bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimizing the exposure of airborne pathogens by upper-room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation: an experimental and numerical study
Authors: Yang Y. , Chan W. Y. , Wu C. L. , Kong R. Y. C. , Lai A. C. K.
Published: July 2012

There has been increasing interest in the use of upper-room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) because of its proven effectiveness in disinfecting airborne pathogens. An improved drift flux mathematical model is developed for optimizing the design of indoor upper-room UVGI systems by predicting the distribution and inactivation of bioaerosols in a ventilation room equipped with a UVGI system. The model takes into account several bacteria removal mechanisms such as convection, turbulent diffusion, deposition and UV inactivation. Before applying the model, the natural die-off rate and susceptibility constants of bioaerosols were measured experimentally. Two bacteria aerosols,
Escherichia coli
and
Serratia marcescens
, were tested for this purpose. It was found out that the general decay trend of the bioaerosol concentration predicted by the numerical model agrees well with the experimental measurements. The modelling results agree better with experimental observations for the case when the UVGI inactivation mechanism dominates at the upper-room region than for the case without UVGI. The numerical results also illustrate that the spatial distribution of airborne bacteria was influenced by both air-flow pattern and irradiance distribution. In addition to predicting the local variation of concentration, the model assesses the overall performance of an upper-room UVGI system. This model has great potential for optimizing the design of indoor an upper-room UVGI systems.
Extraordinarily rapid life-history divergence between
Cryptasterina
sea star species
Authors: Puritz Jonathan B. , Keever Carson C. , Addison Jason A. , Byrne Maria , Hart Michael W. , Grosberg Richard K. , Toonen Robert J.
Published: July 2012

Life history plays a critical role in governing microevolutionary processes such as gene flow and adaptation, as well as macroevolutionary processes such speciation. Here, we use multilocus phylogeographic analyses to examine a speciation event involving spectacular life-history differences between sister species of sea stars.
Cryptasterina hystera
has evolved a suite of derived life-history traits (including internal self-fertilization and brood protection) that differ from its sister species
Cryptasterina pentagona
, a gonochoric broadcast spawner
.
We show that these species have only been reproductively isolated for approximately 6000 years (95% highest posterior density of 905–22 628), and that this life-history change may be responsible for dramatic genetic consequences, including low nucleotide diversity, zero heterozygosity and no gene flow. The rapid divergence of these species rules out some mechanisms of isolation such as adaptation to microhabitats in sympatry, or slow divergence by genetic drift during prolonged isolation. We hypothesize that the large phenotypic differences between species relative to the short divergence time suggests that the life-history differences observed may be direct responses to disruptive selection between populations. We speculate that local environmental or demographic differences at the southern range margin are possible mechanisms of selection driving one of the fastest known marine speciation events.
Development of Compact Thermal–Fluid Models at the Electronic Equipment Level
Authors: Stafford Jason , Grimes Ronan , Newport David
Published: July 2012

The introduction of compact thermal models (CTM) into computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes has significantly reduced computational requirements when representing complex, multilayered, and orthotropic heat generating electronic components in the design of electronic equipment. This study develops a novel procedure for generating compact thermal–fluid models (CTFM) of electronic equipment that are independent over a boundary condition set. This boundary condition set is estimated based on the information received at the preliminary design stages of a product. In this procedure, CFD has been used to generate a detailed model of the electronic equipment. Compact models have been constructed using a network approach, where thermal and pressure-flow characteristics of the system are represented by simplified thermal and fluid paths. Data from CFD solutions are reduced for the compact model and coupled with an optimization of an objective function to minimize discrepancies between detailed and compact solutions. In turn, an accurate prediction tool is created that is a fraction of the computational demand of detailed simulations. A method to successively integrate multiple scales of electronics into an accurate compact model that can predict junction temperatures within 10% of a detailed solution has been demonstrated. It was determined that CTFM nodal temperatures could predict the corresponding area averaged temperatures from the detailed CFD model with acceptable accuracy over the intended boundary condition range. The approach presented has the potential to reduce CFD requirements for multiscale electronic systems and also has the ability to integrate experimental data in the latter product design stages.
EchoSeed Model 6733 Iodine‐125 brachytherapy source: Improved dosimetric characterization using the MCNP5 Monte Carlo code
Authors: Mosleh‐Shirazi M. A. , Hadad K. , Faghihi R. , Baradaran‐Ghahfarokhi M. , Naghshnezhad Z. , Meigooni A. S.
Published: July 2012

This study primarily aimed to obtain the dosimetric characteristics of the Model 6733 125I seed (EchoSeed) with improved precision and accuracy using a more up‐to‐date Monte‐Carlo code and data (MCNP5) compared to previously published results, including an uncertainty analysis. Its secondary aim was to compare the results obtained using the MCNP5, MCNP4c2, and PTRAN codes for simulation of this low‐energy photon‐emitting source. The EchoSeed geometry and chemical compositions together with a published 125I spectrum were used to perform dosimetric characterization of this source as per the updated AAPM TG‐43 protocol. These simulations were performed in liquid water material in order to obtain the clinically applicable dosimetric parameters for this source model. Dose rate constants in liquid water, derived from MCNP4c2 and MCNP5 simulations, were found to be 0.993 cGyh−1 U−1 (±1.73%) and 0.965 cGyh−1 U−1 (±1.68%), respectively. Overall, the MCNP5 derived radial dose and 2D anisotropy functions results were generally closer to the measured data (within ±4%) than MCNP4c and the published data for PTRAN code (Version 7.43), while the opposite was seen for dose rate constant. The generally improved MCNP5 Monte Carlo simulation may be attributed to a more recent and accurate cross‐section library. However, some of the data points in the results obtained from the above‐mentioned Monte Carlo codes showed no statistically significant differences. Derived dosimetric characteristics in liquid water are provided for clinical applications of this source model.
The relationship between anatomic noise and volumetric breast density for digital mammography
Authors: Mainprize James G. , Tyson Albert H. , Yaffe Martin J.
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

The appearance of parenchymal/stromal patterns in mammography have been characterized as having a Wiener power spectrum with an inverse power‐law shape described by the exponential parameter,β. The amount of fibroglandular tissue, which can be quantified in terms of volumetric breast density (VBD), influences the texture and appearance of the patterns formed in a mammogram. Here, a large study is performed to investigate the variations in β in a clinical population and to indicate the relationship between β and breast density.

Methods:

From a set of 2686 cranio‐caudal normal screening mammograms, the parameterβ was extracted from log‐log fits to the Wiener spectrum over the range 0.15–1 mm−1. The Wiener spectrum was calculated from regions of interest in the compression paddle contact region of the breast. An in‐house computer program, Cumulus V, was used to extract the volumetric breast density and identify the compression paddle contact regions of the breast. The Wiener spectra were calculated with and without modulation transfer function (MTF) correction to determine the impact of VBD on the intrinsic anatomic noise.

Results:

The mean volumetric breast density was 25.5% (±12.6%) over all images. The meanβ following a MTF correction which decreased the β slightly (≈−0.08) was found to be 2.87. Varying the maximum of the spatial frequency range of the fits from 0.7 to 1.0, 1.25 or 1.5 mm−1 showing small decreases in the result, although the effect of the quantum noise power component on reducing β was clearly observed at 1.5 mm−1.

Conclusions:

The texture parameter,β, was found to increase with VBD at low volumetric breast densities with an apparent leveling off at higher densities. The relationship between β and VBD measured here can be used to create probabilistic models for computer simulations of detectability. As breast density is a known risk predictor for breast cancer, the correlation between β and VBD suggests that β may provide predictive information and this will be investigated in the future.
Function plot response: A scalable system for teaching kinematics graphs
Authors: Laverty James , Kortemeyer Gerd
Published: July 2012

Understanding and interpreting graphs are essential skills in all sciences. While students are mostly proficient in plotting given functions and reading values off graphs, they frequently lack the ability to construct and interpret graphs in a meaningful way. Students can use graphs as representations of value pairs, but often fail to interpret them as the representation of functions, and mostly fail to use them as representations of physical reality. Working with graphs in classroom settings has been shown to improve student abilities with graphs, particularly when the students can interact with them. We introduce a novel problem type in an online homework system, which requires students to construct the graphs themselves in free form, and requires no hand-grading by instructors. Initial experiences using the new problem type in an introductory physics course are reported.
The uncertainty product of position and momentum in classical dynamics
Authors: Usha Devi A. R. , Karthik H. S.
Published: July 2012

It is generally believed that the classical regime emerges as a limiting case of quantum theory. Exploring such quantum-classical correspondences provides a deeper understanding of foundational aspects and has attracted a great deal of attention since the early days of quantum theory. It has been proposed that since a quantum mechanical wave function describes an intrinsic statistical behavior, its classical limit must correspond to a classical ensemble—not to an individual particle. This idea leads us to ask how the uncertainty product of canonical observables in the quantum realm compares with the corresponding dispersions in the classical realm. In this paper, we explore parallels between the uncertainty product of position and momentum in stationary states of quantum systems and the corresponding fluctuations of these observables in the associated classical ensemble. We confine ourselves to one-dimensional conservative systems and show, with the help of suitably defined dimensionless physical quantities, that first and second moments of the canonical observables match with each other in the classical and quantum descriptions—resulting in identical structures for the uncertainty relations in both realms.
Rotational kinematics of a particle in rectilinear motion: Perceptions and pitfalls
Authors: Mashood K. K. , Singh Vijay A.
Published: July 2012

Rectilinear motion of a particle with constant velocity is one of the simplest situations one can envisage in mechanics. We discuss the rotational kinematics associated with this motion and find that they are of pedagogical relevance. We have constructed a small inventory consisting of conceptual multiple-choice questions after consultation with content experts and feedback from students. This inventory was administered to a group of physics teachers and the responses reveal interesting misconceptions harbored even by teachers. A brief discussion of the pitfalls and instructional implications is carried out.
Analysis of light scattered by a capillary to measure a liquid’s index of refraction
Authors: You Zhihong , Jiang Daya , Hou Zhibo , Xiao Jinghua
Published: July 2012

A simple optical method to measure a liquid’s refractive index using a capillary is experimentally demonstrated. The analysis and simulation of the intensity distribution of light scattered by the capillary are accomplished with a ray tracing method, and three intensity step points are obtained. By measuring the scattering angles of these step points, we can obtain the refractive index of the liquid in the capillary, as well as the refractive index and the diameter ratio of the capillary. With a laser, a spectrometer, and a capillary, we can easily perform an interesting undergraduate physics experiment.
Geometric diagram for relativistic addition of velocities
Authors: Kocik Jerzy
Published: July 2012

A geometric diagram that allows one to visualize the Poincaré formula for relativistic addition of velocities in one dimension is presented.
A new nonlinear earplug for use in high-level impulse noise environment
Authors: Dancer Armand L. , Hamery Pascal J-F.
Published: July 2012

A nonlinear earplug allows speech communication, detection and localization of acoustic sources, and prevents hearing hazard from high-peak pressure impulses. Improved physical characteristics of a nonlinear earplug are explained: nonlinear attenuation starting with relatively small level (110 dB peak) and improvement of nonlinear attenuation for high levels. Such an earplug is especially designed against weapon noises (up to 190 dB peak). The study is based on experimental approach. Moreover, a theoretical model has been developed to explain the experimental results and to optimize the acoustic nonlinear filter dimensions and configuration. The nonlinearity of such a filter is due to one (or several) little hole(s), the acoustic impedance of which is essentially a viscous resistive one and depends on the particulate velocity in its center.
Laser-based ultrasonic NDE using gas-coupled laser acoustic detection
Authors: Caron James N. , Yang Yuqiao , Mehl James B. , Steiner Karl V.
Published: July 2012

An optical beam-deflection technique has been applied to the ultrasonic inspection of materials. The technique is similar to air-coupled detection, except the airborne wave is detected through beam deflection instead of with an electro-acoustic transducer. It is a noncontact, laser-based, detection technique that does not depend on reflection of the detection laser beam from the surface. It is thus independent of the surface optical properties of the material under test, and is particularly suitable for testing polymer/graphite composites, which have rough surfaces of poor optical reflectivity. The beam is directed parallel to the surface of a solid material under investigation and is incident on a custom-built position-sensitive photodetector. A wave is radiated from the surface into the surrounding gas during reflection of elastic waves in the solid. The transverse acoustic density gradients cause a beam deflection which is clearly observable with the photodetector. Applications of gas-coupled laser acoustic detection (GCLAD) with laser ultrasound generation will be illustrated with (1) waveforms showing numerous, well-resolved echoes, (2) C-scans showing subsurface defects, and (3) surface acoustic waves. The samples tested include several types of polymer/graphite composites. [Work supported by the Army Research Office.]
Specific problems on the use of noise barriers on viaducts
Authors: Clairbois Jean-Pierre , Houtave Peter , Trefois Vincent
Published: July 2012

Whatever the location of highways or high-speed roads is (urban, suburban, country), we frequently encounter viaducts or bridges. Building noise barriers on viaducts is not a simple matter, mainly for 3 important reasons: aesthetic, safety and stability, and the problem of viaduct joints. Aesthetically, the wish is to reduce the height of the barriers. One also very often wishes to use transparent barriers: for that case, these reflecting materials can degrade the performance of the barrier, either due to the effect of parallel reflecting walls, or due to the reflections which occur with high sided vehicles passing close to these. One should then achieve a specific study of the shape and materials that have to be used in such an application, not forgetting that each case is different. Another important problem occurring with the barriers on viaducts is that, once the barrier is effective and reduces the noise originally coming from the traffic on a viaduct, one could listen back to the noise due to bad noisy joints, noise coming from below viaducts, and not protected with the barriers. This paper will present some measurements and design studies made in such situations.
Aspects of cylindrical shell resonances in the Fourier diamond spaces. Use of surface wave analysis methods (SWAM) on experimental or numerical datas
Authors: Martinez Loïc , Duclos Jean , Tinel Alain
Published: July 2012

For an attenuated surface wave (wave number K=K′+jK″), the resonant space-frequency S(x,ω) representation of a cylindrical shell is performed versus the angular position x. In this space, the MIIR properties are demonstrated. The resonant wave number-frequency representation Ksi(k,ω) is then obtained by spatial Fourier transform of S(x,ω). This two-dimensional second space clearly separates clockwise and anticlockwise propagating waves. The first ones are observed in the positive k values of Ksi, and the second ones in the negative k values of Ksi. The modulus of Ksi is maximum each time that the resonant condition is encountered [ω so that K′(ω) is integer]. As new results, the k cut of Ksi reveals the Sommerfeld Watson aspect of the problem and SWAM identify the complex K. On an ω cut of Ksi, SWAM identify the RST aspect of the target (and a little more): complex frequency resonances Ω=Ω′+jΩ″ for real modes n. SWAM is performed on experimental datas and on numerical form functions. The agreement with theoretical results obtained by RST is very good.
Advanced methods for jet noise suppression
Authors: Kouznetsov Vladimir M. , Karavosov Rudolf K. , Gilinsky Mikhail M.
Published: July 2012

Investigations of noise reduction possibilities for singular annular and coaxial jets at the expense of varying issue conditions are carried out. The measurements were made in an anechoic chamber; microphones were set both in the near acoustic field along the external boundary of the jet mixing zone and in the far acoustic field on an arc of the circle with 2.5-m radius. The investigation results of aeroacoustic characteristics of jets issuing from an annular nozzle with central plug are presented. The effect of the central plug shape and of its axial position on the aeroacoustic characteristics of issuing jets are studied over a wide range of subsonic and supersonic pressure ratios at the nozzle exit plane. No considerable variation of thrust losses at varying the central plug shape and position were observed. Variations of issue conditions of coaxial jets were realized at the expense of both variations of external and internal contour flow parameters and organization of flow mixing in the common mixing chamber. The spectral noise component character was observed to be varying as well as the acoustic power level of the issuing jets to be decreasing. Quite a definite correspondence between the results of measuring aerodynamic and acoustic characteristics is found. [The investigations were partly realized with support of CRDF according to award RE2-136.]
On matching sonic boom near-field and far-field solutions
Authors: Kovalenko Victor V. , Zhilin Yuri L.
Published: July 2012

An improved method for matching three-dimensional flow near an airplane and its corresponding far-field solution is presented. It is based on an integral formulation of linear theory. An asymptotic solution is calculated as an integral of velocity disturbances in close vicinity to the body.
Sound attenuation by a two dimensional array of cylinders
Authors: Meseguer Francisco , Sanchez-Perez Juan Vte. , Rubio Constanza , Martinez-Sala Rosa , Caballero David , Sanchez-Dehesa Jose , Llinares Jaime
Published: July 2012

Here, it is shown, for the first time, a systematic analysis (experiment and theory) of the acoustic transmission of a two-dimensional periodic array of rigid cylinders with two different configurations: square and triangular. The influence of the filling fractions, ranging from 0.06 up to 0.41, on the appearance of the pseudogaps and full band gaps is studied. Above a certain filling fraction, an overlap is observed between the attenuation peaks measured along the two high symmetry directions of the Brillouin zone. This effect is considered as the fingerprint of the existence of a full acoustic gap. Nevertheless, the comparison with our calculation of band structures shows that the lattice has band states in that frequency range. These bands are called deaf bands (i.e., they cannot be excited by experiments of sound transmission) [Sanchez-Perez et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. (to be published)].
The Bacterial Biofilm Matrix as a Platform for Protein Delivery
Authors: Absalon Cedric , Ymele-Leki Patrick , Watnick Paula I.
Published: July 2012

Surface-associated bacterial structures known as biofilms are the target of intense antimicrobial research efforts. We recently identified several secreted proteins that are retained in the bacterial biofilm matrix by their association with the biofilm exopolysaccharide scaffold. Based on our findings, we hypothesized that these problematic bacterial structures might be reengineered to serve as reservoirs for surface-active secreted proteins of biomedical, bioengineering, or biotechnological importance. By piggybacking onto one of these scaffold-associated proteins, we were able to sequester a functional enzyme to the biofilm matrix. We hypothesize that this technology may have diverse applications in vaccine design, digestive disease, and bioremediation.
Dengue viral infection in children: a perspective
Authors: Balasubramanian S , Ramachandran Bala , Amperayani Sumanth
Published: July 2012

Dengue is a vector-borne viral infection of global importance. Several pathogenetic mechanisms such as immune enhancement and selection pressure have been proposed and febrile, critical and recovery phases have been identified. A new classification proposed by WHO has recently been introduced where definitions have been changed to ‘probable dengue’, ‘dengue with warning signs’ and ‘severe dengue’. The majority of dengue viral infections are self-limiting, but complications have high morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of dengue viral infection is essentially clinical, although confirmation requires laboratory tests including serology, NS1 antigen detection, PCR and viral cultures. There are no specific anti-dengue drugs and treatment is basically supportive and consists of early recognition of complications and appropriate fluid therapy. A number of candidate vaccines are under development.
Antidepressants and unresponsive episodes in the elderly
Authors: McGuinness James , Delicata Mark
Published: July 2012

We present a case where initiation of antidepressant therapy was associated with an episode of unresponsiveness. Providing the opportunity to examine the possible pitfalls in geriatric prescribing.
‘Waiting at the dinner table for scraps’: a qualitative study of the help-seeking experiences of heterosexual men living with HIV infection
Authors: Antoniou Tony , Loutfy Mona R , Glazier Richard H , Strike Carol
Published: July 2012

Objectives

To characterise the help-seeking experiences of heterosexual men living with HIV infection and explain these experiences in relation to the broader social relations and discourses in which they are embedded.

Design

Qualitative study using focus groups and theoretically informed constructionist grounded theory.

Setting

With one exception, focus groups were conducted in the offices of community-based AIDS service organisations across Ontario, Canada.

Participants

40 HIV-infected heterosexual men aged 18 years or older.

Results

Heterosexual men living with HIV perceive themselves to be relegated to the margins of a health care and service field that was developed historically within a context that privileges the priorities of gay men and heterosexual women living with the virus. Specifically, gay men are better positioned than heterosexual men when vying for the services and recognition of AIDS service organisations due to their social capital within these agencies, thereby benefiting by virtue of their membership with the group perceived to control the decision-making apparatuses when resource allocation and programme development are at stake. Relative to women, heterosexual men are poorly positioned due to their negative symbolic capital, derived from being perceived as the ‘guilty’ parties in the context of heterosexual HIV transmission. As a result, the material and support needs of women have been prioritised, while those of heterosexual men living with HIV remain largely unaddressed.

Conclusions

Heterosexual men living with HIV are operating within a health and service field that has not kept pace with their increased representation among the population of persons living with the virus. Researchers, clinicians and policy makers should strive to integrate heterosexual men living with HIV in decision making and community-based research initiatives that build capacity among this group while simultaneously generating a research and policy agenda specific to the concerns of this growing demographic.
Molecular and biochemical characterization of two odorant-binding proteins from dark black chafer, Holotrichia parallela
Authors: Ju Qian , Qu Ming-jing , Wang Ying , Jiang Xiao-jing , Li Xiao , Dong Shuang-lin , Han Zhao-jun
Published: July 2012

The dark black chafer, Holotrichia parallela Motschulsky, is an economically important pest worldwide. Odorant-based lures and traps are being developed as a key kind of alternative control measures for this pest, and studies to reveal the mechanisms for chemotaxis in this pest are necessary. Two full-length cDNAs encoding different odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) were cloned. The predicted proteins were found to have the functional domains characteristic of typical OBPs and share a high degree of sequence similarity with OBP1 and OBP2 from other insects and were therefore designated as H. parallela OBP-1 and H. parallela OBP-2 (HparOBP-1 and HparOBP-2, respectively). These two OBPs were specifically expressed in antennae. The binding affinity of two purified proteins indicated that HparOBP-1 and HparOBP-2 could selectively interact with various volatiles emitted from host plants and pheromone components. Among the 10 chemicals tested, HparOBP-1 could bind to six of the tested compounds with a dissociation concentration (Ki) less than 20, and HparOBP-2 could bind to three of the compounds. The two OBPs are probably involved in chemotaxis of the dark black chafer. This discovery should accelerate research on chemical communications of this pest, which could potentially lead to the improvement of control measures based on lures and traps.
Acute Schistosomiasis in Brazilian Traveler: The Importance of Tourism in The Epidemiology of Neglected Parasitic Diseases
Authors: Guiguet Leal Diego Averaldo , Franco Regina Maura Bueno , Neves Maria Francisca , Simões Luciana Franceschi , Bastos Letícia Aparecida Duart , Allegretti Silmara Marques , Zanotti-Magalhães Eliana Maria , Magalhães Luiz Augusto
Published: July 2012

Parasitic infectious diseases acquired in tourist areas may pose a challenge to physicians and to travel medicine practitioners. Acute schistosomiasis may be seen in returning travelers and migrants after primary infection. This form of schistosomiasis is frequently misdiagnosed due to its temporal delay and its nonspecific presentation and might occur even in countries where the disease is endemic, such as in Brazil. The patient developed the acute phase of schistosomiasis with severe clinical manifestations. The quantitative analysis revealed the presence of 240 eggs per gram of stool. The treatment was administered with oxamniquine, and the control of cure of the patient was monitored and was favorable. The present paper aims to emphasize the importance of a detailed clinical history including information regarding travel history.
CCN6 Modulates BMP Signaling via the Smad-Independent TAK1/p38 Pathway, Acting to Suppress Metastasis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Pal Anupama , Huang Wei , Li Xin , Toy Kathy A. , Nikolovska-Coleska Zaneta , Kleer Celina G.
Published: July 2012

CCN6 (WISP3) is an extracellular matrix protein that exerts tumor suppressive functions in breast cancer, where its decreased expression is a feature of advanced disease. However, neither its role nor mechanism of action in breast cancer metastasis has been established. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which constitute ligands of the TGF-β superfamily, are multifunctional cytokines that induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition, cell invasion, and metastasis. In this study, we identify a CCN6-BMP4-TAK1 kinase signaling pathway that controls the ability of the p38 MAP kinase to regulate acinar morphogenesis and invasion of breast cells. ShRNA-mediated attenuation of CCN6 in human mammary epithelial cells led to BMP4 upregulation as a major response to exposure to the TGF-β superfamily. CCN6 attenuation also induced BMP4-mediated activation of the Smad-independent TAK1 and p38 kinases. Conversely, ectopic expression of CCN6 in breast cancer cells antagonized BMP4-mediated TAK1/p38 activation and invasive capacity, both by binding BMP4 protein as well as decreasing BMP4 protein levels. Effects on BMP4 and p38 were confirmed in vivo where they correlated with decreased metastasis. In clinical specimens, we found that CCN6 expression was inversely associated with BMP4 and phospho-p38 levels in 69% of invasive breast carcinomas examined, consistent with the functional results. Together our findings identify a novel modifier pathway through which CCN6 acts to limit breast cancer invasion and metastasis. Cancer Res; 72(18); 4818–28. ©2012 AACR.
Patient-Centered Adherence Intervention After Acute Coronary Syndrome Hospitalization
Authors: Lambert-Kerzner Anne , Del Giacco Eric J. , Fahdi Ibrahim E. , Bryson Chris L. , Melnyk S. Dee , Bosworth Hayden B. , Davis Ryan , Mun Howard , Weaver Jennifer , Barnett Casey , Radcliff Tiffany , Hubbard Amanda , Bosket Kevin D. , Carey Evan , Virchow Allison , Mihalko-Corbitt Renee , Kaufman Amy , Marchant-Miros Kathy , Ho P. Michael
Published: July 2012

Background—

Adherence to cardioprotective medications in the year after acute coronary syndrome hospitalization is generally poor and is associated with increased risk of rehospitalization and mortality. Few interventions have specifically targeted this high-risk patient population to improve medication adherence. We hypothesize that a multifaceted patient-centered intervention could improve adherence to cardioprotective medications.

Methods and Results—

To evaluate this intervention, we propose enrolling 280 patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome event into a multicenter randomized, controlled trial. The intervention comprises4 main components: (1) pharmacist-led medication reconciliation and tailoring; (2) patient education; (3) collaborative care between pharmacist and primary care provider/cardiologist; and (4) 2 types of voice messaging (educational and medication refill reminder calls). Patients in the intervention arm will visit with the study pharmacist ≈1 week post-hospital discharge. The pharmacist will work with the patient and collaborate with providers to reconcile medication issues. Voice messages will augment the educational process and remind patients to refill their cardioprotective medications. The study will compare the intervention versus usual care for 12 months. The primary outcome of interest is adherence using the ReComp method. Secondary and tertiary outcomes include achievement of targets for blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein, and reduction in the combined cardiovascular end points of myocardial infarction hospitalization, coronary revascularization, and all-cause mortality. Finally, we will also evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared with usual care.

Conclusions—

If the intervention is effective in improving medication adherence and demonstrating a lower cost, the intervention has the potential to improve cardiovascular outcomes in this high-risk patient population.
Systematic Review of Outcome After Ischemic Stroke Due to Anterior Circulation Occlusion Treated With Intravenous, Intra-Arterial, or Combined Intravenous+Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis
Authors: Mullen Michael T. , Pisapia Jared M. , Tilwa Shiv , Messé Steven R. , Stein Sherman C.
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

The optimal approach to recanalization in acute ischemic stroke is unknown. We performed a literature review and meta-analysis comparing the relative efficacy of 6 reperfusion strategies: (1) 0.9 mg/kg intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator; (2) intra-arterial chemical thrombolysis; (3) intra-arterial mechanical thrombolysis; (4) intra-arterial combined chemical/mechanical thrombolysis; (5) 0.6 mg/kg intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator and intra-arterial thrombolysis; and (6) 0.9 mg/kg intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator and intra-arterial thrombolysis.

Methods—

A literature search in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane database identified case series, observational studies, and treatment arms of randomized trials of anterior circulation arterial occlusion treated with thrombolytic therapy. Included studies had ≥10 subjects, mean time to treatment <6 hours, and treatment specific reporting of disability, death, and intracerebral hemorrhage. Multivariable metaregression evaluated the effects of treatment group on outcome at the same time as accounting for differences in baseline covariates.

Results—

A total of 2986 abstracts were identified from which 54 studies (5019 subjects) were included. There were significant differences across groups in age (
P
=0.0008), baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (
P
=0.0002), and time to treatment initiation (
P
<0.0001). There were also differences in mean modified Rankin Scale (
P
<0.0001), mortality (
P
=0.0024), and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (
P
=0.0305). Differences in modified Rankin Scale were not significant in the metaregression and likely attributable to differences in baseline covariates between studies.

Conclusions—

This study found no evidence that one reperfusion strategy is superior with respect to efficacy or safety, supporting clinical equipoise between reperfusion strategies. Intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator remains the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke. Randomized clinical trials are necessary to determine the efficacy of alternative reperfusion strategies. Participation in such trials is strongly recommended.
Intravenous Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke Patients With Isolated Homonymous Hemianopia
Authors: Strbian Daniel , Ahmed Niaz , Wahlgren Nils , Kaste Markku , Tatlisumak Turgut
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

Hemianopia can cause considerable disability. Only scarce data are available for ischemic stroke patients presenting with isolated homonymous hemianopia and being treated with intravenous thrombolysis. We analyzed outcome of such patients registered in the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke–International Stroke Thrombolysis Register (SITS-ISTR).

Methods—

The SITS-ISTR (n=45 079) was searched for patients who presented with isolated homonymous hemianopia. We identified 72 such patients. We report their baseline and demographic characteristics, radiological data, change in their National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score within 7 days after thrombolysis, and their 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Univariate analysis of parameters associated with any improvement was performed. Hemianopia was assessed with perimetric examination.

Results—

Of 72 patients, 40 (56%) improved within 7 days after thrombolysis; 19 (26%) had full recovery. Those who improved had significantly lower systolic blood pressure before thrombolysis and were less often administered antiplatelet agents before index stroke. Infarction was visible on 24-hour computed tomography scan in 65% of patients who improved compared with 81.2% of those without improvement (
P
=0.32). No symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in patients who improved compared with 1 (3.1%) patient in the nonimproved group (
P
=0.08). Seventy-one percent of all patients had 3-month mRS score 0 to 2, and 51% had mRS score 0 to 1. Those who improved within 7 days had a significantly better 3-month outcome (median mRS [interquartile range], 0 [0–1] vs 2 [1–2]).

Conclusions—

Relatively few ischemic stroke patients received thrombolysis because of isolated homonymous hemianopia. Thrombolysis seems to be safe in these patients. Of those treated, more than half improved and more than two-thirds had good outcome.
An Activated Protein C Analog With Reduced Anticoagulant Activity Extends the Therapeutic Window of Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Ischemic Stroke in Rodents
Authors: Wang Yaoming , Zhang Zhenggang , Chow Nienwen , Davis Thomas P. , Griffin John H. , Chopp Michael , Zlokovic Berislav V.
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only approved therapy for acute ischemic stroke. However, tPA has a brief therapeutic window. Its side effects include intracerebral bleeding and neurotoxicity. Therefore, a combination therapy with tPA and agents that can extend the therapeutic window of tPA and/or counteract its side effects are warranted. Here, we studied whether 3K3A-APC, a neuroprotective analog of activated protein C with reduced anticoagulant activity, can enhance the therapeutic effects of tPA in models of ischemic stroke in rodents.

Methods—

Human recombinant tPA (10 mg/kg), alone or in combination with human recombinant 3K3A-APC (2 mg/kg), was administered intravenously 4 hours after proximal or distal transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice and embolic stroke in rats. The 3K3A-APC was additionally administered for 3 to 4 consecutive days after stroke. The neuropathological and neurological analyses were performed at 1 to 7 days after stroke.

Results—

In all models, tPA alone had no effects on the infarct volume or behavior (ie, neurological score, foot-fault, forelimb asymmetry, adhesive removal) compared with vehicle. The tPA and 3K3A-APC combination therapy reduced the infarct volume 24 hours and 7 days after proximal or distal transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice and 7 days after embolic stroke in rats by 65%, 63%, and 52%, respectively, significantly (
P
<0.05) improved behavior and eliminated tPA-induced intracerebral microhemorrhages.

Conclusions—

The 3K3A-APC extends the therapeutic window of tPA for ischemic stroke in rodents. Therefore, this combination therapy also should be considered for treating stroke in humans.
PATMOS-x: Results from a Diurnally Corrected 30-yr Satellite Cloud Climatology
Authors: Foster Michael J. , Heidinger Andrew
Published: July 2012

Satellite drift is a historical issue affecting the consistency of those few satellite records capable of being used for studies on climate time scales. Here, the authors address this issue for the Pathfinder Atmospheres Extended (PATMOS-x)/Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) cloudiness record, which spans three decades and 11 disparate sensors. A two-harmonic sinusoidal function is fit to a mean diurnal cycle of cloudiness derived over the course of the entire AVHRR record. The authors validate this function against measurements from Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) sensors, finding good agreement, and then test the stability of the diurnal cycle over the course of the AVHRR record. It is found that the diurnal cycle is subject to some interannual variability over land but that the differences are somewhat offset when averaged over an entire day. The fit function is used to generate daily averaged time series of ice, water, and total cloudiness over the tropics, where it is found that the diurnal correction affects the magnitude and even the sign of long-term cloudiness trends. A statistical method is applied to determine the minimum length of time required to detect significant trends, and the authors find that only recently have they begun generating satellite records of sufficient length to detect trends in cloudiness.
Longwave Band-By-Band Cloud Radiative Effect and Its Application in GCM Evaluation
Authors: Huang Xianglei , Cole Jason N. S. , He Fei , Potter Gerald L. , Oreopoulos Lazaros , Lee Dongmin , Suarez Max , Loeb Norman G.
Published: July 2012

The cloud radiative effect (CRE) of each longwave (LW) absorption band of a GCM’s radiation code is uniquely valuable for GCM evaluation because 1) comparing band-by-band CRE avoids the compensating biases in the broadband CRE comparison and 2) the fractional contribution of each band to the LW broadband CRE (fCRE) is sensitive to cloud-top height but largely insensitive to cloud fraction, thereby presenting a diagnostic metric to separate the two macroscopic properties of clouds. Recent studies led by the first author have established methods to derive such band-by-band quantities from collocated Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) observations. A study is presented here that compares the observed band-by-band CRE over the tropical oceans with those simulated by three different atmospheric GCMs—the GFDL Atmospheric Model version 2 (GFDL AM2), NASA Goddard Earth Observing System version 5 (GEOS-5), and the fourth-generation AGCM of the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis (CCCma CanAM4)—forced by observed SST. The models agree with observation on the annual-mean LW broadband CRE over the tropical oceans within ±1 W m−2. However, the differences among these three GCMs in some bands can be as large as or even larger than ±1 W m−2. Observed seasonal cycles of fCRE in major bands are shown to be consistent with the seasonal cycle of cloud-top pressure for both the amplitude and the phase. However, while the three simulated seasonal cycles of fCRE agree with observations on the phase, the amplitudes are underestimated. Simulated interannual anomalies from GFDL AM2 and CCCma CanAM4 are in phase with observed anomalies. The spatial distribution of fCRE highlights the discrepancies between models and observation over the low-cloud regions and the compensating biases from different bands.
Facial Nerve Neurorrhaphy and the Effects of Glucocorticoids in a Rat Model
Authors: Seth Rahul , Revenaugh Peter C. , Kaltenbach James A. , Rajasekaran Karthik , Meltzer Noah E. , Ghosh Debabrata , Alam Daniel S.
Published: July 2012

Objective

After nerve injury, an exaggerated neuroinflammatory process may hinder neuron regeneration and recovery. Immunomodulation using glucocorticoids may therefore improve facial nerve injury outcomes. This study aims to examine the effect of both local and systemic dexamethasone administration on facial nerve functional recovery after axotomy in a rat model.

Study Design

Randomized, placebo‐controlled, blinded animal study.

Setting

Animal laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Seventy‐four Wistar rats underwent facial nerve axotomy with immediate neurorrhaphy. Rats were randomly assigned a postoperative group: control (no therapy); systemic dexamethasone 0.5, 1, 5, or 10 mg/kg for 3 administrations; or topically applied dexamethasone at 2 or 4 mg/mL. Blinded, standardized facial assessments and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed. Gross facial motion assessments were corroborated with vibrissae frequency video analysis.

Results

At 8 weeks, rats receiving systemic dexamethasone at 5 mg/kg attained greater eye blink closure (P =. 004) and vibrissae motion (P =. 012) compared with controls. Systemic dexamethasone at 0.5, 1, and 10 mg/kg and intraoperative topical application of dexamethasone at 2 or 4 mg/mL did not produce a significant improvement in facial motion compared with controls. Nerve conduction studies show a trend of increased return of compound muscle action potential amplitude levels compared with baseline among rats that received systemic dexamethasone 5 mg/kg but do not achieve statistical significance.

Conclusion

In a rat facial nerve axotomy model, high‐dose systemic dexamethasone therapy may improve functional recovery when administered in the immediate period following neurorrhaphy.
BRCA2 Variants and cardiovascular disease in a multi-ethnic study
Authors: Zbuk Kevin , Xie Changchun , Young Robin , Heydarpour Mahyar , Pare Guillaume , Davis A Darlene , Miller Ruby , Lanktree Matthew B , Saleheen Danish , Danesh John , Yusuf Salim , Engert James C , Hegele Robert A , Anand Sonia S
Published: July 2012

Background

Germline mutations ofBRCA1/2are associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Recent data suggests excess mortality in mutation carriers beyond that conferred by neoplasia, and recentin vivoandin vitrostudies suggest a modulatory role for BRCA proteins in endothelial and cardiomyocyte function. We therefore tested the association ofBRCA2variants with clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

Using data from 1,170 individuals included in two multi-ethnic population-based studies (SHARE and SHARE-AP), the association betweenBRCA2variants and CVD was evaluated. 15 SNPs inBRCA2with minor allele frequencies(MAF) > 0.01had been previously genotyped using the cardiovascular gene-centric 50 k SNP array. 115 individuals (9.8%) reported a CVD event, defined as myocardial infarction (MI), angina, silent MI, stroke, and angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery. Analyses were adjusted for age and sex. The SNPs rs11571836 and rs1799943 were subsequently genotyped using the MassARRAY platform in 1,045 cases of incident MI and 1,135 controls from the South Asian subset of an international case-control study of acute MI (INTERHEART), and rs11571836 was imputed in 4,686 cases and 4500 controls from the Pakistan Risk of Myocardial Infarction Study (PROMIS).

Results

TwoBRCA2SNPs, rs11571836 and rs1799943, both located in untranslated regions, were associated with lower risk of CVD (OR 0.47 p = 0.01 and OR 0.56 p = 0.03 respectively) in the SHARE studies. Analysis by specific ethnicities demonstrated an association with CVD for both SNPs in Aboriginal People, and for rs11571836 only in South Asians. No association was observed in the European and Chinese subgroups. A non-significant trend towards an association between rs11571836 and lower risk of MI was observed in South Asians from INTERHEART [OR = 0.87 (95% CI: 0.75-1.01) p = 0.068], but was not evident in PROMIS [OR = 0.96 (95% CI: 0.90-1.03) p = 0.230]. Meta-analysis of both case-control studies resulted in a combined OR of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89-1.004, p = 0.06).

Conclusions

Although there was an association between two SNPs inBRCA2and CVD in a multi-ethnic population, these results were not replicated in two South Asian case-control studies of incident MI. Future studies exploring the association betweenBRCAvariants and cardiovascular disorders are needed to clarify the role, if any, forBRCAvariants in CVD pathogenesis.