bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Density Mapping of Atrial Fibrillation During Vagal Nerve Stimulation in the Canine Heart: Restudying the Moe Hypothesis
Authors: LEE SEUNGYUP , SAHADEVAN JAYAKUMAR , KHRESTIAN CELEEN M. , DURAND DOMINIQUE M. , WALDO ALBERT L.
Published: October 2012

Mapping the Moe Model. Introduction: Moe et al. hypothesized that multiple wavelets (random reentry) were the mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF) based on studies in a vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) canine model and a computer model of AF, but atrial mapping during AF in this model has not been done. We restudied this model using high density, simultaneous site mapping to test the hypothesis that AF was due to multiple wavelets.

Methods and Results: During pacing induced AF during VNS in 10 dogs, 512 unipolar atrial electrograms were recorded simultaneously from both atria. AF activation maps were produced including through AF termination after VNS cessation. During sustained AF, multiple foci (persistent and transient) of different cycle lengths (CLs) were present in both atria. Persistent foci of short (mean 112 ± 25 milliseconds), regular (standard deviation 5.3 ± 3 milliseconds) CLs were predominantly found in the left atria, near the pulmonary veins and coronary sinus. Both types of foci acted as drivers, and each produced wave fronts that largely resulted in collision or merging with each other at variable sites. No random reentry (multiple wavelets) was demonstrated. Ordered reentry (circus movement with head–tail interaction) was infrequently seen. With cessation of VNS, focal firing slowed and disappeared, followed by resumption of sinus rhythm after a prolonged pause.

Conclusions: In contrast to the prediction of the multiple wavelet hypothesis, during AF in the Moe model, multiple foci drove the atria, producing and maintaining AF. Reentry played little, if any, role. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 328‐335, March 2013)
Crystal structure of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli colonization factor CS6 reveals a novel type of functional assembly
Authors: Roy Saumendra P. , Rahman Mohammad M. , Yu Xiao Di , Tuittila Minna , Knight Stefan D. , Zavialov Anton V.
Published: October 2012

Coli surface antigen 6 (CS6) is a widely expressed enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) colonization factor that mediates bacterial attachment to the small intestinal epithelium. CS6 is a polymer of two protein subunits CssA and CssB, which are secreted and assembled on the cell surface via the CssC/CssD chaperone usher (CU) pathway. Here, we present an atomic resolution model for the structure of CS6 based on the results of X‐ray crystallographic, spectroscopic and biochemical studies, and suggest a mechanism for CS6‐mediated adhesion. We show that the CssA and CssB subunits are assembled alternately in linear fibres by the principle of donor strand complementation. This type of fibre assembly is novel for CU assembled adhesins. We also show that both subunits in the fibre bind to receptors on epithelial cells, and that CssB, but not CssA, specifically recognizes the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin. Taken together, structural and functional results suggest that CS6 is an adhesive organelle of a novel type, a hetero‐polyadhesin that is capable of polyvalent attachment to different receptors.
Treating Protruding Infantile Hemangiomas with Topical Imiquimod 5% Cream Caused Severe Local Reactions and Disfiguring Scars
Authors: Qiu Yajing , Ma Gang , Lin Xiaoxi , Jin Yunbo , Chen Hui , Hu Xiaojie
Published: October 2012

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common tumors of infancy. Imiquimod, an immune‐response modifier, has been proven effective and safe in the treatment of superficial and mixed hemangiomas, but severe local reactions caused by imiquimod have been reported sporadically. To evaluate the safety of imiquimod 5% cream and the sequelae of severe local inflammatory reactions in the treatment of superficial IHs we performed a retrospective chart review of all children with superficial IHs who received topical imiquimod treatment in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Shanghai 9th People's Hospital from March 2010 through February 2012 and selected those who had severe local reactions to topical imiquimod for further description. Nine of 224 (4.0%) children with superficial IHs who received imiquimod 5% cream treatment had severe local reactions. All four patients who had follow‐up for longer than 1 year had permanent disfiguring depigmented scars after intensive inflammatory reactions. Seven of the severe reactions happened on protruding IHs and four involved the skin folds and joints, suggesting that imiquimod 5% cream should probably be avoided in IHs with either this morphology or these sites.
Photocatalysis of Chloroform Decomposition by the Hexachlororuthenate(IV) Ion
Authors: Chan Alissa M. , Peña Laura A. , Segura Rosa E. , Auroprem Ramya , Harvey Brent M. , Brooke Caroline M. , Hoggard Patrick E.
Published: October 2012

Dissolved hexachlororuthenate(IV) effectively catalyzes the photodecomposition of chloroform to hydrogen chloride and phosgene under near‐UV (λ > 345 nm) irradiation, whereby RuCl62− is not itself photocatalytically active, but is photochemically transformed into a species that is active, possibly RuCl5(CHCl3)−. Conversion to a photoactive species during irradiation is consistent with the acceleration of the decomposition rate during the early stages and with the apparent inverse dependence of the decomposition rate on the initial concentration of RuCl62−. The displacement of Cl− by CHCl3 in the coordination sphere to create the photoactive species is consistent with the retardation of photodecomposition by both Cl− and H2O. The much smaller photodecomposition rate in CDCl3 suggests that C–H bond dissociation occurs during the primary photochemical event, which is also consistent with the presence of a CHCl3 molecule in the first coordination sphere.
Immunoregulatory profile of monocytes from cutaneous leishmaniasis patients and association with lesion size
Authors: Vieira É. L. M. , Keesen T. S. L. , Machado P. R. , Guimarães L. H. , Carvalho E. M. , Dutra W. O. , Gollob K. J.
Published: October 2012

Leishmaniasis is an important tropical disease composed of several clinical forms that adversely affect millions of people globally. Critical cells involved in the host–Leishmania interaction are monocytes and macrophages, which act to protect against infections due to their ability to both control intracellular infections and regulate the subsequent adaptive immune response. Both soluble factors and cell surface receptors are keys in directing the immune response following interaction with pathogens such as Leishmania. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) have an essential role in immune responses against infections, but little is known about their role in human infection with Leishmania braziliensis. In this work, we evaluated peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes for the expression of immunoregulatory cytokines, co‐stimulatory molecules and TLR9 from cutaneous leishmaniasis patients infected with L. braziliensis and noninfected individuals. Our results showed that patients present decreased expression of co‐stimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86 following culture with media alone or after stimulus with soluble Leishmania antigen. Interestingly, TLR9 expression was higher after culture with soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA), suggesting a role of this molecule in immunoregulation of active disease. Lastly, higher frequencies of TLR9+ monocytes were correlated with greater lesion size. These findings demonstrate a peripheral monocytes profile compatible with important immunoregulatory potential.
Management Factors Associated with Sow Reproductive Performance After Weaning
Authors: de Jong E , Laanen M , Dewulf J , Jourquin J , de Kruif A , Maes D
Published: October 2012

Contents

To achieve optimal reproductive performance in pig herds, sows need to become pregnant as soon as possible after weaning. The aim of this study was to investigate herd and management factors associated with reproductive performance of sows after weaning. A questionnaire pertaining to sow management at weaning and herd reproductive data were collected from 76 randomly selected commercial pig herds in Belgium. Associations between the herd factors and two reproductive parameters after weaning (weaning‐to‐oestrous interval: WEI and percentage of repeat breeders: RB) were analysed using general linear mixed models. A separated feeding strategy of breeding gilts from 60 kg onwards was significantly associated with a shorter WEI (5.54 vs 7.28 days; p = 0.040). Factors significantly associated with a lower percentage of RB were housing the newly weaned sows separated from the gestating sows (7% vs 12%; p = 0.003), using semen < 4 days after collection (7–9 vs 14%; p = 0.014) and stimulating oestrus twice a day (8 vs 11%; p = 0.025). In conclusion, some management practices, such as feeding strategy of breeding gilts, housing conditions of sows, method of oestrous stimulation and storage duration of semen, have an influence on the outcome of reproductive parameters such as weaning‐to‐oestrous interval and percentage of repeat breeders. These practices can be implemented rather easily by pig producers and may consequently lead to improvements of reproductive performance of sows after weaning.
Studies of Physcomitrella patens reveal that ethylene‐mediated submergence responses arose relatively early in land‐plant evolution
Authors: Yasumura Yuki , Pierik Ronald , Fricker Mark D. , Voesenek Laurentius A. C. J. , Harberd Nicholas P.
Published: October 2012

Colonization of the land by multicellular green plants was a fundamental step in the evolution of life on earth. Land plants evolved from fresh‐water aquatic algae, and the transition to a terrestrial environment required the acquisition of developmental plasticity appropriate to the conditions of water availability, ranging from drought to flood. Here we show that extant bryophytes exhibit submergence‐induced developmental plasticity, suggesting that submergence responses evolved relatively early in the evolution of land plants. We also show that a major component of the bryophyte submergence response is controlled by the phytohormone ethylene, using a perception mechanism that has subsequently been conserved throughout the evolution of land plants. Thus a plant environmental response mechanism with major ecological and agricultural importance probably had its origins in the very earliest stages of the colonization of the land.
The Lessons of Asilomar and the H5N1 “Affair”
Authors: Falkow Stanley
Published: October 2012

In mid-1974, soon after the first recombinant DNA molecules were replicated in
Escherichia coli
, scientists called for, and observed, a voluntary moratorium on certain experiments. One goal of the moratorium was to hold a conference (Asilomar) to evaluate the risks, if any, of this new technology. The Asilomar conference concluded that recombinant DNA research should proceed but under strict guidelines. The furor surrounding the recent genetic manipulation of the transmissibility of avian influenza virus H5N1 led to a short-term moratorium that has been extended indefinitely. The question is how long should the moratorium remain in place, or should it be permanent? Voltaire observed, “History never repeats itself; man always does.” I believe the parallels of Asilomar can be applied to the problem facing biomedical science today. We should move forward to establish standardized guidelines, using common sense and scientific creativity. The onus of responsibility falls on the individual scientist and involves the education of a new generation of scientists into the social and ethical implications of genetic engineering in a new age of genomics and synthetic biology. In addition, scientists who work with infectious agents must deal not only with biosafety but also, alas, with bioterrorism. The H5N1 “affair” is not a question of freedom of inquiry or the dissemination of scientific research; it is a question of the social responsibility of science and scientists to ensure that the public understands why this work is beneficial and worthwhile.
The Pause on Avian H5N1 Influenza Virus Transmission Research Should Be Ended
Authors: Fouchier Ron A. M. , García-Sastre Adolfo , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: October 2012

A voluntary 60-day pause on avian H5N1 influenza virus transmission research was announced in January 2012 by the international community of influenza scientists engaged in this work to provide time to explain the benefits of such work and the risk mitigation measures in place. Subsequently, the pause was extended to allow for time for review of the biosafety and biosecurity conditions. After almost 8 months, these conditions have been met in some countries and are close to being met in others. Because H5N1 virus transmission studies are essential for pandemic preparedness, researchers who have approval from their governments and institutions to conduct this research safely under appropriate biosecurity conditions should resume this important work.
Research on Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Influenza Virus: The Way Forward
Authors: Fauci Anthony S.
Published: October 2012

The voluntary moratorium on gain-of-function research related to the transmissibility of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus should continue, pending the resolution of critical policy questions concerning the rationale for performing such experiments and how best to report their results. The potential benefits and risks of these experiments must be discussed and understood by multiple stakeholders, including the general public, and all decisions regarding such research must be made in a transparent manner.
Mortality in schizophrenia and related psychoses: data from two cohorts, 1875–1924 and 1994–2010
Authors: Healy David , Le Noury Joanna , Harris Margaret , Butt Mohammed , Linden Stefanie , Whitaker Chris , Zou Lu , Roberts Anthony P
Published: October 2012

Objective

To investigate death rates in schizophrenia and related psychoses.

Design

Data from two epidemiologically complete cohorts of patients presenting for the first time to mental health services in North Wales for whom there are at least 1, and up to 10-year follow-up data have been used to calculate survival rates and standardised death rates for schizophrenia and related psychoses.

Setting

The North Wales Asylum Denbigh (archived patient case notes) and the North West Wales District General Hospital psychiatric unit.

Population

Cohort 1: The North Wales Asylum Denbigh (archived patient case notes). Of 3168 patients admitted to the North Wales Asylum Denbigh 1875–1924, 1074 had a schizophrenic or related psychosis. Cohort 2: Patients admitted between 1994 and 2010 to the North West Wales District General Hospital psychiatric unit, of whom 355 had first admissions for schizophrenia or related psychoses.

Results

We found a 10-year survival probability of 75% in the historical cohort and a 90% survival probability in the contemporary cohort with a fourfold increase in standardised death rates in schizophrenia and related psychoses in both historical and contemporary periods. Suicide is the commonest cause of death in schizophrenia in the contemporary period (SMR 35), while tuberculosis was the commonest cause historically (SMR 9). In the contemporary data, deaths from cardiovascular causes arise in the elderly and deaths from suicide in the young.

Conclusions

Contemporary death rates in schizophrenia and related psychoses are high but there are particular hazards and windows of risk that enable interventions. The data point to possible interventions in the incident year of treatment that could give patients with schizophrenia a normal life expectancy.
Intra-aneurysmal hemodynamic alterations by a self-expandable intracranial stent and flow diversion stent: high intra-aneurysmal pressure remains regardless of flow velocity reduction
Authors: Shobayashi Yasuhiro , Tateshima Satoshi , Kakizaki Ryuichi , Sudo Ryo , Tanishita Kazuo , Viñuela Fernando
Published: October 2012

Object

Little is known about how much protection a flow diversion stent provides to a non-thrombosed aneurysm without the adjunctive use of coils.

Methods

A three-dimensional anatomically realistic computation aneurysm model was created from the digital subtraction angiogram of a large internal carotid artery-ophthalmic artery aneurysm which could have been treated with either a neck bridging stent or a flow diversion stent. Three-dimensional computational models of the Neuroform EZ neck bridging stent and Pipeline embolization device were created based on measurements with a stereo-microscope. Each stent was placed in the computational aneurysm model and intra-aneurysmal flow structures were compared before and after placement of the stents. Computational fluid dynamics were performed by numerically solving the continuity and Navier–Stokes momentum equations for a steady blood flow based on the finite volume method. Blood was assumed as an incompressible Newtonian fluid. Vessel walls were assumed to be rigid, and no-slip boundary conditions were applied at the lumens. To estimate the change in the intra-aneurysmal pressures we assumed that, at the inlets, the intra-arterial pressure at peak systole was 120 mm Hg both before and after stent placement

Results

Without any stent, the blood flow entered into the aneurysm dome from the mid to proximal neck area and ascended along the distal wall of the aneurysm. The flow then changed its direction anteriorly and moved along the proximal wall of the aneurysm dome. In addition to the primary intra-aneurysmal circulation pattern, a counterclockwise vortex was observed in the aneurysm dome. The placement of a Neuroform EZ stent induced a mean reduction in flow velocity of 14% and a small change in the overall intra-aneurysmal flow pattern. The placement of a Pipeline device induced a mean reduction in flow velocity of 74% and a significant change in flow pattern. Despite the flow velocity changes, Neuroform EZ and Pipeline devices induced reductions in intra-aneurysmal pressure of only 4 mm Hg and 8 mm Hg, respectively.

Conclusions

The flow diversion effects of both stents were limited to flow velocity reduction. In a non-thrombosed aneurysm or an aneurysm with delayed thrombosis, the intra-aneurysmal pressure remains essentially unchanged regardless of the level of the intra-aneurysmal flow velocity reduction induced by the stents.
ENTANGLEMENT AND ITS MULTIPARTITE EXTENSIONS
Authors: OSTERLOH ANDREAS
Published: October 2012

The aspects of many particle systems, as far as their entanglement is concerned, is highlighted. To this end we briefly review the bipartite measures of entanglement and the entanglement of pairs both for systems of distinguishable and indistinguishable particles. The analysis of these quantities in macroscopic systems shows that close to quantum phase transitions, the entanglement of many particles typically dominates that of pairs. This leads to an analysis of a method to construct many-body entanglement measures. SL-invariant measures are a generalization to quantities as the concurrence, and can be obtained with a formalism containing two (actually three) orthogonal antilinear operators. The main drawback of this antilinear framework, namely to measure these quantities in the experiment, is resolved by a formula linking the antilinear formalism to an equivalent linear framework.
QUANTUM DISCORD AS A RESOURCE IN QUANTUM COMMUNICATION
Authors: MADHOK VAIBHAV , DATTA ANIMESH
Published: October 2012

As quantum technologies move from the issues of principle to those of practice, it is important to understand the limitations on attaining tangible quantum advantages. In the realm of quantum communication, quantum discord captures the damaging effects of a decoherent environment. This is a consequence of quantum discord quantifying the advantage of quantum coherence in quantum communication. This establishes quantum discord as a resource for quantum communication processes. We discuss this progress, which derives a quantitative relation between the yield of the fully quantum Slepian–Wolf (FQSW) protocol in the presence of noise and the quantum discord of the state involved. The significance of quantum discord in noisy versions of teleportation, super-dense coding, entanglement distillation and quantum state merging are discussed. These results lead to open questions regarding the tradeoff between quantum entanglement and discord in choosing the optimal quantum states for attaining palpable quantum advantages in noisy quantum protocols.
REVIEW ON SYSTEM-SPIN ENVIRONMENT DYNAMICS OF QUANTUM DISCORD
Authors: LIU BEN-QIONG , SHAO BIN , LI JUN-GANG , ZOU JIAN
Published: October 2012

Recent work has relatively comprehensively studied the quantum discord, which is supposed to account for all the nonclassical correlations present in a bipartite state (including entanglement), and provide computational speedup and quantum enhancement even in separable states. Firstly, we introduce several different indicators of nonclassical correlations, including their definitions and interpretations, mathematical properties, and the relationship between them. Secondly, we review two major topics of quantum discord. One is the remarkable behavior at quantum phase transitions. The pairwise quantum discord for nearest neighbors as well as distant spin pairs can perfectly signal the critical behavior of many physical models, even at finite temperatures. The other is quantum discord dynamics in open systems, especially for "system-spin environment" models. Quantum discord is more robust than entanglement against external perturbations. It can be created, greatly amplified or protected under certain conditions, and presents promising applications in quantum technologies such as quantum computers.
DYNAMIC BALANCE OF A HOPPING HUMANOID ROBOT USING A LINEARIZATION METHOD
Authors: CHO BAEK-KYU , OH JUN-HO
Published: October 2012

We describe the stabilization of a hopping humanoid robot against a disturbance. In the proposed scheme, the method of control is selected according to the size of the disturbance. A posture balance controller is used when the disturbance is small, and the posture balance controller and a foot placement method are activated together when the disturbance is large. A simplified model is used to develop the novel controller for the foot placement method, and a linearized Poincare map for single hopping is made. The control law is designed using the pole placement method. The proposed method is verified through simulation and experiment. In the experiment, HUBO2 hops well against various disturbance.
TRAJECTORY GENERATION BETWEEN TWO ARBITRARY STATES BASED ON HAMILTON'S PRINCIPLE A VARIABLE SUBSTITUTION METHOD
Authors: MORITA SUSUMU
Published: October 2012

Motion principles of animals and humans has been a field of interest for over half a century. As for human motions, the study by modern science started off by a Soviet physiologist in the 1930's, followed by many proposals of models and principles to explain how human beings move. This paper introduces an alternative motion principle with a motion generation method. The subject in discussion is the Hamilton's principle which yields equation of free motion. The motion generation method is derived based on a novel variable substitution to be applied to the Hamilton's principle which then yields the Euler–Lagrange equation that can be used for motion trajectory generation between two arbitrary states. A numerical example with measured data is shown, and a mathematical explanation of the variable substitution and the qualitative meaning of the trajectory generation method is given.
MicroRNA-494 regulates mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle through mitochondrial transcription factor A and Forkhead box j3
Authors: Yamamoto Hirotaka , Morino Katsutaro , Nishio Yoshihiko , Ugi Satoshi , Yoshizaki Takeshi , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Maegawa Hiroshi
Published: October 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important posttranscriptional regulators of various biological pathways. In this study, we focused on the role of miRNAs during mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. The expression of miR-494 was markedly decreased in murine myoblast C2C12 cells during myogenic differentiation, accompanied by an increase in mtDNA. Furthermore, the expression of predicted target genes for miR-494, including mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA) and Forkhead box j3 (Foxj3), was posttranscriptionally increased during myogenic differentiation. Knockdown of miR-494 resulted in increased mitochondrial content and upregulation of mtTFA and Foxj3 at the protein level. A 3′-untranslated region reporter assay revealed that miR-494 knockdown directly upregulated the luciferase activity of mtTFA and Foxj3. All of these observations were reversed by overexpression of miR-494. Furthermore, the miR-494 content significantly decreased after endurance exercise in C57BL/6J mice, accompanied by an increase in expression of mtTFA and Foxj3 proteins. These results suggest that miR-494 regulates mitochondrial biogenesis by downregulating mtTFA and Foxj3 during myocyte differentiation and skeletal muscle adaptation to physical exercise.
Opposite-sex housing reactivates the declining GnRH system in aged transgenic male mice with FGF signaling deficiency
Authors: Rochester Johanna R. , Chung Wilson C. J. , Hayes Tyrone B. , Tsai Pei-San
Published: October 2012

The continued presence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons is required for a healthy reproductive lifespan, but factors that maintain postnatal GnRH neurons have not been identified. To begin to understand these factors, we investigated whether 1) fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling and 2) interactions with the opposite sex are involved in the maintenance of the postnatal GnRH system. A transgenic mouse model (dnFGFR mouse) with the targeted expression of a dominant-negative FGF receptor (dnFGFR) in GnRH neurons was used to examine the consequence of FGF signaling deficiency on postnatal GnRH neurons. Male dnFGFR mice suffered a significant loss of postnatal GnRH neurons within the first 100 days of life. Interestingly, this loss was reversed after cohabitation with female, but not male, mice for 300–550 days. Along with a rescue in GnRH neuron numbers, opposite-sex housing in dnFGFR males also increased hypothalamic GnRH peptide levels, promoted a more mature GnRH neuronal morphology, facilitated litter production, and enhanced testicular morphology. Last, mice hypomorphic for FGFR3 exhibited a similar pattern of postnatal GnRH neuronal loss as dnFGFR males, suggesting FGF signaling acts, in part, through FGFR3 to enhance the maintenance of the postnatal GnRH system. In summary, we have shown that FGF signaling is required for the continued presence of postnatal GnRH neurons. However, this requirement is not absolute, since sexual interactions can compensate for defects in FGFR signaling, thereby rescuing the declining GnRH system. This suggests the postnatal GnRH system is highly plastic and capable of responding to environmental stimuli throughout adult life.
Hypothalamic signaling in anorexia induced by indispensable amino acid deficiency
Authors: Zhu Xinxia , Krasnow Stephanie M. , Roth-Carter Quinn R. , Levasseur Peter R. , Braun Theodore P. , Grossberg Aaron J. , Marks Daniel L.
Published: October 2012

Animals exhibit a rapid and sustained anorexia when fed a diet that is deficient in a single indispensable amino acid (IAA). The chemosensor for IAA deficiency resides within the anterior piriform cortex (APC). Although the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the APC detects IAA deficiency are well established, the efferent neural pathways that reduce feeding in response to an IAA-deficient diet remain to be fully characterized. In the present work, we investigated whether 1) central melanocortin signaling is involved in IAA deficiency-induced anorexia (IAADA) and 2) IAADA engages other key appetite-regulating neuronal populations in the hypothalamus. Rats and mice that consumed a valine-deficient diet (VDD) for 2–3 wk exhibited marked reductions in food intake, body weight, fat and lean body mass, body temperature, and white adipose tissue leptin gene expression, as well as a paradoxical increase in brown adipose tissue uncoupling protein-1 mRNA. Animals consuming the VDD had altered hypothalamic gene expression, typical of starvation. Pharmacological and genetic blockade of central melanocortin signaling failed to increase long-term food intake in this model. Chronic IAA deficiency was associated with a marked upregulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone expression in the lateral hypothalamus, particularly in the parasubthalamic nucleus, an area heavily innervated by efferent projections from the APC. Our observations indicate that the hypothalamic melanocortin system plays a minor role in acute, but not chronic, IAADA and suggest that the restraint on feeding is analogous to that observed after chronic dehydration.
Exercise and diet affect quantitative trait loci for body weight and composition traits in an advanced intercross population of mice
Authors: Leamy Larry J. , Kelly Scott A. , Hua Kunjie , Pomp Daniel
Published: October 2012

Driven by the recent obesity epidemic, interest in understanding the complex genetic and environmental basis of body weight and composition is great. We investigated this by searching for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting a number of weight and adiposity traits in a G10advanced intercross population produced from crosses of mice in inbred strain C57BL/6J with those in a strain selected for high voluntary wheel running. The mice in this population were fed either a high-fat or a control diet throughout the study and also measured for four exercise traits prior to death, allowing us to test for pre- and postexercise QTLs as well as QTL-by-diet and QTL-by-exercise interactions. Our genome scan uncovered a number of QTLs, of which 40% replicated QTLs previously found for similar traits in an earlier (G4) generation. For those replicated QTLs, the confidence intervals were reduced from an average of 19 Mb in the G4to 8 Mb in the G10. Four QTLs on chromosomes 3, 8, 13, and 18 were especially prominent in affecting the percentage of fat in the mice. About of all QTLs showed interactions with diet, exercise, or both, their genotypic effects on the traits showing a variety of patterns depending on the diet or level of exercise. It was concluded that the indirect effects of these QTLs provide an underlying genetic basis for the considerable variability in weight or fat loss typically found among individuals on the same diet and/or exercise regimen.
Production Performance Appraisal Rating for Reservoir Management Units Based on Fuzzy Clustering
Authors: Li An-Qi , Chang Yan-Rong , Kong Xin-Hai
Published: October 2012

In view of the existing situation of oilfield development, one kind of method to evaluate the production performance of reservoir management units (RMUs) was presented in this paper. Among the commonly used indicators of oilfield development, select 12 indicators from the three aspects of production task, production technology, and reservoir development. According to the principle of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), this paper introduced one kind of new method to get the weights of indicators. By means of the method of TOPSIS, it is easy to obtain the rankings for all the RMUs through calculating the weighted Euclidean distance between each RMU and the positive or negative ideal RMU. Considering the gap between the differences in RMUs, the production performance appraisal ratings of RMUs are determined by fuzzy clustering. This evaluation method could constantly improve the management level of reservoir units and deepen the delicacy management of oilfield development.
Incidental Rickets in the Emergency Department Setting
Authors: Zurlo John V. , Wagner Shaun R.
Published: October 2012

Vitamin D deficiency rickets is a childhood osteomalacia, with impaired skeletal development and potentially skeletal deformities. The radiographic findings of rickets are many but include widening, fraying, and cupping of the metaphysis. Developmental delay and related complications of seizure and tetany have also been reported. This medical entity is often thought of as a classic medical disease of the past. However, it persists, and the recognition of rickets is on the rise. The reemergence of rickets correlates with the increase in the number of children exclusively breastfed and with the frequent use of sun block in the pediatric population. We present two cases of rickets, diagnosed through a visit to the Emergency Department made for unrelated symptoms. These two cases illustrate the importance of diagnosing rickets as an “incidental” finding. With early detection, dietary supplementation can be initiated potentially sparing the patient symptomatic disease.
A New Modified Hybrid Steepest‐Descent by Using a Viscosity Approximation Method with a Weakly Contractive Mapping for a System of Equilibrium Problems and Fixed Point Problems with Minimization Problems
Authors: Witthayarat Uamporn , Jitpeera Thanyarat , Kumam Poom
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this paper is to consider a modified hybrid steepest‐descent method by using a viscosity approximation method with a weakly contractive mapping for finding the common element of the set of a common fixed point for an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings and the set of solutions of a system of an equilibrium problem. The sequence is generated from an arbitrary initial point which converges in norm to the unique solution of the variational inequality under some suitable conditions in a real Hilbert space. The results presented in this paper generalize and improve the results of Moudafi (2000), Marino and Xu (2006), Tian (2010), Saeidi (2010), and some others. Finally, we give an application to minimization problems and a numerical example which support our main theorem in the last part.
Incidental Discovery of a Membranous Ventricular Septal Aneurysm in Two Dissimilar Patients
Authors: Naidu Abhishek , Ricketts Michelle , Goela Aashish , Shoemaker Gerard , Li Shuo
Published: October 2012

A ventricular septal aneurysm (VSA) is a rare cardiac anomaly, and an accurate statistic of its prevalence has not been reported in the literature. True incidence is likely underestimated as most patients are thought to be asymptomatic. As a result, most VSAs are discovered incidentally on echocardiography, during angiography, or at autopsy. Potential complications include rupture, bacterial endocarditis, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and thromboembolic disease. It has been proposed that VSAs occur in association with ventricular septal defects (VSDs) and other congenital cardiac abnormalities. It is uncommon for a VSA to exist in the absence of a known prior ventricular septal defect. We present two cases, each highlighting an incidental intact aneurysm involving the membranous interventricular septum. We discuss the contrast in the two patients with regard to their age, accompanying cardiac anomalies and cardiovascular fitness. Clinical implications of the condition are reviewed.
On the Laplacian Coefficients and Laplacian‐Like Energy of Unicyclic Graphs with n Vertices and m Pendent Vertices
Authors: Pai Xinying , Liu Sanyang
Published: October 2012

Let be the characteristic polynomial of the Laplacian matrix of a graph G of order n. In this paper, we give four transforms on graphs that decrease all Laplacian coefficients ck(G) and investigate a conjecture A. Ilić and M. Ilić (2009) about the Laplacian coefficients of unicyclic graphs with n vertices and m pendent vertices. Finally, we determine the graph with the smallest Laplacian‐like energy among all the unicyclic graphs with n vertices and m pendent vertices.
Bilateral Mandibular Premolar Dens Invaginations: A Case Report
Authors: Holliday Richard , Beecroft Emma
Published: October 2012

Dens invaginations are a rare developmental defect most commonly affecting maxillary lateral incisors, with very few reported cases in mandibular teeth. We describe a rare case of bilateral first mandibular premolar dens invaginations type I, where apparently health teeth presented with periapical pathology.
Slip Flow in Elliptic Microducts with Constant Heat Flux
Authors: Spiga Marco , Vocale Pamela
Published: October 2012

This paper outlines a numerical model for determining the dynamic and thermal performances of a rarefied fluid flowing in a microduct with elliptical cross-section. A slip flow is considered, in laminar steady state condition, in fully developed forced convection, with Knudsen number in the range 0.001−0.1, in H1 boundary conditions. The velocity and temperature distributions are determined in the elliptic cross-section, for different values of both aspect ratio γ and Knudsen number, resorting to the Comsol Multiphysics software, to solve the momentum and energy equations. The friction factors (or Poiseuille numbers) and the convective heat transfer coefficients (or Nusselt numbers) are calculated and presented in graphs and tables. The numerical solution is validated resorting to data available in literature for continuum flow in elliptic cross-sections (Kn = 0) and for slip flow in circular ducts ([Formula: see text]). A further benchmark is carried out for the velocity profile for slip flow in ellipticalcross-sections, thanks to a recent analytical solution obtained using elliptic cylinder coordinates and the separation of variables method. The Poiseuille and Nusselt numbers for elliptic cross-sections are discussed. The results may be used to predict pressure drop and heat transfer performance in metallic microducts with elliptic cross-section, produced by microfabrication for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).
Agomelatine Augmentation of Escitalopram Therapy in Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case Report
Authors: De Berardis Domenico , Serroni Nicola , Marini Stefano , Martinotti Giovanni , Ferri Francesca , Callista Gaetano , La Rovere Raffaella , Moschetta Francesco Saverio , Di Giannantonio Massimo
Published: October 2012

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition characterized by obsessions or compulsions that cause distress or interfere with functioning. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the first-line strategy in the treatment of OCD, but approximately 40% to 60% of patients with OCD fail to respond to them. Several augmentation strategies have been proposed, including the use of atypical antipsychotics and antidepressant combinations. In the present paper we describe the case of a young female patient suffering from severe treatment-resistant OCD who remitted as a result of agomelatine augmentation of escitalopram therapy.
Unusual Case of Metastatic Gastrointestinal Adenocarcinoma to the Cervical Spine without a Detectable Primary Source in a Patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Kaloostian Paul E. , Barry Marc , Harrington James Fred
Published: October 2012

The authors report a case of metastatic gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma to the cervical spine in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) being treated with antiretroviral therapy. The source of this tumor could not be identified despite a thorough evaluation. A 49-year-old male being treated for AIDS presents with worsening neck pain and left distal arm weakness. MRI demonstrated an erosive mass within the cervical four vertebral body extending through the pedicle on the left side. Patient underwent needle biopsy followed by combined anterior and posterior fusion procedures. Pathology demonstrated metastatic gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma without known primary origin. He is currently undergoing palliative radiotherapy. This is an unusual case of metastatic gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma to the cervical spine. This should be included on the differential diagnosis of spinal lesions in this patient population and may represent a unique tumor in patients with HIV/AIDS who are on immunosuppressive therapy.
Polyploidization of Murine Mesenchymal Cells Is Associated with Suppression of the Long Noncoding RNA H19 and Reduced Tumorigenicity
Authors: Shoshani Ofer , Massalha Hassan , Shani Nir , Kagan Sivan , Ravid Orly , Madar Shalom , Trakhtenbrot Luba , Leshkowitz Dena , Rechavi Gideon , Zipori Dov
Published: October 2012

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are used extensively in clinical trials; however, the possibility that MSCs have a potential for malignant transformation was raised. We examined the genomic stability versus the tumor-forming capacity of multiple mouse MSCs. Murine MSCs have been shown to be less stable and more prone to malignant transformation than their human counterparts. A large series of independently isolated MSC populations exhibited low tumorigenic potential under syngeneic conditions, which increased in immunocompromised animals. Unexpectedly, higher ploidy correlated with reduced tumor-forming capacity. Furthermore, in both cultured MSCs and primary hepatocytes, polyploidization was associated with a dramatic decrease in the expression of the long noncoding RNA H19. Direct knockdown of H19 expression in diploid cells resulted in acquisition of polyploid cell traits. Moreover, artificial tetraploidization of diploid cancer cells led to a reduction of H19 levels, as well as to an attenuation of the tumorigenic potential. Polyploidy might therefore serve as a protective mechanism aimed at reducing malignant transformation through the involvement of the H19 regulatory long noncoding RNA. Cancer Res; 72(24); 6403–13. ©2012 AACR.
BMS-754807, a Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor/Insulin Receptor, Enhances Gemcitabine Response in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Awasthi Niranjan , Zhang Changhua , Ruan Winston , Schwarz Margaret A. , Schwarz Roderich E.
Published: October 2012

Gemcitabine has limited clinical benefits in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling proteins are frequently overexpressed in PDAC. The therapeutic potential of BMS-754807, a small-molecule inhibitor of IGF-type 1 receptor (IGF-1R) and insulin receptor (IR), and gemcitabine was evaluated in experimental PDAC. Cell proliferation and protein expression were measured by WST-1 assay and immunoblotting. Tumor growth and survival studies were conducted in murine xenografts. PDAC cells expressed phospho-IGF-1R protein. BMS-754807 and gemcitabine inhibited cell proliferation of PDAC cells; the combination of BMS-754807 with gemcitabine had additive effects. Addition of BMS-754807 decreased gemcitabine IC50 from 9.7 μmol/L to 75 nmol/L for AsPC-1, from 3 μmol/L to 70 nmol/L for Panc-1, from 72 to 16 nmol/L for MIA PaCa-2, and from 28 to 16 nmol/L for BxPC-3 cells. BMS-754807 caused a decrease in phospho-IGF-1R and phospho-AKT proteins in AsPC-1 and Panc-1 cells. BMS-754807 and gemcitabine caused an increase in PARP-1 and caspase-3 cleavage. Net tumor growth inhibition in BMS-754807, gemcitabine, and BMS-754807+gemcitabine groups was 59%, 35%, and 94% as compared with controls. Effects of therapy on intratumoral proliferation and apoptosis corresponded with tumor growth inhibition data. BMS-754807 also caused a decrease in phospho-IGF-1R and phospho-AKT in tumor tissue lysates. Median animal survival (controls: 21 days) with BMS-754807 was 27 days (P = 0.03), with gemcitabine 28 days (P = 0.05), and in the BMS-754807+gemcitabine combination group, 41 days (P = 0.007). The strong antitumor activity of BMS-754807 in experimental PDAC supports the potential of BMS-754807-induced mechanisms for clinical PDAC therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(12); 2644–53. ©2012 AACR.
The Effect of Simulated Auditory Hallucinations on Daily Activities in Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Han Kiwan , Heo Jin-Kook , Seo Seung-Ok , Hong Mi-Yeon , Lee Jung Suk , Shin Young Seok , Ku Jeonghun , Kim Sun I. , Kim Jae-Jin
Published: October 2012

Background: Auditory hallucinations often influence schizophrenia patients in many aspects. In order to develop effective behavioral interventions for overcoming enduring auditory hallucinations, it is necessary to understand how the annoying symptom affects the daily lives of the patients. This study evaluated the effect of hearing unusual voices on performing the activities of daily life in schizophrenia patients. Methods: Eighteen hallucinating patients, 18 nonhallucinating patients and 20 normal controls performed the virtual daily-life task of packing 8 items for travel under 3 conditions: (1) without unusual voices and without avatars, (2) with unusual voices and without avatars and (3) with unusual voices and with avatars. Task completion time and the number of times the packing list was checked were recorded as a measure of the task performance. Results: When exposed to unusual voices without avatars, hallucinating patients checked the packing list fewer times than nonhallucinating patients, and they required longer to complete the task, as positive and negative symptoms were worse. Subjective responses to unusual voices were stronger in hallucinating patients than in nonhallucinating patients. Conclusions: Daily-life activities of hallucinating patients may be less easily influenced by odd auditory stimuli in a nonsocial situation than those of nonhallucinating patients; however, hallucinating patients may feel more strongly affected by unusual voices. To better evaluate and thereby understand the difficulties faced by hallucinating patients in their daily life, the discrepancies between objective and subjective measures as well as social situations should be taken into consideration.
Examining the Overlap between Bipolar Disorder, Nonaffective Psychosis, and Common Mental Disorders Using Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Vaidyanathan Uma , Patrick Christopher J. , Iacono William G.
Published: October 2012

Background: While dimensional models of psychopathology have delineated two broad factors underlying common mental disorders – internalizing and externalizing – it is unclear where bipolar disorder and nonaffective psychoses fit in relation to this structure and to each other. Given their low prevalence rates in the general population, these disorders generally tend to be excluded from such models. The current study used the person-centered approach of latent class analysis (LCA) to evaluate this question. Sampling and Methods: LCA of diagnostic data from an epidemiological sample, the National Comorbidity Survey (n = 5,877), was undertaken. Diagnoses utilized in analyses included mania, nonaffective psychoses, specific phobia, social phobia, agoraphobia, panic disorder, major depression, dysthymia, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol dependence, drug dependence, and conduct disorder. Results: Results indicated that a 5-class LCA model optimally fit the data. Four of the classes mirrored those found in dimensional models – a class with few disorders, and 3 others with primarily fear, distress, and externalizing disorders. However, the fifth class – which is not evident in dimensional models – was unique in that it was the only one in which individuals demonstrated significant probabilities of both manic episodes and nonaffective psychoses in addition to markedly high levels of internalizing and externalizing disorders. Conclusion: This finding has important implications for nosological classification of psychopathology.