bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental academic involvement in adolescence, academic achievement over the life course and allostatic load in middle age: a prospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Westerlund Hugo , Gustafsson Per E , Theorell Töres , Janlert Urban , Hammarström Anne
Published: March 2013

Background

Parental involvement in their children's studies, particularly in terms of academic socialisation, has been shown to predict academic achievement, and is thus a candidate modifiable factor influencing life course socioeconomic circumstances. Socioeconomic disadvantage is thought to impact on health over the life course partly by allostatic load, that is, cumulative biological risk. We sought to elucidate the role of parental involvement at age 16 on the life course development of allostatic load.

Methods

In a population-based cohort (365 women and 352 men, 67% of the eligible participants), we examined the association between parental involvement in their offspring's studies, measured by teacher and pupil ratings at age 16 and an allostatic load index summarising 12 physiological risk markers at age 43. Mediation through life course academic and occupational achievement was assessed by entering school grades, adult educational achievement and socioeconomic position at age 43 in a linear regression analysis in a stepwise manner and testing for mediation.

Results

Parental interest in their offspring's studies during the last year of compulsory school—rather than the parent's social class or availability of practical academic support—was found to predict adult allostatic load (β=−0.12, 95% CI −0.20 to −0.05). Further adjustments indicated that academic achievement over the life course mediated a large part of the effect of parental interest on allostatic load.

Conclusions

Parental interest in their offspring's studies may have protective effects by decreasing the likelihood of a chain of risk involving low academic achievement, low socioeconomic position and high accumulated physiological stress.
Occipital artery anastomosis to vertebral artery causing pulsatile tinnitus
Authors: Alexander Matthew David , English Joey , Hetts Steven W
Published: March 2013

Pulsatile tinnitus can result from various vascular etiologies that cause transmission of pulsatile turbulent flow into the inner ear. Less commonly, non-vascular sources cause increased blood flow and transmission of sound perceived as tinnitus. Thorough clinical examination leads to appropriate imaging evaluation and therapeutic planning. Most pulsatile tinnitus results from expected mechanisms, such as dural arteriovenous fistula, jugular bulb dehiscence, or paraganglioma; however, the literature contains reports of numerous rare causes, particularly variant anatomic morphologies. We present the case of a novel cause of pulsatile tinnitus in which collateral vascular flow compensated for decreased normal intracranial cerebral arterial supply and might have caused catastrophic consequences if intervened upon after assumptions based on an incomplete evaluation.
The Massachusetts General Hospital acute stroke imaging algorithm: an experience and evidence based approach
Authors: González Ramon Gilberto , Copen William A , Schaefer Pamela W , Lev Michael H , Pomerantz Stuart R , Rapalino Otto , Chen John W , Hunter George J , Romero Javier M , Buchbinder Bradley R , Larvie Mykol , Hirsch Joshua Adam , Gupta Rajiv
Published: March 2013

The Massachusetts General Hospital Neuroradiology Division employed an experience and evidence based approach to develop a neuroimaging algorithm to best select patients with severe ischemic strokes caused by anterior circulation occlusions (ACOs) for intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular treatment. Methods found to be of value included the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), non-contrast CT, CT angiography (CTA) and diffusion MRI. Perfusion imaging by CT and MRI were found to be unnecessary for safe and effective triage of patients with severe ACOs. An algorithm was adopted that includes: non-contrast CT to identify hemorrhage and large hypodensity followed by CTA to identify the ACO; diffusion MRI to estimate the core infarct; and NIHSS in conjunction with diffusion data to estimate the clinical penumbra.
ELECTRONIC RAMAN SCATTERING IN CUPRATE SUPERCONDUCTORS
Authors: GENG ZHIHAO , FENG SHIPING
Published: March 2013

Since the discovery of cuprate superconductors, the mechanism of high temperature superconductivity is still a mystery. Among the investigation tools, the electronic Raman scattering is a powerful one to probe electronic excitations in different regions of the Fermi surface of cuprate superconductors by a simple choice of the incident and scattered polarization vectors. Thus the symmetry of the superconducting Cooper pairs can be indicated. In this article we review our investigations of electronic Raman scattering in cuprate superconductors based on the t–J model within the kinetic energy driven superconductivity. The theory of electronic Raman response in cuprate superconductors is presented together with an overview of the charge-spin separation fermion-spin theory to handle the t–J model. Some theoretical results of electronic Raman response are presented in comparison with the experimental results. Special emphasize is given to the doping and temperature dependent of electronic Raman spectra.
Microfluidic Chips for Immunoassays
Authors: Han Kwi Nam , Li Cheng Ai , Seong Gi Hun
Published: March 2013

The use of microfluidic chips for immunoassays has been extensively explored in recent years. The combination of immunoassays and microfluidics affords a promising platform for multiple, sensitive, and automatic point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. In this review, we focus on the description of recent achievements in microfluidic chips for immunoassays categorized by their detection method. Following a brief introduction to the basic principles of each detection method, we examine current microfluidic immunosensor detection systems in detail. We also highlight interesting strategies for sensitive immunosensing configurations, multiplexed analysis, and POC diagnostics in microfluidic immunosensors.
Mesoscale Domains and Nature of the Relaxor State by Piezoresponse Force Microscopy
Authors: Shvartsman V.V. , Dkhil B. , Kholkin A.L.
Published: March 2013

Ferroelectric relaxors continue to be one of the most mysterious solid-state materials. Since their discovery by Smolenskii and coworkers, there have been many attempts to understand the properties of these materials, which are exotic, yet useful for applications. On the basis of the numerous experimental data, several theories have been established, but none of them can explain all the properties of relaxors. The recent advent of piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) has allowed for polarization mapping on the surface of relaxors with subnanometer resolution. This development thus leads to the question of whether the polar nanoregions that contribute to diffuse X-ray scattering and a range of macroscopic properties can be visualized. This review summarizes recent advancements in the application of PFM to a number of ferroelectric relaxors and provides a tentative explanation of the peculiar polarization distributions related to the intriguing physical phenomena in these materials.
Real-Time, Subwavelength Terahertz Imaging
Authors: Blanchard F. , Doi A. , Tanaka T. , Tanaka K.
Published: March 2013

The fields of biosensing, nanospectroscopy, and plasmonics have great potential for near-field terahertz (THz) technology. In this work, we demonstrate that electro-optic (EO) imaging combined with the brightness of recently developed intense THz sources permits the imaging of subwavelength-size samples without compromising spatial resolution or acquisition time. We report on recent advances in this field and current achievements in optimizing spatial resolution and acquisition time. Near-field imaging demonstrations on field enhancement in metallic-based resonators and metamaterials are also discussed. This development will accelerate our comprehension of subwavelength light-matter interactions at THz frequencies and enable new spectroscopic applications.
Templated Chemically Deposited Semiconductor Optical Fiber Materials
Authors: Sparks Justin R. , Sazio Pier J.A. , Gopalan Venkatraman , Badding John V.
Published: March 2013

Chemical deposition is a powerful technology for fabrication of planar microelectronics. Optical fibers are the dominant platform for telecommunications, and devices such as fiber lasers are forming the basis for new industries. High-pressure chemical vapor deposition (HPCVD) allows for conformal layers and void-free wires of precisely doped crystalline unary and compound semiconductors inside the micro-to-nanoscale-diameter pores of microstructured optical fibers (MOFs). Drawing the fibers to serve as templates into which these semiconductor structures can be fabricated allows for geometric design flexibility that is difficult to achieve with planar fabrication. Seamless coupling of semiconductor optoelectronic and photonic devices with existing fiber infrastructure thus becomes possible, facilitating all-fiber technological approaches. The deposition techniques also allow for a wider range of semiconductor materials compositions to be exploited than is possible by means of preform drawing. Gigahertz bandwidth junction–based fiber devices can be fabricated from doped crystalline semiconductors, for example. Deposition of amorphous hydrogenated silicon, which cannot be drawn, allows for the exploitation of strong nonlinear optical function in fibers. Finally, crystalline compound semiconductor fiber cores hold promise for high-power infrared light–guiding fiber devices and subwavelength-resolution, large-area infrared imaging.
Modulation of stretch-induced myocyte remodeling and gene expression by nitric oxide: a novel role for lipoma preferred partner in myofibrillogenesis
Authors: Hooper Charlotte L. , Paudyal Anju , Dash Philip R. , Boateng Samuel Y.
Published: March 2013

Prolonged hemodynamic load as a result of hypertension eventually leads to maladaptive cardiac adaptation and heart failure. The signaling pathways that underlie these changes are still poorly understood. The adaptive response to mechanical load is mediated by mechanosensors that convert the mechanical stimuli into a biological response. We examined the effect of cyclic mechanical stretch on myocyte adaptation using neonatal rat ventricular myocytes with 10% (adaptive) or 20% (maladaptive) maximum strain at 1 Hz for 48 h to mimic in vivo mechanical stress. Cells were also treated with and without nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), a general nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor to suppress NO production. Maladaptive 20% mechanical stretch led to a significant loss of intact sarcomeres that were rescued by l-NAME ( P < 0.05; n ≥ 5 cultures). We hypothesized that the mechanism was through NO-induced alteration of myocyte gene expression. l-NAME upregulated the mechanosensing proteins muscle LIM protein (MLP; by 100%; P < 0.05; n = 5 cultures) and lipoma preferred partner (LPP), a novel cardiac protein (by 80%; P < 0.05; n = 4 cultures). l-NAME also significantly altered the subcellular localization of LPP and MLP in a manner that favored growth and adaptation. These findings suggest that NO participates in stretch-mediated adaptation. The use of isoform selective NOS inhibitors indicated a complex interaction between inducible NOS and neuronal NOS isoforms regulate gene expression. LPP knockdown by small intefering RNA led to formation of α-actinin aggregates and Z bodies showing that myofibrillogenesis was impaired. There was an upregulation of E3 ubiquitin ligase (MUL1) by 75% ( P < 0.05; n = 5 cultures). This indicates that NO contributes to stretch-mediated adaptation via the upregulation of proteins associated with mechansensing and myofibrillogenesis, thereby presenting potential therapeutic targets during the progression of heart failure.
Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibition improves pathophysiology of heart failure and increases survival rate in pressure-overloaded mice
Authors: Takahashi Ayako , Asakura Masanori , Ito Shin , Min Kyung-Duk , Shindo Kazuhiro , Yan Yi , Liao Yulin , Yamazaki Satoru , Sanada Shoji , Asano Yoshihiro , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Takashima Seiji , Minamino Tetsuo , Asanuma Hiroshi , Mochizuki Naoki , Kitakaze Masafumi
Published: March 2013

Incretin hormones, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a target for diabetes mellitus (DM) treatment, are associated with cardioprotection. As dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibition increases plasma GLP-1 levels in vivo, we investigated the cardioprotective effects of the DPP-IV inhibitor vildagliptin in a murine heart failure (HF) model. We induced transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in C57BL/6J mice, simulating pressure-overloaded cardiac hypertrophy and HF. TAC or sham-operated mice were treated with or without vildagliptin. An intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test revealed that blood glucose levels were higher in the TAC than in sham-operated mice, and these levels improved with vildagliptin administration in both groups. Vildagliptin increased plasma GLP-1 levels in the TAC mice and ameliorated TAC-induced left ventricular enlargement and dysfunction. Vildagliptin palliated both myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis in TAC mice, demonstrated by histological, gene and protein expression analyses, and improved survival rate on day 28 (TAC with vildagliptin, 67.5%; TAC without vildagliptin, 41.5%; P < 0.05). Vildagliptin improved cardiac dysfunction and overall survival in the TAC mice, both by improving impaired glucose tolerance and by increasing GLP-1 levels. DPP-IV inhibitors represent a candidate treatment for HF patients with or without DM.
Combustion derived ultrafine particles induce cytochromeP-450 expression in specific lung compartments in the developing neonatal and adult rat
Authors: Chan Jackie K. W. , Vogel Christoph F. , Baek Jaeeun , Kodani Sean D. , Uppal Ravi S. , Bein Keith J. , Anderson Donald S. , Van Winkle Laura S.
Published: March 2013

Vehicle exhaust is rich in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and can be a dominant contributor to ultrafine urban particulate matter (PM). Exposure to ultrafine PM is correlated with respiratory infections and asthmatic symptoms in young children. The lung undergoes substantial growth, alveolarization, and cellular maturation within the first years of life, which may be impacted by environmental pollutants such as PM. PAHs in PM can serve as ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) that induces expression of certain isozymes in the cytochrome P-450 superfamily, such as CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, localized in specific lung cell types. Although AhR activation and induction has been widely studied, its context within PM exposure and impact on the developing lung is poorly understood. In response, we have developed a replicable ultrafine premixed flame particle (PFP) generating system and used in vitro and in vivo models to define PM effects on AhR activation in the developing lung. We exposed 7-day neonatal and adult rats to a single 6-h PFP exposure and determined that PFPs cause significant parenchymal toxicity in neonates. PFPs contain weak AhR agonists that upregulate AhR-xenobiotic response element activity and expression and are capable inducers of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 expression in both ages with different spatial and temporal patterns. Neonatal CYP1A1 expression was muted and delayed compared with adults, possibly because of differences in the enzyme maturation. We conclude that the inability of neonates to sufficiently adapt in response to PFP exposure may, in part, explain their susceptibility to PFP and urban ultrafine PM.
Structural brain changes after 4 wk of unilateral strength training of the lower limb
Authors: Palmer H. S. , Håberg A. K. , Fimland M. S. , Solstad G. M. , Moe Iversen V. , Hoff J. , Helgerud J. , Eikenes L.
Published: March 2013

Strength training enhances muscular strength and neural drive, but the underlying neuronal mechanisms remain unclear. This study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify possible changes in corticospinal tract (CST) microstructure, cortical activation, and subcortical structure volumes following unilateral strength training of the plantar flexors. Mechanisms underlying cross-education of strength in the untrained leg were also investigated. Young, healthy adult volunteers were assigned to training ( n = 12) or control ( n = 9) groups. The 4 wk of training consisted of 16 sessions of 36 unilateral isometric plantar flexions. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction torque was tested pre- and posttraining. MRI investigation included a T1-weighted scan, diffusion tensor imaging and functional MRI. Probabilistic fiber tracking of the CST was performed on the diffusion tensor imaging images using a two-regions-of-interest approach. Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were calculated for the left and right CST in each individual before and after training. Standard functional MRI analyses and volumetric analyses of subcortical structures were also performed. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction significantly increased in both the trained and untrained legs of the training group, but not the control group. A significant decrease in mean diffusivity was found in the left CST following strength training of the right leg. No significant changes were detected in the right CST. No significant changes in cortical activation were observed following training. A significant reduction in left putamen volume was found after training. This study provides the first evidence for strength training-related changes in white matter and putamen in the healthy adult brain.
Quantification of left and right atrial kinetic energy using four-dimensional intracardiac magnetic resonance imaging flow measurements
Authors: Arvidsson Per M. , Töger Johannes , Heiberg Einar , Carlsson Marcus , Arheden Håkan
Published: March 2013

Kinetic energy (KE) of atrial blood has been postulated as a possible contributor to ventricular filling. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the left (LA) and right (RA) atrial blood KE using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Fifteen healthy volunteers underwent CMR at 3 T, including a four-dimensional phase-contrast flow sequence. Mean LA KE was lower than RA KE (1.1 ± 0.1 vs. 1.7 ± 0.1 mJ, P < 0.01). Three KE peaks were seen in both atria: one in ventricular systole, one during early ventricular diastole, and one during atrial contraction. The systolic LA peak was significantly smaller than the RA peak ( P < 0.001), and the early diastolic LA peak was larger than the RA peak ( P < 0.05). Rotational flow contained 46 ± 7% of total KE and conserved energy better than nonrotational flow did. The KE increase in early diastole was higher in the LA ( P < 0.001). Systolic KE correlated with the combination of atrial volume and systolic velocity of the atrioventricular plane displacement ( r2 = 0.57 for LA and r2 = 0.64 for RA). Early diastolic KE of the LA correlated with left ventricle (LV) mass ( r2 = 0.28), however, no such correlation was found in the right heart. This suggests that LA KE increases during early ventricular diastole due to LV elastic recoil, indicating that LV filling is dependent on diastolic suction. Right ventricle (RV) relaxation does not seem to contribute to atrial KE. Instead, RA KE generated during ventricular systole may be conserved in a hydraulic “flywheel” and transferred to the RV through helical flow, which may contribute to RV filling.
Airway narrowing and bronchodilation to deep inspiration in bronchial segments from subjects with and without reported asthma
Authors: Noble Peter B. , Jones Robyn L. , Cairncross Alvenia , Elliot John G. , Mitchell Howard W. , James Alan L. , McFawn Peter K.
Published: March 2013

The present study presents preliminary findings on how structural/functional abnormalities of the airway wall relate to excessive airway narrowing and reduced bronchodilatory response to deep inspiration (DI) in subjects with a history of asthma. Bronchial segments were acquired from subjects undergoing surgery, mostly to remove pulmonary neoplasms. Subjects reported prior doctor-diagnosed asthma ( n = 5) or had no history of asthma ( n = 8). In vitro airway narrowing in response to acetylcholine was assessed to determine maximal bronchoconstriction and sensitivity, under static conditions and during simulated tidal and DI maneuvers. Fixed airway segments were sectioned for measurement of airway wall dimensions, particularly the airway smooth muscle (ASM) layer. Airways from subjects with a history of asthma had increased ASM ( P = 0.014), greater maximal airway narrowing under static conditions ( P = 0.003), but no change in sensitivity. Maximal airway narrowing was positively correlated with the area of the ASM layer ( r = 0.58, P = 0.039). In tidally oscillating airways, DI produced bronchodilation in airways from the control group ( P = 0.0001) and the group with a history of asthma ( P = 0.001). While bronchodilation to DI was reduced with increased airway narrowing ( P = 0.02; r = −0.64)), when the level of airway narrowing was matched, there was no difference in magnitude of bronchodilation to DI between groups. Results suggest that greater ASM mass in asthma contributes to exaggerated airway narrowing in vivo. In comparison, the airway wall in asthma may have a normal response to mechanical stretch during DI. We propose that increased maximal airway narrowing and the reduced bronchodilatory response to DI in asthma are independent.
Novel Design of Electromagnetic Bandgap Using Fractal Geometry
Authors: Phuong Huynh Nguyen Bao , Chien Dao Ngoc , Tuan Tran Minh
Published: March 2013

A novel electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structural design based on Fractal geometry is presented in this paper. These Fractals, which are the Sierpinski triangles, are arranged to repeat each 60° to produce the hexagonal unit cells. By changing the gap between two adjacent Sierpinski triangles inside EBG unit cell, we can produce two EBG structures separately that have broadband and dual bandgap. By using the suspending microtrip method, two arrays 3 × 4 of EBG unit cells are utilized to investigate the bandgap of the EBG structures. The EBG operation bandwidth of the broadband structure is about 87% and of the dual-band structure is about 40% and 35% at the center bandgap frequencies, respectively. Moreover, a comparison between the broadband EBG and the conventional mushroom-like EBG has been done. Experimental results of the proposed design show good agreement in comparison with simulation results.
A Review on the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Pomegranate in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Colombo Elisa , Sangiovanni Enrico , Dell'Agli Mario
Published: March 2013

Several biological activities of pomegranate have been widely described in the literature, but the anti-inflammatory effect in the gastrointestinal tract has not been reviewed till now. The aim of the present paper is to summarize the evidence for or against the efficacy of pomegranate for coping with inflammatory conditions of the gastro-intestinal tract. The paper has been organized in three parts: (1) the first one is devoted to the modifications of pomegranate active compounds in the gastro-intestinal tract; (2) the second one considering the literature regarding the anti-inflammatory effect of pomegranate at gastric level; (3) the third part considers the anti-inflammatory effect of pomegranate in the gut.In vivostudies performed on the whole fruit or juice, peel, and flowers demonstrate antiulcer effect in a variety of animal models. Ellagic acid was the main responsible for this effect, although other individual ellagitannins could contribute to the biological activity of the mixture. Different preparations of pomegranate, including extracts from peels, flowers, seeds, and juice, show a significant anti-inflammatory activity in the gut. No clinical studies have been found, thus suggesting that future clinical studies are necessary to clarify the beneficial effects of pomegranate in the gastrointestinal tract.
New Iterative Method Based on Laplace Decomposition Algorithm
Authors: Widatalla Sabir , Liu M. Z.
Published: March 2013

We introduce a new form of Laplace decomposition algorithm (LDA). By this form a new iterative method was achieved in which there is no need to calculate Adomian polynomials, which require so much computational time for higher-order approximations. We have implemented this method for the solutions of different types of nonlinear pantograph equations to support the proposed analysis.
Fluid Driven by Tangential Velocity and Shear Stress: Mathematical Analysis, Numerical Experiment, and Implication to Surface Flow
Authors: Tang H. S. , Zhang L. Z. , Maa J. P.-Y. , Li H. , Jiang C. B. , Hussain R.
Published: March 2013

This paper investigates behaviors of flows driven by tangential velocity and shear stress on their boundaries such as solid walls and water surfaces. In a steady flow between two parallel plates with one of them in motion, analytic solutions are the same when a velocity and a shear stress boundary condition are applied on the moving plate. For an unsteady, impulsively started flow, however, analysis shows that solutions for velocity profiles as well as energy transferring and dissipation are different under the two boundary conditions. In an air-water flow, if either a velocity or a stress condition is imposed at the air-water interface, the problem becomes ill-posed because it has multiple solutions. Only when both of the conditions are specified, it will have a unique solution. Numerical simulations for cavity flows are made to confirm the theoretical results; a tangential velocity and a shear stress boundary condition introduce distinct flows if one considers an unsteady flow, whereas the two conditions lead to a same solution if one simulates a steady flow. The results in this paper imply that discretion is needed on selection of boundary conditions to approximate forcing on fluid boundaries such as wind effects on surfaces of coastal ocean waters.
Fast Image Segmentation Based on Efficient Implementation of the Chan-Vese Model with Discrete Gray Level Sets
Authors: Li Songsong , Zhang Qingpu
Published: March 2013

A new image segmentation based on fast implementation of the Chan-Vese model is proposed. This approach differs from previous methods in that we do not need to solve the Euler-Lagrange equation of the underlying variational problem. First, through experiments, we observe that for the smooth image segmentation, Chan-Vese model (CVM) can be simplified. Utilizing the Gaussian low pass filter, we pretreat the original image and regularize the level curves. Then, we calculate the energy directly on discrete gray level sets, find the minimizer of the energy, and obtain the segmentation results. We analyze the algorithm and prove that under discrete gray level sets, the global minimum of the energy is same as the one obtained by the previous methods. Another advantage of this method is that the reinitialization is not needed. Since there are at most 255 discrete gray level sets, the algorithm improves the computational speed dramatically. And the complexity of the algorithm isO(N), whereNis the number of pixels in the image. So even for the large images, it is also very efficient. We apply our segmentation algorithm to synthetic and real world images to emphasize the performances of our model compared with other segmentation models.
Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Breast in Young Male Patient: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Kocak Uzel Esengul , Figen Metin , Bek Tuba Tulin , Inanc Kubilay , Onder Senem , Kizilkaya Hazim orhan
Published: March 2013

Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma (MFH) is a fairly common tumor in the deep soft tissues: the most frequent primary sites are the lower (49%) and upper (19%) limbs, but it has been reported even in the retroperitoneum and abdomen (16%), while localization in the breast is extremely rare (1-2). Breast cancer is rarely seen in males, accounts for approximately 1% of all breast cancer, and the breast sarcomas constitute less than 1% of breast tumors in both sexes. In the review of the literature, this is the third male and first young male with MFH. Here, we present a 37-years-old male patient who is diagnosed to have malignant fibrous histiocytoma in a variant of pleomorphic fusiform cell localized in the left breast. Following the wide local excision, the patient was given an adjuvant 50 Gy of external radiotherapy. He remained alive and well after 42 months of followup. We believe that reporting such few cases would contribute to forming treatment algorithms of rare tumors.
Paleodietary Analysis of Human Remains from a Hellenistic-Roman Cemetery at Camihöyük, Turkey
Authors: İzci Yusuf , Kaya Serdar , Erdem Onur , Akay Cemal , Kural Cahit , Soykut Buğra , Başoğlu Okşan , Şenyurt Yücel , Kılıç Selim , Temiz Çaglar
Published: March 2013

The presence of copper, zinc, magnesium, iron, lead, molybdenum, manganese and nickel was discovered on 22 human ribs in a Hellenistic-Roman cemetery located in the ancient city of Camihöyük, Turkey. The levels of each element found in the males were higher than those in females, except iron. Copper, magnesium, iron, molybdenum, and nickel levels were measured to be higher in the soil than in the skeletons, whereas the other elements were higher in the human skeletons. Lead was not traced in the soil, but on the skeletons. These individuals had probably been exposed to this element during their lives due to higher consumption of vegetables than meat.
Elevated Osteopontin Levels in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sun Yuan , Yin Xue Song , Guo Hong , Han Rong Kun , He Rui Dong , Chi Li Jun
Published: March 2013

Inflammatory mediators are closely associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Osteopontin (OPN) is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been shown to play an important role in various neuroinflammatory diseases. However, the function of OPN in AD and MCI progression is not well defined. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma samples were obtained from 35 AD patients, 31 MCI patients, and 20 other noninflammatory neurologic diseases (OND). Concentrations of OPN in the CSF and plasma were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. During a 3-year clinical followup, 13 MCI patients converted to AD (MCI converters), and 18 were clinically stable (MCI nonconverters). CSF OPN concentrations were significantly increased in AD and MCI converters compared to OND, and increased levels of OPN in AD were associated with MMSE score; OPN protein levels both in the CSF and plasma of newly diagnosed AD patients were higher than that of chronical patients. In MCI converters individuals tested longitudinally, both plasma and CSF OPN concentrations were significantly elevated when they received a diagnosis of AD during followup. Further wide-scale studies are necessary to confirm these results and to shed light on the etiopathogenic role of osteopontin in AD.
Haptoglobin Genotype and Risk Markers of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Strandhave Charlotte , Svensson My , Krarup Henrik , Christensen Jeppe Hagstrup
Published: March 2013

Sudden cardiac death and atherosclerosis have a major impact on cardiovascular mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Inflammation with elevated high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is involved in both sudden cardiac death and atherosclerosis, and decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is a predictor of both sudden cardiac death and atherosclerosis. Haptoglobin (Hp) is characterised by three genotypes (1-1, 2-1, and 2-2) with different antioxidant abilities. The aim was to examine whether HRV and hs-CRP were associated with Hp genotype in CKD patients. Fifty-six patients with CKD stage 2–5 were included. Hp genotype was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. HRV was analysed from the 24 h Holter recordings. Hs-CRP was measured using an immunoturbidimetric assay. The results show that the HRV indices SDNN and SDANN were significantly lower in the Hp 2-2 patients (P=0.02and 0.04, resp.). In an adjusted linear regression model, Hp 2-2 was associated with both SDNN (P=0.005) and SDANN (P=0.01). Hs-CRP was higher in the Hp 2-2 patients (P=0.002). In an adjusted linear regression model, the association between Hp 2-2 and hs-CRP remained significant (P=0.003). In conclusion, a negative association was observed between Hp 2-2 and HRV, and Hp 2-2 was positively associated with hs-CRP in CKD patients.
RoadGate: Mobility-Centric Roadside Units Deployment for Vehicular Networks
Authors: Xiong Yongping , Ma Jian , Wang Wendong , Tu Dengbiao
Published: March 2013

With the increase of the storage capacity, computing, and wireless networking of the vehicular embedded devices, the vehicular networks bring a potential to enable new applications for drivers and passengers in the vehicles. Due to the prohibitive cost of deployment and management of a roadside unit (RSU), it is difficult to cover roads with a large number of RSUs so that every vehicle can always keep a connection with the nearby RSU. In this paper, we study the problem of deploying the RSUs to provide the desired connectivity performance while minimizing the number of the deployed RSUs. The key idea of our solution is to exploit the time-stable mobility pattern to find the optimal deployment places. We analyze a realistic vehicle trace, observe the mobility pattern, and propose a graph model to characterize it. Based on the graph model, we transform the gateway deployment problem into a vertex selection problem in a graph. By reducing it into the minimum vertex coverage problem, we show that the RSU deployment problem is NP-complete. Then, a heuristic algorithm RoadGate is proposed to search greedily the optimal positions. Extensive simulations based on the synthetic and realistic scenarios are carried out to evaluate the performance. The results show that RoadGate outperforms other approaches in terms of the number of required RSUs and the actual achieved coverage performance.
Ventricular Tachycardia Induced by Weight Loss Pills
Authors: Pareek Manan , Hansson Nils Henrik , Grove Erik Lerkevang
Published: March 2013

A previously healthy 29-year-old man was admitted with palpitations, dizziness, and near-syncope after he had recently started taking weight loss pills purchased on the internet. The pills contained caffeine and ephedrine. An electrocardiogram and telemetry revealed multiple episodes of non-sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, which was successfully treated with amiodarone. In conclusion, unauthorized weight loss pills can be harmful. In particular, ephedrine-containing drugs carry a risk of ventricular tachycardia and should be discouraged.
Inhibition of Histone Demethylase JMJD1A Improves Anti-Angiogenic Therapy and Reduces Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Osawa Tsuyoshi , Tsuchida Rika , Muramatsu Masashi , Shimamura Teppei , Wang Feng , Suehiro Jun-ichi , Kanki Yasuharu , Wada Youichiro , Yuasa Yasuhito , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Miyano Satoru , Minami Takashi , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Shibuya Masabumi
Published: March 2013

Antiangiogenic strategies can be effective for cancer therapy, but like all therapies resistance poses a major clinical challenge. Hypoxia and nutrient starvation select for aggressive qualities that may render tumors resistant to antiangiogenic attack. Here, we show that hypoxia and nutrient starvation cooperate to drive tumor aggressiveness through epigenetic regulation of the histone demethylase JMJD1A (JHDM2A; KDM3A). In cancer cells rendered resistant to long-term hypoxia and nutrient starvation, we documented a stimulation of AKT phosphorylation, cell morphologic changes, cell migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth in culture. These qualities associated in vivo with increased angiogenesis and infiltration of macrophages into tumor tissues. Through expression microarray analysis, we identified a cluster of functional drivers such as VEGFA, FGF18, and JMJD1A, the latter which was upregulated in vitro under conditions of hypoxia and nutrient starvation and in vivo before activation of the angiogenic switch or the prerefractory phase of antiangiogenic therapy. JMJD1A inhibition suppressed tumor growth by downregulating angiogenesis and macrophage infiltration, by suppressing expression of FGF2, HGF, and ANG2. Notably, JMJD1A inhibition enhanced the antitumor effects of the anti-VEGF compound bevacizumab and the VEGFR/KDR inhibitor sunitinib. Our results form the foundation of a strategy to attack hypoxia- and nutrient starvation–resistant cancer cells as an approach to leverage antiangiogenic treatments and limit resistance to them. Cancer Res; 73(10); 3019–28. ©2013 AACR.
Comparative cellular responses in susceptible and resistant soybean cultivars infected by Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Fourie Hendrika , Fourie Hendrika , Mc Donald Alexander H. , Fourie Hendrika , Mc Donald Alexander H. , De Waele Dirk , Fourie Hendrika , Mc Donald Alexander H. , De Waele Dirk , Jordaan Anine
Published: March 2013

Meloidogyne incognita, a predominant nematode parasite of soybean in South Africa, increasingly threatens production of the crop as it is expanding to maize-producing areas infected by this nematode. The parasitic relationship between M. incognita and soybean were compared on a susceptible and a resistant cultivar in terms of nematode penetration, development, reproduction and fecundity as well as histopathology studies. Second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. incognita were inoculated on roots of a resistant (LS5995) and a susceptible (Prima2000) cultivar in three concurrent but separate glasshouse trials. For pre-infectional studies, root systems of plants were harvested 2, 4, 10, 16 and 20 DAI. Sampling times for the post-infectional experiment were 4, 10, 20 and 30 DAI, whilst those for the histopathology experiment were 2, 4, 10, 20 and 30 DAI. J2 penetrated roots of both cultivars in comparable numbers 2 DAI but vermiform J2 numbers were significantly lower in roots of LS5995 at 4, 16 and 20 DAI. Final (Pf) J2 population density (vermiform plus swollen individuals) in roots of Prima2000 was significantly higher at all sampling times than those in roots of LS5995. Development of M. incognita J2 to third- (J3) and fourth-stage juveniles (J4) was significantly affected by cultivar susceptibility and time, being slower in LS5995. Development of J2 to J3 and J4 or into mature females was also consistently slower in LS5995 for the duration of this experiment. Adult females in roots of Prima2000 produced significantly more (98%) eggs per egg mass and also maintained significantly more egg and J2 numbers (98.5%) per root system 30 DAI than those in roots of LS5995. Histopathological observations showed that J2 penetrated roots of both soybean cultivars and migrated intercellularly to undifferentiated provascular tissue 2 and 4 DAI, with pronounced cellular changes taking place. A hypersensitive reaction was observed 2 DAI in roots of the resistant cultivar. From 10 to 30 DAI giant cell formation in the differentiated vascular tissue in the roots of LS5995 differed substantially from those in roots of Prima2000. Giant cells that developed in roots of the LS5995 were smaller and fewer compared to those in Prima2000. Giant cells in roots of LS5995 also contained empty as well as sub-optimal giant cells with thicker cell walls than those reported for resistant soybean cultivars in earlier studies. The induction, development and maintenance of giant cells in LS5995 proved to be typically retarded.
Crenitis bicolor sp. n. from the Kamiesberg of South Africa (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)
Authors: BILTON DAVID T.
Published: March 2013

Crenits Bedel is a small hydrophilid genus of 41 species (Hansen, 1999; Hebauer, 1994, 2005), distributed acrossEurasia,Africa and theAmericas. The genus is particularly diverse in temperate regions, with the eastern Palaearctic and Nearctic regions containing the highest concentrations of taxa. The eight described African species are all restricted to temperateSouth Africa, most being found within the winter rainfall area of theWestern Cape (Hebauer, 1994). Here I describe a distinctive new species on the basis of specimens collected in the high Kamiesberg of Namaqualand in 2010. Specimens were studied using a Leica MZ8 stereomicroscope, with a Fluopac FP1 fluorescent illuminator. The habitus photograph was taken with a Canon EOS 600D camera fitted to a Leica Z6 Apo macroscope, fitted with a 2x objective lens. Specimens were illuminated using two Fluopac FP1 illuminators and a fibre-optic swan-neck illuminator to avoid shadow, light being diffused using a tracing-paper collar placed around the specimen. The aedeagus was traced from an image stack made using a Canon EOS 600D on a Brunel SP100 microscope at x 400 magnification. Image stacks were produced by hand, and combined using Helicon Focus software.
Kinematics of Eddy–Mean Flow Interaction in an Idealized Atmospheric Model
Authors: Kravtsov Sergey , Gulev Sergey K.
Published: March 2013

The authors analyze atmospheric variability simulated in a two-layer baroclinic β-channel quasigeostrophic model by combining Eulerian and feature-tracking analysis approaches. The leading mode of the model's low-frequency variability (LFV) is associated with the irregular shifts of the zonal-mean jet to the north and south of its climatological position accompanied by simultaneous intensification of the jet, while the deviations from the zonal-mean fields are dominated by propagating anomalies with wavenumbers 3–5. The model's variability is shown to stem from the life cycles of cyclones and anticyclones. In particular, synthetic streamfunction fields constructed by launching idealized composite-mean eddies along the actual full-model-simulated cyclone/anticyclone tracks reproduce nearly perfectly not only the dominant propagating waves, but also the jet-shifting LFV. The composite eddy tracks conditioned on the phase of the jet-shifting variability migrate north or south along with the zonal-mean jet. The synoptic-eddy life cycles in the states with poleward (equatorward) zonal-jet shift exhibit longer-than-climatological lifetimes; this is caused, arguably, by a barotropic feedback associated with preferred anticyclonic (cyclonic) wave breaking in these respective states. Lagged correlation and cross-spectrum analyses of zonal-mean jet position time series and the time series representing mean latitudinal location of the eddies at a given time demonstrate that jet latitude leads the storm-track latitude at low frequencies. This indicates that the LFV associated with the jet-shifting mode here is more dynamically involved than being a mere consequence of the random variations in the distribution of the synoptic systems.
Climate Change in the South American Monsoon System: Present Climate and CMIP5 Projections
Authors: Jones Charles , Carvalho Leila M. V.
Published: March 2013

The South American monsoon system (SAMS) is the most important climatic feature in South America. This study focuses on the large-scale characteristics of the SAMS: seasonal amplitudes, onset and demise dates, and durations. Changes in the SAMS are investigated with the gridded precipitation, Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), and the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) simulations for two scenarios [“historical” and high-emission representative concentration pathways (rcp8.5)]. Qualitative comparisons with a previous study indicate that some CMIP5 models have significantly improved their representation of the SAMS relative to their CMIP3 versions. Some models exhibit persistent deficiencies in simulating the SAMS. CMIP5 model simulations for the historical experiment show signals of climate change in South America. While the observational data show trends, the period used is too short for final conclusions concerning climate change. Future changes in the SAMS are analyzed with six CMIP5 model simulations of the rcp8.5 high-emission scenario. Most of the simulations show significant increases in seasonal amplitudes, early onsets, late demises, and durations of the SAMS. The simulations for this scenario project a 30% increase in the amplitude from the current level by 2045–50. In addition, the rcp8.5 scenario projects an ensemble mean decrease of 14 days in the onset and 17-day increase in the demise date of the SAMS by 2045–50. The results additionally indicate lack of spatial agreement in model projections of changes in total wet-season precipitation over South America during 2070–2100. The most consistent CMIP5 projections analyzed here are the increase in the total monsoon precipitation over southern Brazil, Uruguay, and northern Argentina.
Causes of Robust Seasonal Land Precipitation Changes*
Authors: Polson Debbie , Hegerl Gabriele C. , Zhang Xuebin , Osborn Timothy J.
Published: March 2013

Historical simulations from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) archive are used to calculate the zonal-mean change in seasonal land precipitation for the second half of the twentieth century in response to a range of external forcings, including anthropogenic and natural forcings combined (ALL), greenhouse gas forcing, anthropogenic aerosol forcing, anthropogenic forcings combined, and natural forcing. These simulated patterns of change are used as fingerprints in a detection and attribution study applied to four different gridded observational datasets of global land precipitation from 1951 to 2005. There are large differences in the spatial and temporal coverage in the observational datasets. Yet despite these differences, the zonal-mean patterns of change are mostly consistent except at latitudes where spatial coverage is limited. The results show some differences between datasets, but the influence of external forcings is robustly detected in March–May, December–February, and for annual changes for the three datasets more suitable for studying changes. For June–August and September–November, external forcing is only detected for the dataset that includes only long-term stations. Fingerprints for combinations of forcings that include the effect of greenhouse gases are similarly detectable to those for ALL forcings, suggesting that greenhouse gas influence drives the detectable features of the ALL forcing fingerprint. Fingerprints of only natural or only anthropogenic aerosol forcing are not detected. This, together with two-fingerprint results, suggests that at least some of the detected change in zonal land precipitation can be attributed to human influences.