bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TERT Promoter Mutations Occur Early in Urothelial Neoplasia and Are Biomarkers of Early Disease and Disease Recurrence in Urine
Authors: Kinde Isaac , Munari Enrico , Faraj Sheila F. , Hruban Ralph H. , Schoenberg Mark , Bivalacqua Trinity , Allaf Mohamad , Springer Simeon , Wang Yuxuan , Diaz Luis A. , Kinzler Kenneth W. , Vogelstein Bert , Papadopoulos Nickolas , Netto George J.
Published: October 2013

Activating mutations occur in the promoter of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene in 66% of muscle-invasive urothelial carcinomas. To explore their role in bladder cancer development and to assess their utility as urine markers for early detection, we sequenced the TERT promoter in 76 well-characterized papillary and flat noninvasive urothelial carcinomas, including 28 pTa low-grade transitional cell carcinomas (TCC), 31 pTa high-grade TCCs, and 17 pTis carcinoma in situ lesions. We also evaluated the sequence of the TERT promoter in a separate series of 14 early bladder neoplasms and matched follow-up urine samples to determine whether urine TERT status was an indicator of disease recurrence. A high rate of TERT promoter mutation was observed in both papillary and flat lesions, as well as in low- and high-grade noninvasive urothelial neoplasms (mean: 74%). In addition, among patients whose tumors harbored TERT promoter mutations, the same mutations were present in follow-up urines in seven of eight patients that recurred but in none of the six patients that did not recur (P < 0.001). TERT promoter mutations occur in both papillary and flat lesions, are the most frequent genetic alterations identified to date in noninvasive precursor lesions of the bladder, are detectable in urine, and seem to be strongly associated with bladder cancer recurrence. These provocative results suggest that TERT promoter mutations may offer a useful urinary biomarker for both early detection and monitoring of bladder neoplasia. Cancer Res; 73(24); 7162–7. ©2013 AACR.
Autotaxin–Lysophosphatidic Acid Signaling Axis Mediates Tumorigenesis and Development of Acquired Resistance to Sunitinib in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Su Shih-Chi , Hu Xiaoxiao , Kenney Patrick A. , Merrill Megan M. , Babaian Kara N. , Zhang Xiu-Ying , Maity Tapati , Yang Shun-Fa , Lin Xin , Wood Christopher G.
Published: October 2013

Purpose: Sunitinib is currently considered as the standard treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We aimed to better understand the mechanisms of sunitinib action in kidney cancer treatment and in the development of acquired resistance.

Experimental Design: Gene expression profiles of RCC tumor endothelium in sunitinib-treated and -untreated patients were analyzed and verified by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. The functional role of the target gene identified was investigated in RCC cell lines and primary cultures in vitro and in preclinical animal models in vivo.

Results: Altered expression of autotaxin, an extracellular lysophospholipase D, was detected in sunitinib-treated tumor vasculature of human RCC and in the tumor endothelial cells of RCC xenograft models when adapting to sunitinib. ATX and its catalytic product, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), regulated the signaling pathways and cell motility of RCC in vitro. However, no marked in vitro effect of ATX-LPA signaling on endothelial cells was observed. Functional blockage of LPA receptor 1 (LPA1) using an LPA1 antagonist, Ki16425, or gene silencing of LPA1 in RCC cells attenuated LPA-mediated intracellular signaling and invasion responses in vitro. Ki16425 treatment also dampened RCC tumorigenesis in vivo. In addition, coadministration of Ki16425 with sunitinib prolonged the sensitivity of RCC to sunitinib in xenograft models, suggesting that ATX-LPA signaling in part mediates the acquired resistance against sunitinib in RCC.

Conclusions: Our results reveal that endothelial ATX acts through LPA signaling to promote renal tumorigenesis and is functionally involved in the acquired resistance of RCC to sunitinib. Clin Cancer Res; 19(23); 6461–72. ©2013 AACR.
Identification of a Glutamic Acid Repeat Polymorphism of
ALMS1
as a Novel Genetic Risk Marker for Early-Onset Myocardial Infarction by Genome-Wide Linkage Analysis
Authors: Ichihara Sahoko , Yamamoto Ken , Asano Hiroyuki , Nakatochi Masahiro , Sukegawa Mayo , Ichihara Gaku , Izawa Hideo , Hirashiki Akihiro , Takatsu Fumimaro , Umeda Hisashi , Iwase Mitsunori , Inagaki Haruo , Hirayama Haruo , Sone Takahito , Nishigaki Kazuhiko , Minatoguchi Shinya , Cho Myeong-Chan , Jang Yangsoo , Kim Hyo-Soo , Park Jeong E. , Tada-Oikawa Saeko , Kitajima Hidetoshi , Matsubara Tatsuaki , Sunagawa Kenji , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Kimura Akinori , Lee Jong-Young , Murohara Toyoaki , Inoue Ituro , Yokota Mitsuhiro
Published: October 2013

Background—

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Given that a family history is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease, genetic variants are thought to contribute directly to the development of this condition. The identification of susceptibility genes for coronary artery disease or MI may thus help to identify high-risk individuals and offer the opportunity for disease prevention.

Methods and Results—

We designed a 5-step protocol, consisting of a genome-wide linkage study followed by association analysis, to identify novel genetic variants that confer susceptibility to coronary artery disease or MI. A genome-wide affected sib-pair linkage study with 221 Japanese families with coronary artery disease yielded a statistically significant logarithm of the odds score of 3.44 for chromosome 2p13 and MI. Further association analysis implicated Alström syndrome 1 gene (
ALMS1
) as a candidate gene within the linkage region. Validation association analysis revealed that representative single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the
ALMS1
promoter region were significantly associated with early-onset MI in both Japanese and Korean populations. Moreover, direct sequencing of the
ALMS1
coding region identified a glutamic acid repeat polymorphism in exon 1, which was subsequently found to be associated with early-onset MI.

Conclusions—

The glutamic acid repeat polymorphism of
ALMS1
identified in the present study may provide insight into the pathogenesis of early-onset MI.
Association of Neuroimmune Guidance Cue Netrin-1 and Its Chemorepulsive Receptor UNC5B With Atherosclerotic Plaque Expression Signatures and Stability in Human(s)
Authors: Oksala Niku , Pärssinen Jenita , Seppälä Ilkka , Raitoharju Emma , Ivana Kholova , Hernesniemi Jussi , Lyytikäinen Leo-Pekka , Levula Mari , Mäkelä Kari-Matti , Sioris Thanos , Kähönen Mika , Laaksonen Reijo , Hytönen Vesa , Lehtimäki Terho
Published: October 2013

Background—

Macrophage (MΦ) infiltration and smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation are hallmarks of atherosclerosis and unstable plaques. Neuroimmune guidance cue 1 (netrin-1 [NTN1]) plays a critical role controlling MΦ trafficking and SMC activation. Characterization of expression of NTN1 and its receptors and their association with plaque stability in human(s) is lacking.

Methods and Results—

The expression of NTN1 and its receptors did not differ in either whole blood or circulating monocytes from patients with coronary artery disease (n=55) compared with healthy controls (n=45). However, NTN1 was downregulated (−2.9-fold;
P
<0.0001) and UNC5B upregulated (2.2-fold;
P
<0.0001) in atherosclerotic plaques (n=68), whereas there were no differences in other NTN1 receptors compared with histologically normal controls (n=28). Increased UNC5B expression is associated with histologically more stable plaques (
P
=0.011). NTN1 expression correlated positively with SMC markers and signatures and negatively with inflammatory markers and M1 and especially M2 signatures in the atherosclerotic plaques. UNC5B clustering correlated positively with inflammatory and MΦ markers. NTN1 protein colocalized with CD68-positive cells of monocytic origin and muscle-actin-specific-antibody (HHF3)-positive cells indicative of SMCs in the plaques and only with SMCs in the control samples. NTN1 protein was highly expressed in the intimal layer of the control vessels.

Conclusions—

Present findings provide support for the hypothesis that dysregulation of expression of NTN1 in SMCs and its chemorepulsive receptor UNC5B in macrophages are involved in the development of atherosclerosis and unstable plaques.
Loss of Plasma Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 (PCSK9) After Lipoprotein Apheresis
Authors: Tavori Hagai , Giunzioni Ilaria , Linton MacRae F. , Fazio Sergio
Published: October 2013

Rationale:

Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in patients with severe familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). We have recently reported that >30% of plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is bound to LDL, thus we predicted that LA would also reduce plasma PCSK9 levels by removing LDL.

Objective:

Pre- and post-apheresis plasma from 6 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia on 3 consecutive treatment cycles was used to determine changes in PCSK9 levels.

Methods and Results:

LA drastically reduced plasma LDL (by 77±4%). Concomitantly, PCSK9 levels fell by 52±5%, strongly correlating with the LDL drop (
P
=0.0322;
r
2
=0.26), but not with decreases in triglyceride (49±13%) or high-density lipoprotein levels (18±2%). Levels of albumin, creatinine, and CK-MB did not show significant changes after LA. Similar to LDL, PCSK9 levels returned to pretreatment values between cycles (2-week intervals). Fractionation of pre- and post-apheresis plasma showed that 81±11% of LDL-bound PCSK9 and 48±14% of apolipoprotein B–free PCSK9 were removed. Separation of whole plasma, purified LDL, or the apolipoprotein B–free fraction through a scaled-down, experimental dextran sulfate cellulose beads column produced similar results.

Conclusions:

Our results show, for the first time, that modulation of LDL levels by LA directly affects plasma PCSK9 levels, and suggest that PCSK9 reduction is an additional benefit of LA. Because the loss of PCSK9 could contribute to the LDL-lowering effect of LA, then (1) anti-PCSK9 therapies may reduce frequency of LA in patients currently approved for therapy, and (2) LA and anti-PCSK9 therapies may be used synergistically to reduce treatment burden.
Introduction: Conversion Narratives in the Early Modern World
Authors: Mazur Peter , Shinn Abigail
Published: October 2013

Abstract

In the early modern world the process of describing a conversion experience was often as important, and problematic, as the conversion itself, and the resulting texts illustrate the extent to which conversion and its effects permeated cultural forms. Charting the discursive nature of conversion narratives, which were frequently translated into foreign languages and crossed international boundaries, this introduction discusses the problems inherent in narrating religious change, considers the current historiography, and outlines the premise for this collection.
Introduction: Bringing the Slavs Back In
Authors: Kivelson Valerie A.
Published: October 2013

This introduction briefly surveys the vast literature on the history of witchcraft in Europe and the far more limited historiography of Russian and East European witchcraft. It highlights a number of common themes emerging from the essays, including the interactions of religion and witchcraft beliefs, modes of persecution, the role of literacy and of gender, the mutability or stability of witchcraft belief over time, and the significance of ethnicity in beliefs about magic. The introduction identifies points of agreement and divergence among the authors and comments on the value of collecting detailed case studies.
The Tsaritsa, the Needlewomen and the Witches: Magic in Moscow in the 1630s
Authors: Perrie Maureen
Published: October 2013

This article focuses on the 1639 case of Dar’ia Lamanova, a needlewoman in the Kremlin sewing-room, who was accused of trying to harm Tsaritsa Evdokiia Luk’ianova by sprinkling the ashes of her burnt shirt-collar in a corridor where the tsaritsa regularly walked. It was suspected that Dar’ia’s actions had brought about the deaths of five-year-old Tsarevich Ivan in January 1639, and of his new-born brother Vasilii in March, but she was found guilty only of attempting to gain the favor of the tsar and tsaritsa. This case is discussed in the context of fears at court in the 16th and 17th centuries that members of the royal household might harm the tsar and his family by magical means. The article also examines evidence, brought to light by the investigation into Dar’ia’s case, of love magic and healing magic practised by a number of witches in Moscow with whom the Kremlin needlewomen were associated. The accused were found guilty of involvement in these types of “everyday” or “prosaic” magic, but the authorities accepted that there was no plot against the royal family. Thus even a case that had seemed to affect the succession to the throne and the stability of the dynasty was resolved without resort to a witch-hunt on the Western European model.
A Family Matter: The Case of a Witch Family in an Eighteenth-Century Volhynian Town
Authors: Dysa Kateryna
Published: October 2013

Belief in the inheritance of witchcraft abilities from generation to generation is common to many cultures. Early modern Ukraine was not an exception. A series of cases from Volhynian town of Vyzhva is discussed here to illustrate how reputation for malevolent witchcraft could be once shaped and then continued to adhere to a family line, and how small town community preserved a memory about witchcraft for many years. This story is juxtaposed to other stories about succession of magical abilities by such magic practitioners as soothsayers, healers, wise men, etc. for whom the “magic reputation” of their parents was important to justify and support their own activities in the eyes of their clients.
Fortunetellers and Sorcerers in the Service of a Russian Aristocrat of the Eighteenth Century: The Case of Chamberlain Petr Saltykov
Authors: Smilianskaia Elena B.
Published: October 2013

The case of Petr Saltykov, which stretched on between 1758 and 1765, with a surprising coda in 1796, is noteworthy in many respects. The material collected in connection with Saltykov’s crime is useful for an investigation into magic belief as such, offering parallels and supplementary information to the dozens of “magic trials” of the 18th century. However, what makes the Saltykov case unique is how the chancellor’s “superstition” managed so compellingly to bring together two cultures – traditional folk culture and the “Europeanized” culture of the imperial court.

The case of Saltykov’s “sorcery” brought the diametrically opposed cultures of the court elite and the masses into confrontation. But even opposites can come together. As it turned out, the magic beliefs of the masses and medical practices of archaic traditional culture continued to attract adherents at court, getting along just fine in a high-culture, “Europeanized” environment. The chasm that lay between the culture of the aristocratic court elite and popular culture in the 18th century was not unbridgeable, although possible intersections of these two cultures sometimes took on rather strange configurations.
How Old Magic Does the Trick for Modern Politics
Authors: Nun-Ingerflom Claudio Sergio
Published: October 2013

This article attempts to interpret the insurrection led by Razin in the seventeenth century as the beginning of modern politics, because it was founded on the immanence of the social in contrast to the transcendent conceptions of power maintained by the court and church. This advance was made possible by the working of magic. Through performative speech, magic permitted the creation of a verbal presence for the non-existent tsarevich Alexis, who, however, was never given material form. In keeping the self-appointed heir invisible and by declaring his father’s rule illegitimate, the rebels reduced the role of the tsar to a pure signifier. The proof that this uprising represented a turn toward modern politics is that it did not rely upon the invocation of an intangible philosophical or spiritual ideal (as in the West); it was built instead upon an armed people, expressing itself in a language that was still archaic but already oriented toward a new representation of power as socially legitimatized. This analysis opens an important line of argument that has power beyond this specific case.
Earthly Mother, Holy Witch: Social Perceptions of Maria-Magdalena Mazepa (1687-1707)
Authors: Charipova Liudmila V.
Published: October 2013

Maria-Magdalena Mazepa, the natural mother of Hetman Ivan Mazepa and mother superior of an elite women’s convent in Kyiv, played a prominent role as her son’s informal political aide and confidante from the start of his hetmanship in 1687 until her death in 1707. Her forceful personality and willingness to engage with the power struggles in the Hetmanate provoked social resentment, which culminated in a formally recorded witchcraft accusation. Drawing on broader East Slavic and older Byzantine models, the article explores the charge of sorcery against Maria-Magdalena placed within the cultural and political context of the Ukrainian Hetmanate at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Magical Practices in Russia Today: An Observer’s Report
Authors: Avilova Liudmila I. , Chernetsov Alexey V.
Published: October 2013

The article is a record of a story of a visit to a witch-doctor in Modern Russia. The séance included the invocation of spirits of dead and alive persons, and also of Jesus Christ. Hypnosis and medium were used. It is to be noted that both witch-doctor and its client belong in this case to rather prosperous and educated Moscow dwellers. Some parallels from East-Slavic manuscript and folklore traditions and also from Russian classical literature are discussed.
Magic in the Russian Marketplace: Creating Trust
Authors: Wigzell Faith
Published: October 2013

Focussing on a commercial magic specialist (mag) well-known in Petersburg today, the article examines the strategies adopted by her and others to gain the confidence of their clientele. It opens by examining the levels of social trust in Russia, arguing that distrust and feelings of defenselessness encourage a sizeable proportion of Russians with the traditional view that problems are externally generated, to think of turning for help to magic practitioners. With magic services derided in the media and condemned by the Church, the magic specialist NPP must counter this negative image as well as promote her services above those of her competitors. Whereas in 2006 she relied on press advertising and recommendation by satisfied customers, in 2012 her main promotional tool is her website. The article examines the specific ways in which she tackles the creation of a trustworthy image. Since magic services offer a kind of therapy, another aspect examined in detail is the relationship with psychology and psychotherapy. It is suggested that from the early 1990s to around 2005 magic specialists sought to hijack psychotherapy, but that more recently links have been played down as magic practitioners define their potential clientele more clearly. The article offers reasons for this, and speculates on future developments.
ANATOMICAL AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LEAF-SHEATH FIBROVASCULAR BUNDLES IN PALMS
Authors: Zhai Shengcheng , Horikawa Yoshiki , Imai Tomoya , Sugiyama Junji
Published: October 2013

This study presents anatomical characteristics, mechanical properties, microfibril angles (MFAs) and Klason lignin contents of leaf-sheath fibrovascular bundles from 14 palm genera (18 species). Observed by light microscopy, all fibrovascular bundles consisted equally of thick-walled sclerenchyma fibers and vascular tissue, while the shape and localization of vascular tissues on the transverse sections varied among species. It was possible to group these fibrovascular bundles into 3 types based on the vascular tissue’s differences: type A – rounded in the central region; type B – angular in the marginal region; and type C – aliform in the central region. These three anatomical types of fibrovascular bundles showed some correlation with a current phylogenetic classification of palm species. Through mechanical tests, this research confirmed the correlation between diameter and mechanical properties of the fibrovascular bundles of palms; tensile strength and Young’s modulus showed a decreasing trend with increasing diameter. We clarified that this trend was due to a marked increase in the proportion of transverse sectional area comprised by vascular tissue with increasing diameter of fibrovascular bundles. The MFAs of fibrovascular bundles ranged from 10.3º to 47.1º, which were generally larger than those of non-woody plants, conifers, and broad-leaved trees. The Klason lignin contents of palm species were also high, ranging from 18.3% to 37.8%, with a mean value of 29.6%. These large MFAs and high lignin contents could lead to the long-term plastic deformation and relatively low tensile strength of palm fibrovascular bundles.
WOOD ANATOMY OF MYRCIARIA, NEOMITRANTHES, PLINIA AND SIPHONEUGENA SPECIES (MYRTEAE, MYRTACEAE)
Authors: Santos Gabriel U.C.A. , Callado Cátia H. , Souza Marcelo da Costa , Costa Cecilia G.
Published: October 2013

Myrciaria, Neomitranthes, Plinia and Siphoneugena are closely related genera whose circumscriptions are controversial. The distinctions between Myrciaria vs. Plinia, and Neomitranthes vs. Siphoneugena, have been based on a few fruit characters. The wood anatomy of 24 species of these genera was examined to determine if wood anatomical features could help delimit the genera. It was determined the four genera cannot reliably be separated by wood anatomy alone. Characteristics seen in all four genera are: growth rings usually poorly-defined; diffuse porous; exclusively solitary vessels, usually circular to oval in outline; simple perforation plates; vessel-ray pits alternate and distinctly bordered; fibers with distinctly bordered pits in radial and tangential walls, usually very thickwalled; vasicentric tracheids typically absent; scanty paratracheal parenchyma, sometimes unilateral, and diffuse to diffuse-in-aggregates; chambered crystalliferous axial parenchyma in many species, usually both prismatic and smaller crystals; rays 1–4-seriate, uniseriate rays composed of upright/square cells, multiseriate rays with procumbent body cells and 1 to many marginal rows of upright/square cells; disjunctive ray parenchyma cells usually present.
On Direction of Dependence in Latent Variable Contexts
Authors: von Eye Alexander , Wiedermann Wolfgang
Published: October 2013

Approaches to determining direction of dependence in nonexperimental data are based on the relation between higher-than second-order moments on one side and correlation and regression models on the other. These approaches have experienced rapid development and are being applied in contexts such as research on partner violence, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and currency exchange rates. In this article, we propose using these methods in the context of latent variables analysis. Specifically, we propose creating component or factor scores and relating the component score or factor score variables to each other by using methods for the determination of direction of dependence. Empirical examples use data from the development of aggression in adolescence. In the discussion, issues concerning the establishment of causal relation in empirical research are addressed.
Molecular Differences between Chronic and Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Kebschull M. , Guarnieri P. , Demmer R.T. , Boulesteix A.L. , Pavlidis P. , Papapanou P.N.
Published: October 2013

The 2 major forms of periodontitis, chronic (CP) and aggressive (AgP), do not display sufficiently distinct histopathological characteristics or microbiological/immunological features. We used molecular profiling to explore biological differences between CP and AgP and subsequently carried out supervised classification using machine-learning algorithms including an internal validation. We used whole-genome gene expression profiles from 310 ‘healthy’ or ‘diseased’ gingival tissue biopsies from 120 systemically healthy non-smokers, 65 with CP and 55 with AgP, each contributing with ≥ 2 ‘diseased’ gingival papillae (n = 241; with bleeding-on-probing, probing depth ≥ 4 mm, and clinical attachment loss ≥ 3 mm), and, when available, a ‘healthy’ papilla (n = 69; no bleeding-on-probing, probing depth ≤ 4 mm, and clinical attachment loss ≤ 4 mm). Our analyses revealed limited differences between the gingival tissue transcriptional profiles of AgP and CP, with genes related to immune responses, apoptosis, and signal transduction overexpressed in AgP, and genes related to epithelial integrity and metabolism overexpressed in CP. Different classifying algorithms discriminated CP from AgP with an area under the curve ranging from 0.63 to 0.99. The small differences in gene expression and the highly variable classifier performance suggest limited dissimilarities between established AgP and CP lesions. Future analyses may facilitate the development of a novel, ‘intrinsic’ classification of periodontitis based on molecular profiling.
Seven deadly sins of contemporary quantitative political analysis
Authors: Schrodt Philip A
Published: October 2013

A combination of technological change, methodological drift and a certain degree of intellectual sloth, particularly with respect to philosophy of science, has allowed contemporary quantitative political analysis to accumulate a series of dysfunctional habits that have rendered much of contemporary research more or less meaningless. I identify these ‘seven deadly sins’ as: Garbage can models that ignore the effects of collinearity; Pre-scientific explanation in the absence of prediction; Excessive reanalysis of a small number of datasets; Using complex methods without understanding the underlying assumptions; Interpreting frequentist statistics as if they were Bayesian; A linear statistical monoculture that fails to consider alternative structures; Confusing statistical controls and experimental controls. The answer to these problems is not to abandon quantitative approaches, but rather engage in solid, thoughtful, original work driven by an appreciation of both theory and data. The article closes with suggestions for changes in current practice that might serve to ameliorate some of these problems.
Concomitant coronary bypass and below knee amputation in a diabetic patient
Authors: Khanna Surendra Nath , Paul Mathews , Sharma Krishnan K , Karlekar Anil
Published: October 2013

A 57-year-old man presented with unstable angina and uncontrolled diabetes with diabetic foot. It was decided to perform right below knee amputation with coronary revascularization in a single stage. Right below knee amputation was carried out first. The left anterior descending artery, ramus intermedius, and second obtuse marginal branch of the circumflex were bypassed on a beating heart, using saphenous vein grafts. The patient was discharged on the 7th postoperative day after a course of antibiotics.
Differentiation of myxoid liposarcoma by magnetic resonance imaging: a histopathologic correlation
Authors: Löwenthal D , Zeile M , Niederhagen M , Fehlberg S , Schnapauff D , Pink D , Tunn PU , Reichardt P , Hamm B , Dudeck O
Published: October 2013

Background

Myxoid liposarcomas represent a heterogeneous group of soft tissue tumors in which prognosis is dependent on differentiation.

Purpose

To identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria to distinguish low-grade from high-grade myxoid liposarcomas.

Material and Methods

MR images of 30 histologically proven myxoid liposarcomas were retrospectively reviewed. Tumors were evaluated according to size, localization, tumor border, and structure as well as tumor composition. These imaging criteria were correlated with histopathological findings.

Results

Nineteen myxoid liposarcomas were histologically classified as low-grade myxoid liposarcomas, whereas 11 were considered high-grade myxoid liposarcomas. Mean tumor volume of low-grade myxoid liposarcomas (710.1 ± 960.1 ccm) was significantly smaller as compared to high-grade myxoid liposarcomas (2737.0 ± 3423.7 ccm; P = 0.04). In addition to necrotic areas, three tumor components – fatty, myxoid, as well as contrast-enhancing non-fatty, non-myxoid – could be identified. The mean fraction of fatty tumor areas in low-grade myxoid liposarcomas was 10 ± 11% as compared to 6 ± 4% for high-grade myxoid liposarcomas ( P = 0.66). Myxoid components accounted for 88 ± 16% in low-grade myxoid liposarcomas, but only for 45 ± 25% in high-grade myxoid liposarcomas ( P < 0.0001). The non-fatty, non-myxoid tumor fraction was significantly higher in high-grade myxoid liposarcomas (50 ± 25%) as compared to low-grade myxoid liposarcomas (2 ± 9%; P < 0.0001). A proportion of > 5% of this tumor fraction was found to be a precise unique predictor for high-grade myxoid liposarcomas with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 95%.

Conclusion

Tumor components with contrast-enhancing non-fatty, non-myxoid imaging features were predominantly found in high-grade myxoid liposarcomas, which may histologically resemble round cell clusters.
Establishing Construct and Predictive Validity of the Prison Inmate Inventory for Use With Female Inmates
Authors: Degiorgio Lisa
Published: October 2013

This study establishes the validity of the Prison Inmate Inventory for use among female inmates ( N = 628). Contrast groups were used to establish construct validity; negative binomial regression analysis was used to confirm predictive validity. Female inmates who were arrested at a younger age demonstrated more severe problems with violence, antisocial traits, distress, adjustment to prison life, and judgment. Results from the negative binomial analysis revealed that inmate risk (low and severe) predicted expected counts of probation revocations, parole revocation, and escape attempts. Expected counts were not related to race/ethnicity in this sample.
Three-dimensional static analysis of thick functionally graded plates using graded finite element method
Authors: Zafarmand Hassan , Kadkhodayan Mehran
Published: October 2013

In this paper, a thick functionally graded plate based on three-dimensional equations of elasticity and subjected to nonuniform transverse loading is considered. The Young’s modulus of the plate is assumed to be graded in the thickness direction according to a simple power law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents and the Poisson’s ratio is assumed to be constant. Three-dimensional graded finite element method based on Rayleigh–Ritz energy formulation has been applied to study the static response of the plate. The plate deflection and in-plane stress for different values of the power law exponent, thickness-to-length ratio, and various boundary conditions have been investigated. To verify the presented method and data, the results are compared to published data.
Enhancement of the stability of beams with piezoelectric transducers
Authors: Zenz Georg , Humer Alexander
Published: October 2013

Subject of the present work is the stability control of beam-type structures under a compressive force. Main scope of this article is to increase the critical buckling load by means of active feedback control. The compressive force is applied with the help of a cable which is fixed at the tip of the free end and passes through a point at the fixation of the beam. The structural displacement of the column is controlled by a constant gain feedback algorithm, with strain sensors used as input and piezoelectric actuators. A consistent theoretical formulation of this nonconservative system based on the Bernoulli–Euler beam theory is presented. The formulation takes into account the complete mechatronic system, including the influence of the controller with discrete strain measurements as well as distributed piezoelectric patches. The analytical results are compared to numerical simulations. The influence of the controller on the buckling load, the appearance of flutter instability and the limits of the controller’s operation range are highlighted.
The Importance of Optimism in Maintaining Healthy Aging in Rural Alaska
Authors: Lewis Jordan P.
Published: October 2013

Many Alaska Native Elders attended government-run boarding schools as children, were forbidden to speak their native language, and were forced to abandon their traditional subsistence lifestyle, yet they maintained an optimistic outlook on life and continued to age well. The Explanatory Model Interview Protocol was adapted to interview a purposive sample of Alaska Native Elders ( n = 26) and grounded theory was used to develop a model of successful aging for Alaska Native Elders in Bristol Bay, Alaska. The theme of optimism was significant in the findings and was also found in each of the elements of successful aging, which were spirituality, emotional well-being, community engagement, and physical health. These four elements served as the foundation of the Model of Successful Aging. The Elders believed they were able to age successfully because they continued to be optimistic despite the challenges they faced (and are currently facing) in their communities.
Preliminary Evaluation of a Family Treatment Component to Augment a School-Based Intervention Serving Low-Income Families
Authors: Santiago Catherine DeCarlo , Kataoka Sheryl H. , Hu-Cordova Maria , Alvarado-Goldberg Karla , Maher Lauren M. , Escudero Pia
Published: October 2013

This pilot feasibility study provided a preliminary test of a community-partnered intervention that targeted engaging parents and improving parent functioning. This intervention was combined with the Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), allowing for a comparison of the CBITS-as-usual (CBITS) with the CBITS-plus-family treatment component (CBITS + Family). This study used a quasi-experimental design, capitalizing on ongoing CBITS implementation within a school system. A total of 19 parent–student dyads participated in CBITS groups and 21 parent–student dyads participated in CBITS + Family groups. Parents and students under both conditions completed pre- and posttreatment measures. Participants were from low-income, predominantly Latino families. Children were 59% female with an average age of 11.83 years. Parents who received the family treatment component reported higher satisfaction and attended a greater proportion of sessions than parents who received CBITS. In addition, parents who received the family treatment component reported improvements in primary control coping, secondary control coping, family loyalty and closeness, as well as decreases in involuntary engagement and family passive appraisal. Parents who received the family component also showed more warmth, monitoring, and less inconsistency at post-intervention. Results suggest that the family component may contribute to improved parent functioning that could benefit children in the long term.
Effect of vertical component of earthquake on seismic responses of triple concave friction pendulum base-isolated structures
Authors: Loghman Vahid , Khoshnoudian Faramarz , Banazadeh Mehdi
Published: October 2013

The current investigation has been conducted to examine the effect of the vertical component of earthquake on the responses of base-isolated structures mounted on a triple concave friction pendulum (TCFP) bearing. The varying inherent stiffness and damping of this new generation of friction isolators make smart behavior to mitigate damages during different earthquake hazard levels. To investigate, the structure was idealized as a two-dimensional single story (single degree of freedom) resting on a TCFP isolator and the coupled differential equations of motion were derived and solved using state-space formulation. Based on these equations, a computer program was developed to study the influence of the vertical component of earthquake on the seismic responses of a TCFP isolated structure such as bearing displacement and base shear of the isolated structure. The variation of essential parameters such as superstructure period, isolation period and friction coefficient of sliding bearing surfaces was studied when the TCFP isolated structure was subjected to seven near field earthquake motions. This study demonstrates the significant effects of the vertical component of earthquakes on seismic responses of base-isolated structure mounted on TCFP bearings, which is why the maximum error caused by neglecting the vertical component of earthquake in calculating the base shear of the structure is 29.5%.
Self-synchronization of two motors on a rectangular plate and reduction of vibration
Authors: Djanan AA Nanha , Nbendjo BR Nana , Woafo P
Published: October 2013

This paper first shows that two motors on the same plate can enter into synchronization with the phase difference equal to zero, π or 2π depending on the physical characteristics of the motors and the plate. Both motors are considered as non-ideal oscillators and act as external excitation on a specific area of the plate. The analysis of the vibration of the plate indicates through numerical simulation that one can obtain a reduction of vibration when the motors phase difference is equal to π.
Effect of shaft roughness and pressure on friction of polymer bearings in water
Authors: Golchin Arash , Nguyen Tan Dat , De Baets Patrick , Glavatskih Sergei , Prakash Braham
Published: October 2013

In this study, the frictional behavior of selected commercially available unfilled polymers, namely, polyether ether ketone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene against an Inconel shaft was investigated using a journal bearing test configuration in water-lubricated sliding contact. Dynamic friction curves were obtained for various shaft roughness values and polymer combinations. The results showed a significant influence of shaft surface roughness on running-in and steady state friction in water-lubricated conditions. Contact angle measurements revealed a significant increase in wettability of Inconel counterfaces. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the surfaces suggests formation of a reaction layer on worn Inconel surfaces when sliding against the polymers. The influences of counter surface roughness and load on frictional response of polymers were studied through intermittent tests by obtaining dynamic and breakaway friction maps for different polymer materials, shaft roughness values, and pressure combinations. In general, a trend of decreasing friction was obtained with increasing contact pressure; however, the materials’ frictional responses to variations in counter surface roughness were different. These results indicate that although a reduced counter surface roughness may be beneficial for dynamic friction of polymers in all lubrication regimes, it can adversely affect the materials’ breakaway friction response.
Experimental study on a bedside personalized ventilation system for improving sleep comfort and quality
Authors: Zhou Xin , Lian Zhiwei , Lan Li
Published: October 2013

A bedside personalized ventilation (PV) system was investigated by experiments on human subjects including children, adults and elderly. Short-term exposure experiment was first carried out to find out the subjects’ perception of air movement and temperature and the effect on falling asleep. Through the comparative analysis of subjective questionnaires returned from participants and objective physiological tests in all-night sleep experiments, the influence of this system on sleep comfort and quality was obtained as well as the optimal system operation parameters. For conditions with bedside PV system, the returned questionnaires from participants reflected the thermal comfort level and subjective sleep quality were relatively higher than condition without the PV system. Physiological tests results like heart rate and heart rate variability also indicated that a calmer and more comfortable sleep could be obtained with this system. Bedside, PV system could provide a more obvious positive impact on children than adults in sleep quality, and the impact on elderly subjects was not significant. Optimal conditions for improving sleep comfort and quality are to keep the room ambient temperature at 22℃, PV outlet air temperature at 21℃ and air velocity of breathing zone at 0.1 m/s. Through this study, potential applications of bedside PV system could benefit human sleep comfort and quality, particularly in summer which could also be of benefit to hospital care of patients.
Febrile Illness in the Athlete
Authors: Dick Natalie A. , Diehl Jason J.
Published: October 2013

Context:

Acute febrile illnesses are common in athletes over the course of training and competition seasons. Complete recovery and rapid yet safe return to participation are critical for competitive athletes. Alterations in thermoregulation, metabolism, fluid homeostasis, muscle strength, and endurance, as well as potential complications for the athlete and others, must be considered.

Evidence Acquisition:

The PubMed database was searched (1970-2013) for all English-language articles related to febrile illness in sport, using the keywords fever, febrile, body temperature, thermoregulation, infection, illness, disease, exercise, athlete, sport, performance, return to play, metabolism, hydration, and dehydration.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

Limited data confirm that febrile illness is correlated with alterations in the body’s thermoregulatory system, with increases in metabolic rate, and with effects in fluid homeostasis. Human and animal studies demonstrate a decrease in muscle strength and endurance secondary to muscle catabolism in febrile illness. However, indirect evidence suggests that regular exercise enhances the immune response. No strong clinical research has been published on return to play during or following acute febrile illness, excluding mononucleosis and myocarditis.

Conclusion:

Fever is correlated with an increase in insensible fluid losses, dehydration, metabolic demands, and dysregulation of body temperature. Fever can have detrimental effects on the musculoskeletal system, including decreasing strength and endurance, generalized muscle catabolism, and increase in perceived fatigue. Participating in strenuous exercise during febrile illness can worsen the illness and has demonstrated increased lethality in animal models. No consensus recommendations support return to activity before resolution of fever, and training should be resumed gradually once fever and dehydration have resolved.
Olanzapine, weight change and metabolic effects: a naturalistic 12-month follow up
Authors: Salviato Balbão Marina , Cecílio Hallak Jaime Eduardo , Arcoverde Nunes Emerson , Homem de Mello Mauricio , Triffoni-Melo Andresa de Toledo , Ferreira Flavia Isaura de Santi , Chaves Cristiano , Durão Ana Maria Sertori , Ramos Adriana Pelegrino Pinho , de Souza Crippa José Alexandre , Queiroz Regina Helena Costa
Published: October 2013

Objective:

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia. Some of the adverse effects related to its use are obesity, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes and hypertension, which may result in development of metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to investigate a possible increase in some anthropometric and biochemical parameters, and the existence of any correlation between them in Brazilian patients with schizophrenia treated with olanzapine in the mid term.

Methods:

Thirty subjects with schizophrenia were evaluated, 16 women and 14 men, aged between 18 and 47 years. All patients underwent blood collection and anthropometric measurements at four different times during 12 months of follow up; thus each patient was his or her own control.

Results:

Evaluation of some anthropometric measurements showed significant differences when comparing the mean values obtained in each of the different data collection times ( p < 0.05). However, the biochemical indicators of development of metabolic syndrome measured in our study did not show the same rate of increment, with only the total cholesterol and glucose levels presenting statistically significant changes ( p < 0.05), but without the same magnitude of weight change.

Conclusion:

We conclude that medium-term treatment with olanzapine promoted a substantial weight gain and increased visceral fat, while the metabolic profile did not show the same magnitude of change, suggesting a dissociation between weight gain and blood parameters, despite the severe weight gain observed among subjects evaluated.
Promoting Multivitamins to Hispanic Adolescents and Mothers
Authors: Mackert Michael , Donovan Erin , Guadagno Marie
Published: October 2013

Neural tube defects (NTDs) can be reduced by 50% to 70% with sufficient periconceptional intake of folic acid. Hispanic women are up to 3 times more likely than non-Hispanics to have a child affected by NTDs. This disparity is complicated by health literacy, as women impacted by this disparity are also at-risk for low health literacy. The purpose of this project was to pilot advertisements to promote multivitamins, increasing folic acid consumption, among Hispanic adolescents. The advertisements for Hispanic adolescents and their mothers focused on broad benefits of a multivitamin, downplaying folic acid’s role in prenatal health. Participants were Hispanic mothers ( n = 25) and adolescents ( n = 25) at a clinic in the Southwestern United States. Likert-type survey items and an open-ended question were used to assess attitudes toward multivitamins and advertisements. The Newest Vital Sign (NVS) was used to assess participants’ health literacy. Participants’ impressions of the ads were positive. Both groups expressed the intent to start taking a daily multivitamin after viewing the ads—adolescents for themselves and mothers to start their daughters on a daily multivitamin. There was no relationship between participants’ health literacy and perceptions of the advertisements or intentions to begin a multivitamin habit. This research illustrates the potential of messages that rely on peripheral health benefits to overcome communication barriers posed by health literacy and address serious health problems such as NTDs.
Genetic sequence analysis of inherited bleeding diseases
Authors: Peyvandi Flora , Kunicki Tom , Lillicrap David
Published: October 2013

The genes encoding the coagulation factor proteins were among the first human genes to be characterized over 25 years ago. Since then, significant progress has been made in the translational application of this information for the 2 commonest severe inherited bleeding disorders, hemophilia A and B. For these X-linked disorders, genetic characterization of the disease-causing mutations is now incorporated into the standard of care and genetic information is used for risk stratification of treatment complications. With electronic databases detailing >2100 unique mutations for hemophilia A and >1100 mutations for hemophilia B, these diseases are among the most extensively characterized inherited diseases in humans. Experience with the genetics of the rare bleeding disorders is, as expected, less well advanced. However, here again, electronic mutation databases have been developed and provide excellent guidance for the application of genetic analysis as a confirmatory approach to diagnosis. Most recently, progress has also been made in identifying the mutant loci in a variety of inherited platelet disorders, and these findings are beginning to be applied to the genetic diagnosis of these conditions. Investigation of patients with bleeding phenotypes without a diagnosis, using genome-wide strategies, may identify novel genes not previously recognized as playing a role in hemostasis.