bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES ANALYSIS OF CULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT: A KOREAN CASE
Authors: LEE CHUNG-SHING , HO JONATHAN C.
Published: May 2013

This paper applies the multiple-perspective decision-making approach [Linstone (1984, 1999); Linstone and Zhu (2000)] and the concepts of discounting and technological forecasting and planning as a framework to study the influence of culture on technology development and management in Korea. Korea was an early innovator of both metallic movable type printing and MP3 players and they had the first-mover advantage of developing both technologies earlier than other technologically advanced countries in the same era. However, these two innovations were not commercially successful in Korea. Many reasons could have attributed to the failure. By analyzing these two cases and an additional case on Korea's plan to build an Internet-centric economy, we conclude that the imbalance among the technical, organizational, and personal (TOP) perspectives was the major factor. Business executives and policy makers need to deal with not only issues related to discounting and forecasting when planning for commercialization and diffusion of new technologies, but also the organizational and cultural factors which play an important role that bridges inventions and the successful diffusion of innovations. In sum, the balance of multiple perspectives of decision-making, the applications of the principles of discounting and technology forecasting and planning, and the roles of diversity and government policy are all crucial for the success of an innovation in a global context.
THE SYMMETRIC SIGNATURE OF A WITT SPACE
Authors: FRIEDMAN GREG , McCLURE JAMES
Published: May 2013

Witt spaces are pseudomanifolds for which the middle-perversity intersection homology with rational coefficients is self-dual. We give a new construction of the symmetric signature for Witt spaces which is similar in spirit to the construction given by Miščenko for manifolds. Our construction has all of the expected properties, including invariance under stratified homotopy equivalence.
Decreased time constant of the pulmonary circulation in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: MacKenzie Ross Robert V. , Toshner Mark R. , Soon Elaine , Naeije Robert , Pepke-Zaba Joanna
Published: May 2013

This study analyzed the relationship between pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and pulmonary arterial compliance ( Ca) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and proximal chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). It has recently been shown that the time constant of the pulmonary circulation (RC time constant), or PVR × Ca, remains unaltered in various forms and severities of pulmonary hypertension, with the exception of left heart failure. We reasoned that increased wave reflection in proximal CTEPH would be another cause of the decreased RC time constant. We conducted a retrospective analysis of invasive pulmonary hemodynamic measurements in IPAH ( n = 78), proximal CTEPH ( n = 91) before (pre) and after (post) pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), and distal CTEPH ( n = 53). Proximal CTEPH was defined by a postoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) of ≤25 mmHg. Outcome measures were the RC time constant, PVR, Ca, and relationship between systolic and mean PAPs. The RC time constant for pre-PEA CTEPH was 0.49 ± 0.11 s compared with post-PEA-CTEPH (0.37 ± 0.11 s, P < 0.0001), IPAH (0.63 ± 0.14 s, P < 0.001), and distal CTEPH (0.55 ± 0.12 s, P < 0.05). A shorter RC time constant was associated with a disproportionate decrease in systolic PAP with respect to mean PAP. We concluded that the pulmonary RC time constant is decreased in proximal CTEPH compared with IPAH, pre- and post-PEA, which may be explained by increased wave reflection but also, importantly, by persistent structural changes after the removal of proximal obstructions. A reduced RC time constant in CTEPH is in accord with a wider pulse pressure and hence greater right ventricular work for a given mean PAP.
Neu-164 and Neu-107, two novel antioxidant and anti-myeloperoxidase compounds, inhibit acute cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation
Authors: Thatcher Thomas H. , Hsiao Hsi-Min , Pinner Elhanan , Laudon Moshe , Pollock Stephen J. , Sime Patricia J. , Phipps Richard P.
Published: May 2013

Cigarette smoke is a profound proinflammatory stimulus that causes acute lung inflammation and chronic lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis), via a variety of mechanisms, including oxidative stress. Cigarette smoke contains high levels of free radicals, whereas inflammatory cells, including macrophages and neutrophils, express enzymes, including NADPH oxidase, nitric oxide synthase, and myeloperoxidase, that generate reactive oxygen species in situ and contribute to inflammation and tissue damage. Neu-164 and Neu-107 are small-molecule inhibitors of myeloperoxidase, as well as potent antioxidants. We hypothesized that Neu-164 and Neu-107 would inhibit acute cigarette smoke-induced inflammation. Adult C57BL/6J mice were exposed to mainstream cigarette smoke for 3 days to induce acute inflammation and were treated daily by inhalation with Neu-164, Neu-107, or dexamethasone as a control. Inflammatory cells and cytokines were assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage and histology. mRNA levels of endogenous antioxidant genes heme oxygenase-1 and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit were determined by qPCR. Cigarette smoke exposure induced acute lung inflammation with accumulation of neutrophils and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, and keratinocyte-derived cytokine. Both Neu-164 and Neu-107 significantly reduced the accumulation of inflammatory cells and the expression of inflammatory cytokines as effectively as dexamethasone. Upregulation of endogenous antioxidant genes was dampened. Neu-164 and Neu-107 inhibit acute cigarette smoke-induced inflammation by scavenging reactive oxygen species in cigarette smoke and by inhibiting further oxidative stress caused by inflammatory cells. These compounds may have promise in preventing or treating lung disease associated with chronic smoke exposure, including COPD.
Simple Acupoints Prescription Flow Chart Based on Meridian Theory: A Retrospective Study in 102 Dogs
Authors: Jeong Jong-Ho , Song Joo-Young , Jo Hyo-Gwon , Kim Ji-Min , Yoon Samuel-S. , Park Chul , Kim Seunghyun , Roh Seong-Soo , Lee Bong Hyo , Yang Chae Ha , Kim Hee Young
Published: May 2013

To help the clinicians prescribe acupoints easily and effectively, we developed one simple flow chart to select acupoints. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of flow chart to select acupoints in dogs. Total 102 dogs showing intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) (n=12), vomiting (n=11), diarrhea (n=2), abdominal pain (n=5), cough (n=66), or epilepsy (n=6) received acupuncture treatment according to the chart, and its outcomes were evaluated as regards clinical symptoms, duration, treatment numbers, and recovery time. Dogs (8/8) with IVDD from grades I to III recovered over periods of 5 days to 6 weeks after 1–12 treatments, while 1/4 dogs with grade IV recovered over 7 weeks after 15 treatments. Vomiting dogs with acute/subacute (n=8) and chronic symptoms (n=3) required about 1 and 7 treatments to recover fully, respectively. All dogs (n=5) with abdominal pain showed fast relief within 24 hours after acupuncture. Two diarrhea cases recovered over 2–9 days after 1-2 treatments. Fifty-four of 66 coughing dogs were recovered by 1-2 treatments. And 5 of 6 epilepsy dogs under a regular acupuncture treatment had no epileptic episode during followup of 12 months. These results suggest that this flow chart can help the clinicians prescribe acupoints effectively.
A Diversity-Enhanced Constrained Particle Swarm Optimizer for Mixed Integer-Discrete-Continuous Engineering Design Problems
Authors: Chun Semin , Kim Young-Tark , Kim Tae-Hyoung
Published: May 2013

Engineering optimization problems usually contain various constraints and mixed integer-discrete-continuous types of design variables. We propose an efficient particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm for such problems. First, we transform the constrained optimization problem into an unconstrained problem without introducing problem-dependent or user-defined parameters such as penalty factors or Lagrange multipliers (such parameters are usually required in general optimization algorithms). Then, we extend the above PSO method to handle integer, discrete, and continuous design variables in a simple manner with a high degree of precision. The proposed PSO scheme is fairly simple and therefore easy to implement. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our method, several mechanical design optimization problems are solved, and the numerical results are compared with results reported in the literature.
The Twisting Bifurcations of Double Homoclinic Loops with Resonant Eigenvalues
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Zhang Weipeng , Geng Fengjie , Huang Jicai
Published: May 2013

The twisting bifurcations of double homoclinic loops with resonant eigenvalues are investigated in four-dimensional systems. The coexistence or noncoexistence of large 1-homoclinic orbit and large 1-periodic orbit near double homoclinic loops is given. The existence or nonexistence of saddle-node bifurcation surfaces is obtained. Finally, the complete bifurcation diagrams and bifurcation curves are also given under different cases. Moreover, the methods adopted in this paper can be extended to a higher dimensional system.
Oil Essential Mouthwashes Antibacterial Activity againstAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans: A Comparison between Antibiofilm and Antiplanktonic Effects
Authors: Erriu Matteo , Pili Francesca Maria Giovanna , Tuveri Enrica , Pigliacampo Daniela , Scano Alessandra , Montaldo Caterina , Piras Vincenzo , Denotti Gloria , Pilloni Andrea , Garau Valentino , Orrù Germano
Published: May 2013

The aim of this work is to determine the antibacterial activity of three marketed mouthwashes on suspended and sessile states ofAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. The efficacy of two commonly used products in clinical practice, containing essential oils as active ingredients (menthol, thymol, methyl salicylate, and eucalyptol) in association with or without alcohol, has been evaluated in comparison with a chlorhexidine-based mouthwash. The microtiter plate assay, in order to obtain a spectrophotometric measurement of bacterial responses at growing dilutions of each antiseptic, was used for the study. The analysis revealed that a good antibacterial activity is reached when the abovementioned mouthwashes were used at concentration over a 1/24 dilution and after an exposure time of 30 seconds at least. In conclusion, the alcoholic mouthwash appears to have a better biofilm inhibition than its antiplanktonic activity while the nonalcoholic product demonstrates an opposite effect with a better antiplanktonic behavior.
Breakage of a Third Generation Gamma Nail: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Iwakura Takashi , Niikura Takahiro , Lee Sang Yang , Sakai Yoshitada , Nishida Kotaro , Kuroda Ryosuke , Kurosaka Masahiro
Published: May 2013

The use of intramedullary nails to treat trochanteric fractures of the femur has increased with the increasing size of the elderly population. The third generation Gamma nail is currently one of the most popular devices for the treatment of trochanteric fractures. Nail breakage is a rare complication, possibly resulting from fatigue fracture of the implant. We present the first reported case of breakage of a third generation Gamma nail that was not used to treat a pathological fracture. An 83-year-old woman with an unstable trochanteric fracture of the femur was treated using a third generation Gamma nail. She was referred to our hospital 14 months postoperatively with nail breakage at the opening for the lag screw. The breakage was secondary to nonunion, which was thought to be mainly due to insufficient reduction of the fracture. The broken nail was removed, and the patient underwent cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty. At followup 18 months later, she was mobile with a walker and asymptomatic with no complications. This case shows that inadequate operation such as insufficient reduction of the trochanteric fracture may result in nonunion and implant breakage, even when using a high-strength, well-designed implant.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Water-Soluble Fluorescent Ag Nanoclusters
Authors: Zheng Chengzhi , Wang Huiping , Liu Lingzhi , Zhang Manjun , Liang Jiangong , Han Heyou
Published: May 2013

Water-soluble fluorescent Ag nanoclusters (NCs) were synthesized at room temperature with sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) as a protective agent. The effects of synthetic conditions on the fluorescence properties of Ag NCs were investigated. The results show that the fluorescence intensity of Ag NCs strongly depends on the synthetic conditions, such as the molar ratio of AgNO3 versus SDS and sodium borohydride (NaBH4), the reaction time, and the pH value of the reaction solution. Under the optimum conditions, the as-prepared Ag NCs exist in face-centered-cubic phase with an average size of 2 nm. Fluorescence spectra of Ag NCs show emission peaks at 365 nm for different excitation wavelength. Resonant absorptions are observed at 203 nm and 277 nm in the absorption spectrum, which can be used to establish the electronic levels in the Ag NCs system.
De NovoTranscriptome Assembly and Differential Gene Expression Profiling of ThreeCapra hircusSkin Types during Anagen of the Hair Growth Cycle
Authors: Xu Teng , Guo Xudong , Wang Hui , Du Xiaoyuan , Gao Xiaoyu , Liu Dongjun
Published: May 2013

Despite that goat is one of the best nonmodel systems for villus growth studies and hair biology, limited gene resources associated with skin or hair follicles are available. In the present study, using Illumina/Solexa sequencing technology, wede novoassembled 130 million mRNA-Seq reads into a total of 49,115 contigs. Searching public databases revealed that about 45% of the total contigs can be annotated as known proteins, indicating that some of the assembled contigs may have previously uncharacterized functions. Functional classification by KOG and GO showed that activities associated with metabolism are predominant in goat skin during anagen phase. Many signaling pathways was also created based on the mapping of assembled contigs to the KEGG pathway database, some of which have been previously demonstrated to have diverse roles in hair follicle and hair shaft formation. Furthermore, gene expression profiling of three skin types identified ~6,300 transcript-derived contigs that are differentially expressed. These genes mainly enriched in the functional cluster associated with cell cycle and cell division. The large contig catalogue as well as the genes which were differentially expressed in different skin types provide valuable candidates for further characterization of gene functions.
Recursive Identification for Dynamic Linear Systems from Noisy Input-Output Measurements
Authors: Fan Dan , Lo Kueiming
Published: May 2013

Errors-in-variables (EIV) model is a kind of model with not only noisy output but also noisy input measurements, which can be used for system modeling in many engineering applications. However, the identification for EIV model is much complicated due to the input noises. This paper focuses on the adaptive identification problem of real-time EIV models. Some derivation errors in an accuracy research of the popular Frisch scheme used for EIV identification have been pointed out in a recent study. To solve the same modeling problem, a new algorithm is proposed in this paper. A Moving Average (MA) process is used as a substitute for the joint impact of the mutually independent input and output noises, and then system parameters and the noise properties are estimated in the view of the time domain and frequency domain separately. A recursive form of the first step calculation is constructed to improve the calculation efficiency and online computation ability. Another advantage of the proposed algorithm is its applicableness to different input processes situations. Numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the new algorithm.
Streptomyces rocheiACTA1551, an Indigenous Greek Isolate Studied as a Potential Biocontrol Agent againstFusarium oxysporumf.sp.lycopersici
Authors: Kanini Grammatiki S. , Katsifas Efstathios A. , Savvides Alexandros L. , Karagouni Amalia D.
Published: May 2013

Many studies have shown that several Greek ecosystems inhabit very interesting bacteria with biotechnological properties. ThereforeStreptomycesisolates from diverse Greek habitats were selected for their antifungal activity against the common phytopathogenic fungusFusarium oxysporum. The isolate encoded ACTA1551, member ofStreptomycesgenus, could strongly suppress the fungal growth when examined in antagonistic bioassaysin vitro. The isolate was found phylogenetically relative toStreptomyces rocheiafter analyzing its 16S rDNA sequence. The influence of different environmental conditions, such as medium composition, temperature, and pH on the expression of the antifungal activity was thoroughly examined.Streptomyces rocheiACTA1551 was able to protect tomato seeds fromF. oxysporuminfectionin vivowhile it was shown to promote the growth of tomato plants when the pathogen was absent. In an initial effort towards the elucidation of the biochemical and physiological nature of ACTA1551 antifungal activity, extracts from solid streptomycete cultures under antagonistic or/and not antagonistic conditions were concentrated and fractionated. The metabolites involved in the antagonistic action of the isolate showed to be more than one and produced independently of the presence of the pathogen. The above observations could support the application ofStreptomyces rocheiACTA1551 as biocontrol agent againstF. oxysporum.
Skip Regulates TGF-β1-Induced Extracellular Matrix Degrading Proteases Expression in Human PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Villar Victor , Kocic Jelena , Santibanez Juan F.
Published: May 2013

Purpose. To determine whether Ski-interacting protein (SKIP) regulates TGF-β1-stimulated expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and uPA Inhibitor (PAI-1) in the androgen-independent human prostate cancer cell model.Materials and Methods. PC-3 prostate cancer cell line was used. The role of SKIP was evaluated using synthetic small interference RNA (siRNA) compounds. The expression of uPA, MMP-9, and PAI-1 was evaluated by zymography assays, RT-PCR, and promoter transactivation analysis.Results. In PC-3 cells TGF-β1 treatment stimulated uPA, PAI-1, and MMP-9 expressions. The knockdown of SKIP in PC-3 cells enhanced the basal level of uPA, and TGF-β1 treatment inhibited uPA production. Both PAI-1 and MMP-9 production levels were increased in response to TGF-β1. The ectopic expression of SKIP inhibited both TGF-β1-induced uPA and MMP-9 promoter transactivation, while PAI-1 promoter response to the factor was unaffected.Conclusions. SKIP regulates the expression of uPA, PAI-1, and MMP-9 stimulated by TGF-β1 in PC-3 cells. Thus, SKIP is implicated in the regulation of extracellular matrix degradation and can therefore be suggested as a novel therapeutic target in prostate cancer treatment.
Biopolymer Doped with Titanium Dioxide Superhydrophobic Photocatalysis as Self-Clean Coating for Lightweight Composite
Authors: Rus Anika Zafiah M. , Mohid S. R. , Nurulsaidatulsyida S. , Marsi N.
Published: May 2013

The development of a lightweight composite (LC) based on Portland cement concrete with waste lightweight aggregate (WLA) additive was carried out to improve the sustainability and environmental impact and to offer potential cost savings without sacrificing strength. Treatment of the surface of the LC exposed to environmental attack by coating with biopolymer based on waste cooking oil doped with titanium dioxide photocatalysis (TOP) with superhydrophilic property was found to affect the mechanical properties of the LC in a systematic way. The results of compressive strength showed that the composite achieved the minimum required strength for lightweight construction materials of 17.2 MPa. Scratch resistance measurements showed that the highest percentages loading of superhydrophilic particles (up to 2.5% of biomonomer weight) for LC's surface coating gave the highest scratch resistance while the uncoated sample showed the least resistances. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) pictures revealed the difference between the surface roughness for LC with and without TOP coating. TOP is also formulated to provide self-cleaning LC surfaces based on two principal ways: (1) the development by coating the LC with a photocatalytic superhydrophilic, (2) if such a superhydrophilic is illuminated by light, the grease, dirt, and organic contaminants will be decomposed and can easily be swept away by rain.
Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum of the Skin with Involvement of the Oral Cavity
Authors: Matsuo Flávia Sayuri , Berbert Alceu Luiz Camargo Villela , Mantese Sônia Antunes de Oliveira , Loyola Adriano Mota , Cardoso Sérgio Vitorino , de Faria Paulo Rogério
Published: May 2013

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is an inherited multisystemic disease of elastic fibers that primarily affects the skin and retina. A case of primary PXE of the skin with late involvement of the upper lip is reported. A 55-year-old woman with a previous diagnosis of PXE affecting her skin developed a lesion on her lower lip. An oral examination identified a yellowish macule of undefined limits. A biopsy from her lip was taken and both light and transmission electron microscopies confirmed the presence of fragmented elastic fibers and calcifications on her mucosa, which was compatible with the diagnosis of oral PXE. Since the manifestation of oral PXE is rare in this region, dental practitioners must be aware that this systemic condition may produce oral lesions, which sometimes may mimic other benign diseases of the oral cavity like Fordyce granules. So, the establishment of an appropriate diagnosis is necessary to provide adequate information and attention to the patient.
Prospective Isolation of Murine and Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Based on Surface Markers
Authors: Mabuchi Yo , Houlihan Diarmaid D. , Akazawa Chihiro , Okano Hideyuki , Matsuzaki Yumi
Published: May 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently defined as multipotent stromal cells that undergo sustainedin vitrogrowth and can give rise to cells of multiple mesenchymal lineages, such as adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. The regenerative and immunosuppressive properties of MSCs have led to numerous clinical trials exploring their utility for the treatment of a variety of diseases (e.g., acute graft-versus-host disease, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, and cardiovascular diseases including heart failure and myocardial infarction). On the other hand, conventionally cultured MSCs reflect heterogeneous populations that often contain contaminating cells due to the significant variability in isolation methods and the lack of specific MSC markers. This review article focuses on recent developments in the MSC research field, with a special emphasis on the identification of novel surface markers for thein vivolocalization and prospective isolation of murine and human MSCs. Furthermore, we discuss the physiological importance of MSC subtypesin vivowith specific reference to data supporting their contribution to HSC niche homeostasis. The isolation of MSCs using selective markers (combination of PDGFRαand Sca-1) is crucial to address the many unanswered questions pertaining to these cells and has the potential to enhance their therapeutic potential enormously.
Effect of Nanoalumina on the Electrochemical and Mechanical Properties of Waterborne Polyurethane Composite Coatings
Authors: Dhoke Shailesh K. , Rajgopalan Narayani , Khanna A. S.
Published: May 2013

A nanocomposite coating was formed by incorporating nanoalumina pigment in a waterborne polyurethane dispersion (WPUD) to different loading levels (0.1% and 1.0% by weight). Electrochemical performance of the nanocomposite coating was evaluated by applying these nanomodified coatings on mild steel substrate and exposing them to salt-spray, humidity, and accelerated UV weathering. The surface morphology of the composite coating was evaluated using various analytical techniques. SEM and AFM were used to investigate the dispersion of nanoalumina pigment and surface morphological changes of the nanomodified coating, before and after exposure to the test environment. Mechanical properties like scratch resistance were studied by using nanoscratch technique (Nanoindenter TI-900, Hysitron Inc, USA) and hardness using pencil hardness test method. The results showed an improvement in the corrosion, UV weathering, and mechanical properties of the coatings at lower concentration (0.1% by wt), indicating the positive effect of addition of nanoalumina pigment to the coating.
Trains of Epidural DC Stimulation of the Cerebellum Tune Corticomotor Excitability
Authors: Oulad Ben Taib Nordeyn , Manto Mario
Published: May 2013

We assessed the effects of anodal/cathodal direct current stimulation (DCS) applied epidurally over the cerebellum. We studied the excitability of both the motor cortex and the anterior horn of the spinal cord in adult rats under continuous anesthesia. We also investigated the effects on the spatial representation of a couple of agonist/antagonist muscles on primary motor cortex. Moreover, we evaluated the effects on the afferent inhibition in a paradigm of conditioned corticomotor responses. Anodal DCS of the cerebellum (1) decreased the excitability of the motor cortex, (2) reduced the excitability ofFwaves, as shown by the decrease of both meanF/meanMratios and persistence ofFwaves, (3) exerted a “smoothing effect” on corticomotor maps, reshaping the representation of muscles on the motor cortex, and (4) enhanced the afferent inhibition of conditioned motor evoked responses. Cathodal DCS of the cerebellum exerted partially reverse effects. DCS of the cerebellum modulates the excitability of both motor cortex and spinal cord at the level of the anterior horn. This is the first demonstration that cerebellar DCS tunes the shape of corticomotor maps. Our findings provide a novel mechanism by which DCS of the cerebellum exerts a remote neuromodulatory effect upon motor cortex.
Diagnosis of Intra-Abdominal Extralobar Pulmonary Sequestration by means of Ultrasound in a Neonate
Authors: Pires Claudio Rodrigues , Czapkowski Adriano , Araujo Júnior Edward , Zanforlin Filho Sebastião Marques
Published: May 2013

Pulmonary sequestration is a congenital abnormality consisting of a mass of pulmonary tissue that presents an abnormal connection with the tracheobronchial tree, with a blood supply coming from an anomalous artery derived from the systemic circulation. Extralobar pulmonary sequestration is characterized by having pleural coverings that are independent of the normal lungs, with vascular supply usually coming from the aorta or from one of its branches. This diagnosis can be suspected prenatally if an abdominal mass, generally below the diaphragm, is seen. Here, we present a case of a neonate on the second day of life, with ultrasonography showing extralobar pulmonary sequestration located above the left adrenal gland that prenatally simulated a neuroblastoma.
Reciprocity in Interaction: A Window on the First Year of Life in Autism
Authors: Apicella Fabio , Chericoni Natasha , Costanzo Valeria , Baldini Sara , Billeci Lucia , Cohen David , Muratori Filippo
Published: May 2013

From early infancy onwards, young children appear motivated to engage reciprocally with others and share psychological states during dyadic interactions. Although poor reciprocity is one of the defining features of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), few studies have focused on the direct assessment of real-life reciprocal behavior; consequently, our knowledge of the nature and the development of this core feature of autism is still limited. In this study, we describe the phenomenon of reciprocity in infant-caregiver interaction by analyzing family movies taken during the first year of life of 10 infants with ASD and 9 infants with typical development (TD). We analyzed reciprocal behaviors by means of a coding scheme developed for this purpose (caregiver-infant reciprocity scale (CIRS)). Infants with ASD displayed less motor activity during the first semester and subsequently fewer vocalizations, compared to TD infants. Caregivers of ASD infants showed in the second semester shorter periods of involvement and a reduction of affectionate touch. These results suggest that from the first months of life a nonsynchronic motor-vocal pattern may interfere in different ways with the development of reciprocity in the primary relationship between infants later diagnosed with ASD and their caregivers.
Uterine Sarcoidosis: A Rare Extrapulmonary Site of Sarcoidosis
Authors: Marak Creticus P. , Alappan Narendrakumar , Chopra Amit , Dorokhova Olena , Sinha Sumita , Guddati Achuta K.
Published: May 2013

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease which is most commonly manifested in the pulmonary system. However, extrapulmonary manifestations have also been frequently reported. Isolated occurrence of sarcoidosis in the genital system is rare and poses a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Uterine sarcoidosis can present with cervical erosions, endometrial polypoid lesions, and recurrent serometra. In majority of cases, it is diagnosed by endometrial curettage, but it has also been detected by examination of hysterectomy, polypectomy, and autopsy specimens. Nonnecrotizing granulomas are the characteristic pathologic finding of sarcoidosis. However, many infectious and noninfectious etiologies including certain neoplasms can produce similar granulomatous reactions in the female genital tract. These conditions affect the female genital tract more commonly than sarcoidosis, and therefore it is important to rule out these conditions first before making a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Treatment of sarcoidosis is different from treating these other conditions and the most commonly used systemic or local corticosteroids can be hazardous if the underlying cause is infection. In this case report, the clinical presentation, histopathology, clinical course, and treatment of a patient with isolated uterine sarcoidosis are described, and a brief literature review of sarcoidosis of the female genital tract is provided.
Curbing Inflammation in Burn Patients
Authors: Farina Jayme A. , Rosique Marina Junqueira , Rosique Rodrigo G.
Published: May 2013

Patients who suffer from severe burns develop metabolic imbalances and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) which can result in multiple organ failure and death. Research aimed at reducing the inflammatory process has yielded new insight into burn injury therapies. In this review, we discuss strategies used to curb inflammation in burn injuries and note that further studies with high quality evidence are necessary.
Synthesis of Al(OH) 3 Nanostructures from Al(OH) 3 Microagglomerates via Dissolution‐Precipitation Route
Authors: Yu Bo , Tian Zhenhao , Xiong Jie , Xiang Lan
Published: May 2013

A facile method was developed to synthesize Al(OH)3 nanostructures from Al(OH)3 microagglomerates by dissolution in 9.0 mol·L−1 NaOH at 115°C followed by dilution and aging of the solution at room temperature. The influence of Al(OH)3 nanoseed and surfactants as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) on the formation of the Al(OH)3 nano‐structures was investigated. The experimental results indicated that the Al(OH)3 microspheres composed of nanoparticles were prepared in the blank experiment, while dispersive Al(OH)3 nano‐particles with a diameter of 80–100 nm were produced in the presence of Al(OH)3 nano‐seed and CTAB.
Propranolol in Use for Treatment of Complex Infant Hemangiomas: Literature Review Regarding Current Guidelines for Preassessment and Standards of Care before Initiation of Therapy
Authors: Fette Andreas
Published: May 2013

In 2008, the positive effects of propranolol on infantile hemangiomas (IH) have been discovered serendipitously by Léauté‐Labrèze and her coworkers. Since then, propranolol has been in use in allday clinical practice worldwide for treatment of IH. It even caused some kind of paradigm shift in the overall management of these lesions, though propranolol is still not FDA approved, respectively, in “off‐label” use for this indication in the majority of institutions. Thus, the aim of this communication is to evaluate the literature for current evidence regarding guidelines for preassessment and standards of care before initiation of therapy.
Pharmacogenetics of Chronic Pain and Its Treatment
Authors: Světlík Svatopluk , Hronová Karolína , Bakhouche Hana , Matoušková Olga , Slanař Ondřej
Published: May 2013

This paper reviews the impact of genetic variability of drug metabolizing enzymes, transporters, receptors, and pathways involved in chronic pain perception on the efficacy and safety of analgesics and other drugs used for chronic pain treatment. Several candidate genes have been identified in the literature, while there is usually only limited clinical evidence substantiating for the penetration of the testing for these candidate biomarkers into the clinical practice. Further, the pain-perception regulation and modulation are still not fully understood, and thus more complex knowledge of genetic and epigenetic background for analgesia will be needed prior to the clinical use of the candidate genetic biomarkers.
A Hierarchical Method for Removal of Baseline Drift from Biomedical Signals: Application in ECG Analysis
Authors: Luo Yurong , Hargraves Rosalyn H. , Belle Ashwin , Bai Ou , Qi Xuguang , Ward Kevin R. , Pfaffenberger Michael Paul , Najarian Kayvan
Published: May 2013

Noise can compromise the extraction of some fundamental and important features from biomedical signals and hence prohibit accurate analysis of these signals. Baseline wander in electrocardiogram (ECG) signals is one such example, which can be caused by factors such as respiration, variations in electrode impedance, and excessive body movements. Unless baseline wander is effectively removed, the accuracy of any feature extracted from the ECG, such as timing and duration of the ST‐segment, is compromised. This paper approaches this filtering task from a novel standpoint by assuming that the ECG baseline wander comes from an independent and unknown source. The technique utilizes a hierarchical method including a blind source separation (BSS) step, in particular independent component analysis, to eliminate the effect of the baseline wander. We examine the specifics of the components causing the baseline wander and the factors that affect the separation process. Experimental results reveal the superiority of the proposed algorithm in removing the baseline wander.
Assessment of Myocardial Bridge and Mural Coronary Artery Using ECG‐Gated 256‐Slice CT Angiography: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ma En-sen , Ma Guo-lin , Yu Hong-wei , Wu Wang , Li Kefeng
Published: May 2013

Recent clinical reports have indicated that myocardial bridge and mural coronary artery complex (MB‐MCA) might cause major adverse cardiac events. 256‐slice CT angiography (256‐slice CTA) is a newly developed CT system with faster scanning and lower radiation dose compared with other CT systems. The objective of this study is to evaluate the morphological features of MB‐MCA and determine its changes from diastole to systole phase using 256‐slice CTA. The imaging data of 2462 patients were collected retrospectively. Two independent radiologists reviewed the collected images and the diagnosis of MB‐MCA was confirmed when consistency was obtained. The length, diameter, and thickness of MB‐MCA in diastole and systole phases were recorded, and changes of MB‐MCA were calculated. Our results showed that among the 2462 patients examined, 336 have one or multiple MB‐MCA (13.6%). Out of 389 MB‐MCA segments, 235 sites were located in LAD2 (60.41%). The average diameter change of MCA in LAD2 from systole phase to diastole phase was 1.1 ± 0.4 mm, and 34.9% of MCA have more than 50% diameter stenosis in systole phase. This study suggested that 256‐slice CTA multiple‐phase reconstruction technique is a reliable method to determine the changes of MB‐MCA from diastole to systole phase.
Solitary Polypoid Laryngeal Xanthoma
Authors: Vera-Sempere Francisco , Collado-Martín Diego , Vera-Sirera Beatriz
Published: May 2013

We report the case of a 51-year-old male smoker with diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia and a long history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection treated with various antiretroviral regimes, who was referred to the otolaryngology department with progressive dysphonia. Fibre-optic laryngoscopy showed a solitary, yellowish-white pedunculated polyp on the anterior third of the left cord, with no other abnormality. Pathological analysis revealed a polypoid laryngeal xanthoma that was immunoreactive against CD68, perilipin, and adipophilin. This unusual laryngeal lesion in the clinical context of our patient suggests a possible role of antiretroviral treatment in the pathogenesis of these xanthomas.
Systemic Delivery of Tyrosine-Mutant AAV Vectors Results in Robust Transduction of Neurons in Adult Mice
Authors: Iida Asako , Takino Naomi , Miyauchi Hitomi , Shimazaki Kuniko , Muramatsu Shin-ichi
Published: May 2013

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are powerful tools for both basic neuroscience experiments and clinical gene therapies for neurological diseases. Intravascularly administered self-complementary AAV9 vectors can cross the blood-brain barrier. However, AAV9 vectors are of limited usefulness because they mainly transduce astrocytes in adult animal brains and have restrictions on foreign DNA package sizes. In this study, we show that intracardiac injections of tyrosine-mutant pseudotype AAV9/3 vectors resulted in extensive and widespread transgene expression in the brains and spinal cords of adult mice. Furthermore, the usage of neuron-specific promoters achieved selective transduction of neurons. These results suggest that tyrosine-mutant AAV9/3 vectors may be effective vehicles for delivery of therapeutic genes, including miRNAs, into the brain and for treating diseases that affect broad areas of the central nervous system.
Metformin Decreases Glucose Oxidation and Increases the Dependency of Prostate Cancer Cells on Reductive Glutamine Metabolism
Authors: Fendt Sarah-Maria , Bell Eric L. , Keibler Mark A. , Davidson Shawn M. , Wirth Gregory J. , Fiske Brian , Mayers Jared R. , Schwab Matthias , Bellinger Gary , Csibi Alfredo , Patnaik Akash , Blouin Marie Jose , Cantley Lewis C. , Guarente Leonard , Blenis John , Pollak Michael N. , Olumi Aria F. , Vander Heiden Matthew G. , Stephanopoulos Gregory
Published: May 2013

Metformin inhibits cancer cell proliferation, and epidemiology studies suggest an association with increased survival in patients with cancer taking metformin; however, the mechanism by which metformin improves cancer outcomes remains controversial. To explore how metformin might directly affect cancer cells, we analyzed how metformin altered the metabolism of prostate cancer cells and tumors. We found that metformin decreased glucose oxidation and increased dependency on reductive glutamine metabolism in both cancer cell lines and in a mouse model of prostate cancer. Inhibition of glutamine anaplerosis in the presence of metformin further attenuated proliferation, whereas increasing glutamine metabolism rescued the proliferative defect induced by metformin. These data suggest that interfering with glutamine may synergize with metformin to improve outcomes in patients with prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 73(14); 4429–38. ©2013 AACR.
Exploiting Tumor Vulnerabilities: Epigenetics, Cancer Metabolism and the mTOR Pathway in the Era of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Muñoz-Pinedo Cristina , González-Suárez Eva , Portela Anna , Gentilella Antonio , Esteller Manel
Published: May 2013

Patient stratification according to drug responses, together with the discovery of novel antitumor targets, is leading to a new era of personalized cancer treatments. With the aim of identifying emerging pathways and the challenges faced by clinicians during clinical trials, the IDIBELL Cancer Conference on Personalized Cancer Medicine took place in Barcelona on December 3–4, 2012. This conference brought together speakers working in different areas of cancer research (epigenetics, metabolism and the mTOR pathway, cell death and the immune system, clinical oncology) to discuss the latest developments in personalized cancer medicine. Cancer Res; 73(14); 4185–9. ©2013 AACR.
Dynamic Analysis of Cardiac Rhythms for Discriminating Atrial Fibrillation From Lethal Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: DeMazumder Deeptankar , Lake Douglas E. , Cheng Alan , Moss Travis J. , Guallar Eliseo , Weiss Robert G. , Jones Steven R. , Tomaselli Gordon F. , Moorman J. Randall
Published: May 2013

Background—

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), the first line of therapy for preventing sudden cardiac death in high-risk patients, deliver appropriate shocks for termination of ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation. A common shortcoming of ICDs is imperfect rhythm discrimination, resulting in the delivery of inappropriate shocks for atrial fibrillation (AF). An underexplored area for rhythm discrimination is the difference in dynamic properties between AF and VT/ventricular fibrillation. We hypothesized that the higher entropy of rapid cardiac rhythms preceding ICD shocks distinguishes AF from VT/ventricular fibrillation.

Methods and Results—

In a multicenter, prospective, observational study of patients with primary prevention ICDs, 119 patients received shocks from ICDs with stored, retrievable intracardiac electrograms. Blinded adjudication revealed shocks were delivered for VT/ventricular fibrillation (62%), AF (23%), and supraventricular tachycardia (15%). Entropy estimation of only 9 ventricular intervals before ICD shocks accurately distinguished AF (receiver operating characteristic curve area, 0.98; 95% confidence intervals, 0.93–1.0) and outperformed contemporary ICD rhythm discrimination algorithms.

Conclusions—

This new strategy for AF discrimination based on entropy estimation expands on simpler concepts of variability, performs well at fast heart rates, and has potential for broad clinical application.
Contemporary Outcomes of Supraventricular Tachycardia Ablation in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Ueda Akiko , Suman-Horduna Irina , Mantziari Lilian , Gujic Marko , Marchese Procolo , Ho Siew Yen , Babu-Narayan Sonya V. , Ernst Sabine
Published: May 2013

Background—

Remote magnetic navigation–guided ablation with 3-dimensional (3D)-image integration could provide maximum benefit in patients with complex anatomy. We reviewed supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) ablation in adult patients with congenital heart disease to assess the contribution of these technologies.

Methods and Results—

One hundred fifty-four SVT ablation procedures (228 SVTs) using a 3D-electroanatomic mapping system in 116 adult patients with congenital heart disease (mean age, 41; 76 male) were classified into 3 groups: Group A, manual mapping/ablation (n=60 procedures); Group B, remote magnetic navigation–guided mapping/ablation with normal femoral vein access (49); and Group C, remote magnetic navigation–guided mapping/ablation with difficult access (45). Group A included simple anomalies with less SVTs. Group B comprised predominantly Fontan patients with more SVTs. Group C included more complex defects, such as intra-atrial baffle or interrupted inferior venous access, in which retrograde aortic and superior venous accesses were used exclusively with more frequent use of image integration (97.8%;
P
<0.001). Acute success was 91.5%, 83.7%, and 82.2%, respectively (
P
=0.370). In group C, fluoroscopy time was the shortest (median, 4.2 min;
P
<0.001) despite the longer procedure duration (median, 253 min;
P
<0.001). SVTs free rates were 80.4%, 82.4%, and 75.8%, respectively (
P
=0.787) during a mean 20-months follow-up period.

Conclusions—

The combination of remote magnetic navigation, 3D-image integration, and electroanatomic mapping system facilitated safe and feasible ablation with very low fluoroscopy exposure even in patients with complex anomalies.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Versus Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Smith David H. , Thorp Micah L. , Gurwitz Jerry H. , McManus David D. , Goldberg Robert J. , Allen Larry A. , Hsu Grace , Sung Sue Hee , Magid David J. , Go Alan S.
Published: May 2013

Background—

There is scant evidence on the effect that chronic kidney disease (CKD) confers on clinically meaningful outcomes among patients with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HF-PEF).

Methods and Results—

We identified a community-based cohort of patients with HF. Electronic medical record data were used to divide into HF-PEF and reduced left ventricular EF on the basis of quantitative and qualitative estimates. Level of CKD was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and by dipstick proteinuria. We followed patients for a median of 22.1 months for outcomes of death and hospitalization (HF-specific and all-cause). Multivariable Cox regression estimated the adjusted relative-risk of outcomes by level of CKD, separately for HF-PEF and HF with reduced left ventricular EF. We identified 14 579 patients with HF-PEF and 9762 with HF with reduced left ventricular EF. When compared with patients with eGFR between 60 and 89 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
, lower eGFR was associated with an independent graded increased risk of death and hospitalization. For example, among patients with HF-PEF, the risk of death was nearly double for eGFR 15 to 29 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
and 7× higher for eGFR<15 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
, with similar findings in those with HF with reduced left ventricular EF.

Conclusions—

CKD is common and an important independent predictor of death and hospitalization in adults with HF across the spectrum of left ventricular systolic function. Our study highlights the need to develop new and effective interventions for the growing number of patients with HF complicated by CKD.