bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent, Delayed Hemorrhage Associated with Edoxaban after Deep Brain Stimulation Lead Placement
Authors: Sivakumar Walavan , Garber Sarah T. , Schrock Lauren E. , House Paul A.
Published: January 2013

Factor-Xa inhibitors like edoxaban have been shown to have comparable or superior rates of stroke and systemic embolization prevention to warfarin while exhibiting lower clinically significant bleeding rates. The authors report a case of a man who presented with delayed, recurrent intracranial hemorrhage months after successful deep brain stimulator placement for Parkinson disease while on edoxaban for atrial fibrillation. Further reports on the use of novel anticoagulants after intracranial surgery are acutely needed to help assess the true relative risk they pose.
Protein Target Quantification Decision Tree
Authors: Kim Jong Won , You Jinsam
Published: January 2013

The utility of mass spectrometry-(MS-) based proteomic platforms and their clinical applications have become an emerging field in proteomics in recent years. Owing to its selectivity and sensitivity, MS has become a key technological platform in proteomic research. Using this platform, a large number of potential biomarker candidates for specific diseases have been reported. However, due to lack of validation, none has been approved for use in clinical settings by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Successful candidate verification and validation will facilitate the development of potential biomarkers, leading to better strategies for disease diagnostics, prognostics, and treatment. With the recent new developments in mass spectrometers, high sensitivity, high resolution, and high mass accuracy can be achieved. This greatly enhances the capabilities of protein biomarker validation. In this paper, we describe and discuss recent developments and applications of targeted proteomics methods for biomarker validation.
Understanding Nonprescription and Prescription Drug Misuse in Late Adolescence/Young Adulthood
Authors: Fleary Sasha A. , Heffer Robert W. , McKyer E. Lisako J.
Published: January 2013

This study explored the extent to which nonprescription and prescription drugs misuse among adolescents/young adults are related to their perception that it is safer than illicit drugs, ease of access, and lower societal stigma. Adolescents/young adults (; , ) completed an online survey about their nonprescription and prescription drug misuse, other substance use, and correlates of use. Perceived risk, societal stigma, and access to nonprescription and prescription drugs were predictive of misuse. Results support program planners working towards targeting perceived risk and societal stigma in reducing misuse and the need to restrict and monitor access to nonprescription and prescription drugs for adolescents/young adults.
An Efficient Data Evacuation Strategy for Sensor Networks in Postdisaster Applications
Authors: Liu Ming , Liu Bang , Wen Yonggang
Published: January 2013

Disasters often result in a tremendous cost to our society. Previously, wireless sensor networks have been proposed to provide information for decision making in postdisaster relief operations. The existing WSN solutions for postdisaster operations normally assume that the deployed sensor network can tolerate the damage caused by disasters and maintain its connectivity and coverage, even though a significant portion of nodes have been physically destroyed. Inspired by the “blackbox” technique, we propose that preserving “the last snapshot” of the whole network and transferring those data to a safe zone would be the most logical approach to provide necessary information for rescuing lives and control damages. In this paper, we introduce data evacuation (DE), an original idea that takes advantage of the survival time of the WSN, that is, the gap from the time when the disaster hits and the time when the WSN is paralyzed, to transmit critical data to sensor nodes in the safe zone. Numerical investigations reveal the effectiveness of our proposed DE algorithm.
Computational and Bioinformatics Frameworks for Next‐Generation Whole Exome and Genome Sequencing
Authors: Dolled-Filhart Marisa P. , Lee Michael , Ou-yang Chih-wen , Haraksingh Rajini Rani , Lin Jimmy Cheng-Ho
Published: January 2013

It has become increasingly apparent that one of the major hurdles in the genomic age will be the bioinformatics challenges of next‐generation sequencing. We provide an overview of a general framework of bioinformatics analysis. For each of the three stages of (1) alignment, (2) variant calling, and (3) filtering and annotation, we describe the analysis required and survey the different software packages that are used. Furthermore, we discuss possible future developments as data sources grow and highlight opportunities for new bioinformatics tools to be developed.
Stability Analysis and Frontier Orbital Study of Different Glycol and Water Complex
Authors: Pal Snehanshu , Kundu T. K.
Published: January 2013

A detailed theoretical study of hydrogen-bond formation in different polyethylene glycol + water complex and dipropylene glycol + water have been performed by Hartree Fock (HF) method, second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2), and density functional theory (DFT) using 6-31++G(d,p) basis set. B3LYP DFT-D, WB97XD, M06, and M06-2X functionals have been used to describe highly dispersive hydrogen-bond formation appropriately. Geometrical parameters, interaction energies, deformation energies, deviation of potential energy curves of hydrogen bonded O–H from that of free O–H, frontier orbitals, and charge transfer have been studied to analyze stability and nature of hydrogen bond formation of various glycol and water complexes. It is found that WB97XD is best among all the applied DFT functionals to describe hydrogen bond interaction, and intermolecular hydrogen bonds have higher covalent character and accordingly higher strength when glycol acts as proton donor for glycol + 1 water complex system.
Dimension Estimates for Certain Sets of Infinite Complex Continued Fractions
Authors: Neunhäuserer J.
Published: January 2013

We prove upper and lower estimates on the Hausdorff dimension of sets of infinite complex continued fractions with finitely many prescribed Gaussian integers. Particulary we will conclude that the dimension of theses sets is not zero or two and there are such sets with dimension greater than one and smaller than one.
Retinol and Retinyl Palmitate in Foetal Lung Mice: Sexual Dimorphism
Authors: Carvalho Olga , Gonçalves Carlos
Published: January 2013

In this work, we evaluate the lung retinoids content to study the possible difference between male and female mice during prenatal development and to comprehend if the vitamin A metabolism is similar in both genders. The study occurred between developmental days E15 and E19, and the retinol and retinyl palmitate lung contents were determined by HPLC analysis. We established two main groups: the control, consisting of foetuses obtained from pregnant females without any manipulation, and vitamin A, composed of foetuses from pregnant females submitted to vitamin A administration on developmental day E14. Each of these groups was subdivided by gender, establishing the four final groups. In the lung of control group, retinol was undetected in both genders and retinyl palmitate levels exhibited a sexual dimorphism. In the vitamin A group, we detected retinol and retinyl palmitate in both genders, and we observed a more evident sexual dimorphism for both retinoids. Our study also indicates that, from developmental day E15 to E19, there is an increase in the retinoids content in foetal lung and a gender difference in the retinoids metabolism. In conclusion, there is a sexual dimorphism in the lung retinoids content and in its metabolism during mice development.
Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: Li Jun , Lepski Guilherme
Published: January 2013

Cell transplantation, as a therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injury (SCI), has been extensively studied by researchers in recent years. A number of different kinds of stem cells, neural progenitors, and glial cells have been tested in basic research, and most have been excluded from clinical studies because of a variety of reasons, including safety and efficacy. The signaling pathways, protein interactions, cellular behavior, and the differentiated fates of experimental cells have been studiedin vitroin detail. Furthermore, the survival, proliferation, differentiation, and effects on promoting functional recovery of transplanted cells have also been examined in different animal SCI models. However, despite significant progress, a “bench to bedside” gap still exists. In this paper, we comprehensively cover publications in the field from the last years. The most commonly utilized cell lineages were covered in this paper and specific areas covered include survival of grafted cells, axonal regeneration and remyelination, sensory and motor functional recovery, and electrophysiological improvements. Finally we also review the literature on thein vivotracking techniques for transplanted cells.
Gastric Carcinoid and Obesity: Association or Coincidence? Report of Two Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Al-Harbi Obaid , Shakir Mustafa , Al-Brahim Nabeel
Published: January 2013

Bariatric surgery is a prevalent procedure due to the high incidence of obesity and comorbidities. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is one of the procedures used to evaluate the patient before surgery. However, its role is questionable. The incidental findings during endoscopy are variable including inflammatory diseases, and ulcers, and epithelial and stromal tumors. Herein a report of two obese sisters with incidental gastric carcinoids was diagnosed in prebariatric surgery endoscopy.Case Summary. 35- and 41-year-old female patients presented with obesity and BMI of 102 and 46 kg/m2, respectively. Both patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as part of presurgical evaluation. Multiple polyps were indentified in both patients, and biopsy was taken. Histological examination revealed tumors that were formed by nests of epithelial cells. The cells have eosinophilic cytoplasm and monomorphic nuclei, typical morphology of neuroendocrine tumors.Conclusions. (1) Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is an important procedure for prebariatric surgery evaluation. (2) Gastric carcinoid is a rare tumor with higher incidence among obese patients.
Prior Lung Inflammation Impacts on Body Distribution of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Hussain Salik , Vanoirbeek Jeroen A. J. , Haenen Steven , Haufroid Vincent , Boland Sonja , Marano Francelyne , Nemery Benoit , Hoet Peter H. M.
Published: January 2013

Introduction. Gold- (Au-) based nanomaterials have shown promising potential in nanomedicine. The individual health status is an important determinant of the response to injury/exposure. It is, therefore, critical to evaluate exposure to Au-nanomaterials with varied preexisting health status.Objective. The goal of this research was to determine the extent of extrapulmonary translocation from healthy and inflamed lungs after pulmonary exposure to AuNPs. Male BALB/c mice received a single dose of0.8 mg·kg−1AuNPs (40 nm) by oropharyngeal aspiration 24 hours after priming with LPS (0.4 mg·kg−1) through the same route. Metal contents were analyzed in different organs by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Results. Oropharyngeal aspiration resulted in high metal concentrations in lungs (P<0.001); however, these were much lower after pretreatment with LPS (P<0.05). Significantly higher concentrations of Au were detected in heart and thymus of healthy animals, whereas higher concentrations of Au NPs were observed in spleen in LPS-primed animals.Conclusions. The distribution of AuNPs from lungs to secondary target organs depends upon the health status, indicating that targeting of distinct secondary organs in nanomedicine needs to be considered carefully under health and inflammatory conditions.
On q-Difference Riccati Equations and Second-Order Linear q-Difference Equations
Authors: Huang Zhi-Bo
Published: January 2013

We consider q-difference Riccati equations and second-order linear q-difference equations in the complex plane. We present some basic properties, such as the transformations between these two equations, the representations and the value distribution of meromorphic solutions of q-difference Riccati equations, and the q-Casorati determinant of meromorphic solutions of second-order linear q-difference equations. In particular, we find that the meromorphic solutions of these two equations are concerned with the q-Gamma function when q∈ℂ such that 0<|q|<1. Some examples are also listed to illustrate our results.
Breed-Predispositions to Cancer in Pedigree Dogs
Authors: Dobson Jane M.
Published: January 2013

Cancer is a common problem in dogs and although all breeds of dog and crossbred dogs may be affected, it is notable that some breeds of pedigree dogs appear to be at increased risk of certain types of cancer suggesting underlying genetic predisposition to cancer susceptibility. Although the aetiology of most cancers is likely to be multifactorial, the limited genetic diversity seen in purebred dogs facilitates genetic linkage or association studies on relatively small populations as compared to humans, and by using newly developed resources, genome-wide association studies in dog breeds are proving to be a powerful tool for unravelling complex disorders. This paper will review the literature on canine breed susceptibility to histiocytic sarcoma, osteosarcoma, haemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumours, lymphoma, melanoma, and mammary tumours including the recent advances in knowledge through molecular genetic, cytogenetic, and genome wide association studies.
Structure-Based Evolutionary Programming Design of Broadband Wire Antennas
Authors: Casula Giovanni Andrea , Mazzarella Giuseppe , Montisci Giorgio
Published: January 2013

A design technique for wire antennas, based on the Structure-Based Evolutionary Programming, is used to design a broadband antenna with an end-fire radiation pattern and a very simple geometry, operating in the 3–16 GHz frequency band, namely, from the S band to the Ku band. The antenna has been analyzed with NEC-2 during the evolutionary process, looking for high gain, good input match, and robustness with respect to realization tolerances. The outcome of our design procedure shows a very good performance.
Histomorphological and Histochemical Observations of the Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) Tongue
Authors: Kadhim Khalid Kamil , Hameed AL-Timmemi , Abass Thamir A.
Published: January 2013

Common myna tongue was studied histomorphologically and histochemically. Four tongues of adult birds were carried out macroscopically and microscopically. The tongue was triangular; the dorsum of the body had median groove. Two to three backward directed papillae were located on each side of the body-base junction. A single transverse row of pharyngeal papillae was located behind the laryngeal cleft. The parakeratinized mucosa covered the entire surface of the tongue except clearly keratinized band on the ventrolateral surface and the conical papillae. Compared with the lateral group (LG), the secretory cells of the medial group (MG) of the anterior lingual glands (ALG) and the posterior lingual glands (PLG) contained large amount of mucin. It was neutral mucin. However, the LG had weak acid mucin with carboxylated group. Meanwhile, the MG of the ALG and the PLG had strong acid mucin with both carboxylated and sulphated groups. In conclusion, the morphological observation of the common myna tongue showed some variation from the other birds. Histochemical results indicated the differences between the LG and MG of the anterior lingual glands. However, no difference was observed between the latter and the PLG.
Adult Onset Still’s Disease: A Case Report with a Rare Clinical Manifestation and Pathophysiological Correlations
Authors: Antoniou Katerina M. , Margaritopoulos George A. , Giannarakis Ioannis , Choulaki Christianna , Fountoulakis Nikos , Siafakas Nikos M. , Sidiropoulos Prodromos
Published: January 2013

Adult-onset Still’s disease is an inflammatory multisystemic disease of unknown etiology. Pleuritis is the most common pulmonary manifestation and pleural effusions are usually exudates with a predominance of neutrophils. We report a case of an eosinophilic pleural effusion as a novel and hitherto unrecognized manifestation of active adult-onset Still’s disease. We also observed a marked NLRP3 inflammasome activation with increased production of IL-1βwhich coincided with the development and resolved upon remission of the pleural effusion suggesting a possible novel pathogenetic pathway for the development of pleural effusions in the context of the auto-inflammatory disorders.
Trp53Inactivation in the Tumor Microenvironment Promotes Tumor Progression by Expanding the Immunosuppressive Lymphoid-like Stromal Network
Authors: Guo Gang , Marrero Luis , Rodriguez Paulo , Del Valle Luis , Ochoa Augusto , Cui Yan
Published: January 2013

Inactivation of the tumor suppressor p53 through somatic mutations, observed in 50% of human cancers, is one of the leading causes of tumorigenesis. Clinical and experimental evidence also reveals that p53 mutations sometimes occur in tumor-associated fibroblasts, which correlate with an increased rate of metastases and poor prognosis, suggesting that p53 dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment (TME) favors tumor establishment and progression. To understand the impact of p53 inactivation in the TME in tumor progression, we compared the growth of subcutaneously inoculated B16F1 melanoma in p53null and wild-type (WT) mice. Interestingly, tumor growth in p53null mice was greatly accelerated, correlating with marked increases in CD11b+Gr-1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), FoxP3+ regulatory T cells, and a loss of effector function, compared with those in WT mice. This augmented immunotolerant TME in p53null mice was associated with a marked expansion of a specialized stromal network in the tumor and spleen. These stromal cells expressed markers of fibroblastic reticular cells of lymphoid organs and were readily expanded in culture from p53null, but not WT, mice. They produced high levels of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and immunosuppressive molecules, thereby enhancing MDSC differentiation. Furthermore, they significantly accelerated tumor progression in WT mice when co-injected with B16F1. Together, our results show that tumor-stroma interaction in hosts with dysfunctional p53 exacerbates immunosuppression by expanding the lymphoid-like stromal network that enhances MDSC differentiation and tumor progression. Cancer Res; 73(6); 1668–75. ©2012 AACR.
Combination of Ponatinib with Hedgehog Antagonist Vismodegib for Therapy-Resistant BCR-ABL1–Positive Leukemia
Authors: Katagiri Seiichiro , Tauchi Tetsuzo , Okabe Seiichi , Minami Yosuke , Kimura Shinya , Maekawa Taira , Naoe Tomoki , Ohyashiki Kazuma
Published: January 2013

Purpose: The Hedgehog signaling pathway is a key regulator of cell growth and differentiation during development. Whereas the Hedgehog pathway is inactive in most normal adult tissues, Hedgehog pathway reactivation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neoplasms including BCR-ABL1–positive leukemia. The clear link between the Hedgehog pathway and BCR-ABL1–positive leukemia led to an effort to identify small molecules to block the pathway.

Experimental Design: We investigated the combined effects of vismodegib and ponatinib, a pan-ABL1 kinase inhibitor, in nonobese diabetic/severe-combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) repopulating T315I BCR-ABL1–positive cells in vitro and in vivo.

Results: We observed that combination with vismodegib and ponatinib helps to eliminate therapy-resistant NOD/SCID repopulating T315I BCR-ABL1–positive cells. The percentage of CD19-positive leukemia cells in peripheral blood was significantly lower in vismodegib + ponatinib–treated mice than that of the vehicle or ponatinib alone (P < 0.001). Spleen weights were also lower in vismodegib + ponatinib–treated mice than in ponatinib alone (P < 0.05). Overall tumor burden, as assessed by BCR-ABL mRNA from bone marrow cells, was significantly lower in vismodegib + ponatinib–treated mice than in ponatinib alone (P < 0.005). We also found that vismodegib significantly reduced BCR-ABL1–positive leukemia cell self-renewal in vitro as well as during serial transplantation in vivo.

Conclusions: The combination with a Smo inhibitor and ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors may help eliminate therapy-resistant T315I BCR-ABL1–positive leukemia cells. Our preclinical results indicate that vismodegib has potential as an important option for controlling minimal residual cells in BCR-ABL1–positive leukemia. Clin Cancer Res; 19(6); 1422–32. ©2012 AACR.
MicroRNA-126, -145, and -155
Authors: Wei Yuanyuan , Nazari-Jahantigh Maliheh , Neth Peter , Weber Christian , Schober Andreas
Published: January 2013

Atherosclerosis is a condition caused by lipid-induced inflammation of the vessel wall orchestrated by a complex interplay of various cell types, such as endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression typically by repressing the target mRNA, which determines cell fate and function under homeostatic and disease conditions. Here, we outline the effects of miRNA-145, -126, and -155 in atherosclerosis in vivo. Downregulation of miR-145, which controls differentiation of smooth muscle cells, promotes lesion formation, whereas the endothelial cell-specific miRNA-126 signals the need for endothelial repair through its transfer from apoptotic endothelial cells in microvesicles. Elevated miR-155 levels are characteristic of proinflammatory macrophages and atherosclerotic lesions. However, the effects of miR-155 seem to be different in early and advanced atherosclerosis. The discovery of the role of these miRNAs in atherosclerosis sheds light on the current concepts of atherogenesis and may provide novel treatment options for cardiovascular diseases.
Statistical Methods to Monitor Risk Factors in a Clinical Database
Authors: Siregar Sabrina , Roes Kit C.B. , van Straten Albert H.M. , Bots Michiel L. , van der Graaf Yolanda , van Herwerden Lex A. , Groenwold Rolf H.H.
Published: January 2013

Background—

Comparison of outcomes requires adequate risk adjustment for differences in patient risk and the type of intervention performed. Both unintentional and intentional misclassification (also called gaming) of risk factors might lead to incorrect benchmark results. Therefore, misclassification of risk factors should be detected. We investigated the use of statistical process control techniques to monitor the frequency of risk factors in a clinical database.

Methods and Results—

A national population-based study was performed using simulation and statistical process control. All patients who underwent cardiac surgery between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009, in all 16 cardiothoracic surgery centers in the Netherlands were included. Data on 46 883 consecutive cardiac surgery interventions were extracted. The expected risk factor frequencies were based on 2007 and 2008 data. Monthly frequency rates of 18 risk factors in 2009 were monitored using a Shewhart control chart, exponentially weighted moving average chart, and cumulative sum chart. Upcoding (ie, gaming) in random patients was simulated and detected in 100% of the simulations. Subtle forms of gaming, involving specifically high-risk patients, were more difficult to identify (detection rate of 44%). However, the accompanying rise in mean logistic European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE) was detected in all simulations.

Conclusions—

Statistical process control in the form of a Shewhart control chart, exponentially weighted moving average, and cumulative sum charts provide a means to monitor changes in risk factor frequencies in a clinical database. Surveillance of the overall expected risk in addition to the separate risk factors ensures a high sensitivity to detect gaming. The use of statistical process control for risk factor surveillance is recommended.
Integration of Troponin I Phosphorylation With Cardiac Regulatory Networks
Authors: Solaro R. John , Henze Marcus , Kobayashi Tomoyoshi
Published: January 2013

We focus here on the modulation of thin filament activity by cardiac troponin I phosphorylation as an integral and adaptive mechanism in cardiac homeostasis and as a mechanism vulnerable to maladaptive response to stress. We discuss a current concept of cardiac troponin I function in the A-band region of the sarcomere and potential signaling to cardiac troponin I in a network involving the ends of the thin filaments at the Z-disk and the M-band regions. The cardiac sarcomere represents a remarkable set of interacting proteins that functions not only as a molecular machine generating the heartbeat but also as a hub of signaling. We review how phosphorylation signaling to cardiac troponin I is integrated, with parallel signals controlling excitation–contraction coupling, hypertrophy, and metabolism.
Disturbed Blood Flow Acutely Induces Activation and Apoptosis of the Human Vascular Endothelium
Authors: Jenkins Nathan T. , Padilla Jaume , Boyle Leryn J. , Credeur Daniel P. , Laughlin M. Harold , Fadel Paul J.
Published: January 2013

There is strong and consistent evidence from in vitro studies that disturbed blood flow produces a proatherogenic vascular endothelial phenotype. However, data from human studies are lacking. To address this, a 220 mm Hg occlusion cuff was placed on the distal forearm of 10 young, healthy men to induce a localized region of disturbed blood flow in the proximal vasculature for 20 minutes. We hypothesized that disturbed blood flow would induce endothelial activation and apoptosis as indicated by increases in local concentrations of CD62E
+
and CD31
+
/CD42b
–
endothelial microparticles, respectively. Distal cuff occlusion induced reductions in mean blood flow, mean shear, and antegrade shear, and increases in retrograde flow, retrograde shear, and oscillatory shear stress, confirming that our protocol produced a disturbed blood flow stimulus in the experimental arm. Relative to baseline (0 minutes), CD62E
+
endothelial microparticles increased by ≈3-fold at 10 minutes and ≈4-fold at 20 minutes in the experimental arm (
P
<0.05). CD31
+
/CD42b
–
endothelial microparticles were elevated by ≈9-fold at the 20 minutes time point (
P
<0.05). There were no changes in the concentrations of either endothelial microparticle population throughout the experiment in the contralateral arm, exposed to normal resting blood flow (no cuffs). These findings indicate that disturbed blood flow acutely induces endothelial activation and apoptosis in humans, as reflected by release of microparticles from activated (CD62E
+
) and apoptotic (CD31
+
/CD42b
–
) endothelial cells. These data provide the first in vivo experimental evidence of disturbed blood flow-induced endothelial injury in humans.
Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase-1 Attenuates Cold-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Crosswhite Patrick , Sun Zhongjie
Published: January 2013

Chronic exposure to cold caused pulmonary arterial hypertension (cold-induced pulmonary hypertension [CIPH]) and increased phosphodiesterase-1C (PDE-1C) expression in pulmonary arteries (PAs) in rats. The purpose of this study is to investigate a hypothesis that inhibition of PDE-1 would decrease inflammatory infiltrates and superoxide production leading to attenuation of CIPH. Three groups of male rats were exposed to moderate cold (5±1°C) continuously, whereas 3 groups were maintained at room temperature (23.5±1°C, warm; 6 rats/group). After 8-week exposure to cold, 3 groups in each temperature condition received continuous intravenous infusion of 8-isobutyl-methylxanthine (8-IBMX) (PDE-1 inhibitor), apocynin (NADPH oxidase inhibitor) or vehicle, respectively, for 1 week. Cold exposure significantly increased right-ventricular systolic pressure compared with warm groups (33.8±3.2 versus 18.6±0.3 mm Hg), indicating that animals developed CIPH. Notably, treatment with 8-IBMX significantly attenuated the cold-induced increase in right ventricular pressure (23.5±1.8 mm Hg). Cold exposure also caused right-ventricular hypertrophy, whereas 8-IBMX reversed cold-induced right ventricular hypertrophy. Cold exposure increased PDE-1C protein expression, macrophage infiltration, NADPH oxidase activity, and superoxide production in PAs and resulted in PA remodeling. 8-IBMX abolished cold-induced upregulation of PDE-1C in PAs. Interestingly, inhibition of PDE-1 eliminated cold-induced macrophage infiltration, NADPH oxidase activation, and superoxide production in PAs and reversed PA remodeling. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase by apocynin abolished cold-induced superoxide production and attenuated CIPH and PA remodeling. In conclusion, inhibition of PDE-1 attenuated CIPH and reversed cold-induced PA remodeling by suppressing macrophage infiltration and superoxide production, suggesting that upregulation of PDE-1C expression may be involved in the pathogenesis of CIPH.
CO2morrow: Shedding Light on the Climate Crisis
Authors: Lutyens Marcos , Manning Andrew , Marianantoni Alessandro
Published: January 2013

The CO2morrow art project seeks to join the forces of scientific and artistic enquiry to aid our understanding of the climate debate and how humans are affecting the atmosphere through pollution. The authors consider the combining of art with science an essential means to help science find a voice for its concerns and discoveries and for art to have more of an impact on our society and the world at large. The project has involved the fabrication of a large-scale sculpture—placed at two U.K. sites—that highlights the correspondence between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and damage to historic buildings through erosion and adverse weather conditions. CO2morrow has laid the groundwork for a new initiative involving global data visualization and awareness of the climate crisis on a worldwide scale.
Why terms matter to biological theories: the term “origin” as used by Darwin
Authors: HOQUET Thierry
Published: January 2013

Everybody now understands what Darwin meant when he published his epoch-making book On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of favoured Races in the Struggle for life (1859). He, of course, meant evolution, i.e., the transformation of animals and plants, chance modifications, and speciation. Nevertheless, the very notion of “evolution” has aroused as much confusion as it has debate: some historians tend to suggest that Darwin intentionally avoided using the term, since it was supposedly full of progressive or embryological connotations; others claim that Darwin constantly employed the word (after all, they argue, the word “evolved” is the last one of the book). This disagreement regarding the supposed absence or presence of the term “evolution” is more than a sterile academic exercise: what is at stake in this debate is the very meaning of Darwin’s theory, as well as its relation to the contingent notions of “progress” and “development”.
A revision of the genus Thouarella Gray, 1870 (Octocorallia: Primnoidae), including an illustrated dichotomous key, a new species description, and comments on Plumarella Gray, 1870 and Dasystenella, Versluys, 1906
Authors: TAYLOR M. L. , CAIRNS S. D. , AGNEW D. J. , ROGERS A. D.
Published: January 2013

A comprehensive revision of the genus Thouarella is presented. Thirty-five holotypes of the 38 nominal Thouarella species, two varieties, and one form were examined. The number of original Thouarella species has been reduced to 25, mostly through synonymy or new genus combinations. In the process several new species have also been identified, one of which is described here as Thouarella parachilensis nov. sp. The genus is split into two groups based on polyp arrangement: Group 1 with isolated polyps and Group 2 with polyps in pairs or whorls. An illustrated dichotomous key and detailed character table of the 25 Thouarella species are presented alongside an up-to-date account of all species described in the 19th and 20th centuries and summaries of the few described from 2000 onwards. We propose that Thouarella longispinosa is synonymous with Dasystenella acanthina, T. versluysi with T. brucei, and, T. tenuisquamis, T. flabellata, and T. carinata are synonymous with T. laxa. Lastly, we propose that T. bayeri and T. undulata be placed in Plumarella and support recent suggestions that T. alternata, T. recta, T. superba, and T. diadema are also Plumarella.
The flies of the family Hybotidae (Diptera, Empidoidea) collected during the Boyekoli Ebale Congo 2010 Expedition in Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: GROOTAERT PATRICK , SHAMSHEV IGOR
Published: January 2013

Thirty-two species of Hybotidae (Diptera: Empidoidea) were collected during the Boyekoli Ebale Congo 2010 Expedition that took place in the Democratic Republic of Congo along the Congo River between Kisangani and Bumba. Only four species were known previously. Here we present new records for Syndyas crisis Garrett Jones, 1940 and Crossopalpus aenescens (Wiedemann, 1830). In addition Syneches elevatus Bezzi, 1908 and Crossopalpus quadrispina (Collart, 1934) are re-described based on the type material as well as on new material. Elaphropeza ghesquierei (Collart, 1934) and E. plagiata (Bezzi, 1908) were not found during the expedition, but are also re-described. Twenty-five species are described as new to science: Crossopalpus yaekela sp. nov., Drapetis congoensis sp. nov., D. yaekelaensis sp. nov., D. zamba sp. nov., Elaphropeza angulata sp. nov., E. baeloi sp. nov., E. congoensis sp. nov., E. excavata sp. nov., E. furcata sp. nov., E. incerta sp. nov., E. infuscata sp. nov., E. interrupta sp. nov., E. juakalyi sp. nov., E. kona sp. nov., E. laudisoitae sp. nov., E. mai sp. nov., E. monoseta sp. nov., E. motane sp. nov., E. moyindo sp. nov., E. nuda sp. nov., E. yaekela sp. nov., E. zamba sp. nov., Stilpon congoensis sp. nov., S. variabilis sp. nov. and Syndyas zamba sp. nov. A species of Drapetis and Crossopalpus recorded from females only are diagnosed, but not named.
The Analysis of Tropical Cyclone Tracks in the Western North Pacific through Data Mining. Part I: Tropical Cyclone Recurvature
Authors: Zhang Wei , Leung Yee , Chan Johnny C. L.
Published: January 2013

This paper is the first of a two-part series of papers that employs the data-mining approach to analyze tropical cyclone (TC) movement in the western North Pacific Ocean. Part I unravels conditions under which TCs tend to recurve, and Part II uncovers conditions leading to TCs making landfall. Here in Part I, a detailed study is carried out into TC recurvature over the South China Sea and western North Pacific. The investigation focuses on the unraveling of rules governing TC recurvature hidden in TC data. The historical TC track database comprises recurving TCs and straight movers. Potential parameters affecting TC recurvature are categorized into three groups: large-scale circulation, circulations surrounding TCs, and variables characterizing TCs. The tree construction algorithm, C4.5, is applied to classify recurving and straight-moving TCs. Parameters measuring large-scale circulation patterns and characterizing TCs play significant roles in building the classification tree. Altogether, 18 rules are discovered from the processed database. Most of the 18 rules can be explained by existing theories and are supported by various empirical findings on TC recurvatures. Rules governing TC recurvature discovered by the present study contain quantitative descriptions of factors such as composite wind fields, geopotential heights, and deep-layer mean winds that are essential to the understanding, interpretation, and prediction of TC recurvatures.
Validation of the ATSR Reprocessing for Climate (ARC) Dataset Using Data from Drifting Buoys and a Three-Way Error Analysis
Authors: Lean Katie , Saunders Roger W.
Published: January 2013

The Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (ATSR) Reprocessing for Climate (ARC) project aims to create an independent climate data record of sea surface temperatures (SSTs) covering recent decades that can be used for climate change analysis. Here, the ARC SSTs are assessed using comparisons with collocated drifting buoy observations and a three-way error analysis that also includes Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) data. The SSTs using the three-channel nighttime retrievals in the ARC data at 1-m depth are found to have a warm bias of 0.054 K (standard deviation 0.151 K) with respect to the drifting buoy data for the 1995–2009 time period using ATSR-2 and Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) instrument data. However, when studying the two-channel retrievals, the ATSR-1 data are found to be less stable and with more extreme values than in later years. Some dependence on latitude, season, and fields such as total column water vapor is found in the ATSR-2 and AATSR period. An assessment of the ARC SST uncertainty shows a stable bias for low uncertainty values but more deviation above 0.6 and 0.35 K for the two- and three-channel nighttime retrievals, respectively. The three-way error analysis reveals a standard deviation of error of 0.14 K for the ARC 1-m depth SSTs using the three-channel nighttime retrieval. Estimates of the standard deviation of error for the drifting buoys are also produced and show evidence of improvement in the buoy network in the years 2003–09 from 0.19 to 0.15 K.
Comparison of Cloud Properties from Ground-Based Infrared Cloud Measurement and Visual Observations
Authors: Liu Lei , Sun Xue-jin , Gao Tai-chang , Zhao Shi-jun
Published: January 2013

Cloud properties derived from the whole-sky infrared cloud-measuring system (WSIRCMS) are analyzed in relation to measurements of visual observations and a ceilometer during the period July–August 2010 at the Chinese Meteorological Administration Yangjiang Station, Guangdong Province, China. The comparison focuses on the performance and features of the WSIRCMS as a prototype instrument for automatic cloud observations. Cloud cover derived from the WSIRCMS cloud algorithm compares quite well with cloud cover derived from visual observations. Cloud cover differences between WSIRCMS and visual observations are within ±1 octa in 70.83% and within ±2 octa in 82.44% of the cases. For cloud-base height from WSIRCMS data and Vaisala ceilometer CL51, the comparison shows a generally good correspondence in the lower and midtroposphere up to the height of about 6 km, with some systematic difference due to different detection methods. Differences between the resulting cloud-type classifications derived from the WSIRCMS and from visual observations show that cumulus and cirrus are classified with high accuracy, but that stratocumulus and altocumulus are not. Stratocumulus and altocumulus are suggested to be treated as waveform cloud for classification purposes. In addition, it is considered an intractable problem for automatic cloud-measurement instruments to do cloud classification when the cloud amount is less than 2 octa.
Active Supervision and Its Impact Upon Parolee Recidivism Rates
Authors: Ostermann Michael
Published: January 2013

Studies that compare recidivism rates between parolees and unconditionally released inmates typically attach these statuses upon release, and then follow these groups until they either fail or meet the censor date. However, this method of identifying former inmates as parolees does not comport with how parolees are conceptualized by the agencies that supervise them. Parole boards identify parolees as released inmates whom they actively supervise. This study explores the relative impact of this strategy of attaching the parole status compared with the traditional strategy used throughout the recidivism literature. I use 3 years of postrelease data from all prisoners released from 2005 to 2007 in a highly populated state on the East Coast ( N = 29,299). My findings indicate that after 3 years, parolees are predicted to recidivate at a 1% lower rate compared with unconditionally released inmates when the time of active supervision is not considered. However, parolees who are assigned supervision terms of at least 3 years evidence a predicted 8% lower recidivism rate when compared with unconditionally released inmates. These findings demonstrate that parole boards can be successful at isolating those under their active supervision from reengaging in criminal activities when compared with those who are not supervised post-release, but that parole does not have long-lasting rehabilitative effects. This lack of long-term impact is likely associated with a parole board’s focus on offenses that occur solely during the course of active supervision that may create incentive to manage cases in such a way that undermines the pursuit of long-term rehabilitative goals in favor of working toward short-term successful discharges.
From ‘Consensus’ to ‘Common Ground’: The Rhetoric of the Postwar Settlement and its Collapse
Authors: Toye Richard
Published: January 2013

There has been much historical debate about whether or not there was a ‘political consensus’ in Britain in the postwar decades. However, surprisingly little attention has been paid to what politicians said about ‘consensus’ at the time and what this indicated about the nature of political argument. This article shows that ‘consensus’ and similar terms (such as ‘the middle way’) were in use from the 1940s, but it does not assume that consensus existed just because some contemporaries asserted that it did. Rather, it examines how differing interpretations of consensus were invoked in political debate in order to advance a range of partisan agendas. It further shows how right-wing Conservatives from the late 1960s sought both to attack the consensus rhetorically and to reach out (in Keith Joseph’s phrase) to ‘the common ground’ that New Right policies supposedly represented. It concludes that Thatcher, as Conservative leader and Prime Minister, did not abandon the structure of consensus rhetoric so much as repopulate it with exclusively ‘national’ terms.
Soviet Arms Exports in the 1920s
Authors: Stone David R.
Published: January 2013

In the 1920s, the Soviet Union employed arms exports as a means of attempting to exert influence on its less-developed Asian neighbors, either by intervening in internal struggles or encouraging pro-Soviet and anti-capitalist foreign policy. In Turkey and Iran, Soviet arms aimed to promote friendly governments and head off potential intervention. In Afghanistan, the Soviets attempted unsuccessfully to prop up the regime of Amanullah Khan. In China, the Soviets pursued an unfocused policy of providing weapons to a wide range of factions and warlords in an effort to win favor, only to find their efforts collapsing with Chiang Kai-shek’s betrayal of the Chinese Communist Party in 1927. This led the Soviets to overhaul their management of arms exports, handing authority to Wostwag, a front company for Soviet intelligence.
Families, Resources, and Adult Health
Authors: Denney Justin T. , Gorman Bridget K. , Barrera Cristina B.
Published: January 2013

Extensive research documents the relevance of families and socioeconomic resources to health. This article extends that research to sexual minorities, using 12 years of the National Health Interview Survey ( N = 460,459) to examine self-evaluations of health among male and female adults living in same-sex and different-sex relationships. Adjusting for socioeconomic status eliminates differences between same- and different-sex cohabitors so that they have similarly higher odds of poor health relative to married persons. Results by gender reveal that the cohabitation disadvantage for health is more pronounced for different-sex cohabiting women than for men, but little difference exists between same-sex cohabiting men and women. Finally, the presence of children in the home is more protective for women’s than men’s health, but those protections are specific to married women. In all, the results elucidate the importance of relationship type, gender, and the presence of children when evaluating health.
Hardware-in-the-loop simulation for testing of electro-hydraulic fuel control unit in a jet engine application
Authors: Montazeri-Gh M , Nasiri M
Published: January 2013

A hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation framework for testing an experimental electro-hydraulic fuel control unit (FCU) within the numerical simulation of a turbojet engine is presented. The HIL simulator is used to create control signals, and hydraulic and mechanical loads to emulate the operating conditions with a state-of-the-art hydraulic test bench. In a real engine, the FCU contains a miniature gear-type liquid-fuel pump which is driven at a fraction of the engine rotor speed mechanically by a gear. In this study, the engine is simulated numerically and an electric motor is employed to drive the pump instead of the mechanical system. The real-time simulation of the turbojet engine thermodynamic model is implemented on an industrial personal computer with an input/output board in connection with the electro-hydraulic system. Comparison between the HIL simulation and software simulation of the whole system shows the propriety of the HIL simulation platform to test and evaluate a fuel control system.
Use of Lung Weight as Biomarker for Assessment of Lung Toxicity in Rat Inhalation Studies
Authors: Wahlström Erik , Ollerstam Anna , Sundius Lena , Zhang Hui
Published: January 2013

Subacute inhalation study (1 week or 2 weeks) is an important process for screening out inhaled compounds causing lung irritation. To investigate whether the lung weight can be used as an indicator for acute lung injury, we have analyzed retrospectively the lung weight data from 30 studies in rats exposed to dry powder inhalation. The lung weight change was correlated with lung histopathology in the majority of studies (25 of 30), showing as either both changed or both unchanged. The sensitivity and specificity of using the weight change in lungs as biomarker for predicting lung histopathology in these studies were over 80%. The pattern of lung weight change was often similar in the 1- to 2- week studies and the 4-week studies. Our analysis of covariance model showed that a study with 40 rats (5 males + 5 females/group and 4 groups) could detect lung weight change greater than 10% to 20% of control value. These results suggested that lung weight is a useful indicator for identifying acute lung toxic effect by inhaled compounds in these subacute inhalation studies.
Teaching Ethics in the Face of Africa’s Moral Crisis: Reflections from a Guest
Authors: van den Toren Dr Benno
Published: January 2013

Though the Christian faith has in recent years increasingly shown itself to be a truly African religion, a variety of African authors such as Kä Mana, George Kinoti, Hannah Kinoti, August Shutte and Efoé Julien Penoukou have noted that sub-Saharan Africa is facing a moral crisis. This article explores this crisis in as far as it is caused by difficulties in the reception of the (Western) Christian ethic by African Christian communities. It points out that this crisis is visible in (a) double morality, (b) immorality and (c) legalism. It shows that it is both caused by rapid social change in contemporary Africa and by the way the Christian ethic was introduced with a lack of attention for (a) the relationship between worldview and ethics, (b) the social impact of changing cultural practices and (c) the importance of virtue ethics. In this way it also points to the shape Christian moral education for present-day Africa should take.