bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acylation of Chiral Alcohols: A Simple Procedure for Chiral GC Analysis
Authors: Oromí-Farrús Mireia , Torres Mercè , Canela Ramon
Published: May 2012

The use of iodine as a catalyst and either acetic or trifluoroacetic acid as a derivatizing reagent for determining the enantiomeric composition of acyclic and cyclic aliphatic chiral alcohols was investigated. Optimal conditions were selected according to the molar ratio of alcohol to acid, the reaction time, and the reaction temperature. Afterwards, chiral stability of chiral carbons was studied. Although no isomerization was observed when acetic acid was used, partial isomerization was detected with the trifluoroacetic acid. A series of chiral alcohols of a widely varying structural type were then derivatized with acetic acid using the optimal conditions. The resolution of the enantiomeric esters and the free chiral alcohols was measured using a capillary gas chromatograph equipped with a CP Chirasil-DEX CB column. The best resolutions were obtained with 2-pentyl acetates (α=3.00) and 2-hexyl acetates (α=1.95). This method provides a very simple and efficient experimental workup procedure for analyzing chiral alcohols by chiral-phase GC.
Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy Masked by Tako-Tsubo Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Daralammori Y. , El Garhy M. , Gayed M. R. , Farah A. , Lauer B. , Secknus M. A.
Published: May 2012

Introduction. Left ventricular outflow obstruction might be part of the pathophysiological mechanism of Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. This obstruction can be masked by Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy and diagnosed only by followup.Case Presentation. A 70-year-old female presented with Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy and masked obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at presentation.Conclusion. Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy typically presents like an acute MI and is characterized by severe, but transient, regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Prompt evaluation of the coronary status is, therefore, mandatory. The prognosis under medical treatment of heart failure symptoms and watchful waiting is favourable. Previous studies showed that LVOT obstruction might be part of the pathophysiological mechanism of TCM. This paper supports this theory. However, TCM may also mask any preexisting LVOT obstruction.
Monotone‐Iterative Method for the Initial Value Problem with Initial Time Difference for Differential Equations with “Maxima”
Authors: Hristova S. , Golev A.
Published: May 2012

The object of investigation of the paper is a special type of functional differential equations containing the maximum value of the unknown function over a past time interval. An improved algorithm of the monotone‐iterative technique is suggested to nonlinear differential equations with “maxima.” The case when upper and lower solutions of the given problem are known at different initial time is studied. Additionally, all initial value problems for successive approximations have both initial time and initial functions different. It allows us to construct sequences of successive approximations as well as sequences of initial functions, which are convergent to the solution and to the initial function of the given initial value problem, respectively. The suggested algorithm is realized as a computer program, and it is applied to several examples, illustrating the advantages of the suggested scheme.
Reproductive Late Effects in Female Survivors of Childhood Cancer
Authors: Gnaneswaran Shivany , Deans Rebecca , Cohn Richard J.
Published: May 2012

Childhood cancer treatments can cause female reproductive late effects. Radiation to the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis is associated with altered menarche, miscarriage, and implantation failure. Patients who receive chemotherapy and/or ovarian radiation are at risk of premature ovarian failure; the risk increases with increasing radiation dose, alkylating agent score, combination therapy, and older age at treatment. Ovarian reserve may be assessed using antimullerian hormone assay and ultrasound measurements of ovarian volume and antral follicle count; however, their efficacy is poorly established in this cohort. Fertility preservation options including cryopreservation, oophoropexy, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues may be initiated prior to treatment, although most are still considered experimental. Uterine radiation has been linked to pregnancy complications including miscarriage, premature delivery, stillbirth, low-birth-weight and small-for-gestational-age infants. This paper summarises the literature on female reproductive late effects. The information should facilitate counseling and management of female survivors throughout their reproductive lives.
On the Forward Scattering of Microwave Breast Imaging
Authors: Lui Hoi-Shun , Fhager Andreas , Persson Mikael
Published: May 2012

Microwave imaging for breast cancer detection has been of significant interest for the last two decades. Recent studies focus on solving the imaging problem using an inverse scattering approach. Efforts have mainly been focused on the development of the inverse scattering algorithms, experimental setup, antenna design and clinical trials. However, the success of microwave breast imaging also heavily relies on the quality of the forward data such that the tumor inside the breast volume is well illuminated. In this work, a numerical study of the forward scattering data is conducted. The scattering behavior of simple breast models under different polarization states and aspect angles of illumination are considered. Numerical results have demonstrated that better data contrast could be obtained when the breast volume is illuminated using cross-polarized components in linear polarization basis or the copolarized components in the circular polarization basis.
Atypical Presentation of Constrictive Pericarditis in a Holstein Heifer
Authors: Elhanafy Mohamed M. , French Dennis D.
Published: May 2012

The field diagnosis of constrictive pericardial effusion is often established on the pertinent pathognomonic physical examination findings, but the condition cannot be ruled out based on absence of these cardinal signs. Constrictive pericardial effusion is not always manifested by bilateral jugular venous distention and pulsation, brisket edema, and muffled heart sounds, all of which are considered the key points in the field diagnosis of pericardial effusion and hardware disease. This case will also document that the outcomes of hematology, serum biochemistry panels, and blood gas analysis can be totally inconsistent with passive venous congestion and constrictive pericardial effusion in cattle. Chest radiographic findings revealed radio dense, wire-like objects; the findings were suggestive but not conclusive for pericardial or pleural effusions, due to indistinguishable diaphragmatic outline and cardiopulmonary silhouette. Cardiac ultrasonography was found to be an excellent paraclinical diagnostic procedure for cases that potentially have traumatic pericarditis and constrictive pericardial effusion. Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis was also a valuable diagnostic aid in establishing a definitive diagnosis.
Ecological Factors and Diversification among Neotropical Characiforms
Authors: Guisande Cástor , Pelayo-Villamil Patricia , Vera Manuel , Manjarrés-Hernández Ana , Carvalho Mónica R. , Vari Richard P. , Jiménez Luz Fernanda , Fernández Carlos , Martínez Paulino , Prieto-Piraquive Edgar , Granado-Lorencio Carlos , Duque Santiago R.
Published: May 2012

Morphological and DNA sequence data has been used to propose hypotheses of relationships within the Characiformes with minimal comparative discussion of causes underpinning the major intraordinal diversification patterns. We explore potential primary morphological factors controlling the early diversification process in some Neotropical characiforms as the first step to identifying factors contributing to the pronounced intraordinal morphological and species diversity. A phylogenetic reconstruction based on 16S rDNA (mitochondrial) and 18S rDNA (nuclear) genes provided the framework for the identification of the main morphological differences among the Acestrorhynchidae, Anostomidae, Characidae, Ctenoluciidae, Curimatidae, Cynodontidae, Gasteropelecidae, Prochilodontidae and Serrasalmidae. Results indicate an initial split into two major groupings: (i) species with long dorsal-fin bases relative to the size of other fins (Curimatidae, Prochilodontidae, Anostomidae, Serrasalmidae) which primarily inhabit lakes, swamps, and rivers (lineage I); and (ii) species with short dorsal-fin bases (Acestrorhynchidae, Gasteropelecidae, Characidae) which primarily inhabit creeks and streams (lineage II). The second diversification stage in lineage I involved substantial morphological diversification associated with trophic niche differences among the monophyletic families which range from detritivores to large item predators. Nonmonophyly of the Characidae complicated within lineage II analyzes but yielded groupings based on differences in pectoral and anal fin sizes correlated with life style differences.
Untethering the Nuclear Envelope and Cytoskeleton: Biologically Distinct Dystonias Arising from a Common Cellular Dysfunction
Authors: Atai Nadia A. , Ryan Scott D. , Kothary Rashmi , Breakefield Xandra O. , Nery Flávia C.
Published: May 2012

Most cases of early onset DYT1 dystonia in humans are caused by a GAG deletion in theTOR1Agene leading to loss of a glutamic acid (ΔE) in the torsinA protein, which underlies a movement disorder associated with neuronal dysfunction without apparent neurodegeneration. Mutation/deletion of the gene (Dst) encoding dystonin in mice results in a dystonic movement disorder termeddystonia musculorum, which resembles aspects of dystonia in humans. While torsinA and dystonin proteins do not share modular domain architecture, they participate in a similar function by modulating a structural link between the nuclear envelope and the cytoskeleton in neuronal cells. We suggest that through a shared interaction with the nuclear envelope protein nesprin-3α, torsinA and the neuronal dystonin-a2 isoform comprise a bridge complex between the outer nuclear membrane and the cytoskeleton, which is critical for some aspects of neuronal development and function. Elucidation of the overlapping roles of torsinA and dystonin-a2 in nuclear/endoplasmic reticulum dynamics should provide insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying the dystonic phenotype.
Kernel Optimization for Blind Motion Deblurring with Image Edge Prior
Authors: Wang Jing , Lu Ke , Wang Qian , Jia Jie
Published: May 2012

Image motion deblurring with unknown blur kernel is an ill‐posed problem. This paper proposes a blind motion deblurring approach that solves blur kernel and the latent image robustly. For kernel optimization, an edge mask is used as an image prior to improve kernel update, then an edge selection mask is adopted to improve image update. In addition, an alternative iterative method is introduced to perform kernel optimization under a multiscale scheme. Moreover, for image restoration, a total‐variation‐(TV‐) based algorithm is proposed to recover the latent image via nonblind deconvolution. Experimental results demonstrate that our method obtains accurate blur kernel and achieves better deblurring results than previous works.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Leprosy Coinfection: Challenges in Resource-Limited Setups
Authors: Kwobah Charles M. , Wools-Kaloustian Kara K. , Gitau Jane N. , Siika Abraham M.
Published: May 2012

Mycobacteria leprae(leprosy)and HIV coinfection are rare in Kenya. This is likely related to the low prevalence (1 per 10,000 of population) of leprosy. Because leprosy is no longer a public health challenge there is generally a low index of suspicion amongst clinicians for its diagnosis. Management of a HIV-1-leprosy-coinfected individual in a resource-constrained setting is challenging. Some of these challenges include difficulties in establishing a diagnosis of leprosy; the high pill burden of cotreatment with both antileprosy and antiretroviral drugs (ARVs); medications’ side effects; drug interactions; scarcity of drug choices for both diseases. This challenge is more profound when managing a patient who requires second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). We present an adult male patient coinfected with HIV and leprosy, who failed first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) and required second-line treatment. Due to limited choices in antileprosy drugs available, the patient received monthly rifampicin and daily lopinavir-/ritonavir-based antileprosy and ART regimens, respectively. Six months into his cotreatment, he seemed to have adequate virological control. This case report highlights the challenges of managing such a patient.
Synthesis of 1D, 2D, and 3D ZnO Polycrystalline Nanostructures Using the Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Tseng Yung-Kuan , Chuang Ming-Hung , Chen Yen-Cheng , Wu Chao-Hsien
Published: May 2012

This study employed various polyol solvents to synthesize zinc oxide polycrystalline nanostructures in the form of fibers (1D), rhombic flakes (2D), and spheres (3D). The synthetic process primarily involved the use of zinc acetate dihydrate in polyol solutions, which were used to derive precursors of zinc alkoxides. Following hydrolysis at 160°C, the zinc alkoxide particles self-assembled into polycrystalline nanostructures with different morphologies. Following calcination at 500°C for 1 h, polycrystalline ZnO with good crystallinity was obtained. FE-SEM explored variations in surface morphology; XRD was used to analyze the crystalline structures and crystallinity of the products, which were confirmed as ZnO wurtzite structures. FE-TEM verified that the ZnO nanostructures were polycrystalline. Furthermore, we employed TGA/DSC to observe the phase transition. According to the results of property analyses, we proposed models of the relevant formation mechanisms. Finally, various ZnO structures were applied in the degradation of methylene blue to compare their photocatalytic efficiency.
Lyapunov Stability of Quasiperiodic Systems
Authors: Redkar Sangram
Published: May 2012

We present some observations on the stability and reducibility of quasiperiodic systems. In a quasiperiodic system, the periodicity of parametric excitation is incommensurate with the periodicity of certain terms multiplying the state vector. We present a Lyapunov‐type approach and the Lyapunov‐Floquet (L‐F) transformation to derive the stability conditions. This approach can be utilized to investigate the robustness, stability margin, and design controller for the system.
Modelling Soil Water Retention for Weed Seed Germination Sensitivity to Water Potential
Authors: Bullied W. John , Bullock Paul R. , Van Acker Rene C.
Published: May 2012

Soil water retention is important for the study of water availability to germinating weed seeds. Six soil water retention models (Campbell, Brooks-Corey, four- and five-parameter van Genuchten, Tani, and Russo) with residual soil water parameter derivations were evaluated to describe water retention for weed seed germination at minimum threshold soil water potential for three hillslope positions. The Campbell, Brooks-Corey, and four-parameter van Genuchten model with modified or estimated forms of the residual parameter had superior but similar data fit. The Campbell model underestimated water retention at a potential less than −0.5 MPa for the upper hillslope that could result in underestimating seed germination. The Tani and Russo models overestimated water retention at a potential less than −0.1 MPa for all hillslope positions. Model selection and residual parameter specification are important for weed seed germination by representing water retention at the level of minimum threshold water potential for germination. Weed seed germination models driven by the hydrothermal soil environment rely on the best-fitting soil water retention model to produce dynamic predictions of seed germination.
Effect of Prolonged Discontinuation of L-Thyroxine Replacement in a Child with Congenital Hypothyroidism
Authors: Kubicky Rita Ann , Weiner Evan , Carlson Bronwyn , De Luca Francesco
Published: May 2012

When diagnosed through neonatal screening and treated promptly and adequately, infants with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) experience normal physical growth and neurological development. Here we present a 3-year-old boy diagnosed with CH as a newborn, who was subsequently left untreated and experienced significant growth failure and developmental delay. This case emphasizes the importance of a consistent adherence to treatment in preventing such complications, especially in infancy and early childhood.
Vibration Analysis of a New Type of Compliant Mechanism with Flexible‐Link, Using Perturbation Theory
Authors: Viliani N. S. , Zohoor H. , Kargarnovin M. H.
Published: May 2012

Vibration analysis of a new type of compliant parallel mechanism with flexible intermediate links is investigated. The application of the Timoshenko beam theory to the mathematical modeling of the intermediate flexible link is described, and the equations of motion of the flexible links are obtained by using Lagrange’s equation of motion. The equations of motion are obtained in the form of a set of ordinary differential equations by using assumed mode method theory. The governing differential equations of motion are solved using perturbation method. The assumed mode shapes and frequencies are to be obtained based on clamped‐clamped boundary conditions. Comparing perturbation method with Runge‐Kutta‐Fehlberg 4, 5th leads to highly accurate solutions, and the results are performed and discussed.
An Innovative Direct NF-FF Transformation Technique with Helicoidal Scanning
Authors: D’Agostino Francesco , Ferrara Flaminio , Gennarelli Claudio , Guerriero Rocco , Migliozzi Massimo
Published: May 2012

A direct near-field-far-field transformation with helicoidal scanning is developed. It is based on the nonredundant sampling representation of electromagnetic fields and uses a spherical antenna modelling to determine the number of helix turns. Moreover, the number of voltage samples on each of them is fixed by the maximum transverse dimension of the antenna, both to simplify the mechanical scanning and to reduce the computational effort. This technique allows the evaluation of the antenna far field directly from a minimum set of near-field data without interpolating them. Although the number of near-field data employed by the developed technique is slightly increased with respect to that required by rigorously applying the nonredundant sampling representation on the helix, it is still remarkably smaller than that needed by the standard near-field-far-field transformation with cylindrical scanning. The effectiveness of the technique is assessed by numerical and experimental results.
The Effects of Jiang-Zhi-Ning and Its Main Components on Cholesterol Metabolism
Authors: Chen Jianxin , Zhao Huihui , Ma Xueling , Han Xiao , Luo Liangtao , Wang Luya , Han Jing , Liu Bing , Wang Wei
Published: May 2012

To examine how Jiang-Zhi-Ning (JZN) regulates cholesterol metabolism and compare the role of its four main components. We established a beagle model of hyperlipidemia, fed with JZN extract and collected JZN-containing serum 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h later. Human liver cells Bel-7402 were stimulated with 10% JZN-containing serum as well as the four main components of JZN and Atorvastatin. The mRNA expression of LDL receptor (LDL-R), 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoAR), cytochrome P450 7A1 (CYP7A1), and acetyl-Coenzyme A acetyltransferase 2 (ACAT2) was measured by real-time PCR. LDL-R surface expression and LDL-binding and internalization were examined by flow cytometry. The results showed that JZN-containing serum significantly increased the mRNA expression of LDL-R, HMG-CoAR, and CYP7A1 in Bel-7402 cells. All the four components significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of LDL-R and HMG-CoAR and decreased the mRNA and protein expression of ACAT2 in Bel-7402 cells. Hyperinand chrysophanol also markedly increased the mRNA expression of CYP7A1. Stimulation with stilbene glycosidesignificantly increased the surface expression of LDL-R and the binding and internalization of LDL. In conclusion, JZN and its four components have close relationship with the process of cholesterol metabolism, emphasizing their promising application as new drug candidates in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.
Attacking a Nexus of the Oncogenic Circuitry by Reversing Aberrant eIF4F-Mediated Translation
Authors: Bitterman Peter B. , Polunovsky Vitaly A.
Published: May 2012

Notwithstanding their genetic complexity, different cancers share a core group of perturbed pathways converging upon a few regulatory nodes that link the intracellular-signaling network with the basic metabolic machinery. The clear implication of this view for cancer therapy is that instead of targeting individual genetic alterations one by one, the next generation of cancer therapeutics will target critical hubs in the cancer network. One such hub is the translation-initiation complex eIF4F, which integrates several cancer-related pathways into a self-amplifying signaling system. When hyperactivated by apical oncogenic signals, the eIF4F-driven translational apparatus selectively switches the translational repertoire of a cell toward malignancy. This central integrative role of pathologically activated eIF4F has motivated the development of small-molecule inhibitors to correct its function. A genome-wide, systems-level means to objectively evaluate the pharmacologic response to therapeutics targeting eIF4F remains an unmet challenge. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(5); 1051–61. ©2012 AACR.
Anterior Cerebral Artery Notching on Anterior Optic Pathways in a Child with Craniopharyngioma and Progressive Blindness
Authors: Yokota Hiroshi , Yokoyama Kazuhiro , Nishioka Toshikazu , Iwasaki Satoru , Shimizu Hiroaki , Kinoshita Seiji
Published: May 2012

We report the clinical significance of anterior cerebral artery (ACA) notching on the optic nerve and chiasm in a 3.5-year-old girl with a craniopharyngioma and progressive blindness. She presented with a headache and vomiting, followed by binocular blindness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies demonstrated severely distended A1 segments and ill-depicted ACAs. Surgical decompression via a right subfrontal approach was performed to reverse blindness. Postoperative MRI studies showed good ACA visualization. A second operation via a right pterional approach revealed ACA notching, which appeared as a transverse groove on the right optic nerve and chiasm. ACA notching should be considered as a possible cause of progressive visual disturbance and a potential risk of ACA infarction in a child with a craniopharyngioma.
Intravitreal Ranibizumab versus Thermal Laser Photocoagulation in the Treatment of Extrafoveal Classic Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Ladas Ioannis D. , Chatziralli Irini P. , Kotsolis Athanasios I. , Douvali Maria , Georgalas Ilias , Theodossiadis Panagiotis G. , Rouvas Alexandros A.
Published: May 2012

Background: To compare the efficacy of thermal laser photocoagulation versus intravitreal ranibizumab for the treatment of extrafoveal classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 24 eyes with extrafoveal classic CNV secondary to AMD, treated either with thermal laser photocoagulation (group 1) or with intravitreal ranibizumab (group 2). Visual acuity, number of injections/sessions and recurrence rate were assessed. Results: The mean follow-up time was 23.6 ± 2.26 and 19.1 ± 9.74 months for group 1 and 2, respectively. Mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of groups 1 and 2 was 0.59 ± 0.32 and 0.46 ± 0.30 logMAR, respectively (p = 0.343). At the end of the follow-up, mean BCVA of group 1 was 0.92 ± 0.35 and of group 2 0.16 ± 0.12 logMAR and differed statistically compared to baseline (p = 0.02 and p = 0.006, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups as far as BCVA at the end of the follow-up was concerned (p < 0.0001). The patients in group 1 received on average 1.38 sessions of thermal laser photocoagulation, while patients in group 2 received on average 4 injections of ranibizumab. The recurrence rate in the laser group was 84.6%, while in the ranibizumab group it was 18.2% (p < 0.001). Specifically, the mean time of recurrence in the laser group was 11.5 months, whereas in the ranibizumab group it was 18 months (p = 0.048). Conclusion: Intravitreal ranibizumab showed promising results in BCVA improvement and decrease in macular thickness in patients with extrafoveal classic CNV due to AMD, with a small number of injections. Laser photocoagulation treatment presented worsening in BCVA and high recurrence rate in our study with long-term follow-up.
Quality of Medical Follow-Up of Young Women with Turner Syndrome Treated in One Clinical Center
Authors: Gawlik Aneta , Kaczor Barbara , Kaminska Halla , Zachurzok-Buczynska Agnieszka , Gawlik Tomasz , Malecka-Tendera Ewa
Published: May 2012

For Turner syndrome (TS) patients, smooth transition from pediatric to adult health care is a critical point. The study objective was to evaluate the medical follow-up of young women with TS in one clinical center 3 years after the latest guidelines had been introduced by the TS Study Group. A questionnaire study was performed in 59 TS adults selected from a database of 117 patients. Twenty-two of them, aged 23.0 ± 2.8 years, consented to participate. Nineteen responders (86.4%) were followed up by general practitioners who were not aware of the TS diagnosis in 14 (63.6%) cases. Eight (36.4%) were seen regularly by the relevant specialists. Adequate medical assessment varied from 5% (celiac serology) to 74% (gynecology assessment) and 82% (ear-nose-throat) of participants. None of the patients had undergone all of the recommended investigations according to recommendation. Height deficiency, body mass index, age at TS diagnosis and level of education did not correlate with the number of assessments performed (p = 0.687, p = 0.810, p = 0.641, and p = 0.568, respectively). Three years after the introduction of the current guidelines, medical follow-up in the transition phase is still inadequate. Improvement in transitional health care is warranted through better patient education, referring to physicians caring for adults with TS and better cooperation with general practitioners with wider popularization of the TS recommendations among them.
Antipsychotic-Induced Hyperprolactinemia and Testosterone Levels in Boys
Authors: Roke Yvette , van Harten Peter N. , Buitelaar Jan K. , Tenback Diederik E. , de Rijke Yolanda B. , Boot Annemieke M.
Published: May 2012

Aims: This cross-sectional study investigates the effect of antipsychotic (AP)-induced hyperprolactinemia on testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin B, and puberty in boys with mainly autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Method: One hundred and four physically healthy 10- to 19-year-old boys with ASD or disruptive behavior disorder (DBD) were recruited between October 2006 and November 2009. Fifty-six adolescents had been treated with AP for >16 months; 48 had never been exposed to AP. Morning non-fasting levels of serum prolactin, testosterone, LH, FSH and inhibin B were obtained and Tanner pubertal stage was determined. Patients with hyperprolactinemia (n = 28) were compared to those without hyperprolactinemia (n = 76) using non-parametric or parametric tests, as appropriate. Results: Patients with AP-induced hyperprolactinemia had significantly lower testosterone levels with adjustment for age (p = 0.035) compared to patients without hyperprolactinemia and without AP treatment. The difference was not significant within the AP-treated group, and the level of testosterone was within the reference range compared to age- and gender-matched normative data. There was no between-group difference for LH, FSH, inhibin B or Tanner stages. Conclusion: AP-induced hyperprolactinemia is related to significantly lower testosterone levels in pubertal boys with ASD and DBD.
Prevalence and Clinical Profile of Myocardial Crypts in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Maron Martin S. , Rowin Ethan J. , Lin David , Appelbaum Evan , Chan Raymond H. , Gibson C. Michael , Lesser John R. , Lindberg Jana , Haas Tammy S. , Udelson James E. , Manning Warren J. , Maron Barry J.
Published: May 2012

Background—

In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), cardiovascular MR can detect morphological abnormalities of the left ventricle (LV) not visualized with echocardiography. Although myocardial crypts (ie, narrow, blood-filled invaginations within the LV wall) have been recognized in HCM, all clinical implications of these structural abnormalities within the broad clinical HCM spectrum are not completely resolved. Therefore, we sought to characterize the prevalence and diagnostic significance of myocardial crypts in HCM patients.

Methods and Results—

Cine and late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular MR and 2-dimensional echocardiography were obtained in 292 consecutive patients with HCM including 31 genotype-positive/phenotype-negative family members without LV hypertrophy (28 ± 16 years; 51% male) and 261 patients with LV hypertrophy (46 ± 18 years; 60% male). Ninety-eight subjects without cardiovascular disease were controls. Myocardial crypts (1–6/patient) were identified only by cardiovascular MR in 19 of 31 genotype-positive/phenotype-negative patients (61%) compared with only 10 of 261 (4%) patients with HCM with LV hypertrophy (
P
<0.001) and were absent in control subjects. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms were normal in 10 (53%) of the genotype-positive/phenotype-negative patients with crypts. Crypts were confined to the basal LV, most commonly in the ventricular septum (n=21) or posterior LV free wall (n=4), and associated with normal LV contractility and absence of late gadolinium enhancement in all but one patient.

Conclusions—

LV myocardial crypts represent a distinctive morphological expression of HCM, occurring with different frequency in HCM patients with or without LV hypertrophy. Crypts are a novel cardiovascular MR imaging marker, which may identify individual HCM family members who should also be considered for diagnostic genetic testing. These data support an expanded role for cardiovascular MR in early evaluation of HCM families.
Trends in Management and Outcome of Hospitalized Patients With Acute Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Tanne David , Koton Silvia , Molshazki Noa , Goldbourt Uri , Shohat Tamar , Tsabari Rakefet , Grossman Ehud , Bornstein Natan M.
Published: May 2012

Background and Purpose—

Improving stroke management, guideline adherence, and outcome is a global priority. Our aim was to examine trends in nationwide use of reperfusion therapy, stroke in-hospital management, and outcome.

Methods—

Data were based on the triennial 2-month period of the National Acute Stroke Israeli registry (February to March 2004, March to April 2007, April to May 2010). The registry includes unselected patients admitted to all hospitals nationwide. There were in total 6279 patients: ischemic stroke, 4452 (70.9%); intracerebral hemorrhage, 485 (7.7%); undetermined stroke, 97 (1.6%); and transient ischemic attacks, 1245 (19.8%).

Results—

Overall use of reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke increased from 0.4% in 2004% to 5.9% in 2010 (
P
<0.001; adjusted OR, 17.0; 95% CI, 7.5–38.7). Use of CT or MR angiography for ischemic events increased from 2.1% in 2004% to 16.6% in 2010 (
P
<0.001; adjusted OR, 9.7; 95% CI, 6.8–13.9). Overall use of antithrombotics and anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation did not differ between periods, whereas clopidogrel use increased nearly 3-fold to 41% and statin use nearly 2-fold to 68%. The relative odds of providing reperfusion therapy, using CT or MR angiography, and prescribing anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation were higher among hospitals with large as compared with small stroke patient volumes. In-hospital mortality after acute ischemic stroke decreased from 7.2% in 2004 to 3.9% in 2010 (
P
<0.001; adjusted OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.4–1.0), whereas there was no significant change in odds of poor functional outcome.

Conclusions—

Based on a nationwide stroke registry, use of reperfusion therapy, vascular imaging, and statins is steadily increasing, whereas in-hospital mortality is decreasing.
Multimodal Recanalization Therapy in Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion
Authors: Ottomeyer Caroline , Zeller Judith , Fesl Gunther , Holtmannspötter Markus , Opherk Christian , Bender Andreas , Dichgans Martin , Brückmann Hartmut , Pfefferkorn Thomas
Published: May 2012

Background and Purpose—

Multimodal recanalization therapy in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion provides high recanalization rates. A substantial subset of treated patients survives with only minor or moderate functional handicap. However, long-term functional outcome and quality of life in these patients have rarely been systematically analyzed.

Methods—

In this monocentric retrospective study, we analyzed mortality, long-term functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale), and quality of life (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire) in all consecutive patients who had been treated for acute basilar artery occlusion in our institution between December 2002 and December 2009.

Results—

Ninety-one patients (57 male; median age, 65 years; range, 20–89 years) were treated by multimodal recanalization therapy. This included intravenous thrombolysis (n=32) with consecutive on-demand intra-arterial therapy (n=23) or intra-arterial therapy alone (n=59). The overall recanalization rate was 89%. After a median observation time of 4.2 years (range, 0.5–7.4 years), the mortality rate was 59%. Among the 35 survivors, 26 patients (74%) had a good or moderate long-term functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤3). Health-related quality of life was better than that of unselected patients with stroke. Backward stepwise logistic regression identified intravenous thrombolysis (
P
=0.002) and female sex (
P
=0.001) as predictors of favorable functional long-term outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤3). Coma at admission (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤8) was associated with poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≥4;
P
=0.036).

Conclusions—

Long-term survival is achieved in approximately 40% of patients with basilar artery occlusion treated with multimodal recanalization therapy. Approximately 75% of the survivors have a favorable functional long-term outcome with an acceptable quality of life.
Tropical Cyclone Morphology from Spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Zhang Jun A. , Yang Xiaofeng , Pichel William G. , DeMaria Mark , Long David , Li Ziwei
Published: May 2012

In 2008, the Canadian Space Agency sponsored the Radarsat Hurricane Applications Project (RHAP), for researching new developments in the application of Radarsat-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data and innovative mapping approaches to better understand the dynamics of tropical cyclone genesis, morphology, and movement. Although tropical cyclones can be detected by many remote sensors, SAR can yield high-resolution (subkilometer) and low-level storm information that cannot be seen below the clouds by other sensors. In addition to the wind field and tropical cyclone eye information, structures associated with atmospheric processes can also be detected by SAR. We have acquired 161 Radarsat-1 SAR images through RHAP between 2001 and 2007. Among these, 73 images show clear tropical cyclone eye structure. In addition, we also acquired 10 images from the European Space Agency's Envisat SAR between 2004 and 2010. Both Atlantic hurricanes and Pacific typhoons are included.

In this study, we analyze these 83 (73 Radarsat-1 and 10 Envisat) images with tropical cyclone eye information along with ancillary tropical cyclone intensity information from the archive to generate tropical cyclone morphology statistics. Histograms of wave-number asymmetry and intensity are presented. The statistics show that when the storm has higher intensity, the tropical cyclone eye tends to become more symmetric, and the area of the tropical cyclone eye, defined by the minimum wind area, tends to be smaller. Examples of finescale structures within the tropical cyclone (i.e., eye/eyewall mesovortices, arc clouds, double eyewalls, and abnormally high wind or rain within eyes) are presented and discussed.
Assessing Atmospheric Response to Surface Forcing in the Observations. Part II: Cross Validation of Seasonal Response Using GEFA and LIM
Authors: Liu Zhengyu , Fan Lei , Shin Sang-Ik , Liu Qinyu
Published: May 2012

The authors compared the assessment of the seasonal cycle of the atmospheric response to surface forcing in three statistical methods, generalized equilibrium feedback analysis (GEFA), linear inverse modeling (LIM), and fluctuation–dissipation theorem (FDT). These methods are applied to both a conceptual climate model and the observation. It is found that LIM and GEFA are able to reproduce the major features of the seasonal response consistently, whereas FDT tends to generate a bias of the phase of the seasonal cycle. The success of LIM and GEFA for the assessment of the seasonal response is due to the slowly varying nature of the annual cycle relative to the atmospheric response time. Therefore, the authors recommend GEFA and LIM as two independent methods for the assessment of the seasonal atmospheric response in the observation.
Toward Development of Improved QPE in Complex Terrain Using Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Data: A Case Study for the 2005 Monsoon in Southern Arizona
Authors: Minjarez-Sosa Carlos Manuel , Castro Christopher L. , Cummins Kenneth L. , Krider E. Philip , Waissmann Julio
Published: May 2012

The relationship between convective precipitation and cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning is examined over a study area in southwest Arizona and northwest Mexico. Using seasonal-to-daily and hourly time resolution, the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) stage IV precipitation product and the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network lightning data have been analyzed with the aim of developing an improved understanding of the relationship between these variables. A Gaussian method of spatially smoothing discrete lightning counts is used to estimate convective rainfall and improve the quality and spatial coverage of radar-derived precipitation in areas of complex terrain. For testing the dependence of the relationship between CG lightning and precipitation, a precipitation “sensor coverage” analysis has been performed. If locations that have poor sensor coverage are excluded, R2 between lightning and precipitation improves by up to 15%. A complementary way to estimate convective precipitation is proposed based on 1-h lightning occurrence intervals, which is the maximum time resolution in this study. We find that ~67% of the seasonal 2005 precipitation over the analysis domain is associated with CG lightning. Daily precipitation estimates are improved by specifying a “diurnal day” based on the diurnal maxima and minima in precipitation and CG lightning within the domain. Our method for improving quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) using lightning is able to track and estimate convective precipitation over regions that have poor sensor coverage, particularly in both air mass storms and large multicellular events, with R2 up to 70%.
Lightning Distribution and Eyewall Outbreaks in Tropical Cyclones during Landfall
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Zhang Yijun , Zheng Dong , Zhou Xiuji
Published: May 2012

Cloud-to-ground lightning data and storm intensity data (winds and central pressure) for 33 northwest Pacific tropical cyclones were used to analyze lightning distributions during the period of landfall in China. Lightning activities varied enormously from storm to storm with an average flash rate over 500 km of radius from 3 to 3201 flashes per hour, and no obvious relationship between average intensity and average flash rate occurred. The maximum flash density shifted from the eyewall region (0–60 km) to outer rainbands (180–500 km) as the intensity level increased. The average ratio of flash density in the eyewall to outer rainband was highest (1:0.5) for storms with the level of a tropical storm (17.2–24.4 m s−1) and lowest (1:8.6) for severe typhoons (41.5–50.9 m s−1). After storm landfall, flash density in the rainband decreased more rapidly in severe typhoons than in severe tropical storms (24.5–32.6 m s−1) and typhoons, but increased in tropical depressions (10.8–17.1 m s−1) and tropical storms. With the strength of intensity level, lightning in the outer rainband gradually weakened after the storm landfall.

Lightning outbreaks were identified in a consistent manner for all tropical cyclones to inspect the relationship of eyewall flashes to the changes of structure and intensity. Eyewall flash outbreaks were found during the period of intensity change (15% of outbreaks in intensification and 43% in weaken), and the period of maximum intensity (15% of outbreaks) of storms. A new result of this analysis found that 10% of the outbreaks occurred prior to and during periods of storm turning, which is potentially important for the trajectory change forecasting of tropical cyclones.
Extending the Numerical Stability Limit of Terrain-Following Coordinate Models over Steep Slopes
Authors: Zängl Günther
Published: May 2012

To extend the numerical stability limit over steep slopes, a truly horizontal pressure-gradient discretization based on the ideas formulated by Mahrer in the 1980s has been developed. Conventionally, the pressure gradient is evaluated in the terrain-following coordinate system, which necessitates a metric correction term that is prone to numerical instability if the height difference between adjacent grid points is much larger than the vertical layer spacing. The alternative way pursued here is to reconstruct the pressure gradient at auxiliary points lying at the same height as the target point on which the velocity is defined. This is accomplished via a second-order Taylor-series expansion in this work, using the hydrostatic approximation to transform the second derivatives into first derivatives to facilitate second-order accurate discretization in the presence of strong vertical grid stretching. Moreover, a reformulated lower boundary condition is used that avoids the extrapolation of vertical derivatives evaluated in potentially very thin layers. A sequence of tests at varying degrees of idealization reveals that the truly horizontal pressure-gradient discretization improves numerical stability over steep slopes for a wide range of horizontal mesh sizes, ranging from a few hundreds of meters to tens of kilometers. In addition, tests initialized with an atmosphere at rest reveal that the spurious circulations developing over steep mountains are usually smaller than for the conventional discretization even in configurations for which the latter does not suffer from stability problems.
Gender Differences in Acute Coronary Syndrome in Arab Emirati Women—Implications for Clinical Management
Authors: Shehab Abdulla , Yasin Javed , Hashim Muhammad Jawad , Al-Dabbagh Bayan , Mahmeed Wael Al , Bustani Nazar , Agrawal Amrish , Yusufali Afzalhussein , Wassef Adel , Alnaeemi Abdulla
Published: May 2012

Gender differences exist in many aspects of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including presentation and delay in diagnosis and treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate gender-related differences in ACS patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We analyzed a subset (n = 1697) of the Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events (Gulf RACE) data collected in 2007 of patients with ACS from 18 UAE hospitals. Women were significantly older (mean age: 64.0 ± 12.4 years for females and 50.9 ± 10.6 years for males, P < .001), more often had cardiac risk factors and were significantly less treated with β-blockers and reperfusion therapy. The adjusted mortality rate of women was 4.6% versus 1.2% in men ( P < .001). Heart failure was higher in females compared with men (24.6% vs 12.5%; P < .001). Reasons for the high in-hospital mortality in women need to be investigated further.
Composite repair to aluminum alloy plate by photoinitiated and thermal curing
Authors: Peizhong Zhao , Fangyou Hu , Xuren Huang
Published: May 2012

Photoinitiated curing of resin can be finished in a few minutes, or even seconds. However, the mechanical and adhesion strength of composite cured only by photoinitiation is weaker than the thermally cured. The dual curing, thermal and photoinitiated, mechanism was used to a wet-layup repair process. In view of the field emergency repair, the infrared lamp was used as thermal source to facilitate thermal curing. The effect of content of reactive diluent, photoinitiator and curing agent on repair efficiency was investigated. Effect of the infrared irradiation time, which affected the degree of thermal curing, was studied. Test results showed that an appropriate degree of thermal curing was important, which could affect the succeeding photoinitiated curing. In a short repair time, a simple surface pretreatment and three layers of glass fabric could restore break strength of the damaged specimen to 86.7% of the pristine according to the dual curing method.
Mechanochemical fabrication of iron–graphite composites
Authors: Motozuka S , Tagaya M , Ikoma T , Yoshioka T , Xu Z , Morinaga M , Tanaka J
Published: May 2012

The fabrication of iron–graphite composites was investigated using a milling process. Based on the milling time of the process, the average particle size of the host iron particles decreased to 10 µm. The size of the graphite particles decreased to a nanometer scale, resulting in the graphite strongly adhering to the iron surfaces. Raman spectra revealed that the graphite aromatic ring structure disappeared and the iron near-surface layer was changed to iron oxide phases. The dangling bond of the fragmented graphite combined with the oxidized iron surface by interfacial binding to efficiently form the interfacial composites.
Genome-wide Association Studies
Authors: Shaffer J.R. , Feingold E. , Marazita M.L.
Published: May 2012

The genomic era of biomedical research has given rise to the genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach, which attempts to discover novel genes affecting an outcome by testing a large number ( i.e., hundreds of thousands to millions) of genetic variants for association. This article discusses the issues surrounding the GWAS approach with emphasis on the prospects and challenges relevant to the oral health research community.
Cohesion from Conflict
Authors: Benard Stephen
Published: May 2012

Classic work suggests that intergroup conflict increases intragroup cohesion and cooperation. But how do group members respond when their peers refuse to cooperate? Simmel ([1908] 1955) argued that groups in conflict quell dissent by sanctioning group members and supporting centralized leadership systems. This claim has important implications, but little direct support. This research investigates how intergroup conflict shapes individuals’ tendencies to sacrifice for their groups, enforce norms by sanctioning their peers, and relinquish decision-making autonomy to a leader. I test the predictions with two small group experiments, which find that conflict increases enforcement of norms when outgroup participation in conflict is high and increases contribution to the group regardless of outgroup participation in conflict. Evidence on support for leaders is mixed and suggests that the performance of the group may affect support for leaders. The research has broader theoretical implications for the study of group processes, collective action, and institutions.