bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Assessment and Percutaneous Intervention of Bioprosthetic Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
Authors: Ahmed Mustafa I. , Escañuela Maximiliano German Amado , Crosland William A. , McMahon William S. , Alli Oluseun O. , Nanda Navin C.
Published: March 2014

Accurate echocardiographic evaluation of the pulmonary valve is technically difficult because of its close proximity to the left lung, which often limits decision making. Pulmonary valvotomy is the intervention of choice for symptomatic pulmonary valve stenosis, but fluoroscopy lacks appropriate real time anatomic detail. In this report, we present a case where direct imaging of the pulmonary valve with live/real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) aided in accurate evaluation and was then used to help guide and monitor successful valvuloplasty of a stenotic pulmonary valve bioprosthesis. We demonstrate that even in cases where two‐dimensional (2D) evaluation of the pulmonary valve is difficult, the use of live/real time 3DTEE allows for accurate evaluation of bioprosthetic pulmonary valve structure and function, and enhances the precision and monitoring of percutaneous valvuloplasty.
Rapid Visualization of PTSMA Target Area by Real Time 3D Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography
Authors: Bogunovic Nikola , van Buuren Frank , Horstkotte Dieter , Faber Lothar
Published: March 2014

Mini‐Abstract

Percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) is an accepted strategy to reduce dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in HOCM. Periinterventional intramyocardial 2D contrast echocardiography (2D‐CE) is the primary imaging technique to identify the interventional target region. The role of intramyocardial 3D‐CE in a PTSMA procedure has not been described yet. Real time 3D technique will be able to present an “instantaneous overlook” of the target myocardium in 4 dimensions (3D + time), which may increase speed and safety of the procedure. We present a case with HOCM undergoing PTSMA under additional 3D‐CE control of the target area.
The geo‐historical legacies of urban security governance and the Vancouver 2010 Olympics
Authors: Molnar Adam
Published: March 2014

In 2004, the discourse of ‘legacy’ was woven into the constitutional fabric of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Bidding for Olympic events is now premised on procuring post‐event legacies that will resonate through local communities and host countries long after the flame is extinguished. Given vast expenditures in security, policing, and emergency management operations at major sporting events, it is notable that the IOC and its official partners have disproportionately under‐represented security and policing legacies. This paper addresses research into security and policing legacies of major events by turning much needed empirical attention towards institutional‐level geographies of security and policing – particularly on legacies of policing and militarisation in Olympic host cities. Accordingly, the paper traces the institutional trajectory of the Military Liaison Unit (MLU) in the Vancouver Police Department who were heavily involved in coordinating the joint civilian–military effort throughout the lifecycle of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. Theoretically, the paper furthers Stephen Graham's (2010) New Military Urbanism that considers the circulation of military expertise between neo‐colonial frontiers of military intervention with Western urban spaces. In doing so, this paper unpacks an empirically guided temporal approach that discerns key drivers of militarisation as localised, empirical‐based ‘trajectories’ of development of security and policing institutions, which are linked to, and circumscribed by, critical juncture episodes in the context of mega event security. The paper traces processes of the MLU to explain how conditions underpinning the civil–military divide in urban policing, as a series of jurisdictional, institutional, and by extension, geographical configurations have continued, changed or been abandoned in the context of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. As such, this paper contributes to much needed debate on the controversies and opportunities inherent in security legacies and major events, which implicate the wider securitisation and militarisation of Western cities.
Painful, degenerating intervertebral discs up‐regulate neurite sprouting and CGRP through nociceptive factors
Authors: Krock Emerson , Rosenzweig Derek H. , Chabot‐Doré Anne‐Julie , Jarzem Peter , Weber Michael H. , Ouellet Jean A. , Stone Laura S. , Haglund Lisbet
Published: March 2014

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVD) can result in chronic low back pain, a common cause of morbidity and disability. Inflammation has been associated with IVD degeneration, however the relationship between inflammatory factors and chronic low back pain remains unclear. Furthermore, increased levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are both associated with inflammation and chronic low back pain, but whether degenerating discs release sufficient concentrations of factors that induce nociceptor plasticity remains unclear. Degenerating IVDs from low back pain patients and healthy, painless IVDs from human organ donors were cultured ex vivo. Inflammatory and nociceptive factors released by IVDs into culture media were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and protein arrays. The ability of factors released to induce neurite growth and nociceptive neuropeptide production was investigated. Degenerating discs release increased levels of tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, NGF and BDNF. Factors released by degenerating IVDs increased neurite growth and calcitonin gene‐related peptide expression, both of which were blocked by anti‐NGF treatment. Furthermore, protein arrays found increased levels of 20 inflammatory factors, many of which have nociceptive effects. Our results demonstrate that degenerating and painful human IVDs release increased levels of NGF, inflammatory and nociceptive factors ex vivo that induce neuronal plasticity and may actively diffuse to induce neo‐innervation and pain in vivo.
SALIVA COMPOSITION AND UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Manley Karen Joy
Published: March 2014

Objective

To investigate self‐reported upper gastric symptoms experienced by patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and compare associations between uraemic symptoms and saliva composition.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional observational study, 30 patients with Stages 4 and 5 CKD were selected from a tertiary hospital renal outpatient clinic. Subjects answered a questionnaire to assess upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. A saliva sample was collected to determine biochemical composition. Possible associations between saliva composition and uraemic upper GI symptoms were assessed.

Results

Only 3 (10%) patients reported no upper GI symptoms whilst 19 (63%) complained of a dry mouth, 16 (56%) had a change in taste, 9 (30%) had nausea, 7 (23%) vomited and 7 (23%) dry retched. Lower saliva bicarbonate concentration related to both dry mouth (p < 0.003) and dry retching (p < 0.01). An elevated level of saliva calcium was also implicated in a dry mouth sensation (p < 0.01). Nausea was associated with higher saliva sodium levels (p < 0.03) and a higher saliva sodium/potassium ratio (p < 0.02).

Conclusion

Altered saliva composition in patients with Stages 4 and 5 CKD may be associated with uraemic upper GI symptoms. In particular, lower saliva concentrations of bicarbonate are associated with dry mouth and retching. Higher saliva calcium levels are also related to a dry mouth whilst higher saliva sodium levels and a greater sodium/potassium ratio are associated with nausea. Further studies investigating strategies to improve uraemic symptoms via changes in saliva are required.
Systemic Risk and The U.S. Insurance Sector
Authors: Cummins J. David , Weiss Mary A.
Published: March 2014

This article examines the potential for the U.S. insurance industry to cause systemic risk events that spill over to other segments of the economy. We examine primary indicators of systemic risk as well as contributing factors that exacerbate vulnerability to systemic events. Evaluation of systemic risk is based on a detailed financial analysis of the insurance industry, its role in the economy, and the interconnectedness of insurers. The primary conclusion is that the core activities of U.S. insurers do not pose systemic risk. However, life insurers are vulnerable to intrasector crises, and both life and property–casualty insurers are vulnerable to reinsurance crises. Noncore activities such as financial guarantees and derivatives trading may cause systemic risk, and interconnectedness among financial institutions has grown significantly in recent years. To reduce systemic risk from noncore activities, regulators need to continue efforts to strengthen mechanisms for insurance group supervision.
Genetic variations of superoxide dismutase 2 and cytochrome P450 2E1 in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Huang Yi‐Shin , Chang Chih‐Hao , Lin Tai‐Ling , Perng Chin‐Lin
Published: March 2014

Background & Aims

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most prevalent liver disease in the world. However, the exact mechanisms that lead to development of advanced non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are unknown. Oxidative stress may be an important pathogenic factor in NASH. Manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) is an important antioxidant phase 2 enzyme that can reduce reactive oxidative substances and protect hepatocytes. In contrast, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) has pro‐oxidant activity and may enhance oxidative stress and counteract the effect of SOD2. Little is known regarding the associations of genetic variants of these enzymes with the risk of NASH. We aimed to investigate the association of genetic variants of SOD2 and CYP2E1 with susceptibility to NASH.

Methods

Data from 100 patients with NASH, 31 patients with non‐alcoholic steatosis (NAS) and 90 healthy controls were analysed. Their DNA was retrieved for genotyping SOD2 47T>C and CYP2E1 −1053C>T variation by polymerase chain reaction.

Results

There was no statistical difference in the frequency distributions of SOD2 and CYP2E1 genotypes among the NASH, NAS and control groups. However, the frequency of the SOD2 C variant was significantly higher in the NASH group than in the NAS and control groups (22% vs. 14.5% and 11.1%, respectively; P = 0.015). After adjustment for confounders, the SOD2 C/C and C/T genotypes remained associated with the risk of NASH (odds ratio, 2.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–5.76; P = 0.005).

Conclusions

The anti‐oxidative SOD2 47T>C genetic variant might increase susceptibility to NASH in Chinese. Individuals with the SOD2 C variant may have a higher risk for NASH.
A new prognostic model to predict dropout from the waiting list in cirrhotic candidates for liver transplantation with MELD score <18
Authors: Biselli Maurizio , Dall'Agata Marco , Gramenzi Annagiulia , Gitto Stefano , Liberati Caterina , Brodosi Lucia , Ravaioli Matteo , Gambato Martina , Montalti Roberto , Pinna Antonio D. , Burra Patrizia , Gerunda Giorgio E. , Cillo Umberto , Andreone Pietro , Bernardi Mauro
Published: March 2014

Background & Aims

The model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) is used for organ allocation in liver transplantation (LT), but its prognostic performance is less accurate in patients with low score. We assess the outcome of patients with MELD < 18 awaiting LT, finding prognostic variables to identify a high dropout risk.

Methods

Training set consisted of 277 patients and validation cohort of 292 patients. Competing risk regression analysis, taking into account LT, was used for univariate/multivariate analysis.

Results

Ascites, sodium, bilirubin, albumin and glomerular filtration rate were independently associated with a 12‐month dropout risk in the training set. Combining these five prognostic parameters, we calculated a new score named liver‐renal‐risk (LIRER). In the validation set, the 12‐month LIRER concordance index showed a discrimination power [0.798, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.793–0.803] better than MELD (0.582, 95% CI 0.575–0.588), Child–Turcotte–Pugh (0.687, 95% CI 0.681–0.693), MELD‐sodium (0.721, 95% CI 0.715–0.727) and MELD‐ascites‐sodium (0.729, 95% CI 0.724–0.735), with a remarkable calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow test: P = 0.91; R2 = 0.911). Considering all study patients, the risk of wait list dropout increased with the rise in LIRER. The survival benefit analysis comparing the wait list dropout risk with the mortality of the 216 transplanted patients with same LIRER showed an important benefit for LT in patients with LIRER > 15.9.

Conclusions

In patients with low MELD (<18), combination of ascites, sodium, albumin, bilirubin and renal function in a new score (LIRER) discriminates patients at high risk of medium‐term adverse outcome from those in whom LT may be safely deferred.
Soluble CD25 is increased in patients with sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Cho Eunjung , Lee Ji Hyun , Lim Hye Jin , Oh Se Won , Jo Sang Kyung , Cho Won Yong , Kim Houng‐Kyu , Lee So Young
Published: March 2014

Aim

Sepsis has been shown to induce the expansion of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), and this paradoxical immune suppression has been suggested to be closely associated with the development of sepsis‐induced organ dysfunction. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the possible link between immune suppression and the development of septic acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods

We prospectively enrolled patients with a diagnosis of sepsis, with or without AKI and as well as patients with AKI but without sepsis. Serum and urine samples at the time of the diagnosis were collected to measure neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), cytokines, and soluble CD25 (sCD25).

Results

Of the 82 patients enrolled, 44, 18, and 20 patients were classified into septic‐AKI, sepsis‐non AKI and non‐septic AKI groups. There were no differences in the baseline characteristics in all three groups and the severity of infection in the two sepsis groups. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐10 were significantly elevated in patients with septic‐AKI compared to the other two groups. Serum and urine NGAL levels and the level of serum sCD25, a marker of regulatory T cells, were significantly elevated in patients with septic AKI group, indicating the potential association of paradoxical immune suppression and the development of septic‐AKI.

Conclusions

These results suggest that immune suppression in sepsis may be closely linked to the development of AKI and that sCD25 or IL‐10 may be useful as novel biomarkers for the development of septic AKI.
The chimeric repressor version of an Ethylene Response Factor (ERF) family member, Sl‐ERF.B3, shows contrasting effects on tomato fruit ripening
Authors: Liu Mingchun , Diretto Gianfranco , Pirrello Julien , Roustan Jean‐Paul , Li Zhengguo , Giuliano Giovanni , Regad Farid , Bouzayen Mondher
Published: March 2014

Fruit ripening involves a complex interplay between ethylene and ripening‐associated transcriptional regulators. Ethylene Response Factors (ERFs) are downstream components of ethylene signaling, known to regulate the expression of ethylene‐responsive genes. Although fruit ripening is an ethylene‐regulated process, the role of ERFs remains poorly understood.

The role of Sl‐ERF.B3 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit maturation and ripening is addressed here using a chimeric dominant repressor version (ERF.B3‐SRDX).

Over‐expression of ERF.B3‐SRDX results in a dramatic delay of the onset of ripening, enhanced climacteric ethylene production and fruit softening, and reduced pigment accumulation. Consistently, genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis and in softening are up‐regulated and those of carotenoid biosynthesis are down‐regulated. Moreover, the expression of ripening regulators, such as RIN, NOR, CNR and HB‐1, is stimulated in ERF.B3‐SRDX dominant repressor fruits and the expression pattern of a number of ERFs is severely altered.

The data suggest the existence of a complex network enabling interconnection between ERF genes which may account for the pleiotropic alterations in fruit maturation and ripening. Overall, the study sheds new light on the role of Sl‐ERF.B3 in the transcriptional network controlling the ripening process and uncovers a means towards uncoupling some of the main ripening‐associated processes.
What's the matter with MAT? Marrow adipose tissue, metabolism, and skeletal health
Authors: Scheller Erica L. , Rosen Clifford J.
Published: March 2014

Marrow adipose tissue (MAT) is functionally distinct from both white and brown adipose tissue and can contribute to systemic and skeletal metabolism. MAT formation is a spatially and temporally defined developmental event, suggesting that MAT is an organ that serves important functions and, like other organs, can undergo pathologic change. The well‐documented inverse relationship between MAT and bone mineral density has been interpreted to mean that MAT removal is a possible therapeutic target for osteoporosis. However, the bone and metabolic phenotypes of patients with lipodystrophy argues that retention of MAT may actually be beneficial in some circumstances. Furthermore, MAT may exist in two forms, regulated and constitutive, with divergent responses to hematopoietic and nutritional demands. In this review, we discuss the role of MAT in lipodystrophy, bone loss, and metabolism, and highlight our current understanding of this unique adipose tissue depot.
Neurobehavioral determinants of nutritional security in fetal growth–restricted individuals
Authors: Portella André Krumel , Silveira Patrícia Pelufo
Published: March 2014

Fetal growth restriction results from a failure to achieve a higher growth potential and has been associated with many maternal conditions, such as chronic diseases (infections, hypertension, and some cases of diabetes and obesity), exposures (tobacco smoke, drugs), and malnutrition. This early adversity induces a series of adaptive physiological responses aimed at improving survival, but imposing increased risk for developing chronic nontransmittable diseases (obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease) in the long term. Recently, mounting evidence has shown that fetal growth impairment is related to altered feeding behavior and preferences through the life course. When living in countries undergoing nutritional transition, in which individuals experience the coexistence of underweight and overweight problems (the “double burden of malnutrition”), fetal growth–restricted children can be simultaneously growth restricted and overweight—a double burden of malnutrition at the individual level. Considering food preferences as an important aspect of nutrition security, we will summarize the putative neurobiological mechanisms at the core of the relationship between fetal growth and nutrition security over the life course and the evidence linking early life adversity to later food preferences.
Inflation expectations and energy price forecasting
Authors: Baghestani Hamid
Published: March 2014

In this study, we ask whether US consumers' inflation expectations provide useful information for accurately predicting the direction of change in energy prices. As such, we set up a forecasting model to generate the one‐, two‐ and three‐quarter‐ahead random walk forecasts of crude oil, gasoline and heating oil prices. For the period 1987–2012, our test results reveal that the forecasts are free of systematic bias and thus imply symmetric loss. Also, they are generally efficient, where efficiency means the forecast error is uncorrelated with its own past values. The random walk forecast errors are, however, correlated with the change in inflation expectations (measured by the data from the Michigan Surveys of Consumers). Thus, we conclude such expectations may contain useful predictive information for crude oil, gasoline and heating oil prices. Consistent with this conclusion, we show that the change in inflation expectations accurately predicts the direction of change in such energy prices for 1987–2012.
A dynamic panel study of energy consumption–economic growth nexus: evidence from the former Soviet Union countries
Authors: Dedeoglu Dincer , Piskin Ali
Published: March 2014

This paper examines the relationship between energy consumption and real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita for the 15 former Soviet Union countries during the period 1992–2009. These countries have been rarely investigated with regard to the related nexus in the literature despite the important role of these countries in energy markets as producers and consumers. Panel unit root tests, panel cointegration tests and panel vector error correction model in a dynamic panel framework are employed to infer the causal relationship. The empirical results show that there is a unidirectional causal relationship running from energy consumption to the real GDP per capita in the long run but not in the short‐run for the former Soviet Union countries and Commonwealth Independent States countries regardless Russia is included or excluded. However, we discover a bidirectional relationship for oil importer and natural gas importer countries. Therefore, the findings of this study support the growth hypothesis for the former subsegments and feedback hypothesis for the latter subsegments.
A Method to Noninvasively Identify Cardiac Bioelectrical Sources
Authors: SOHN KWANGHYUN , LV WENER , LEE KICHANG , GALEA ANNA , HIRSCHMAN GORDON , BARRETT CONOR , COHEN RICHARD J. , ARMOUNDAS ANTONIS A.
Published: March 2014

Background

We have introduced a method to guide radiofrequency catheter ablation (RCA) procedures that estimates the location of a catheter tip used to pace the ventricles and the target site for ablation using the single equivalent moving dipole (SEMD).

Objective

To investigate the accuracy of this method in resolving epicardial and endocardial electrical sources.

Methods

Two electrode arrays, each of nine pacing electrodes at known distances from each other, sutured on the left‐ and right‐ventricular (LV and RV) epicardial surfaces of swine, were used to pace the heart at multiple rates, while body surface potentials from 64 sites were recorded and used to estimate the SEMD location. A similar approach was followed for pacing from catheters in the LV and RV.

Results

The overall (RV & LV) error in estimating the interelectrode distance of adjacent epicardial electrodes was 0.38 ± 0.45 cm. The overall endocardial (RV & LV) interelectrode distance error, was 0.44 ± 0.26 cm. Heart rate did not significantly affect the error of the estimated SEMD location (P > 0.05). The guiding process error became progressively smaller as the SEMD approached an epicardial target site and close to the target, the overall absolute error was ∼0.28 cm. The estimated epicardial SEMD locations preserved their topology in image space with respect to their corresponding physical location of the epicardial electrodes.

Conclusion

The proposed algorithm suggests one can efficiently and accurately resolve epicardial electrical sources without the need of an imaging modality. In addition, the error in resolving these sources is sufficient to guide RCA procedures.
Cognitive neuroscience of social emotions and implications for psychopathology: Examining embarrassment, guilt, envy, and schadenfreude
Authors: Jankowski Kathryn F. , Takahashi Hidehiko
Published: March 2014

Social emotions are affective states elicited during social interactions and integral for promoting socially appropriate behaviors and discouraging socially inappropriate ones. Social emotion‐processing deficits significantly impair interpersonal relationships, and play distinct roles in the manifestation and maintenance of clinical symptomatology. Elucidating the neural correlates of discrete social emotions can serve as a window to better understanding and treating neuropsychiatric disorders. Moral cognition and social emotion‐processing broadly recruit a fronto–temporo–subcortical network, supporting empathy, perspective‐taking, self‐processing, and reward‐processing. The present review specifically examines the neural correlates of embarrassment, guilt, envy, and schadenfreude. Embarrassment and guilt are self‐conscious emotions, evoked during negative evaluation following norm violations and supported by a fronto–temporo–posterior network. Embarrassment is evoked by social transgressions and recruits greater anterior temporal regions, representing conceptual social knowledge. Guilt is evoked by moral transgressions and recruits greater prefrontal regions, representing perspective‐taking and behavioral change demands. Envy and schadenfreude are fortune‐of‐other emotions, evoked during social comparison and supported by a prefronto–striatal network. Envy represents displeasure in others' fortunes, and recruits increased dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, representing cognitive dissonance, and decreased reward‐related striatal regions. Schadenfreude represents pleasure in others' misfortunes, and recruits reduced empathy‐related insular regions and increased reward‐related striatal regions. Implications for psychopathology and treatment design are discussed.
Pediatric kidney recipients may benefit from monitoring for donor‐specific antibodies
Authors: Athavale Deepa , Worthington Judith , Webb Nicholas J. A. , Roberts Denise , Martin Susan , Shenoy Mohan
Published: March 2014

There are limited data regarding the presence of DSAs and their effect on graft function in pediatric renal transplantation. The role for serial DSA monitoring in routine clinical practice is unclear. All patients attending a regional transplant clinic were tested for DSAs, measured using Luminex single/mixed antigen beads. Any patient having a positive result subsequently underwent historic testing on samples previously obtained. DSA‐positive patients underwent prospective monitoring of DSAs, and correlation with clinical events was studied. Nine of a total of 50 patients (18%) were DSA‐positive, of whom six had graft dysfunction. The DSA‐positive cohort had significantly increased episodes of AR (p = 0.01). There were two graft losses in the DSA‐positive group and none in the DSA‐negative group. Eight of the DSA‐positive group had potentially reduced exposure to IS because of either adherence issues or clinical indications. DSAs were associated with increased risk of rejection. There appears to be a role for serial monitoring of DSAs in patients where there has been a reduced exposure to IS so that early intervention with optimized IS can be considered.
Effective and selective stretching of the medial head of the gastrocnemius
Authors: Edama M. , Onishi H. , Kumaki K. , Kageyama I. , Watanabe H. , Nashimoto S.
Published: March 2014

Muscle injury frequently occurs in the medial head of the gastrocnemius (MG), and stretching is used for treatment. However, there are no studies based on anatomical considerations and biomechanics. This study therefore examined the macroscopic anatomical structure of the triceps surae muscle to design an effective and selective MG stretching method, before quantitatively verifying that method by ultrasonography. The macroscopic anatomy was analyzed in 16 Japanese cadavers (25 legs). Based on the anatomical findings and the arrangement of fascicles in the MG, we concluded that ankle inversion might be advantageous for selective stretching of the tendon fiber bundles into which the MG inserts. We devised a method in which the limb was initially positioned with the knee joint in extension and the ankle joint in plantar flexion. Then, the ankle was dorsiflexed and inverted. The proposed method was compared with standard stretching and verified by ultrasonography in eight healthy adult males. This method effectively and selectively stretched the MG, producing a significantly decreased pennation angle and increased muscle fiber length. This method may be beneficial for preventing future injuries and may enhance the effect of therapy on the MG.
Asymmetries in joint work during multi‐joint movement after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A pilot study
Authors: Pairot de Fontenay B. , Argaud S. , Blache Y. , Monteil K.
Published: March 2014

After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL‐R), many studies have reported a deficit of performance on the injured leg during multi‐joint tasks. However, the total mechanical joint work (WTotal), parameter best related to the vertical displacement of the body mass center during vertical jumping, has not yet been studied. The aim of this research was to compare asymmetries between ACL‐R subjects and healthy matched subjects, through the analysis of the kinematics and kinetics during a single‐leg squat jump. Asymmetries are defined by the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI). A greater LSI was observed for WTotal in the ACL‐R group than in the healthy group. There was no difference in LSI for knee joint work between the two groups, while the LSI for hip and ankle joint work was significantly larger in the ACL‐R group. This was explained by greater LSI for the hip and ankle joint range of motion in the ACL‐R group than in the healthy group. After ACL‐R, patients exhibited greater asymmetries than healthy subjects during single‐leg squat jump. Physiotherapists should focus on quality execution of multi‐joint movement, especially on hip and ankle joints range of motion in order to reduce asymmetries and to improve vertical jumping performance.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ABDOMINAL ESOPHAGUS AND CARDIA IN DOGS
Authors: Gory Guillaume , Rault Delphine N. , Gatel Laure , Dally Claire , Belli Patrick , Couturier Laurent , Cauvin Eddy
Published: March 2014

Differential diagnoses for regurgitation and vomiting in dogs include diseases of the gastroesophageal junction. The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to describe ultrasonographic characteristics of the abdominal esophagus and gastric cardia in normal dogs and dogs with clinical disease involving this region. A total of 126 dogs with no clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease and six dogs with clinical diseases involving the gastroesophageal junction were included. For seven euthanized dogs, ultrasonographic features were also compared with gross pathology and histopathology. Cardial and abdominal esophageal wall thicknesses were measured ultrasonographically for all normal dogs and effects of weight, sex, age, and stomach filling were tested. Five layers could be identified in normal esophageal and cardial walls. The inner esophageal layer was echogenic, corresponding to the cornified mucosa and glandular portion of the submucosa. The cardia was characterized by a thick muscularis, and a transitional zone between echogenic esophageal and hypoechoic gastric mucosal layers. Mean (±SD) cardial wall thicknesses for normal dogs were 7.6 mm (±1.6), 9.7 mm (±1.8), 10.8 mm (±1.6), 13.3 mm (±2.5) for dogs in the <10 kg, 10–19.9 kg, 20–29.9 kg and ≥30 kg weight groups, respectively. Mean (±SD) esophageal wall thicknesses were: 4.1 mm (±0.6), 5.1 mm (±1.3), 5.6 mm (±1), and 6.4 mm (±1.1) for the same weight groups, respectively. Measurements of wall thickness were significantly correlated with dog weight group. Ultrasonography assisted diagnosis in all six clinically affected dogs. Findings supported the use of transabdominal ultrasonography as a diagnostic test for dogs with suspected gastroesophageal disease.
Analysis of Stress–Strain State in a Steel Pipe Strengthened With a Composite Wrap
Authors: Trifonov Oleg V. , Cherniy Vladimir P.
Published: March 2014

In this paper, strengthening of a steel pipe with a composite wrap is analyzed. An analytical model taking into account joint reaction of the pipe and the wrap, two-dimensional stress state and plastic strains in the pipe wall is developed. Verification of the model is performed by comparison of the numerical results to the full-scale test results for a strengthened pipe under the action of internal pressure. The developed model is applied to the analysis of a buried gas pipeline subjected to the internal pressure and temperature loading. The results obtained with the analytical model are compared to the results of a finite-element simulation. A good agreement is established. The effect of wrap thickness on the stress–strain state and load-carrying capacity of the strengthened pipe is studied.
The Influence of the Elastoplastic Behavior and the Load Pattern on the Tribological Properties of Two-Dimensional Frictional Contact Problems
Authors: Abdalla Waleed S. , Ali-Eldin Soliman S. , Ghazy Mohamed R.
Published: March 2014

The macromechanical tribological mechanism describes the friction phenomenon by considering the stress and the strain distributions, and the total elastic and plastic deformations. Based on the finite element method (FEM), the elastoplastic frictional contact problem is formulated as an incremental convex programming model (CPM). The Lagrange multiplier approach is adopted for imposing the inequality contact constraints. The Coulomb's friction law and the Prandtl–Reuss flow rule are used for the friction conditions and the elastoplastic behavior, respectively. The frictional contact examples are analyzed using the developed adaptive incremental procedure to elucidate the tribological behavior of the contact bodies and the model applicability.
Hole Staggering Effect on the Cooling Performance of Narrow Impingement Channels Using the Transient Liquid Crystal Technique
Authors: Terzis Alexandros , Wagner Guillaume , von Wolfersdorf Jens , Ott Peter , Weigand Bernhard
Published: March 2014

This study examines experimentally the cooling performance of narrow impingement channels as could be cast-in in modern turbine airfoils. Full surface heat transfer coefficients are evaluated for the target plate and the sidewalls of the channels using the transient liquid crystal technique. Several narrow impingement channel geometries, consisting of a single row of five cooling holes, have been investigated composing a test matrix of nine different models. The experimental data are analyzed by means of various post-processing procedures aiming to clarify and quantify the effect of cooling hole offset position from the channel centerline on the local and average heat transfer coefficients and over a range of Reynolds numbers (11,100–86,000). The results indicated a noticeable effect of the jet pattern on the distribution of convection coefficients as well as similarities with conventional multi-jet impingement cooling systems.
Accelerated Method for Surface View Factor Evaluation Based on Error Estimation
Authors: Koptelov Roman , Malikov German , Lisienko Vladimir , Viskanta Raymond
Published: March 2014

An algorithm for choosing the number of quadrature nodes before calculation of a view factor is proposed. Simple criterion is introduced that allows one to estimate the error in the computed view factor. The algorithm allows one to save much computation time by always using the minimum number of nodes for each pair of surface zones and insures a desired accuracy. The algorithm is applied for model of a continuous furnace and is compared with a standard method which uses predefined number of nodes at each surface. The proposed algorithm is many times faster and also more accurate than the standard one.
A multicriteria framework with voxel‐dependent parameters for radiotherapy treatment plan optimization
Authors: Zarepisheh Masoud , Uribe‐Sanchez Andres F. , Li Nan , Jia Xun , Jiang Steve B.
Published: March 2014

Purpose:

To establish a new mathematical framework for radiotherapy treatment optimization with voxel‐dependent optimization parameters.

Methods:

In the treatment plan optimization problem for radiotherapy, a clinically acceptable plan is usually generated by an optimization process with weighting factors or reference doses adjusted for a set of the objective functions associated to the organs. Recent discoveries indicate that adjusting parameters associated with each voxel may lead to better plan quality. However, it is still unclear regarding the mathematical reasons behind it. Furthermore, questions about the objective function selection and parameter adjustment to assure Pareto optimality as well as the relationship between the optimal solutions obtained from the organ‐based and voxel‐based models remain unanswered. To answer these questions, the authors establish in this work a new mathematical framework equipped with two theorems.

Results:

The new framework clarifies the different consequences of adjusting organ‐dependent and voxel‐dependent parameters for the treatment plan optimization of radiation therapy, as well as the impact of using different objective functions on plan qualities and Pareto surfaces. The main discoveries are threefold: (1) While in the organ‐based model the selection of the objective function has an impact on the quality of the optimized plans, this is no longer an issue for the voxel‐based model since the Pareto surface is independent of the objective function selection and the entire Pareto surface could be generated as long as the objective function satisfies certain mathematical conditions; (2) All Pareto solutions generated by the organ‐based model with different objective functions are parts of a unique Pareto surface generated by the voxel‐based model with any appropriate objective function; (3) A much larger Pareto surface is explored by adjusting voxel‐dependent parameters than by adjusting organ‐dependent parameters, possibly allowing for the generation of plans with better trade‐offs among different clinical objectives.

Conclusions:

The authors have developed a mathematical framework for radiotherapy treatment optimization using voxel‐based parameters. The authors can improve the plan quality by adjusting voxel‐based weighting factors and exploring the unique and large Pareto surface which include all the Pareto surfaces that can be generated by organ‐based model using different objective functions.
Carbon Market Lessons and Global Policy Outlook
Authors: Newell Richard G. , Pizer William A. , Raimi Daniel
Published: March 2014

Ongoing work on linking markets and mixing policies builds on successes and failures in pricing and trading carbon.
β-Catenin Activation Regulates Tissue Growth Non–Cell Autonomously in the Hair Stem Cell Niche
Authors: Deschene Elizabeth R. , Myung Peggy , Rompolas Panteleimon , Zito Giovanni , Sun Thomas Yang , Taketo Makoto M. , Saotome Ichiko , Greco Valentina
Published: March 2014

Coordinated Hair Growth

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a key pathway that plays a conserved role in regulating stem cell function during adult tissue regeneration. Using time-lapse imaging of live mice,

Deschene
et al.

(p.
1353
) show that genetic activation of β-catenin within hair follicle stem cells generates axes of hair growth by coordinated cell divisions and cell movements, even when the normal niches—the dermal papillae—are laser-ablated. Activated β-catenin enhances Wnt ligand secretion, and these ligands can then activate Wnt signaling in adjacent cells that do not have activated β-catenin, indicating how activated stem cells could influence neighboring cells during normal growth and in cancer.
Structure of the Mitochondrial Translocator Protein in Complex with a Diagnostic Ligand
Authors: Jaremko Łukasz , Jaremko Mariusz , Giller Karin , Becker Stefan , Zweckstetter Markus
Published: March 2014

Translocation in Injury

The translocator protein TSPO is essential for the import of cholesterol and porphyrins into mitochondria. TSPO expression increases in areas of brain injury and during neuroinflammation and, thus, has diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

Jaremko
et al.

(p.
1363
) used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine the high-resolution structure of the 18- kilodalton mammalian TSPO with the ligand PK11195, which stabilized the structure and resolved the conformation as a tight bundle of five helices.
Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of a GATA Transcription Factor Functions as a Development Timer
Authors: Cai Huaqing , Katoh-Kurasawa Mariko , Muramoto Tetsuya , Santhanam Balaji , Long Yu , Li Lei , Ueda Masahiro , Iglesias Pablo A. , Shaulsky Gad , Devreotes Peter N.
Published: March 2014

Oscillate to Synchronize

In the social amoeba
Dictyostelium discoideum
, periodic waves of the small-molecule cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) guide chemotactic migration and cell differentiation.

Cai
et al.

(
10.1126/science.1249531
; see the Perspective by

Wollman

) found that a GATA family transcription factor shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm of the amoeba in response to oscillatory cAMP signals acting through G protein–coupled receptors. Each oscillation generates a transient burst of gene activation, such that gene expression is linked to the number rather than the level of stimulus, which then brings about transcriptional synchrony in populations of cells.
Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Rapid Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci Directly from Positive Blood Cultures
Authors: Wang Hye-young , Kim Sunghyun , Kim Jungho , Park Soon-Deok , Uh Young , Lee Hyeyoung
Published: March 2014

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is the most prevalent cause of bloodstream infections (BSIs) and is recognized as a major nosocomial pathogen. This study aimed to evaluate a newly designed multiplex real-time PCR assay capable of the simultaneous detection of
mecA
,
S. aureus
, and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) in blood culture specimens. The Real-MRSA and Real-MRCoNS multiplex real-time PCR assays (M&D, Republic of Korea) use the TaqMan probes 16S rRNA for
Staphylococcus
spp., the
nuc
gene for
S. aureus
, and the
mecA
gene for methicillin resistance. The detection limit of the multiplex real-time PCR assay was 10
3
CFU/ml per PCR for each gene target. The multiplex real-time PCR assay was evaluated using 118 clinical isolates from various specimen types and a total of 350 positive blood cultures from a continuous monitoring blood culture system. The results obtained with the multiplex real-time PCR assay for the three targets were in agreement with those of conventional identification and susceptibility testing methods except for one organism. Of 350 positive bottle cultures, the sensitivities of the multiplex real-time PCR kit were 100% (166/166 cultures), 97.2% (35/36 cultures), and 99.2% (117/118 cultures) for the 16S rRNA,
nuc
, and
mecA
genes, respectively, and the specificities for all three targets were 100%. The Real-MRSA and Real-MRCoNS multiplex real-time PCR assays are very useful for the rapid accurate diagnosis of staphylococcal BSIs. In addition, the Real-MRSA and Real-MRCoNS multiplex real-time PCR assays could have an important impact on the choice of appropriate antimicrobial therapy, based on detection of the
mecA
gene.
Support of the Infectivity of Hepatitis Delta Virus Particles by the Envelope Proteins of Different Genotypes of Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Freitas Natalia , Abe Kenji , Cunha Celso , Menne Stephan , Gudima Severin O.
Published: March 2014

This study examined how the envelope proteins of 25 variants of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes A to I support hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infectivity. The assembled virions bore the same HDV ribonucleoprotein and differed only by the HBV variant-specific envelope proteins coating the particles. The total HDV yields varied within a 122-fold range. A residue Y (position 374) in the HDV binding site was identified as critical for HDV assembly. Virions that bound antibodies, which recognize the region that includes the HBV matrix domain and predominantly but not exclusively immunoprecipitate the PreS1-containing virions, were termed PreS1*-HDVs. Usingin vitroinfection of primary human hepatocytes (PHH), we measured the specific infectivity (SI), which is the number of HDV genomes/cell produced by infection and normalized by the PreS1*-MOI, which is the multiplicity of infection that reflects the number of PreS1*-HDVs per cell in the inoculum used. The SI values varied within a 160-fold range and indicated a probable HBV genotype-specific trend of D > B > E > A in supporting HDV infectivity. Three variants, of genotypes B, C, and D, supported the highest SI values. We also determined the normalized index (NI) of infected PHH, which is the percentage of HDV-infected hepatocytes normalized by the PreS1*-MOI. Comparison of the SI and NI values revealed that, while a particular HBV variant may facilitate the infection of a relatively significant fraction of PHH, it may not always result in a considerable number of genomes that initiated replication after entry. The potential implications of these findings are discussed in the context of the mechanism of attachment/entry of HBV and HDV.

IMPORTANCEThe study advances the understanding of the mechanisms of (i) attachment and entry of HDV and HBV and (ii) transmission of HDV infection/disease.
HIV-1 Interacts with Human Endogenous Retrovirus K (HML-2) Envelopes Derived from Human Primary Lymphocytes
Authors: Brinzevich Daria , Young George R. , Sebra Robert , Ayllon Juan , Maio Susan M. , Deikus Gintaras , Chen Benjamin K. , Fernandez-Sesma Ana , Simon Viviana , Mulder Lubbertus C. F.
Published: March 2014

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are viruses that have colonized the germ line and spread through vertical passage. Only the more recently acquired HERVs, such as the HERV-K (HML-2) group, maintain coding open reading frames. Expression of HERV-Ks has been linked to different pathological conditions, including HIV infection, but our knowledge on which specific HERV-Ks are expressed in primary lymphocytes currently is very limited. To identify the most expressed HERV-Ks in an unbiased manner, we analyzed their expression patterns in peripheral blood lymphocytes using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. We observe that three HERV-Ks (KII, K102, and K18) constitute over 90% of the total HERV-K expression in primary human lymphocytes of five different donors. We also show experimentally that two of these HERV-K
env
sequences (K18 and K102) retain their ability to produce full-length and posttranslationally processed envelope proteins in cell culture. We show that HERV-K18 Env can be incorporated into HIV-1 but not simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) particles. Moreover, HERV-K18 Env incorporation into HIV-1 virions is dependent on HIV-1 matrix. Taken together, we generated high-resolution HERV-K expression profiles specific for activated human lymphocytes. We found that one of the most abundantly expressed HERV-K envelopes not only makes a full-length protein but also specifically interacts with HIV-1. Our findings raise the possibility that these endogenous retroviral Env proteins could directly influence HIV-1 replication.

IMPORTANCE
Here, we report the HERV-K expression profile of primary lymphocytes from 5 different healthy donors. We used a novel deep-sequencing technology (PacBio SMRT) that produces the long reads necessary to discriminate the complexity of HERV-K expression. We find that primary lymphocytes express up to 32 different HERV-K envelopes, and that at least two of the most expressed Env proteins retain their ability to make a protein. Importantly, one of them, the envelope glycoprotein of HERV-K18, is incorporated into HIV-1 in an HIV matrix-specific fashion. The ramifications of such interactions are discussed, as the possibility of HIV-1 target tissue broadening and immune evasion are considered.