bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Body Coverings on the Formation of Adipocere in an Aqueous Environment
Authors: Notter Stephanie J. , Stuart Barbara H.
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Adipocere is a postmortem decomposition product that consists of a mixture of fatty acids. The rate of formation of adipocere from pig adipose tissue in an aqueous environment has been monitored. The effect of various clothing and carpet material types on the process was investigated. The fatty acid composition of the adipocere was determined at regular intervals using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Examination of the changes to fatty acid concentrations allowed the degree of adipocere formation in the different environments to be estimated. The study demonstrated that the rate at which adipocere forms is particularly accelerated by the presence of coverings produced from natural materials. Elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry revealed, for the most part, little change to the cations present in the adipocere formed. However, an increase in Ca concentration was observed for tissue wrapped in acrylic carpet, which was associated with a CaCO3 additive used in the carpet manufacture.
Modulation of microRNA 20b with resveratrol and longevinex is linked with their potent anti‐angiogenic action in the ischaemic myocardium and synergestic effects of resveratrol and γ‐tocotrienol
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Partha , Das Somak , Ahsan Md Kaimul , Otani Hajime , Das Dipak K.
Published: November 2011

Resveratrol, a constituent of red wine, and γ‐tocotrienol, a constituent of palm oil are important for cardioprotection. Although microRNAs are known regulators for genes involved in cardiac remodelling, the regulatory pathway involving microRNA has not been studied so far. We explored the cardioprotection by resveratrol, longevinex and γ−tocotrienol in ischaemia/reperfusion(I/R) model of rat and determined miRNA profile from isolated RNA. Systemic analyses of miRNA array and theirs targets were determined using a number of computational approaches. Resveratrol and γ‐tocotrienol, either alone or in combination, modulated the expression pattern of miRNAs close to the control level based on PCA analyses. Differential expression was observed in over 75 miRNAs, some of them, such as miR‐21 and miR‐20b (anti‐angiogenic) were previously implicated in cardiac remodelling. The target genes for the highest differentially expressed miRNA include genes of various molecular functions such as TGFβ1–Smad3 signalling pathway, inflammation and their transcription factors, which may play key role in reducing I/R injury. Administration of antagomiR‐20 attenuated I/R induced vascular endothelial growth factor and HIF1α level. All the interventions treated for 3 weeks lead to significant cardioprotection against ischaemia/reperfusion injury. A unique signature of miRNA profile is observed in control heart pretreated with resveratrol or γ‐tocotrienol. We have determined specific group of miRNA in heart that have altered during IR injuries. Most of those altered microRNA expressions modulated close to their basal level in resveratrol or longevinex treated I/R rat. Interestingly, resveratrol and γ‐tocotrienol resulted in synergestic action.
Is PPARα intron 7 G/C polymorphism associated with muscle strength characteristics in nonathletic young men?
Authors: Broos S. , Windelinckx A. , De Mars G. , Huygens W. , Peeters M. W. , Aerssens J. , Vlietinck R. , Beunen G. P. , Thomis M. A.
Published: October 2011

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a ligand‐dependent transcription factor, regulates fatty acid metabolism in heart and skeletal muscle. The intron 7 G/C polymorphism (rs4253778) has been associated with athletic performance. The rare C‐allele was predominant in power athletes, whereas the G‐allele was more frequent in endurance athletes. In the present study, we investigated the association between this polymorphism and strength characteristics in nonathletic, healthy young adults (n = 500; age 24.2 ± 4.4 years). Knee torque was measured during concentric knee flexion and extension movements at 60°/s, 120°/s, and 240°/s during 3, 25, and 5 repetitions, respectively. Also, resistance to muscle fatigue (i.e. work last 20% repetitions/work first 20% repetitions *100) was calculated. Differences in knee strength phenotypes between GG homozygous individuals and C‐allele carriers were analyzed. The polymorphism did not influence the ability to produce isometric or dynamic knee flexor or extensor peak torque during static or dynamic conditions in this population (0.23 < P < 0.95). Similar results were found for the endurance ratio, a measure for resistance to muscle fatigue. In conclusion, the PPARα intron 7 G/C polymorphism does not seem to influence strength characteristics in a nonathletic population.
Regional differences in injury incidence in European professional football
Authors: Waldén M. , Hägglund M. , Orchard J. , Kristenson K. , Ekstrand J.
Published: November 2011

The objective of this study was to investigate regional differences in injury incidence in men's professional football in Europe. A nine‐season prospective cohort study was carried out between 2001–2002 and 2009–2010 involving 1357 players in 25 teams from nine countries. Teams were categorized into different regions according to the Köppen–Geiger climate classification system. Teams from the northern parts of Europe (n = 20) had higher incidences of injury overall [rate ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06 to 1.20], training injury (rate ratio 1.16, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.27), and severe injury (rate ratio 1.29, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.52), all statistically significant, compared to teams from more southern parts (n = 5). In contrast, the anterior cruciate ligament injury incidence was lower in the northern European teams with a statistically significant difference (rate ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.77), especially for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury (rate ratio 0.19, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.39). In conclusion, this study suggests that there are regional differences in injury incidence of European professional football. However, further studies are needed to identify the underlying causes.
Is vibration exercise a useful addition to a weight management program?
Authors: Cochrane D. J.
Published: November 2011

Vibration exercise (VbX) has received a lot of attention as an exercise modality, which evokes muscular work and elevates metabolic rate that could be a potential method for weight reduction. Popular press has purported that VbX is quick and convenient, and 10 min of VbX is equivalent to 1 h of traditional exercise, where it has been marketed as the new weight‐loss and body toning workout. However, research studies have shown that muscle activation occurs but the energy demand in response to VbX is quite low, where exhaustive VbX reported a metabolic demand of 23 mL/kg/min compared with 44 mL/kg/min from an exhaustive cycle test. Different vibration frequencies with varying amplitudes and loads have been tested, but only small increases in metabolic rate have been reported. Based on these findings, it has been indirectly calculated that a VbX session of 26 Hz for three continuous minutes would only incur a loss of ∼10.7 g fat/h. Following a 24‐week program of VbX, no observed differences were found in body composition, and following 12 months of VbX, the time to reach peak was significantly higher in conventional exercise compared with VbX. However, one study has reported that percentage body fat decreased by 3.2% after 8 months after VbX in comparison with resistance and control groups that performed no aerobic conditioning. The evidence to date suggests that VbX can increase whole and local oxygen uptake; however, with additional load, high vibration frequency, and/or amplitude, it cannot match the demands of conventional aerobic exercise. Therefore, caution is required when VbX programs are solely used for the purpose of reducing body fat without considering dietary and aerobic conditioning guidelines.
Excess folate during adolescence suppresses thyroid function with permanent deficits in motivation and spatial memory
Authors: Sittig L. J. , Herzing L. B. K. , Xie H. , Batra K. K. , Shukla P. K. , Redei E. E.
Published: November 2011

Cognitive and memory deficits can be caused or exacerbated by dietary folate deficiency, which has been combatted by the addition of folate to grains and dietary supplements. The recommended dose of the B9 vitamin folate is 400 µg/day for adolescents and non‐pregnant adults, and consumption above the recommended daily allowance is not considered to be detrimental. However, the effects of excess folate have not been tested in adolescence when neuro and endocrine development suggest possible vulnerability to long‐term cognitive effects. We administered folate‐supplemented (8.0 mg folic acid/kg diet) or control lab chow (2.7 mg folic acid/kg diet) to rats ad libitum from 30 to 60 days of age, and subsequently tested their motivation and learning and memory in the Morris water maze. We found that folate‐supplemented animals had deficits in motivation and spatial memory, but they showed no changes of the learning‐ and memory‐related molecules growth‐associated protein‐43 or Gs‐α subunit protein in the hippocampus. They had decreased levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in the periphery and decreased protein levels of thyroid receptor‐α1 and ‐α2 (TRα1 and TRα2) in the hippocampus. The latter may have been due to an observed increase of cytosine–phosphate–guanosine island methylation within the putative thyroid hormone receptor‐α promoter, which we have mapped for the first time in the rat. Overall, folate supplementation in adolescence led to motivational and spatial memory deficits that may have been mediated by suppressed thyroid hormone function in the periphery and hippocampus.
Visually evoked potentials, NMDA receptors and the magnocellular system in schizophrenia
Authors: Skottun Bernt C. , Skoyles John R.
Published: November 2011

Background: It has been claimed that schizophrenia can be linked to the magnocellular system by way of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The present report examines this claim.

Methods: A review is made of relevant research literature.

Results: The NMDA studies that have been referenced to connect visual deficits in schizophrenia to the magnocellular system are based on the cat, a species whose visual system is fundamentally different from that of primates. The cat visual system cannot easily be divided into magno- and a parvocellular portions.

Conclusions: Owing to the substantial differences between the visual systems of cats and primates, it is difficult to link sensory abnormalities in schizophrenia specifically to the magnocellular system based on data from the cat.
Structural comparison of cytochromes P450 2A6, 2A13, and 2E1 with pilocarpine
Authors: DeVore Natasha M. , Meneely Kathleen M. , Bart Aaron G. , Stephens Eva S. , Battaile Kevin P. , Scott Emily E.
Published: November 2011

Human xenobiotic‐metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes can each bind and monooxygenate a diverse set of substrates, including drugs, often producing a variety of metabolites. Additionally, a single ligand can interact with multiple CYP enzymes, but often the protein structural similarities and differences that mediate such overlapping selectivity are not well understood. Even though the CYP superfamily has a highly canonical global protein fold, there are large variations in the active site size, topology, and conformational flexibility. We have determined how a related set of three human CYP enzymes bind and interact with a common inhibitor, the muscarinic receptor agonist drug pilocarpine. Pilocarpine binds and inhibits the hepatic CYP2A6 and respiratory CYP2A13 enzymes much more efficiently than the hepatic CYP2E1 enzyme. To elucidate key residues involved in pilocarpine binding, crystal structures of CYP2A6 (2.4 Å), CYP2A13 (3.0 Å), CYP2E1 (2.35 Å), and the CYP2A6 mutant enzyme, CYP2A6 I208S/I300F/G301A/S369G (2.1 Å) have been determined with pilocarpine in the active site. In all four structures, pilocarpine coordinates to the heme iron, but comparisons reveal how individual residues lining the active sites of these three distinct human enzymes interact differently with the inhibitor pilocarpine.

Database
 Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank database under the accession numbers 3T3Q (CYP2A6 I208S/I300F/G301A/S369G with pilocarpine), 3T3R (CYP2A6 with pilocarpine), 3T3S (CYP2A13 with pilocarpine), and 3T3Z (CYP2E1 with pilocarpine)
Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: Current practice and results of renal transplantation
Authors: Yip Sidney Kam‐Hung , Leung Chi‐Bon , Szeto Cheuk‐Chun , Lam Nga‐Yee , Chan Chi‐Kwok , Tong Yuen‐Fan , Ng Chi‐Fai , Kwan Bonnie Ching‐Ha , Chow Kai‐Ming , Chan Eddie Shu‐Yin , Hou Simon See‐Ming , Yu Alex Wai‐Yin , Li Philip Kam‐Tao
Published: October 2011

Objective:  In 2009, 1659 patients with end‐stage renal failure in Hong Kong were waiting for a renal transplant. The overall number of renal transplants carried out locally remains low, with an even lower number being live donor donations. Yet, live donor kidney transplantation yields results that are consistently superior to those of deceased donor kidney transplantation, and laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is increasingly accepted worldwide as a safe and preferred surgical option. We aim to evaluate the outcome of LDN in our setting, and to compare with that of deceased donors in this retrospective review.

Patients and Methods:  A total of 12 patients received LDN over the study period of 2006–2009. Standard left transperitoneal LDN was carried out. Grafts including three with double vessels were prepared using the bench technique. The postoperative outcomes up to 1 year for both the donors and the recipients were studied. Contemporary results for the 47 deceased donor kidneys were studied and compared.

Results:  All donors had an eventful recovery. The operating time was 225.0 ± 67.4 min. The hospital stay was 5.6 ± 2.3 days. The recipient outcomes including hospital stay and creatinine levels at discharge and 1 year were 11 days, 121 umol/L and 116 umol/L, respectively. Specifically, no ureteric stricture or graft loss was noted at the 1‐year follow up. Recipient complications included haematoma (1 patient), renal artery stenosis (1 patient) and redo of vascular anastomosis (1 patient). In contrast, the deceased donor graft recipients had a hospital stay of 11 days, and creatinine levels of 205 umol/L on discharge and 205 umol/L at 1 year, respectively. The delayed graft function rates for the live donor and deceased donors group were 0% and 14.9%, whereas the 1‐year graft survival rates were 100% and 87.2% respectively.

Conclusion:  The results showed that the donor morbidity rate was low, as reflected by the short hospital stay. Also, the overall parameters of recipients were good. In particular, no ureteric stricture was noted, and graft survival was 100% at 1 year. Living donor kidney transplant program using the laparoscopic technique is a viable option to improve the pool of kidneys for transplantation.
Timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis: Any controversy?
Authors: Chong Charing Ching‐Ning , Chiu Philip Wai‐Yan , Lee Kit‐Fai , Lai Paul Bo‐San
Published: October 2011

Objective:  The timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis remains controversial. This article reviews the latest evidence for the timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the management of acute cholecystitis.

Methodology:  Trials comparing early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC; carried out within 1 week of onset of symptoms) versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC; carried out at least 6 weeks after symptoms settled) for acute cholecystitis were identified from Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library and PubMed database. Only meta‐analyses and randomized clinical trials were reviewed.

Results:  A total of seven prospective randomized trials including 670 patients and four meta‐analyses were reviewed. ELC was superior to DLC in terms of a shorter hospital stay without any significant difference in perioperative mortality and morbidity.

Conclusions:  Current evidence supports ELC as the preferred treatment strategy for acute cholecystitis. It allows a shorter hospital stay, but shares similar operative morbidity, mortality and conversion rate as DLC.
Use of computed tomography colonography to detect a synchronous early colorectal cancer in a patient with obstructive colorectal tumour
Authors: Watanabe Toshiaki , Matsuda Keiji , Ishihara Soichiro , Nozawa Keijiro , Hayama Tamuro , Yamada Hideki , Iinuma Hisae
Published: October 2011

In patients with obstructive colorectal cancer, it is difficult to evaluate the oral site of the large bowel by colonoscopy. Instead of colonoscopy, previous studies have shown that computed tomography (CT) colonography is effective for detection of neoplastic lesions in the large bowel. In the present case, we carried out CT colonography and found superficial early cancer at the oral side of the obstructive cancer, and carried out surgical resection for both lesions. A 60‐year‐old man was admitted with complaints of abdominal pain and distension. Total colonoscopy could not be carried out because of the stricture of the lesion. To evaluate the proximal site of the large bowel, we carried out CT colonography, which showed a superficial lesion in the transverse colon suggestive of early cancer. He underwent surgery and an intraoperative colonoscopy of the transverse colon, which confirmed the findings of the CT colonography. The patient underwent R0 resection for both an advanced lesion and a superficial lesion. Pathological examination of the superficial lesion showed adenocarcinoma‐invading submucosa. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged a week after the operation. The present case suggests the importance of CT colonography for patients with obstructive colorectal cancers to detect synchronous neoplastic lesions, including superficial early cancers.
Spatial and Temporal Infiltration Dynamics During Managed Aquifer Recharge
Authors: Racz Andrew J. , Fisher Andrew T. , Schmidt Calla M. , Lockwood Brian S. , Huertos Marc Los
Published: November 2011

Natural groundwater recharge is inherently difficult to quantify and predict, largely because it comprises a series of processes that are spatially distributed and temporally variable. Infiltration ponds used for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) provide an opportunity to quantify recharge processes across multiple scales under semi‐controlled conditions. We instrumented a 3‐ha MAR infiltration pond to measure and compare infiltration patterns determined using whole‐pond and point‐specific methods. Whole‐pond infiltration was determined by closing a transient water budget (accounting for inputs, outputs, and changes in storage), whereas point‐specific infiltration rates were determined using heat as a tracer and time series analysis at eight locations in the base of the pond. Whole‐pond infiltration, normalized for wetted area, rose rapidly to more than 1.0 m/d at the start of MAR operations (increasing as pond stage rose), was sustained at high rates for the next 40 d, and then decreased to less than 0.1 m/d by the end of the recharge season. Point‐specific infiltration rates indicated high spatial and temporal variability, with the mean of measured values generally being lower than rates indicated by whole‐pond calculations. Colocated measurements of head gradients within saturated soils below the pond were combined with infiltration rates to calculate soil hydraulic conductivity. Observations indicate a brief period of increasing saturated hydraulic conductivity, followed by a decrease of one to two orders of magnitude during the next 50 to 75 d. Locations indicating the most rapid infiltration shifted laterally during MAR operation, and we suggest that infiltration may function as a “variable source area” processes, conceptually similar to catchment runoff.
Boundary Condition Effects on Maximum Groundwater Withdrawal in Coastal Aquifers
Authors: Lu Chunhui , Chen Yiming , Luo Jian
Published: November 2011

Prevention of sea water intrusion in coastal aquifers subject to groundwater withdrawal requires optimization of well pumping rates to maximize the water supply while avoiding sea water intrusion. Boundary conditions and the aquifer domain size have significant influences on simulating flow and concentration fields and estimating maximum pumping rates. In this study, an analytical solution is derived based on the potential‐flow theory for evaluating maximum groundwater pumping rates in a domain with a constant hydraulic head landward boundary. An empirical correction factor, which was introduced by Pool and Carrera (2011) to account for mixing in the case with a constant recharge rate boundary condition, is found also applicable for the case with a constant hydraulic head boundary condition, and therefore greatly improves the usefulness of the sharp‐interface analytical solution. Comparing with the solution for a constant recharge rate boundary, we find that a constant hydraulic head boundary often yields larger estimations of the maximum pumping rate and when the domain size is five times greater than the distance between the well and the coastline, the effect of setting different landward boundary conditions becomes insignificant with a relative difference between two solutions less than 2.5%. These findings can serve as a preliminary guidance for conducting numerical simulations and designing tank‐scale laboratory experiments for studying groundwater withdrawal problems in coastal aquifers with minimized boundary condition effects.
Satellite cell pool enhancement in rat plantaris muscle by endurance training depends on intensity rather than duration
Authors: Kurosaka M. , Naito H. , Ogura Y. , Machida S. , Katamoto S.
Published: October 2011

Aim:  Increases in the number of satellite cells are necessary for the maintenance of normal muscle function. Endurance training enhances the satellite cell pool. However, it remains unclear whether exercise intensity or exercise duration is more important to enhance the satellite cell pool. This study examined the effects of different intensity and duration of endurance training on the satellite cell pool in rat skeletal muscle.

Methods:  Forty‐one 17‐week‐old female Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to control (n = 8), high intensity and high duration (n = 7), high intensity and low duration (n = 8), low intensity and high duration (n = 9) and low intensity and low duration (n = 9) groups. Training groups exercised 5 days per week on a motor driven treadmill for 10 weeks. After the training period, animals were anaesthetized and the plantaris muscles were removed, weighed and analysed for immunohistochemical and histochemical properties.

Results:  Although no significant differences were found in muscle mass, mean fibre area and myonuclei per muscle fibre between all groups, the percentage of satellite cells was significantly higher in the high‐intensity groups than in the other groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Increases in the satellite cell pool of skeletal muscle following endurance training depend on the intensity rather than duration of exercise.
Computational Phonology – Part II: Grammars, Learning, and the Future
Authors: Heinz Jeffrey
Published: November 2011

Computational phonology studies sound patterns in the world's languages from a computational perspective. This article shows that the similarities between different generative theories outweigh the differences, and discusses stochastic grammars and learning models within phonology from a computational perspective. Also, it shows how the hypothesis that all sound patterns are subregular can be investigated, pointing the direction for future research. Taken together, these contributions show computational phonology is identifying stronger and stronger universal properties of phonological patterns, which are reflected in the grammatical formalisms phonologists employ. This article is intended primarily for phonologists who are curious about computational phonology, but do not have a rigorous background in mathematics or computation. However, it is also informative for readers with a background in computation and the basics of phonology, and who are curious about what computational analysis offers phonological theory.
Towards a Typology of Locative Inversion – Bantu, Perhaps Chinese and English – But Beyond?
Authors: Salzmann Martin
Published: November 2011

Locative inversion (LI) is a construction that is very prominent in Bantu languages. It involves inversion of a locative with the logical/thematic subject. The inversion is accompanied by a reversal of grammatical functions whereby the locative becomes the subject. LI is associated with a special discourse function, that of presentational focus. Within Bantu there is considerable variation, especially concerning thematic restrictions and the robustness of locative morphology. In addition, inversion may not always involve a reversal of grammatical functions. While the subjecthood of locatives is relatively easy to diagnose in languages where they agree with the verb, an alternative analysis in terms of topicalization suggests itself when there is no agreement. LI has been described for very few other languages, including English and Chinese. In both languages, the evidence for the subjecthood of the locative is limited or equivocal. LI thus appears to be a very rare phenomenon and this rarity may be the key to a fundamental understanding of the construction.
Detection of clarithromycin resistance in Helicobacter pylori following noncryogenic storage of rapid urease tests for 30 days
Authors: LI Yuan , RIMBARA Emiko , THIRUMURTHI Selvi , TRESPALACIOS Alba , REDDY Rita , SABOUNCHI Saman , ATTUMI Taraq Assed , GRAHAM David Yates
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:  Traditional Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy has been undermined by increasing antimicrobial, especially clarithromycin, resistance. Susceptibility testing in some areas is difficult to achieve or unavailable. We aimed to determine whether gastric biopsy specimens stored at room temperature for rapid urease test (RUT) were suitable for clarithromycin susceptibility testing of H. pylori.

METHODS:  After 30 days of storage at room temperature, DNA was extracted from gastric biopsies present in RUTs (Hpfast). H. pylori status and clarithromycin susceptibility were evaluated using H. pylori‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for ureA, vacA, and allele‐specific primer‐PCR of the 23S rRNA genes. The PCR results were compared with histology, RUT, and culture results. H. pylori positive was defined as RUT and either culture or histology positive; H. pylori negative as RUT, culture and histology negative.

RESULTS:  Samples from 31 patients were evaluated; 11 were H. pylori positive including 9 by culture; seven of which had allele‐specific primer‐PCR results from the RUT specimen for the detection of mutations of the 23S rRNA gene. When both tests were available, culture and PCR results were concordant in 7 cases. In 15 of the 20 histology, RUT and culture negative patients, three PCR were negative. In one patient, all of the three tests were positive; and in three only the 23S rRNA was positive and in one only ureA was positive.

CONCLUSION:  Gastric biopsy specimens stored in the gel of RUT for 30 days can be used for molecular testing to confirm the diagnosis of H. pylori infection and test for clarithromycin susceptibility.
Definitive diagnosis of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome induced by pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Authors: GAO Hong , LI Na , WANG Ji Yao , ZHANG Shun Cai , LIN Ge
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:  Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) induced by a Chinese medicinal herb Tusanqi is increasingly being reported in recent years. The aim of the study was to investigate the possibility of using blood pyrrole‐protein adducts test as a confirmatory diagnostic method.

METHODS:  Patients with HSOS according to international diagnostic criteria associated with Tusanqi from January 2006 to August 2010 in Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University were included and clinical features were collected. Pyrrole‐protein adducts in blood sample were determined with ultra performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS) while pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in available herbal preparations were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet (HPLC‐UV).

RESULTS:  Five patients (age 41–72 years, median age 54 years, all women) were included. Ascites (5/5), jaundice (5/5) and hepatomegaly (4/5) were common manifestations. The imaging features were diffused, patchy hepatic enhancement, periportal edema and ascites. Pathology ascertained that blood flow was obstructive at the site of sinusoid. PAs (Seneionine and seneciphylline) were identified in all the three available herbal preparations ingested by the HSOS patients. Pyrrole‐protein adducts were unequivocally found in all the five blood samples. Two patients recovered, two developed chronic illness and one died due to liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy.

CONCLUSIONS:  The detection of blood pyrrole‐protein adducts using a UPLC‐MS approach is a specific, reliable, unambiguous and confirmatory test for HSOS induced by PA, and should be used together with the conventional HSOS clinical diagnostic criteria for the definitive diagnosis of PA‐induced HSOS.
The characteristics of respiratory function and pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with portal hypertension
Authors: SUN Yong Wei , HUA Rong , HUO Yan Miao , CAO Hui , WU Zhi Yong , LUO Meng , XU Qing , CHEN Wei , KONG Xian Ming
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the respiratory function and pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with portal hypertension (PHT).

METHODS:  A total of 148 patients with PHT were divided into three groups according to Child–Pugh classification. Results of blood biochemistry test, lung function test, arterial blood gas analysis, free portal pressure (FPP) and pulmonary hemodynamics measurements of the three Child‐Pugh grade groups were compared with those of the control group.

RESULTS:  The overall incidence of arterial hypoxemia was 27.0% in PHT patients. Arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) had a significant negative correlation with FPP (r = −0.76, P < 0.01) and Child–Pugh grade (r = −0.42, P < 0.01), as well as a positive correlation with systemic vascular resistance (SVR, r = 0.24, P = 0.01). Alveolar‐arterial oxygen difference (A‐aDO2) increased in Child‐Pugh grade C group when compared with Child‐Pugh grade A and B groups (P < 0.05). Restrictive impairment of lung function was seen in Child‐Pugh grade C group. Direct measurement of the hemodynamics in PHT patients revealed a hyperdynamic disturbance in both systemic and portal venous systems, and was illustrated in pulmonary circulation as an increase of mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) and pulmonary arterial wedged pressure (PAWP) as well as a decrease of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR).

CONCLUSIONS:  High output and low resistance are the key characteristics of pulmonary circulation in PHT patients and the decrease of PVR can be detected even when liver function is still compensated.
State‐space framework for estimating measurement error from double‐tagging telemetry experiments
Authors: Winship Arliss J. , Jorgensen Salvador J. , Shaffer Scott A. , Jonsen Ian D. , Robinson Patrick W. , Costa Daniel P. , Block Barbara A.
Published: November 2011

1. Double‐tagging experiments are invaluable for determining the accuracy and precision of location data provided by different telemetry technologies used with free‐ranging animals.

2. We developed a state‐space modelling framework for estimating the precision of telemetry location data based on double‐tagging experiments. The model is simultaneously fitted to multiple data types with different temporal resolutions while including errors in all data.

3. We used the model to estimate the precision of a specific geolocation method based on light and sea surface temperature applied to a large marine telemetry dataset. Data were available from double‐tagging experiments on 111 animals representing seven marine species including 4 sharks, 2 birds and 1 pinniped. Study animals carried electronic tags that provided geolocation estimates as well as more precise satellite‐based location data (Argos and Global Positioning System).

4. Estimates of the precision of geolocations were similar to previous findings. The overall estimated SD of geolocation errors for each species ranged from 0·5 to 3·9° for longitude and 0·8 to 3·6° for latitude.

5. While these results are specific to this particular type of location estimation method, the state‐space framework presented here is a robust approach to estimating the precision of various types of telemetry location data from double‐tagging experiments. The model simultaneously allows for appropriate inferences about true animal locations and movement.
Surgical repair of fractures of the lateral and medial tibial malleoli in a yearling Arabian filly
Authors: Getman L. M. , Ross M. W. , Smith M. A.
Published: November 2011

A yearling Arabian filly presented with a history of acute hindlimb lameness, marked tarsocrural effusion and associated soft tissue swelling and was diagnosed with fractures of both the lateral and medial malleoli of the distal aspect of the tibia. The fractures were repaired using a combination of cortical bone screws placed in lag fashion and a tension band wire. A full limb cast bandage was placed for recovery from general anaesthesia and the early post operative period. Despite radiographic development of osteoarthritis, 21 months after surgery the filly was clinically sound and racing successfully.
Openness to experience and all‐cause mortality: A meta‐analysis and requivalent from risk ratios and odds ratios
Authors: Ferguson Eamonn , Bibby Peter A.
Published: October 2011

Objectives. To test the prediction that Openness to Experience (O) is a protective factor with respect to all‐cause mortality. To provide a method of calculating a standard effect size estimate (requivalent) from relative risk (RR) and odds ratios (OR).

Methods. A meta‐analysis of 11 (N= 19, 941) studies linking O to all‐cause mortality is reported. Analyses are conducted on the total sample and on sub‐samples with and without other mortality risk factors (e.g., age, social class) controlled. The same analyses are also conducted on the studies that used indices of O based on standard measures of the five‐factor model (FFM: NEO and Goldberg's adjective markers). This paper also provides a means of calculating an requivalent from RR and OR.

Results. The results show that for all studies O is a protective factor (r= .051) and this effect is slightly higher (r= .064) when only FFM measures are used. When risk factors are not controlled, the protective effect for O is .091 for all studies and .097 for FFM indices. However, a predicted attenuation is observed when standard mortality risk factors are controlled to .028 for all measures and .036 for FFM measures.

Conclusions. While O is protective with respect to all‐cause mortality, the effect is attenuated by other mortality risk factors and future work needs to explore the complex independent, moderating, and mediating processes linking O to all‐cause mortality.
Spatially resolved study of primary electron transport in magnetic cusps
Authors: Hubble Aimee A. , Foster John E.
Published: November 2011

Spatially resolved primary electron current density profiles were measured using a planar Langmuir probe in the region above a magnetic cusp in a small ion thruster discharge chamber. The probe current maps obtained were used to study the electron collection mechanics in the cusp region in the limit of zero gas flow and no plasma production, and they allowed for the visualization of primary electron transport through the cusp. Attenuation coefficients and loss widths were calculated as a function of probe distance above the anode at various operating conditions. Finally, the collection mechanics between two magnetic cusps were studied and compared. It was found that primary electron collection was dominated by the upstream magnet ring.
Flow characteristics in a canine aneurysm model: A comparison of 4D accelerated phase‐contrast MR measurements and computational fluid dynamics simulations
Authors: Jiang Jingfeng , Johnson Kevin , Valen‐Sendstad Kristian , Mardal Kent‐Andre , Wieben Oliver , Strother Charles
Published: October 2011

Purpose

: Our purpose was to compare quantitatively velocity fields in and around experimental canine aneurysms as measured using an accelerated 4D PC‐MR angiography (MRA) method and calculated based on animal‐specific CFD simulations.

Methods

: Two animals with a surgically created bifurcation aneurysm were imaged using an accelerated 4D PC‐MRA method. Meshes were created based on the geometries obtained from the PC‐MRA and simulations using “subject‐specific” pulsatile velocity waveforms and geometries were then solved using a commercial CFD solver. Qualitative visual assessments and quantitative comparisons of the time‐resolved velocity fields obtained from the PC‐MRA measurements and the CFD simulations were performed using a defined similarity metric combining both angular and magnitude differences of vector fields.

Results

: PC‐MRA and image‐based CFD not only yielded visually consistent representations of 3D streamlines in and around both aneurysms, but also showed good agreement with regard to the spatial velocity distributions. The estimated similarity between time‐resolved velocity fields from both techniques was reasonably high (mean value >0.60; one being the highest and zero being the lowest). Relative differences in inflow and outflow zones among selected planes were also reasonable (on the order of 10%–20%). The correlation between CFD‐calculated and PC‐MRA‐measured time‐averaged wall shear stresses was low (0.22 and 0.31, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

In two experimental canine aneurysms, PC‐MRA and image‐based CFD showed favorable agreement in intra‐aneurismal velocity fields. Combining these two complementary techniques likely will further improve the ability to characterize and interpret the complex flow that occurs in human intracranial aneurysms.
The Big and the Small: Challenges of Imaging the Brain’s Circuits
Authors: Lichtman Jeff W. , Denk Winfried
Published: November 2011

The relation between the structure of the nervous system and its function is more poorly understood than the relation between structure and function in any other organ system. We explore why bridging the structure-function divide is uniquely difficult in the brain. These difficulties also explain the thrust behind the enormous amount of innovation centered on microscopy in neuroscience. We highlight some recent progress and the challenges that remain.
The Cell Biology of Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Ho Victoria M. , Lee Ji-Ann , Martin Kelsey C.
Published: November 2011

Synaptic plasticity is the experience-dependent change in connectivity between neurons that is believed to underlie learning and memory. Here, we discuss the cellular and molecular processes that are altered when a neuron responds to external stimuli, and how these alterations lead to an increase or decrease in synaptic connectivity. Modification of synaptic components and changes in gene expression are necessary for many forms of plasticity. We focus on excitatory neurons in the mammalian hippocampus, one of the best-studied model systems of learning-related plasticity.
The Brain's Social Network
Authors: Miller Greg
Published: November 2011

In this week's issue of
Science
, neuroscientists report that housing macaques in larger groups increased the amount of gray matter in several parts of the brain involved in social cognition.
Psychologist Accused of Fraud on 'Astonishing Scale'
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: November 2011

A Dutch committee has concluded in a report this week that one of the Netherlands' leading social psychologists made up or manipulated data in dozens of papers over nearly a decade.
X-tra Diversity for Africans
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: November 2011

Compared with Europeans and Asians, Africans have extra diversity on their X chromosomes, according to an invited lecture at the meeting.
Synthesis and antiviral evaluation of the 2′-C-methyl branched derivative of a nucleoside analog inhibitor of RNA viral infections, T-1106
Authors: Pierra Claire , Counor Clément , Storer Richard , Gosselin Gilles
Published: October 2011

An example of a 2′-C-methyl branched nucleoside analogue bearing 3,4-dihydro-3-oxopyrazine-2-carboxamide as the base, namely 4-(2-C-methyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-3-oxo-3,4-dihydropyrazine-2-carboxamide, is reported. This compound was synthesized following a Vorbrüggen’s glycosylation procedure in a few steps. When evaluated in cell culture experiments against a broad range of viruses, this compound did not exhibit any significant antiviral effect or cytotoxicity.
Electron microscope study on a transmissible cytotoxic factor isolated from cerebrospinal fluid of neurological patients: analysis of its structure and of its effects on various types of cell cultures
Authors: Guerra D , Ronchetti I , Beretti F , Bartoletti A M , Pietrosemoli P , Gelormini M S , Malagolini N , Muscatello U , Portolani M
Published: November 2011

Aims

In previous studies, the present group showed that a factor, present in the cerebrospinal fluid of seven neuro-patients, was capable of inducing cell damages on cell cultures of epithelial cells (Vero), glial cells (DG54-MG) and human primary lymphocytes. The cytotoxicity, once induced, could be transmitted to fresh cell cultures using crude preparations obtained from the cytotoxic cell cultures.

Methods and Results

The present electron microscope study describes in detail the pathological changes occurring in the previously assayed cultured cell types, and for the first time in human fibroblasts, as a consequence of the treatment with crude cytotoxic preparation. It also demonstrates with reasonable certainty the absence of virus-like particles in both the treated cells and the partially purified cytotoxic fraction. Indeed high-resolution electron microscopy analysis shows that this fraction consists almost entirely of protein spheroids with a diameter of 8–12 nm.

Conclusions

The possible significance of nanotubular aggregates, observed in particular in the glial and in the epithelial cells undergoing cytotoxic damage, is also discussed.
Receptor activator for nuclear factor κ B expression predicts poor prognosis in breast cancer patients with bone metastasis but not in patients with visceral metastasis
Authors: Zhang Lingyun , Teng Yuee , Zhang Ye , Liu Jing , Xu Ling , Qu Jinglei , Hou Kezuo , Yang Xianghong , Liu Yunpeng , Qu Xiujuan
Published: November 2011

Background

It was recently reported that receptor activator for nuclear factor κ B ligand (RANKL)/receptor activator for nuclear factor κ B (RANK) pathway is critical for RANK-expressing cancer cells to home to bone and associates with disease progression of cancer. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of RANK on prognosis in breast cancer patients with bone metastasis and patients with visceral metastasis.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining for RANK was carried out on paraffin-embedded primary tumour tissue sections from 102 patients with metastatic breast cancer. Survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were used to explore the prognostic value of RANK expression in breast cancer.

Results

The RANK expression rates were 47.1% in metastatic breast cancer. Patients with RANK expression showed significantly poor progression-free survival and disease-specific survival. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the significant difference in prognosis completely resulted from the occurrence of bone metastasis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that RANK expression was an independent predictor of bone metastasis-free survival and disease-specific survival in patients with bone metastasis.

Conclusions

RANK expression might be an independent predictor of poor prognosis in breast cancer patients with bone metastasis, and RANK expression does not associate with the prognosis in patients with visceral metastasis.
Large fossil birds from a Late Cretaceous marine turbidite sequence on Hornby Island (British Columbia)
Authors: Dyke Gareth , Wang Xia , Kaiser Gary
Published: October 2011

Few fossil birds and non-avian dinosaurs are known from Mesozoic sediments bordering the eastern margin of the Pacific Ocean. Here, we describe additional remains of Late Cretaceous birds from a deep-water marine turbidite sequence of the Northumberland Formation exposed on Hornby Island, British Columbia. The bones described here are referable (based on hypothesized autapomorphies) to the Cretaceous avian lineages Enantiornithes and Ornithurae and fall into at least two size classes within either lineage. This suggests the presence of multiple taxa occurring within the Northumberland Formation.
PRESENT CONSTRAINTS ON THE H-DIBARYON AT THE PHYSICAL POINT FROM LATTICE QCD
Authors:   NPLQCD Collaboration, BEANE S. R. , CHANG E. , DETMOLD W. , JOÓ B. , LIN H.-W. , LUU T. C. , ORGINOS K. , PARREÑO A. , SAVAGE M. J. , TOROK A. , WALKER-LOUD A.
Published: November 2011

The current constraints from lattice QCD on the existence of the H-dibaryon are discussed. With only two significant lattice QCD calculations of the H-dibaryon binding energy at approximately the same lattice spacing, the forms of the chiral and continuum extrapolations to the physical point are not determined. In this brief report, we consider the constraints on the H-dibaryon imposed by two simple chiral extrapolations. In both instances, the extrapolation to the physical pion mass allows for a bound H-dibaryon or a near-threshold scattering state. Further lattice QCD calculations are required to clarify this situation.
COLLECTIVE EFFECTS IN MULTIPARTICLE PRODUCTION PROCESSES AT THE LHC
Authors: TROSHIN S. M. , TYURIN N. E.
Published: October 2011

We discuss various aspects of the multiparticle production processes at the LHC energy range with emphasis on the collective effects associated with appearance of the new scattering mode, which corresponds to the reflective scattering and its impact on multiparticle production processes.