronary resistance vessel tone in swine both in vivo, at rest and during graded treadmill exercise, and in vitro. ETA/ETBreceptor blockade with tezosentan (3 mg/kg iv) and PDE5 inhibition with EMD360527 (300 μg·min−1·kg−1iv) each produced coronary vasodilation at rest and during exercise as well as in preconstricted isolated coronary small arteries. In contrast, tezosentan failed to produce further coronary vasodilation in the presence of EMD360527, both in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, EMD360527 (3 μM) and cGMP analog 8-Br-cGMP (100 μM) had no significant effects on ET-induced contractions of isolated porcine coronary small arteries, suggesting unperturbed ET receptor responsiveness. In contrast, PDE5 inhibition and cGMP blunted the contractions produced by the ET precursor Big ET, but only in vessels with intact endothelium, suggesting that PDE5 inhibition limited ET production in the endothelium of small coronary arteries. In conclusion, PDE5 activity exerts a vasoconstrictor influence on coronary resistance vessels that is mediated, in part, via an increase in endothelial ET production.
Estrogen-provided cardiac protection following burn trauma is mediated through a reduction in mitochondria-derived DAMPs
Authors: Yao Xiao , Wigginton Jane G. , Maass David L. , Ma Lisha , Carlson Deborah , Wolf Steven E. , Minei Joseph P. , Zang Qun S.
Published: January 2014

Mitochondria-derived danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) play important roles in sterile inflammation after acute injuries. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that 17β-estradiol protects the heart via suppressing myocardial mitochondrial DAMPs after burn injury using an animal model. Sprague-Dawley rats were given a third-degree scald burn comprising 40% total body surface area (TBSA). 17β-Estradiol, 0.5 mg/kg, or control vehicle was administered subcutaneously 15 min following burn. The heart was harvested 24 h postburn. Estradiol showed significant inhibition on the productivity of H2O2and oxidation of lipid molecules in the mitochondria. Estradiol increased mitochondrial antioxidant defense via enhancing the activities and expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Estradiol also protected mitochondrial respiratory function and structural integrity. In parallel, estradiol remarkably decreased burn-induced release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into cytoplasm. Further, estradiol inhibited myocardial apoptosis, shown by its suppression on DNA laddering and downregulation of caspase 1 and caspase 3. Estradiol's anti-inflammatory effect was demonstrated by reduction in systemic and cardiac cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), decrease in NF-κB activation, and attenuation of the expression of inflammasome component ASC in the heart of burned rats. Estradiol-provided cardiac protection was shown by reduction in myocardial injury marker troponin-I, amendment of heart morphology, and improvement of cardiac contractility after burn injury. Together, these data suggest that postburn administration of 17β-estradiol protects the heart via an effective control over the generation of mitochondrial DAMPs (mtROS, cytochrome c, and mtDNA) that incite cardiac apoptosis and inflammation.
Ranolazine improves diastolic function in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Williams Sarah , Pourrier Marc , McAfee Donald , Lin Shunping , Fedida David
Published: January 2014

Diastolic dysfunction can lead to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, for which there is no effective therapeutic. Ranolazine has been reported to reduce diastolic dysfunction, but the specific mechanisms of action are unclear. The effect of ranolazine on diastolic function was examined in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), where left ventricular relaxation is impaired and stiffness increased. The objective of this study was to determine whether ranolazine improves diastolic function in SHRs and identify the mechanism(s) by which improvement is achieved. Specifically, to test the hypothesis that ranolazine, by inhibiting late sodium current, reduces Ca2+overload and promotes ventricular relaxation and reduction in diastolic stiffness, the effects of ranolazine or vehicle on heart function and the response to dobutamine challenge were evaluated in aged male SHRs and Wistar-Kyoto rats by echocardiography and pressure-volume loop analysis. The effects of ranolazine and the more specific sodium channel inhibitor tetrodotoxin were determined on the late sodium current, sarcomere length, and intracellular calcium in isolated cardiomyocytes. Ranolazine reduced the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship slope and improved diastolic function during dobutamine challenge in the SHR. Ranolazine and tetrodotoxin also enhanced cardiomyocyte relaxation and reduced myoplasmic free Ca2+during diastole at high-stimulus rates in the SHR. The density of the late sodium current was elevated in SHRs. In conclusion, ranolazine was effective in reducing diastolic dysfunction in the SHR. Its mechanism of action, at least in part, is consistent with inhibition of the increased late sodium current in the SHR leading to reduced Ca2+overload.
Contractile dysfunction in a mouse model expressing a heterozygousMYBPC3mutation associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Barefield David , Kumar Mohit , de Tombe Pieter P. , Sadayappan Sakthivel
Published: January 2014

The etiology of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has been ascribed to mutations in genes encoding sarcomere proteins. In particular, mutations in MYBPC3, a gene which encodes cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C), have been implicated in over one third of HCM cases. Of these mutations, 70% are predicted to result in C′-truncated protein products, which are undetectable in tissue samples. Heterozygous carriers of these truncation mutations exhibit varying penetrance of HCM, with symptoms often occurring later in life. We hypothesize that heterozygous carriers of MYBPC3 mutations, while seemingly asymptomatic, have subtle functional impairments that precede the development of overt HCM. This study compared heterozygous (+/t) knock-in MYBPC3 truncation mutation mice with wild-type (+/+) littermates to determine whether functional alterations occur at the whole-heart or single-cell level before the onset of hypertrophy. The +/t mice show ∼40% reduction in MYBPC3 transcription, but no changes in cMyBP-C level, phosphorylation status, or cardiac morphology. Nonetheless, +/t mice show significantly decreased maximal force development at sarcomere lengths of 1.9 μm (+/t 68.5 ± 4.1 mN/mm2vs. +/+ 82.2 ± 3.2) and 2.3 μm (+/t 79.2 ± 3.1 mN/mm2vs. +/+ 95.5 ± 2.4). In addition, heterozygous mice show significant reductions in vivo in the early/after (E/A) (+/t 1.74 ± 0.12 vs. +/+ 2.58 ± 0.43) and E′/A′ (+/t 1.18 ± 0.05 vs. +/+ 1.52 ± 0.15) ratios, indicating diastolic dysfunction. These results suggest that seemingly asymptomatic heterozygous MYBPC3 carriers do suffer impairments that may presage the onset of HCM.
Nanoparticles and the lung: friend or foe?
Authors: Prakash Y. S. , Matalon Sadis
Published: January 2014

Nanomedicine is a rapidly evolving field with high potential for developing novel research, diagnosis, and/or therapeutic approaches for lung diseases. However, for engineered nanomaterials to reach their true potential, there are still a number of unanswered questions regarding nanomaterial vs. tissue properties that dictate lung cellular uptake, distribution, and intracellular effects, and particle vs. tissue factors that determine toxicity vs. beneficial effects in the lung. Some of these key questions are highlighted in this Perspectives. Addressing these important issues will help improve nanoparticle design and enhance enthusiasm for more widespread use of nanotechnology in pulmonary medicine.
Finite Element Studies on Free Vibration of Laminated Composite Cylindrical Skew Panels
Authors: Venkateshappa Srinivasa Chikkol , Jayadevappa Suresh Yalaburgi , Puttiah Premakumar Wooday
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the finite element studies made on free vibration of isotropic and laminated composite cylindrical skew panels. A finite element analysis is performed using CQUAD4 and CQUAD8 elements of MSC/NASTRAN software. The effects of the panel angle, skew angle, aspect ratio, and length-to-thickness-ratio on fundamental natural frequency of vibration of isotropic cylindrical skew panels are studied. The effects of additional parameters such as fiber orientation angle, numbers of layers (keeping total thickness constant), and laminate stacking sequence on the fundamental frequency of vibration of antisymmetric composite laminates have also been studied. During validation and convergence study, it is found that the CQUAD8 element yields more accurate results than the CQUAD4 element. Hence the CQUAD8 element has been employed for the remaining part of the investigation. The fundamental frequency is found to increase with the panel angle and skew angle. The variation of the fundamental frequency with the number of layers is not appreciable when the number of layers is greater than about 6. It is also seen that the boundary conditions have significant influence on the fundamental frequency.
Bile Duct Adenoma with Oncocytic Features
Authors: Johannesen E. J. , Wu Zihao , Holly Jason-Scott
Published: January 2014

Bile duct adenomas are benign bile duct proliferations usually encountered as an incidental finding. Oncocytic bile duct neoplasms are rare and the majority are malignant. A 61-year-old male with a diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma was undergoing surgery when a small white nodule was discovered on the surface of the right lobe of his liver. This lesion was composed of cytologically bland cells arranged in tightly packed glands. These cells were immunopositive for cytokeratin 7, negative for Hep Par 1, contained mucin, and had a Ki67 proliferation index of 8%. The morphology, immunophenotype, presence of mucin, and normal appearing bile ducts, as well as the increased Ki67 proliferation rate, were consistent with a bile duct adenoma with oxyphilic (oncocytic) change. Oncocytic tumors in the liver are rare; the first described in 1992. Only two bile duct adenomas with oncocytic change have been reported and neither of them had reported mucin production or the presence of normal appearing bile ducts within the lesion.
Tolerance to Systemic Isotretinoin Therapy in Two Patients Using Highly Wettable Contact Lenses
Authors: Arman Ayşegül , Demirseren D. Deniz , Akoglu Gulsen
Published: January 2014

Purpose.Numerous ocular side effects have been reported with the use of systemic isotretinoin therapy. Herein, we presented two contact lens user patients who did not have contact lens intolerance during systemic isotretinoin therapy.Methods.25-year-old male and 20-year-old female patients with severe acne vulgaris who were using highly wettable silicone hydrogel contact lenses which increase tear film stability were examined. Tear film function tests including Schirmer tests and tear break up time (TBUT) test and ocular surface staining with fluorescein were done. Subjective ocular complaints were scored with ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire. Patients were followed up monthly and examinations were repeated at each visit.Results.Both patients completed the therapy after a cumulative dose of 140 mg/kg isotretinoin in 6 months. The OSDI score and tear film function tests before and after treatment were all within normal limits.Discussion.Highly wettable contact lenses that provide increase in the tear film stability may be used during systemic retinoid therapy under close followups. Although isotretinoin affects ocular glands, the differences between tolerances to this retinoid therapy need to be investigated in larger patient groups using contact lenses.
Diversity and Species Composition of Subaerial Algal Communities in Forested Areas of Meghalaya, India
Authors: Kharkongor Diana , Ramanujam Papiya
Published: January 2014

The study deals with a comparative study on diversity and species composition of subaerial algal communities from tree barks of closed undisturbed sacred grove, mixed plantation, and open disturbed forest. A total of 85 taxa had been recorded, 30 cyanobacteria and 55 algal species belonging to six classes of algae. Sacred grove harboured the highest subaerial algal diversity compared to those of plantation and open disturbed forest. There was a strong significant difference in species composition among the three different sampling areas. High number of diatoms with 14 species was recorded in sacred grove. Cyanobacteria with 22 species were the frequent group in disturbed forest whereas Trentepohliales dominated in plantation. Canonical correspondence analysis confirmed that high photon irradiance favored the growth of cyanobacteria in disturbed forest. The abundance of Trentepohliales members correlated to high rainfall and photon irradiance. High diversity and presence of many diatom species in undisturbed Mawphlang sacred grove were associated with low photon irradiance and high relative humidity and could also be due to a presence of suitable substrata formed by the growth of mosses. Sunlight, relative humidity, and rainfall were the important factors which played a major role in determining the diversity and distribution of subaerial algal communities.
On Positive Solutions and Mann Iterative Schemes of a Third Order Difference Equation
Authors: Liu Zeqing , Wu Heng , Kang Shin Min , Kwun Young Chel
Published: January 2014

The existence of uncountably many positive solutions and convergence of the Mann iterative schemes for a third order nonlinear neutral delay difference equation are proved. Six examples are given to illustrate the results presented in this paper.
A Comparison of Anti-Nuclear Antibody Quantification Using Automated Enzyme Immunoassays and Immunofluorescence Assays
Authors: Baronaite Renata , Engelhart Merete , Mørk Hansen Troels , Thamsborg Gorm , Slott Jensen Hanne , Stender Steen , Szecsi Pal Bela
Published: January 2014

Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) have traditionally been evaluated using indirect fluorescence assays (IFA) with HEp-2 cells. Quantitative immunoassays (EIA) have replaced the use of HEp-2 cells in some laboratories. Here, we evaluated ANA in 400 consecutive and unselected routinely referred patients using IFA and automated EIA techniques. The IFA results generated by two independent laboratories were compared with the EIA results from antibodies against double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), from ANA screening, and from tests of the seven included subantigens. The final IFA and EIA results for 386 unique patients were compared. The majority of the results were the same between the two methods (n=325, 84%); however, 8% (n=30) yielded equivocal results (equivocal-negative and equivocal-positive) and 8% (n=31) yielded divergent results (positive-negative). The results showed fairly good agreement, with Cohen’s kappa value of 0.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.14–0.46), which decreased to 0.23 (95% CI = 0.06–0.40) when the results for dsDNA were omitted. The EIA method was less reliable for assessing nuclear and speckled reactivity patterns, whereas the IFA method presented difficulties detecting dsDNA and Ro activity. The automated EIA method was performed in a similar way to the conventional IFA method using HEp-2 cells; thus, automated EIA may be used as a screening test.
A Two‐Sample Parametric Test for Partly Interva‐Censored Data with Nonproportional Hazard
Authors: Alharpy Azzah Mohammad , Ibrahim Noor Akma
Published: January 2014

In clinical trials and engineering studies that are followed by periodic follow‐ups, it is predominantly to have partly interval‐censored failure time data. Partly interval‐censored failure time data is composed of exact observations and interval‐censored observations. This paper discusses two‐sample parametric comparison of reliability function in the existence of partly interval‐censored failure time data. We have constructed a score test and likelihood ratio test for this kind of failure time data under piecewise exponential distribution by using multiple imputation technique. Simulation study is established to assess the proposed test, which indicates that the presented procedure works well. Finally, an example is given for illustration purposes.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Insulin Resistance, and Obesity: Navigating the Pathophysiologic Labyrinth
Authors: Rojas Joselyn , Chávez Mervin , Olivar Luis , Rojas Milagros , Morillo Jessenia , Mejías José , Calvo María , Bermúdez Valmore
Published: January 2014

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent endocrine-metabolic disorder that implies various severe consequences to female health, including alarming rates of infertility. Although its exact etiology remains elusive, it is known to feature several hormonal disturbances, including hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance (IR), and hyperinsulinemia. Insulin appears to disrupt all components of the hypothalamus-hypophysis-ovary axis, and ovarian tissue insulin resistance results in impaired metabolic signaling but intact mitogenic and steroidogenic activity, favoring hyperandrogenemia, which appears to be the main culprit of the clinical picture in PCOS. In turn, androgens may lead back to IR by increasing levels of free fatty acids and modifying muscle tissue composition and functionality, perpetuating this IR-hyperinsulinemia-hyperandrogenemia cycle. Nonobese women with PCOS showcase several differential features, with unique biochemical and hormonal profiles. Nevertheless, lean and obese patients have chronic inflammation mediating the long term cardiometabolic complications and comorbidities observed in women with PCOS, including dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. Given these severe implications, it is important to thoroughly understand the pathophysiologic interconnections underlying PCOS, in order to provide superior therapeutic strategies and warrant improved quality of life to women with this syndrome.
Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Aged Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Palli Eleni , Makris Demosthenes , Papanikolaou John , Garoufalis Grigorios , Zakynthinos Epaminondas
Published: January 2014

Background.Aging is associated with renal structural changes and functional decline. The attributable risk for renal dysfunction from radiocontrast agents in critically ill older patients has not been well established.Methods.In this prospective study, we assessed the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in critically ill patients with stable renal function who underwent computed tomography with intravenous contrast media. Patients were categorized into two age groups: <65 (YG) or ≥65 years old (OG). CIN was defined as 25% or greater increase from baseline of serum creatinine or as an absolute increase by 0.5 mg/dL until the 5th day after the infusion of contrast agent. We also evaluated the alterations in oxidative stress by assessing serum 8-isoprostane.Results.CIN occurred in 5 of 13 OG patients (38.46%) whereas no YG patient presented CIN (P=0.015). Serum creatinine kinetics in older patients demonstrated a rise over five days following contrast infusion time while a decline was observed in the YG (P=0.005).Conclusions.Older critically ill patients are more prone to develop renal dysfunction after the intravenous infusion of contrast agent in relation to their younger counterparts.
Assessment of Leptin Gene Polymorphism rs2060713 in Psoriasis Vulgaris
Authors: Karpouzis Anthony , Tripsianis Gregory , Gatzidou Elisavet , Veletza Stavroula
Published: January 2014

Psoriasis is a lifelong disorder characterized by approximately 8-fold reduction of the duration of normal skin keratinocyte cell cycle and 2-fold increase of the number of dividing cells. Multiple genes, several environmental factors, and immune system alterations are involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Hyperleptinemia is associated with psoriasis and leptin acts as an angiogenic factor. Angiogenetic processes precede the epidermal hyperplasia in psoriasis, indicating possible involvement of leptin in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Leptin gene polymorphisms and their association with psoriasis have been given very little attention. We present a study of the rs2060713C/T genetic polymorphism in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris in 263 vulgaris patients and 252 unrelated matched healthy controls. No statistically significant differences were observed between patients and controls. A statistically nonsignificant trend was observed in males with the early onset type of psoriasis (11.1% C/T in patients versus 5.6% in controls) and in females with the late onset type of the disease (12.8% C/T in patients versus 3.3% in controls). Still, there is no hard evidence on correlation of psoriasis vulgaris with this polymorphism. Possible association with specific forms of the disease and either gender needs further investigation in larger studies.
A Game Theory Based Strategy for Reducing Energy Consumption in Cognitive WSN
Authors: Romero Elena , Blesa Javier , Araujo Alvaro , Nieto-Taladriz Octavio
Published: January 2014

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are one of the most important users of wireless communication technologies in the coming years and some challenges in this area must be addressed for their complete development. Energy consumption and spectrum availability are two of the most severe constraints of WSNs due to their intrinsic nature. The introduction of cognitive capabilities into these networks has arisen to face the issue of spectrum scarcity but could be used to face energy challenges too due to their new range of communication possibilities. In this paper a new strategy based on game theory for cognitive WSNs is discussed. The presented strategy improves energy consumption by taking advantage of the new change-communication-channel capability. Based on game theory, the strategy decides when to change the transmission channel depending on the behavior of the rest of the network nodes. The strategy presented is lightweight but still has higher energy saving rates as compared to noncognitive networks and even to other strategies based on scheduled spectrum sensing. Simulations are presented for several scenarios that demonstrate energy saving rates of around 65% as compared to WSNs without cognitive techniques.
PAI-1 Leads to G1-Phase Cell-Cycle Progression through Cyclin D3/cdk4/6 Upregulation
Authors: Giacoia Evan Gomes , Miyake Makito , Lawton Adrienne , Goodison Steve , Rosser Charles J.
Published: January 2014

The canonical function of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1/SERPINE1) is as an inhibitor of urokinase-type plasminogen activator for blood clot maintenance, but it is now also considered a pleiotropic factor that can exert diverse cellular and tumorigenic effects. However, the mechanism controlling its pleiotropic effects is far from being understood. To elucidate the tumorigenic role of PAI-1, we tested the effects of PAI-1 after manipulation of its expression or through the use of a small-molecule inhibitor, tiplaxtinin. Downregulation of PAI-1 significantly reduced cellular proliferation through an inability to progress from the G0–G1 phase of the cell cycle. Accordingly, overexpression of PAI-1 augmented proliferation by encouraging S-phase entry. Biochemically, cell-cycle arrest was associated with the depletion of the G1-phase transition complexes, cyclin D3/cdk4/6 and cyclin E/cdk2, in parallel with the upregulation of the cell-cycle inhibitors p53, p21Cip1/Waf1, and p27Kip1. PAI-1 depletion significantly decreased the tumor size of urothelial T24 and UM-UC-14 xenografts, and overexpression of PAI-1 substantially increased the tumor size of HeLa xenografts. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis of human bladder and cervical tumor tissue microarrays revealed increased expression of PAI-1 in cancerous tissue, specifically in aggressive tumors, supporting the relevance of this molecule in human tumor biology.

Implications: Targeting PAI-1 has beneficial antitumoral effects and should be further investigated clinically. Mol Cancer Res; 12(3); 322–34. ©2014 AACR.
Ankle-Brachial Index, Cognitive Impairment and Cerebrovascular Disease in a Chinese Population
Authors: Hilal Saima , Saini Monica , Tan Chuen Seng , Catindig Joseree Ann , Dong Yan Hong , Leon Lim Ben Swie , Niessen Wiro J. , Vrooman Henri , Wong Tien Yin , Chen Christopher , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Ikram Mohammad Kamran
Published: January 2014

Background: Previous studies have assessed the association between ankle-brachial index (ABI) and cognition, mainly using brief cognitive tests. We investigated whether ABI was associated with cognition independent of neuroimaging markers of cerebrovascular disease. Methods: Chinese subjects (n = 278, aged ≥60 years) were recruited from the ongoing Epidemiology of Dementia in Singapore (EDIS) Study. Ankle and brachial blood pressures were measured, and low ABI was defined as ≤0.9. A neuropsychological battery was utilized to determine cognition. Cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND) and dementia were diagnosed according to standard diagnostic criteria. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to obtain semiquantitative and quantitative markers of cerebrovascular disease and atrophy. Results: A low ABI was related to the presence of intracranial stenosis (odds ratio, OR = 1.71; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.13-2.59), but not with the presence of infarcts, microbleeds or grey matter, white matter and white matter lesion volumes. Furthermore, a low ABI was associated with poorer overall cognitive function and CIND-moderate/dementia (OR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.11-4.59), independent of cardiovascular risk factors, and the MRI markers related to cerebrovascular disease and atrophy. Conclusion: We found an association between a low ABI and cognitive impairment, independent of any MRI marker of cerebral small vessel disease or large artery atherosclerotic disease.
Antiplatelet Therapy for Stable Coronary Artery Disease in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Taking an Oral Anticoagulant
Authors: Lamberts Morten , Gislason Gunnar H. , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Lassen Jens Flensted , Olesen Jonas Bjerring , Mikkelsen Anders P. , Sørensen Rikke , Køber Lars , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Hansen Morten Lock
Published: January 2014

Background—

The optimal long-term antithrombotic treatment of patients with coexisting atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease is unresolved, and commonly, a single antiplatelet agent is added to oral anticoagulation. We investigated the effectiveness and safety of adding antiplatelet therapy to vitamin K antagonist (VKA) in atrial fibrillation patents with stable coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results—

Atrial fibrillation patients with stable coronary artery disease (defined as 12 months from an acute coronary event) between 2002 and 2011 were identified. The subsequent risk of cardiovascular events and serious bleeding events (those that required hospitalization) was examined with adjusted Cox regression models according to ongoing antithrombotic therapy. A total of 8700 patients were included (mean age, 74.2 years; 38% women). During a mean follow-up of 3.3 years, crude incidence rates were 7.2, 3.8, and 4.0 events per 100 person-years for myocardial infarction/coronary death, thromboembolism, and serious bleeding, respectively. Relative to VKA monotherapy, the risk of myocardial infarction/coronary death was similar for VKA plus aspirin (hazard ratio, 1.12 [95% confidence interval, 0.94–1.34]) and VKA plus clopidogrel (hazard ratio, 1.53 [95% confidence interval, 0.93–2.52]). The risk of thromboembolism was comparable in all regimens that included VKA, whereas the risk of bleeding increased when aspirin (hazard ratio, 1.50 [95% confidence interval, 1.23–1.82]) or clopidogrel (hazard ratio, 1.84 [95% confidence interval, 1.11–3.06]) was added to VKA.

Conclusions—

In atrial fibrillation patients with stable coronary artery disease, the addition of antiplatelet therapy to VKA therapy is not associated with a reduction in risk of recurrent coronary events or thromboembolism, whereas risk of bleeding is increased significantly. The common practice of adding antiplatelet therapy to oral VKA anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease warrants reassessment.
Blood Pressure, Internal Carotid Artery Flow Parameters, and Age-Related White Matter Hyperintensities
Authors: Aribisala Benjamin S. , Morris Zoe , Eadie Elizabeth , Thomas Avril , Gow Alan , Valdés Hernández Maria C. , Royle Natalie A. , Bastin Mark E. , Starr John , Deary Ian J. , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: January 2014

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are associated with hypertension. We examined interactions among blood pressure (BP), internal carotid artery (ICA) flow velocity parameters, and WMH. We obtained BP measurements from 694 community-dwelling subjects at mean ages 69.6 (±0.8) years and again at 72.6 (±0.7) years, plus brain MRI and ICA ultrasound at age 73±1 years. Diastolic and mean BP decreased and pulse pressure increased, but systolic BP did not change between 70 and 73 years. Multiple linear regression, corrected for vascular disease and risk factors, showed that WMH at the age of 73 years were associated with history of hypertension (β=0.13;
P
<0.001) and with BP at the age of 70 years (systolic β=0.08, mean β=0.09, diastolic β=0.08; all
P
<0.05); similar but attenuated associations were seen for BP at the age of 73 years. Lower diastolic BP and higher pulse pressure were associated with higher ICA pulsatility index at the age 73 years (diastolic BP age 70 years: standardized β=−0.24,
P
<0.001; pulse pressure age 70 years: β=0.19,
P
<0.001). WMH were associated with higher ICA pulsatility index (β=0.13;
P
=0.002) after adjusting for BP and correction for multiple testing. Therefore, falling diastolic BP and increased pulse pressure are associated with increased ICA pulsatility index, which in turn is associated with WMH. This suggests that hypertension and WMH may either associate indirectly because hypertension increases arterial stiffness that leads to WMH over time, or coassociate through advancing age and stiffer vessels, or both. Reducing vascular stiffness may reduce WMH progression and should be tested in randomized trials, in addition to testing antihypertensive therapy.
Hypercholesterolemia Induces Oxidant Stress That Accelerates the Ageing of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Tie Guodong , Messina Katharine E. , Yan Jinglian , Messina Julia A. , Messina Louis M.
Published: January 2014

Background

Clinical studies suggest that hypercholesterolemia may cause ageing in hematopoietic stem cells (
HSC
s) because ageing‐associated alterations were found in peripheral blood cells and their bone marrow residing precursors in patients with advanced atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that hypercholesterolemia induces oxidant stress in hematopoietic stems cells that accelerates their ageing.

Methods and Results

Here we show that
HSC
s from ApoE
−/−
mice, as well as
HSC
s from C57Bl/6 mice fed a high cholesterol diet (
HCD
) accumulated ox
LDL
and had greater
ROS
levels. In accordance, the expression pattern of the genes involved in
ROS
metabolism changed significantly in
HSC
s from ApoE
−/−
mice. Hypercholesterolemia caused a significant reduction in phenotypically defined long‐term
HSC
compartment, telomere length, and repopulation capacity of
KTLS
cells, indicating accelerated ageing in these cells. Gene array analysis suggested abnormal cell cycle status, and the key cell cycle regulators including p19

ARF

, p27
Kip1
and p21
Waf1
were upregulated in
KTLS
cells from hypercholesterolemic mice. These effects were p38‐dependent and reversed in vivo by treatment of hypercholesterolemic mice with antioxidant
N
‐acetylcysteine. The oxidant stress also caused aberrant expression of Notch1 that caused loss of quiescence and proliferation leading to the expansion of
KTLS
compartment in hypercholesterolemic mice.

Conclusion

Taken together, we provide evidence that hypercholesterolemia can cause oxidant stress that accelerates the ageing and impairs the reconstitution capacity of
HSC
s.
Lectotypification of Quercus brandisiana Kurz and the significance of the leaf epidermal features to its taxonomy
Authors: Li Qiansheng , Deng Min , Li Quanjian , COOMBES Allen
Published: January 2014

Based on a survey of literature and specimens, the lectotype of Quercus brandisiana Kurz is designated here. Information on its distribution, taxonomy and leaf epidermal features is given. Features that distinguish Q. brandisiana from closely related species are given and a key to their identification is provided.
Interactive and multimodal pedagogy: A case study of how teachers and students use interactive whiteboard technology in primary science
Authors: Murcia Karen
Published: January 2014

Teachers make pedagogical decisions in their planning and use of interactive whiteboard (IWB) technologies. Intentional teaching incorporating IWB and interactive planning software requires deliberate selection and sequencing of digital resources. The research reported in this paper explored and documented teacher and student use of IWB technology in two Western Australian primary science classrooms. Our case study research applied a social constructivist perspective and drew from principles of pedagogical interactivity and multimodal representation. Ethnographic microanalyses resulted in the generation of principles of practice with IWB technology, which were illustrated by classroom examples of technical and conceptual interactivity in intentional primary science teaching.
Anticipatory Guidance Through DVD
Authors: Franz Sandra , McMahon Pamela M. , Calongne Laurinda , Steele-Moses Susan K.
Published: January 2014

The major purpose of the study was to determine if a 5-minute DVD is an effective method for communicating anticipatory guidance to parents at their child’s 4-month well-child visit. A total of 84 caregivers were randomly assigned to receive anticipatory guidance through standard care (written anticipatory guidance handout and free talk) or DVD (DVD format + standard care). Participants completed a brief questionnaire immediately before and after their visit. As anticipated, knowledge scores improved significantly from pre-test to post-test. There was also a significant interaction between format used for anticipatory guidance and time. Specifically, there was greater improvement in knowledge over time for parents in the DVD group as compared with the standard care group. Additionally, the mean knowledge level of those in the DVD group as compared with those in the standard care group trended toward significance. Finally, visit length was shortened by nearly 3 minutes in the DVD group, and close to 100% of all respondents, regardless of anticipatory guidance format, indicated that they were very satisfied with their visit and amount of information learned.
The retrobulbar sinus is superior to the lateral tail vein for the injection of contrast media in small animal cardiac imaging
Authors: Socher M , Kuntz J , Sawall S , Bartling S , Kachelrieß M
Published: January 2014

Cardiac perfusion studies using computed tomography are a common tool in clinical practice. Recent technical advances and the availability of dedicated small animal scanners allow the transfer of these techniques to the preclinical sector in general and to mouse models of cardiac diseases in particular. This necessitates new requirements for contrast injection techniques as a rapid transport of contrast media from the intravenous access to the animal heart. Clinical contrast agents containing high iodine concentrations are used within small animal studies although they exhibit a high viscosity which might limit their transport within the vasculature. The authors provide a comparison of the transport of contrast media following an injection into the lateral tail vein and an injection into the retrobulbar sinus and discuss the anatomy involved. The temporal evolution of a contrast bolus and its in vivo distribution is visualized. It is demonstrated that injecting contrast agents into the lateral tail vein of mice results in a retrograde blood flow to the liver veins and therefore does not deliver a detectable contrast bolus to the heart, and thus it cannot be used for cardiac perfusion studies. By contrast, boli injected into the retrobulbar sinus are rapidly transported to the heart and provide ventricular contrast enabling perfusion studies similar to those in human patients. The results demonstrate that an injection into the retrobulbar sinus is superior to an injection into the lateral tail vein for the delivery of contrast boli to the animal heart, while all drawbacks of an injection into the lateral tail vein are overcome.
Outcome in excised thymomas: role of prognostic factors and impact of additional malignancies on survival
Authors: Granato F , Blackhall V , Alessandra R , Spina D , Luca V , Piero P , Mohiyaddin S , Asif M , Kirk A JB , Giuseppe Gotti
Published: January 2014

Background and aims:

Although the management of thymomas has been extensively evaluated, the value of prognostic factors in the outcome of these patients remains unclear.

Methods and results:

The medical records of all patients who underwent resection of thymoma between January 1985 and September 2010 at a single thoracic unit were reviewed. Patients were followed up with reference to disease recurrence and development of additional malignancies (AM). Total thymectomy was performed in all 68 cases. Mean follow-up time was four years. Mean survival was 63.9 months. Mean disease-free interval was 13 months. Factors affecting prognosis were Masaoka staging and WHO histological sub-type. Patients with thymomas had a higher risk of developing AM when compared with a control population of individuals with other tumours ( p = 0.0002). Among thymomas, the cortical subtype was associated with a higher risk of AM ( p = 0.047) and mortality ( p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

This data confirms that Masaoka staging and WHO histologic sub-type are the most important prognostic factors in patients with thymoma. Moreover, thymomas predominantly arising from the thymic cortex are associated with a higher risk of developing other malignancies and with poorer survival. The cortical origin of thymoma could therefore be considered as a significant prognostic factor.
SLE and dental erosion: a lethal cocktail
Authors: Fegan David , Glennon Mary Jacqueline
Published: January 2014

A 13-year-old Pacific Island girl presented complaining of fever, joint pain and dry mouth. She was using limes to relieve her dry mouth. On examination, the most striking clinical finding was severe dental erosion and caries. Autoimmune serology confirmed a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with possible Sjögren’s syndrome. The case illustrates the devastating consequence of excessive consumption of acidic citrus juice in sicca syndrome.
Sustainability, Intergenerational Social Equity, and the Socially Responsible Organization
Authors: Stazyk Edmund C. , Moldavanova Alisa , Frederickson H. George
Published: January 2014

Drawing on perspectives from several academic traditions, we argue that sustainability is best understood as intergenerational social equity. When viewed thusly, it is possible to determine what socially responsible organizations look like in practice. After reviewing historic claims and evidence of sustainability, we turn to modern applications of institutionally based sustainability. We then describe sustainability in the framework of an intergenerational social equity model, claiming that the legacies of social and cultural institutions are evidence of sustainability in action. We conclude with a discussion of what it means for an organization to be socially responsible given our understanding of sustainability.
A model-based iterative approach for the parallelism and gap control of two platforms
Authors: Wang Yen-Po , Tien Szu-Chi
Published: January 2014

This article demonstrates an iterative approach for precise parallelism and gap control of two platforms. In order to achieve this goal, three linear actuators were used to adjust the posture and distance of one platform with respect to the other. Besides, motion coupling between three actuators was considered and compensated for by a model-based iterative control method. The features of the proposed method are a simple actuating mechanism, efficient sensing architecture, and robust iterative control for permissive modelling uncertainties. Experimental results show that, within 0.3 s, the desired parallelism and gap can be achieved with errors in the sensor resolution level. Therefore, the proposed method is suitable for precise parallelism and gap control of two platforms.
Investment under company-level pacts before and during the Great Recession
Authors: Bellmann Lutz , Gerner Hans-Dieter , Hübler Olaf
Published: January 2014

Company-level pacts between the management and the works council are often preferred in comparison to agreements between employers’ association and unions because the former negotiating partners are better informed about the economic situation of a company and have fewer goal conflicts than the latter. Moreover, these company-level pacts might reduce the ‘hold-up’ problems which arise once specialized investment is made. Therefore, this article investigates whether such agreements affect firm-level investment. Based on the IAB Establishment Panel Survey 2001–2010 the study indicates that the adoption of a company-level pact leads to a higher investment rate than in other firms driven by reinvestment. However, the Great Recession has damped this positive influence. From the econometric analysis the article does not detect any increase in investment during the negotiation phase. After the expiration of a company-level pact, lower reinvestment and a small increase in net investment take place.
Self-Management in Early Adolescence and Differences by Age at Diagnosis and Duration of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Chao Ariana , Whittemore Robin , Minges Karl E. , Murphy Kathryn M. , Grey Margaret
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to describe the frequency of diabetes self-management activities, processes, and goals among early adolescents. In addition, differences in self-management by age at diagnosis and duration of diabetes were explored.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was used to analyze baseline data from 320 adolescents with T1DM enrolled in a multisite clinical trial. Participants completed questionnaires on demographic/clinical characteristics and self-management.

Results

There was a transitional pattern of self-management with a high frequency of diabetes care activities, problem solving, and goals and variable amounts of collaboration with parents. After controlling for therapy type and age, youth with short diabetes duration reported performing significantly more diabetes care activities than individuals with a longer duration. Individuals with short diabetes duration had more frequent communication than individuals with a longer duration, which was associated with diagnosis in adolescence. Among those diagnosed as school age children, those with short diabetes duration reported significantly more diabetes goals than those with a longer duration.

Conclusions

A more specific understanding of self-management may help clinicians provide more targeted education and support. Adolescents with a long duration of diabetes need additional self-management support, particularly for diabetes care activities and communication.
Effects of a Brief, Prevention-Focused Parenting Education Program for New Mothers
Authors: Hooge Sharon L. , Benzies Karen M. , Mannion Cynthia A.
Published: January 2014

We evaluated the effects of a parenting program, Baby and You, on parenting knowledge, parenting morale, and social support using a single-group, pre-test, and post-test design with 159 Canadian mothers of infants aged 2 to 9 months old. Baby and You is a prevention-focused parenting program (PFPP) to improve maternal and infant health through education and social support. The 4-week curriculum focuses on infant development and safety, parent–child relationships, maternal self-care, and community resources. We computed repeated-measures ANOVAs separately for scores on Parenting Knowledge Scale, Parenting Moral Index, and Family Support Scale. We found a significant increase between pre-test and post-test on parenting knowledge, but not parenting morale or social support. Parenting morale may be a stable construct that shows little change over time. It may take more than 4 weeks of programming for mothers to identify and integrate new sources of social support.