bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gemcitabine and CHK1 Inhibition Potentiate EGFR-Directed Radioimmunotherapy against Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Al-Ejeh Fares , Pajic Marina , Shi Wei , Kalimutho Murugan , Miranda Mariska , Nagrial Adnan M. , Chou Angela , Biankin Andrew V. , Grimmond Sean M. ,   for the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative, Brown Michael P. , Khanna Kum Kum
Published: May 2014

Purpose: To develop effective combination therapy against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with a combination of chemotherapy, CHK1 inhibition, and EGFR-targeted radioimmunotherapy.

Experimental Design: Maximum tolerated doses were determined for the combination of gemcitabine, the CHK1 inhibitor PF-477736, and Lutetium-177 (177Lu)–labeled anti-EGFR antibody. This triple combination therapy was investigated using PDAC models from well-established cell lines, recently established patient-derived cell lines, and fresh patient-derived xenografts. Tumors were investigated for the accumulation of 177Lu-anti-EGFR antibody, survival of tumor-initiating cells, induction of DNA damage, cell death, and tumor tissue degeneration.

Results: The combination of gemcitabine and CHK1 inhibitor PF-477736 with 177Lu-anti-EGFR antibody was tolerated in mice. This triplet was effective in established tumors and prevented the recurrence of PDAC in four cell line–derived and one patient-derived xenograft model. This exquisite response was associated with the loss of tumor-initiating cells as measured by flow cytometric analysis and secondary implantation of tumors from treated mice into treatment-naïve mice. Extensive DNA damage, apoptosis, and tumor degeneration were detected in the patient-derived xenograft. Mechanistically, we observed CDC25A stabilization as a result of CHK1 inhibition with consequent inhibition of gemcitabine-induced S-phase arrest as well as a decrease in canonical (ERK1/2 phosphorylation) and noncanonical EGFR signaling (RAD51 degradation) as a result of EGFR inhibition.

Conclusions: Our study developed an effective combination therapy against PDAC that has potential in the treatment of PDAC. Clin Cancer Res; 20(12); 3187–97. ©2014 AACR.
Dynamic Interactions between Cancer Cells and the Embryonic Microenvironment Regulate Cell Invasion and Reveal EphB6 as a Metastasis Suppressor
Authors: Bailey Caleb M. , Kulesa Paul M.
Published: May 2014

Metastatic dissemination drives the high mortality associated with melanoma. However, difficulties in visualizing in vivo cell dynamics during metastatic invasion have limited our understanding of these cell behaviors. Recent evidence has revealed that melanoma cells exploit portions of their ancestral embryonic neural crest emigration program to facilitate invasion. What remains to be determined is how embryonic microenvironmental signals influence invasive melanoma cell behavior, and whether these signals are relevant to human disease. To address these questions, we interrogated the role of the neural crest microenvironment in dictating the spatiotemporal pattern of melanoma cell invasion in the chick embryo using 2-photon time-lapse microscopy. Results reveal that both permissive and inhibitory neural crest microenvironmental signals regulate the timing and direction of melanoma invasion to coincide with the neural crest migration pattern. These cues include bidirectional signaling mediated through the ephrin family of receptor tyrosine kinases. We demonstrate that EphB6 reexpression forces metastatic melanoma cells to deviate from the canonical migration pattern observed in the chick embryo transplant model. Furthermore, EphB6-expressing melanoma cells display significantly reduced metastatic potential in a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) metastasis assay. These data on melanoma invasion in the embryonic neural crest and CAM microenvironments identify EphB6 as a metastasis suppressor in melanoma, likely acting at the stage of intravasation.

Implications: This article links cellular metastasis to behaviors observed in the ancestrally related embryonic neural crest and demonstrates the powerful influence of the embryonic microenvironment in regulating cell migratory behavior. Mol Cancer Res; 12(9); 1303–13. ©2014 AACR.
Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to Highly Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Positive Patients
Authors: Pistone G. , Pistone A. , Sorbello D. , Viviano E. , Bongiorno M.R.
Published: May 2014

Adverse drug reactions to highly antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are major obstacles in its success. Although overall mortality from HIV has dramatically declined owing to HAART, these antiretroviral regimens have been associated with a wide spectrum of severe cutaneous reactions. The severity of cutaneous adverse reactions varies greatly, and some may be difficult to manage. To optimize adherence and efficacy of antiretroviral treatment, clinicians must focus on preventing adverse effects whenever possible, and distinguish those that are self-limited from those that are potentially serious. This paper presents the case of a serious cutaneous adverse reaction to Atripla in a HIV-positive 50-year-old Caucasian woman.
Effects of Erythromycin and Rifampicin on Immunomodulatory Gene Expression and Cellular Function in Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
Authors: Mu Xiaoqin , Ubagai Tsuneyuki , Kikuchi-Ueda Takane , Tansho-Nagakawa Shigeru , Nakano Ryuichi , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Ono Yasuo
Published: May 2014

Background: We investigated the effects of two antibiotics, erythromycin and rifampicin, on the immunomodulatory gene expression and cellular function of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Methods: We used real-time quantitative PCR to examine the expression of immunomodulatory genes. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. PMN chemotaxis was analyzed using a KK chemotaxis chamber. Results: Stimulation of PMNs with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in increases in the mRNA levels of immunomodulatory genes. Rifampicin significantly inhibited the overexpression of TLR2, TLR4, CD14 and IL8Rs. However, erythromycin suppressed only the upregulation of TLR2 and TNFA. Neither antibiotic had an effect on the production of ROS. Rifampicin significantly inhibited PMN chemotaxis, but erythromycin had no effect. Conclusions: Erythromycin and rifampicin may play anti-inflammatory roles by affecting the expression levels of immunomodulatory genes or the chemotaxis of PMNs.
Kidney Regeneration in Fish
Authors: Davidson Alan J.
Published: May 2014

Background: Chronic and acute kidney injury damages nephrons, the blood filtering tubules in the kidney. Although mammalian kidneys can regenerate the tubular epithelium of the nephron, no new nephrons are made during adulthood. In contrast, fish are capable of growing nephrons de novo throughout their life. A better understanding of this ‘neo-nephrogenic' response in fish may lead to the development of novel regenerative therapies to treat kidney disease in humans. Summary: In this review, nephron formation in the fish mesonephric kidney during normal growth and in response to acute injury is examined at the morphological and molecular levels. Included is an overview of the recent discovery of migratory nephron progenitors that, following transplantation, can engraft host kidneys and give rise to functional nephrons. Key Messages: Mesonephric nephron progenitors appear during the larval stage, migrate together to form clusters, activate the expression of conserved nephrogenic genes, and epithelialize into nascent nephrons in a process that resembles mammalian nephron formation. Nephron progenitors persist in the adult fish kidney and continue to add new nephrons at a basal rate as the fish grows in size. Following acute kidney injury, nephron formation is significantly increased, allowing the fish to rapidly regenerate lost nephrons. Transplantation of nephron progenitors into the kidney results in the formation of donor-derived nephrons in the recipient fish.
Role of Parietal Epithelial Cells in Kidney Injury: The Case of Rapidly Progressing Glomerulonephritis and Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Moeller Marcus J. , Smeets Bart
Published: May 2014

Background: Millions of people are affected by irreversible loss of renal function and thus by a significantly increased cardiovascular risk. In this context, the parietal epithelial cells (PECs) of the glomerulus have attracted increasing attention in recent years. So far, they have been ascribed 2 major functions: (1) PECs may act as intrinsic progenitor cells to replenish podocytes and/or proximal tubular cells and (2) a major role of PECs has been proposed in 2 glomerular disease entities [i.e. rapidly progressing glomerulonephritis (RPGN) and focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)]. Summary: In this review, the major recent findings regarding the role of PECs in glomerular disease are summarized. Novel transgenic technologies have allowed major advances, in particular cell fate-tracing studies. Key Messages: Using these methods, it could be established that the proliferating cells in Bowman's space, which are characteristically found in RPGN, are derived almost exclusively from the glomerular epithelium - primarily PECs. Similarly, it could be shown that PECs participate in the formation of sclerotic lesions in FSGS. Since PECs deposit their characteristic extracellular matrix within these lesions, they likely contribute to the sclerotic process. A common feature of both diseases is that PECs are ‘activated', i.e. PECs acquire a larger cytoplasm and nucleus and show increased migration and/or proliferation. Activated PECs can be identified by de novo expression of the marker CD44. These findings broaden our understanding of the pathogenesis of 2 different glomerular diseases: RPGN and FSGS. The participation of activated PECs in both diseases identifies these cells as prime pharmacological targets to develop more specific therapies for both diseases.
Rosuvastatin Inhibits TIMP-2 and Promotes Myocardial Angiogenesis
Authors: Siddiqui Anwar J. , Gustafsson Thomas , Sylven Christer , Crisby Milita
Published: May 2014

Background: Angiogenesis is usually driven by inflammation. Matrix metalloproteinases MMP-3 and MMP-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 are implicated in vascular remodeling. TIMP-2 exhibits antiangiogenic properties. Statins show benefits that are additional to lipid lowering including pro- and antiangiogenic properties. Atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries have been well studied, but less is known about the fine terminal branches of the myocardial vasculature. Methods: To examine this, we studied rosuvastatin (RSV) treatment in ApoE knockout (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high cholesterol (HC) diet. Hearts from ApoE-/- mice on a normal diet, HC diet and HC diet with RSV were harvested to determine MMP-3, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) mRNA. Results: RSV inhibited TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression and enhanced myocardial VEGF-A and ER-α expression, independently of plasma lipid level changes, but had no effect on MMP-3 and MMP-9 expression. Conclusions: These modulations of TIMPs, VEGF and ER-α expression induced by RSV may act as local stimulating factors for arteriolar growth in the myocardium.
Biotransformation of Explosives by Reticulitermes flavipes-Associated Termite Endosymbionts
Authors: Indest Karl J. , Eaton Hillary L. , Jung Carina M. , Lounds Caly B.
Published: May 2014

Background/Aims: Termites have an important role in the carbon and nitrogen cycles despite their reputation as destructive pests. With the assistance of microbial endosymbionts, termites are responsible for the conversion of complex biopolymers into simple carbon substrates. Termites also rely on endosymbionts for fixing and recycling nitrogen. As a result, we hypothesize that termite bacterial endosymbionts are a novel source of metabolic pathways for the transformation of nitrogen-rich compounds like explosives. Methods: Explosives transformation capability of termite (Reticulitermes flavipes)-derived endosymbionts was determined in media containing the chemical constituents nitrotriazolone (NTO) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) that comprise new insensitive explosive formulations. Media dosed with 40 µg/ml of explosive was inoculated with surface-sterilized, macerated termites. Bacterial isolates capable of explosives transformation were characterized by 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Termite-derived enrichment cultures demonstrated degradation activity towards the explosives NTO, RDX, as well as the legacy explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). Three isolates with high similarity to the Enterobacteriaceae(Enterobacter, Klebsiella) were able to transform TNT and NTO within 2 days, while isolates with high similarity to Serratia marcescens and Lactococcus lactis were able to transform RDX. Conclusion: Termite endosymbionts harbor a range of metabolic activities and possess unique abilities to transform nitrogen-rich explosives.
Multiple Roles of Connexins in Atherosclerosis- and Restenosis-Induced Vascular Remodelling
Authors: Morel Sandrine
Published: May 2014

Endothelial dysfunction is the initial step in atherosclerotic plaque development in large- and medium-sized arteries. This progressive disease, which starts during childhood, is characterized by the accumulation of lipids, macrophages, neutrophils, T lymphocytes and smooth muscle cells in the intima of the vessels. Erosion and rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque may induce myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accidents, which are responsible for a large percentage of sudden deaths. The most common treatment for atherosclerosis is angioplasty and stent implantation, but these surgical interventions favour a vascular reaction called restenosis and the associated de-endothelialization increases the risk of thrombosis. This review provides an overview of the role of connexins, a large family of transmembrane proteins, in vascular remodelling associated with atherosclerosis and restenosis. The connexins expressed in the vascular wall are Cx37, Cx40, Cx43 and Cx45; their expressions vary with vascular territory and species. Connexins form hemichannels or gap junction channels, allowing the exchange of ions and small metabolites between the cytosol and extracellular space or between neighbouring cells, respectively. Connexins have important roles in vascular physiology; they support radial and longitudinal cell-to-cell communication in the vascular wall, and significant changes in their expression patterns have been described during atherosclerosis and restenosis.
Constipation and Cow's Milk Allergy: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Miceli Sopo Stefano , Arena Roberta , Greco Monica , Bergamini Marcello , Monaco Serena
Published: May 2014

The causal association between cow's milk allergy (CMA) and constipation is not well established. Some guidelines describe constipation as a possible symptom of CMA, while others do not mention it. We conducted a literature review and found 10 prospective clinical trials. In all of them, an oral food challenge was performed, and 2 of them were randomized. These studies reported that a cow's milk (CM) protein-free diet has a beneficial effect on constipation, with a rate of successful outcomes ranging from 28 to 78%. The hypothetic pathogenic mechanism lies in increased anal pressure at rest, probably caused by allergic inflammation of the internal sphincter area due to mucosal eosinophil and mast cell infiltration. Eighty percent of patients reach tolerance within 1 year after the diagnosis of CMA-related constipation. We believe that a CM-free diet for 2-4 weeks should be proposed for children with chronic functional constipation, even if it is not severe or resistant to laxatives.
Biochemical Diagnosis of Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency
Authors: Yubero Delia , Montero Raquel , Artuch Rafael , Land John M. , Heales Simon J.R. , Hargreaves Iain P.
Published: May 2014

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency appears to have a particularly heterogeneous clinical presentation. However, there appear to be 5 recognisable clinical phenotypes: encephalomyopathy, severe infantile multisystemic disease, nephropathy, cerebellar ataxia, and isolated myopathy. However, although useful, clinical symptoms alone are insufficient for the definitive diagnosis of CoQ10 deficiency which relies upon biochemical assessment of tissue CoQ10 status. In this article, we review the biochemical methods used in the diagnosis of human CoQ10 deficiency and indicate the most appropriate tissues for this evaluation.
Idiopathic Seidlmayer's Purpura: A Case Report
Authors: Maggio Maria Cristina , Ferraro Fabrizia , Ragusa Saveria Sabrina , Corpora Umberto , Corsello Giovanni
Published: May 2014

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI) was considered a rare form of Henoch-Schönlein purpura; however, it is now regarded as an independent disease typically involving patients aged 4-24 months. The authors describe the clinical case of a toddler aged 8 months, with skin erythematous pomphoid lesions, treated at home with topical steroids without benefits. The appearance of new lesions and the worsening of the previous skin signs induced the parents to drive the child to the hospital. The medical history revealed the administration of a vaccine dose 2 months before.
Two Cases of Mastectomy after Paclitaxel + Bevacizumab Therapy for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Shinoda Chika , Mori Ryutaro , Nagao Yasuko
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) deteriorates the quality of life (QOL) of the affected patients. Combination chemotherapy or extended chemotherapy is considered to help to shrink local lesions. Case 1: A 71-year-old female with a history of tympanitis and cystitis with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) visited our hospital. There was a tumor of 7 cm in diameter in her right breast with skin ulceration. Paclitaxel + bevacizumab therapy was started, and after five cycles of therapy, a mastectomy with axillary dissection was performed. Chemotherapy with anthracycline was avoided for fear of activating the MRSA. After the operation, the patient's wound opened. However, it naturally epithelialized. Case 2: A 41-year-old female visited our hospital due to a tumor of 8 cm in diameter in her right breast with skin ulceration. Four cycles of paclitaxel + bevacizumab therapy were started, and her tumor almost disappeared during the first cycle. Then, doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide therapy was performed for four cycles, and a mastectomy with axillary dissection was performed. Her postoperative course was good. Discussion: Chemotherapy with bevacizumab or extended chemotherapy is generally not considered to contribute to a survival improvement. However, such therapy contributes in increasing the response to chemotherapy, and should be considered for patients with LABC to shrink the local lesions and improve the QOL.
Combination Chemotherapy of Azacitidine and Cetuximab for Therapy-Related Acute Myeloid Leukemia following Oxaliplatin for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hashimoto Akari , Takada Kohichi , Horiguchi Hiroto , Sato Tsutomu , Iyama Satoshi , Murase Kazuyuki , Kamihara Yusuke , Ono Kaoru , Tatekoshi Ayumi , Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Miyanishi Koji , Sato Yasushi , Furuhata Tomohisa , Kobune Masayoshi , Takimoto Rishu , Hirata Koichi , Kato Junji
Published: May 2014

Therapy-related leukemia (TRL) has been reported to occur after treatment with alkylating agents and/or topoisomerase II inhibitors. Oxaliplatin (OXP) is used as a key drug for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Cisplatin and carboplatin have been linked with TRL, but the involvement of OXP is questionable. A 74-year-old male was diagnosed with peritoneal metastasis from CRC in July 2011. The patient received nine cycles of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin (LV), and OXP (mFOLFOX-6 regimen) and three cycles of 5-FU and LV only, resulting in a clinical complete response. However, recurrence of CRC was detected by CT within 3 months after the last course of chemotherapy. In April 2013, laboratory tests showed pancytopenia and 15% blast cells. A bone marrow examination revealed multilineage dysplasia and 20.4% myeloblasts. Cytogenetic analysis indicated a complex karyotype that included chromosome 5 and 7 abnormalities. The patient was diagnosed with TRL and treated with a combination of azacitidine (AZA) and cetuximab (Cmab) for both cancers. AZA might be useful in TRL when a patient needs to be treated simultaneously for more than one primary cancer because of its low toxicity. Moreover, Cmab is an effective therapeutic tool in TRL patients with metastatic CRC with the wild-type K-ras gene.
Steroid-Responsive Epilepsia Partialis Continua with Anti-Thyroid Antibodies: A Spectrum of Hashimoto's Encephalopathy
Authors: Masuda Hiroki , Mori Masahiro , Ito Shoichi , Yagishita Toshiyuki , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: May 2014

Background: When a neuropsychiatric symptom due to encephalopathy develops in a patient with anti-thyroid antibodies, especially when the symptom is steroid-responsive, Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of the patient. Although HE is an elusive disease, it is thought to cause various clinical presentations including seizures, myoclonus, and epilepsia partialis continua (EPC). Case Report: We present the case of a 33-year-old Japanese woman who acutely developed EPC in the right hand as an isolated manifestation. A thyroid ultrasound showed an enlarged hypoechogenic gland, and a thyroid status assessment showed euthyroid with high titers of thyroid antibodies. A brain MRI revealed a nodular lesion in the left precentral gyrus. Corticosteroid treatment resulted in a cessation of the symptom. Conclusions: A precentral nodular lesion can be responsible for steroid-responsive EPC in a patient with anti-thyroid antibodies and may be caused by HE. The serial MRI findings of our case suggest the presence of primary demyelination, with ischemia possibly due to vasculitis around the demyelinating lesion.
Electrocardiographic T Wave and its Relation With Ventricular Repolarization Along Major Anatomical Axes
Authors: Meijborg Veronique M.F. , Conrath Chantal E. , Opthof Tobias , Belterman Charly N.W. , de Bakker Jacques M.T. , Coronel Ruben
Published: May 2014

Background—

The genesis of the electrocardiographic T wave is incompletely understood and subject to controversy. We have correlated the ventricular repolarization sequence with simultaneously recorded T waves.

Methods and Results—

Nine pig hearts were Langendorff-perfused (atrial pacing, cycle length 650 ms). Local activation and repolarization times were derived from unipolar electrograms sampling the ventricular myocardium. Dispersion of repolarization time was determined along 4 anatomic axes: left ventricle (LV)–right ventricle (RV), LV:apico-basal, LV:anterior-posterior, and LV:transmural. The heart was immersed in a fluid-filled bucket containing 61 electrodes to determine T
p
(T
peak
in lead of maximum integral), T
p
T
e
(T
p
to T
end
), and T
p
T
e
_total (first T
peak
in any lead to last T
end
in any lead). Repolarization was nonlinearly distributed in time. RT
25
(time at which 25% of sites were repolarized, 288±26 ms) concurred with T
p
. T
p
T
e
was 38±8 ms, and T
p
T
e
_total was 75±9 ms. T
p
T
e
_total correlated with dispersion of repolarization time in the entire heart (73±18 ms), but not with dispersion of repolarization times along individual axes (LV–RV, 66±17 ms; LV:apico-basal, 51±18 ms; LV:anterior-posterior, 51±27 ms; mean LV:transmural, 14±7 ms; all n=9).

Conclusions—

We provide a correlation between local repolarization and T wave in a pseudo-ECG. Repolarization differences along all anatomic axes contribute to the T wave. T
p
T
e
_total represents total dispersion of repolarization. At T
p
, ≈25% of ventricular sites have been repolarized.
Melanoleuca juliannae (Basidiomycota, Tricholomataceae), a new species from subgen. Urticocystis
Authors: ANTONÍN VLADIMÍR , RIMÓCZI IMRE , BENEDEK LAJOS , PAPP VIKTOR , Szarkándi János Gergő , DIMA BÁLINT , NAGY LÁSZLÓ G. , PAPP TAMáS , ĎURIŠKA ONDREJ , TOMŠOVSKÝ MICHAL
Published: May 2014

A new species, Melanoleuca juliannae is described from Hungary. Its most outstanding character is the presence of a violaceous-blue colour in the stipe base. Sequence comparisons with other Melanoleuca species revealed highly similar but decolourate members of the species, lacking the remarkable colour of the stipe. These specimens are described as Melanoleuca juliannae var. decolorans based on three collections from the Czech Republic and Italy. Detailed macro- and microscopic descriptions of the new species are given. The position of M. juliannae within subgen. Urticocystis was confirmed by DNA sequence data of the ITS region of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene cluster and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1). Although intra-individual heterogeneity in ITS region was revealed in some specimens of the type variety, the tef1 sequences lack a similar heterogeneity.
Northern Hemisphere Glacier and Ice Cap Surface Mass Balance and Contribution to Sea Level Rise
Authors: Mernild Sebastian H. , Liston Glen E. , Hiemstra Christopher A.
Published: May 2014

Mass changes and mass contribution to sea level rise from glaciers and ice caps (GIC) are key components of the earth’s changing sea level. GIC surface mass balance (SMB) magnitudes and individual and regional mean conditions and trends (1979–2009) were simulated for all GIC having areas greater or equal to 0.5 km2 in the Northern Hemisphere north of 25°N latitude (excluding the Greenland Ice Sheet). Recent datasets, including the Randolph Glacier Inventory (RGI; v. 2.0), the NOAA Global Land One-km Base Elevation Project (GLOBE), and the NASA Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) products, together with recent SnowModel developments, allowed relatively high-resolution (1-km horizontal grid; 3-h time step) simulations of GIC surface air temperature, precipitation, sublimation, evaporation, surface runoff, and SMB. Simulated SMB outputs were calibrated against 1422 direct glaciological annual SMB observations of 78 GIC. The overall GIC mean annual and mean summer air temperature, runoff, and SMB loss increased during the simulation period. The cumulative GIC SMB was negative for all regions. The SMB contribution to sea level rise was largest from Alaska and smallest from the Caucasus. On average, the contribution to sea level rise was 0.51 ± 0.16 mm sea level equivalent (SLE) yr−1 for 1979–2009 and ~40% higher 0.71 ± 0.15 mm SLE yr−1 for the last decade, 1999–2009.
Process-Oriented Diagnosis of East Pacific Warm Pool Intraseasonal Variability
Authors: Maloney Eric D. , Jiang Xianan , Xie Shang-Ping , Benedict James J.
Published: May 2014

June–October east Pacific warm pool intraseasonal variability (ISV) is assessed in eight atmospheric general circulation simulations. Complex empirical orthogonal function analysis is used to document the leading mode of 30–90-day precipitation variability in the models and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission observations. The models exhibit a large spread in amplitude of the leading mode about the observed amplitude. Little relationship is demonstrated between the amplitude of the leading mode and the ability of models to simulate observed north-northeastward propagation.

Several process-oriented diagnostics are explored that attempt to distinguish why some models produce superior ISV. A diagnostic based on the difference in 500–850-hPa averaged relative humidity between the top 5% and the bottom 10% of precipitation events exhibits a significant correlation with leading mode amplitude. Diagnostics based on the vertically integrated moist entropy budget also demonstrate success at discriminating models with strong and weak variability. In particular, the vertical component of gross moist stability exhibits a correlation with amplitude of −0.9, suggesting that models in which convection and associated divergent circulations are less efficient at discharging moisture from the column are better able to sustain strong ISV.

Several other diagnostics are tested that show no significant relationship with leading mode amplitude, including the warm pool mean surface zonal wind, the strength of surface flux feedbacks, and 500–850-hPa averaged relative humidity for the top 1% of rainfall events. Vertical zonal wind shear and 850-hPa zonal wind do not appear to be good predictors of model success at simulating the observed northward propagation pattern.
Convectively Induced Secondary Circulations in Fine-Grid Mesoscale Numerical Weather Prediction Models
Authors: Ching J. , Rotunno R. , LeMone M. , Martilli A. , Kosovic B. , Jimenez P. A. , Dudhia J.
Published: May 2014

Mesoscale numerical weather prediction models using fine-grid [O(1) km] meshes for weather forecasting, environmental assessment, and other applications capture aspects of larger-than-grid-mesh size, convectively induced secondary circulations (CISCs) such as cells and rolls that occur in the convective planetary boundary layer (PBL). However, 1-km grid spacing is too large for the simulation of the interaction of CISCs with smaller-scale turbulence. The existence of CISCs also violates the neglect of horizontal gradients of turbulent quantities in current PBL schemes. Both aspects—poorly resolved CISCs and a violation of the assumptions behind PBL schemes—are examples of what occurs in Wyngaard’s “terra incognita,” where horizontal grid spacing is comparable to the scale of the simulated motions. Thus, model CISCs (M-CISCs) cannot be simulated reliably. This paper describes how the superadiabatic layer in the lower convective PBL together with increased horizontal resolution allow the critical Rayleigh number to be exceeded and thus allow generation of M-CISCs like those in nature; and how the M-CISCs eventually neutralize the virtual temperature stratification, lowering the Rayleigh number and stopping their growth. Two options for removing M-CISCs while retaining their fluxes are 1) introducing nonlocal closure schemes for more effective removal of heat from the surface and 2) restricting the effective Rayleigh number to remain subcritical. It is demonstrated that CISCs are correctly handled by large-eddy simulation (LES) and thus may provide a way to improve representation of them or their effects. For some applications, it may suffice to allow M-CISCs to develop, but account for their shortcomings during interpretation.
A Comparison of Transradial and Transfemoral Approaches for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Elderly Patients Based on a Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: He Pei-Yuan , Yang Yue-Jin , Qiao Shu-Bin , Xu Bo , Yao Min , Wu Yong-Jian , Yuan Jin-Qing , Chen Jue , Liu Hai-Bo , Dai Jun , Tang Xin-Ran , Wang Yang , Li Wei , Gao Run-Lin
Published: May 2014

The transradial approach (TRA) has been used as access site for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for years. However, no large sample study has evaluated the effect of TRA in elderly patients. A total of 1098 elderly patients (age ≥ 75 years) who underwent PCI by TRA or transfemoral approach were recruited. A 1:1 matched propensity score analysis was performed to minimize bias. The rates of major adverse cardiovascular events that included death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization during hospitalization (1.3% vs 6.6%, P = .014) and at 1-year follow-up (6.0% vs 13.9%, P = .019) were significantly lower in the TRA group. Transradial approach was also associated with lower rates of in-hospital MI (1.3% vs 5.3%, P = .046), access-site complications (3.3% vs 9.9%, P = .018), and major bleeding (1.3% vs 5.3%, P = .046). In conclusion, TRA showed better safety in elderly patients; it should be considered as a preferred route for elderly patients.
Operation Airway
Authors: Rogers Derek J. , Collins Corey , Carroll Ryan , Yager Phoebe , Cummings Brian , Raol Nikhila , Setlur Jennifer , Maturo Stephen , Tremblay Sarah , Quinones Ernesto , Noviski Natan , Hartnick Christopher J.
Published: May 2014

Objective:

This study aimed to describe the development and implementation of the first sustainable, multidisciplinary, pediatric airway surgical mission in an underserved country.

Methods:

This prospective, qualitative study was conducted for the first 4 Operation Airway missions in Quito, Ecuador. The major goals of the missions were to assist children with aerodigestive abnormalities, create a sustainable program where the local team could independently provide for their own patient population, develop an educational curriculum and training program for the local team, and cultivate a collaborative approach to provide successful multidisciplinary care.

Results:

Twenty patients ages 4 months to 21 years were included. Twenty-three bronchoscopies, 5 salivary procedures, 2 tracheostomies, 1 T-tube placement, 1 tracheocutaneous fistula closure, 2 open granuloma excisions, and 6 laryngotracheal reconstructions (LTRs) were performed. All LTR patients were decannulated. A new type of LTR (1.5 stage) was developed to meet special mission circumstances. Two videofluoroscopic swallow studies and 40 bedside swallow evaluations were performed. One local pediatric otolaryngologist, 1 pediatric surgeon, 3 anesthesiologists, 7 intensivists, 16 nurses, and 2 speech-language pathologists have received training. More than 25 hours of lectures were given, and a website was created collaboratively for educational and informational dissemination ( http://www.masseyeandear.org/specialties/pediatrics/pediatric-ent/airway/OperationAirway/ ).

Conclusion:

We demonstrated the successful creation of the first mission stemming from a teaching institution with the goal of developing a sustainable, autonomous surgical airway program.
Psychological flexibility and nonjudgemental acceptance in voice hearers: relationships with omnipotence and distress
Authors: Morris Eric MJ , Garety Philippa , Peters Emmanuelle
Published: May 2014

Objective:

The psychological flexibility model has been hypothesized as a transdiagnostic, process-oriented approach to understanding various clinical disorders and problems, including chronic pain, anxiety, and substance misuse. In this study we investigated the model’s applicability to the experience of hearing distressing voices.

Methods:

Fifty people experiencing persisting auditory hallucinations were administered the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Beliefs about Voices Questionnaire-Revised, Thought Control Questionnaire, and the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories. We predicted that psychological flexibility, mindful action, and nonjudgemental acceptance would be negatively associated with distress, disability, and behavioural responses to voice hearing and would have additional explanatory power when included with appraisals of voices and thought-control strategies (as predicted by cognitive models of auditory hallucinations).

Results:

The results showed differential contributions between measures of psychological flexibility and nonjudgemental acceptance. Psychological flexibility accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in regression-based models of depression and anxiety, while nonjudgemental acceptance contributed to the prediction of emotional and behavioural resistance to voices, in addition to appraisals of voices and use of thought-control strategies. However, this was not found for distress associated with voice hearing, life disruption, and engagement with voices, which were explained solely by cognitive variables.

Conclusions:

The study results suggest that psychological flexibility and nonjudgemental acceptance are related to general emotional well being and resistance response styles to voices, but not to specific dimensions of voice hearing.
Public Awareness, Understanding and Attitudes towards Interest-free Insurance (Takaful) Services Evaluation by Education Level: Survey Based on Empirical Analysis for Turkey
Authors: Ustaoğlu Murat
Published: May 2014

Islamic scholars raise different opinions and views on modern insurance practices. Some hold that private insurance services and instruments serve as assurances that are allowed under Islamic law, whereas some others oppose this view arguing that there are serious doubts on their compatibility with Islam. Islam does not allow interest-based approaches and practices in the economic field; for this reason some Muslims are cautious vis-à-vis insurance services. Reactions by scholars to the insurance practices and implementation do not eliminate the needs of Muslims who want to regulate their daily lives by the Islamic tenets. Those who hold that conventional insurance practices are not compatible with Islam stress that there could be an alternative to this practice that would also be compatible with Islamic law. There are some versions of the companies created to address such concerns in Iran and Malaysia. Such institutions are pretty rare in countries such as Turkey, where Islamic finance receives little attention. For this reason, the study analyses the Takaful practices in Turkey and measures public awareness on this new practice. The results of the survey are tested empirically and some insights are offered accordingly.
Leader Turnover, Institutions, and Voting at the UN General Assembly
Authors: Smith Alastair
Published: May 2014

Using evidence from voting in the UN General Assembly (UNGA), this article shows that leader turnover, especially in small coalition, nondemocratic systems, increases the likelihood of policy realignment. Autocrats who are beholden to only a small proportion of the population represent the foreign policy interests of their small number of supporters. When leader turnover occurs, the interests represented often shift too and this results in an increased volatility and regression toward a neutral position of a nation’s alignment at the United Nations vis-à-vis the United States. While such realignments can offer an opportunity to reduce enmity between states, they can also signal growing differences between friends. The impact of leaders change in large coalitions produces more moderate shifts in alignments.
Lubricin is Required for the Structural Integrity and Post-natal Maintenance of TMJ
Authors: Koyama E. , Saunders C. , Salhab I. , Decker R.S. , Chen I. , Um H. , Pacifici M. , Nah H.D.
Published: May 2014

The Proteoglycan 4 (Prg4) product lubricin plays essential roles in boundary lubrication and movement in limb synovial joints, but its roles in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are unclear. Thus, we characterized the TMJ phenotype in wild-type and Prg4–/– mouse littermates over age. As early as 2 weeks of age, mutant mice exhibited hyperplasia in the glenoid fossa articular cartilage, articular disc, and synovial membrane. By 1 month of age, there were fewer condylar superficial tenascin-C/Col1-positive cells and more numerous apoptotic condylar apical cells, while chondroprogenitors displayed higher mitotic activity, and Sox9-, Col2-, and ColX-expressing chondrocyte zones were significantly expanded. Mutant subchondral bone contained numerous Catepsin K- expressing osteoclasts at the chondro-osseous junction, increased invasive marrow cavities, and suboptimal subchondral bone. Mutant glenoid fossa, disc, synovial cells, and condyles displayed higher Hyaluronan synthase 2 expression. Mutant discs also lost their characteristic concave shape, exhibited ectopic chondrocyte differentiation, and occasionally adhered to condylar surfaces. A fibrinoid substance of unclear origin often covered the condylar surface. By 6 months of age, mutant condyles displayed osteoarthritic degradation with apical/mid-zone separation. In sum, lubricin exerts multiple essential direct and indirect roles to preserve TMJ structural and cellular integrity over post-natal life.
Unaffordable housing and local employment growth: Evidence from California municipalities
Authors: Chakrabarti Ritashree , Zhang Junfu
Published: May 2014

It is widely believed that unaffordable housing could drive businesses away and thus impede job growth. However, there is little evidence to support this view. This paper presents a simple model to clarify how housing affordability is linked to employment growth and why unaffordable housing could negatively affect employment growth. The paper then investigates this effect empirically using data on California municipalities. For various reasons, a simple correlation between unaffordable housing and employment growth cannot be interpreted as causal. Several empirical strategies are employed to identify the causal effect of unaffordable housing on employment growth. The estimation results provide consistent evidence that unaffordable housing indeed slows local employment growth.
Reconstituting the state: City powers and exposures in Chicago’s infrastructure leases
Authors: Ashton Philip , Doussard Marc , Weber Rachel
Published: May 2014

In the 2000s, cities across North America began leasing existing infrastructure to global investment consortia. Previous evaluations of infrastructure leases focus on the lack of transparency of the privatisation process and the terms of the arrangements negotiated by the public sector and the private concessionaires. In this research, we argue that such approaches fall short by failing to investigate the significant repositioning of the local state relative to financial markets produced by their involvement in major asset lease deals. We develop this argument through a case study of the institutional transformation of the City of Chicago, the US’s most aggressive instigator of infrastructure asset leases. Even as the concession agreements seemingly protect the City from the claims of investors, creditors and counterparties and provide it with new powers, they enmesh the City in a set of financial relationships that expose it to liabilities not accounted for in lease agreements and create an institutional bias towards managing the collateral effects of financialisation.
Stereotype Transmission and Maintenance Through Interpersonal Communication
Authors: Burgers Christian , Beukeboom Camiel J.
Published: May 2014

In interpersonal communication, stereotypes are predominantly transmitted through language. Linguistic bias theory presupposes that speakers systematically vary their language when communicating stereotype-consistent and stereotype-inconsistent information. We investigate whether these findings can be extended to verbal irony use. The irony bias posits that irony is more appropriate to communicate stereotype-inconsistent than stereotype-consistent information. Three experiments support this hypothesis by showing that irony is found more appropriate (Experiments 1-2) and used more often (Experiment 3) in stereotype-inconsistent than in stereotype-consistent situations. Furthermore, linguistic biases have important communicative consequences, because they implicitly serve to maintain stereotypic expectancies. Experiment 4 shows that irony shares this characteristic with other linguistic biases, in that irony—compared to literal language—leads to more external attribution. Taken together, these results indicate that stereotypic expectancies are subtly revealed and confirmed by verbal irony, and that verbal irony plays an important role in stereotype communication and maintenance.
Mothering From Prison and Ideologies of Intensive Parenting
Authors: Granja Rafaela , da Cunha Manuela Ivone P. , Machado Helena
Published: May 2014

“Intensive parenting” ideologies have been increasingly disseminated in popular culture, expert discourses, and social policy. These have impacted particularly mothers owing to their actual or presumed central role in child rearing. One of the main features of these ideologies is an increasing apportioning of rights and responsibilities to families without taking into account the resources needed to sustain the work of caring according to dominant social expectations. Drawing on 20 interviews in a Portuguese female prison, this article explores how mothering is enacted by underprivileged and criminalized women. Data show a complex web of tensions between the norms implicit in “intensive parenting” ideologies and the actual practices, which imprisoned mothers can accomplish. In their mothering from prison, women enact vulnerable resistance to the penal policies that undermine their primary role in child rearing. That is, prisoners creatively negotiate a space within which they can define themselves as “good mothers.”
African American Women and Prenatal Care
Authors: Dahlem Chin Hwa Y. , Villarruel Antonia M. , Ronis David L.
Published: May 2014

Poor patient–provider interaction among racial/ethnic minorities is associated with disparities in health care. In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, we examine African American women’s perspectives and experiences of patient–provider interaction (communication and perceived discrimination) during their initial prenatal visit and their influences on perceptions of care received and prenatal health behaviors. Pregnant African American women ( n = 204) and their providers ( n = 21) completed a pre- and postvisit questionnaire at the initial prenatal visit. Women were also interviewed face to face at the subsequent return visit. Women perceived high quality patient–provider communication (PPC) and perceived low discrimination in their interaction with providers. Multiple regression analyses showed that PPC had a positive effect on trust in provider ( p < .001) and on prenatal care satisfaction ( p < .001) but not on adherence to selected prenatal health behaviors. Findings suggest that quality PPC improves the prenatal care experience for African American women.
Remarkable 23-year survival after bilateral thoracic melanoma metastasectomy
Authors: Sader Albert A , Rodrigues Alfredo J , Vicente Walter WV , Chahud Fernando , Monteiro Aurelio Julião C , Evora Paulo Roberto B
Published: May 2014

The prognosis of patients with metastatic melanoma is poor, with an annual risk of death of approximately 20% during the first 3 years. The survival average is only 6 to 8 months, and the 5-year survival rate is around 5%. This report describes a remarkable clinical outcome of complete resection of pulmonary metastatic melanoma. The 72-year-old woman is still alive without relapse 27 years after the initial diagnosis and 23 years after the last tumor excision. This remarkable outcome would indicate that the tumor cell population was composed of a particular metastatic phenotype.
Premature atrial contraction as a predictor of postoperative atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hashimoto Makoto , Yamauchi Akihiko , Inoue Satomi
Published: May 2014

Background

Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurs in 20%–60% of patients after cardiac surgery. Recently, premature atrial contraction has been considered an initiator of atrial fibrillation. This study evaluated whether the frequency of premature atrial contractions predicts the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Methods

The subjects of this study were 70 patients with no history of atrial fibrillation who had undergone a 24-h Holter electrocardiogram before off-pump coronary artery bypass. Their records were reviewed and postoperative electrocardiograms and telemetry strips were analyzed for postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Results

Postoperative atrial fibrillation was documented in 22 (31.4%) patients. The frequency of preoperative premature atrial contractions was significantly higher in the postoperative atrial fibrillation group (4128 ± 7186 vs. 69 ± 221 beats/24 h, p < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation increased with the frequency of preoperative premature atrial contractions which occurred in 60% of patients in the upper 50th percentile group of preoperative premature atrial contractions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the upper 50th percentile group of preoperative premature atrial contractions (odds ratio = 67; 95% confidence interval: 5.51–838; p = 0.001) to be an independent predictor of postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

A high frequency of preoperative premature atrial contractions is a strong independent predictor of postoperative atrial fibrillation in off-pump coronary artery bypass.