bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Temporal Bone: Three Cases and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Tian Huiqin , Liu Tingting , Wang Cong , Tang Lijun , Chen Zhibin , Xing Guangqian
Published: January 2013

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IP) is a clinically aggressive but histologically benign condition of unknown cause. Its appearance in the temporal bone is uncommon. We present clinical, radiological, and histopathologic findings of three cases originating in the temporal bone. In the first case, a simultaneous IP of the temporal bone and parotid gland was found with histopathologic confirmation. In the second case, an enlarged cervical node, which was also believed to be related to IP, was observed accompanied with the temporal lesion. While the third case presented with chronic suppurative otitis media. Two of them were treated by surgery alone with complete resolve of the diseases. Another one underwent tympanomastoidectomy in combination with oral steroids, radiation, and chemotherapy, but the IP still recurred. A comprehensive review of the literature on clinical features of the temporal pseudotumor was conducted.
Optimization of Metronidazole Emulgel
Authors: Rao Monica , Sukre Girish , Aghav Sheetal , Kumar Manmeet
Published: January 2013

The purpose of the present study was to develop and optimize the emulgel system for MTZ (Metronidazole), a poorly water soluble drug. The pseudoternary phase diagrams were developed for various microemulsion formulations composed of Capmul 908 P, Acconon MC8-2, and propylene glycol. The emulgel was optimized using a three-factor, two-level factorial design, the independent variables selected were Capmul 908 P, and surfactant mixture (Acconon MC8-2 and gelling agent), and the dependent variables (responses) were a cumulative amount of drug permeated across the dialysis membrane in 24 h () and spreadability (). Mathematical equations and response surface plots were used to relate the dependent and independent variables. The regression equations were generated for responses and . The statistical validity of the polynomials was established, and optimized formulation factors were selected. Validation of the optimization study with 3 confirmatory runs indicated a high degree of prognostic ability of response surface methodology. Emulgel system of MTZ was developed and optimized using 23 factorial design and could provide an effective treatment against topical infections.
Some Results of Univalent and Starlike Integral Operator
Authors: Eljamal E. A. , Darus M. , Breaz D.
Published: January 2013

The main objective of the present paper is to study the mapping properties of functions belonging to certain classes under a family of univalent and starlike integral operator. Relationships of these classes are also pointed out.
MEH-PPV and PCBM Solution Concentration Dependence of Inverted-Type Organic Solar Cells Based on Eosin-Y-Coated ZnO Nanorod Arrays
Authors: Ginting Riski Titian , Yap Chi Chin , Yahaya Muhammad , Mat Salleh Muhamad
Published: January 2013

The influence of polymer solution concentration on the performance of chlorobenzene- (CB-) and chloroform- (CF-) based inverted-type organic solar cells has been investigated. The organic photoactive layers consisted of poly(2-methoxy-5-(2-ethyl hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) and (6,6)-phenyl C61butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) were spin coated from CF with concentrations of 4, 6, and 8 mg/mL and from CB with concentrations of 6, 8, and 10 mg/mL onto Eosin-Y-coated ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs). Fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) and silver (Ag) were used as electron collecting electrode and hole collecting electrode, respectively. Experimental results showed that the short circuit current density and power conversion efficiency increased with decrease of solution concentration for both CB and CF devices, which could be attributed to reducing charge recombination in thinner photoactive layer and larger contact area between the rougher photoactive layer and Ag contact. However, the open circuit voltage decreased with decreasing solution concentration due to increase of leakage current from ZnO NRAs to Ag as the ZnO NRAs were not fully covered by the polymer blend. The highest power conversion efficiencies of0.54±0.10% and0.87±0.15% were achieved at the respective lowest solution concentrations of CB and CF.
Intelligent Systems Developed for the Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chiu Ruey Kei , Chen Renee Y. , Wang Shin-An , Chang Yen-Chun , Chen Li-Chien
Published: January 2013

This paper aims to construct intelligence models by applying the technologies of artificial neural networks including back-propagation network (BPN), generalized feedforward neural networks (GRNN), and modular neural network (MNN) that are developed, respectively, for the early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The comparison of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity among three models is subsequently performed. The model of best performance is chosen. By leveraging the aid of this system, CKD physicians can have an alternative way to detect chronic kidney diseases in early stage of a patient. Meanwhile, it may also be used by the public for self-detecting the risk of contracting CKD.
Studying the Effects of Adding Silica Sand Nanoparticles on Epoxy Based Composites
Authors: Ahmad Tahir , Mamat Othman , Ahmad Rafiq
Published: January 2013

The research about the preparation of submicron inorganic particles, once conducted in the past decade, is now leading to prepare polymer matrix composite (PMC) reinforced with nanofillers. The objective of present research is to study the modified effects of reinforcement dispersion of nanoparticle silica in epoxy resin on the physical properties, mechanical and thermal behaviour, and the microstructure of resultant composites. Stirrer mixing associated with manual mixing of silica sand nanoparticles (developed in our earlier research) (Ahmad and Mamat, 2012) into epoxy was followed by curing being the adopted technique to develop the subject nanocomposites. Experimental values showed that 15 wt.% addition of silica sand nanoparticles improves Young’s modulus of the composites; however, a reduction in tensile strength was also observed. Number of holes and cavities produced due to improper mixing turn out to be the main cause of effected mechanical properties. Addition of silica sand nanoparticles causes a reduction in degree of crystallinity of the nanocomposites as being observed in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis.
Protein-Mediated Interactions of Pancreatic Islet Cells
Authors: Meda Paolo
Published: January 2013

The islets of Langerhans collectively form the endocrine pancreas, the organ that is soley responsible for insulin secretion in mammals, and which plays a prominent role in the control of circulating glucose and metabolism. Normal function of these islets implies the coordination of different types of endocrine cells, noticeably of the beta cells which produce insulin. Given that an appropriate secretion of this hormone is vital to the organism, a number of mechanisms have been selected during evolution, which now converge to coordinate beta cell functions. Among these, several mechanisms depend on different families of integral membrane proteins, which ensure direct (cadherins, N-CAM, occludin, and claudins) and paracrine communications (pannexins) between beta cells, and between these cells and the other islet cell types. Also, other proteins (integrins) provide communication of the different islet cell types with the materials that form the islet basal laminae and extracellular matrix. Here, we review what is known about these proteins and their signaling in pancreaticβ-cells, with particular emphasis on the signaling provided by Cx36, given that this is the integral membrane protein involved in cell-to-cell communication, which has so far been mostly investigated for effects on beta cell functions.
Antidepressive-Like Property of Dichloromethane Fraction ofPimenta pseudocaryophyllusand Relevance of Monoamine Metabolic Enzymes
Authors: Fajemiroye James Oluwagbamigbe , Martins José Luís Rodrigues , Ghedini Paulo César , Galdino Pablinny Morreira , Paula Joelma Abadia Marciano de , Realino de Paula José , Da Rocha Fabio Fagundes , Costa Elson Alves
Published: January 2013

Pimenta pseudocaryophylluspopularly referred to as craveiro is considered as a calming agent in different local preparations. The present study attempted to examine antidepressant-like effect of dichloromethane fraction (DF) and role of monoamine oxidase (MAO), tryptophan, and tyrosine hydroxylase. Based on the research focus, tail suspension (TS), forced swimming (FS), and open field (OF) tests were conducted after oral administration of DF (125, 250, or 500 mg/Kg). Ex vivo assay of MAO was also conducted to evaluate inhibitory effect of DF (250 mg/Kg). Administration of DF elicits antidepressant-like response in the TS and FS. However, DF 500 mg/Kg did not alter mice performance in these models. The data obtained in the OF showed a reduction in total crossing and rearing activity; these effects suggest motor interference in TS and FS performance. Mice pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (PCPA) (100 mg/kg, i.p.—serotonin biosynthesis inhibitor) for 4 consecutive days or acute administration ofα-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT) (100 mg/kg, i.p.—catecholamine synthesis inhibitor) blocked anti-immobility effect of DF in the FS. In ex vivo assay of MAO, DF did not inhibit catabolic activity of MAO. Our findings support antidepressant-like activity of DF and suggest an effect that depends on monoamine biosynthesis.
Microvesicles as Potential Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers
Authors: Giusti Ilaria , D’Ascenzo Sandra , Dolo Vincenza
Published: January 2013

Although the incidence of ovarian cancer is low (i.e., less than 5% in European countries), it is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy and typically has a poor prognosis. To ensure optimal survival, it is important to diagnose this condition when the pathology is confined to the ovary. However, this is difficult to achieve because the first specific symptoms appear only during advanced disease stages. To date, the biomarker mainly used for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer is CA125; however, this marker has a low sensitivity and specificity and is associated with several other physiological and pathological conditions. No other serum ovarian cancer markers appear to be able to replace or complement CA125, and the current challenge is therefore to identify novel markers for the early diagnosis of this disease. For this purpose, studies have focused on the microvesicles (MVs) released from tumor cells. MVs may represent an ideal biomarker because they can be easily isolated from blood, and they have particular features (mainly regarding microRNA profiles) that strongly correlate with ovarian cancer stage and may be effective for early diagnosis.
The Bristol Hip View: Its Role in the Diagnosis and Surgical Planning and Occult Fracture Diagnosis for Proximal Femoral Fractures
Authors: Harding J. , Chesser T. J. S. , Bradley M.
Published: January 2013

Aim. To evaluate whether a modified radiographic view of the femoral neck improves the diagnosis
of occult proximal femoral. Materials and Methods. Prospective study of patients presenting with clinically suspected proximal femoral fractures or who
underwent traditional plain radiographic views and the Bristol hip view (a 30‐degree angled projection). Six blinded independent observers assessed the images for
presence of a fracture, anatomical level, and displacement. Results. 166 consecutive patients presenting with the clinical diagnosis of a proximal femoral fracture,
of which 61 sustained a fracture. Six of these were deemed occult due to negative plain and had proven fractures
on subsequent cross‐sectional imaging. The Bristol hip view demonstrated five of these six fractures. It performed better than the traditional
lateral hip view to identify the injury. The Bristol hip view predicted correctly the fracture type and displacement in all cases and
missed only one of the occult fractures. Conclusion. The Bristol hip view is more sensitive and clearer than a lateral projection for patients. It adds useful diagnostic information and performs better than the traditional views in occult
fractures. Its use may prevent the need for further cross sectional imaging and subsequent surgical delay.
On the Possibility of Ferromagnetism in Nanosized CuCl2
Authors: Owens Frank J.
Published: January 2013

Copper chloride consists of parallel chains of CuCl2. The chains are sufficiently far apart such that the electronic and magnetic properties of CuCl2 have been approximated as arising from isolated chains. Density functional theory using the LANL2DZ/6-31G* basis set has been used to calculate the total energy of CuCl2 chains having nanometer length. The calculations, which are performed as a function of chain length, predict that chains having ferromagnetic order have a lower energy than chains with no order. Calculations of the band gap as a function of length for the ferromagnetic chains indicate that chains greater than 6 nm may be semiconducting suggesting that nanosized CuCl2 chains have the potential to be magnetic semiconductors.
A VLSI Implementation of Rank-Order Searching Circuit Employing a Time-Domain Technique
Authors: Bui Trong-Tu , Shibata Tadashi
Published: January 2013

We present a compact and low-power rank-order searching (ROS) circuit that can be used for building associative memories and rank-order filters (ROFs) by employing time-domain computation and floating-gate MOS techniques. The architecture inherits the accuracy and programmability of digital implementations as well as the compactness and low-power consumption of analog ones. We aim to implement identification function as the first priority objective. Filtering function would be implemented once the location identification function has been carried out. The prototype circuit was designed and fabricated in a 0.18 μm CMOS technology. It consumes only 132.3 μW for an eight-input demonstration case.
Exhaustive Training Increases Uncoupling Protein 2 Expression and Decreases Bcl-2/Bax Ratio in Rat Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Liu W. Y. , He W. , Li H.
Published: January 2013

This work investigates the effects of oxidative stress due to exhaustive training on uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) and Bcl-2/Bax in rat skeletal muscles. A total of 18 Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control group (CON), the trained control group (TC), and the exhaustive trained group (ET). Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), xanthine oxidase (XOD), ATPase, UCP2, and Bcl-2/Bax ratio in red gastrocnemius muscles were measured. Exhaustive training induced ROS increase in red gastrocnemius muscles, which led to a decrease in the cell antiapoptotic ability (Bcl-2/Bax ratio). An increase in UCP2 expression can reduce ROS production and affect mitochondrial energy production. Thus, oxidative stress plays a significant role in overtraining.
Degree of Acute Kidney Injury before Dialysis Initiation and Hospital Mortality in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Thakar Charuhas V. , Christianson Annette , Almenoff Peter , Freyberg Ron , Render Marta L.
Published: January 2013

In a multicenter observational cohort of patients-admitted to intensive care units (ICU), we assessed whether creatinine elevation prior to dialysis initiation in acute kidney injury (AKI-D) further discriminates risk-adjusted mortality. AKI-D was categorized into four groups (Grp) based on creatinine elevation after ICU admission but before dialysis initiation: Grp I  > 0.3 mg/dL to <2-fold increase, Grp II ≥2 times but <3 times increase, Grp III ≥3-fold increase in creatinine, and Grp IV none or <0.3 mg/dl increase. Standardized mortality rates (SMR) were calculated by using a validated risk-adjusted mortality model and expressed with 95% confidence intervals (CI). 2,744 patients developed AKI-D during ICU stay; 36.7%, 20.9%, 31.2%, and 11.2% belonged to groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. SMR showed a graded increase in Grp I, II, and III (1.40 (95% CI, 1.29–1.42), 1.84 (1.66–2.04), and 2.25 (2.07–2.45)) and was 0.98 (0.78–1.20) in Grp IV. In ICU patients with AKI-D, degree of creatinine elevation prior to dialysis initiation is independently associated with hospital mortality. It is the lowest in those experiencing minor or no elevations in creatinine and may represent reversible fluid-electrolyte disturbances.
Perinatal Pet Exposure, Faecal Microbiota, and Wheezy Bronchitis: Is There a Connection?
Authors: Nermes Merja , Niinivirta Katri , Nylund Lotta , Laitinen Kirsi , Matomäki Jaakko , Salminen Seppo , Isolauri Erika
Published: January 2013

Background. The hygiene hypothesis suggests that high hygiene standards have led to an immune dysfunction and an increase in allergic diseases. Farming-related exposures are associated with a decreased risk of asthma. Since the gut microbiota may be a pivotal component in the hygiene hypothesis, we studied whether perinatal exposure to pets, doctor's diagnosed wheezy bronchitis (WB), and compositional changes in the gut microbiota are interrelated among urban infants. Methods. Data were collected prospectively from a mother-infant nutrition study. Data on perinatal pet ownership, WB, and the microbiota composition of faecal samples of the infants assessed by quantitative PCR at 1 month were compared. Results. None of the 30 infants exposed to pets had suffered from WB by 24 months, whereas 15 of the 99 (15%) nonexposed infants had had WB (P=0.03). The counts of Bifidobacterium longum were higher in samples (n=17) from nonwheezing infants with pet exposure compared to those (n=10) in wheezing infants without pet exposure (8.59/10.44 versus 5.94/9.86, resp. (median/upper limit of range, bacteria(log)/g of stool); P=0.02). B. breve was more abundant in the wheezing infants (P=0.02).
NLRP3 Inflammasome and MS/EAE
Authors: Inoue Makoto , Shinohara Mari L.
Published: January 2013

Inflammasomes are cytosolic sensors that detect pathogens and danger signals in the innate immune system. The NLRP3 inflammasome is currently the most fully characterized inflammasome and is known to detect a wide array of microbes and endogenous damage-associated molecules. Possible involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome (or inflammasomes) in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) was suggested in a number of studies. Recent studies showed that the NLRP3 inflammasome exacerbates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, although EAE can also develop without the NLRP3 inflammasome. In this paper, we discuss the NLRP3 inflammasome in MS and EAE development.
Review of Sand Production Prediction Models
Authors: Rahmati Hossein , Jafarpour Mahshid , Azadbakht Saman , Nouri Alireza , Vaziri Hans , Chan Dave , Xiao Yuxing
Published: January 2013

Sand production in oil and gas wells can occur if fluid flow exceeds a certain threshold governed by factors such as consistency of the reservoir rock, stress state and the type of completion used around the well. The amount of solids can be less than a few grams per cubic meter of reservoir fluid, posing only minor problems, or a substantial amount over a short period of time, resulting in erosion and in some cases filling and blocking of the wellbore. This paper provides a review of selected approaches and models that have been developed for sanding prediction. Most of these models are based on the continuum assumption, while a few have recently been developed based on discrete element model. Some models are only capable of assessing the conditions that lead to the onset of sanding, while others are capable of making volumetric predictions. Some models use analytical formulae, particularly those for estimating the onset of sanding while others use numerical models, particularly in calculating sanding rate. Although major improvements have been achieved in the past decade, sanding tools are still unable to predict the sand mass and the rate of sanding for all field problems in a reliable form.
Essentiallyλ-Hankel Operators
Authors: Arora S. C. , Bhola Jyoti
Published: January 2013

The notion of essentiallyλ-Hankel operators is introduced on the spaceH2. In addition to the discussion of some algebraic and topological properties of the setessHankλ, the set of all essentiallyλ-Hankel operators onH2, it is shown that an essentially Toeplitz Rhaly operator with determining sequence〈an〉is inessHankλλ≠0if and only iflimn→∞n+1an=0.
Late Developing Supernumerary Premolars: Reports of Two Cases
Authors: Yassaei Soghra , Goldani Moghadam Mahdjoube , Tabatabaei S. M. Ali
Published: January 2013

This paper presents two cases of late developing supernumerary premolars. Case 1 is a female patient with nonsyndromic multiple supernumerary teeth located in the maxillary right premolar-molar region, maxillary left premolar region, and the mandibular right and left premolar regions. In this patient surgical removal of all supernumerary teeth was carried out to avoid complications during orthodontic treatment. Case 2 is a female aged 19 years in whom formation of a mandibular supernumerary premolar was observed which was not present at age 13. The patient was made aware of the supernumerary tooth presence, and periodic radiographic assessment was planned.
Ionizing Radiation–Induced γ-H2AX Activity in Whole Blood Culture and the Risk of Lung Cancer
Authors: He Yonggang , Gong Yilei , Lin Jie , Chang David W. , Gu Jian , Roth Jack A. , Wu Xifeng
Published: January 2013

Background: Phenotypic biomarkers of DNA damage repair may enhance cancer risk prediction. The γ-H2AX formed at the sites of double-strand break (DSB) after ionizing radiation is a specific marker of DNA damage.

Methods: In an ongoing case–control study, the baseline and ionizing radiation–induced γ-H2AX levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from frequency-matched 306 untreated patients with lung cancer and 306 controls were measured by a laser scanning cytometer-based immunocytochemical method. The ratio of ionizing radiation–induced γ-H2AX level to the baseline was used to evaluate interindividual variation of DSB damage response and to assess the risk of lung cancer by using unconditional multivariable logistic regression with adjustment of age, sex, ethnicity, smoking status, family history of lung cancer, dust exposure, and emphysema.

Results: The mean γ-H2AX ratio was significantly higher in cases than controls (1.46 ± 0.14 vs. 1.41 ± 0.12, P < 0.001). Dichotomized at the median in controls, high γ-H2AX ratio was significantly associated with increased risk of lung cancer [OR = 2.43; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.66–3.56]. There was also a significant dose–response relationship between γ-H2AX ratio and lung cancer risk in quartile analysis. Analysis of joint effects with other epidemiologic risk factors revealed elevated risk with increasing number of risk factors.

Conclusion: γ-H2AX activity as shown by measuring DSB damage in ionizing radiation–irradiated PBLs may be a novel phenotypic marker of lung cancer risk.

Impact: γ-H2AX assay is a robust and quantifiable image-based cytometer method that measures mutagen-induced DSB response in PBLs as a potential biomarker in lung cancer risk assessment. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(3); 443–51. ©2012 AACR.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Circulating Markers of Inflammation and Adiposity in a Nested Case–Control Study: The Multiethnic Cohort
Authors: Conroy Shannon M. , Maskarinec Gertraud , Morimoto Yukiko , Franke Adrian A. , Cooney Robert V. , Wilkens Lynne R. , Goodman Marc T. , Hernadez Brenda Y. , Le Marchand Loïc , Henderson Brian E. , Kolonel Laurence N.
Published: January 2013

Background: Because immune dysfunction is thought to underlie the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), obesity and chronic inflammation may be involved in its etiology. We examined the association of prediagnostic inflammatory markers and adipokines with NHL risk.

Methods: We conducted a nested case–control analysis (272 cases and 541 matched controls) within the Multiethnic Cohort. Luminex technology was used to measure a 10-plex panel of cytokines, ELISA assays for adipokines, and an autoanalyzer for C-reactive protein (CRP). ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for tertiles of analytes were estimated by conditional logistic regression.

Results: After a median time of 2.7 years from phlebotomy to diagnosis, interleukin (IL)-10 was significantly related to NHL risk (ORT3 vs. T1 = 3.07; 95%CI, 2.02–4.66; Ptrend < 0.001). TNF-α and IL-8 showed borderline elevated risks, whereas IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and CRP were not associated with NHL. Leptin but not adiponectin was related to NHL risk (ORT3 vs. T1 = 0.48; 95%CI, 0.30–0.76; Ptrend < 0.001). Adjustment for body mass index did not substantially affect the risk estimates. Stratification by subtype indicated significant associations with IL-10 and leptin for follicular but not for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Excluding cases diagnosed less than 1 year after phlebotomy attenuated all associations.

Conclusions: IL-10 was the only cytokine and leptin the only adipokine associated with NHL, but due to the short follow-up time, preclinical effects cannot be excluded.

Impact: Although markers of inflammation and adiposity may provide new insights into the etiology of NHL, they need to be assessed many years before clinical diagnosis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(3); 337–47. ©2012 AACR.
PAK1 Mediates Resistance to PI3K Inhibition in Lymphomas
Authors: Walsh Katherine , McKinney Matthew S. , Love Cassandra , Liu Qingquan , Fan Alice , Patel Amee , Smith Jason , Beaven Anne , Jima Dereje D. , Dave Sandeep S.
Published: January 2013

Purpose: The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is known to play an active role in many malignancies. The role of PI3K inhibition in the treatment of lymphomas has not been fully delineated. We sought to identify a role for therapeutic PI3K inhibition across a range of B-cell lymphomas.

Experimental Design: We selected three small molecule inhibitors to test in a panel of 60 cell lines that comprised diverse lymphoma types. We tested the selective PI3K inhibitor BKM120 and the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors BEZ235 and BGT226 in these cell lines. We applied gene expression profiling to better understand the molecular mechanisms associated with responsiveness to these drugs.

Results: We found that higher expression of the PAK1 gene was significantly associated with resistance to all three PI3K inhibitors. Through RNA–interference-mediated knockdown of the PAK1 gene, we showed a dramatic increase in the sensitivity to PI3K inhibition. We further tested a small-molecule inhibitor of PAK1 and found significant synergy between PI3K and PAK1 inhibition.

Conclusion: Thus, we show that PI3K inhibition is broadly effective in lymphomas and PAK1 is a key modulator of resistance to PI3K inhibition. Clin Cancer Res; 19(5); 1106–15. ©2012 AACR.
Primary Care Provider Receipt of Cardiac Rehabilitation Discharge Summaries
Authors: Polyzotis Peter A. , Suskin Neville , Unsworth Karen , Reid Robert D. , Jamnik Veronica , Parsons Cynthia , Grace Sherry L.
Published: January 2013

Background—

Communication between cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and primary care providers (PCPs) is paramount to promoting long-term risk reduction after the completion of CR. The objectives of this study were to investigate receipt of CR discharge summaries by PCPs, as well as timing, and satisfaction with and perceptions of CR summaries.

Methods and Results—

Five hundred seventy-seven eligible PCPs of consenting enrollees from 8 regional or urban Ontario CR programs were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Discharge summaries were tracked from the CR program to the PCP’s office. PCPs who received a summary were mailed a survey assessing their perceptions of the summaries. Of the 138 (24.0%) eligible consenting PCPs, 71 (51.5%) received CR discharge summary, of whom 64 (90.1%) completed the survey. All PCPs desired to receive discharge summaries, with most wanting it transmitted via fax (n=38, 61.3%). Forty-seven (77.1%) PCPs reported they had or will use information in the summary for patient care. PCPs who did not receive the discharge summary in advance of their patient’s first post-CR visit (n=7, 10.9%) were significantly less likely to use it in patient care (
P
<0.01). On a 5-point Likert scale, PCPs rated medication (4.65±0.74), patient care plan (4.43±0.87), and clinical status (4.33±0.94) as most important to include in a CR discharge summary. These were not provided in 18.8% (n=12), 4.7% (n=3), and 22.2% (n=14) of summaries, respectively.

Conclusions—

Approximately half of CR discharge summaries reach PCPs, revealing a large gap in continuity of patient care.
Polymeric Nanoparticle PET/MR Imaging Allows Macrophage Detection in Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Majmudar Maulik D. , Yoo Jeongsoo , Keliher Edmund J. , Truelove Jessica J. , Iwamoto Yoshiko , Sena Brena , Dutta Partha , Borodovsky Anna , Fitzgerald Kevin , Di Carli Marcelo F. , Libby Peter , Anderson Daniel G. , Swirski Filip K. , Weissleder Ralph , Nahrendorf Matthias
Published: January 2013

Rationale:

Myeloid cell content in atherosclerotic plaques associates with rupture and thrombosis. Thus, imaging of lesional monocytes and macrophages could serve as a biomarker of disease progression and therapeutic intervention.

Objective:

To noninvasively assess plaque inflammation with dextran nanoparticle (DNP)-facilitated hybrid positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI).

Methods and Results:

Using clinically approved building blocks, we systematically developed 13-nm polymeric nanoparticles consisting of cross-linked short chain dextrans, which were modified with desferoxamine for zirconium-89 radiolabeling (
89
Zr-DNP) and a near-infrared fluorochrome (VT680) for microscopic and cellular validation. Flow cytometry of cells isolated from excised aortas showed DNP uptake predominantly in monocytes and macrophages (76.7%) and lower signal originating from other leukocytes, such as neutrophils and lymphocytes (11.8% and 0.7%,
P
<0.05 versus monocytes and macrophages). DNP colocalized with the myeloid cell marker CD11b on immunohistochemistry. PET/MRI revealed high uptake of
89
Zr-DNP in the aortic root of apolipoprotein E knock out (ApoE
−/−
) mice (standard uptake value, ApoE
−/−
mice versus wild-type controls, 1.9±0.28 versus 1.3±0.03;
P
<0.05), corroborated by ex vivo scintillation counting and autoradiography. Therapeutic silencing of the monocyte-recruiting receptor C-C chemokine receptor type 2 with short-interfering RNA decreased
89
Zr-DNP plaque signal (
P
<0.05) and inflammatory gene expression (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions:

Hybrid PET/MRI with a 13-nm DNP enables noninvasive assessment of inflammation in experimental atherosclerotic plaques and reports on therapeutic efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapy.
Seasonal Variation in 30-Day Mortality After Stroke
Authors: Lichtman Judith H. , Jones Sara B. , Wang Yun , Leifheit-Limson Erica C. , Goldstein Larry B.
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—

A systematic review found an association between the July start of internships and residencies and higher mortality rates for hospitalized patients, but data related to stroke are limited. We assessed seasonal variations in 30-day risk-adjusted mortality rates (RAMRs) after ischemic stroke by hospital teaching status.

Methods—

The analysis included all fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years with a primary discharge diagnosis of ischemic stroke (
International Classification of Diseases
,
9th revision
, codes 433, 434, and 436) from 1999 to 2006. Hierarchical linear regression models calculated RAMRs, adjusting for patient demographics and comorbidities. Annual data were combined and reconstructed for time series analyses; RAMRs were calculated for each month. Structural models compared monthly seasonal patterns stratified by hospital teaching status.

Results—

Of 2 824 694 ischemic stroke discharges, 51.7% were from teaching hospitals. There were seasonal patterns within each calendar year, with the highest 30-day RAMR in the winter and the lowest in the summer, but with a smaller peak in July. Thirty-day RAMRs decreased from 1999 to 2006, as did seasonal variations within each calendar year. Seasonal patterns were similar for teaching and nonteaching hospitals.

Conclusions—

The 30-day RAMR decreased overall, but seasonal patterns were present, with the highest RAMR in January and a smaller peak in July. Because patterns were similar for teaching and nonteaching hospitals, the July peak cannot be explained by the introduction of new trainees in the beginning of the academic year. The reasons for these seasonal patterns warrant further investigation.
Estimating Measurement Error in Annual Job Earnings: A Comparison of Survey and Administrative Data
Authors: Abowd John M. , Stinson Martha H.
Published: January 2013

We propose a new methodology that does not assume a prior specification of the statistical properties of the measurement errors and treats all sources as noisy measures of some underlying true value. The unobservable true value can be represented as a weighted average of all available measures, using weights that must be specified a priori unless there has been a truth audit. The Census Bureau's Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) survey jobs are linked to Social Security Administration earnings data, creating two potential annual earnings observations. The reliability statistics for both sources are quite similar except for cases where the SIPP used imputations for some missing monthly earnings reports.
The Effects of World War II on Economic and Health Outcomes across Europe
Authors: Kesternich Iris , Siflinger Bettina , Smith James P. , Winter Joachim K.
Published: January 2013

We investigate long-run effects of World War II on socioeconomic status and health of older individuals in Europe. We analyze data from SHARELIFE, a retrospective survey conducted as part of SHARE in Europe in 2009. SHARELIFE provides detailed data on events in childhood during and after the war for over 20,000 individuals in thirteen European countries. We construct several measures of war exposure: experience of dispossession, persecution, combat in local areas, and hunger periods. Exposure to war and, more important, to individual-level shocks caused by the war significantly predicts economic and health outcomes at older ages.
Metaphors of Closeness: Reflections on Homoiôsis Theôi in Ancient Philosophy and Beyond
Authors: Jedan Christoph
Published: January 2013

Abstract

It is often assumed that a single, diachronically persistent motif of imitating god can be identified in Ancient philosophy and early Christianity. The present article takes issue with this assumption and seeks to establish the conceptual framework for a more sophisticated discussion of homoiôsis. The article identifies eight crucial junctures at which homoiôsis stories can diverge. For all the variance of homoiôsis narratives, the category of imitation of the divine remains a useful analytical tool. The article supports this claim by a comparison of Platonic and Stoic narratives of homoiôsis. It established their distinctness and shows how the rhetoric of imitating the divine offers important linguistic markers that allow us to trace the transgressive potential of (ancient) theologies.
Mothers, Sons and Lovers: Fidelity and Frugality in the Overseas Chinese Divided Family Before 1949
Authors: Szonyi Michael
Published: January 2013

The predominance of men, including married men, among Overseas Chinese emigrants gave rise to a distinctive family structure, in which the male emigrant lived apart from his wife and other family members who remained back home in China. This article considers two very different bodies of evidence, archives concerning Overseas Chinese efforts to recover property lost during World War II and magazines and newspapers published for Overseas Chinese in North America and Southeast Asia, in order to discuss tensions within the Overseas Chinese divided family in the early twentieth century. Family members who remained in China came to play important roles in the management of the family estate, including remittance-funded investments. Heightened anxiety about female sexuality and the trustworthiness of family members in general reflected the concern of absent Overseas Chinese men that their family members back home might make decisions about family management that were different than those desired by the migrants themselves.
Diverse and Transnational: Chinese (PRC) Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Yin Xia-Huang
Published: January 2013

This article studies characteristics of recent immigrants from China (PRC) in the United States, especially their socioeconomic status and networking with their native land. The unprecedented, large-scale, and highly diversified immigration from China to the U.S. since the late 1970s has not only turned the Chinese into the second largest immigrant group in American society, but has also created new opportunities for interpretation of the Chinese diasporic experience. By examining the socioeconomic diversity among PRC immigrants in their American life and the extensive networks they have established across the Pacific, the article shows how class, ethnicity, and transnationality work at cross purposes in the Chinese American experience and sheds light on the new dynamics in overseas Chinese communities in this rapidly changing era.
Qiaojuan Politics: Government Policies toward the Left-Behind Family Members of Chinese Overseas, 1880s-1990s
Authors: Shen Huifen
Published: January 2013

Since the late 19th century, the emigration of Chinese has left large numbers of their family members (Qiaojuan) behind in China. These “left-behind relatives” were seen as a channel through which the government could influence the attitudes and behaviors of the Chinese overseas especially in relation to overseas remittances to families remaining in China; the Qiaojuan thus became a group that successive Chinese governments treated with special consideration in their policy-making. Before 1949, some Qiaojuan received favorable treatment and a degree of protection from extortion and theft, and these were extended to the whole group of Qiaojuan regarding their property and legitimate rights in the post-1949 era, with the exception of the period when the “ultra-Left” policy was implemented. Many Qiaojuan actively used their privileged status to pursue their interests through the transnational protection networks. This article examines the changing perceptions of and policies toward the Qiaojuan on the part of various Chinese governments between the 1880s and the 1990s. It demonstrates that the changing socio-political status of the Qiaojuan is contingent upon the government’s perceived importance of the Chinese overseas and the Qiaojuan in an era of rapid national development.
Cantonese Sojourners and Shiwan Ceramic Roof Decoration in Malaysia
Authors: Mui Ma So
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Over the period October 2006-July 2008, the author conducted a detailed survey of five historic buildings in Malaya constructed by 19th-century Chinese immigrants. These buildings feature roof decorations made in and imported from Shiwan 石灣, China, during that period. The decorations include scenes and figurines representing events and characters taken from Cantonese operas, Chinese legends and classical novels. In studying these decorations the author has come across several recurring themes illustrating concepts such as justice, sworn brotherhood, loyalty and courage in the face of adversity, which shed light on the cultural identities and thinking of the Cantonese migrants. In this paper these themes are interpreted against the background of the social and political circumstances in China and Southeast Asia during the period under discussion, showing how an understanding of the concerns of these Chinese migrants of the past can help one to understand contemporary migrant communities worldwide.
China’s Brain Gain?: Attitudes and Future Plans of Overseas Chinese Students in the US
Authors: Kellogg Ryan P.
Published: January 2013

Abstract

The largest group of foreign students currently in the United States comes from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). According to a 1993 UC Berkeley survey (Zweig and Chen 1995), 33% of the Chinese students were planning to eventually return home. However in the past decade this percentage appears to be increasing. This article uses results from surveys conducted in 2001 and 2005 of Chinese students enrolled at American universities to show that the intention to return home after graduation is indeed rising. Based on logistic regression analysis, the cause behind this rise is shown to be largely driven by the economic opportunities back home, although nationalist sentiment driven by the desire to give back to their homeland is also a prominent factor. The impact of 9/11 on US visa and employment policies was shown to have little effect on Chinese students’ post-graduate plans.
Barriers to Social Integration for Chinese Immigrants in Canada, Then and Now: A Comparison
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Zong Li , Li Hui
Published: January 2013

Abstract

The history of Chinese immigration to Canada can be traced back to more than 150 years. Despite different historical contexts, early Chinese immigrants before/during World War II and recent Chinese immigrants after World War II, especially those since 1960s, have both encountered barriers in the process of social integration in the host country. Using the social exclusion theory, this paper challenges the traditional one-way approach to social integration — which focuses on the immigrants’ personal efforts in adapting to a new social environment — and instead, advocates a two-way approach to analyze Chinese immigrants’ social integration into the host country in the early and more recent times. By making comparisons between them in different social contexts, it is found that the difficulties in social integration are attributable to both the individual and structural barriers rather than personal insufficiency alone. Moreover, despite different manifestations at different times, the nature of and reasons for social exclusion remain the same. The underlying reason for domination-subordination relationship between the excluder and the excluded in different times is attributable to the self interests of the excluders.
Revision and phylogeny of the Oriental hoverfly genus Korinchia Edwards (Diptera: Syrphidae)
Authors: van Steenis Jeroen , Hippa Heikki
Published: January 2013

The oriental genus Korinchia Edwards, 1919 is revised. The phylogeny and status of the genus is discussed. It is concluded that the Pterallastes group of genera (Korinchia, Pterallastes Loew and Palumbia Rondani) is the sister group of Milesia Latreille. The subdivision of the Pterallastes group in two genera (Pterallastes and Palumbia) is rejected and Korinchia is reinstated as valid genus. Nine new species are described: K. citronella from Vietnam, K. demeijerei from Sumatra, K. flavissima from China, K. himalayensis from Nepal and China, K. iuxtacavea from Malaysia, K. kambaitica from Burma, K. lieftincki from Java, K. ocellata from Burma, and K. sanguinea from Thailand. The male of K. robinsoni Edwards and the females of K. apicalis Shiraki and K. tenax (Thompson) are described for the first time. Lectotypes and paralectotypes are designated for K. minor (De Meijere), K. monticola Edwards, and K. simulans (De Meijere). One new synonymy (K. aurata Hervé-Bazin = K. simulans) is proposed. A key and descriptions of all species are given.
Cockroaches (Blattaria) of Ecuador—checklist and history of research
Authors: VIDLIČKA ĽUBOMÍR
Published: January 2013

Cockroaches are an understudied group and the total number of described taxa increases every year. The last checklist of Ecuador species was published in 1926. The main aim of this study was to complete a new checklist of cockroach species recorded in Ecuador supplemented with a research history of cockroaches (Blattaria) on the territory of continental Ecuador. In addition, the checklist contains comments on Ecuadorian faunistic records, including the Galápagos Islands. A total of 114 species (105 in continental Ecuador and 18 in Galápagos Islands) belonging to 6 families and 44 genera are listed. Forty species (38.1 %) occur solely in continental Ecuador and five (27.8 %) are endemic on Galápagos Islands. The results indicate that further research on the cockroach fauna of Ecuador as well as determination of museum collections from this territory is needed
Osornodella gabrielae, n. gen. and n. sp., a new falklandellid (Amphipoda: Gammaridea) from freshwaters of the Chilean Coastal Range
Authors: PÉREZ-SCHULTHEISS JORGE
Published: January 2013

The first species of falklandellid amphipod outside the Falkland Islands: Osornodella gabrielae n. gen., n. sp. is described from freshwaters of subterranean origin in the Coastal Range of Osorno province, Chile. The new taxon is characterized principally by the absence of secondary sexual characters in pereopods 3–4, uropod 3 aequiramous and telson slightly cleft. The new species is described and illustrated and its morphological relationships with other known species of this group are discussed.
Two new genera and three new species of freshwater crabs (Crustacea: Pseudothelphusidae: Potamocarcinini) from Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: VILLALOBOS JOSÉ LUIS , ÁLVAREZ FERNANDO
Published: January 2013

Two new genera, Sylvathelphusa n. gen. and Tzotzilthelphusa n. gen., and three new species, Sylvathelphusa kalebi n. sp., S. cavernicola n. sp. and Tzotzilthelphusa villarosalensis n. sp., of the tribe Potamocarcinini, family Pseudothelphusidae, are described from Chiapas, Mexico. Sylvathelphusa n. gen. is characterized by a male gonopod with the marginal plate between the caudal and mesial surfaces abruptly widening distally and forming a triangular apical projection; and a mesial process as a strong, acute spine forming a 90º angle with respect to the principal axis of the gonopod. Tzotzilthelphusa n. gen. exhibits a male gonopod strongly bent laterally in the distal third, and a mesial surface rounded distally with acute spinules. Sylvathelphusa n. gen. is similar to Potamocarcinus in gonopod morphology, in both straight and with a mesial process developed as strong tooth in a similar shape and position. Tzotzilthelphusa n. gen. is similar to Phrygiopilus in that the gonopods of both genera develop a supra-apical process that is a continuation of the mesial surface. The new taxa come from the Los Altos de Chiapas region and bring the total number of pseudothelphusid genera in Chiapas to 11.
Four new earthworm species of the genus Amynthas (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) from Kinmen, Taiwan
Authors: SHEN HUEI-PING , CHANG CHIH-HAN , LI CHI-LUN , CHIH WEN-JAY , CHEN JIUN-HONG
Published: January 2013

Four new species of terrestrial earthworms belonging to the genus Amynthas were collected on the islands of Kinmen and Lieyu, Taiwan from March to November, 2008. They are Amynthas kinmenensis sp. nov., Amynthas wuhumontis sp. nov., Amynthas wujhouensis sp. nov., and Amynthas taiwumontis sp. nov. Amynthas kinmenensis sp. nov. is quadrithecal and is the most abundant earthworm widely distributed on the main island of Kinmen. It has numerous small genital papillae and is closely related to Amynthas polyglandularis (Tsai, 1964) from northern Taiwan. Amynthas wuhumontis sp. nov. is sexthecal and is distributed only in areas around Mt. Wuhu and Mt. Taiwu in east Kinmen. It has male pores each surrounded by three genital papillae: one anterior, one posterior and one medial. Amynthas wujhouensis sp. nov. and Amynthas taiwumontis sp. nov. are octothecal. The former has a sporadic distribution in Kinmen while the latter was only found in areas around Mt. Taiwu. Amynthas wujhouensis sp. nov. has a pair of large genital papillae closely adjacent to the crescent or semicircular shaped male porophores in XVIII. Amynthas taiwumontis sp. nov. has simple male pore structure and no genital papillae or genital markings. DNA barcodes (the 5’ end sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) from type specimens and other materials of the first three species are also reported.