bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The underwater acoustic activities of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Buscaino Giuseppa , Filiciotto Francesco , Buffa Gaspare , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Maccarrone Vincenzo , Buscaino Carmelo , Mazzola Salvatore , Alonge Giuseppe , D’Angelo Stefania , Maccarrone Vincenzo
Published: September 2012

This study describes the underwater acoustic behavior of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. The study was conducted both in a tank and in the natural environment. The tank was equipped with video and acoustic recording systems. Observations were conducted to identify the underwater acoustic signals produced and their association with behavioral events and the movement status of the animals. In a lake in a natural reserve, a remote acoustic recording station was used to study the circadian underwater acoustic activity of the crayfish and to assess the acoustic features of the signals. The red swamp crayfish produces irregular trains of wide-band pulses (duration 0.4 ms, SPLPK 128 dB re 1 μPa, peak frequency 28 kHz, bandwidthRMS 20 kHz). The production of signals is positively related to intraspecific interactions (encounter/approach, fighting and successive Tail Flips). In the natural environment, acoustic activity is almost absent during the day, increases abruptly at sunset and continues until dawn. This study reveals the previously unknown underwater acoustic signals of Procambarus clarkii and the potential of passive acoustic methods to monitor the presence, the abundance and the behavioral activities of this invasive species.
An exact frequency-domain solution of the sound radiated from the rotating dipole point source
Authors: Mao Yijun , Gu Yuanyuan , Qi Datong , Tang Hongtao
Published: September 2012

An exact solution of the acoustic field around the rotating dipole source has been derived by using a series expansion method and the gradient calculation in the spherical and cylindrical coordinate systems which extends a previously published solution for a rotating monopole source. The proposed exact solution establishes an analytical method to predict the sound radiated from the rotating blades once the acoustic sources have been known.
Emtricitabine-Tenofovir Concentrations and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Efficacy in Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Anderson Peter L. , Glidden David V. , Liu Albert , Buchbinder Susan , Lama Javier R. , Guanira Juan Vicente , McMahan Vanessa , Bushman Lane R. , Casapía Martín , Montoya-Herrera Orlando , Veloso Valdilea G. , Mayer Kenneth H. , Chariyalertsak Suwat , Schechter Mauro , Bekker Linda-Gail , Kallás Esper Georges , Grant Robert M. ,   For the iPrEx Study Team
Published: September 2012

PrEP drug concentrations associated with ≥90% reduction in HIV acquisition in men who have sex with men are achieved with daily dosing.
Analyzing the Amazon Mechanical Turk marketplace
Authors: Ipeirotis Panagiotis G.
Published: September 2012

An associate professor at New York Universitys Stern School of Business uncovers answers about who are the employers in paid crowdsourcing, what tasks they post, and how much they pay.
Trends in BCI research
Authors: Allison Brendan
Published: September 2012

It would be wise for stakeholders to organize and establish guidelines in order to prevent BCI from becoming a passing fad.
Big privacy
Authors: Machanavajjhala Ashwin , Reiter Jerome P.
Published: September 2012

Approaches from computer science and statistical science for assessing and protecting privacy in large, public data sets.
Big data platforms: What's next?
Authors: Borkar Vinayak R. , Carey Michael J. , Li Chen
Published: September 2012

Three computer scientists from UC Irvine address the question "What's next for big data?" by summarizing the current state of the big data platform space and then describing ASTERIX, their next-generation big data management system.
Scalable GPU graph traversal
Authors: Merrill Duane , Garland Michael , Grimshaw Andrew
Published: September 2012

Breadth-first search (BFS) is a core primitive for graph traversal and a basis for many higher-level graph analysis algorithms. It is also representative of a class of parallel computations whose memory accesses and work distribution are both irregular and data-dependent. Recent work has demonstrated the plausibility of GPU sparse graph traversal, but has tended to focus on asymptotically inefficient algorithms that perform poorly on graphs with non-trivial diameter.

We present a BFS parallelization focused on fine-grained task management constructed from efficient prefix sum that achieves an asymptotically optimal
O
(|
V
|+|
E
|) work complexity. Our implementation delivers excellent performance on diverse graphs, achieving traversal rates in excess of 3.3 billion and 8.3 billion traversed edges per second using single and quad-GPU configurations, respectively. This level of performance is several times faster than state-of-the-art implementations both CPU and GPU platforms.
GPU-based NFA implementation for memory efficient high speed regular expression matching
Authors: Zu Yuan , Yang Ming , Xu Zhonghu , Wang Lin , Tian Xin , Peng Kunyang , Dong Qunfeng
Published: September 2012

Regular expression pattern matching is the foundation and core engine of many network functions, such as network intrusion detection, worm detection, traffic analysis, web applications and so on. DFA-based solutions suffer exponentially exploding state space and cannot be remedied without sacrificing matching speed. Given this scalability problem of DFA-based methods, there has been increasing interest in NFA-based methods for memory efficient regular expression matching. To achieve high matching speed using NFA, it requires potentially massive parallel processing, and hence represents an ideal programming task on Graphic Processor Unit (GPU). Based on in-depth understanding of NFA properties as well as GPU architecture, we propose effective methods for fitting NFAs into GPU architecture through proper data structure and parallel programming design, so that GPU's parallel processing power can be better utilized to achieve high speed regular expression matching. Experiment results demonstrate that, compared with the existing GPU-based NFA implementation method [9], our proposed methods can boost matching speed by 29~46 times, consistently yielding above 10Gbps matching speed on NVIDIA GTX-460 GPU. Meanwhile, our design only needs a small amount of memory space, growing exponentially more slowly than DFA size. These results make our design an effective solution for memory efficient high speed regular expression matching, and clearly demonstrate the power and potential of GPU as a platform for memory efficient high speed regular expression matching.
Deterministic parallel random-number generation for dynamic-multithreading platforms
Authors: Leiserson Charles E. , Schardl Tao B. , Sukha Jim
Published: September 2012

Existing concurrency platforms for dynamic multithreading do not provide repeatable parallel random-number generators. This paper proposes that a mechanism called
pedigrees
be built into the runtime system to enable efficient deterministic parallel random-number generation. Experiments with the open-source MIT Cilk runtime system show that the overhead for maintaining pedigrees is negligible. Specifically, on a suite of 10 benchmarks, the relative overhead of Cilk with pedigrees to the original Cilk has a geometric mean of less than 1%.

We persuaded Intel to modify its commercial C/C++ compiler, which provides the Cilk Plus concurrency platform, to include pedigrees, and we built a library implementation of a deterministic parallel random-number generator called DotMix that compresses the pedigree and then "RC6-mixes" the result. The statistical quality of DotMix is comparable to that of the popular Mersenne twister, but somewhat slower than a nondeterministic parallel version of this efficient and high-quality serial random-number generator. The cost of calling DotMix depends on the "spawn depth" of the invocation. For a naive Fibonacci calculation with
n=40
that calls DotMix in every node of the computation, this "price of determinism" is a factor of 2.65 in running time, but for more realistic applications with less intense use of random numbers -- such as a maximal-independent-set algorithm, a practical samplesort program, and a Monte Carlo discrete-hedging application from QuantLib -- the observed "price" was less than 5%. Moreover, even if overheads were several times greater, applications using DotMix should be amply fast for debugging purposes, which is a major reason for desiring repeatability.
Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Lysosomal Diseases: Lessons from 20 Years of Experience and Remaining Challenges
Authors: Desnick R.J. , Schuchman E.H.
Published: September 2012

In 1964, Christian de Duve first suggested that enzyme replacement might prove therapeutic for lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). Early efforts identified the major obstacles, including the inability to produce large quantities of the normal enzymes, the lack of animal models for proof-of-concept studies, and the potentially harmful immune responses to the “foreign” normal enzymes. Subsequently, the identification of receptor-mediated targeting of lysosomal enzymes, the cloning and overexpression of human lysosomal genes, and the generation of murine models markedly facilitated the development of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). However, ERT did not become a reality until the early 1990s, when its safety and effectiveness were demonstrated for the treatment of type 1 Gaucher disease. Today, ERT is approved for six LSDs, and clinical trials with recombinant human enzymes are ongoing in several others. Here, we review the lessons learned from 20 years of experience, with an emphasis on the general principles for effective ERT and the remaining challenges.
The Wnt signaling pathway effector TCF7L2 is upregulated by insulin and represses hepatic gluconeogenesis
Authors: Ip Wilfred , Shao Weijuan , Chiang Yu-ting Alex , Jin Tianru
Published: September 2012

Certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) are strongly associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes. TCF7L2 and β-catenin (β-cat) form the bipartite transcription factor cat/TCF in stimulating Wnt target gene expression. cat/TCF may also mediate the effect of other signaling cascades, including that of cAMP and insulin in cell-type specific manners. As carriers of TCF7L2 type 2 diabetes risk SNPs demonstrated increased hepatic glucose production, we aimed to determine whether TCF7L2 expression is regulated by nutrient availability and whether TCF7L2 and Wnt regulate hepatic gluconeogenesis. We examined hepatic Wnt activity in the TOPGAL transgenic mouse, assessed hepatic TCF7L2 expression in mice upon feeding, determined the effect of insulin on TCF7L2 expression and β-cat Ser675phosphorylation, and investigated the effect of Wnt activation and TCF7L2 knockdown on gluconeogenic gene expression and glucose production in hepatocytes. Wnt activity was observed in pericentral hepatocytes in the TOPGAL mouse, whereas TCF7L2 expression was detected in human and mouse hepatocytes. Insulin and feeding stimulated hepatic TCF7L2 expression in vitro and in vivo, respectively. In addition, insulin activated β-cat Ser675phosphorylation. Wnt activation by intraperitoneal lithium injection repressed hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression in vivo, whereas lithium or Wnt-3a reduced gluconeogenic gene expression and glucose production in hepatic cells in vitro. Small interfering RNA-mediated TCF7L2 knockdown increased glucose production and gluconeogenic gene expression in cultured hepatocytes. These observations suggest that Wnt signaling and TCF7L2 are negative regulators of hepatic gluconeogenesis, and TCF7L2 is among the downstream effectors of insulin in hepatocytes.
PET imaging reveals distinctive roles for different regional adipose tissue depots in systemic glucose metabolism in nonobese humans
Authors: Ng Jason M. , Azuma Koichiro , Kelley Carol , Pencek Richard , Radikova Zofia , Laymon Charles , Price Julie , Goodpaster Bret H. , Kelley David E.
Published: September 2012

Excess amounts of abdominal subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue (AT) are associated with insulin resistance, even in normal-weight subjects. In contrast, gluteal-femoral AT (GFAT) is hypothesized to offer protection against insulin resistance. Dynamic PET imaging studies were undertaken to examine the contributions of both metabolic activity and size (volume) of these depots in systemic glucose metabolism. Nonobese, healthy volunteers ( n = 15) underwent dynamic PET imaging uptake of [18F]FDG at a steady-state (20 mU·m−2·min−1) insulin infusion. PET images of tissue [18F]FDG activity were coregistered with MRI to derive K values for insulin-stimulated rates of fractional glucose uptake within tissue. Adipose tissue volume was calculated from DEXA and MRI. VAT had significantly higher rates of fractional glucose uptake per volume than SAT ( P < 0.05) or GFAT ( P < 0.01). KGFAT correlated positively ( r = 0.67, P < 0.01) with systemic insulin sensitivity [glucose disappearance rate (Rd)] and negatively with insulin-suppressed FFA ( r = −0.71, P < 0.01). SAT ( r = −0.70, P < 0.01) and VAT mass ( r = −0.55, P < 0.05) correlated negatively with Rd, but GFAT mass did not. We conclude that rates of fractional glucose uptake within GFAT and VAT are significantly and positively associated with systemic insulin sensitivity in nonobese subjects. Furthermore, whereas SAT and VAT amounts are confirmed to relate to systemic insulin resistance, GFAT amount is not associated with insulin resistance. These dynamic PET imaging studies indicate that both quantity and quality of specific AT depots have distinct roles in systemic insulin resistance and may help explain the metabolically obese but normal-weight phenotype.
Effects of Yoga on Mental and Physical Health: A Short Summary of Reviews
Authors: Büssing Arndt , Michalsen Andreas , Khalsa Sat Bir S. , Telles Shirley , Sherman Karen J.
Published: September 2012

This report summarizes the current evidence on the effects of yoga interventions on various components of mental and physical health, by focussing on the evidence described in review articles. Collectively, these reviews suggest a number of areas where yoga may well be beneficial, but more research is required for virtually all of them to firmly establish such benefits. The heterogeneity among interventions and conditions studied has hampered the use of meta-analysis as an appropriate tool for summarizing the current literature. Nevertheless, there are some meta-analyses which indicate beneficial effects of yoga interventions, and there are several randomized clinical trials (RCT’s) of relatively high quality indicating beneficial effects of yoga for pain-associated disability and mental health. Yoga may well be effective as a supportive adjunct to mitigate some medical conditions, but not yet a proven stand-alone, curative treatment. Larger-scale and more rigorous research with higher methodological quality and adequate control interventions is highly encouraged because yoga may have potential to be implemented as a beneficial supportive/adjunct treatment that is relatively cost-effective, may be practiced at least in part as a self-care behavioral treatment, provides a life-long behavioural skill, enhances self-efficacy and self-confidence and is often associated with additional positive side effects.
Glibenclamide Induces Collagen IV Catabolism in High Glucose-Stimulated Mesangial Cells
Authors: Zhu Liping , Cortes Pedro , Hassett Clare , Taube David W. , Yee Jerry
Published: September 2012

We have shown the full prevention of mesangial expansion in insulin-deficient diabetic rats by treatment with clinically-relevant dosages of glibenclamide (Glib). Studies in mesangial cells (MCs) also demonstrated reduction in the high glucose (HG)-induced accumulation of collagens, proposing that this was due to increased catabolism. In the present study, we investigated the signaling pathways that may be implicated in Glib action. Rat primary MCs were exposed to HG for 8 weeks with or without Glib in therapeutic (0.01 μM) or supratherapeutic (1.0 μM) concentrations. We found that HG increased collagen IV protein accumulation and PAI-1 mRNA and protein expression, in association with decreased cAMP generating capacity and decreased PKA activity. Low Glib increased collagen IV mRNA but fully prevented collagen IV protein accumulation and PAI-1 overexpression while enhancing cAMP formation and PKA activity. MMP2 mRNA, protein expression and gelatinolytic activity were also enhanced. High Glib was, overall, ineffective. In conclusion, low dosage/concentration Glib prevents HG-induced collagen accumulation in MC by enhancing collagen catabolism in a cAMP-PKA-mediated PAI-1 inhibition.
Intravitreal Fluorinated Gas Preference and Occurrence of Rare Ischemic Postoperative Complications after Pars Plana Vitrectomy: A Survey of the American Society of Retina Specialists
Authors: Sigler Eric J. , Randolph John C. , Charles Steve , Calzada Jorge I.
Published: September 2012

Objective. To perform a survey of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) regarding the use of vitreous cavity fluorinated gas as an adjunct to pars plana vitrectomy for retinal detachment or macular hole repair.Methods. A multiple-choice online questionnaire was administered to members of ASRS. Physician experience, gas preference for vitrectomy, and categorical estimate of observation of blinding postoperative ischemic events were recorded.Results. 282 questionnaires were completed. Mean years in vitreoretinal practice were15±10. A decrease in yearly vitrectomy volume was associated with increased number of years in practice (P=0.011). Greater than 95% of respondents preferred fluorinated gas to air alone for both retinal detachment and macular hole repair. 38% of respondents reported at least one observation of a blinding ischemic postoperative event. Overall estimated incidence of blinding postoperative ischemic event was 0.06 events/year in practice.Conclusions. Currently, C3F8 and SF6 are the postoperative gas preference for ASRS respondents, in contrast to previous North American surveys. The occurrence of blinding ischemic events appears unrelated to number of years in practice, was reported by less than half of those surveyed, and has occurred at an infrequent rate of approximately once for every ten years of practice for those observing the phenomena.
Safety and Observations in a Pilot Study of Lenalidomide for Treatment in Autism
Authors: Chez Michael , Low Renee , Parise Carol , Donnel Tammy
Published: September 2012

Autism affects 1 : 88 children in the United States. Familial history of autoimmune disease, autoantibodies in the serum of mothers when there is more than one autistic offspring, and neuroglial response in CSF and brain tissue in autistic patients suggest an immunological variable may be associated with this condition. Lenalidomide has the potential to invoke changes in TNF-αwith less toxicity than thalidomide. This pilot study evaluated lenalidomide at reduction of TNF-αand improvement of behavior and language in children with autism with elevated TNF-α. Subjects with elevated TNF-αwere given 2.5 mgs lenalidomide daily for 12-weeks. Pharmacodynamics and safety was evaluated. Changes in language and autistic behaviors after six and twelve weeks were measured. Although statistical significance was not achieved for most measures, there were trends toward improvement. After 6-weeks, mean receptive language increased: 60.67 ± 12.06 to 65.00 ± 15.10 (P= 0.11) and symptoms of autism decreased (40.75 ± 5.96 versus 38.67 ± 7.90,P= 0.068). After 12-weeks, CSF-TNF-αdeclined 57% ± 25% from 80.5 ± 41.03 to 38.0 ± 31.27 (P= 0.068). Serum TNF-αdeclined 57% (92.50 ± 68.92 to 40.25 ± 44.53 (P= 0.048). This study suggests that lenalidomide is tolerated as a treatment by children with autism and should be further studied as a potential agent for cytockine inflammation.
The Mode of Pretransplant Dialysis Does Not Affect Postrenal Transplant Outcomes in African Americans
Authors: Sharma Amit , Teigeler Todd L. , Behnke Martha , Cotterell Adrian , Fisher Robert , King Anne , Gehr Todd , Posner Marc
Published: September 2012

Background. In previous reports with a majority of Caucasian patients, peritoneal dialysis (PD) before kidney transplantation has been associated with poor outcomes and higher rates of graft thrombosis and infectious complications than hemodialysis (HD). We report our experience on the outcomes of prerenal transplant peritoneal dialysis in predominantly (73%) African American patient population.Methods. A retrospective data analysis of 401 kidney transplants performed at our center from 2000 to 2006 was performed. Adult recipients with at least three months of pretransplant HD or PD were included.Results. There were 339 patients on HD and 62 patients on PD. There was no difference in graft (P=0.51) and patient survival (P=0.52) at 1, 3, and 5-years. Patients on HD were more likely to experience delayed graft function than PD (38.8% versus 17.7%,P<0.005). There was no difference in the incidence of vascular thrombosis or posttransplant infectious complications. When only the African American patients in the two groups were compared, there were no differences in graft or patient survival.Conclusions. Pretransplant peritoneal dialysis is associated with excellent patient and renal allograft outcomes in African Americans and does not predispose them to an increased risk of infectious or thrombotic complications.
Cognitive Code-Division Channelization with Admission Control
Authors: Gao Kanke , Ozdemir Onur , Pados Dimitris A. , Batalama Stella N. , Melodia Tommaso , Drozd Andrew L.
Published: September 2012

We consider the problem of joint resource allocation and admission control in a secondary code-division network coexisting with a narrowband primary system. Our objective is to find the maximum number of admitted secondary links and then find the optimal transmitting powers and code sequences of those secondary links such that the total energy consumption of the secondary network is minimized subject to the conditions that primary interference temperature constraints, secondary signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) constraints and secondary peak power constraints are all satisfied. This is an NP-hard optimization problem which motivates the development of suboptimal algorithms. We propose a novel iterative algorithm to solve this problem in a computationally efficient manner. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm provides excellent solutions that result in high energy efficiency and large admitted percentage of secondary links.
Idiopathic Lymphocele: A Possible Diagnosis for Infraclavicular Masses
Authors: Góes Junior Adenauer Marinho de Oliveira , Jeha Salim Abdon Haber
Published: September 2012

Lymphoceles are usually related to trauma or surgery, and its spontaneous development is rare. The aim of this paper is to report an uncommon case of idiopathic lymphocele located on the right infraclavicular region, in a female patient with no previous local trauma or surgery and unremarkable medical history. The diagnose was suggested by the tomographic aspect of the lesion and confirmed by ultrasound-guided fluid aspiration and cytological analysis. The authors also provide a brief review of the most important thing diagnostic features and treatment options for this condition. For the practicing clinician, the most important is to achieve an accurate diagnose and to choose the proper therapeutic method according to each clinical scenario.
An Emotional Agent Model Based on Granular Computing
Authors: Hu Jun , Guan Chun
Published: September 2012

Affective computing has a very important significance for fulfilling intelligent information processing and harmonious communication between human being and computers. A new model for emotional agent is proposed in this paper to make agent have the ability of handling emotions, based on the granular computing theory and the traditional BDI agent model. Firstly, a new emotion knowledge base based on granular computing for emotion expression is presented in the model. Secondly, a new emotional reasoning algorithm based on granular computing is proposed. Thirdly, a new emotional agent model based on granular computing is presented. Finally, based on the model, an emotional agent for patient assistant in hospital is realized, experiment results show that it is efficient to handle simple emotions.
Immune Development and Intestinal Microbiota in Celiac Disease
Authors: Pozo-Rubio Tamara , Olivares Marta , Nova Esther , De Palma Giada , Mujico Jorge R. , Ferrer Maria Desamparados , Marcos Ascensión , Sanz Yolanda
Published: September 2012

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy, triggered by dietary wheat gluten and similar proteins of barley and rye in genetically susceptible individuals. The etiology of this disorder is complex, involving both environmental and genetic factors. The major genetic risk factor for CD is represented by HLA-DQ genes, which account for approximately 40% of the genetic risk; however, only a small percentage of carriers develop the disease. Gluten is the main environmental factor responsible for the signs and symptoms of the disease, but exposure to gluten does not fully explain the manifestation of CD. Epidemiological and clinical data suggest that environmental factors other than gluten might play a role in disease development, including early feeding practices (e.g., breast milkversusformula and duration of breastfeeding), infections, and alterations in the intestinal microbiota composition. Herein, we review what is known about the influence of dietary factors, exposure to infectious agents, and intestinal microbiota composition, particularly in early life, on the risk of developing CD, as well as the possible dietary strategies to induce or increase gluten tolerance.
Identification of Novel Type III Effectors Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation
Authors: Yang Yang
Published: September 2012

Among the six secretion systems identified in Gram-negative bacteria, the type III secretion system (T3SS) plays important roles in the disease development of pathogens. T3SS has attracted a great deal of research interests. However, the secretion mechanism has not been fully understood yet. Especially, the identification of effectors (secreted proteins) is an important and challenging task. This paper adopts machine learning methods to identify type III secreted effectors (T3SEs). We extract features from amino acid sequences and conduct feature reduction based on latent semantic information by using latent Dirichlet allocation model. The experimental results onPseudomonas syringaedata set demonstrate the good performance of the new methods.
Endometriosis of the Terminal Ileum: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Karaman Kerem , Pala Emel Ebru , Bayol Umit , Akman Ozlem , Olmez Mustafa , Unluoglu Saime , Ozturk Safak
Published: September 2012

Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue consisting of glands and/or stroma located outside the uterus. Involvement of the terminal ileum is extremely rare. Preoperative distinction of ileal endometriosis from other diseases of the ileocecal region is difficult in terms of clinical presentation, symptomatology, radiological appearance, and surgical and pathological findings. We report a case initially diagnosed as Crohn's disease due to a longstanding diarrhea with subsequent intestinal obstruction, but finally diagnosed as ileal endometriosis by histopathological evaluation after resection of the involved segment.
Destructive Cholangitis in an Adult Jack Russell Terrier
Authors: Kodama Atsushi , Sakai Hiroki , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Maeda Sadatoshi , Mori Takashi , Masegi Toshiaki , Yanai Tokuma
Published: September 2012

A 4-year-old female Jack Russell terrier dog exhibited vomiting and severe jaundice of the visible mucous membranes and skin. Ultrasonography revealed diffuse areas of high echogenicity and focal areas of low echogenicity in the left lobe of the liver. On macroscopic observation of the biopsied liver specimen, many scattered irregularly shaped red spots were observed on the liver surface and on the cut surface. Histopathologically, there was loss of the interlobular bile duct and cholangitis accompanied by infiltration of pigment-laden macrophages in the Glisson’s capsule. Therefore, in the present case the dog was diagnosed with destructive cholangitis.
Phylogeographic Diversity of the Lower Central American CichlidAndinoacara coeruleopunctatus(Cichlidae)
Authors: McCafferty S. Shawn , Martin Andrew , Bermingham Eldredge
Published: September 2012

It is well appreciated that historical and ecological processes are important determinates of freshwater biogeographic assemblages. Phylogeography can potentially lend important insights into the relative contribution of historical processes in biogeography. However, the extent that phylogeography reflects historical patterns of drainage connection may depend in large part on the dispersal capability of the species. Here, we test the hypothesis that due to their relatively greater dispersal capabilities, the neotropical cichlid speciesAndinoacara coeruleopunctatuswill display a phylogeographic pattern that differs from previously described biogeographic assemblages in this important region. Based on an analysis of 318 individuals using mtDNA ATPase 6/8 sequence and restriction fragment length polymorphism data, we found eight distinct clades that are closely associated with biogeographic patterns. The branching patterns among the clades and a Bayesian clock analysis suggest a relatively rapid colonization and diversification among drainages in the emergent Isthmus of Panama followed by the coalescing of some drainages due to historical connections. We also present evidence for extensive cross-cordillera sharing of clades in central Panama and the Canal region. Our results suggest that contemporary phylogeographic patterns and diversification in Lower Central American fishes reflect an interaction of historical drainage connections, dispersal, and demographic processes.
Fisetin Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation via Downregulation of p38 and c-Fos-NFATc1 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Choi Sik-Won , Son Young-Jin , Yun Jung-Mi , Kim Seong Hwan
Published: September 2012

The prevention or therapeutic treatment of loss of bone mass is an important means of improving the quality of life for patients with disorders related to osteoclast-mediated bone loss. Fisetin, a flavonoid dietary ingredient found in the smoke tree (Continus coggygria), exhibits various biological activities, but its effect on osteoclast differentiation is unknown. In this study, fisetin dose-dependently inhibited the RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation with downregulation of the activity or expression of p38, c-Fos, and NFATc1 signaling molecules. The p38/c-Fos/NFATc1-regulated expression of genes required for cell fusion and bone resorption, such as DC-STAMP and cathepsin K, was also inhibited by fisetin. Considering the rescue of fisetin's inhibitory action by NFATc1 over-expression, the cascade of p38-c-Fos-NFATc1 could be strongly involved in the inhibitory effect of fisetin on osteoclast differentiation. Furthermore, fisetin inhibited the bone-resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts. In conclusion, fisetin may be of use in the treatment of osteoclast-related disorders, including osteoporosis.
The Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Park Joo-In , Kwak Jong-Young
Published: September 2012

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Dietary fat intake is a major risk factor for colorectal cancer. Some nuclear hormone receptors play an important role in regulating nutrient metabolism and energy homeostasis. Among these receptors, special attention has been focused on the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in colorectal cancer, because PPARs are involved in regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. PPARs are ligand-activated intracellular transcription factors. The PPAR subfamily consists of three subtypes encoded by distinct genes named PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ. PPARγis the most extensively studied subtype of PPARs. Even though many investigators have studied the expression and clinical implications of PPARs in colorectal cancer, there are still many controversies about the role of PPARs in colorectal cancer. In this paper, the recent progresses in understanding the role of PPARs in colorectal cancer are summarized.
Vibrational Spectroscopy Investigation Using Ab Initio and Density Functional Theory Analysis on the Structure of tert‐Butyl 3a‐Chloroperhydro‐2,6a‐epoxyoxireno[e]isoindole‐5‐carboxylate
Authors: Arslan Hakan , Demircan Aydin , Binzet Gun , Ilhan Ilhan Ozer
Published: September 2012

The molecular structure, vibrational frequencies, and infrared intensities of the tert‐butyl 3a‐chloroperhydro‐2,6a‐epoxyoxireno[e]isoindole‐5‐carboxylate were calculated by the HF and DFT (BLYP and B3LYP) methods using 6‐31G(d) and 6‐31G(d,p) basis sets. The FT infrared spectrum of the solid sample was measured under standard condition. We obtained two stable conformers for the title compound; however Conformer 1 is approximately 0.2 kcal/mol more stable than the Conformer 2. The comparison of the theoretical and experimental geometry of the title compound shows that the X‐ray parameters fairly well reproduce the geometry of Conformer 2. Comparison of the observed fundamental vibrational frequencies of the title molecule and calculated results by HF and DFT methods indicates that B3LYP is superior for molecular vibrational problems. The harmonic vibrations computed by the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) method are in a good agreement with the observed IR spectral data. Theoretical vibrational spectra of the title compound were interpreted by means of potential energy distributions (PEDs) using VEDA 4 program.
Factors Influencing Nitrogen Removal in a Decentralized Sewage Treatment Reactor
Authors: Shen Dong-Sheng , Huang Bao-Cheng , Liu Pei-Qing , Han Jian-Xun , Feng Hua-Jun
Published: September 2012

A decentralized sewage treatment reactor was designed to treat wastewater in rural areas. To examine the factors influencing nitrogen removal, experiments were carried out at three levels of hydraulic surface load, three sludge concentrations, and three environment temperatures at low dissolved oxygen concentrations. The rate of denitrification decreased, and the rate of nitrification increased as the surface load rose. The maximum denitrification rate was 20.01 ± 3.02 g/(m3·d) at a surface load of 1.11 ± 0.13 m3/(m2·h). The total nitrogen (TN) removal, efficiency initially increased and then decreased as the sludge concentration rose. When the sludge concentration increased to 3.5 ± 0.3 g/L, the system showed a good level of TN removal and a denitrification rate of 28.58 ± 1.22 g/(m3·d) was achieved. Low temperature had a negative effect on the removal and transformation of nitrogenous pollutants.
Impact of Expression of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors EGFR and ERBB2 on Survival in Stage II/III Gastric Cancer
Authors: Terashima Masanori , Kitada Koji , Ochiai Atsushi , Ichikawa Wataru , Kurahashi Issei , Sakuramoto Shinichi , Katai Hitoshi , Sano Takeshi , Imamura Hiroshi , Sasako Mitsuru ,   for the ACTS-GC Group
Published: September 2012

Purpose: EGF receptor (EGFR) and HER2 positivity are considered to be negative prognostic factors in gastric cancer. Biomarker analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of EGFR and HER2 expression on the outcome of patients enrolled in the Adjuvant Chemotherapy Trial of TS-1 for Gastric Cancer (ACTS-GC), a randomized controlled trial comparing postoperative adjuvant S-1 therapy with surgery alone in 1,059 patients with stage II/III gastric cancer.

Experimental Design: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded surgical specimens were retrospectively examined in 829 patients (78.3%). The effects of EGFR and HER2 positivity on survival were analyzed on the basis of the 5-year survival data from the study. EGFR positivity was defined as an immunohistochemistry (IHC) score of 3+, and HER2 positivity as an IHC score of 3+ or an IHC score of 2+ with a positive dual-color in situ hybridization status.

Results: EGFR and HER2 were positive in 75 (9.0%) and 113 (13.6%) patients, respectively. The overall and relapse-free survival rates were significantly lower in EGFR-positive patients than in EGFR-negative patients, whereas they were similar in HER2-positive and HER2-negative patients. Multivariate analysis showed that EGFR positivity correlated with poor outcomes [HR = 1.504; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.020–2.149; P = 0.040]. Treatment with S-1 improved survival compared with surgery alone, irrespective of EGFR and HER2 status.

Conclusions: EGFR positivity, but not HER2 positivity, was associated with poor patient outcomes after curative resection of stage II/III gastric cancer. There was no interaction between S-1 and EGFR or HER2 status with respect to survival outcome. Clin Cancer Res; 18(21); 5992–6000. ©2012 AACR.
Abnormal Striatal Circuitry and Intensified Novelty Seeking among Adolescents Who Abuse Methamphetamine and Cannabis
Authors: Churchwell John C. , Carey Paul D. , Ferrett Helen L. , Stein Dan J. , Yurgelun-Todd Deborah A.
Published: September 2012

It has been hypothesized that changes in striatal-mediated dopamine modulation during adolescence may increase the risk for initiating substance abuse as a result of its fundamental role in arbitrating reward sensitivity and motivation during learning and decision making. However, substance abuse during adolescence may also significantly modify striatal structure and function and concomitantly alter reward sensitivity and action control while this brain region is undergoing remodeling. In the present investigation, to assess the relationship of methamphetamine (Meth) or Meth and cannabis (CA) abuse to regional striatal morphology, we acquired structural magnetic resonance images, using a 3T Siemens Trio scanner, from three groups of adolescents composed of healthy controls (n = 10), Meth abusers (n = 9) and combined Meth and CA abusers (Meth+CA, n = 8). We also assessed novelty seeking using the novelty seeking subscale of Cloninger’s Tridimensional Character Inventory. The results indicate that adolescent Meth+CA abusers have increased regional striatal volume and show intensified novelty seeking in contrast to the controls. The degree of Meth exposure was also positively correlated with regional striatal volume and novelty seeking in both the Meth and Meth+CA users. These preliminary findings support theories that propose a role for the striatum in adolescent substance abuse and further indicate that novelty seeking may be related to the initiation of, or sustained, drug use.
The Apolipoprotein-E-Mimetic COG112 Protects Amyloid Precursor Protein Intracellular Domain-Overexpressing Animals from Alzheimer's Disease-Like Pathological Features
Authors: Ghosal Kaushik , Stathopoulos Andrea , Thomas Dustin , Phenis David , Vitek Michael P. , Pimplikar Sanjay W.
Published: September 2012

Background: Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides derive from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and play a pivotal role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Our previous work showed that the APP intracellular domain (AICD), which is produced simultaneously with Aβ, also contributes to the development of AD-like features. Studies show that administration of apolipoprotein E (apoE) and apoE-derived small peptide mimetics protect AD mouse models against these AD-like features. However, the effects of apoE-mimetic treatment on AICD-mediated AD-like pathologies remain to be elucidated. Objective: To study the effects of an apoE mimetic (COG112) on neuroinflammation, hyperphosphorylation of tau and defects in adult neurogenesis in AICD- overexpressing transgenic mice (FeCγ25 line). Methods: Beginning at 1 month of age, animals were administered subcutaneous COG112 3 times per week for 3 months, followed by immunohistochemical analysis for neuroinflammation, neurogenesis and phosphorylated tau. Results: Treatment with COG112 significantly reduced neuroinflammation in AICD mice and protected against impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis. We also found that COG112 treatment reduced hyperphosphorylation and somatodendritic accumulation of tau in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of AICD mice. Conclusions: Reduction of neuroinflammation by the apoE-mimetic COG112 protects against impaired neurogenesis and tau pathology in AICD transgenic mice. These data suggest that neuroinflammation plays an important role in AICD-induced AD-like pathologies.
Development of a Refined Tenocyte Differentiation Culture Technique for Tendon Tissue Engineering
Authors: Qiu Yiwei , Wang Xiao , Zhang Yaonan , Carr Andrew J. , Zhu Liwei , Xia Zhidao , Sabokbar Afsie
Published: September 2012

We have established that human tenocytes can differentiate in the absence of exogenous fetal bovine serum (FBS) but in the presence of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3). The extent of tenocyte differentiation was assessed by examining cell survival, collagen synthesis, cell morphology and expression of tenocyte differentiation markers such as scleraxis (Scx), tenomodulin (Tnmd), collagen type I (Col-I) and decorin (Dcn). Our results indicate that 50 ng/ml IGF-1 and 10 ng/ml TGF-β3 (in the absence of FBS) were capable of maintaining in vitro human tenocyte survival in 14-day cultures. The extent of collagen synthesis and messenger ribonucleic acid expression of Scx, Tnmd, Col-I and Dcn were significantly upregulated in response to IGF-1 and TGF-β3. These findings have shown for the first time that human tenocytes can be maintained in long-term culture, in serum-free conditions, making this approach a suitable one for the purpose of tendon tissue engineering.
Pulse Corticosteroid Therapy for Alopecia Areata: Long-Term Outcome after 10 Years
Authors: Staumont-Sallé D. , Vonarx M. , Lengrand F. , Segard M. , Delaporte E.
Published: September 2012

Background: Few data are available concerning the efficiency of pulse corticosteroids in alopecia areata (AA). Objective: Our purpose was to assess the long-term outcomes of patients treated with methylprednisolone bolus. Methods: This study included 60 patients treated between 1995 and 2000. The short-term outcomes were analyzed in 2000. The long-term assessment of 30 patients was performed in 2010 by phone questionnaire. Results: Significant hair regrowth was observed in 10/30 patients at 6 months after the bolus treatment. Half of the plurifocalis AA patients were responders at 6 months, but less than one quarter of alopecia totalis (AT) and alopecia universalis (AU) patients responded. Long-term outcomes were assessed after a mean duration of 12.3 years; 8/10 initial responders had mild or no disease, and 14/20 initial nonresponders had severe AA. Conclusions: This study confirmed the low efficiency, both short- and long-term, of this treatment for AT and AU.
Preoperative Predictors of Pathologic Stage T2a in Low-Risk Prostate Cancer: Implications for Focal Therapy
Authors: Fu Qiang , Moul Judd W. , Bañez Lionel L. , Sun Leon , Mouraviev Vladimir , Xie Donghua , Polascik Thomas J.
Published: September 2012

Objective: To assess preoperative parameters that may be predictive of pathologic stage T2a disease in low-risk prostate cancer patients. Methods: Data from a cohort of 1,495 consecutive men with low-risk prostate cancer who underwent a radical prostatectomy between 1993 and 2009 were evaluated. Preoperative parameter assessment focused on age, race, clinical stage, diagnostic PSA level, biopsy tumor laterality and diagnostic Gleason score. Preoperative parameters were analyzed by univariate and multivariate methods. Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the biochemical disease-free survival. Results: Among the 1,495 men, 236 (15.8%) had pT2a disease. In univariate analysis, biopsy tumor unilaterality (p < 0.001), diagnostic PSA ≤4 ng/ml (p < 0.001) and non-African-American race (p = 0.009) were significant variables. In multivariate analysis, biopsy tumor laterality (OR 0.377; p < 0.001), diagnostic PSA ≤4 ng/ml (OR 0.621; p = 0.002) and race (OR 0.583; p = 0.029) were independent predictors. Low-risk patients with pT2a disease showed a better PSA recurrence-free survival rate, compared with men with >pT2a diseases (p = 0.012). Conclusions: Biopsy tumor unilaterality, diagnostic PSA ≤4 ng/ml and race are independent predictors of pT2a in low-risk prostate cancer. These three preclinical variables may be a useful reference to begin the selection process for focal therapy in men with low-risk prostate cancer.
Another Rare Case of a Child with de novo Terminal 9p Deletion and Co-Existing Interstitial 9p Duplication: Clinical Findings and Molecular Cytogenetic Study by Array-CGH
Authors: Kowalczyk M. , Tomaszewska A. , Podbioł-Palenta A. , Constantinou M. , Wawrzkiewicz-Witkowska A. , Kowalski J. , Kałużewski B. , Zajączek S. , Srebniak M.I.
Published: September 2012

Trisomy 9p is the fourth most common chromosome abnormality found in liveborns. We report on a rare case of partial trisomy 9p complicated by partial monosomy 9p. Clinical manifestation included craniofacial abnormalities typical for trisomy 9p syndrome, developmental delay, mental retardation and brain anomaly in the form of Dandy-Walker malformation. The cytogenetic abnormality was investigated with FISH and array-CGH to characterize the breakpoints of the complex rearrangement. The patient’s karyotype was 46,XX,der(9)del(9)(p24)dup(9)(p21p24)dn.arr 9p24.3p24.2 (1–2,414,485)×1,9p24.2p21.3(2,414,485–24,101,280)×3. The cytogenetic rearrangement led to a 2.4-Mb deletion of 9p24.2pter and a 21.6-Mb duplication of 9p24.2p21.3. The clinical and cytogenetic findings in our and other similar patients are compared.
Plasticity of Verbal Fluency in Older Adults: A 90-Minute Telephone-Based Intervention
Authors: Sutter Christine , Zöllig Jacqueline , Martin Mike
Published: September 2012

Background: There is evidence for specific age-related deficits in tasks of verbal fluency. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate training and transfer effects after 3 weeks of telephone-based verbal fluency training in old age. Methods: Participants were assigned to one of three training groups, an active control group, or a no-contact control group. Training consisted of 15 sessions of 6 min each over a period of 3 weeks. For the training tasks, different versions of the verbal fluency task were used, each targeting a specific underlying cognitive process (i.e., processing speed, shifting, or inhibition). To measure transfer effects, a neuropsychological test battery including Digit Symbol Substitution, Trail Making, Go/No-Go, Digit Span, N-Back, and a verbal learning and memory test was administered before and after training. Results: Our findings revealed training gains for initial letter fluency training and phonemic switching training, but not for excluded letter fluency training. Moreover, after initial letter fluency training and phonemic switching training, transfer to other verbal fluency tasks was found. In addition, phonemic switching training led to improvement in an untrained short-term memory task. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that a telephone-based cognitive intervention of overall 90 min significantly improved cognitive performance in healthy older adults above and beyond the improvements in the active control group. The findings provide the basis for cognitive interventions that could easily be integrated into everyday lifestyles and are still targeting specific cognitive functions.