bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of genetic diversity structure analyses of SSR molecular marker data within apple (Malus×domestica) genetic resources
Authors: Patzak Josef , Paprštein František , Henychová Alena , Sedlák Jiří
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to compare traditional hierarchical clustering techniques and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) with the model-based Bayesian cluster analyses in relation to subpopulation differentiation based on breeding history and geographical origin of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) cultivars and landraces. We presented the use of a set of 10 microsatellite (SSR) loci for genetic diversity structure analyses of 273 apple accessions from national genetic resources. These SSR loci yielded a total of 113 polymorphic SSR alleles, with 5–18 alleles per locus. SSR molecular data were successfully used in binary and allelic input format for all genetic diversity analyses, but allelic molecular data did not reveal reliable results with the NTSYS-pc and BAPS softwares. A traditional cluster analysis still provided an easy and effective way for determining genetic diversity structure in the apple germplasm collection. A model-based Bayesian analysis also provided the clustering results in accordance to traditional cluster analysis, but the analyses were distorted by the presence of a dominant group of apple genetic resources owing to the narrow origin of the apple genome. PCoA confirmed that there were no noticeable differences in genetic diversity structure of apple genetic resources during the breeding history. The results of our analyses are useful in the context of enhancing apple collection management, sampling of core collections, and improving breeding processes.
Conservation of gene order in human microRNA-neighboring regions
Authors: Chen Jianshu , Chen Wei , Li Yudong
Published: October 2012

The biological function and evolution of microRNAs (miRNAs), an important class of noncoding regulatory genes, have attracted wide interest. However, their evolutionary impact on gene order rearrangements remains unknown. We examined the gene-order stability of miRNA-neighboring regions by a comparative human–mouse genomic analysis and found that the neighboring genes of human miRNAs tend to have a conserved gene order. This observation cannot be attributed to the functional bias of neighboring genes, and is a unique characteristic of miRNAs but not other noncoding RNAs. Our findings suggest that mammalian miRNAs stabilize the genomic architecture in evolution.
Contrasting evolution of a satellite DNA and its ancestral IGS rDNA inPhaseolus(Fabaceae)
Authors: Almeida Cícero , Fonsêca Artur , dos Santos Karla Galvão Bezerra , Mosiolek Magdalena , Pedrosa-Harand Andrea
Published: October 2012

CC4 is a satellite DNA from common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) that is similar to its intergenic spacer (IGS) rDNA. CC4 was originally hypothesized to be an old, fast evolving satellite family that has invaded common bean rDNA. To test this hypothesis and contribute to the understanding of IGS-like satellite DNA evolution, we have investigated its distribution in the genus Phaseolus and related species. CC4 was cloned and used as probe for Southern blot and FISH experiments. CC4 was observed as an independent satellite in common bean, forming two to three major and a few minor pericentromeric clusters. In Phaseolus coccineus , CC4 was present in four major clusters, also not co-localized with the 45S rDNA sites. Remarkably, in the less related species of the genus, signals were detected co-localized with the 45S rDNA sites, but co-localization was not observed in the species where CC4 is present as an independent satellite. No signal was detected in species from related genera. Altogether, the data suggest that CC4 has originated from the IGS rDNA in the P. vulgaris – P. coccineus lineage and has evolved slower than the IGS rDNA from this lineage.
A RESOURCE FOR SIGNS AND FEYNMAN DIAGRAMS OF THE STANDARD MODEL
Authors: ROMÃO JORGE C. , SILVA JOÃO P.
Published: October 2012

When performing a full calculation within the standard model (SM) or its extensions, it is crucial that one utilizes a consistent set of signs for the gauge couplings and gauge fields. Unfortunately, the literature is plagued with differing signs and notations. We present all SM Feynman rules, including ghosts, in a convention-independent notation, and we table the conventions in close to 40 books and reviews.
COLLECTIVE MODES IN Q1D ORGANIC CONDUCTORS
Authors: STEPANENKO D. I.
Published: October 2012

We study the weakly damped electromagnetic waves in strongly anisotropic organic conductors with the chain-like character of the intermolecular overlapping at various orientations of an external magnetic field and wave vector. We obtain the analytical expressions for the spectra of the collective modes in a number of limiting cases, in particular, the dispersion relations in a short-wavelength limit when the eigen frequencies are not close to the resonance frequency and its harmonics. The numerical analysis giving full enough description of the dispersion of the weakly damped eigenmodes is presented. We find the spectrum of the eigenmodes owing to electron oscillations along the least conductivity direction. We show that if the orientation of the wave vector k is not too close to the least conductivity direction, the dependence of the eigen frequencies on k has pronounced oscillatory character.
Regulation of GPR119 receptor activity with endocannabinoid-like lipids
Authors: Syed Samreen K. , Bui Hai Hoang , Beavers Lisa S. , Farb Thomas B. , Ficorilli James , Chesterfield Amy K. , Kuo Ming-Shang , Bokvist Krister , Barrett David G. , Efanov Alexander M.
Published: October 2012

The GPR119 receptor plays an important role in the secretion of incretin hormones in response to nutrient consumption. We have studied the ability of an array of naturally occurring endocannabinoid-like lipids to activate GPR119 and have identified several lipid receptor agonists. The most potent receptor agonists identified were three N-acylethanolamines: oleoylethanolamine (OEA), palmitoleoylethanolamine, and linoleylethanolamine (LEA), all of which displayed similar potency in activating GPR119. Another lipid, 2-oleoylglycerol (2-OG), also activated GPR119 receptor but with significantly lower potency. Endogenous levels of endocannabinoid-like lipids were measured in intestine in fasted and refed mice. Of the lipid GPR119 agonists studied, the intestinal levels of only OEA, LEA, and 2-OG increased significantly upon refeeding. Intestinal levels of OEA and LEA in the fasted mice were low. In the fed state, OEA levels only moderately increased, whereas LEA levels rose drastically. 2-OG was the most abundant of the three GPR119 agonists in intestine, and its levels were radically elevated in fed mice. Our data suggest that, in lean mice, 2-OG and LEA may serve as physiologically relevant endogenous GPR119 agonists that mediate receptor activation upon nutrient uptake.
Central nervous system neuropeptide Y signaling via the Y1 receptor partially dissociates feeding behavior from lipoprotein metabolism in lean rats
Authors: Rojas Jennifer M. , Stafford John M. , Saadat Sanaz , Printz Richard L. , Beck-Sickinger Annette G. , Niswender Kevin D.
Published: October 2012

Elevated plasma triglyceride (TG) levels contribute to an atherogenic dyslipidemia that is associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Numerous models of obesity are characterized by increased central nervous system (CNS) neuropeptide Y (NPY) tone that contributes to excess food intake and obesity. Previously, we demonstrated that intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of NPY in lean fasted rats also elevates hepatic production of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-TG. Thus, we hypothesize that elevated CNS NPY action contributes to not only the pathogenesis of obesity but also dyslipidemia. Here, we sought to determine whether the effects of NPY on feeding and/or obesity are dissociable from effects on hepatic VLDL-TG secretion. Pair-fed, icv NPY-treated, chow-fed Long-Evans rats develop hypertriglyceridemia in the absence of increased food intake and body fat accumulation compared with vehicle-treated controls. We then modulated CNS NPY signaling by icv injection of selective NPY receptor agonists and found that Y1, Y2, Y4, and Y5 receptor agonists all induced hyperphagia in lean, ad libitum chow-fed Long-Evans rats, with the Y2 receptor agonist having the most pronounced effect. Next, we found that at equipotent doses for food intake NPY Y1 receptor agonist had the most robust effect on VLDL-TG secretion, a Y2 receptor agonist had a modest effect, and no effect was observed for Y4 and Y5 receptor agonists. These findings, using selective agonists, suggest the possibility that the effect of CNS NPY signaling on hepatic VLDL-TG secretion may be relatively dissociable from effects on feeding behavior via the Y1 receptor.
Adaptive reciprocity of lipid and glucose metabolism in human short-term starvation
Authors: Soeters Maarten R. , Soeters Peter B. , Schooneman Marieke G. , Houten Sander M. , Romijn Johannes A.
Published: October 2012

The human organism has tools to cope with metabolic challenges like starvation that are crucial for survival. Lipolysis, lipid oxidation, ketone body synthesis, tailored endogenous glucose production and uptake, and decreased glucose oxidation serve to protect against excessive erosion of protein mass, which is the predominant supplier of carbon chains for synthesis of newly formed glucose. The starvation response shows that the adaptation to energy deficit is very effective and coordinated with different adaptations in different organs. From an evolutionary perspective, this lipid-induced effect on glucose oxidation and uptake is very strong and may therefore help to understand why insulin resistance in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus is difficult to treat. The importance of reciprocity in lipid and glucose metabolism during human starvation should be taken into account when studying lipid and glucose metabolism in general and in pathophysiological conditions in particular.
De novo synthesis is the main source of ornithine for citrulline production in neonatal pigs
Authors: Marini Juan C. , Stoll Barbara , Didelija Inka Cajo , Burrin Douglas G.
Published: October 2012

Citrulline is an amino acid synthesized in the gut and utilized for the synthesis of the conditionally essential amino acid arginine. Recently, the origin of the ornithine utilized for citrulline synthesis has become a matter of discussion. Multiple physiological factors may have contributed to the differences found among different researchers; one of these is the developmental stage of the subjects studied. To test the hypothesis that during the neonatal period de novo synthesis is the main source of ornithine for citrulline synthesis, neonatal piglets were infused intravenously or intragastrically with [U-13C6]arginine, [U-13C5]glutamine, or [U-13C5]proline during the fasted and fed periods. [ ureido-15N]citrulline and [2H2]ornithine were infused intravenously for the entire infusion protocol. During fasting, plasma proline (13%) and ornithine (19%) were the main precursors for citrulline synthesis, whereas plasma arginine (62%) was the main precursor for plasma ornithine. During feeding, enteral (27%) and plasma (12%) proline were the main precursors for the ornithine utilized in the synthesis of citrulline, together with plasma ornithine (27%). Enteral proline and glutamine were utilized directly by the gut to produce ornithine utilized for citrulline synthesis. Arginine was not utilized by the gut, which is consistent with the lack of arginase activity in the neonate. Arginine, however, was the main source (47%) of plasma ornithine and in this way contributed to citrulline synthesis. In conclusion, during the neonatal period, the de novo pathway is the predominant source for the ornithine utilized in the synthesis of citrulline, and proline is the preferred precursor.
Transcriptome correlation analysis identifies two unique craniosynostosis subtypes associated with IRS1 activation
Authors: Stamper B. D. , Mecham B. , Park S. S. , Wilkerson H. , Farin F. M. , Beyer R. P. , Bammler T. K. , Mangravite L. M. , Cunningham M. L.
Published: October 2012

The discovery of causal mechanisms associated with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis has proven to be a difficult task due to the complex nature of the disease. In this study, differential transcriptome correlation analysis was used to identify two molecularly distinct subtypes of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, termed subtype A and subtype B. In addition to unique correlation structure, subtype A was also associated with high IGF pathway expression, whereas subtype B was associated with high integrin expression. To identify a pathologic link between altered gene correlation/expression and the disease state, phosphorylation assays were performed on primary osteoblast cell lines derived from cases within subtype A or subtype B, as well as on primary osteoblast cell lines with novel IGF1R variants previously reported by our lab (Cunningham ML, Horst JA, Rieder MJ, Hing AV, Stanaway IB, Park SS, Samudrala R, Speltz ML. Am J Med Genet A 155A: 91–97, 2011). Elevated IRS1 (pan-tyr) and GSK3β (ser-9) phosphorylation were observed in two novel IGF1R variants with receptor L domain mutations. In subtype A, a hypomineralization phenotype coupled with decreased phosphorylation of IRS1 (ser-312), p38 (thr-180/tyr-182), and p70S6K (thr-412) was observed. In subtype B, decreased phosphorylation of IRS1 (ser-312) as well as increased phosphorylation of Akt (ser-473), GSK3β (ser-9), IGF1R (tyr-1135/tyr-1136), JNK (thr-183/tyr-187), p70S6K (thr-412), and pRPS6 (ser-235/ser-236) was observed, thus implicating the activation of IRS1-mediated Akt signaling in potentiating craniosynostosis in this subtype. Taken together, these results suggest that despite the stimulation of different pathways, activating phosphorylation patterns for IRS1 were consistent in cell lines from both subtypes and the IGF1R variants, thus implicating a key role for IRS1 in the pathogenesis of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis.
Serum Glutamate Levels Correlate with Gleason Score and Glutamate Blockade Decreases Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion and Induces Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Koochekpour Shahriar , Majumdar Sunipa , Azabdaftari Gissou , Attwood Kristopher , Scioneaux Ray , Subramani Dhatchayini , Manhardt Charles , Lorusso Giovanni D. , Willard Stacey S. , Thompson Hillary , Shourideh Mojgan , Rezaei Katayoon , Sartor Oliver , Mohler James L. , Vessella Robert L.
Published: October 2012

Purpose: During glutaminolysis, glutamine is catabolized to glutamate and incorporated into citric acid cycle and lipogenesis. Serum glutamate levels were measured in patients with primary prostate cancer or metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPCa) to establish clinical relevance. The effect of glutamate deprivation or blockade by metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (GRM1) antagonists was investigated on prostate cancer cells' growth, migration, and invasion to establish biologic relevance.

Experimental Design: Serum glutamate levels were measured in normal men (n = 60) and patients with primary prostate cancer (n = 197) or mCRPCa (n = 109). GRM1 expression in prostatic tissues was examined using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Cell growth, migration, and invasion were determined using cell cytotoxicity and modified Boyden chamber assays, respectively. Apoptosis was detected using immunoblotting against cleaved caspases, PARP, and γ-H2AX.

Results: Univariate and multivariate analyses showed significantly higher serum glutamate levels in Gleason score ≥ 8 than in the Gleason score ≤ 7 and in African Americans than in the Caucasian Americans. African Americans with mCRPCa had significantly higher serum glutamate levels than those with primary prostate cancer or benign prostate. However, in Caucasian Americans, serum glutamate levels were similar in normal research subjects and patients with mCRPC. IHC showed weak or no expression of GRM1 in luminal acinar epithelial cells of normal or hyperplastic glands but high expression in primary or metastatic prostate cancer tissues. Glutamate deprivation or blockade decreased prostate cancer cells' proliferation, migration, and invasion and led to apoptotic cell death.

Conclusions: Glutamate expression is mechanistically associated with and may provide a biomarker of prostate cancer aggressiveness. Clin Cancer Res; 18(21); 5888–901. ©2012 AACR.
Restoration of miR-200c to Ovarian Cancer Reduces Tumor Burden and Increases Sensitivity to Paclitaxel
Authors: Cittelly Diana M. , Dimitrova Irina , Howe Erin N. , Cochrane Dawn R. , Jean Annie , Spoelstra Nicole S. , Post Miriam D. , Lu Xian , Broaddus Russell R. , Spillman Monique A. , Richer Jennifer K.
Published: October 2012

A therapeutic intervention that could decrease tumor burden and increase sensitivity to chemotherapy would have a significant impact on the high morbidity rate associated with ovarian cancer. miRNAs have emerged as potential therapeutic candidates due to their ability to downregulate multiple targets involved in tumor progression and chemoresistance. miRNA-200c (miR-200c) is downregulated in ovarian cancer cell lines and stage III ovarian tumors, and low miR-200c correlates with poor prognosis. miR-200c increases sensitivity to taxanes in vitro by targeting class III β-tubulin gene (TUBB3), a tubulin known to mediate chemoresistance. Indeed, we find that patients with tumors having low TUBB3 had significantly prolonged survival (average survival 52.73 ± 4.08 months) as compared with those having high TUBB3 (average survival 42.56 ± 3.19 months). miR-200c also targets TrkB, a mediator of resistance to anoikis. We show that restoration of miR-200c to ovarian cancer cells results in increased anoikis sensitivity and reduced adherence to biologic substrates in vitro. Because both chemo- and anoikis-resistance are critical steps in the progression of ovarian cancer, we sought to determine how restoration of miR-200c affects tumor burden and chemosensitivity in an in vivo preclinical model of ovarian cancer. Restoration of miR-200c in an intraperitoneal xenograft model of human ovarian cancer results in decreased tumor formation and tumor burden. Furthermore, even in established tumors, restoration of miR-200c, alone or in combination with paclitaxel, results in significantly decreased tumor burden. Our study suggests that restoration of miR-200c immediately before cytotoxic chemotherapy may allow for a better response or lower effective dose. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(12); 2556–65. ©2012 AACR.
STAT3-RANTES Autocrine Signaling Is Essential for Tamoxifen Resistance in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Yi Eun Hee , Lee Chang Seok , Lee Jin-Ku , Lee Young Ju , Shin Min Kyung , Cho Chung-Hyun , Kang Keon Wook , Lee Jung Weon , Han Wonshik , Noh Dong-Young , Kim Yong-Nyun , Cho Ik-Hyun , Ye Sang-kyu
Published: October 2012

The acquisition of tamoxifen resistance is a major therapeutic problem in breast cancer. We developed a tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 (TRM-7) cell line to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and factors associated with acquisition of such resistance. We showed that phosphorylation of STAT3 at tyrosine 705 (Y705) and RANTES expression are increased in response to tamoxifen in human breast cancer cells. On the basis of these results, we hypothesize that upregulated STAT3 phosphorylation and RANTES may be correlated with the development of drug resistance. Here, we showed that STAT3 and RANTES contribute to the maintenance of drug resistance. STAT3 phosphorylation is constitutively retained via a RANTES autocrine loop, which in turn upregulates anti-apoptotic signals in TRM-7 cells. STAT3–RANTES autocrine signaling affected expression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family genes and prevented TRM-7 cells from undergoing programmed cell death by inhibiting PARP and caspase-9 cleavage. Subsequently, blockade of STAT3 and RANTES in TRM-7 cells resulted in reduction of anti-apoptotic signals, which was rescued by exogenous RANTES treatment; drug resistance was also restored. Taken together, our results suggested that STAT3–RANTES autocrine signaling is essential for maintenance of drug resistance and inhibition of programmed cell death. These mechanisms of STAT3–RANTES autocrine signaling suggest a novel strategy for management of patients with tamoxifen-resistant tumors. Mol Cancer Res; 11(1); 31–42. ©2012 AACR.
Mapping and Ablation of the Pulmonary Veins and Cavo-Tricuspid Isthmus With a Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Compatible Externally Irrigated Ablation Catheter and Integrated Electrophysiology System
Authors: Ganesan Anand N. , Selvanayagam Joseph B. , Mahajan Rajiv , Grover Suchi , Nayyar Sachin , Brooks Anthony G. , Finnie John , Sunnarborg Daniel , Lloyd Thomas , Chakrabarty Adhiraj , Abed Hany S. , Sanders Prashanthan
Published: October 2012

Background—

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–guided interventional electrophysiology (EP) has rapidly emerged as a promising alternative to x-ray–guided ablation. We aimed to evaluate an externally irrigated MRI-compatible ablation catheter and integrated EP pacing and recording system, testing the feasibility of pulmonary vein and cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation.

Methods and Results—

Externally irrigated MRI-compatible ablation and diagnostic EP catheters and an integrated EP recording system (Imricor Medical Systems, Burnsville, MN) were tested in n=11 sheep in a 1.5-T MRI scanner. Power-controlled (40 W, 120-second duration) lesions were formed at the pulmonary vein and cavo-tricuspid isthmus. Real-time intracardiac electrograms were recorded during MRI. Steady-state free precession non–breath-hold images were repeatedly acquired to guide catheter navigation. Lesion visualization was performed using noncontrast (T2-weighted turbo spin echo pulse sequence) and gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid–enhanced T1-weighted imaging (inversion-recovery gradient echo pulse sequence). Catheters were able to be visualized and navigated under cardiovascular magnetic resonance guidance. In total, 8±2.5 lesions (radiofrequency time, 16±4.2 minutes) were formed at the pulmonary vein ostia, and 6.5±1.3 lesions (radiofrequency time, 13±2.2 minutes) were formed at the cavo-tricuspid isthmus, with the end point of bidirectional block. The mean procedure time was 150±55 minutes. Lesion visualization with both T2W imaging and contrast-enhanced imaging correlated with sites of injury at autopsy.

Conclusions—

These data demonstrate the feasibility of using multiple catheters, an integrated EP pacing and recording system, and externally irrigated ablation with cardiovascular magnetic resonance guidance to undertake clinically relevant biatrial mapping and ablation.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance T2 Mapping in the Monitoring and Follow-up of Acute Cardiac Transplant Rejection
Authors: Usman Asad A. , Taimen Kirsi , Wasielewski Marie , McDonald Jennifer , Shah Saurabh , Giri Shivraman , Cotts William , McGee Edwin , Gordon Robert , Collins Jeremy D. , Markl Michael , Carr James C.
Published: October 2012

Background—

Acute rejection is a major factor impacting survival in the first 12 months after cardiac transplantation. Transplant monitoring requires invasive techniques. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), noninvasive testing, has been used in monitoring heart transplants. Prolonged T2 relaxation has been related to transplant edema and possibly rejection. We hypothesize that prolonged T2 reflects transplant rejection and that quantitative T2 mapping will concur with the pathological and clinical findings of acute rejection.

Methods and Results—

Patients were recruited within the first year after transplantation. Biopsies were graded according to the International Society for Heart Lung Transplant system for cellular rejection with immunohistochemistry for humoral rejection. Rejection was also considered if patients presented with signs and symptoms of hemodynamic compromise without biopsy evidence of rejection who subsequently improved with treatment. Patients underwent a novel single-shot T2-prepared steady-state free precession 4-chamber and 3 short axis sequences and regions of interest were drawn overlying T2 maps by 2 independent blinded reviewers. A total of 74 (68 analyzable) CMRs T2 maps in 53 patients were performed. There were 4 cellular, 2 humoral, and 2 hemodynamic rejection cases. The average T2 relaxation time for grade 0R (n=46) and grade 1R (n=17) was 52.5±2.2 and 53.1±3.3 ms (mean±SD), respectively. The average T2 relaxation for grade 2R (n=3) was 59.6±3.1 ms and 3R (n=1) was 60.3 ms (all
P
value <0.05 compared with controls). The T2 average in humoral rejection cases (n=2) was 59.2±3.3 ms and the hemodynamic rejection (n=2) was 61.1±1.8 ms (
P
<0.05 versus controls). The average T2 relaxation time for all-cause rejection versus no rejection is 60.1±2.1 versus 52.8±2.7 ms (
P
<0.05). All rejection cases were rescanned 2.5 months after treatment and demonstrated T2 normalization with average of 51.4±1.6 ms. No difference was found in ventricular function between nonrejection and rejection patients, except in ventricular mass 107.8±10.3 versus 127.5±10.4 g (
P
< 0.05).

Conclusions—

Quantitative T2 mapping offers a novel noninvasive tool for transplant monitoring, and these initial findings suggest potential use in characterizing rejections. Given the limited numbers, a larger multi-institution study may help elucidate the benefits of T2 mapping as an adjunctive tool in routine monitoring of cardiac transplants.
Normal Values of Left Atrial Volume in Pediatric Age Group Using a Validated Allometric Model
Authors: Bhatla Puneet , Nielsen James C. , Ko Helen H. , Doucette John , Lytrivi Irene D. , Srivastava Shubhika
Published: October 2012

Background—

Left atrial volume (LAV) increase is an indicator of diastolic dysfunction and a surrogate marker of significant left to right shunts. Normalization of LAV is currently performed by indexing to body surface area

1

(BSA

1

). The indexed LAV thus derived does not account for the nonlinear relationship of physiologic variables to BSA and has not been tested for independence to body size. Our objective was to identify a valid allometric model for indexing LAV and use it to develop Z-scores in children.

Methods and Results—

LAV was measured in 300 normal subjects by echocardiography using the biplane area length method. LAV/BSA
1
had a residual relationship to BSA (r=0.52,
P
<0.0001). The allometric exponent (AE) derived for the entire cohort (1.27) using the least squares regression analysis also failed to eliminate the residual relationship to BSA (r=−0.15,
P
=0.01). Dividing the cohort in two groups with a BSA cut-off of 1 m
2
provided the best-fit allometric model. The AE for each group was 1.48 and 1.08 for BSA≤1 m
2
and >1 m
2
, respectively, and was validated against an independent sample. The mean indexed LAV±SD for BSA≤1 m
2
and >1 m
2
is 31.5±5.5 mL and 26.0±4.2 mL, respectively, and was used to derive Z-scores.

Conclusions—

This study demonstrates the fallacy of using “per-BSA
1
standards” for normalization of LAV in pediatrics. LAV/BSA
1.48
for children with BSA≤1 m
2
and LAV/BSA
1.08
for those with BSA>1 m
2
is accurate and can be used to derive Z-scores.
Important Differences in Mode of Death Between Men and Women With Heart Failure Who Would Qualify for a Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator
Authors: Rho Robert W. , Patton Kristen K. , Poole Jeanne E. , Cleland John G. , Shadman Ramin , Anand Inder , Maggioni Aldo Pietro , Carson Peter E. , Swedberg Karl , Levy Wayne C.
Published: October 2012

Background—

Whether sex differences in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) benefit exist remains unanswered. We evaluated sex differences in mode of death among a large cohort of ambulatory heart failure patients who meet criteria for a primary prevention ICD.

Methods and Results—

Patients from 5 trials or registries were included if they met American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Heart Rhythm Society guideline criteria for implantation of a primary prevention ICD. We investigated the potential sex differences in total deaths and total deaths by mode of death. The relationship between the estimated total mortality and mode of death by percentage of total mortality was also analyzed by sex. The Seattle Heart Failure Model was used to estimate total mortality in this analysis. A total of 8337 patients (1685 [20%] women) met inclusion criteria. One-year mortality was 10.8±0.3%. In women, the age-adjusted all-cause mortality was 24% lower (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76; confidence interval [CI], 0.68–0.85;
P
<0.0001), the risk of sudden death was 32% lower (HR, 0.68; CI, 0.58–0.68;
P
<0.0001), but no significant difference in pump failure death was observed. Throughout a range of total mortality risk, women had a 20% lower all-cause mortality (HR, 0.80; CI, 0.71–0.89;
P
<0.001) and 30% fewer deaths that were sudden (HR, 0.70; CI, 0.59–0.82;
P
<0.0001) compared with men.

Conclusions—

Women with heart failure have a lower mortality than men, and fewer of those deaths are sudden throughout a spectrum of all-cause mortality risk. These data provide a plausible reason for and thus support the possibility that sex differences in ICD benefit may exist.
Efficacy and Safety of the Novel Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Dentali Francesco , Riva Nicoletta , Crowther Mark , Turpie Alexander G.G. , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Ageno Walter
Published: October 2012

Background—

Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been proposed as alternatives to vitamin K antagonists for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. Individually, NOACs were at least noninferior to vitamin K antagonists, but a clear superiority in overall and vascular mortality was not consistently proven.

Methods and Results—

We performed a meta-analysis of phase II and phase III randomized, controlled trials comparing NOACs with vitamin K antagonists in patients with atrial fibrillation. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, supplemented with conference abstract books and
www.clinicaltrials.gov
, were searched up to the first week of July 2012 with no language restriction. Two reviewers performed independent article review and study quality assessment. Data on overall and cardiovascular mortality, stroke or systemic embolism, ischemic stroke, major and intracranial bleeding, and myocardial infarction were collected. NOACs were pooled to perform a comparison with vitamin K antagonists, calculating pooled relative risks (RRs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We retrieved 12 studies (3 administering dabigatran, 4 administering rivaroxaban, 2 administering apixaban, and 3 administering edoxaban) enrolling a total of 54 875 patients. NOACs significantly reduced total mortality (5.61% versus 6.02%; RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83–0.96), cardiovascular mortality (3.45% versus 3.65%; RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82–0.98), and stroke/systemic embolism (2.40% versus 3.13%; RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.70–0.86). There was a trend toward reduced major bleeding (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.72–1.02) with a significant reduction of intracranial hemorrhage (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.39–0.56). No difference in myocardial infarction was observed.

Conclusions—

NOACs are associated with an overall clinical benefit compared with vitamin K antagonists. Additional research is required to confirm these findings outside the context of randomized trials.
“I Would Not Consider Myself a Homophobe”
Authors: Marshall Joanne M. , Hernandez Frank
Published: October 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the written reflections of aspiring principals in two principal-preparation courses where social justice is at the core of the content and which address sexual orientation as part of the responsibility of a social justice leader. Data Collection: Two instructors in a leadership-preparation program incorporated reflection assignments into their respective social-justice-related courses. One course was offered at the beginning of the program; the other offered at the end. Aspiring principals from two different cohorts of students participated in the study. The students’ reflections were coded to identify themes and patterns that were found in their reflections and to see if any of their reflections changed over time. Findings: The authors found that students had varied experiences with people who identified as LGBTQ. Second, we found that discussion of sexual orientation was complicated by students’ Christian beliefs. Third, we found that there was some change in the way in which students responded to sexual orientation, from a more passionate to a more analytical stance. We discuss these findings in light of the need for better assessment of future leaders’ attitudes and actions and of our own heteronormativity and heterosexism. We discuss implications for our own teaching as well as for other teachers in preparation programs.
“Suahunu,” the Trialectic Space
Authors: Sefa Dei George J.
Published: October 2012

This article discusses the concept of “suahunu” as the “trialectic space” and highlights its key principles and ideas as part of the project of pioneering new analytical systems for understanding Indigenous communities. The concept is borrowed from the lexicon of the Akan people of Ghana, with the embedded meaning that if one is seriously about learning, one will come to know and acquire knowledge and act responsibly. The article also raises lessons for the ways we produce and validate knowledge for social action and practice. In the discussion, the ideas embodying the “trialectic space” (e.g., body-mind-soul interconnections, culture-society-nature interface, sacredness of activity, spiritually centered space, ancestralism, embodied connection, decolonization, and multicentricity) are fleshed out, pointing to the implications for revisioning schooling and education globally for contemporary learners.
Teaching Antiracism
Authors: Boatright-Horowitz Su L. , Marraccini Marisa , Harps-Logan Yvette
Published: October 2012

Class discussions of White privilege can increase sociocultural and international awareness in our students. Therefore, instructors should be encouraged to teach this topic in introductory college survey courses (e.g., psychology and sociology), although negative reactions by White students can affect student evaluations of an instructor’s teaching skills. We decided to further explore college students’ cognitive and emotional reactions to this topic. Principal components analysis revealed four factors. Agreement with items related to the factor Societal (e.g., American society is not a meritocracy) was associated with understanding White privilege. Agreement with items associated with the factor Personal (e.g., feeling personally attacked) was associated with failure to understand this concept. The remaining two factors, Denial and The Bad Guys (feeling like one of “the bad guys” in society), were not significantly associated with understanding White privilege. These findings are discussed in the context of successfully teaching antiracism.
Support for Innovation in Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Authors: Lee Sang Don , Jang Deok-Ho
Published: October 2012

This study explores perceived support for innovation and suggested associated variables among faculty in the context of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Results showed that faculty perspectives on organizational support for innovation were affected by dispositional resistance toward change, empowerment, organizational trust, interpersonal conflict, and several demographic variables. Organizational trust and experience in terms of participation in innovative processes had major effects on support for innovation. The strategic significance of study findings are discussed.
Effects of DMO Coordination on Destination Brand Identity
Authors: Bregoli Ilenia
Published: October 2012

Academic literature has paid little attention to stakeholder coordination and branding from a supply-side perspective. This article tries to fill this gap by applying the concept of internal brand strength to destination brands and analyzing whether stakeholder coordination has an impact on the destination brand. A mixed-method design involving stakeholders working within Edinburgh, Scotland, revealed that within the city there is mixed commitment to the brand, and some coordination mechanisms appear more useful than others for ensuring that stakeholders are committed to and adopt brand values in their work. This article makes apparent that internal communication and “socialization” processes are fundamental activities to which destination marketing organization (DMO) managers should pay attention if they want stakeholders to become committed to the destination brand values and adopt them in their work.
Is the Other radically ‘other’? A critical reconstruction of Levinas’ ethics
Authors: Plant Bob
Published: October 2012

Many Levinasians are prone to merely assert or presuppose that the Other is ‘radically Other’, and that such Otherness is of patent ethical significance. But building ethics into the very concept of ‘the Other’ seems question-begging. What then, if not mere Otherness, might motivate Levinasian responsibility? In the following discussion I argue that this can best be answered by reading Levinas as a post-Holocaust thinker, preoccupied with how one’s simply being-here constitutes a ‘usurpation of spaces belonging to the other’. Then, drawing on Schutz’s phenomenology, I explain how the resultant usurpatory bad conscience presupposes the embodied ‘interchangeability’ of self and Other. As such, one can be said to ‘usurp’ the Other’s place only insofar as self and Other are not radically different.
The use of dynamic global vegetation models for simulating hydrology and the potential integration of satellite observations
Authors: Murray S.J. , Watson I.M. , Prentice I.C.
Published: October 2012

Dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) offer explicit representations of the land surface through time and have been used to research large-scale hydrological responses to climate change. These applications are discussed and comparisons of model inputs and formulations are made among and between DGVMs and global hydrological models. It is shown that the configuration of process representations and data inputs are what makes a given DGVM unique within the family of vegetation models. The variety of available climatic forcing datasets introduces uncertainty into simulations of hydrological variables. It is proposed that satellite-derived data, validated thoroughly, could be used to improve the quality of model evaluations and augment ground-based observations, particularly where spatial and temporal gaps are present. This would aid the reduction of model uncertainties and thus potentially enhance our understanding of global hydrological change.
Tropical rock coasts
Authors: Moses Cherith A.
Published: October 2012

Rock coasts are widespread in the tropics and exhibit particular morphologies that may be specific to their tropical, micro-tidal location. Notches are particularly well developed, often linked to onshore cliffs and fronted by subhorizontal platforms. Through a review of previously published data across the tropics, average cliff face erosion rates are calculated as 2.15 ± 2.62 mm a−1, intertidal erosion rates 3.03 ± 7.50 mm a−1 and subtidal erosion rates 0.96 ± 0.44 mm a−1. Intertidal erosion rates are variable within and across latitudinal ranges: within 10°N and S of the equator average rates are 1.42 ± 1.22 mm a−1; between latitudes of 10°and 20°, 0.88 ± 1.16 mm a−1 and between latitudes of 20°and 30°, 2.04 ± 2.57 mm a−1. A consideration of temporal variations in intertidal erosion rates provides insights into the potential impacts of climate change on the erosion dynamics of rock coasts in the tropics. This paper highlights some of the interactions over time and space between process and measurement that continue to limit our understanding of, and ability to model, the erosion dynamics of tropical rock coasts. It concludes by identifying potentially fruitful areas for future research.
Evidence-Based Acute Bronchitis Therapy
Authors: Tackett Kimberly L. , Atkins Aaron
Published: October 2012

Acute bronchitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the large airways within the lung accompanied by a cough lasting from 1 to 3 weeks. The inflammation occurs as a result of an airway infection or environmental trigger, with viral infections accounting for an estimated 89% to 95% of cases. Symptomatic treatment of cough is primarily required for patients, though in most cases the condition is self-limiting. Therapy consists of both nonpharmacological and pharmacological options to include antibiotics and antivirals, antitussive agents, protussive agents, and beta-2-agonists. This article reviews the treatment options for acute bronchitis and recommends criteria for use.
A Review of the Advances in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment
Authors: Metzger Nicole L. , Lundquist Lisa M.
Published: October 2012

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe and within the United States. Although several medication classes are used for COPD treatment, none of these medications have been shown to significantly improve long-term lung function or mitigate overall disease progression. This review describes the pharmacologic treatment options for COPD and highlights recent studies evaluating the impact of bronchodilators and combination therapy on lung function, mortality, quality of life, and exacerbations. Additionally, indacaterol and roflumilast, 2 new COPD treatment agents approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2011, are discussed. Pharmacists play an important role in managing and educating patients with COPD and should utilize new evidence to make recommendations.
Effect of feed and roller contact start point on strain and residual stress distribution in dome forming of steel tube by spinning at an elevated temperature
Authors: Zoghi Hamed , Fallahi Arezoodar Alireza , Sayeaftabi Mojtaba
Published: October 2012

Tube spinning, without mandrel, is a common process used for manufacturing pressure vessels, e.g. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) capsules for automotive industry and fire extinguishers. The process is carried out at an elevated temperature for forming a dome on thick wall steel tube ends. Two of the most important control parameters in the process are the “roller contact start point” (RCSP) and spinning feed (pitch), both of them highly affecting the process time and deformation behavior of the tubes and therefore success and quality of the product. In this article, using a three-dimensional dynamic explicit finite element model, the effects of these parameters are investigated on circumferential, axial and radial (thickness) strains of the formed tube in three thickness layers of the tube wall. The model is also verified by experiment.

While circumferential strain is shown to be independent of the feed, axial and thickness strains are highly affected by both the feed and roller contact start point. It is shown that when the roller contact start point distance from the free end of the tube increases, there is a risk of indentation instead of normal bending behavior. It is also shown that axial strain has an inverse relation with feed, i.e. decreasing the feed results in further elongation of the tube. On the other hand, thickness strain increases by increasing the feed, so bigger thicknesses are expected in domes manufactured by higher feeds. In addition, it is shown that increasing the feed results in a decrease of the equivalent strain. The amount of residual stress (regardless of the temperature change) increases with increasing feed and its distribution is more uniform for higher distances of the contact start point from the free end.
Face Aftereffects Predict Individual Differences in Face Recognition Ability
Authors: Dennett Hugh W. , McKone Elinor , Edwards Mark , Susilo Tirta
Published: October 2012

Face aftereffects are widely studied on the assumption that they provide a useful tool for investigating face-space coding of identity. However, a long-standing issue concerns the extent to which face aftereffects originate in face-level processes as opposed to earlier stages of visual processing. For example, some recent studies failed to find atypical face aftereffects in individuals with clinically poor face recognition. We show that in individuals within the normal range of face recognition abilities, there is an association between face memory ability and a figural face aftereffect that is argued to reflect the steepness of broadband-opponent neural response functions in underlying face-space. We further show that this correlation arises from face-level processing, by reporting results of tests of nonface memory and nonface aftereffects. We conclude that face aftereffects can tap high-level face-space, and that face-space coding differs in quality between individuals and contributes to face recognition ability.
Palaeoenvironmental changes since the Last Glacial Maximum: Patterns, timing and dynamics throughout South America
Authors: Fontana Sonia L , Bianchi María Martha , Bennett KD
Published: October 2012

The vast diversity of present vegetation and environments that occur throughout South America (12°N to 56°S) is the result of diverse processes that have been operating and interacting at different spatial and temporal scales. Global factors, such as the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, may have been significant for high altitude vegetation during times of lower abundance, while lower sea levels of glacial stages potentially opened areas of continental shelf for colonisation during a substantial portion of the Quaternary. Latitudinal variation in orbital forcing has operated on a regional scale. The pace of climate change in the tropics is dominated by precessional oscillations of c. 20 kyr, while the high latitudes of the south are dominated by obliquity oscillations of c. 40 kyr. In particular, seasonal insolation changes forced by precessional oscillations must have had important consequences for the distribution limits of species, with potentially different effects depending on the latitude. The availability of taxa, altitude and human impact, among other events, have locally influenced the environments. Disentangling the different forcing factors of environmental change that operate on different timescales, and understanding the underlying mechanisms leads to considerable challenges for palaeoecologists. The papers in this Special Issue present a selection of palaeoecological studies throughout South America on vegetation changes and other aspects of the environment, providing a window on the possible complexity of the nature of transitions and timings that are potentially available.
“Does One Size Fit All?” Exploring the Cultural Applicability of NANDA Nursing Diagnoses to Chinese Nursing Practice
Authors: Lai Wei-Shu , Chao Co-Shi Chantal , Yang Wan-Ping , Liu Hsiao-Ching , Chen Ching-Huey
Published: October 2012

East Asia has historically unique concepts of health and well-being and thus is an appropriate setting for exploring the multicultural applicability of the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association’s Nursing Diagnoses (NANDA ND) system. This study aimed to explore how NANDA ND affect the growth and quality of professional nursing from the perspective of Taiwanese nurses. Grounded theory was employed in this interview-based investigation of 53 Taiwan-licensed nursing professionals at various hospitals in Taiwan. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis until theoretical saturation was reached. The core concept, Struggling with (the NANDA ND notion that) One Size Fits All, emerged after ongoing analysis of the effects of NANDA ND on good nursing, patient welfare, and professional development. The preliminary theoretical framework developed from this study provides evidence that NANDA ND may be incompatible with the cultural beliefs of the traditional Chinese health care setting in Taiwan, which emphasize holistic harmony and balance.