bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dependence of the Reactivity of Silicon Dioxide Layers on the Porous Structure
Authors: Dultsev Fedor N.
Published: July 2013

The effect of porosity on chemical reactivity can be considered in two respects: the first one is connected with the developed surface, so that the reaction proceeds not at the interface but over the volume; this phenomenon may be called macro-structural effect. The second effect is due to the change of the electronic structure of surface atoms, which causes the change of their chemical properties. This is micro-structural effect. A decrease in pore radius (down to less than 1 nm) causes distortions of the electronic structure of surface atoms, in particular due to strain, so any assessment of the reactivity of surface atoms is to rely on the consideration of changes in their electronic structure. It was demonstrated by modelling that the most probable mechanism of the passivation of the surface of alkyl-doped silicon dioxide layers under the action of VUV radiation is the impact on CH3 groups. The proposed mechanism adequately explains the experimental FTIR spectra and the change of the reactivity of porous layers after VUV treatment.
Formation of Area and Thickness Controlled Porous Type Aluminum Anodic Oxide Films by Sf-MDC
Authors: Sakairi Masatoshi , Yamaguchi Tomoya , Murata Takuya , Fushimi Koji
Published: July 2013

The solution flow type micro-droplet cell (Sf-MDC) was applied to local anodizing for formation of thickness and width controlled porous type aluminum oxide films. The effect of substrate temperature and repetition number of droplet on the film formation behavior was investigated. Formed oxide film thickness increased with both increasing substrate temperature and repetition number. The current during anodizing decreases with inverse of substrate temperature. Controlling the substrate temperature and the repetition number make it possible to form area and thickness controlled porous type aluminum anodic oxide films.
Concentration Effect on Anodizing Aluminum Oxide Formation and Its Application in Fabrication of Fish-Bone Like Nanochannels
Authors: Huang Bin , Guo Yifu , Tian Yunlong , Wen Yanwei , Shan Bin , Chen Rong
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we report a systematic study on the influence of oxalic acid concentration on the structural feature of anodic aluminum oxide including pore size, inter pore distance and growth rate. Our results show that the main effect of oxalic acid electrolyte is to enhance the growth rate, with little effect on pore size and inter pore distance distributions. High electrolyte concentration could also promote the branched growth of AAO during a voltage lowering process, which opens new avenue for the fabrication of new types of nanostructured channels. As an illustration, we demonstrate the formation of “fish-bone” like AAO nanochannels by optimizing the growth condition, and show its superior hydrophilicity which allows improved pore filtration for template synthesis.
Probing the regional distribution of pulmonary gas exchange through single-breath gas- and dissolved-phase 129Xe MR imaging
Authors: Kaushik S. Sivaram , Freeman Matthew S. , Cleveland Zackary I. , Davies John , Stiles Jane , Virgincar Rohan S. , Robertson Scott H. , He Mu , Kelly Kevin T. , Foster W. Michael , McAdams H. Page , Driehuys Bastiaan
Published: July 2013

Although some central aspects of pulmonary function (ventilation and perfusion) are known to be heterogeneous, the distribution of diffusive gas exchange remains poorly characterized. A solution is offered by hyperpolarized 129Xe magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, because this gas can be separately detected in the lung's air spaces and dissolved in its tissues. Early dissolved-phase 129Xe images exhibited intensity gradients that favored the dependent lung. To quantitatively corroborate this finding, we developed an interleaved, three-dimensional radial sequence to image the gaseous and dissolved 129Xe distributions in the same breath. These images were normalized and divided to calculate “129Xe gas-transfer” maps. We hypothesized that, for healthy volunteers, 129Xe gas-transfer maps would retain the previously observed posture-dependent gradients. This was tested in nine subjects: when the subjects were supine, 129Xe gas transfer exhibited a posterior-anterior gradient of −2.00 ± 0.74%/cm; when the subjects were prone, the gradient reversed to 1.94 ± 1.14%/cm ( P < 0.001). The 129Xe gas-transfer maps also exhibited significant heterogeneity, as measured by the coefficient of variation, that correlated with subject total lung capacity ( r = 0.77, P = 0.015). Gas-transfer intensity varied nonmonotonically with slice position and increased in slices proximal to the main pulmonary arteries. Despite substantial heterogeneity, the mean gas transfer for all subjects was 1.00 ± 0.01 while supine and 1.01 ± 0.01 while prone ( P = 0.25), indicating good “matching” between gas- and dissolved-phase distributions. This study demonstrates that single-breath gas- and dissolved-phase 129Xe MR imaging yields 129Xe gas-transfer maps that are sensitive to altered gas exchange caused by differences in lung inflation and posture.
Time course of diaphragm function recovery after controlled mechanical ventilation in rats
Authors: Thomas Debby , Maes Karen , Agten Anouk , Heunks Leo , Dekhuijzen Richard , Decramer Marc , Van Hees Hieronymus , Gayan-Ramirez Ghislaine
Published: July 2013

Controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) is known to result in rapid and severe diaphragmatic dysfunction, but the recovery response of the diaphragm to normal function after CMV is unknown. Therefore, we examined the time course of diaphragm function recovery in an animal model of CMV. Healthy rats were submitted to CMV for 24–27 h ( n = 16), or to 24-h CMV followed by either 1 h (CMV + 1 h SB, n = 9), 2 h (CMV + 2 h SB, n = 9), 3 h (CMV + 3 h SB, n = 9), or 4–7 h (CMV + 4–7 h SB, n = 9) of spontaneous breathing (SB). At the end of the experiment, the diaphragm muscle was excised for functional and biochemical analysis. The in vitro diaphragm force was significantly improved in the CMV + 3 h SB and CMV + 4–7 h SB groups compared with CMV (maximal tetanic force: +27%, P < 0.05, and +59%, P < 0.001, respectively). This was associated with an increase in the type IIx/b fiber dimensions ( P < 0.05). Neutrophil influx was increased in the CMV + 4–7 h SB group ( P < 0.05), while macrophage numbers remained unchanged. Markers of protein synthesis (phosphorylated Akt and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1) were significantly increased (±40%, P < 0.001, and ±52%, P < 0.01, respectively) in the CMV + 3 h SB and CMV + 4–7 h SB groups and were positively correlated with diaphragm force ( P < 0.05). Finally, also the maximal specific force generation of skinned single diaphragm fibers was increased in the CMV + 4–7 h SB group compared with CMV (+45%, P < 0.05). In rats, reloading the diaphragm for 3 h after CMV is sufficient to improve diaphragm function, while complete recovery occurs after longer periods of reloading. Enhanced muscle fiber dimensions, increased protein synthesis, and improved intrinsic contractile properties of diaphragm muscle fibers may have contributed to diaphragm function recovery.
microRNA-224 Promotes Cell Proliferation and Tumor Growth in Human Colorectal Cancer by Repressing PHLPP1 and PHLPP2
Authors: Liao Wen-Ting , Li Ting-Ting , Wang Zheng-Gen , Wang Shu-Yang , He Mei-Rong , Ye Ya-Ping , Qi Lu , Cui Yan-Mei , Wu Ping , Jiao Hong-Li , Zhang Chi , Xie Yi-Jun , Wang Jun-Xian , Ding Yan-Qing
Published: July 2013

Purpose: To investigate the clinicopathologic significance, role, and mechanism of action of microRNA-224 (miR-224) in colorectal cancer.

Experimental Design: Real-time PCR was used to quantify miR-224 expression. The association of miR-224 with the clinicopathologic features and survival was evaluated in 110 colorectal cancer patients. The role of miR-224 in colorectal cancer was investigated using in vitro and in vivo assays. Luciferase reporter assays were conducted to confirm target gene associations.

Results: miR-224 was overexpressed in colorectal cancer. High-level expression of miR-224 was significantly associated with an aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis. Overexpression of miR-224 promoted colorectal cancer cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Specifically, miR-224 accelerated the G1–S phase transition through activation of AKT/FOXO3a signaling, downregulation of p21Cip1 and p27Kip1, and upregulation of cyclin D1. Moreover, both PH domain leucine-rich-repeats protein phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1) and PHLPP2, antagonists of PI3K/AKT signaling, were confirmed as bona fide targets of miR-224. miR-224 directly targeted the 3′-untranslated regions of the PHLPP1 and PHLPP2 mRNAs and repressed their expression.

Conclusion: This study reveals functional and mechanistic links between miRNA-224 and the tumor suppressors PHLPP1 and PHLPP2 in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. miR-224 not only plays important roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and tumor growth in colorectal cancer, but also has potential as a prognostic marker or therapeutic target for colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 19(17); 4662–72. ©2013 AACR.
Health Technology Assessment of Computer-Assisted Pap Test Screening in Italy
Authors: Dalla Palma Paolo , Moresco Luca , Giorgi Rossi Paolo ,   and Working Group Authors
Published: July 2013

Objective: To assess the introduction of computer-assisted Pap test screening in cervical cancer screening. Various scenarios are considered: conventional and liquid-based cytology (LBC) slides, fully automatic instrumentation (Becton Dickinson FocalPoint™ Slide Profiler and Hologic ThinPrep® Imaging System), and semiautomatic scanner (Hologic Integrated Imager I-Squared). Methods: A working group was formed that included researchers from the largest centers already using instrumentation. A questionnaire on laboratory management and on social/ethical issues and annual workload was proposed. Prices for the technology were obtained directly from the producers; costs were calculated from observed and literature data. The scope of the report and final draft were submitted to a consulting committee of stakeholders. Results: The break-even point was found to be 49,000 cases/year, if conventional slides were used, while it was near the theoretical maximum capacity, 70,000 cases/year, with LBC slides. Efficiency increased with the volume of slides. Screening time decreased by two thirds for conventional slides and by less than half for LBC slides. Acceptance of the instrumentation by the users was good. Conclusions: Computer-assisted screening may increase productivity even if in most situations it will mean additional costs. Furthermore, primary screening with human papillomavirus tests will drastically reduce the need for Pap test reading.
Inflammatory Activation after Experimental Cardiac Tamponade
Authors: Vass A. , Süveges G. , Érces D. , Nógrády M. , Varga G. , Földesi I. , Futakuchi M. , Imai M. , Okada N. , Okada H. , Boros M. , Kaszaki J.
Published: July 2013

Background/Purpose: Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency situation associated with a high rate of life-threatening complications, even after immediate interventions. Our aim was to characterize the acute inflammatory consequences of this event in a clinically relevant large animal model. Methods: Cardiac tamponade was induced for 60 min in anesthetized, ventilated and thoracotomized minipigs by intrapericardial fluid administration, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) being maintained in the interval of 40-45 mm Hg (n = 8). A further group (n = 7) served as sham-operated control. The global macrohemodynamics, including the right- and left-heart end-diastolic volumes (RHEDV and LHEDV), the pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) flow, were monitored for 240 min, and the intestinal microcirculatory changes (pCO2 gap) were evaluated by indirect tonometry. Blood samples were taken for the determination of cardiac troponin T and vasoactive inflammatory mediators, including histamine, nitrite/nitrate, big-endothelin, superoxide and high-mobility group box protein-1 levels in association with intestinal leukocyte and complement activation. Results: The cardiac tamponade induced significant decreases in MAP, cardiac output, LHEDV and SMA flow, while the PVRI and the pCO2 gap increased significantly. After the removal of fluid from the pericardial sac, the MAP and the LHEDV were decreased, while the PVRI and the pCO2 gap remained elevated when compared with those in the sham-operated group. In the posttamponade period, the abrupt release of inflammatory mediators was accompanied by a significant splanchnic leukocyte accumulation and complement activation. Conclusions: The macrocirculatory and splanchnic microcirculatory disturbances were accompanied by a significant proinflammatory reaction; endothelin and the complement system may be significant components of the inflammatory cascade that is activated in this porcine model of pericardial tamponade.
CCR5 and FPR1 Mediate Neutrophil Recruitment in Endotoxin-Induced Lung Injury
Authors: Grommes Jochen , Drechsler Maik , Soehnlein Oliver
Published: July 2013

Recruitment of neutrophils, regarded as a key mechanism in acute lung injury (ALI), is orchestrated by cell adhesion molecules and chemokines. While the importance of cell adhesion molecules has been carefully investigated, little is known about the importance of chemokines and their receptors in the recruitment of neutrophils in models of ALI. Wild-type Ccr2-/-, Ccr5-/-, Fpr1-/- or Fpr2-/- mice were exposed to aerosolized lipopolysaccharide and the number of neutrophils in the lung tissue (intravascular, interstitial) and in the bronchoalveolar lavage was quantified. Lack of CCR5 or FPR1, but not CCR2 or FPR2, significantly reduced lung neutrophil infiltration in all compartments. Similarly, blockade of CCR5 or FPR1 with specific antagonists reduced counts of alveolar, interstitial and intravascular neutrophils. Such treatments also inhibited lung edema formation and histological lung tissue alterations, thus underscoring the protective role of CCR5 and FPR1 neutralizing strategies in ALI.
The Prevalence of the Risk Factors for Atherosclerosis among Type 2 Diabetic Patients Is Greater in the Progressive Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ito Hiroyuki , Antoku Shinichi , Furusho Masahide , Shinozaki Masahiro , Abe Mariko , Mifune Mizuo , Togane Michiko , Ito Kiyoko , Sanaka Tsutomu
Published: July 2013

Background/Aims: The prevalence of the risk factors for atherosclerosis, other than diabetes mellitus, among type 2 diabetic patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) determined by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was investigated. Methods: The prevalence of ten risk factors (age ≥65 years, history of smoking, male gender, obesity, albuminuria, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia, hyperuricemia and anemia) was determined in 2,107 Japanese type 2 diabetic patients with different stages of CKD (six stages according to GFR). Results: The risk factors for age ≥65 years and male gender were found in 49 and 62% of the study subjects, respectively. The percentages of subjects with a current history of smoking, obesity, albuminuria, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia, hyperuricemia and anemia were 35, 44, 47, 70, 61, 13, 21 and 26%, respectively. The prevalence of age ≥65 years, male gender, albuminuria, hypertension, hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia, hyperuricemia and anemia was greater in the later stages of GFR, whereas the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and obesity did not differ between stages. The prevalence of a current history of smoking was lower in the later stages of GFR. The cumulative number of risk factors increased from 3.1 to 6.8 in the later stages of GFR. Conclusion: Among type 2 diabetic patients with CKD, the total number of risk factors increases with the progression of renal dysfunction. It is important to pay attention to newly recognized risk factors for hyperuricemia and anemia, in addition to hypertension, albuminuria and hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia, in monitoring diabetic patients with later stages of CKD.
The perioperative management of new direct oral anticoagulants: a question without answers
Authors: Castillo Jordi , Andrés José de , Gomar Carmen , Gómez-Luque Aurelio , Hidalgo Francisco , Llau Juan V. , Sierra Pilar , Torres Luis M. , Ferrandis Raquel
Published: July 2013

New direct oral anticoagulant agents (DOAC) are currently licensed for thromboprophylaxis after hip and knee arthroplasty and for longterm prevention of thromboembolic events in non-valvular atrial fibrillation as well as treatment and secondary prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism. Some other medical indications are emerging. Thus, anaesthesiologists are increasingly likely to encounter patients on these drugs who need elective or emergency surgery. Due to the lack of experience and data, the management of DOAC in the perioperative period is controversial. In this article, we review available information and recommendations regarding the periprocedural management of the currently most clinically developed DOAC, apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban. We discuss two trends of managing patients on DOAC for elective surgery. The first is stopping the DOAC 1–5 days before surgery (depending on the drug, patient and bleeding risk) without bridging. The second is stopping the DOAC 5 days preoperatively and bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin. The management of patients on DOAC needing emergency surgery is also reviewed. As no data exist for the use of haemostatic products for the reversal of the anticoagulant effect in these cases, rescue treatment recommendations are proposed.
Structural analysis of protein Z gene variants in patients with foetal losses
Authors: Caliandro Rocco , Nico Giovanni , Tiscia Giovanni , Favuzzi Giovanni , De Stefano Valerio , Rossi Elena , Margaglione Maurizio , Grandone Elvira
Published: July 2013

The role of protein Z (PZ) in the etiology of human disorders is unclear. A number of PZ gene variants, sporadic or polymorphic and found exclusively in the serine protease domain, have been observed. Crystal structures of PZ in complex with the PZ-dependent inhibitor (PZI) have been recently obtained. The aim of this study was a structural investigation of the serine protease PZ domain, aiming at finding common traits across disease-linked mutations. We performed 10–20 ns molecular dynamics for each of the observed PZ mutants to investigate their structure in aqueous solution. Simulation data were processed by novel tools to analyse the residue-by-residue backbone flexibility. Results showed that sporadic mutations are associated with anomalous flexibility of residues belonging to specific regions. Among them, the most important is a loop region which is in contact with the longest helix of PZI. Other regions have been identified, which hold anomalous flexibility associated with potentially protective gene variants. In conclusion, a possible interpretation of effects associated with observed gene variants is provided. The exploration of PZ/PZI interactions seems essential in explaining these effects.
Platelets are a previously unrecognised source of MIF
Authors: Wirtz Theresa , Bucala Richard , Hundelshausen Philipp von , Strüßmann Tim , Tillmann Sabine , Bernhagen Jürgen
Published: July 2013

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an inflammatory cytokine with chemokine-like functions and a role in atherogenesis. MIF is secreted by various cells including endothelial cells and macrophages. Platelets are another prominent cell type with a role in atherogenesis and are a rich source of atherogenic chemokines. We asked whether platelets express and secrete MIF. In comparison, CXCL12 release was determined. We examined the subcellular localisation of MIF in platelets/ megakaryocytes, studied its co-localisation with other plateletderived mediators and asked whether platelets contain MIF mRNA. Moreover, we probed the functional role of platelet-derived MIF in inflammatory cell recruitment. Using Western blot and ELISA, we demonstrated and quantitated MIF protein in human and mouse platelets. Applying confocal-microscopy, MIF was found to localise in granularlike structures, but did not co-localise with known platelet cytokines. qPCR indicated that platelets contain low levels of MIF mRNA. ELISA measurements from human platelet supernatants showed that, whereas thrombin and collagen triggered the release of MIF and CXCL12, ADP and oxidised LDL promoted CXCL12 but not MIF secretion. Using Transwell assays, we demonstrated that platelet supernatants promoted monocyte chemotaxis and that this was blocked by neutralising MIF antibodies. This is the first report demonstrating MIF secretion from activated platelets, suggesting that platelets are a previously unrecognised source of MIF in inflammatory processes. There are distinct activating stimuli for MIF and CXCL12 secretion. A substantial portion of the chemotactic capacity of stimulated platelet supernatants is contributed by MIF, suggesting a role for platelet-derived MIF in atherogenic cell recruitment.
Dynamics of case-fatalilty rates of recurrent thromboembolism and major bleeding in patients treated for venous thromboembolism
Authors: Alfonso Ana , Jiménez David , Capitán Carmen Fernández , Prandoni Paolo , Wells Philip S. , Vidal Gemma , Barillari Giovanni , Monreal Manuel , Lecumberri Ramón ,   and the RIETE Investigators
Published: July 2013

In patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), assessment of the risk of fatal recurrent VTE and fatal bleeding during anticoagulation may help to guide intensity and duration of therapy. We aimed to provide estimates of the case-fatality rate (CFR) of recurrent VTE and major bleeding during anticoagulation in a ‘real life’ population, and to assess these outcomes according to the initial presentation of VTE and its etiology. The study included 41,826 patients with confirmed VTE from the RIETE registry who received different durations of anticoagulation (mean 7.8 ± 0.6 months). During 27,110 patient-years, the CFR was 12.1% (95% CI, 10.2–14.2) for recurrent VTE, and 19.7% (95% CI, 17.4–22.1) for major bleeding. During the first three months of anticoagulant therapy, the CFR of recurrent VTE was 16.1% (95% CI, 13.6–18.9), compared to 2.0% (95% CI, 0–4.2) beyond this period. The CFR of bleeding was 20.2% (95% CI, 17.5–23.1) during the first three months, compared to 18.2% (95% CI, 14.0–23.2) beyond this period. The CFR of recurrent VTE was higher in patients initially presenting with PE (18.5%; 95% CI, 15.3–22.1) than in those with DVT (6.3%; 95% CI, 4.5–8.6), and in patients with provoked VTE (16.3%; 95% CI, 13.6–19.4) than in those with unprovoked VTE (5.5%; 95% CI, 3.5–8.0). In conclusion, the CFR of recurrent VTE decreased over time during anticoagulation, while the CFR of major bleeding remained stable. The CFR of recurrent VTE was higher in patients initially presenting with PE and in those with provoked VTE.
Hepatic Remnant Lipoprotein Clearance by Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans and Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptors Depend on Dietary Conditions in Mice
Authors: Foley Erin M. , Gordts Philip L.S.M. , Stanford Kristin I. , Gonzales Jon C. , Lawrence Roger , Stoddard Nicole , Esko Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2013

Objective—

Chylomicron and very low-density lipoprotein remnants are cleared from the circulation in the liver by heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) receptors (syndecan-1), the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and LDLR-related protein-1 (LRP1), but the relative contribution of each class of receptors under different dietary conditions remains unclear.

Approach and Results—

Triglyceride-rich lipoprotein clearance was measured in
AlbCre
+
Ndst1
f/f
,
Ldlr
−/−
, and
AlbCre
+
Lrp1
f/f
mice and mice containing combinations of these mutations. Triglyceride measurements in single and double mutant mice showed that HSPGs and LDLR dominate clearance under fasting conditions and postprandial conditions, but LRP1 contributes significantly when LDLR is absent. Mice lacking hepatic expression of all 3 receptors (
AlbCre
+
Ndst1
f/f
Lrp1
f/f
Ldlr
−/−
) displayed dramatic hyperlipidemia (870±270 mg triglyceride/dL; 1300±350 mg of total cholesterol/dL) and exhibited persistent elevated postprandial triglyceride levels because of reduced hepatic clearance. Analysis of the particles accumulating in mutants showed that HSPGs preferentially clear a subset of small triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (≈20–40 nm diameter), whereas LDLR and LRP1 clear larger particles (≈40–60 nm diameter). Finally, we show that HSPGs play a major role in clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in mice fed normal chow or under postprandial conditions but seem to play a less significant role on a high-fat diet.

Conclusions—

These data show that HSPGs, LDLR, and LRP1 clear distinct subsets of particles, that HSPGs work independently of LDLR and LRP1, and that HSPGs, LDLR, and LRP1 are the 3 major hepatic triglyceride-rich lipoprotein clearance receptors in mice.
Cyclophilin A Is Required for Angiotensin II–Induced p47phox Translocation to Caveolae in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Soe Nwe Nwe , Sowden Mark , Baskaran Padmamalini , Smolock Elaine M. , Kim Yeonghwan , Nigro Patrizia , Berk Bradford C.
Published: July 2013

Objective—

Angiotensin II (AngII) signal transduction in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cyclophilin A (CyPA) is a ubiquitously expressed cytosolic protein that possesses peptidyl-prolyl
cis-trans
isomerase activity, scaffold function, and significantly enhances AngII-induced ROS production in VSMC. We hypothesized that CyPA regulates AngII-induced ROS generation by promoting translocation of NADPH oxidase cytosolic subunit p47phox to caveolae of the plasma membrane.

Approach and Results—

Overexpression of CyPA in CyPA-deficient VSMC (CyPA
−/−
VSMC) significantly increased AngII-stimulated ROS production. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibitors (VAS2870 or diphenylene iodonium) significantly attenuated AngII-induced ROS production in CyPA and p47phox-overexpressing CyPA
−/−
VSMC. Cell fractionation and sucrose gradient analyses showed that AngII-induced p47phox plasma membrane translocation, specifically to the caveolae, was reduced in CyPA
−/−
VSMC compared with wild-type–VSMC. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that AngII increased p47phox and CyPA colocalization and translocation to the plasma membrane. In addition, immunoprecipitation of CyPA followed by immunoblotting of p47phox and actin showed that AngII increased CyPA and p47phox interaction. AngII-induced p47phox and actin cell cytoskeleton association was attenuated in CyPA
−/−
VSMC. Mechanistically, inhibition of p47phox phosphorylation and phox homology domain deletion attenuated CyPA and p47phox interaction. Finally, cyclosporine A and CyPA-peptidyl-prolyl
cis-trans
isomerase mutant, R55A, inhibited AngII-stimulated CyPA and p47phox association in VSMC, suggesting that peptidyl-prolyl
cis-trans
isomerase activity was required for their interaction.

Conclusions—

These findings provide the mechanism by which CyPA is an important regulator for AngII-induced ROS generation in VSMC through interaction with p47phox and cell cytoskeleton, which enhances the translocation of p47phox to caveolae.
Le juge et la coutume internationale : perspective de l’Union européenne et de la Cour de justice
Authors: Malenovský Jiří
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Jiří Malenovský presents the perspective of the European Union (EU) and of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) with regard to the issue of the judge and international custom. His presentation focuses notably on (I) the EU’s contribution to the formation of customary rules and on (II) the various approaches taken by the CJEU over time as to the binding force of international custom in the EU’s legal order. Furthermore, Jiří Malenovský illustrates (III) the various degrees of openness towards international custom in the case-law of the CJEU. He also presents (IV) the criteria used by the CJEU in its cautious attempts to identify both the existence and the content of the rules of international customary law. Finally, he provides information with regard to (V) the CJEU’s evaluation of the direct effect/applicability and enforceability of customary international rules.
A Long-Term Hydrologically Based Dataset of Land Surface Fluxes and States for the Conterminous United States: Update and Extensions
Authors: Livneh Ben , Rosenberg Eric A. , Lin Chiyu , Nijssen Bart , Mishra Vimal , Andreadis Kostas M. , Maurer Edwin P. , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: July 2013

This paper describes a publicly available, long-term (1915–2011), hydrologically consistent dataset for the conterminous United States, intended to aid in studies of water and energy exchanges at the land surface. These data are gridded at a spatial resolution of [Formula: see text] latitude/longitude and are derived from daily temperature and precipitation observations from approximately 20 000 NOAA Cooperative Observer (COOP) stations. The available meteorological data include temperature, precipitation, and wind, as well as derived humidity and downwelling solar and infrared radiation estimated via algorithms that index these quantities to the daily mean temperature, temperature range, and precipitation, and disaggregate them to 3-hourly time steps. Furthermore, the authors employ the variable infiltration capacity (VIC) model to produce 3-hourly estimates of soil moisture, snow water equivalent, discharge, and surface heat fluxes. Relative to an earlier similar dataset by Maurer and others, the improved dataset has 1) extended the period of analysis (1915–2011 versus 1950–2000), 2) increased the spatial resolution from ⅛° to [Formula: see text], and 3) used an updated version of VIC. The previous dataset has been widely used in water and energy budget studies, climate change assessments, drought reconstructions, and for many other purposes. It is anticipated that the spatial refinement and temporal extension will be of interest to a wide cross section of the scientific community.
Dominant Modes of Wintertime Upper-Tropospheric Temperature Variations over Asia and Links to Surface Climate
Authors: Jiang Xingwen , Yang Song , Li Yueqing , Ke Zongjian , Li Jianping , Hu Haoran
Published: July 2013

In this study, the authors investigate the variations and predictability of wintertime upper-tropospheric temperature (UTT) over Asia, which are often linked to severe climate anomalies, and the associated features of large-scale circulation and surface climate. The ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) and hindcast of the NCEP Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2), are mainly analyzed.

The first empirical orthogonal function mode of UTT shows a dipole structure, with a strong positive center over southern China and a weak negative center over Mongolia. The second mode is featured by a monopole variation, with a positive center appearing from the northwestern Tibetan Plateau (TP) to Japan. The third mode exhibits a tripole pattern, with two positive centers over Pakistan and the Sea of Japan and a negative center over central Asia. The first mode is linked to El Niño–Southern Oscillation, accompanied by surface warming over the southeastern TP and deficient precipitation over southern China, the Korean Peninsula, and from equatorial East Africa to the east of the TP. The second mode is associated with circulation anomalies similar to those associated with the Arctic Oscillation, with significant warming over East Asia. The third mode features two wave trains and is linked to the Middle East jet stream, and is associated with excessive precipitation from the eastern TP to southern Japan. The CFSv2 can predict the first mode skillfully by several months in advance, but it shows little skill in predicting the second and third modes.
Application of an isocratic methanol-based HPLC method for the determination of iohexol concentrations and glomerular filtration rate in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Slack Andrew , Tredger Michael , Brown Nigel , Corcoran Benjamin , Moore Kevin
Published: July 2013

Background

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and mortality is more accurately determined by gold standard measures than serum creatinine-based estimates in cirrhosis. No formal validation of any gold standard method has been reported.

Methods

An isocratic methanol-based method incorporating the reference standard iohexol-related compound C was developed and validated in 12 patients with cirrhosis by simultaneously determining GFR using iohexol and chromium-51 labelled ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (51Cr-EDTA) clearance. Iohexol pharmacokinetics was also studied with the collection of blood and ascitic fluid at intervals following an iohexol bolus.

Results

Triplicate assays produced a linear calibration curve ( R2 = 0.99, N = 5) over an iohexol concentration range of 23.6–755 µg/L. Mean (range) extraction recovery of iohexol from serum was greater than 95% (94–97%), with an intra-day coefficient of variation less than 3%. Twelve patients with cirrhosis with mean Child-Pugh score of 9 displayed a mean difference (bias) −1.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (−18 to + 16) comparing iohexol with 51Cr-EDTA. Iohexol equilibrated between blood and ascitic compartments after 4 h.

Conclusion

A simple, cheap, and accurate isocratic, methanol-based method for the determination of iohexol concentrations is described, validated according to Food and Drug Administration guidance. Iohexol demonstrated comparable performance with 51Cr-EDTA in determining GFR. Delayed equilibrium of iohexol between blood and ascitic compartments suggests sampling beyond 4 h would improve accuracy of GFR determinations in patients with cirrhosis.
Sociology of everyday life
Authors: Kalekin-Fishman Devorah
Published: July 2013

Everyday life has inspired much sociological theory and is now a recognized branch of the discipline. Here we trace evidence of the salience of everyday life in general sociological theory, look critically at theories specific to analyses of everyday life; then survey recent research. In closing, we look to the future of the field.
Identities on call: Impact of impression management on Indian call center agents
Authors: Raghuram Sumita
Published: July 2013

Call center agents located in India present themselves at work in a manner that stands in stark contrast to their non-work identities. The impression management tactics they use include using Western names, foreign accents, and scripts that convey physical proximity to customers. This study examines the cognitive demands placed on call center agents as they manage such impressions. The data show that the cultural differences between customers and agents and the use of a telephone as a communication medium intensified demands on agents. In coping with these demands, the agents reassessed their work and non-work identities. At one end of the continuum, some of the call center agents segmented their non-work identities from their work identities. At the other end, call center agents chose to experiment with and incorporate parts of their work identities into their non-work identities, thereby creating hybrid identities. This article discusses implications of these findings for impression management and identity exploration.
Supporting ‘superwomen’? Conflicting role prescriptions, gender-equality arrangements and career motivation among Dutch women physicians
Authors: Pas Berber , Peters Pascale , Doorewaard Hans , Eisinga Rob , Lagro-Janssen Toine
Published: July 2013

Women physicians are confronted with incompatible gendered role prescriptions, whereby the role of the ‘ideal’ mother contrasts sharply with that of the ‘ideal’ physician. This study introduces four goal frames that reflect how women physicians internalize these conflicting role prescriptions and investigates the relationship between women’s goal frames and their career motivation. It also examines the relationship between gender-equality arrangements – inspired by the same underlying ideals – and women physicians’ career motivation, and whether these arrangements moderate the relationship between goal frames and career motivation. Cross-sectional data on 1070 Dutch women physicians collected in 2008 indicate that women physicians with switching goal frames (i.e. those who want to live up to both ideals) are no less career-motivated than women with one dominant goal frame. However, gender-equality arrangements mainly seem to support women physicians who prioritize one role over the other. No evidence was found that gender-equality arrangements support those who try to combine conflicting role expectations.
City-regionalism as a Politics of Collective Provision: Regional Transport Infrastructure in Denver, USA
Authors: Jonas Andrew E. G. , Goetz Andrew R. , Bhattacharjee Sutapa
Published: July 2013

The rise of the city-region concept has focused attention on the nature of territorial politics underpinning city-regionalism. This paper investigates the relationship between territorial politics, city-regionalism and the collective provision of mass transport infrastructure in the USA. It deploys a case study of the Denver region, examining the state and governance structures driving forward FasTracks, a long-term project to expand the Denver Regional Transportation District’s light and commuter rail system. FasTracks represents a programme to retrofit the Denver city-region for integrated mass transit but its funding has fostered tensions around new regionalist governance arrangements. The paper uses the findings of the case study to reflect upon the balance of bottom–up versus top–down geopolitical forces shaping the landscape of city-regionalism in the USA. It emphasises the variety of ways in which struggles around infrastructure provision shape the emergence of new city-regionalist structures inside the competition state.
Neighbourhood Change, Mobility and Incumbent Processes: Exploring Income Developments of In-migrants, Out-migrants and Non-migrants of Neighbourhoods
Authors: Teernstra Annalies
Published: July 2013

Most studies on neighbourhood change attribute a key role to mobility in social upgrading and downgrading patterns, while incumbent processes—i.e. changes in the socioeconomic status of non-migrants—are often ignored. This paper explores the relationship between mobility and neighbourhood change by examining income developments of in-migrants, out-migrants and non-migrants of neighbourhoods in three Dutch cities. The paper demonstrates that in- and out-migration are not the only processes at work and that changes in the socioeconomic status of non-migrants are of importance too. Within upgrading neighbourhoods, incumbent processes of non-migrants seem to be an important driver of upgrading. Furthermore, although in-migrants have relatively low incomes when moving in, they experience strong income gains in the years after in-migrating. The contribution of out-migrants to upgrading is mixed. In line with previous studies, migration reinforces downgrading processes, although at the same time, incumbent processes of non-migrants impede downgrading.
Item Response Modeling With Sum Scores
Authors: Johnson Timothy R.
Published: July 2013

One of the distinctions between classical test theory and item response theory is that the former focuses on sum scores and their relationship to true scores, whereas the latter concerns item responses and their relationship to latent scores. Although item response theory is often viewed as the richer of the two theories, sum scores are still often used in practice. The issue addressed here is how to conduct item response modeling when only sum scores are available for some respondents; that is, their item responses are missing, but their sums scores are known. The author reviews the important role of sum scores in item response theory and shows how to estimate item response models using sum scores as data in lieu of item responses. The author also shows how this can be easily implemented in a Bayesian framework using the software package Just Another Gibbs Sampler (JAGS), and provides three examples for illustration.
Systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve masked by general anesthesia
Authors: Nakamura Teruya , Sekiya Naosumi , Nakazato Taro , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: July 2013

Systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve is usually associated with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy that results in left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. This is sometimes treated by volume loading or negative inotropics such as beta blockers. We report a rare case of dynamic systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, in which a beta blocker did not diminish but anesthetic agents masked intraoperatively. The patient underwent mitral valve replacement, and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction was successfully treated.
Right origin of the circumflex artery and posterior aortic annulus enlargement
Authors: Saplacan Vladimir , Ivascau Calin , Cuttone Fabio , Caprio Sabino , Buklas Dimitrios , Massetti Massimo
Published: July 2013

We present the case of a patient who required posterior enlargement of the aortic annulus during aortic valve replacement in the presence of abnormal origin of the circumflex artery from the right coronary artery, with a retroaortic course.
Surgical stimulation of angiogenesis
Authors: Ozbek Cengiz , Kestelli Mert , Bozok Sahin , Ilhan Gokhan , Yurekli Ismail , Ozpak Berkan , Akyuz Muhammet , Bademci Mehmet
Published: July 2013

Objective

The results of surgical approaches are unsatisfactory in patients with a distal arterial bed that is ineligible for revascularization. In this retrospective study, we investigated outcomes in patients who underwent surgical interventions that are reported to induce angiogenesis.

Method

6 patients diagnosed with thromboangiitis obliterans were included in this study. Of these 6 patients, 2 underwent femoropopliteal bypass surgery using reversed great saphenous vein as a conduit. The other 4 underwent ascending venous arterialization (bypass from the popliteal artery to the great saphenous vein at the level of medial malleolus, using reversed great saphenous vein).

Results

During the early postoperative period, all of the reversed saphenous vein grafts were occluded. The mean postoperative ankle-brachial index increased from 0.33 to 0.83. During the postoperative period, intermittent claudication disappeared in all patients. Angiograms taken during the postoperative period showed evidence of neovascularization when compared to those taken during preoperative evaluation.

Conclusion

Wound healing is an inflammatory process that simultaneously activates angiogenesis. We propose that the improved ankle-brachial index values and neovascularization shown in our patients were associated with this inflammatory process.
Providing access to justice in disadvantaged communities: Commitments to welfare revisited in neo-liberal times
Authors: Mayo Marjorie
Published: July 2013

Access to justice was central to the post-war Welfare State but this has been under attack, as part of wider neo-liberal challenges. The impacts have been experienced particularly sharply in disadvantaged areas where Law Centres have been providing services to those unable to access welfare rights by other means. The research that underpins this article set out to explore the ways in which these policies have been experienced by those who provide these services, examining their dilemmas as professionals and volunteers in the front-line of welfare provision. The article concludes that whilst there was some evidence that professional ethics and values were being maintained, this was too often at the expense of the staff concerned. Marketization strategies had been undermining public service morale, despite evidence of some continuing resilience and commitment to the provision of access to justice and welfare rights for the most disadvantaged, posing questions about the limits of markets more widely.
Out of the box
Authors: James Roger
Published: July 2013

One of the most interesting phenomena in evolution is the concept of the punctuated equilibrium: in which periods of relative stability give way to rapid change. As we progress to a digital world we are seeing the turbulence of change in a disruptive movement which is also becoming destructive. Whilst the hard sciences, fact based, always benefit from new technologies the social sciences stand to both gain and lose.

With my interest in management science writing, I draw on 1960s science fiction to recognize a society that became fragile by losing access to its history. It builds a worrisome picture of accidental vandalism where today, vested interests – of librarians, of academics and of publishers – focus on new certainties to the detriment of learning. The fragility we are creating comes from the vacuum in our learning caused by ignoring our failures. As we consider our digital future we must think as a designer, remembering that ‘the central goal of the designer is to obviate failure, and thus it is critical to identify how a structure may fail’. 1 Our design error will be to fail to embrace in the digital revolution the unremarkable early texts – too young to be classics, too old to be the latest.
Heterotopic ossification of small saphenous vein and panniculitis ossificans of chronic venous insufficiency presenting with livedo racemosa
Authors: Lekich Chris , Parsi Kurosh
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Livedo racemosa is a reticulate eruption that presents with branched and partially blanchable incomplete rings. Livedo racemosa is distinct from livedo reticularis, a similar condition that presents with a diffuse and symmetrical blanchable eruption. In contrast to livedo reticularis which may be physiological, livedo racemosa is always associated with an underlying pathology. To our knowledge, this is the first report of panniculitis ossificans and heterotopic ossification of small saphenous vein (SSV) presenting with livedo racemosa.

Methods

We present a 70-year-old male referred for investigation and management of progressive pigmentation and ‘lipodermatosclerosis’ of lower limbs. There was no history of deep venous thrombosis but an earlier ultrasound had detected a non-occlusive thrombus in the left SSV. Examination and investigations revealed the skin eruption to be livedo racemosa and the associated subcutaneous induration and nodularity to be due to panniculitis ossificans. Biopsy of the SSV demonstrated segmental heterotopic ossification. Duplex ultrasound demonstrated bilateral superficial and deep venous incompetence but no evidence of an acute or chronic venous thrombosis. The patient was diagnosed with heterotopic ossification secondary to venous insufficiency and managed conservatively.

Conclusion

Livedo racemosa may be an early sign of panniculitis ossificans and its presence should trigger further diagnostic investigations.
Assessment of acute toxicity of carbofuran in Macrobrachium olfersii (Wiegmann, 1836) at different temperature levels
Authors: Barbieri Edison , Moreira Priscila , Luchini Luiz Alberto , Ruiz Hidalgo Karla , Muñoz Alejandro
Published: July 2013

Carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate; C12H15NO3) is one of the most toxic carbamate pesticides. For acute toxicity of carbofuran, juveniles of Macrobrachium olfersii were exposed to different concentrations of carbofuran using the static renewal method at different temperature levels (15, 20 and 25°C) at pH 7.0. The main purpose of the present study was to detect the acute toxicity of carbofuran to M. olfersii and investigate its effects on oxygen consumption and ammonium excretion; these tests have not been carried out in this species before. First, the acute toxicity – median lethal concentration – of carbofuran to M. olfersii for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h was examined, which resulted in the following values: 1.64, 1.22, 0.86 and 0.42 mg L−1, respectively. Furthermore, we also found that carbofuran caused an inhibition in oxygen consumption of 60.6, 65.3 and 66.2% with respect to the control. In addition, after separate exposures to carbofuran, elevations in ammonium excretion were more than 500% with respect to the control.