bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial integrity in a neonatal bovine model of right ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Bruns Danielle R. , Brown R. Dale , Stenmark Kurt R. , Buttrick Peter M. , Walker Lori A.
Published: November 2014

Right ventricular (RV) function is a key determinant of survival in patients with both RV and left ventricular (LV) failure, yet the mechanisms of RV failure are poorly understood. Recent studies suggest cardiac metabolism is altered in RV failure in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Accordingly, we assessed mitochondrial content, dynamics, and function in hearts from neonatal calves exposed to hypobaric hypoxia (HH). This model develops severe PH with concomitant RV hypertrophy, dilation, and dysfunction. After 2 wk of HH, pieces of RV and LV were obtained along with samples from age-matched controls. Comparison with control assesses the effect of hypoxia, whereas comparison between the LV and RV in HH assesses the additional impact of RV overload. Mitochondrial DNA was unchanged in HH, as was mitochondrial content as assessed by electron microscopy. Immunoblotting for electron transport chain subunits revealed a small increase in mitochondrial content in HH in both ventricles. Mitochondrial dynamics were largely unchanged. Activity of individual respiratory chain complexes was reduced (complex I) or unchanged (complex V) in HH. Key enzymes in the glycolysis pathway were upregulated in both HH ventricles, alongside upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α protein. Importantly, none of the changes in expression or activity were different between ventricles, suggesting the changes are in response to HH and not RV overload. Upregulation of glycolytic modulators without chamber-specific mitochondrial dysfunction suggests that mitochondrial capacity and activity are maintained at the onset of PH, and the early RV dysfunction in this model results from mechanisms independent of the mitochondria.
A Rare Case of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder in Patient with Sjogren’s Syndrome
Authors: Thongpooswan Supat , Chapagain Bikash , Bandagi Sabiha
Published: November 2014

We report a 48-year-old female with the history of Sjogren’s syndrome who presented with 3-week history of tingling, numbness, and shooting back, waist, and bilateral leg pain and numbness in the pelvic region with urinary and bowel incontinence. Physical examination was remarkable for reduced motor power in both lower extremities with spasticity. Sensory deficit was noted at the T6 level. Laboratory investigation revealed elevated ESR and CRP and positive serum antiaquaporin-4 IgG. Thoracic and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging revealed abnormal patchy areas, leptomeningeal enhancement through the thoracic cord extending from T3 through T6 levels, without evidence of cord compression. Impression of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder was made and patient was treated with methylprednisolone intravenously followed by tapering oral prednisone. Neurological symptoms gradually improved with resolution of bowel and urinary incontinence. In a patient with Sjogren’s syndrome who presents with neurological complaints, the possibility of neuromyelitis optica or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder should be considered. Awareness of the possibility of CNS disease is important due to the serious nature of CNS complications, some of which are treatable with immunosuppressants. Our patient with Sjogren’s syndrome who presented with myelopathy benefited from early recognition and institution of appropriate therapy.
Metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma Accompanying Gorlin Syndrome
Authors: Bilir Yeliz , Gokce Erkan , Ozturk Banu , Deresoy Faik Alev , Yuksekkaya Ruken , Yaman Emel
Published: November 2014

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by skeletal anomalies, numerous cysts observed in the jaw, and multiple basal cell carcinoma of the skin, which may be accompanied by falx cerebri calcification. Basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly skin tumor with slow clinical course and low metastatic potential. Its concomitance with Gorlin syndrome, resulting from a mutation in a tumor suppressor gene, may substantially change morbidity and mortality. A 66-year-old male patient with a history of recurrent basal cell carcinoma was presented with exophthalmus in the left eye and the lesions localized in the left lateral orbita and left zygomatic area. His physical examination revealed hearing loss, gapped teeth, highly arched palate, and frontal prominence. Left orbital mass, cystic masses at frontal and ethmoidal sinuses, and multiple pulmonary nodules were detected at CT scans. Basal cell carcinoma was diagnosed from biopsy of ethmoid sinus. Based on the clinical and typical radiological characteristics (falx cerebri calcification, bifid costa, and odontogenic cysts), the patient was diagnosed with metastatic skin basal cell carcinoma accompanied by Gorlin syndrome. Our case is a basal cell carcinoma with aggressive course accompanying a rarely seen syndrome.
Linearization from Complex Lie Point Transformations
Authors: Ali Sajid , Safdar M. , Qadir Asghar
Published: November 2014

Complex Lie point transformations are used to linearize a class of systems of second order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) which have Lie algebras of maximum dimensiond, withd≤4. We identify such a class by employing complex structure on the manifold that defines the geometry of differential equations. Furthermore we provide a geometrical construction of the procedure adopted that provides an analogue inR3of the linearizability criteria inR2.
Pricing Parisian Option under a Stochastic Volatility Model
Authors: Lee Min-Ku , Jang Kyu-Hwan
Published: November 2014

We study the pricing of a Parisian option under a stochastic volatility model. Based on the manipulation problem that barrier options might create near barriers, the Parisian option has been designed as an extended barrier option. A stochastic volatility correction to the Black-Scholes price of the Parisian option is obtained in a partial differential equation form and the solution is characterized numerically.
Contributions to Drug Resistance in Glioblastoma Derived from Malignant Cells in the Sub-Ependymal Zone
Authors: Piccirillo Sara G.M. , Spiteri Inmaculada , Sottoriva Andrea , Touloumis Anestis , Ber Suzan , Price Stephen J. , Heywood Richard , Francis Nicola-Jane , Howarth Karen D. , Collins Vincent P. , Venkitaraman Ashok R. , Curtis Christina , Marioni John C. , Tavaré Simon , Watts Colin
Published: November 2014

Glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive adult brain tumor, is characterized by extreme phenotypic diversity and treatment failure. Through fluorescence-guided resection, we identified fluorescent tissue in the sub-ependymal zone (SEZ) of patients with glioblastoma. Histologic analysis and genomic characterization revealed that the SEZ harbors malignant cells with tumor-initiating capacity, analogous to cells isolated from the fluorescent tumor mass (T). We observed resistance to supramaximal chemotherapy doses along with differential patterns of drug response between T and SEZ in the same tumor. Our results reveal novel insights into glioblastoma growth dynamics, with implications for understanding and limiting treatment resistance. Cancer Res; 75(1); 194–202. ©2014 AACR.
Solid Tumors of Childhood Display Specific Serum microRNA Profiles
Authors: Murray Matthew J. , Raby Katie L. , Saini Harpreet K. , Bailey Shivani , Wool Sophie V. , Tunnacliffe Jane M. , Enright Anton J. , Nicholson James C. , Coleman Nicholas
Published: November 2014

Background: Serum biomarkers for diagnosis and risk stratification of childhood solid tumors would improve the accuracy/timeliness of diagnosis and reduce the need for invasive biopsies. We hypothesized that differential expression and/or release of microRNAs (miRNAs) by such tumors may be detected as altered serum miRNA profiles.

Methods: We undertook global quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) miRNA profiling (n = 741) on RNA from 53 serum samples, representing 33 diagnostic cases of common childhood cancers plus 20 controls. Technical confirmation was performed in a subset of 21 cases, plus four independent samples.

Results: We incorporated robust quality control steps for RNA extraction, qRT-PCR efficiency and hemolysis quantification. We evaluated multiple methods to normalize global profiling data and identified the ‘global mean’ approach as optimal. We generated a panel of six miRNAs that were most stable in pediatric serum samples and therefore most suitable for normalization of targeted miRNA qRT-PCR data. Tumor-specific serum miRNA profiles were identified for each tumor type and selected miRNAs underwent confirmatory testing. We identified a panel of miRNAs (miR-124-3p/miR-9-3p/miR-218-5p/miR-490-5p/miR-1538) of potential importance in the clinical management of neuroblastoma, as they were consistently highly overexpressed in MYCN-amplified high-risk cases (MYCN-NB). We also derived candidate miRNA panels for noninvasive differential diagnosis of a liver mass (hepatoblastoma vs. combined MYCN-NB/NB), an abdominal mass (Wilms tumor vs. combined MYCN-NB/NB), and sarcoma subtypes.

Conclusions: This study describes a pipeline for robust diagnostic serum miRNA profiling in childhood solid tumors, and has identified candidate miRNA profiles for prospective testing.

Impact: We propose a new noninvasive method with the potential to diagnose childhood solid tumors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(2); 350–60. ©2014 AACR.
Efficacy of a Couple-Based Randomized Controlled Trial to Help Latino Fathers Quit Smoking during Pregnancy and Postpartum: The Parejas Trial
Authors: Pollak Kathryn I. , Lyna Pauline , Bilheimer Alicia K. , Gordon Kristina C. , Peterson Bercedis L. , Gao Xiaomei , Swamy Geeta K. , Denman Susan , Gonzalez Alicia , Rocha Pilar , Fish Laura J.
Published: November 2014

Background: Although many Latinos in the United States smoke, they receive assistance to quit less often than non-Latinos. To address this disparity, we recruited Latino couples into a randomized controlled trial and provided a smoking cessation program during a teachable moment, when men's partners were pregnant.

Methods: We compared two interventions: (i) written materials plus nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to (ii) materials, NRT, and couple-based counseling that addressed smoking cessation and couples communication. We recruited 348 expectant fathers who smoked via their pregnant partners from county health departments. Our primary outcome was 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence and was collected from November 2010 through April 2013 and analyzed in February 2014.

Results: We found high rates of cessation but no arm differences in smoking rates at the end of pregnancy (0.31 vs. 0.30, materials only vs. counseling, respectively) and 12 months after randomization (postpartum: 0.39 vs. 0.38). We found high quit rates among nondaily smokers but no arm differences (0.43 vs. 0.46 in pregnancy and 0.52 vs. 0.48 postpartum). Among daily smokers, we found lower quit rates with no arm differences but effects favoring the intervention arm (0.13 vs. 0.16 in pregnancy and 0.17 vs. 0.24 postpartum).

Conclusions: A less intensive intervention promoted cessation equal to more intensive counseling. Postpartum might be a more powerful time to promote cessation among Latino men.

Impact: Less intensive interventions when delivered during teachable moments for Latino men could result in a high smoking cessation rate and could reduce disparities. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(2); 379–85. ©2014 AACR.
A Vaccinia Virus Armed with Interleukin-10 Is a Promising Therapeutic Agent for Treatment of Murine Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Chard Louisa S. , Maniati Eleni , Wang Pengju , Zhang Zhongxian , Gao Dongling , Wang Jiwei , Cao Fengyu , Ahmed Jahangir , El Khouri Margueritte , Hughes Jonathan , Wang Shengdian , Li Xiaozhu , Denes Bela , Fodor Istvan , Hagemann Thorsten , Lemoine Nicholas R. , Wang Yaohe
Published: November 2014

Purpose: Vaccinia virus has strong potential as a novel therapeutic agent for treatment of pancreatic cancer. We investigated whether arming vaccinia virus with interleukin-10 (IL10) could enhance the antitumor efficacy with the view that IL10 might dampen the host immunity to the virus, increasing viral persistence, thus maximizing the oncolytic effect and antitumor immunity associated with vaccinia virus.

Experimental Design: The antitumor efficacy of IL10-armed vaccinia virus (VVLΔTK-IL10) and control VVΔTK was assessed in pancreatic cancer cell lines, mice bearing subcutaneous pancreatic cancer tumors and a pancreatic cancer transgenic mouse model. Viral persistence within the tumors was examined and immune depletion experiments as well as immunophenotyping of splenocytes were carried out to dissect the functional mechanisms associated with the viral efficacy.

Results: Compared with unarmed VVLΔTK, VVLΔTK-IL10 had a similar level of cytotoxicity and replication in vitro in murine pancreatic cancer cell lines, but rendered a superior antitumor efficacy in the subcutaneous pancreatic cancer model and a K-ras-p53 mutant-transgenic pancreatic cancer model after systemic delivery, with induction of long-term antitumor immunity. The antitumor efficacy of VVLΔTK-IL10 was dependent on CD4+ and CD8+, but not NK cells. Clearance of VVLΔTK-IL10 was reduced at early time points compared with the control virus. Treatment with VVLΔTK-IL10 resulted in a reduction in virus-specific, but not tumor-specific CD8+ cells compared with VVLΔTK.

Conclusions: These results suggest that VVLΔTK-IL10 has strong potential as an antitumor therapeutic for pancreatic cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 21(2); 405–16. ©2014 AACR.
Population-Based Prediction of Fitting Levels for Individual Cochlear Implant Recipients
Authors: van der Beek Feddo B. , Briaire Jeroen J. , Frijns Johan H.M.
Published: November 2014

Objectives: This study analyzed the predictability of fitting levels for cochlear implant recipients based on a review of the clinical levels of the recipients. Design: Data containing threshold levels (T-levels) and maximum comfort levels (M-levels) for 151 adult subjects using a CII/HiRes 90K cochlear implant with a HiFocus 1/1 J electrode were used. The 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentiles of the T- and M-levels are reported. Speech perception of the subjects, using a HiRes speech coding strategy, was measured during routine clinical follow-up. Results: T-levels for most subjects were between 20 and 35% of their M-levels and were rarely (<1/50) below 10% of the M-levels. Furthermore, both T- and M-levels showed an increase over the first year of follow-up. Interestingly, levels expressed in linear charge units showed a clear increase in dynamic range (DR) over 1 year (29.8 CU; SD 73.0), whereas the DR expressed in decibels remained stable. T-level and DR were the only fitting parameters for which a significant correlation with speech perception (r = 0.34, p < 0.01, and r = 0.33, p < 0.01, respectively) could be demonstrated. Additionally, analysis showed that T- and M-level profiles expressed in decibels were independent of the subjects' across-site mean levels. Using mixed linear models, predictive models were obtained for the T- and M-levels of all separate electrode contacts. Conclusions: On the basis of the data set from 151 subjects, clinically applicable predictive models for T- and M-levels have been obtained. Based on one psychophysical measurement and a population-based T- or M-level profile, individual recipients' T- and M-levels can be approximated with a closed-set formula. Additionally, the analyzed fitting level data can serve as a reference for future patients. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Micronucleus Evaluation of Exfoliated Buccal Epithelial Cells Using Liquid-Based Cytology Preparation
Authors: Ramos Manoela Aguena , Cury Fernanda de Paula , Scapulatempo Neto Cristovam , Marques Marcia M.C. , Silveira Henrique César Santejo
Published: November 2014

Objective: Micronuclei (MN) are biomarkers that can be applied to buccal epithelial cells to assess populations occupationally exposed to potentially carcinogenic agents. Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is a way to improve and refine the results obtained by this test. Study Design: Exfoliated buccal cells were collected from 40 subjects (20 construction workers from the Barretos Cancer Hospital and 20 administrative staff from the same institution). LBC and three stains (Feulgen/fast green, Papanicolaou and Giemsa) were used to prepare the slides. Student's t test was applied for statistical comparisons of the data. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Regardless of the stain employed, the frequency of MN was greater in the case group (Feulgen/fast green: 5.15; Papanicolaou: 29; Giemsa: 26) than in the control group (Feulgen/fast green: 2.30; Papanicolaou: 17; Giemsa: 15). Conclusions: Using LBC to prepare slides and evaluate the frequency of MN potentially serves as a screening option for more comprehensive studies of cancer risk among populations occupationally exposed to potentially carcinogenic agents. In addition, the residual fluid enables the preparation of slides for DNA-specific stains that can be compared to those with Papanicolaou stain.
Ventricular Arrhythmia Risk Stratification in Patients With Tetralogy of Fallot at the Time of Pulmonary Valve Replacement
Authors: Sabate Rotes Anna , Connolly Heidi M. , Warnes Carole A. , Ammash Naser M. , Phillips Sabrina D. , Dearani Joseph A. , Schaff Hartzell V. , Burkhart Harold M. , Hodge David O. , Asirvatham Samuel J. , McLeod Christopher J.
Published: November 2014

Background—

Most patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot require pulmonary valve replacement (PVR), but the evaluation for and management of ventricular arrhythmia remain unclear. This study is aimed at clarifying the optimal approach to this potentially life-threatening issue at the time of PVR.

Methods and Results—

A retrospective analysis was performed on 205 patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot undergoing PVR at our institution between 1988 and 2010. Median age was 32.9 (range, 25.6) years. Previous ventricular tachycardia occurred in 16 patients (8%) and 37 (16%) had left ventricular dysfunction, defined as left ventricular ejection fraction <50%. Surgical right ventricular outflow tract cryoablation was performed in 22 patients (10.7%). The primary outcome was a combined event including ventricular tachycardia, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy, and sudden cardiac death. Freedom from the combined event at 5, 10, and 15 years was 95%, 90%, and 79%, respectively. In the first year after PVR, 2 events occurred. Conversely, in the 22 patients who underwent surgical cryoablation, a single event occurred 7 years after PVR. A history of ventricular tachycardia and left ventricular dysfunction was associated with higher risk for the combined event (hazard ratio, 4.7;
P
=0.004 and hazard ratio, 0.8;
P
=0.02, respectively).

Conclusions—

Patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot undergoing PVR with history of ventricular tachycardia or left ventricular dysfunction appear to be associated with a higher risk of arrhythmic events after operation. Events in the first year after PVR are rare, and in select high-risk patients, surgical cryoablation does not seem to increase arrhythmic events and may be protective.
Prevention of Neointimal Formation After Angioplasty Using Nuclear Factor-κB Decoy Oligodeoxynucleotide-Coated Balloon Catheter in Rabbit Model
Authors: Miyake Takashi , Ihara Shinya , Miyake Tetsuo , Tsukada Yusuke , Watanabe Hajime , Matsuda Hiroaki , Kiguchi Hideki , Tsujimoto Hiroyuki , Nakagami Hironori , Morishita Ryuichi
Published: November 2014

Background—

Despite the advent of drug-eluting stents, restenosis after endovascular intervention is still a major limitation in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. To regulate the multiple biological mechanisms underlying restenosis, we focused on inhibition of an important transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappaB (NFκB), using a decoy strategy.

Methods and Results—

For site-specific application of NFκB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides into target vessels during angioplasty, we developed a balloon catheter–based delivery system combined with biocompatible nanoparticles as oligodeoxynucleotides carriers. To clarify the therapeutic effect at the site of neointima, balloon angioplasty of the rabbit carotid arteries was performed at 4 weeks after initial endothelial denudation. This delivery system exhibited successful transfer of fluorescence-labeled nanospheres into the neointima in short-term contact with target vessels, and fluorescence could be detected ≥1 week after angioplasty. Consistently, local application of NFκB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides -loaded nanospheres resulted in significant inhibition of neointimal formation, associated with inhibition of NFκB binding activity in the injured arteries. The therapeutic effects were caused by inhibition of macrophage recruitment through the suppression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and CC chemokine ligand 4 expression and inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell growth via a decrease in the expression of cyclin A and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Importantly, application of NFκB nanospheres accelerated restoration of the endothelial cell monolayer, associated with enhanced expression of phosphorylated Bcl-2 in endothelial cells.

Conclusions—

A drug-coated balloon catheter using NFκB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides significantly inhibited the development of neointimal hyperplasia in rabbits. The present study indicates the possibility of a novel therapeutic option to prevent restenosis after angioplasty.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection
Authors: Tweet Marysia S. , Eleid Mackram F. , Best Patricia J.M. , Lennon Ryan J. , Lerman Amir , Rihal Charanjit S. , Holmes David R. , Hayes Sharonne N. , Gulati Rajiv
Published: November 2014

Background—

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a nonatherosclerotic acute coronary syndrome for which optimal management remains undefined.

Methods and Results—

We performed a retrospective study of 189 patients presenting with a first SCAD episode. We evaluated outcomes according to initial management: (1) revascularization versus conservative therapy and (2) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus conservative therapy stratified by vessel flow at presentation. Demographics were similar in revascularization versus conservative (mean age, 44±9 years; women 92% both groups), but vessel occlusion was more frequent in revascularization (44/95 versus 18/94). There was 1 in-hospital death (revascularization) and 1 late death (conservative). Procedural failure rate was 53% in those managed with PCI. In the subgroup of patients presenting with preserved vessel flow, rates of PCI failure were similarly high (50%), and 6 (13%) required emergency coronary artery bypass grafting. In the conservative group, 85 of 94 (90%) had an uneventful in-hospital course, but 9 (10%) experienced early SCAD progression requiring revascularization. Kaplan–Meier estimated 5-year rates of target vessel revascularization and recurrent SCAD were no different in revascularization versus conservative therapy (30% versus 19%;
P
=0.06 and 23% versus 31%;
P
=0.7).

Conclusions—

PCI for SCAD is associated with high rates of technical failure even in those presenting with preserved vessel flow and does not protect against target vessel revascularization or recurrent SCAD. A strategy of conservative management with prolonged observation may be preferable.
International Geographic Variation in Event Rates in Trials of Heart Failure With Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Kristensen Søren L. , Køber Lars , Jhund Pardeep S. , Solomon Scott D. , Kjekshus John , McKelvie Robert S. , Zile Michael R. , Granger Christopher B. , Wikstrand John , Komajda Michel , Carson Peter E. , Pfeffer Marc A. , Swedberg Karl , Wedel Hans , Yusuf Salim , McMurray John J. V.
Published: November 2014

Background—

International geographic differences in outcomes may exist for clinical trials of heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HF-REF), but there are few data for those with preserved ejection fraction (HF-PEF).

Methods and Results—

We analyzed outcomes by international geographic region in the Irbesartan in Heart Failure with Preserved systolic function trial (I-Preserve), the Candesartan in Heart failure Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity (CHARM)-Preserved trial, the CHARM-Alternative and CHARM–Added HF-REF trials, and the Controlled Rosuvastatin Multinational Trial in HF-REF (CORONA). Crude rates of heart failure hospitalization varied by geographic region, and more so for HF-PEF than for HF-REF. Rates in patients with HF-PEF were highest in the United States/Canada (HF hospitalization rate 7.6 per 100 patient-years in I-Preserve; 8.8 in CHARM-Preserved), intermediate in Western Europe (4.8/100 and 4.7/100), and lowest in Eastern Europe/Russia (3.3/100 and 2.8/100). The difference between the United States/Canada versus Eastern Europe/Russia persisted after adjustment for key prognostic variables: adjusted hazard ratios 1.34 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.74;
P
=0.04) in I-Preserve and 1.85 (95% confidence interval, 1.17–2.91;
P
=0.01) in CHARM-Preserved. In HF-REF, rates of HF hospitalization were slightly lower in Western Europe compared with other regions. For both HF-REF and HF-PEF, there were few regional differences in rates of all-cause or cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusions—

The differences in event rates observed suggest there is international geographic variation in 1 or more of the definition and diagnosis of HF-PEF, the risk profile of patients enrolled, and the threshold for hospitalization, which has implications for the conduct of future global trials.
Regional Variation in Patients and Outcomes in the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) Trial
Authors: Pfeffer Marc A. , Claggett Brian , Assmann Susan F. , Boineau Robin , Anand Inder S. , Clausell Nadine , Desai Akshay S. , Diaz Rafael , Fleg Jerome L. , Gordeev Ivan , Heitner John F. , Lewis Eldrin F. , O’Meara Eileen , Rouleau Jean-Lucien , Probstfield Jeffrey L. , Shaburishvili Tamaz , Shah Sanjiv J. , Solomon Scott D. , Sweitzer Nancy K. , McKinlay Sonja M. , Pitt Bertram
Published: November 2014

Background—

Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) patients with heart failure and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction assigned to spironolactone did not achieve a significant reduction in the primary composite outcome (time to cardiovascular death, aborted cardiac arrest, or hospitalization for management of heart failure) compared with patients receiving placebo. In a post hoc analysis, an ≈4-fold difference was identified in this composite event rate between the 1678 patients randomized from Russia and Georgia compared with the 1767 enrolled from the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina (the Americas).

Methods and Results—

To better understand this regional difference in clinical outcomes, demographic characteristics of these populations and their responses to spironolactone were explored. Patients from Russia/Georgia were younger, had less atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus, but were more likely to have had prior myocardial infarction or a hospitalization for heart failure. Russia/Georgia patients also had lower left ventricular ejection fraction and creatinine but higher diastolic blood pressure (all
P
<0.001). Hyperkalemia and doubling of creatinine were more likely and hypokalemia was less likely in patients receiving spironolactone in the Americas with no significant treatment effects in Russia/Georgia. All clinical event rates were markedly lower in Russia/Georgia, and there was no detectable impact of spironolactone on any outcomes. In contrast, in the Americas, the rates of the primary outcome, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for heart failure were significantly reduced by spironolactone.

Conclusions—

This post hoc analysis demonstrated greater potassium and creatinine changes and possible clinical benefits with spironolactone in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction from the Americas.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00094302.
Plaque Echolucency and Stroke Risk in Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Gupta Ajay , Kesavabhotla Kartik , Baradaran Hediyeh , Kamel Hooman , Pandya Ankur , Giambrone Ashley E. , Wright Drew , Pain Kevin J. , Mtui Edward E. , Suri Jasjit S. , Sanelli Pina C. , Mushlin Alvin I.
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose—

Ultrasonographic plaque echolucency has been studied as a stroke risk marker in carotid atherosclerotic disease. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the association between ultrasound-determined carotid plaque echolucency and future ipsilateral stroke risk.

Methods—

We searched the medical literature for studies evaluating the association between carotid plaque echolucency and future stroke in asymptomatic patients. We included prospective observational studies with stroke outcome ascertainment after baseline carotid plaque echolucency assessment. We performed a meta-analysis and assessed study heterogeneity and publication bias. We also performed subgroup analyses limited to patients with stenosis ≥50%, studies in which plaque echolucency was determined via subjective visual interpretation, studies with a relatively lower risk of bias, and studies published after the year 2000.

Results—

We analyzed data from 7 studies on 7557 subjects with a mean follow-up of 37.2 months. We found a significant positive relationship between predominantly echolucent (compared with predominantly echogenic) plaques and the risk of future ipsilateral stroke across all stenosis severities (0% to 99%; relative risk, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.58–3.39;
P
<0.001) and in subjects with ≥50% stenosis (relative risk, 2.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.47–4.63;
P
=0.001). A statistically significant increased relative risk for future stroke was preserved in all additional subgroup analyses. No statistically significant heterogeneity or publication bias was present in any of the meta-analyses.

Conclusions—

The presence of ultrasound-determined carotid plaque echolucency provides predictive information in asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis beyond luminal stenosis. However, the magnitude of the increased risk is not sufficient on its own to iden tify patients likely to benefit from surgical revascularization.
The Voice-Index and Digital Voice Interface
Authors: Young Andrea
Published: November 2014

The voice-index is discussed as a conceptual model for creating a live digital voice. Vocal feature extraction employs the voice as a live electronic interface, referenced in the author’s performative work.
Electric Music (for Helen Keller)
Authors: Celtovic Noel
Published: November 2014

The artist describes Electric Music (for Helen Keller), a performance of music for deaf audiences that uses four electrode pads of a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation unit to perform music directly on the body of the listener.
Moving Instruments
Authors: Eikman Cody
Published: November 2014

The author provides a brief description of a series of works using “moving instruments,” focusing on the autonomous mobility of the instrument detached from the performer.
Interaction, onde Martenot and Répertoire
Authors: Ratsimandresy Nadia
Published: November 2014

What distinguishes the onde Martenot performer from the composer? How can one build a new repertoire for the instrument? The author finds the answers to in the interaction between performers and in a new form of collaborative performance.
Cracking Ray Tubes: Reanimating Analog Video in a Digital Context
Authors: Connolly James , Evans Kyle
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates the aesthetic potentials of analog and digital hybridized systems to generate genuinely new sonic and visual experiences. The authors discuss their use of the cathode ray tube as a technological and cultural platform for real-time performance in the context of digital screen culture and the digital glitch.
The Decoupled Acoustic String Instrument: A New Concept for an Acoustic String Instrument
Authors: Lee Byungjoo
Published: November 2014

All existing acoustic string instruments are essentially vibro-acoustic systems that transmit the vibrational energy of strings to a resonator through a bridge. This efficiently converts the vibrational energy to sound radiation energy. The author has proposed an innovative acoustic stringed instrument, called the decoupled acoustic string instrument, and has developed a prototype. The most notable feature of this idea is that the vibrating strings are separated from the resonator and fixed to a distant rigid foundation.
Synthesizing Performance
Authors: Erickson Kristin Grace
Published: November 2014

The author describes synthesizing performance from abstract processes, her exploration of the computational potential of performing algorithms and her development of audio technologies to communicate real-time instructions to performers in her work M.T.Brain (2012).
Discourse, Ideas, Frequencies and Technology
Authors: Bernier Nicolas
Published: November 2014

The artist puts into perspective the relative importance of technology in his work.
Convergent Technologies, Custom Aesthetics
Authors: Hermans Phillip
Published: November 2014

The author anticipates how technological advances in the 21st century will give musicians the tools to further control their craft, while giving listeners the ability to personalize and share their aesthetic experience.
Art and the Uncanny: Tapping the Potential
Authors: Diels Natacha
Published: November 2014

This article discusses the potential uses and benefits of “the uncanny.” It begins with a historical definition and continues through existing uses within the author’s body of work.
Sensation and Control: Indeterminate Approaches in Popular Music
Authors: Waite Si
Published: November 2014

Indeterminate techniques borrowed from experimental music can be applied to the composition and performance of popular, song-based material. The author makes the case for treating computer-based systems as collaborators in creating works that are both sensuous and cerebral.
The Art of The Lord of the Rings: A Defense of the Aesthetic
Authors: Munro Rebecca
Published: November 2014

This article provides something of a corrective to the ongoing trend in Tolkien studies to read his fiction theologically and attach aspects of it to specific Christian doctrine and practice. Tolkien made his resistance to such “symbolic or allegorical” interpretation very clear in his letters. I argue that recognizing and reading Tolkien as a literary artist provides a more appropriate method by which we may appreciate The Lord of the Rings as the author intended, as literary art. Through such an approach, we may also come to a more accurate understanding of how Tolkien’s faith, as a Catholic Christian writer, enriches his masterpiece. Evidence for my argument comes from Tolkien’s writings and The Lord of the Rings, in which Tolkien’s aesthetic criteria for the art of story-telling is most fully embodied and demonstrated.
A new species of Lophophysema (Porifera, Hexactinellida, Hyalonematidae) from the South China Sea
Authors: GONG LIN , LI XINZHENG , QIU JIAN-WEN
Published: November 2014

We describe Lophophysema eversa sp. nov. (Porifera, Hexactinellida, Hyalonematidae) based on a single specimen collected from the South China Sea at a depth of 3683 m. The new species can be distinguished from the three known congeners by its unusual body shape with basalia on the side of the body, the lack of  macramphidiscs, the combination of the pinular pentactins having spiny tangential rays and the pinular ray of atrialia longer than dermalia and canalaria. This is the first record of the genus Lophophysema from the South China Sea. We also use a partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene to confirm the family assignment of the new specimen.
An annotated checklist of the bush katydids (Orthoptera: Phaneropteridae: Phaneropterinae) from Singapore, including an illustrated key to species
Authors: TAN MING KAI
Published: November 2014

The Phaneropterinae, or commonly known as the bush katydids, are among the most speciose katydids in the world. The bush katydids have interesting life histories but little is known about species from Southeast Asia. The source of problem may lie in the lack of sampling and revised taxonomic knowledge. The paper reports a species checklist of Phaneropterinae from Singapore. In total, 30 species were recorded from Singapore, eight of which may be locally extinct. Each species was also annotated with known life history information or taxonomic remarks, whenever possible. The female of Phaulula malayica was also described for the first time. An illustrated key to species from Singapore was also provided to assist in species identification.
A new genus to accommodate three skinks currently assigned to Menetia (Lacertilia: Scincidae)
Authors: COUPER PATRICK J. , HOSKIN CONRAD J.
Published: November 2014

Menetia timlowi Ingram 1977 has had a chequered generic history due to ambiguity in interpreting its various character states. Ingram (1977) assigned this species to Menetia on the strength of “the long narrow obliquely oriented first supraocular” and “enlarged upper circumoculars”. In doing so, he admitted the possibility that M. timlowi “may in fact be a Carlia” but because “all Carlia, except burnetti, lack fused lower eyelids and have a typically anvil shaped presubocular”, allocating timlowi to Menetia seemed the best available option. Ingram and Covacevich (1988) revisited the generic status of this species when resurrecting Lygisaurus from the synonymy of Carlia to accommodate a group of small leaf-litter dwelling skinks. In proposing the new combination L. timlowi (Ingram 1977), they considered the supraoculars to be transverse whereas Ingram had stated them to be oblique in his original species description.
Development and Formation Mechanism of the Southeast Asian Winter Heavy Rainfall Events around the South China Sea. Part II: Multiple Interactions*
Authors: Chen Tsing-Chang , Tsay Jenq-Dar , Matsumoto Jun
Published: November 2014

About 44% of the cold-season heavy rainfall/flood (HRF) events around the South China Sea require six days or longer to develop from the formation time of their parent cold surge vortices (CSVs). Formations for both the parent CSV and HRF event are involved with interactions of the concerned vortices with two different cold surge flows. The occurrence frequency of the East Asian cold surge flow varies from 4.5 to 6 days. The longevous CSVs enable their developments to interact with the second cold surge flows between formations of these CSVs and HRF events. Two requirements for the formation of HRF events are 1) synchronized occurrence of the HRF event and the northwestern Pacific explosive cyclone and 2) simultaneous occurrence of the maximum speeds among westerlies of the northwestern Pacific explosive cyclone and easterlies of the tropical trade winds and the HRF event. These requirements cannot be met by the CSV at its second maximum peak intensity, but the CSV at this stage plays an indispensible role for the formation of the HRF event to make its intensity and rainfall amount larger than those HRF events without this relay intensification. The development of an HRF event through multiple interactions of CSVs with sequential cold surge flows may pose difficulties to numerically simulate/predict the occurrence of these HRF events over the cold-season rainfall centers around the South China Sea.
Altitudinal Precipitation Gradients in the Tropics from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar
Authors: Anders Alison M. , Nesbitt Stephen W.
Published: November 2014

A Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) climatology shows variability in surface precipitation rate–elevation relationships across the tropics. Vertical profiles of radar reflectivity and profiles of specific humidity and cross-barrier moisture fluxes during precipitation events from the Interim European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis reveal four precipitation regimes with distinct precipitation mechanisms: 1) a tropical regime with a broad precipitation maximum at ~1500 m where convection is triggered by orographic lifting; 2) a trade winds regime with a near–sea level precipitation maximum dominated by forced ascent due to prevailing winds and the presence of dry air aloft; 3) a wet monsoon regime with a low-elevation precipitation maximum driven by efficient precipitation generation, large low-level cross-barrier moisture fluxes, and multiple convective modes; and 4) a dry monsoon regime with a high-elevation precipitation maximum reflecting intense convection and stratiform rain with a strong evaporation signature. In general, surface precipitation–elevation relationships across the tropics feature lower-elevation precipitation maxima relative to typical midlatitude regimes.
Global Wavenumber Spectrum with Corrections for Altimeter High-Frequency Noise
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Hui , Wang Dong-Ping , Chen Dake
Published: November 2014

The altimetry wavenumber spectra of sea surface height (SSH) provide a unique dataset for testing of geostrophic turbulence. While SSH spectral slopes of k−11/3 and k−5 are expected from theories and numerical simulations, the altimetry spectra from the original unfiltered and instrument noise–corrected data often are too shallow, falling between k−2 and k−3. In this study, the possibility that the flattened spectral slopes are partly due to contamination by unresolved high-frequency (<10 days) motions is tested. A spatiotemporal filter based on empirical orthogonal function expansion (EOF) is used to remove the temporally incoherent signals. The resulting spectral slopes are much steeper than in the previous studies. Over 70% of the revised global spectral estimates, excluding the tropics, are above k−3. Moreover, in high energy regions like the Gulf Stream and Kuroshio, the spectral slopes are about k−5, which is consistent with the classical quasigeostrophic (QG) turbulence. The spectral slopes are validated with the eddy kinetic energy (EKE) spectra from shipboard acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) measurements in the high and low energy regions.
Collaborating, Connecting, and Clustering in the Humanities
Authors: Quan-Haase Anabel , Suarez Juan Luis , Brown David M.
Published: November 2014

To what extent does networked scholarship in the humanities parallel established models in the sciences? The present study examines the connections of a 7-year interdisciplinary, dispersed, collaborative network composed of 33 humanities scholars investigating the Hispanic Baroque. Our findings suggest that project membership leads to greater network density and integration, without necessarily increasing the level of in-depth collaboration typically found in the sciences. Hence, collaborative models in the humanities, while increasingly important, are distinct from their counterparts in the sciences. The study provides a more nuanced view of networked scholarship because it demonstrates that large-scale collaborative projects can yield a high level of integration of the overall network, while at the same time allowing for strong thematic clustering. This dual structural process is relevant because not all network members can form dense relations with one another. Furthermore, we identified that principal investigators showed different networking strategies.
Leaving Prison
Authors: Bradley Mindy S. , Engen Rodney L.
Published: November 2014

Although the vast majority of people sent to prisons will eventually be released, we know relatively little about factors affecting correctional release. This study considers the roles of race, ethnicity, and gender in correctional release. Incorporating state-level predictors, including violent crime rates and sentencing policies, we examine variation in length of time served and the proportion of sentence incarcerated across demographics. Using National Corrections Reporting Program (NCRP) data, we determine the extent to which differences in time and proportion of sentence served is attributable to demographic and offending differences, as well as difference in sentencing and conditional release. Identifying race, ethnic, and gender disparities subsequent to court-ordered sentencing decisions has important implications for our understanding of justice and the salience of legal and extralegal factors across multiple phases of punishment.
Consumption and Population Dynamics in Nigeria: Analysis and Micro simulations using Fertility Rate Variants
Authors: Kanayo Ogujiuba , Chinelo Ogujiuba , Sathiya Susuman Appunni
Published: November 2014

This paper examines how changes in Fertility Rate Differentials affect household portfolio demand (expenditure on food, monetary transactions, goods and services and non-cash expenditure) in Nigeria. The paper disaggregated household portfolio into four categories and established a link between population dynamics (demographic variables) and household expenditure components using the Vector Error Correction Methodology. The estimated equations are used to project the pattern of the different components of household demand based on the optimum case population scenario. The results suggest that fertility dynamics in Nigeria can produce significant effects on the economy via the expenditure profiles of households.
Social Axioms in 33 Countries
Authors: Stankov Lazar , Saucier Gerard
Published: November 2014

In this article, we report on an attempt to replicate findings with social axioms. Participants from 33 countries (total N = 7,825) were given a 30-item questionnaire based on the work of Leung et al. Several different methods of factor analysis were used, and individual-level as well as the aggregated (nation-level) data were examined. The five-factor structure of social axioms did replicate at the individual level. At the country and world regions level of analysis, however, our findings differ from what has been reported previously. As before, the most pronounced arithmetic mean differences were obtained on Religiosity, with South East Asian region and Malaysia in particular scoring high and Western Europe, especially Spain, being low. Even though cross-cultural differences in Social Complexity were not pronounced, they are comparable in size with what has been reported for social attitudes. Differences between world regions on Social Cynicism, Fate Control, and Reward for Application were in-between those for Religiosity and Social Complexity. These results indicate that social axioms are useful constructs for cross-cultural comparisons.