bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Environmental Stimuli upon the Human Body in Winter Outdoor Thermal Environment
Authors: Kurazumi Yoshihito , Kondo Emi , Ishii Jin , Sakoi Tomonori , Fukagawa Kenta , Bolashikov Zhecho Dimitrov , Tsuchikawa Tadahiro , Matsubara Naoki , Horikoshi Tetsumi
Published: June 2013

In order to manage the outdoor thermal environment with regard to human health and the environmental impact of waste heat, quantitative evaluations are indispensable. It is necessary to use a thermal environment evaluation index. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between the psychological thermal responses of the human body and winter outdoor thermal environment variables. Subjective experiments were conducted in the winter outdoor environment. Environmental factors and human psychological responses were measured. The relationship between the psychological thermal responses of the human body and the outdoor thermal environment index ETFe (enhanced conduction-corrected modified effective temperature) in winter was shown. The variables which influence the thermal sensation vote of the human body are air temperature, long-wave thermal radiation and short-wave solar radiation. The variables that influence the thermal comfort vote of the human body are air temperature, humidity, short-wave solar radiation, long-wave thermal radiation, and heat conduction. Short-wave solar radiation, and heat conduction are among the winter outdoor thermal environment variables that affect psychological responses to heat. The use of thermal environment evaluation indices that comprise short-wave solar radiation and heat conduction in winter outdoor spaces is a valid approach.
A New Gap Function for Vector Variational Inequalities with an Application
Authors: Ma Hui-qiang , Huang Nan-jing , Wu Meng , O'Regan Donal
Published: June 2013

We consider a vector variational inequality in a finite-dimensional space. A new gap function is proposed, and an equivalent optimization problem for the vector variational inequality is also provided. Under some suitable conditions, we prove that the gap function is directionally differentiable and that any point satisfying the first-order necessary optimality condition for the equivalent optimization problem solves the vector variational inequality. As an application, we use the new gap function to reformulate a stochastic vector variational inequality as a deterministic optimization problem. We solve this optimization problem by employing the sample average approximation method. The convergence of optimal solutions of the approximation problems is also investigated.
Robotic Assistance Enables Inexperienced Surgeons to Perform Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasties on Dry Bone Models with Accuracy Superior to Conventional Methods
Authors: Karia Monil , Masjedi Milad , Andrews Barry , Jaffry Zahra , Cobb Justin
Published: June 2013

Robotic systems have been shown to improve unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) component placement accuracy compared to conventional methods when used by experienced surgeons. We aimed to determine whether inexperienced UKA surgeons can position components accurately using robotic assistance when compared to conventional methods and to demonstrate the effect repetition has on accuracy. Sixteen surgeons were randomised to an active constraint robot or conventional group performing three UKAs over three weeks. Implanted component positions and orientations were compared to planned component positions in six degrees of freedom for both femoral and tibial components. Mean procedure time decreased for both robot (37.5 mins to 25.7 mins) (P=0.002) and conventional (33.8 mins to 21.0 mins) (P=0.002) groups by attempt three indicating the presence of a learning curve; however, neither group demonstrated changes in accuracy. Mean compound rotational and translational errors were lower in the robot group compared to the conventional group for both components at all attempts for which rotational error differences were significant at every attempt. The conventional group’s positioning remained inaccurate even with repeated attempts although procedure time improved. In comparison, by limiting inaccuracies inherent in conventional equipment, robotic assistance enabled surgeons to achieve precision and accuracy when positioning UKA components irrespective of their experience.
Robust Adaptive Synchronization of the Energy Resource System with Constraint
Authors: Meng Duo
Published: June 2013

Two different chaos synchronization methods are proposed for a class of energy resource demand supply-system with input constraint. Firstly, chaotic synchronization is achieved for a class of energy resource demand supply system with known system parameters based on the Lyapunov theory. Secondly, an adaptive control approach is investigated for a class of energy resource demand supply system with input constraint, and the parameters of the system are unknown based on the Lyapunov stability and robust adaptive theory. To address the input constraint, new auxiliary signals and design systems are employed. Numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Convenient Synthesis of 1,4‐Dideoxy‐1,4‐imino‐D‐ribitol from D‐Ribose
Authors: Oba Makoto , Kawaji Shoi , Kushima Hironobu , Sano Takanori , Nishiyama Kozaburo
Published: June 2013

This paper describes a convenient synthesis of 1,4‐dideoxy‐1,4‐imino‐D‐ribitol (DRB) from D‐ribose. L‐Lyxonolactone, a key intermediate in this synthesis, was prepared by base‐promoted hydrolysis of a 5‐chlorinated D‐ribonolactone derivative with inversion of configuration at the C‐4 position. Cyclization of the generated dimesylated L‐lyxitol with benzylamine proceeded with another configurational inversion at C‐4 to afford the D‐ribo‐configured pyrrolidine system, which upon deprotection gave DRB.
Endovascular Treatment of Isolated Iliac Artery Aneurysms with Anaconda Stent Graft Limb
Authors: Karathanos Christos , Kaperonis Elias , Xanthopoulos Dimitrios , Konstantopoulos Theophanis , Exarchou Maria , Loupou Caterini , Papavassiliou Vassilios
Published: June 2013

Isolated aneurysms of the iliac arteries are relatively rare conditions that traditionally have been treated by surgical reconstruction. We report our experience with endovascular treatment of iliac artery aneurysms (IAAs) with Anaconda stent graft limb. Two male patients were found to have 4.5 and 3.6 cm isolated common IAAs, respectively. The endograft was successfully advanced and deployed precisely to the intended position in both cases. In one case the internal iliac artery was embolized. No type I or II endoleak was observed immediately after the procedure. In one patient postimplantation fever (>38°C) and gluteal claudication occurred. After 2 years followup both iliac endovascular stent grafts are patent and without endoleak. Endovascular treatment with Anaconda limb stent graft seems to be a safe and feasible alternative to open surgery.
Aviation Model: A Fine-Scale Numerical Weather Prediction System for Aviation Applications at the Hong Kong International Airport
Authors: Wong Wai-Kin , Lau Cheong-Shing , Chan Pak-Wai
Published: June 2013

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) is planning to implement a fine-resolution Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model for supporting the aviation weather applications at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). This new NWP model system, called Aviation Model (AVM), is configured at a horizontal grid spacing of 600 m and 200 m. It is based on the WRF-ARW (Advance Research WRF) model that can have sufficient computation efficiency in order to produce hourly updated forecasts up to 9 hours ahead on a future high performance computer system with theoretical peak performance of around 10 TFLOPS. AVM will be nested inside the operational mesoscale NWP model of HKO with horizontal resolution of 2 km. In this paper, initial numerical experiment results in forecast of windshear events due to seabreeze and terrain effect are discussed. The simulation of sea-breeze-related windshear is quite successful, and the headwind change observed from flight data could be reproduced in the model forecast. Some impacts of physical processes on generating the fine-scale wind circulation and development of significant convection are illustrated. The paper also discusses the limitations in the current model setup and proposes methods for the future development of AVM.
Soybean (Glycine maxL.) Response to Fungicides in the Absence of Disease Pressure
Authors: Grichar W. James
Published: June 2013

Field studies were conducted during the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons along the Texas Upper Gulf Coast region to study the effects of fungicides on soybean disease development and to evaluate the response of four soybean cultivars to prothioconazole plus trifloxystrobin and pyraclostrobin. In neither year did any soybean diseases develop enough to be an issue. Only NKS 51-T8 responded to a fungicide treatment in 2010 while HBK 5025 responded in 2011. Prothioconazole plus trifloxystrobin increased NKS 51-T8 yield by 23% in 2010 while in 2011 the yield of HBK 5025 was increased 14% over the unsprayed check. No yield response was noted with pyraclostrobin on any soybean cultivar. Only prothioconazole + trifloxystrobin applied to either NKS 51-T8 or DP5335 in 2010 resulted in a net increase in dollars per hectare over the unsprayed check of the respective cultivar. In 2011, under extremely dry conditions, all fungicides with the exception of prothioconazole + trifloxystrobin applied to HBK 5025 resulted in a net decrease in returns over the unsprayed check.
Numerical Investigation of a First Stage of a Multistage Centrifugal Pump: Impeller, Diffuser with Return Vanes, and Casing
Authors: La Roche-Carrier Nicolas , Dituba Ngoma Guyh , Ghie Walid
Published: June 2013

This paper deals with the numerical investigation of a liquid flow in a first stage of a multistage centrifugal pump consisting of an impeller, diffuser with return vanes, and casing. The continuity and Navier-Stokes equations with the k-ε turbulence model and standard wall functions were used. To improve the design of the pump's first stage, the impacts of the impeller blade height and diffuser vane height, number of impeller blades, diffuser vanes and diffuser return vanes, and wall roughness height on the performances of the first stage of a multistage centrifugal pump were analyzed. The results achieved reveal that the selected parameters affect the pump head, brake horsepower, and efficiency in a strong yet different manner. To validate the model developed, the results of the numerical simulations were compared with the experimental results from the pump manufacturer.
Development ofEimeria nieschulzi(Coccidia, Apicomplexa) Gamonts and Oocysts in Primary Fetal Rat Cells
Authors: Chen Hong , Wiedmer Stefanie , Hanig Sacha , Entzeroth Rolf , Kurth Michael
Published: June 2013

Thein vitroproduction of gametocytes and oocysts of the apicomplexan parasite genusEimeriais still a challenge in coccidiosis research. Until today, anin vitrodevelopment of gametocytes or oocysts had only been shown in someEimeriaspecies. For several mammalianEimeriaspecies, partial developments could be achieved in different cell types, but a development up to gametocytes or oocysts is still lacking. This study compares several permanent cell lines with primary fetal cells of the black rat (Rattus norvegicus) concerning the qualitativein vitrodevelopment of the rat parasiteEimeria nieschulzi. With the help of transgenic parasites, the developmental progress was documented. The selectedEimeria nieschulzistrain constitutively expresses the yellow fluorescent protein and a macrogamont specific upregulated red tandem dimer tomato. In the majority of all investigated host cells the development stopped at the second merozoite stage. In a mixed culture of cells derived from inner fetal organs the development of schizont generations I-IV, macrogamonts, and oocysts were observed in crypt-like organoid structures. Microgamonts and microgametes could not be observed and oocysts did not sporulate under air supply. By immunohistology, we could confirm that wild-typeE. nieschulzistages can be found in the crypts of the small intestine. The results of this study may be helpful for characterization of native host cells and for development of anin vitrocultivation system forEimeriaspecies.
Low-Density Lipoproteins Oxidation and Endometriosis
Authors: Polak Grzegorz , Barczyński Bartłomiej , Kwaśniewski Wojciech , Bednarek Wiesława , Wertel Iwona , Derewianka-Polak Magdalena , Kotarski Jan
Published: June 2013

The etiopathogenesis of endometriosis still remains unknown. Recent data provide new valuable information concerning the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of the disease. It has been proved that levels of different lipid peroxidation end products are increased in both peritoneal fluid (PF) and serum of endometriotic patients. We assessed the concentration of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) in PF of 110 women with different stages of endometriosis and 119 women with serous () or dermoid () ovarian cysts, as the reference groups. PF oxLDL levels were evaluated by ELISA. We found that concentrations of oxLDL in PF of endometriotic women were significantly higher compared to women with serous but not dermoid ovarian cysts. Interestingly, by analyzing concentrations of oxLDL in women with different stages of the disease, it was noted that they are significantly higher only in the subgroup of patients with stage IV endometriosis as compared to women with ovarian serous cysts. In case of minimal, mild, and moderate disease, PF oxLDL levels were similar to those noted in reference groups. Our results indicate that disrupted oxidative status in the peritoneal cavity of women with endometriosis may play a role in the pathogenesis of advanced stages of the disease.
On Respiratory Rate of Cherry Tomatoes under Subcritical Heights
Authors: Duan Fang , Chen Yu-fen , Sun Zhong-zheng , Chen Ming-qing , Zhang Hui , Zhang Jing
Published: June 2013

The influence of subcritical drop heights on respiratory rate was studied for cherry tomatoes. The cherry tomatoes were dropped, and the mean value of O2concentration was measured, and then the respiration rate was calculated. The results showed that the respiration rate of the cherry tomatoes increases remarkably with the dropping height. Finally, the relationship between the subcritical dropping heights and respiration rate was modeled and validated, showing good agreement.
Improving Prediction Algorithms for Cardiometabolic Risk in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Sovio Ulla , Skow Aine , Falconer Catherine , Park Min Hae , Viner Russell M. , Kinra Sanjay
Published: June 2013

Clustering of abnormal metabolic traits, the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), has been associated with an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Several algorithms including the MetS and other risk factors exist for adults to predict the risk of CVD. We discuss the use of MetS scores and algorithms in an attempt to predict later cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents and offer suggestions for developing clinically useful algorithms in this population. There is little consensus in how to define the MetS or to predict future CVD risk using the MetS and other risk factors in children and adolescents. The MetS scores and prediction algorithms we identified had usually not been tested against a clinical outcome, such as CVD, and they had not been validated in other populations. This makes comparisons of algorithms impossible. We suggest a simple two-step approach for predicting the risk of adult cardiometabolic disease in overweight children. It may have advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness since it uses simple measurements in the first step and more complex, costly measurements in the second step. It also takes advantage of the continuous distributions of the metabolic features. We suggest piloting and validating any new algorithms.
In SilicoScreening and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Disease-Associated nsSNP in TYRP1 Gene and Its Structural Consequences in OCA3
Authors: Kamaraj Balu , Purohit Rituraj
Published: June 2013

Oculocutaneous albinism type III (OCA3), caused by mutations of TYRP1 gene, is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by reduced biosynthesis of melanin pigment in the hair, skin, and eyes. The TYRP1 gene encodes a protein called tyrosinase-related protein-1 (Tyrp1). Tyrp1 is involved in maintaining the stability of tyrosinase protein and modulating its catalytic activity in eumelanin synthesis. Tyrp1 is also involved in maintenance of melanosome structure and affects melanocyte proliferation and cell death. In this work we implemented computational analysis to filter the most probable mutation that might be associated with OCA3. We found R326H and R356Q as most deleterious and disease associated by using PolyPhen 2.0, SIFT, PANTHER, I-mutant 3.0, PhD-SNP, SNP&GO, Pmut, and Mutpred tools. To understand the atomic arrangement in 3D space, the native and mutant (R326H and R356Q) structures were modelled. Finally the structural analyses of native and mutant Tyrp1 proteins were investigated using molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) approach. MDS results showed more flexibility in native Tyrp1 structure. Due to mutation in Tyrp1 protein, it became more rigid and might disturb the structural conformation and catalytic function of the structure and might also play a significant role in inducing OCA3. The results obtained from this study would facilitate wet-lab researches to develop a potent drug therapies against OCA3.
Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Thinness in Cameroon Urban Children and Adolescents
Authors: Wamba Ponce Cedric Fouejeu , Enyong Oben Julius , Cianflone Katherine
Published: June 2013

Objective. This study examined the prevalence of thinness, overweight, and obesity in Cameroon children ranging from 8 to 15 years old using several published references as evaluation tools.Methods. A stratified sample was used with eleven schools randomly selected, and data from 2689 children (52.2% girls) ranging from 8 to 15 years were analyzed. Weight and height were recorded and BMI was calculated. BMI cutoffs used to define nutritional status grades included two international and three national published indices which were compared to our database-derived cutoffs.Results. A prevalence of 9.5% thinness and 12.4% overweight including 1.9% obesity according to international references was detected. A 2.2% low-weight-for-age, 5.7% low-height-for-age, and 5.2% low-weight-for-height were identified. Overall, there were significant differences using calculations based on our database versus published reference values and between boys versus girls.Conclusions. This study demonstrates that prevalence of thinness, overweight, and obesity is similar to that of other leading-emerging countries reported within the last decade, yet it is still lower than prevalence in developed countries. Ethnic background and social environment have impact on prevalences, highlighting the importance of evaluating the Cameroon population based on locally derived database.
A Pilot Study of Laparoscopic Doppler Ultrasound Probe to Map Arterial Vascular Flow within the Neurovascular Bundle during Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Badani Ketan K. , Shapiro Edan Y. , Berg William T. , Kaufman Sarah , Bergman Ari , Wambi Chris , RoyChoudhury Arindam , Patel Trushar
Published: June 2013

Purpose.To report on the feasibility of a new Laparoscopic Doppler ultrasound (LDU) technology to aid in identifying and preserving arterial blood flow within the neurovascular bundle (NVB) during robotic prostatectomy (RARP).Materials and Methods.Nine patients with normal preoperative potency and scheduled for a bilateral nerve-sparing procedure were prospectively enrolled. LDU was used to measure arterial flow at 6 anatomic locations alongside the prostate, and signal intensity was evaluated by 4 independent reviewers. Measurements were made before and after NVB dissection. Modifications in nerve-sparing procedure due to LDU use were recorded. Postoperative erectile function was assessed. Fleiss Kappa statistic was used to evaluate inter-rater agreement for each of the 12 measurements.Results.Analysis of Doppler signal intensity showed maintenance of flow in 80% of points assessed, a decrease in 16%, and an increase in 4%. Plane of NVB dissection was altered in 5 patients (56%) on the left and in 4 patients (44%) on the right. There was good inter-rater reliability for the 4 reviewers. Use of the probe did not significantly increase operative time or result in any complications. Seven (78%) patients had recovery of erections at time of the 8-month follow-up visit.Conclusions.LDU is a safe, easy to use, and effective method to identify local vasculature and anatomic landmarks during RARP, and can potentially be used to achieve greater nerve preservation.
Spectrum Sensing under Correlated Antenna Array Using Generalized Detector in Cognitive Radio Systems
Authors: Shbat Modar Safir , Tuzlukov Vyacheslav
Published: June 2013

We derive the probability of false alarm and detection threshold under employment of the generalized detector (GD) in cognitive radio (CR) systems for two scenarios: firstly, the independent antenna array elements; the secondly, the correlated antenna array elements. The energy detector (ED) and GD spectrum sensing performances are compared under the same initial conditions. The simulation results show that implementation of the GD improves the spectrum sensing performance in CR systems both for independent and correlated antenna array elements.
Adherence to WCRF/AICR Cancer Prevention Recommendations and Risk of Postmenopausal Breast Cancer
Authors: Hastert Theresa A. , Beresford Shirley A.A. , Patterson Ruth E. , Kristal Alan R. , White Emily
Published: June 2013

Background: In 2007, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) released eight recommendations related to body fatness, physical activity, and diet aimed at preventing the most common cancers worldwide. However, limited information exists on the association between meeting these recommendations and risks of specific cancers, including breast cancer.

Methods: We operationalized six recommendations (related to body fatness, physical activity, foods that promote weight gain, plant foods, red and processed meats, and alcohol) and examined their association with invasive breast cancer incidence over 6.7 years of follow-up in the Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) study cohort. Participants included 30,797 postmenopausal women, ages 50–76 years at baseline in 2000–2002 with no history of breast cancer. Breast cancers (n = 899) were tracked through the Western Washington Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.

Results: Breast cancer risk was reduced by 60% in women who met at least five recommendations compared with those who met none [HR: 0.40; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25–0.65; Ptrend < 0.001]. Further analyses that sequentially removed individual recommendations least associated with reduced risk suggested that this reduction is due to meeting recommendations related to body fatness, plant foods, and alcohol (HR for meeting vs. not meeting these three recommendations: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.25–0.58; Ptrend < 0.001).

Conclusions: Meeting the WCRF/AICR cancer prevention recommendations, specifically those related to alcohol, body fatness, and plant foods, is associated with reduced postmenopausal breast cancer incidence.

Impact: Increased adherence to the WCRF/AICR cancer prevention recommendations could substantially reduce postmenopausal breast cancer risk in U.S. women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(9); 1498–508. ©2013 AACR.
Impact of Bioinformatic Procedures in the Development and Translation of High-Throughput Molecular Classifiers in Oncology
Authors: Ferté Charles , Trister Andrew D. , Huang Erich , Bot Brian M. , Guinney Justin , Commo Frederic , Sieberts Solveig , André Fabrice , Besse Benjamin , Soria Jean-Charles , Friend Stephen H.
Published: June 2013

The progressive introduction of high-throughput molecular techniques in the clinic allows for the extensive and systematic exploration of multiple biologic layers of tumors. Molecular profiles and classifiers generated from these assays represent the foundation of what the National Academy describes as the future of "precision medicine". However, the analysis of such complex data requires the implementation of sophisticated bioinformatic and statistical procedures. It is critical that oncology practitioners be aware of the advantages and limitations of the methods used to generate classifiers to usher them into the clinic. This article uses publicly available expression data from patients with non–small cell lung cancer to first illustrate the challenges of experimental design and preprocessing of data before clinical application and highlights the challenges of high-dimensional statistical analysis. It provides a roadmap for the translation of such classifiers to clinical practice and makes key recommendations for good practice. Clin Cancer Res; 19(16); 4315–25. ©2013 AACR.
Prostate Cancer Cell Telomere Length Variability and Stromal Cell Telomere Length as Prognostic Markers for Metastasis and Death
Authors: Heaphy Christopher M. , Yoon Ghil Suk , Peskoe Sarah B. , Joshu Corinne E. , Lee Thomas K. , Giovannucci Edward , Mucci Lorelei A. , Kenfield Stacey A. , Stampfer Meir J. , Hicks Jessica L. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Platz Elizabeth A. , Meeker Alan K.
Published: June 2013

Current prognostic indicators are imperfect predictors of outcome in men with clinically localized prostate cancer. Thus, tissue-based markers are urgently needed to improve treatment and surveillance decision-making. Given that shortened telomeres enhance chromosomal instability and such instability is a hallmark of metastatic lesions, we hypothesized that alterations in telomere length in the primary cancer would predict risk of progression to metastasis and prostate cancer death. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a prospective cohort study of 596 surgically treated men who participated in the ongoing Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Men who had the combination of more variable telomere length among prostate cancer cells (cell-to-cell) and shorter telomere length in prostate cancer–associated stromal (CAS) cells were substantially more likely to progress to metastasis or die of their prostate cancer. These findings point to the translational potential of this telomere biomarker for prognostication and risk stratification for individualized therapeutic and surveillance strategies.

Significance: In this prospective study, the combination of more variable telomere length among cancer cells and shorter telomere length in CAS cells was strongly associated with progression to metastasis and prostate cancer death, pointing to the translational potential for prognostication and risk stratification for individualized therapeutic and surveillance strategies. Cancer Discov; 3(10); 1130–41. ©2013 AACR.

See related commentary by Shay, p. 1096

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1083
Urethro-Ejaculatory Duct Reflux, a Complication of Peno-Bulbar Urethral Stricture: Case Report with Review of the Literature
Authors: Garg Manish , Goel Apul , Sankhwar Satya Narain
Published: June 2013

Urethro-ejaculatory duct reflux (UEDR) is an uncommonly discussed entity that may result in devastating complications. We discuss the case of a young married male with obstructive voiding symptoms along with intermittent left scrotal pain for last the 2 years. On voiding cystourethrography, he had intravasation of contrast into the prostatic ducts, vas deferens and epididymal ducts suggestive of UEDR which might be the cause of his scrotal pain due to recurrent episodes of epididymitis. Complete resolution of voiding symptoms and recurrent scrotal pain occurred after management of urethral stricture. The possibility of UEDR should be kept in mind while dealing with men suffering from recurrent prostatitis, seminal vesiculitis, epididymitis or, less commonly, infertility.
Der benachteiligte Mann? Analysen zur (Gleich-)Behandlung von Männern und Frauen mit Depressionen
Authors: Braukhaus Christoph , Wollburg Eileen , Langs Gernot
Published: June 2013

Hintergrund: Geschlechtsspezifische Prävalenzen legen die Vermutung nahe, dass sich Depressionen von Männern und Frauen unterscheiden. Gleichzeitig erfahren die Patienten in der Versorgung eine «Gleichbehandlung», die im Rahmen dieser Arbeit auf eine etwaige Benachteiligung vor allem der Männer hin überprüft werden sollte. Methoden: Insgesamt wurden 3 Aspekte untersucht: 1) Unterschiede in der Phänomenologie, 2) Unterschiede im Behandlungseffekt und 3) geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede bezüglich der Behandlung durch männliche bzw. weibliche Therapeuten. Die Ergebnisse basieren auf einer retrospektiven Datenanalyse von 551 Männern und 1035 Frauen, die 2006-2008 mit dem Behandlungsschwerpunkt Depression vollstationär in der Schön Klinik Bad Bramstedt behandelt wurden. Ergebnisse: Die Analysen konnten belegen, dass die Symptomausprägung bei Männern zwar quantitativ geringer, jedoch qualitativ ähnlich ist. Bei geringerer Symptomlast ist die Effektstärke der Behandlung bei Männern zwar etwas geringer, diese sind jedoch mit der Behandlung zufriedener. Das Geschlecht des Therapeuten hatte lediglich auf Frauen einen Effekt: Diejenigen, die von männlichen Therapeuten behandelt wurden, wollten die Klinik signifikant häufiger weiterempfehlen als diejenigen, die von weiblichen Therapeuten betreut wurden. Schlussfolgerung: Aus den Ergebnissen ist zu schließen, dass die derzeitige «Gleichbehandlung» in der untersuchten Klinik zu keiner Benachteiligung der quantitativ kleineren Gruppe von Männern mit Depressionen führt.
Changes in Ghrelin and Obestatin Levels before and after a Meal in Children with Simple Obesity and Anorexia
Authors: Shen Chuan , Yu Tao , Tang Zhang Hui , Wu Kang Min
Published: June 2013

Background: Obestatin and ghrelin both have effects on the hypothalamus which controls food intake. We hypothesize that the circulating levels of obestatin and ghrelin may change after a meal and might be different between obesity and anorexia, which might be relevant to anorexia or obesity. Method: Fifteen children with obesity, 25 children with anorexia and 17 normal-weight healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The preprandial and postprandial glucose, insulin, total ghrelin and obestatin tests were completed in the three groups. The values of these indices were compared. Results: The obesity group had the highest values for BMI and fasting glucose (p < 0.001), while the anorexia group had the highest values for obestatin and ghrelin, followed by the control and obesity groups. No differences in ratios of ghrelin to obestatin were found between the anorexia and obesity groups (p > 0.05), but both were higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). BMI was negatively correlated with preprandial obestatin (r = -0.8413, p < 0.001) and ghrelin (r = -0.7400, p < 0.001), but showed no significant correlations with the ghrelin-to-obestatin ratio. Conclusion: Although there is still controversy between the present and previous studies, the present study show that levels of obestatin and ghrelin are inversely correlated with BMI.
Strategies and Challenges for Systematically Mapping Biologically Significant Molecular Pathways Regulating Carcinoma Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Said Nur Akmarina B.M. , Simpson Kaylene J. , Williams Elizabeth D.
Published: June 2013

Enormous progress has been made towards understanding the role of specific factors in the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT); however, the complex underlying pathways and the transient nature of the transition continues to present significant challenges. Targeting tumour cell plasticity underpinning EMT is an attractive strategy to combat metastasis. Global gene expression profiling and high-content analyses are among the strategies employed to identify novel EMT regulators. In this review, we highlight several approaches to systematically interrogate key pathways involved in EMT, with particular emphasis on the features of multiparametric, high-content imaging screening strategies that lend themselves to the systematic discovery of highly significant modulators of tumour cell plasticity.
Variable Loss of Functional Activities of Androgen Receptor Mutants in Patients with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome
Authors: Elfferich P. , van Royen M.E. , van de Wijngaart D.J. , Trapman J. , Drop S.L.S. , van den Akker E.L.T. , Lusher S.J. , Bosch R. , Bunch T. , Hughes I.A. , Houtsmuller A.B. , Cools M. , Faradz S.M.H. , Bisschop P.H. , Bunck M.C.M. , Oostdijk W. , Brüggenwirth H.T. , Brinkmann A.O.
Published: June 2013

Androgen receptor (AR) mutations in androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) are associated with a variety of clinical phenotypes. The aim of the present study was to compare the molecular properties and potential pathogenic nature of 8 novel and 3 recurrent AR variants with a broad variety of functional assays. Eleven AR variants (p.Cys177Gly, p.Arg609Met, p.Asp691del, p.Leu701Phe, p.Leu723Phe, p.Ser741Tyr, p.Ala766Ser, p.Arg775Leu, p.Phe814Cys, p.Lys913X, p.Ile915Thr) were analyzed for hormone binding, transcriptional activation, cofactor binding, translocation to the nucleus, nuclear dynamics, and structural conformation. Ligand-binding domain variants with low to intermediate transcriptional activation displayed aberrant Kd values for hormone binding and decreased nuclear translocation. Transcriptional activation data, FxxFF-like peptide binding and DNA binding correlated well for all variants, except for p.Arg609Met, p.Leu723Phe and p.Arg775Leu, which displayed a relatively higher peptide binding activity. Variants p.Cys177Gly, p.Asp691del, p.Ala766Ser, p.Phe814Cys, and p.Ile915Thr had intermediate or wild type values in all assays and showed a predominantly nuclear localization in living cells. All transcriptionally inactive variants (p.Arg609Met, p.Leu701Phe, p.Ser741Tyr, p.Arg775Leu, p.Lys913X) were unable to bind to DNA and were associated with complete AIS. Three variants (p.Asp691del, p.Arg775Leu, p.Ile915Thr) still displayed significant functional activities in in vitro assays, although the clinical phenotype was associated with complete AIS. The data show that molecular phenotyping based on 5 different functional assays matched in most (70%) but not all cases.
Verhaltensanalyse in der Verhaltenstherapie
Authors: Abbruzzese Elvira , Kübler Ulrike
Published: June 2013

Die Verhaltensanalyse ist ein weitverbreitetes diagnostisches Verfahren in der Verhaltenstherapie. Sie gibt ein störungsübergreifendes Raster zur verhaltensnahen und multimodalen Exploration der Problematik des Patienten vor und liefert in Folge dessen eine wichtige Grundlage für die Ausarbeitung der Fallkonzeption. Nach einer Begriffsdefinition von Verhaltensanalyse, in deren Rahmen die Bestandteilteile der Verhaltensanalyse mit ihren Erweiterungen vorgestellt werden, wird in dem aktuellen Beitrag praxisnah das derzeit etablierte und interventionsbezogene Vorgehen bei einer Verhaltensanalyse beschrieben. Abschließend wird die gegenwärtige Bedeutung des Verfahrens für den therapeutischen Prozess diskutiert.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen–Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 Inhibits MMP-9–Mediated Blood–Brain–Barrier Breakdown in a Mouse Model for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ludewig Peter , Sedlacik Jan , Gelderblom Mathias , Bernreuther Christian , Korkusuz Yücel , Wagener Christoph , Gerloff Christian , Fiehler Jens , Magnus Tim , Horst Andrea Kristina
Published: June 2013

Rationale:

Blood–brain–barrier (BBB) breakdown and cerebral edema result from postischemic inflammation and contribute to mortality and morbidity after ischemic stroke. A functional role for the carcinoembryonic antigen–related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) in the regulation of reperfusion injury has not yet been demonstrated.

Objective:

We sought to identify and characterize the relevance of CEACAM1-expressing inflammatory cells in BBB breakdown and outcome after ischemic stroke in
Ceacam1
−/−
and wild-type mice.

Methods and Results:

Focal ischemia was induced by temporary occlusion of the middle cerebral artery with a microfilament. Using MRI and Evans blue permeability assays, we observed increased stroke volumes, BBB breakdown and edema formation, reduction of cerebral perfusion, and brain atrophy in
Ceacam1
−/−
mice. This translated into poor performance in neurological scoring and high poststroke-associated mortality. Elevated neutrophil influx, hyperproduction, and release of neutrophil-related matrix metalloproteinase-9 in
Ceacam1
−/−
mice were confirmed by immune fluorescence, flow cytometry, zymography, and stimulation of neutrophils. Importantly, neutralization of matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in
Ceacam1
−/−
mice was sufficient to alleviate stroke sizes and improve survival to the level of CEACAM1-competent animals. Immune histochemistry of murine and human poststroke autoptic brains congruently identified abundance of CEACAM1
+
matrix metalloproteinase-9
+
neutrophils in the ischemic hemispheres.

Conclusions:

CEACAM1 controls matrix metalloproteinase-9 secretion by neutrophils in postischemic inflammation at the BBB after stroke. We propose CEACAM1 as an important inhibitory regulator of neutrophil-mediated tissue damage and BBB breakdown in focal cerebral ischemia.
Transplantation of Mesenchymal Cells Rejuvenated by the Overexpression of Telomerase and Myocardin Promotes Revascularization and Tissue Repair in a Murine Model of Hindlimb Ischemia
Authors: Madonna Rosalinda , Taylor Doris A. , Geng Yong-Jian , De Caterina Raffaele , Shelat Harnath , Perin Emerson C. , Willerson James T.
Published: June 2013

Rationale:

The number and function of stem cells decline with aging, reducing the ability of stem cells to contribute to endogenous repair processes. The repair capacity of stem cells in older individuals may be improved by genetically reprogramming the stem cells to exhibit delayed senescence and enhanced regenerative properties.

Objective:

We examined whether the overexpression of myocardin (MYOCD) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) enhanced the survival, growth, and myogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from adipose or bone marrow tissues of aged mice. We also examined the therapeutic efficacy of transplanted MSCs overexpressing MYOCD and TERT in a murine model of hindlimb ischemia.

Methods and Results:

MSCs from adipose or bone marrow tissues of young (1 month old) and aged (12 months old) male C57BL/6 and apolipoprotein E–null mice were transiently transduced with lentiviral vectors encoding TERT, MYOCD, or both TERT and MYOCD. Flow cytometry and bromodeoxyuridine cell proliferation assays showed that transduction with TERT and, to a lesser extent, MYOCD, increased MSC viability and proliferation. In colony-forming assays, MSCs overexpressing TERT and MYOCD were more clonogenic than mock-transduced MSCs. Fas-induced apoptosis was inhibited in MSCs overexpressing MYOCD or TERT. When compared with aged mock-transduced MSCs, aged MSCs overexpressing TERT, MYOCD, or both TERT and MYOCD increased myogenic marker expression, blood flow, and arteriogenesis when transplanted into the ischemic hindlimbs of apolipoprotein E–null mice.

Conclusions:

The delivery of the
TERT
and
MYOCD
genes into MSCs may have therapeutic applications for restoring, or rejuvenating, aged MSCs from adipose and bone marrow tissues.
Combined Effects of Child and Adult Elevated Blood Pressure on Subclinical Atherosclerosis
Authors: Juhola Jonna , Magnussen Costan G. , Berenson Gerald S. , Venn Alison , Burns Trudy L. , Sabin Matthew A. , Srinivasan Sathanur R. , Daniels Stephen R. , Davis Patricia H. , Chen Wei , Kähönen Mika , Taittonen Leena , Urbina Elaine , Viikari Jorma S.A. , Dwyer Terence , Raitakari Olli T. , Juonala Markus
Published: June 2013

Background—

Elevated blood pressure (BP) levels in childhood have been associated with subsequent atherosclerosis. However, it is uncertain whether this risk is attenuated in individuals who acquire normal BP by adulthood. The present study examined the effect of child and adult BP levels on carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) in adulthood.

Methods and Results—

The cohort consisted of 4210 participants from 4 prospective studies (mean follow-up, 23 years). Childhood elevated BP was defined according to the tables from the National High Blood Pressure Education Program. In adulthood, BP was classified as elevated for individuals with systolic BP ≥120 mm Hg, diastolic BP ≥80 mm Hg or with self-reported use of antihypertensive medications. Carotid artery IMT was measured in the left common carotid artery. High IMT was defined as an IMT ≥90th percentile according to age-, sex-, race-, and cohort-specific levels. Individuals with persistently elevated BP and individuals with normal childhood BP, but elevated adult BP had increased risk of high carotid artery IMT (relative risk [95% confidence interval]) 1.82[1.47–2.38] and 1.57[1.22–2.02], respectively) in comparison with individuals with normal child and adult BP. In contrast, individuals with elevated BP as children but not as adults did not have significantly increased risk (1.24[0.92–1.67]). In addition, these individuals had a lower risk of increased carotid artery IMT (0.66[0.50–0.88]) in compared with those with persistently elevated BP. The results were consistent when controlling for age, sex, and adiposity and when different BP definitions were applied.

Conclusions—

Individuals with persistently elevated BP from childhood to adulthood had increased risk of carotid atherosclerosis. This risk was reduced if elevated BP during childhood resolved by adulthood.
Cost-Effectiveness of Thrombolysis Within 4.5 Hours of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tan Tanny Sharman P. , Busija Lucy , Liew Danny , Teo Sarah , Davis Stephen M. , Yan Bernard
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

Previous economic studies outside Australia have demonstrated that patients treated with tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) within 4.5 hours of stroke onset have lower healthcare costs than those not. We aim to perform cost-effectiveness analysis of intravenous tPA in an Australian setting.

Methods—

Data on clinical outcomes and costs were derived for 378 patients who received intravenous tPA within 4.5 hours of stroke onset at Royal Melbourne Hospital (Australia) between January 2003 and December 2011. To simulate clinical outcomes and costs for a hypothetical control group assumed not to have received tPA, we applied efficacy data from a meta-analysis of randomized trials to outcomes observed in the tPA group. During a 1-year time-horizon, net costs, years of life lived, and quality-adjusted life-years were compared and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios derived for tPA versus no tPA.

Results—

In the study population, mean (SD) age was 68.2 (13.5) years and 206 (54.5%) were men. Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (interquartile range) at presentation was 12.5 (8–18). Compared with no tPA, we estimated that tPA would result in 0.02 life-years and 0.04 quality-adjusted life-years saved per person >1 year. The net cost of tPA was AUD $55.61 per patient. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were AUD $2377 per life-year saved and AUD $1478 per quality-adjusted life-years saved. Because the costs of tPA are incurred only once, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios would decrease with increasing time-horizon. Uncertainty analyses indicated the results to be robust.

Conclusions—

Intravenous tPA within 4.5 hours represents a cost-effective intervention for acute ischemic stroke.
Sexual Violence against Men and International Law – Criminalising the Unmentionable
Authors: Mouthaan Solange
Published: June 2013

This article will discuss the manner in which international law deals with crimes of sexual violence committed against men during armed conflict. To date sexual violence against men has received little attention from the international community; instead its focus is almost exclusively on women, yet in armed conflicts across the world, sexual violence is also perpetrated against men. The example of torture demonstrates the current weaknesses in the relevant provisions for acts of sexual violence generally, and acts of sexual violence committed against men specifically. I argue that international criminal tribunals should address sexual violence more broadly, including against men. However, rather than to adopt a piecemeal approach differentiating between acts of sexual violence suffered by men and women, the experiences of men of sexual violence in armed conflict should be used to contribute to understanding the broader issue of gender-based crimes, of which sexual violence forms part.
The Transposition of the European Directive 85/374/EEC on Product Liability into Palestine and Jordan: Is it Adaptable to Islamic Law?
Authors: Fayyad Mahmoud
Published: June 2013

The aim of this paper is to recommend the transposition of the European Directive 1985/374/EEC on product liability into the Palestinian and Jordanian legal systems. The application of this Directive concurs with many general objectives and consumer rights declared in both of the latter regimes; neither of these two legal systems provide for how those objectives and rights would be accomplished, so there are executive tools putting into practice the declared objectives. This is to say that neither jurisdiction makes any sense with regard to the subject of product liability. The transposition of the European measures into both regimes must take into consideration the general principles of civil law applicable in local legal systems in order to avoid legislative disharmony between imported and local rules. Islamic law represents the basis of civil codes applicable in both regimes; the Othman Justice Rules Record (El-Majalla), which dates back to 1876 and was the first attempt to codify Islamic rules of treatment is still applicable. To recommend the implementation of the European measures in the Palestinian and Jordanian legal systems, it is important to identify the supporting and contradicting points in Islamic jurisprudence. The main question of this paper is, how and to what extent is European Directive 1958/374/EEC applicable in Palestine and Jordan.
Descriptions of larvae of the North American endemic stygobiontic Ereboporus naturaconservatus Miller, Gibson & Alarie and Haideoporus texanus Young & Longley (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)
Authors: Alarie Yves , Gibson J. Randy , Miller Kelly B.
Published: June 2013

The larvae of the North American stygobiontic dytiscid species Ereboporus naturaconservatus Miller, Gibson & Alarie, 2009 and Haideoporus texanus Young & Longley, 1976 are described with an emphasis on chaetotaxy of the head capsule, head appendages, legs, last abdominal segment and urogomphi. Both of these species share the presence of a nasale and the absence of the primary pores MXd and LAc, which have been recognized as synapomorphies for members of the subfamily Hydroporinae. Out of the common convergent characteristics associated with hypogaeic living, no synapomorphies were found that could relate Haideoporus texanus and Ereboporus naturaconservatus, which reinforces the hypothesis that these species evolved independently within the subfamily Hydroporinae. In terms of morphological adaptations, E. naturaconservatus stands as a remarkable hydroporine in that its larvae evolved a truncated last abdominal segment and a very elongate urogomphomere 1 relative to urogomphomere 2.