bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antileukotriene Reverts the Early Effects of Inflammatory Response of Distal Parenchyma in Experimental Chronic Allergic Inflammation
Authors: Gobbato Nathália Brandão , de Souza Flávia Castro Ribas , Fumagalli Stella Bruna Napolitano , dos Santos Lopes Fernanda Degobbi Tenório Quirino , Prado Carla Máximo , Martins Milton Arruda , Tibério Iolanda de Fátima Lopes Calvo , Leick Edna Aparecida
Published: October 2013

Aims. Compare the effects of montelukast or dexamethasone in distal lung parenchyma and airway walls of guinea pigs (GP) with chronic allergic inflammation.Methods. GP have inhaled ovalbumin (OVA group-2x/week/4weeks). After the 4th inhalation, GP were treated with montelukast or dexamethasone. After 72 hours of the 7th inhalation, GP were anesthetised, and lungs were removed and submitted to histopathological evaluation.Results. Montelukast and dexamethasone treatments reduced the number of eosinophils in airway wall and distal lung parenchyma compared to OVA group (P<0.05). On distal parenchyma, both treatments were effective in reducing RANTES, NF-κB, and fibronectin positive cells compared to OVA group (P<0.001). Montelukast was more effective in reducing eotaxin positive cells on distal parenchyma compared to dexamethasone treatment (P<0.001), while there was a more expressive reduction of IGF-I positive cells in OVA-D group (P<0.001). On airway walls, montelukast and dexamethasone were effective in reducing IGF-I, RANTES, and fibronectin positive cells compared to OVA group (P<0.05). Dexamethasone was more effective in reducing the number of eotaxin and NF-κB positive cells than Montelukast (P<0.05).Conclusions. In this animal model, both treatments were effective in modulating allergic inflammation and remodeling distal lung parenchyma and airway wall, contributing to a better control of the inflammatory response.
Isoangustone A, A Novel Licorice Compound, Inhibits Cell Proliferation by Targeting PI3K, MKK4, and MKK7 in Human Melanoma
Authors: Song Nu Ry , Lee Eunjung , Byun Sanguine , Kim Jong-Eun , Mottamal Madhusoodanan , Park Jung Han Yoon , Lim Soon Sung , Bode Ann M. , Lee Hyong Joo , Lee Ki Won , Dong Zigang
Published: October 2013

Licorice root is known to possess various bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Glycyrrhizin, a triterpene compound, is the most abundant constituent of dried licorice root. However, high intake or long-term consumption of glycyrrhizin causes several side effects, such as hypertension, hypertensive encephalopathy, and hypokalemia. Therefore, finding additional active compounds other than glycyrrhizin in licorice that exhibit anticancer effects is worthwhile. We found that isoangustone A (IAA), a novel flavonoid from licorice root, suppressed proliferation of human melanoma cells. IAA significantly blocked cell-cycle progression at the G1-phase and inhibited the expression of G1-phase regulatory proteins, including cyclins D1 and E in the SK-MEL-28 human melanoma cell line. IAA suppressed the phosphorylation of Akt, GSK-3β, and JNK1/2. IAA also bound to phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), MKK4, and MKK7, strongly inhibiting their kinase activities in an ATP-competitive manner. Moreover, in a xenograft mouse model, IAA significantly decreased tumor growth, volume, and weight of SK-MEL-28 xenografts. Collectively, these results suggest that PI3K, MKK4, and MKK7 are the primary molecular targets of IAA in the suppression of cell proliferation. This insight into the biologic actions of IAA provides a molecular basis for the potential development of a new chemotherapeutic agent. Cancer Prev Res; 6(12); 1293–303. ©2013 AACR.
Esculetin Suppresses Proliferation of Human Colon Cancer Cells by Directly Targeting β-Catenin
Authors: Lee Sung-Young , Lim Tae-Gyu , Chen Hanyong , Jung Sung Keun , Lee Hyo-Jeong , Lee Mee-Hyun , Kim Dong Joon , Shin Aram , Lee Ki Won , Bode Ann M. , Surh Young-Joon , Dong Zigang
Published: October 2013

The Wnt pathway is a promising therapeutic and preventive target in various human cancers. The transcriptional complex of β-catenin–T-cell factor (Tcf), a key mediator of canonical Wnt signaling, has been implicated in human colon cancer development. Current treatment of colon cancer depends on traditional cytotoxic agents with limited effects. Therefore, the identification of natural compounds that can disrupt the β-catenin–TcF complex to suppress cancer cell growth with fewer adverse side effects is needed. To identify compounds that inhibit the association between β-catenin and Tcf, we used computer docking to screen a natural compound library. Esculetin, also known as 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin, is a derivative of coumarin and was identified as a potential small-molecule inhibitor of the Wnt–β-catenin pathway. We then evaluated the effect of esculetin on the growth of various human colon cancer cell lines and its effect on Wnt–β-catenin signaling in cells and in an embryonic model. Esculetin disrupted the formation of the β-catenin–Tcf complex through direct binding with the Lys312, Gly307, Lys345, and Asn387 residues of β-catenin in colon cancer cells. In addition, esculetin effectively decreased viability and inhibited anchorage-independent growth of colon cancer cells. Esculetin potently antagonized the cellular effects of β-catenin–dependent activity, and in vivo treatment with esculetin suppressed tumor growth in a colon cancer xenograft mouse model. Our data indicate that the interaction between esculetin and β-catenin inhibits the formation of the β-catenin–Tcf complex, which could contribute to esculetin's positive therapeutic and preventive effects against colon carcinogenesis. Cancer Prev Res; 6(12); 1356–64. ©2013 AACR.
Hypoxia Induces Phenotypic Plasticity and Therapy Resistance in Melanoma via the Tyrosine Kinase Receptors ROR1 and ROR2
Authors: O'Connell Michael P. , Marchbank Katie , Webster Marie R. , Valiga Alexander A. , Kaur Amanpreet , Vultur Adina , Li Ling , Herlyn Meenhard , Villanueva Jessie , Liu Qin , Yin Xiangfan , Widura Sandy , Nelson Janelle , Ruiz Nivia , Camilli Tura C. , Indig Fred E. , Flaherty Keith T. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Frederick Dennie T. , Cooper Zachary A. , Nair Suresh , Amaravadi Ravi K. , Schuchter Lynn M. , Karakousis Giorgos C. , Xu Wei , Xu Xiaowei , Weeraratna Ashani T.
Published: October 2013

An emerging concept in melanoma biology is that of dynamic, adaptive phenotype switching, where cells switch from a highly proliferative, poorly invasive phenotype to a highly invasive, less proliferative one. This switch may hold significant implications not just for metastasis, but also for therapy resistance. We demonstrate that phenotype switching and subsequent resistance can be guided by changes in expression of receptors involved in the noncanonical Wnt5A signaling pathway, ROR1 and ROR2. ROR1 and ROR2 are inversely expressed in melanomas and negatively regulate each other. Furthermore, hypoxia initiates a shift of ROR1-positive melanomas to a more invasive, ROR2-positive phenotype. Notably, this receptor switch induces a 10-fold decrease in sensitivity to BRAF inhibitors. In patients with melanoma treated with the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib, Wnt5A expression correlates with clinical response and therapy resistance. These data highlight the fact that mechanisms that guide metastatic progression may be linked to those that mediate therapy resistance.

Significance: These data show for the first time that a single signaling pathway, the Wnt signaling pathway, can effectively guide the phenotypic plasticity of tumor cells, when primed to do so by a hypoxic microenvironment. Importantly, this increased Wnt5A signaling can give rise to a subpopulation of highly invasive cells that are intrinsically less sensitive to novel therapies for melanoma, and targeting the Wnt5A/ROR2 axis could improve the efficacy and duration of response for patients with melanoma on vemurafenib. Cancer Discov; 3(12); 1378–93. ©2013 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1317
Characterization of Trans-septal Activation During Septal Pacing
Authors: Betensky Brian P. , Kapa Suraj , Desjardins Benoit , Garcia Fermin C. , Callans David J. , Dixit Sanjay , Frankel David S. , Hutchinson Mathew D. , Supple Gregory E. , Zado Erica S. , Marchlinski Francis E.
Published: October 2013

Background—

Identification of intramural basal-septal ventricular tachycardia (VT) substrate is challenging in nonischemic cardiomyopathy. We sought to (1) characterize normal/abnormal trans-septal right ventricular (RV) to left ventricular activation; (2) assess the effect of opposite RV pacing on left ventricular septal bipolar electrograms (EGMs); and (3) establish criteria for the identification of intramural septal VT substrate.

Methods and Results—

Endocardial activation mapping and local EGM assessment of the left interventricular septum was performed during RV basal septal pacing in 40 patients undergoing VT ablation with no evidence of septal scar (group 1, n=14) and with septal scar (group 2, n=26) defined by low septal unipolar voltage (<8.3 mV) and delayed enhancement on cardiac MRI with/without abnormal bipolar voltage (<1.5 mV) in sinus rhythm. Left ventricular trans-septal activation time was prolonged in Group 2 compared with Group 1 (55.3±33.0 versus 25.7±8.8 ms;
P
=0.003). In 6 group 2 patients, left ventricular septal breakthrough was displaced to the scar border. During RV pacing, group 2 had fractionated (8.8%), late (2.8%), and split (5.7%) EGMs not seen in group 1. Trans-septal activation >40 ms (sensitivity 60%, specificity 100%;
P
<0.001) and EGM duration >95 ms during pacing (sensitivity 22%, specificity 91%;
P
<0.001) identified septal scar (13/26 pts).

Conclusions—

In patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy, VT and septal scar, delayed transmural conduction time (>40 ms) and fractionated, late, split, and wide (>95 ms) bipolar EGMs during RV basal pacing identify intramural VT substrate. In select cases, the basal septum appears compartmentalized as the stimulated wavefront is rerouted to the scar border.
Soluble ST2 in Ambulatory Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Felker G. Michael , Fiuzat Mona , Thompson Vivian , Shaw Linda K. , Neely Megan L. , Adams Kirkwood F. , Whellan David J. , Donahue Mark P. , Ahmad Tariq , Kitzman Dalane W. , Piña Ileana L. , Zannad Faiez , Kraus William E. , O’Connor Christopher M.
Published: October 2013

Background—

ST2 is involved in cardioprotective signaling in the myocardium and has been identified as a potentially promising biomarker in heart failure (HF). We evaluated ST2 levels and their association with functional capacity and long-term clinical outcomes in a cohort of ambulatory patients with HF enrolled in the Heart Failure: A Controlled Trial Investigating Outcomes of Exercise Training (HF-ACTION) study—a multicenter, randomized study of exercise training in HF.

Methods and Results—

HF-ACTION randomized 2331 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <0.35 and New York Heart Association class II to IV HF to either exercise training or usual care. ST2 was analyzed in a subset of 910 patients with evaluable plasma samples. Correlations and Cox models were used to assess the relationship among ST2, functional capacity, and long-term outcomes. The median baseline ST2 level was 23.7 ng/mL (interquartile range, 18.6–31.8). ST2 was modestly associated with measures of functional capacity. In univariable analysis, ST2 was significantly associated with death or hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.48;
P
<0.0001), cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization (hazard ratio, 2.14;
P
<0.0001), and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.33;
P
<0.0001; all hazard ratios for log
2
ng/mL). In multivariable models, ST2 remained independently associated with outcomes after adjustment for clinical variables and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. However, ST2 did not add significantly to reclassification of risk as assessed by changes in the C statistic, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement.

Conclusions—

ST2 was modestly associated with functional capacity and was significantly associated with outcomes in a well-treated cohort of ambulatory patients with HF although it did not significantly affect reclassification of risk.

Clinical Trial Information—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00047437.
GABAergic Excitation of Vasopressin Neurons
Authors: Kim Young-Beom , Kim Yoon Sik , Kim Woong Bin , Shen Feng-Yan , Lee Seung Won , Chung Hyun Joo , Kim Jeong Sook , Han Hee Chul , Colwell Christopher S. , Kim Yang In
Published: October 2013

Rationale:

Increased arginine-vasopressin (AVP) secretion is a key physiological response to hyperosmotic stress and may be part of the mechanism by which high-salt diets induce or exacerbate hypertension.

Objective:

Using deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertension model rats, we sought to test the hypothesis that changes in GABA
A
receptor–mediated inhibition in AVP-secreting magnocellular neurons contribute to the generation of Na
+
-dependent hypertension.

Methods and Results:

In vitro gramicidin-perforated recordings in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei revealed that the GABAergic inhibition in AVP-secreting neurons was converted into excitation in this model, because of the depolarization of GABA equilibrium potential. Meanwhile, in vivo extracellular recordings in the supraoptic nuclei showed that the GABAergic baroreflexive inhibition of magnocellular neurons was transformed to excitation, so that baroreceptor activation may increase AVP release. The depolarizing GABA equilibrium potential shift in AVP-secreting neurons occurred progressively over weeks of deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt treatment along with gradual increases in plasma AVP and blood pressure. Furthermore, the shift was associated with changes in chloride transporter expression and partially reversed by bumetanide (Na
+
-K
+
-2Cl
–
cotransporter inhibitor). Intracerebroventricular bumetanide administration during deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt treatment hindered the development of hypertension and rise in plasma AVP level. Muscimol (GABA
A
agonist) microinjection into the supraoptic nuclei in hypertensive rats increased blood pressure, which was prevented by previous intravenous V1a AVP antagonist injection.

Conclusions:

We conclude that the inhibitory-to-excitatory switch of GABA
A
receptor–mediated transmission in AVP neurons contributes to the generation of Na
+
-dependent hypertension by increasing AVP release. We speculate that normalizing the GABA equilibrium potential may have some utility in treating Na
+
-dependent hypertension.
Trends From 1996 to 2007 in Incidence and Mortality Outcomes of Heart Failure After Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Population‐Based Study of 20 812 Patients With First Acute Myocardial Infarction in Western Australia
Authors: Hung Joseph , Teng Tiew‐Hwa Katherine , Finn Judith , Knuiman Matthew , Briffa Thomas , Stewart Simon , Sanfilippo Frank M. , Ridout Steven , Hobbs Michael
Published: October 2013

Background

Advances in treatment for acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
) are likely to have had a beneficial impact on the incidence of and deaths attributable to heart failure (
HF
) complicating
AMI
, although limited data are available to support this contention.

Methods and Results

W
estern
A
ustralian linked administrative health data were used to identify 20 812 consecutive patients, aged 40 to 84 years, without prior
HF
hospitalized with an index (first)
AMI
between 1996 and 2007. We assessed the temporal incidence of and adjusted odds ratio/hazard ratio for death associated with
HF
concurrent with
AMI
admission and within 1 year after discharge. Concurrent
HF
comprised 75% of incident
HF
cases. Between the periods 1996–1998 and 2005–2007, the prevalence of
HF
after
AMI
declined from 28.1% to 16.5%, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.50 (95%
CI
, 0.44 to 0.55). The crude 28‐day case‐fatality rate for patients with concurrent
HF
declined marginally from 20.5% to 15.9% (
P
<0.05) compared with those without concurrent
HF
, in whom the case‐fatality rate declined from 11.0% to 4.8% (
P
<0.001). Concurrent
HF
was associated with a multivariate‐adjusted odds ratio of 2.2 for 28‐day mortality and a hazard ratio of 2.2 for 1‐year mortality in 28‐day survivors. Occurrence of
HF
within 90 days of the index
AMI
was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.7 for 1‐year mortality in 90‐day survivors.

Conclusions

Despite encouraging declines in the incidence of
HF
complicating
AMI
, it remains a common problem with high mortality. Increased attention to these high‐risk patients is needed given the lack of improvement in their long‐term prognosis.
Fluorescent Oxidation Products and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: A Prospective Study in Women
Authors: Jensen Majken K. , Wang Yushan , Rimm Eric B. , Townsend Mary K. , Willett Walter , Wu Tianying
Published: October 2013

Background

Oxidative stress is implicated in the etiology of coronary heart disease (
CHD
). New measures to capture oxidative stress are warranted. Fluorescent oxidation products (
FlOP
s) can be measured in plasma and have been shown to reflect levels of oxidative stress and to predict risk of
CHD
in men over 6 years of follow‐up. The objective of this study is to determine whether measures of
FlOP
s are associated with risk of
CHD
in women over an extended follow‐up period.

Methods and Results

We measured
FlOP
by spectrofluorometer in a nested case–control study within the
N
urses'
H
ealth
S
tudy, with baseline blood collection in 1990 and follow‐up of 397 incident
CHD
cases through 2004 matched 1:2 with controls. Level of
FlOP
s was independently associated with
CHD
. The relative risk across extreme quintiles was 1.64 (95% confidence interval [
CI
], 1.06 to 2.53) when adjusted for lifestyle factors, lipids and C‐reactive protein (
P
trend across quintiles=0.01). A slightly stronger association was observed when analyses were restricted to women fasting >8 hours at blood draw (
RR
, 1.91; 95%
CI
, 1.16 to 3.15). In exploratory time to event analyses, high levels of
FlOP
s measured ≥5 years before the
CHD
event, but not closer to the
CHD
event, were associated with the risk of
CHD
.

Conclusions

Higher levels of
FlOP
s were associated with the risk of
CHD
in women. The association appeared strongest for long‐term prediction of
CHD
events.
Intracerebral Hematomas Disappear on T2*-Weighted Images During Normobaric Oxygen Therapy
Authors: Gaberel Thomas , Gakuba Clement , Hebert Marie , Montagne Axel , Agin Veronique , Rubio Marina , Emery Evelyne , Vivien Denis , Gauberti Maxime
Published: October 2013

Background and Purpose—

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of normobaric oxygen (NBO) therapy on T2*-weighted images of intracranial hemorrhages (ICHs).

Methods—

Two common models of ICH were performed in mice, and longitudinal T2*-weighted images of the hematomas were acquired under normoxia or NBO. The effects of NBO were also investigated on perfusion-weighted imaging, susceptibility-weighted imaging, and molecular imaging of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 after ICH. Last, we performed neurological testing, including neuroscore, actimetry, and gait analysis (Catwalk), to study the influence of NBO on neurological outcome of mice presenting ICH.

Results—

Our results demonstrated that NBO, even during a short period of time, dramatically reduces the sensitivity of T2*-weighted imaging to detect ICH. Moreover, we provide evidence that the disappearance of ICH on T2*-weighted imaging could be used to improve accuracy of perfusion-weighted imaging and to allow molecular imaging after ICH. Importantly, a 30-minute NBO preparation 24 hours after ICH onset does not influence neurological outcome.

Conclusions—

We provide an experimental demonstration that NBO significantly affects T2*-weighted imaging in ICH. Although this phenomenon could lead to inaccurate assessment of ICH volume, it could also be safely used to allow perfusion-weighted imaging and molecular imaging.
Searching for Common Ground on Universal Jurisdiction: The Clash between Formalism and Soft Law
Authors: Almqvist Jessica
Published: October 2013

Abstract

The possibility of prosecuting serious international crimes before domestic foreign courts when territorial courts are unwilling and unable to perform this function and international criminal tribunals with suitable competences are unavailable has been intensively debated since the time of the Spanish arrest warrants against Pinochet. The African disapproval of decisions by European courts to exercise universal jurisdiction over serious crimes allegedly perpetrated by former African leaders indicates the absence of common ground on where and how such jurisdiction is to be utilized. The recent judgment of the International Court of Justice in the dispute between Belgium and Senegal sheds new light on how consensus on these issues might be forged. The Court’s commitment to formalism in the ascertainment and application of international law together with its ends-focused reasoning on the substance of that law reinforces the view that the UN Convention against Torture offers a non-controversial legal basis for upholding universal jurisdiction competences in these cases. However, the conclusions reached in the judgment can also be criticized for clashing with soft law recommendations in the field, pointing to the advantages of the organization of high-profile trials located in Africa in spite of the practical difficulties involved.
‘By Means of its Own Choosing’: Is the Court Refashioning the Remedies of State Responsibility?
Authors: Tully Stephen
Published: October 2013

Abstract

The International Court of Justice (the Court) can formulate appropriate orders whilst being sufficiently attune to the domestic constraints confronted by States. In the Consular Notification cases, the United States was ordered, ‘by means of its own choosing’, to undertake a ‘review and reconsideration’ of the convictions and sentences of certain named individuals whose rights to consular notification were denied. The Court revived a distinction between obligations of conduct and obligations of result but refrained from indicating when a violation of an international obligation occurred, in this case, potential non-compliance with its earlier judgment in Avena. This article argues that the Court need not attempt to remodel the doctrine of State responsibility in order to provide an adequate and effective remedy. Juridical restitution, as evidenced in its prior jurisprudence, contemplates intrusion into the municipal legal order of States. This article also considers the free choice of means principle and the appropriate judicial function in these circumstances. It concludes that the remedial orders declared by the Court can be made by reference to the particular obligation at issue and the circumstances of each case. Furthermore, the litigation context and the claims made by the disputants cannot be overlooked by the Court when determining the degree of specificity required by those orders.
Atmospheric Motion Vectors from Model Simulations. Part II: Interpretation as Spatial and Vertical Averages of Wind and Role of Clouds
Authors: Hernandez-Carrascal Angeles , Bormann Niels
Published: October 2013

This is the second part of a two-part paper whose main objective is to improve the characterization of atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) and their errors to guide developments in the use of AMVs in numerical weather prediction (NWP). AMVs tend to exhibit considerable systematic and random errors. These errors can arise in the AMV derivation or the interpretation of AMVs as single-level point estimates of wind. An important difficulty in the study of AMV errors is the scarcity of collocated observations of clouds and wind. The study uses instead a simulation framework: geostationary imagery for Meteorological Satellite-8 (Meteosat-8) is generated from a high-resolution simulation with the Weather Research and Forecasting regional model, and AMVs are derived from sequences of these simulated images. The NWP model provides the “truth” with a sophisticated description of the atmosphere. This second part focuses on alternative interpretations of AMVs. The key results are 1) that interpreting the AMVs as vertical and horizontal averages of wind can give some benefits over the traditional single-level interpretation (improvements in RMSVD of 5% for high-level AMVs and 20% for low-level AMVs) and 2) that there is evidence that AMVs are more representative of either a wind average over the model cloud layer or wind at a representative level within the cloud layer than of wind at the model cloud top or cloud base.
Comparison of Convective Boundary Layer Velocity Spectra Retrieved from Large- Eddy-Simulation and Weather Research and Forecasting Model Data
Authors: Gibbs Jeremy A. , Fedorovich Evgeni
Published: October 2013

As computing capabilities expand, operational and research environments are moving toward the use of finescale atmospheric numerical models. These models are attractive for users who seek an accurate description of small-scale turbulent motions. One such numerical tool is the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, which has been extensively used in synoptic-scale and mesoscale studies. As finer-resolution simulations become more desirable, it remains a question whether the model features originally designed for the simulation of larger-scale atmospheric flows will translate to adequate reproductions of small-scale motions. In this study, turbulent flow in the dry atmospheric convective boundary layer (CBL) is simulated using a conventional large-eddy-simulation (LES) code and the WRF model applied in an LES mode. The two simulation configurations use almost identical numerical grids and are initialized with the same idealized vertical profiles of wind velocity, temperature, and moisture. The respective CBL forcings are set equal and held constant. The effects of the CBL wind shear and of the varying grid spacings are investigated. Horizontal slices of velocity fields are analyzed to enable a comparison of CBL flow patterns obtained with each simulation method. Two-dimensional velocity spectra are used to characterize the planar turbulence structure. One-dimensional velocity spectra are also calculated. Results show that the WRF model tends to attribute slightly more energy to larger-scale flow structures as compared with the CBL structures reproduced by the conventional LES. Consequently, the WRF model reproduces relatively less spatial variability of the velocity fields. Spectra from the WRF model also feature narrower inertial spectral subranges and indicate enhanced damping of turbulence on small scales.
A Comparison of Mesoscale Eddy Heat Fluxes from Observations and a High-Resolution Ocean Model Simulation of the Kuroshio Extension
Authors: Bishop Stuart P. , Bryan Frank O.
Published: October 2013

For the first time estimates of divergent eddy heat flux (DEHF) from a high-resolution (0.1°) simulation of the Parallel Ocean Program (POP) are compared with estimates made during the Kuroshio Extension System Study (KESS). The results from POP are in good agreement with KESS observations. POP captures the lateral and vertical structure of mean-to-eddy energy conversion rates, which range from 2 to 10 cm2 s−3. The dynamical mechanism of vertical coupling between the deep and upper ocean is the process responsible for DEHFs in POP and is in accordance with baroclinic instability observed in the Gulf Stream and Kuroshio Extension. Meridional eddy heat transport values are ~14% larger in POP at its maximum value. This is likely due to the more zonal path configuration in POP. The results from this study suggest that HR POP is a useful tool for estimating eddy statistics in the Kuroshio Extension region, and thereby provide guidance in the formulation and testing of eddy mixing parameterization schemes.
Altered profile of chemokines in fibromyalgia patients
Authors: García Juan J , Cidoncha Antonio , Bote María E , Hinchado María D , Ortega Eduardo
Published: October 2013

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by widespread chronic pain. Its aetiology is still poorly understood, and there are no haematochemical or instrumental tests on which to base a diagnosis. Recent studies suggest that its pathogenesis may involve cytokines, in particular, chemokines – cytokines that regulate cell traffic under both physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to determine possible differences in the profile of systemic concentrations of chemokines between FM patients and healthy women (HW; controls).

Methods

The study participants were women diagnosed with FM ( n = 17) and a control group of HW ( n = 10). Serum concentrations of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)/(CCL17), monokine induced by gamma-interferon (MIG)/(CXCL9), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC)/(CCL22), interferon-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (I-TAC)/(CXCL11), eotaxin (CCL11), pulmonary and activation-regulated chemokine (PARC)/(CCL18) and hemofiltrate CC-chemokine-4 (HCC-4)/(CCL16) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared between the FM and HW groups.

Results

FM patients had elevated serum levels of the following inflammatory chemokines: TARC ( P < 0.001), MIG ( P < 0.001), MDC ( P < 0.01), I-TAC ( P < 0.01) and eotaxin ( P < 0.05). No differences were found in the circulating concentrations of PARC and HCC-4 (homoeostatic chemokines).

Conclusions

Since FM patients present higher serum concentrations of inflammatory chemokines than HW, the evaluation of these biomarkers could help in the diagnosis of this syndrome.
Numerical simulation and experimental study of the heat transition in a foam container
Authors: Ge Changfeng , Cheng Yujie , Li Bo
Published: October 2013

This study demonstrated how to predict the temperatures inside of a foam container during transportation via a numerical simulation through MATLAB. The temperature inside of the container at any position and time is regarded as a combined temperature of the four side walls, top cover, and bottom panels of the container. In the simulation, an equivalent heat transfer coefficient is calculated through combined free convection and conduction to address the heat transfer from the inside wall to the center of the container. A quadratic running time-based computing method is applied to the heat transition numerical model. A field measurement was carried out to collect the temperature for the foam container during transportation. The collected data were compared to the simulation results. The simulated results and field measured data are in a partial agreement.
Mechanical properties and foaming behavior of injection molded cellulose fiber reinforced polypropylene composite foams
Authors: Kuboki T
Published: October 2013

This paper investigates the effects of cellulose content and processing conditions on the mechanical properties and foaming behavior of injection molded cellulose fiber reinforced polypropylene composite foams. Composite foams were injection molded using an advanced structural foam molding machine with N2 as a physical blowing agent. Foamed specimens were prepared at different injection speeds and void fractions. The mechanical properties and foam morphologies of the specimens were evaluated. The results suggested that the specific flexural modulus was increased and the specific flexural strength and Izod impact strength were maintained by foaming, and that the strength, modulus, and notched Izod impact strength increased with the increase of cellulose content. Additionally, the results suggested that the cell morphology of the composite foams was improved by the increase of void fraction and the addition of cellulose fiber.
Narrating Resilience: Transforming Urban Systems Through Collaborative Storytelling
Authors: Goldstein Bruce Evan , Wessells Anne Taufen , Lejano Raul , Butler William
Published: October 2013

How can communities enhance social-ecological resilience within complex urban systems? Drawing on a new urbanist proposal in Orange County, California, it is suggested that planning that ignores diverse ways of knowing undermines the experience and shared meaning of those living in a city. The paper then describes how narratives lay at the core of efforts to reintegrate the Los Angeles River into the life of the city and the US Fire Learning Network’s efforts to address the nation’s wildfire crisis. In both cases, participants develop partially shared stories about alternative futures that foster critical learning and facilitate co-ordination without imposing one set of interests on everyone. It is suggested that narratives are a way to express the subjective and symbolic meaning of resilience, enhancing our ability to engage multiple voices and enable self-organising processes to decide what should be made resilient and for whose benefit.
Unusual radiologic and histologic manifestations of primary pulmonary lymphoma
Authors: Baccari-Ezzine Sonia , Bouzaidi Khaled , Chelbi Emna , Ali Mechaal Ben , Ghrairi Hédia
Published: October 2013

Pulmonary parenchymal involvement in lymphoma is unusual and is reported more commonly in Hodgkin's disease than non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Radiological appearances are manifold and may mimic other pulmonary diseases. We report the case of a patient with Hodgkin's disease who demonstrated multiple cavitating lung lesions with aberrant immunophenotypic expression of T-cell antigens.
A selection of cases of direct cannulation in surgery for type A dissection
Authors: Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Nie Masaki , Hari Yousuke , Tanaka Yuki , Ohara Kuniyoshi , Miyaji Kagami
Published: October 2013

Background

We use antegrade cannulation, circulatory arrest, and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion in patients with acute aortic dissection. While blood is generally supplied via the ascending aorta, this route can be difficult, depending on the features of dissection and the form of the true lumen. In such cases, we incise the ascending aorta and insert the cannula directly into the true lumen of the ascending aorta to secure the blood supply.

Methods

Between April 2005 and April 2012, direct true lumen cannulation of the ascending aorta was performed in 12 patients; 5 had total arch replacement, and 7 had ascending aorta and hemiarch replacement.

Results

Total arch replacement involved circulatory arrest for 62 ± 16 min, aortic crossclamping for 174 ± 13 min, cardiopulmonary bypass for 211 ± 11 min, and a minimal rectal temperature of 28.4℃ ± 1.8℃. Ascending aorta and hemiarch replacement involved arrest of the circulation for 40 ± 9 min, aortic crossclamping for 111 ± 29 min, cardiopulmonary bypass for 131 ± 34 min, and a minimal rectal temperature of 27.8℃ ± 0.9℃. One patient died from cerebral infarction during hospitalization.

Conclusion

In these cases, direct true lumen cannulation of the ascending aorta was effective.
Primary cardiac synovial sarcoma. A rare tumor with poor prognosis
Authors: Khan Habib , Chaubey Sanjay , Edlin Joy , Wendler Olaf
Published: October 2013

Synovial sarcoma comprises approximately 10% of all soft tissue tumors. Primary cardiac synovial sarcoma is exceedingly rare and accounts for <1% of all primary cardiac tumors. These tumors are highly aggressive with survival <1 year, even with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. We describe the case of a 45-year-old gentleman with primary cardiac synovial sarcoma of the heart, metastasizing to the lung. The tumor was resected, and the patient underwent chemotherapy with regression of the lung nodules.
An unusual case of mediastinal mass and bilateral nodules
Authors: Wichmann Charlotte Lilli Elena , Helmchen Birgit , Weber Achim , Wildi Stefan , Carboni Giovanni Luca
Published: October 2013

A 23-year-old woman presented with a mediastinal paraganglioma and multiple pulmonary chondromas following antral gastric resection for gastrointestinal stromal tumor. These tumors form the Carney triad, a rare disorder of unknown genetic background. First described in 1977, approximately 120 cases have been documented in the literature. The tumors do not harbor the specific c-kit or PDGFRA gene mutations often found in sporadic gastrointestinal stromal tumor. In most cases, gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor is the first tumor to be detected, with secondary tumors appearing years later. Even if it is rare, Carney triad should be suspected in young patients with history of gastrointestinal stromal tumor.
Acute aortic syndrome mimicking intramural hematoma with hemopericardium
Authors: Jara-Rubio Rubén , Sánchez-Cámara Silvia , Taboada-Martín Rubén , Jiménez-Aceituno Antonio , García-Villa Manuel , Vidal-Abarca Inmaculada
Published: October 2013

We report a case of acute aortic syndrome in a 64-year-old man who presented with chest pain and hypotension. His electrocardiogram and cardiac troponins were normal. Computed tomography showed hemopericardium of 2.4 cm, but no aortic intimal tear. At surgery, the portion of the aorta affected by adventitial hemorrhage was replaced with a Dacron graft. A nonpenetrating ulcerated plaque was also observed. Massive bleeding through the chest drains with hypotension required emergency reoperation in the intensive care unit. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 11.
Myocardial infarction false alarm: Initial electrocardiogram and cardiac enzymes
Authors: Gupta Esha Das , Sakthiswary Rajalingham
Published: October 2013

Objective

The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of a myocardial infarction “false alarm” and evaluate the efficacy of the initial electrocardiogram and cardiac enzymes in diagnosing myocardial infarction in Malaysia.

Methods

We recruited patients who were admitted with suspected myocardial infarction from June to August 2008. The medical records of these patients were reviewed for the initial electrocardiogram, initial cardiac enzyme levels (creatinine kinase-MB and troponin T), and the final diagnosis upon discharge. The subjects were stratified into 2 groups: true myocardial infarction, and false alarm.

Results

125 patients were enrolled in this study. Following admission and further evaluation, the diagnosis was revised from myocardial infarction to other medical conditions in 48 (38.4%) patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the initial ischemic electrocardiographic changes were 54.5% and 70.8%, respectively. Raised cardiac enzymes had a sensitivity of 44.3% and specificity of 95.8%.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of patients in Malaysia are admitted with a false-alarm myocardial infarction. The efficacy of the electrocardiogram in diagnosing myocardial infarction in Malaysia was comparable to the findings of Western studies, but the cardiac enzymes had a much lower sensitivity.
Development goals after 2015 – the role of information, books and libraries
Authors: Johnson Ian M.
Published: October 2013

The United Nations' Millennium Development Goals are currently being reviewed. Librarians need to engage in the debate if the role of library and information services in support of development is to be better recognised, putting their role in the context of the need for improving national infrastructures to make more locally-relevant information content available.
Age and Gender Differences in the Relation Between Self-Concept Facets and Self-Esteem
Authors: Arens A. Katrin , Hasselhorn Marcus
Published: October 2013

This study tested whether the gender intensification hypothesis applies to relations between multiple domain-specific self-concept facets and self-esteem. This hypothesis predicts gender-stereotypic differences in these relations and assumes they intensify with age. Furthermore, knowledge about gender-related or age-related differences in self-concept–self-esteem relations might provide valuable knowledge for designing effective self-esteem enhancement interventions. We investigated grade and gender differences in the relations between domain-specific self-concept facets and self-esteem within a sample of 1958 German students in Grades 3 to 6. Results indicated no difference in the self-concept–self-esteem relations between the subsamples of third and fourth graders and fifth and sixth graders or between boys and girls. These relations also did not differ between boys and girls in the subsamples of third and fourth graders and fifth and sixth graders. These results suggest self-concept-self-esteem relations to be invariant across grade levels and gender and thus did not support the gender intensification hypothesis.
Participation of Very Old Adults in Health Care Decisions
Authors: Bynum Julie P. W. , Barre Laura , Reed Catherine , Passow Honor
Published: October 2013

Background. Some elderly people receive tests or interventions from which they have low likelihood of benefit or for which the goal is not aligned with their values. Engaging these patients in the decision process is one potential approach to improve the individualization of care. Yet some clinicians perceive and some survey data suggest that older adults prefer not to participate in the decision-making process. Those preferences, however, may be formed based on an experience in which factors, such as communication issues, were barriers to participation. Our goal was to shed light on the experience of very old adults in health care decision making from their own point of view to deepen our understanding of their potentially modifiable barriers to participation. Design and Methods. Semistructured interviews of participants aged 80 and older (n = 29, 59% women and 21% black) were analyzed using the constant comparative method in a grounded theory approach to describe decision making in clinic visits from the patient’s perspective. Results. The average age was 84 years (range, 80–93); each described an average of 6.4 decision episodes. Active participation was highly variable among subjects. Marked differences in participation across participants and by type of decision—surgery, medications, diagnostic procedures, routine testing for preventive care—highlighted barriers to greater participation. The most common potentially modifiable barriers were the perception that there were no options to consider, low patient activation, and communication issues. Conclusions. The experience of very old adults highlights potentially modifiable barriers to greater participation in decision making. To bring very old patients into the decision process, clinicians must modify interviewing skills and spend additional time eliciting their values, goals, and preferences.
Is seeing (musical) believing? The eye versus the ear in emotional responses to music
Authors: Krahé Charlotte , Hahn Ulrike , Whitney Kathryn
Published: October 2013

This study explored whether visual (body movements) or auditory (musical material) information dominates perceived and felt emotions when observing a music performance. In a musical analogue of the McGurk effect and extending work juxtaposing facial expressions and auditory information for sung intervals to an actual musical performance, participants either watched video clips in which musical material and performer’s body movements were congruent or they saw incongruent clips that combined musical material with body movements from another piece that differed in emotional valence. Subsequent ratings of perceived and felt emotions showed a significant interaction between music and body movements, indicating that both auditory and visual channels determine the emotional content of the performance for listeners.
The effect of self-regulation instruction on the performance achievement, musical self-efficacy, and practicing of advanced wind players
Authors: Miksza Peter
Published: October 2013

This study is an investigation of the effect of self-regulation instruction on collegiate wind players’ performance achievement, practice behavior, and self-efficacy. Volunteers ( N = 28) were randomly assigned to an experimental condition that included either (a) instruction in the application of practice strategies (slowing, repetition, whole-part-whole, chaining) or (b) instruction in self-regulation principles (concentration, goal-selection, planning, self-evaluation, rest/reflective activity) in addition to the aforementioned strategies. The instruction was delivered via videos across 5 days and consisted of narrative descriptions and aural/visual models of each approach. Recordings of pre-test performances, 20 minutes of practice, and post-test performances were collected at days 1 and 5. Participants provided ratings of self-efficacy beliefs at days 1 and 5. Both groups made significant gains in performance achievement at each day. Those who received the self-regulation instruction made significantly greater gains in performance achievement on day 5 than those in the other group when controlling for gains made on day 1, and chose nuanced (dynamics, articulation, interpretation, etc.) as opposed to basic (e.g. notes, rhythms) musical objectives in their practice sessions with significantly greater frequency.
The early reception of Rosa Luxemburg’s theory of imperialism
Authors: Gaido Daniel , Quiroga Manuel
Published: October 2013

This article deals with the reception of Rosa Luxemburg’s The Accumulation of Capital: A Contribution to the Economic Explanation of Imperialism in the Second International before the start of the First World War. Our analysis shows that, if the condemnation of The Accumulation of Capital by the political right and centre was almost unanimous, its acceptance by the left was far from universal. In fact, both Lenin and Pannekoek rejected Luxemburg’s theory, adopting instead the economic analysis of an important spokesman of the centre, the Austro-Marxist Rudolf Hilferding. Our work concludes by analysing the reasons for those theoretical differences.
Salvage treatment of trigeminal neuralgia by occipital nerve stimulation
Authors: Fontaine Denys , Bozzolo Eric , Chivoret Nathalie , Paquis Philippe , Lanteri-Minet Michel
Published: October 2013

Background

Although most patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia (TN) respond to medical or surgical treatment, nonresponders remain in very severe painful condition.

Case result

We describe for the first time a case of severe refractory classical TN treated successfully (follow-up one year) by chronic bilateral occipital nerve stimulation (ONS), because other classic medical and surgical options failed or could not be performed.

Conclusions

This single case suggests that ONS might be offered to TN patients refractory both to standard drugs and interventions, with a favorable risk/benefit ratio, although its long-term efficacy remains unknown.
Mechanical properties of kenaf composites coated with several nanofibers
Authors: Ben Goichi , Kobayashi Yuri , Sakata Kazuhiro
Published: October 2013

This paper describes how to generate nanofibers from four kinds of polymers, such as polylacticacid, polyamide 6, polyethersulfone, and triacetylcellulose by using an electro spinning method. They are used as surface treatments in the green composites composed of kenaf fibers as the reinforcement and biomass-UP as the matrix, respectively. In order to confirm the effects of the nanofibers, the comparisons of tensile tests are performed. The tensile strengths of specimens with the four kinds of nanofibers were from 23% to 36% higher than those of specimens without the nanofibers. Furthermore, the failure strains of two specimens with the PES and TAC nanofibers increased by 5% and 10% compared with the values without the nanofibers.