bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic profiling and fuzzy-logic-based optimization of sensor network platforms
Authors: Lizarraga Adrian , Lysecky Roman , Lysecky Susan , Gordon-Ross Ann
Published: December 2013

The commercialization of sensor-based platforms is facilitating the realization of numerous sensor network applications with diverse application requirements. However, sensor network platforms are becoming increasingly complex to design and optimize due to the multitude of interdependent parameters that must be considered. To further complicate matters, application experts oftentimes are not trained engineers, but rather biologists, teachers, or agriculturists who wish to utilize the sensor-based platforms for various domain-specific tasks. To assist both platform developers and application experts, we present a centralized dynamic profiling and optimization platform for sensor-based systems that enables application experts to rapidly optimize a sensor network for a particular application without requiring extensive knowledge of, and experience with, the underlying physical hardware platform. In this article, we present an optimization framework that allows developers to characterize application requirements through high-level design metrics and fuzzy-logic-based optimization. We further analyze the benefits of utilizing dynamic profiling information to eliminate the guesswork of creating a “good” benchmark, present several reoptimization evaluation algorithms used to detect if re-optimization is necessary, and highlight the benefits of the proposed dynamic optimization framework compared to static optimization alternatives.
Skeletal muscle morphology and contractile function in relation to muscle denervation in diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Allen Matti D. , Major Brendan , Kimpinski Kurt , Doherty Timothy J. , Rice Charles L.
Published: December 2013

The objective of the study was to assess the effects of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) on muscle contractile properties in humans, and how these changes are related to alterations in muscle morphology and denervation. Patients with DPN ( n = 12) were compared with age- and sex-matched controls ( n = 12). Evoked and voluntary contractile properties, including stimulated twitch responses and maximal voluntary contractions, of the dorsiflexor muscles were assessed using an isometric ankle dynamometer. Motor unit number estimates (MUNE) of the tibialis anterior (TA) were performed via quantitative electromyography and decomposition-enhanced spike-triggered averaging. Peak tibialis anterior (TA) cross-sectional area (CSA; cm2), and relative proportion of contractile to noncontractile tissue (%) was determined from magnetic resonance images. Patients with DPN demonstrated decreased strength (−35%) and slower (−45%) dorsiflexion contractile properties for both evoked and voluntary contractions ( P < 0.05). These findings were not accounted for by differences in voluntary activation ( P > 0.05) or antagonist coactivation ( P > 0.05). Additionally, patients with DPN were weaker when strength was normalized to TA total CSA (−30%; P < 0.05) or contractile tissue CSA (−26%; P < 0.05). In the DPN patient group, TA MUNEs were negatively related to both % noncontractile tissue ( P < 0.05; r = 0.72) and twitch half-relaxation time ( P < 0.05; r = 0.60), whereas no relationships were found between these variables in controls ( P > 0.05). We conclude that patients with DPN demonstrated reduced strength and muscle quality as well as contractile slowing. This process may contribute to muscle power loss and functional impairments reported in patients with DPN, beyond the loss of strength commonly observed.
Surfactant before the first inflation at birth improves spatial distribution of ventilation and reduces lung injury in preterm lambs
Authors: Tingay David G. , Wallace Megan J. , Bhatia Risha , Schmölzer Georg M. , Zahra Valerie A. , Dolan Melinda J. , Hooper Stuart B. , Davis Peter G.
Published: December 2013

The interrelationship between the role of surfactant and a sustained inflation (SI) to aid ex utero transition of the preterm lung is unknown. We compared the effect of surfactant administered before and after an initial SI on gas exchange, lung mechanics, spatial distribution of ventilation, and lung injury in preterm lambs. Gestational-age lambs (127 days; 9 per group) received 100 mg/kg of a surfactant (Curosurf) either prior (Surf+SI) or 10 min after birth (SI+Surf). At birth, a 20-s, 35 cmH2O SI was applied, followed by 70 min of positive pressure ventilation. Oxygenation, carbon dioxide removal, respiratory system compliance, end-expiratory thoracic volume (via respiratory inductive plethysmography), and distribution of end-expiratory volume and ventilation (via electrical impedance tomography) were measured throughout. Early markers of lung injury were analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR. During the first 15 min, oxygenation, carbon dioxide removal, and compliance were better in the Surf+SI group (all P < 0.05). End-expiratory volume on completion of the sustained inflation was higher in the Surf+SI group than the SI+Surf group; 11 ± 1 ml/kg vs. 7 ± 1 ml/kg (mean ± SE) ( P = 0.043; t-test), but was not different at later time points. Although neither achieved homogenous aeration, spatial ventilation was more uniform in the Surf+SI group throughout; 50.1 ± 10.9% of total ventilation in the left hemithorax at 70 min vs. 42.6 ± 11.1% in the SI+Surf group. Surf+SI resulted in lower mRNA levels of CYR61 and EGR1 compared with SI+Surf ( P < 0.001, one-way ANOVA). Surfactant status of the fetal preterm lung at birth influences the mechanical and injury response to a sustained inflation and ventilation by changing surface tension of the air/fluid interface.
GPR56 Inhibits Melanoma Growth by Internalizing and Degrading Its Ligand TG2
Authors: Yang Liquan , Friedland Scott , Corson Nancy , Xu Lei
Published: December 2013

Excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) is a hallmark of tumor microenvironment and plays active roles during tumor progression. How this process is regulated and whether it is reversible for cancer treatment are outstanding questions. The adhesion G protein–coupled receptor GPR56 inhibits melanoma growth and binds to tissue transglutaminase (TG2), a major crosslinking enzyme in ECM. To understand the function of TG2 in GPR56-mediated melanoma inhibition, we performed xenograft studies in immunodeficient Tg2−/− mice. Our results revealed an antagonistic relationship between GPR56 and TG2 in melanoma, although TG2 and its crosslinking activity promote melanoma growth, GPR56 antagonizes this effect by internalizing and degrading it. The negative regulation of TG2 by GPR56 associates with the decreased deposition of a major ECM protein, fibronectin, and impaired accumulation of focal adhesion kinase, indicating that the GPR56–TG2 interaction regulates ECM deposition and cell–ECM adhesion. Taken together, our findings establish the roles of TG2 in GPR56-mediated melanoma inhibition. The uncovered antagonistic relationship between GPR56 and TG2 proposes a mechanism by which ECM accumulation/crosslinking in tumors may be reversed, and thus could have therapeutic potential for cancer control and treatment. Cancer Res; 74(4); 1022–31. ©2013 AACR.
High Fidelity Patient-Derived Xenografts for Accelerating Prostate Cancer Discovery and Drug Development
Authors: Lin Dong , Wyatt Alexander W. , Xue Hui , Wang Yuwei , Dong Xin , Haegert Anne , Wu Rebecca , Brahmbhatt Sonal , Mo Fan , Jong Lina , Bell Robert H. , Anderson Shawn , Hurtado-Coll Antonio , Fazli Ladan , Sharma Manju , Beltran Himisha , Rubin Mark , Cox Michael , Gout Peter W. , Morris James , Goldenberg Larry , Volik Stanislav V. , Gleave Martin E. , Collins Colin C. , Wang Yuzhuo
Published: December 2013

Standardized and reproducible preclinical models that recapitulate the dynamics of prostate cancer are urgently needed. We established a bank of transplantable patient-derived prostate cancer xenografts that capture the biologic and molecular heterogeneity currently confounding prognostication and therapy development. Xenografts preserved the histopathology, genome architecture, and global gene expression of donor tumors. Moreover, their aggressiveness matched patient observations, and their response to androgen withdrawal correlated with tumor subtype. The panel includes the first xenografts generated from needle biopsy tissue obtained at diagnosis. This advance was exploited to generate independent xenografts from different sites of a primary site, enabling functional dissection of tumor heterogeneity. Prolonged exposure of adenocarcinoma xenografts to androgen withdrawal led to castration-resistant prostate cancer, including the first-in-field model of complete transdifferentiation into lethal neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Further analysis of this model supports the hypothesis that neuroendocrine prostate cancer can evolve directly from adenocarcinoma via an adaptive response and yielded a set of genes potentially involved in neuroendocrine transdifferentiation. We predict that these next-generation models will be transformative for advancing mechanistic understanding of disease progression, response to therapy, and personalized oncology. Cancer Res; 74(4); 1272–83. ©2013 AACR.
Activation of AR Sensitizes Breast Carcinomas to NVP-BEZ235's Therapeutic Effect Mediated by PTEN and KLLN Upregulation
Authors: Wang Yu , Yu Qi , He Xin , Romigh Todd , Altemus Jessica , Eng Charis
Published: December 2013

NVP-BEZ235 is a newly developed dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, being tested in multiple clinical trials, including breast cancer. NVP-BEZ235 selectively induces cell growth inhibition in a subset, but not all, breast cancer cell lines. However, it remains a challenge to distinguish between sensitive and resistant tumors, particularly in the pretreatment setting. Here, we used ten breast cancer cell lines to compare NVP-BEZ235 sensitivity and in the context of androgen receptor (AR) activation during NVP-BEZ235 treatment. We also used female SCID mice bearing breast tumor xenografts to investigate the beneficial effect of dihydrotestosterone/NVP-BEZ235 combination treatment compared with each alone. We found that AR-positive breast cancer cell lines are much more sensitive to NVP-BEZ235 compared with AR-negative cells, regardless of PTEN or PI3KCA status. Reintroducing AR expression in NVP-BEZ235 nonresponsive AR-negative cells restored the response. DHT/NVP-BEZ235 combination not only resulted in a more significant growth inhibition than either drug alone, but also achieved tumor regression and complete responses for AR+/ER+ tumors. This beneficial effect was mediated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PTEN and KLLN expression. Furthermore, DHT could also reverse NVP-BEZ235–induced side effects such as skin rash and weight loss. Our data suggest that AR expression may be an independent predictive biomarker for response to NVP-BEZ235. AR induction could add benefit during NVP-BEZ235 treatment in patients, especially with AR+/ER+ breast carcinomas. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(2); 517–27. ©2013 AACR.
Stereospecific PARP Trapping by BMN 673 and Comparison with Olaparib and Rucaparib
Authors: Murai Junko , Huang Shar-Yin N. , Renaud Amèlie , Zhang Yiping , Ji Jiuping , Takeda Shunichi , Morris Joel , Teicher Beverly , Doroshow James H. , Pommier Yves
Published: December 2013

Anti-PARP drugs were initially developed as catalytic inhibitors to block the repair of DNA single-strand breaks. We recently reported that several PARP inhibitors have an additional cytotoxic mechanism by trapping PARP–DNA complexes, and that both olaparib and niraparib act as PARP poisons at pharmacologic concentrations. Therefore, we have proposed that PARP inhibitors should be evaluated based both on catalytic PARP inhibition and PARP–DNA trapping. Here, we evaluated the novel PARP inhibitor, BMN 673, and compared its effects on PARP1 and PARP2 with two other clinical PARP inhibitors, olaparib and rucaparib, using biochemical and cellular assays in genetically modified chicken DT40 and human cancer cell lines. Although BMN 673, olaparib, and rucaparib are comparable at inhibiting PARP catalytic activity, BMN 673 is ∼100-fold more potent at trapping PARP–DNA complexes and more cytotoxic as single agent than olaparib, whereas olaparib and rucaparib show similar potencies in trapping PARP–DNA complexes. The high level of resistance of PARP1/2 knockout cells to BMN 673 demonstrates the selectivity of BMN 673 for PARP1/2. Moreover, we show that BMN 673 acts by stereospecific binding to PARP1 as its enantiomer, LT674, is several orders of magnitude less efficient. BMN 673 is also approximately 100-fold more cytotoxic than olaparib and rucaparib in combination with the DNA alkylating agents methyl methane sulfonate (MMS) and temozolomide. Our study demonstrates that BMN 673 is the most potent clinical PARP inhibitor tested to date with the highest efficiency at trapping PARP–DNA complexes. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(2); 433–43. ©2013 AACR.
Frameless Stereotactic Functional Neuronavigation Combined with Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Strategy in Highly Eloquent Located Tumors Causing Epilepsy
Authors: Sommer Bjoern , Grummich Peter , Hamer Hajo , Bluemcke Ingmar , Coras Roland , Buchfelder Michael , Roessler Karl
Published: December 2013

Background: Intractable epilepsy due to tumors located in highly eloquent brain regions is often considered surgically inaccessible because of a high risk of postoperative neurological deterioration. Intraoperative MRI and functional navigation contribute to overcome this problem. Objectives: To retrospectively investigate the long-term results and impact of functional neuronavigation and 1.5-tesla intraoperative MRI on patients who underwent surgery of tumors associated with epilepsy located close to or within eloquent brain areas. Methods: Nineteen patients (9 female, 10 male, mean age 41.4 ± 13.4 years, 11 low-grade and 8 high-grade glial tumors) were evaluated preoperatively using BOLD imaging, diffusion-tensor imaging tractography and magnetoencephalography. Functional data were implemented into neuronavigation in this multimodal approach. Results: In 14 of 19 patients (74%), complete resection was achieved, and in 5 patients significant tumor volume reduction was accomplished. Eight of 14 (57%) complete resections were achieved only by performing an intraoperative image update. Neurological deterioration was found permanently in 2 patients. After a mean follow-up of 43.8 ± 23.8 months, 15 patients (79%) became seizure free (Engel class Ia). Conclusions: Despite the highly eloquent location of tumors causing intractable epilepsy, our multimodal approach led to complete resection in more than two-thirds of patients with an acceptable neurological morbidity and excellent long-term seizure control.
Successful Treatment of Extreme Hyponatremia in an Anuric Patient Using Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis
Authors: Viktorsdottir Olof , Indridason Olafur Skuli , Palsson Runolfur
Published: December 2013

Rapid correction of severe hyponatremia can result in osmotic demyelination syndrome. Patients with severe hyponatremia and renal failure requiring dialysis pose a therapeutic challenge since the use of conventional intermittent hemodialysis will result in a rapid correction of the serum sodium level. We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with extreme hyponatremia and severe acute kidney injury, who was successfully treated with continuous venovenous hemodialysis using a modified dialysate solution with a low sodium concentration that was adjusted on a daily basis.
Prenatal Diagnosis and Management of Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Turner Syndrome
Authors: Gou Chenyu , Gao Yu , Chen Baojiang , Fang Qun
Published: December 2013

Discordance for Turner syndrome in monozygotic (MZ) twins, which is known as heterokaryotypia, is very rare in MZ pregnancies. The combined effect of idiochromosome loss due to an anaphase lag and the relocation of discordant blastomeres may trigger the twinning procedure and discordance of Turner syndrome. We present 2 cases of MZ twins discordant for Turner syndrome that were diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound and cytogenetic studies (one fetus was 45,X and the other 46,XX). Both cases, which involved monochorionic (MC) diamniotic twins, underwent selective feticide and had favorable outcomes for the remaining twin. Ultrasound, amniocentesis of both sacs (dual amniocentesis) and zygosity determination are indispensable in diagnosing heterokaryotypia. Selective feticide is a treatment option in cases of heterokaryotypic MC diamniotic twins, and in our cases, it resulted in favorable outcomes for the remaining twin.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Acute Lung Injury and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Barratt S. , Medford A.R. , Millar A.B.
Published: December 2013

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most severe form of lung injury, characterised by alveolar oedema and vascular permeability, in part due to disruption of the alveolar capillary membrane integrity. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was originally identified as a vascular permeability factor and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury/ARDS. This review describes our current knowledge of VEGF biology and summarises the literature investigating the potential role VEGF may play in normal lung maintenance and in the development of lung injury.
Activin B Promotes Initiation and Development of Hair Follicles in Mice
Authors: Jia Qin , Zhang Min , Kong Yanan , Chen Shixuan , Chen Yinghua , Wang Xueer , Zhang Lei , Lang Weiya , Zhang Lu , Zhang Lin
Published: December 2013

Activin B has been reported to promote the regeneration of hair follicles during wound healing. However, its role in the development and life cycle of hair follicles has not been elucidated. In our study, the effect of activin B on mouse hair follicles of cultured and neonatal mouse skin was investigated. In these models, PBS or activin B (5, 10 or 50 ng/ml) was applied, and hair follicle development was monitored. Hair follicle initiation and development was examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining, alkaline phosphatase activity staining, Oil Red O+ staining, and the detection of TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling cell apoptosis. Activin B was found to efficiently induce the initiation of hair follicles in the skin of both cultured and neonatal mice and to promote the development of hair follicles in neonatal mouse skin. Moreover, activin-B-treated hair follicles were observed to enter the anagen stage from the telogen stage and to remain in the anagen stage. These results demonstrate that activin B promotes the initiation and development of hair follicles in mice.
Cadherin-11 Expression Patterns in Heart Valves Associate with Key Functions during Embryonic Cushion Formation, Valve Maturation and Calcification
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Bowen Caitlin , Lu Gloria , Knapp III Calvin , Recknagel Andrew , Norris Russell A. , Butcher Jonathan T.
Published: December 2013

Proper fibroblast cell migration and differentiation are critical for valve formation and homeostasis, but uncontrolled myofibroblastic activation may precede osteogenic differentiation and calcification. Cadherin-11 (cad-11) is a cell-cell adhesion protein classically expressed at mesenchymal-osteoblast interfaces that participates in mesenchymal differentiation to osteochondral lineages. This suggests cad-11 may have an important role in heart valve development and pathogenesis, but its expression patterns in valves are largely unknown. In this study, we profiled the spatial and temporal expression patterns of cad-11 in embryonic chick and mouse heart development. We determined that cad-11 is expressed in both endocardial and mesenchymal cells of the atrioventricular and outflow tract cushions (pre-HH30/E14), but becomes restricted to the valve endocardial/endothelial cells during late fetal remodeling and throughout postnatal life. We then investigated changes in cad-11 expression in a murine aortic valve disease model (the ApoE-/-). Unlike wild-type mice, cad-11 becomes dramatically re-expressed in the interstitium. Similarly, in calcified human aortic valve leaflets, cad-11 loses endothelial confinement and becomes significantly re-expressed in the valve interstitium. Double labeling identified that 91% of myofibroblastic and 96% of osteoblastic cells in calcified aortic valves were also cad-11 positive. Collectively, our results suggest that cad-11 is important for proper embryonic cushion formation and remodeling, but may also participate in aortic valve pathogenesis if re-expressed in adulthood.
Trends of the Incidence of Ischemic Stroke Thrombolysis over Seven Years and One-Year Outcome: A Population-Based Study in Joinville, Brazil
Authors: Moro Carla H.C. , Gonçalves Anderson R.R. , Longo Alexandre L. , Fonseca Patricia G. , Harger Rodrigo , Gomes Débora B. , Ramos Mariana C. , Estevam Aline L.G. , Fissmer Cristiane S. , Garcia Adriana C. , Nagel Vivian , Cabral Norberto L.
Published: December 2013

Background: In a population-based setting, we aimed to measure the incidence trends of ischemic stroke (IS) thrombolysis, thrombolysis times, proportion of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), 30-day case fatality and functional outcomes. We also compared the 12-month functional status between thrombolyzed and nonthrombolyzed patients. Methods: Using data from the Joinville Population-Based Stroke Registry, we prospectively ascertained a cohort of all thrombolyses done in Joinville citizens, Southern Brazil, from 2005 to 2011. For the definition of sICH we used European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS) II criteria. Results: Over 7 years, 6% (220/3,552) of all IS were thrombolyzed. The thrombolysis incidence increased from 1.4 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.6-2.9] in 2005 to 9.8 (7.3-12.9) per 100,000 population in 2011 (p < 0.0001). The thrombolysis incidence age-adjusted to the world population in 2011 was 11 (8.2-14.3) per 100,000. Only 30% (50/165) were thrombolyzed within 1 h of arrival at hospital. In 7 days, 6.4% (14/220) had sICH and 57% (8/14) of those died. In the 2009-2011 period, a favorable functional outcome [modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0-1] at 12 months among patients who received thrombolysis was more frequent [mRS 0-1; 36% (38/107)] than among patients who did not receive thrombolysis [mRS 0-1; 24% (131/544); p = 0.016]. The logistic regression showed that thrombolyzed IS patients had a more favorable outcome (mRS 0-1; HR 2.13; 95% CI, 1.2-3.7; p < 0.016) than nonthrombolyzed patients. Conclusion: In a population setting of a middle income country, the thrombolysis incidence and outcomes were similar to those of other well-structured services. After 1 year, patients thrombolyzed in the 4.5-hour time window had a better outcome. More than proportions, rates provide additional information and could be used to benchmark services against others.
Adolescent Overweight, Obesity and Chronic Disease-Related Health Practices: Mediation by Body Image
Authors: Farhat Tilda , Iannotti Ronald J. , Caccavale Laura J.
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: To examine whether body image mediates the association between overweight/obesity and chronic disease-related health practices (CDRHP), including lack of physical activity (PA), infrequent breakfast consumption (IBC), screen-based media use (SBM), and smoking. Methods: The 2006 Health Behaviors in School-Age Children survey was administered to a nationally representative sample of US students (n = 8,028) in grades 6-10 (mean age = 14.3 years). Outcome variables included self-reported measures of PA, SBM, IBC, and smoking. Body image was assessed with 5 items from the Body Investment Scale (α = 0.87) asking for agreement/disagreement with statements about one's body. Stratifying on gender, an initial regression model estimated the association between overweight/obesity and CDRHP. Mediation models that included body image were then compared to the initial model to determine the role of body image in the relationship between overweight/obesity and CDRHP. Results: Among boys, body image mediated the relationships of overweight/obesity with SBM, and of obesity with IBC. Among girls, it mediated the relationships of obesity with PA, IBC, and smoking, and of overweight with SBM. Conclusion: As the prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescent boys and girls remains high, efforts to improve their body image could result in less frequent engagement in CDRHP.
Carboxyl Terminus of ADAMTS13 Directly Inhibits Platelet Aggregation and Ultra Large von Willebrand Factor String Formation Under Flow in a Free-Thiol–Dependent Manner
Authors: Bao Jialing , Xiao Juan , Mao Yingying , Zheng X. Long
Published: December 2013

Objective—

ADAMTS13 (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease with Thrombospondin type 1 repeats, 13) cleaves von Willebrand factor (VWF), thereby inhibiting thrombus formation. Proteolytic cleavage relies on the amino-terminal (MDTCS) domains, but the role of the more distal carboxyl-terminal domains of ADAMTS13 is not fully understood. A previous study demonstrated the presence of multiple surface-exposed free sulfhydryls on ADAMTS13 that seemed to interact with those on VWF under shear. Here, we determined the physiological relevance of such an interaction in antithrombotic responses under flow.

Approach and Results—

A microfluidic assay demonstrated that a carboxyl-terminal fragment of ADAMTS13, comprising either 2 to 8 thrombospondin type 1 (TSP1) repeats and CUB domains (T2C) or 5 to 8 Thrombospondin type 1 (TSP1) repeats and CUB domains (T5C), directly inhibited platelet adhesion/aggregation on a collagen surface under arterial shear. In addition, an intravital microscopic imaging analysis showed that the carboxyl-terminal fragment of ADAMTS13 (T2C or T5C) was capable of inhibiting the formation and elongation of platelet-decorated ultra large (UL) VWF strings and the adhesion of platelets/leukocytes on endothelium in mesenteric venules after oxidative injury. The inhibitory activity of T2C and T5C on platelet aggregation and ULVWF string formation were dependent on the presence of their surface free thiols; pretreatment of T2C and T5C or full-length ADAMTS13 with N-ethylmaleimide that reacts with free sulfhydryls abolished or significantly reduced its antithrombotic activity.

Conclusions—

Our results demonstrate for the first time that the carboxyl terminus of ADAMTS13 has direct antithrombotic activity in a free-thiol–dependent manner. The free thiols in the carboxyl-terminal domains of ADAMTS13 may also contribute to the overall antithrombotic function of ADAMTS13 under pathophysiological conditions.
Comparison of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Women With Suspected Coronary Artery Disease From the Clinical Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Coronary Heart Disease (CE-MARC) Trial
Authors: Greenwood John P. , Motwani Manish , Maredia Neil , Brown Julia M. , Everett Colin C. , Nixon Jane , Bijsterveld Petra , Dickinson Catherine J. , Ball Stephen G. , Plein Sven
Published: December 2013

Background—

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in women, and underdiagnosis contributes to the high mortality. This study compared the sex-specific diagnostic performance of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Methods and Results—

A total of 235 women and 393 men with suspected angina underwent CMR, SPECT, and x-ray angiography as part of the Clinical Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Coronary Heart Disease (CE-MARC) study. CMR comprised adenosine stress/rest perfusion, cine imaging, late gadolinium enhancement, and magnetic resonance coronary angiography. Gated adenosine stress/rest SPECT was performed with
99m
Tc-tetrofosmin. For CMR, the sensitivity in women and men was similar (88.7% versus 85.6%;
P
=0.57), as was the specificity (83.5% versus 82.8%;
P
=0.86). For SPECT, the sensitivity was significantly worse in women than in men (50.9% versus 70.8%;
P
=0.007), but the specificities were similar (84.1% versus 81.3%;
P
=0.48). The sensitivity in both the female and male groups was significantly higher with CMR than SPECT (
P
<0.0001 for both), but the specificity was similar (
P
=0.77 and
P
=1.00, respectively). For perfusion-only components, CMR outperformed SPECT in women (area under the curve, 0.90 versus 0.67;
P
<0.0001) and in men (area under the curve, 0.89 versus 0.74;
P
<0.0001). Diagnostic accuracy was similar in both sexes with perfusion CMR (
P
=1.00) but was significantly worse in women with SPECT (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

In both sexes, CMR has greater sensitivity than SPECT. Unlike SPECT, there are no significant sex differences in the diagnostic performance of CMR. These findings, plus an absence of ionizing radiation exposure, mean that CMR should be more widely adopted in women with suspected coronary artery disease.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.controlled-trials.com
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN77246133.
Functional, Anatomical, and Molecular Investigation of the Cardiac Conduction System and Arrhythmogenic Atrioventricular Ring Tissue in the Rat Heart
Authors: Atkinson Andrew J. , Logantha Sunil Jit R. J. , Hao Guoliang , Yanni Joseph , Fedorenko Olga , Sinha Aditi , Gilbert Stephen H. , Benson Alan P. , Buckley David L. , Anderson Robert H. , Boyett Mark R. , Dobrzynski Halina
Published: December 2013

Background

The cardiac conduction system consists of the sinus node, nodal extensions, atrioventricular (
AV
) node, penetrating bundle, bundle branches, and
P
urkinje fibers. Node‐like
AV
ring tissue also exists at the
AV
junctions, and the right and left rings unite at the retroaortic node. The study aims were to (1) construct a 3‐dimensional anatomical model of the
AV
rings and retroaortic node, (2) map electrical activation in the right ring and study its action potential characteristics, and (3) examine gene expression in the right ring and retroaortic node.

Methods and Results

Three‐dimensional reconstruction (based on magnetic resonance imaging, histology, and immunohistochemistry) showed the extent and organization of the specialized tissues (eg, how the
AV
rings form the right and left nodal extensions into the
AV
node). Multiextracellular electrode array and microelectrode mapping of isolated right ring preparations revealed robust spontaneous activity with characteristic diastolic depolarization. Using laser microdissection gene expression measured at the
mRNA
level (using
quantitative PCR
) and protein level (using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting) showed that the right ring and retroaortic node, like the sinus node and
AV
node but, unlike ventricular muscle, had statistically significant higher expression of key transcription factors (including Tbx3, Msx2, and Id2) and ion channels (including HCN4, Ca
v
3.1, Ca
v
3.2, K
v
1.5, SK1, K
ir
3.1, and K
ir
3.4) and lower expression of other key ion channels (Na
v
1.5 and K
ir
2.1).

Conclusions

The
AV
rings and retroaortic node possess gene expression profiles similar to that of the
AV
node. Ion channel expression and electrophysiological recordings show the
AV
rings could act as ectopic pacemakers and a source of atrial tachycardia.
Non-ST–Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy or Carotid Artery Stent Placement
Authors: Khan Amir , Adil Malik M. , Qureshi Adnan I.
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose—

The significance of non-ST–elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) after carotid endarterectomy or carotid angioplasty and stent placement is unknown. We performed this study to identify the frequency of NSTEMI and impact on outcomes related to carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stent placement in patients treated in a large national cohort.

Methods—

We determined the frequency of NSTEMI and associated in-hospital outcomes including mortality and composite of stroke, cardiac events, and mortality using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Survey from 2002 to 2009.

Results—

Of 1 083 688 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stent placement, 11 341 (1%) patients developed NSTEMI during hospitalization. After adjusting for constitutional variables and risk factors, NSTEMI was associated with higher rates of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 8.6; 95% confidence interval, 7.0–10.7;
P
≤0.0001) and composite end point of stroke, cardiac events, and death (odds ratio, 14.6; 95% confidence interval, 13.0–16.5;
P
≤0.0001).

Conclusions—

Our results contradict the notion that NSTEMI is a relatively benign entity after carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stent placement.
Prospective Study of Anxiety and Incident Stroke
Authors: Lambiase Maya J. , Kubzansky Laura D. , Thurston Rebecca C.
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose—

Higher levels of anxiety are associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease. However, few studies have investigated whether anxiety is associated with stroke risk. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between anxiety symptoms and incident stroke in a nationally representative longitudinal study of the US population.

Methods—

Participants (n=6019) in the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were assessed at baseline and followed for 16.29±4.75 years. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals of incident stroke associated with a 1 SD increase in anxiety symptoms. Models were adjusted for standard cardiovascular risk factors and additionally for depression.

Results—

A total of 419 incident stroke cases were identified from hospital/nursing home discharge reports and death certificates. Reporting more anxiety symptoms at baseline was associated with increased risk of incident stroke after adjusting for standard biological and behavioral cardiovascular risk factors (hazard ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.25). Findings persisted when additionally controlling for depression. Exploratory analyses considering the role of potential confounding versus pathway variables suggested that behavioral factors may be a key pathway linking anxiety to stroke risk.

Conclusions—

Higher anxiety symptom levels were associated prospectively with increased risk for incident stroke independent of other risk factors, including depression. Anxiety is a modifiable experience that is highly prevalent among the general population. Its assessment and treatment may contribute to developing more effective preventive and intervention strategies for improving overall cardiovascular health.
Three new species of Proceratophrys Miranda-Ribeiro 1920 from Brazilian Cerrado (Anura, Odontophrynidae)
Authors: BRANDÃO REUBER ALBUQUERQUE , CARAMASCHI ULISSES , VAZ-SILVA WILIAN , CAMPOS LEANDRO AMBRÓSIO
Published: December 2013

Based on the analyses of specimens collected at several areas in the Cerrado domain from Central Brazil and others housed in scientific collections and on specimens collected at the type-locality, herein we describe three new species belonging to the P. cristiceps group: Proceratophrys bagnoi sp. nov., from UHE Serra da Mesa power plant (13°49’47.5”S, 48°19’17”W; 570 m a.s.l.; WGS84 datum), Municipality of Minaçu, State of Goiás; Proceratophrys branti sp. nov., from Jalapão, Municipality of Mateiros (05o15’25”S, 48o12’00”W; 109 m a.s.l.; WGS84 datum), State of Tocantins; and Proceratophrys dibernardoi sp. nov., Municipality of Mineiros (17o33’52”S, 52o33’20”W; 803 m a.s.l.; WGS84 datum), State of Goiás. The diversity of Proceratophrys in Brazilian Cerrado is still underscored and several species will be described in the following years.
First zoeal stage of the partner shrimp Periclimenes paivai Chace, with remarks on the genus Periclimenes O.G. Costa (Caridea, Palaemonidae
Authors: PANTALEÃO JOÃO A.F. , TEROSSI MARIANA , COSTA ROGÉRIO C. , MANTELATTO FERNANDO L.
Published: December 2013

The morphology of the first zoeal stage of Periclimenes paivai Chace is described and illustrated for the first time. Larvae were obtained from three females with embryos, caught in the type locality (Cananéia, São Paulo state, Brazil). The morphological characters are detailed and compared with all previous descriptions of larvae in the genus (P. amethysteus, P. brevicarpalis, P. diversipes, P. pandionis, P. sagittifer and P. soror). The zoeae I of Periclimenes species are very similar, but P. paivai can be separated from the other six species by means of five characteristics: 8 plumose setae on the inner margin of the antennal scale, one spine on the endopod of the maxillule, one cuspidate seta on the basal endite of the maxilulle, one plumose seta on the single coxal endite of the maxilla, and one plumose seta on the endopod of the maxilla. Remarks from a comparative analysis of available descriptions of the genus are furnished.
Three new species of the tribe Meconematini (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from Taiwan
Authors: LIN CHANGYAN , CUI DU XI , MING SHI FU
Published: December 2013

The paper reported three new species from Taiwan, i.e. Xizicus (Eoxizicus) taiwanensis sp. nov., Xizicus (Axizicus) falcata sp. nov. and Decma (Decma) brachyptera sp. nov., supplied the descriptions and illustrations.
Two new species of Dryophthorinae in the genera Metamasius and Melchus from the Lesser Antilles (Coleoptera: urculionidae)
Authors: ANDERSON ROBERT S.
Published: December 2013

Metamasius planatus and Melchus jessae, are described and illustrated from the Lesser Antilles islands of Dominica and St. Lucia.  Metamasius planatus (Dominica) is distinguished by a relatively flat profile and presence of dense, very fine, golden micropilosity covering most of the dorsal surface.  Melchus jessae (Dominica and St. Lucia) is the sixth species known in the genus and is distinguished by the cylindrical rostrum (not laterally compressed apically).  Information on natural history for both species is limited: some Metamasius planatus and one Melchus jessae were collected in bases of Euterpe globosa fronds. A revised key to genera of Neotropical Litosomini is presented.
Moisture Sources of Semiarid Grassland in China Using the Lagrangian Particle Model FLEXPART
Authors: Sun Bo , Wang Huijun
Published: December 2013

In this study, a Lagrangian particle dispersion model, Flexible Particle (FLEXPART), is employed to simulate the trajectories of global air parcels during 2000–09 with the purpose of revealing the moisture sources of the semiarid grasslands of China, especially on precipitation days. Based on land-cover and precipitation data, two areas of semiarid grasslands are identified: one in North China and one in the Tibetan Plateau. Using the FLEXPART simulation results, air parcels reaching these two target regions are traced back for 10 days to examine their temporal variations in position (longitude, latitude, and altitude) and specific humidity. The moisture sources of these semiarid grasslands are discussed for different precipitation categories. Moreover, the contributions of different moisture sources to the precipitation in the target regions are computed and compared. The results indicate that the moisture released in the target regions is substantially from the Eurasian continent, in both summer and winter. During May–September, the southern and eastern adjacent land areas seem to be the main moisture sources of rainfall in the grasslands of North China, while the Eurasian continent on the north and west tends to be the predominant contributor to the rainfall over the grasslands of the eastern Tibetan Plateau. During October–April, moistures released in both target regions principally originate from the Eurasian continent on the north and west. Overall, although the moisture uptake over oceanic sources is also considerable, most released moisture over the target regions is from the Eurasian continent throughout the year, while little of the contribution of oceanic sources is due to great loss of moisture en route.
Does Immigration Undermine Public Support for Social Policy?
Authors: Brady David , Finnigan Ryan
Published: December 2013

There has been great interest in the relationship between immigration and the welfare state in recent years, and particularly since Alesina and Glaeser’s (2004) influential work. Following literatures on solidarity and fractionalization, race in the U.S. welfare state, and anti-immigrant sentiments, many contend that immigration undermines public support for social policy. This study analyzes three measures of immigration and six welfare attitudes using 1996 and 2006 International Social Survey Program (ISSP) data for 17 affluent democracies. Based on multi-level and two-way fixed-effects models, our results mostly fail to support the generic hypothesis that immigration undermines public support for social policy. The percent foreign born, net migration, and the 10-year change in the percent foreign born all fail to have robust significant negative effects on welfare attitudes. There is evidence that the percent foreign born significantly undermines the welfare attitude that government “should provide a job for everyone who wants one.” However, there is more robust evidence that net migration and change in percent foreign born have positive effects on welfare attitudes. We conclude that the compensation and chauvinism hypotheses provide greater potential for future research, and we critically consider other ways immigration could undermine the welfare state. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that factors other than immigration are far more important for public support of social policy.
Unmasking the Conflicting Trends in Job Tenure by Gender in the United States, 1983–2008
Authors: Hollister Matissa N. , Smith Kristin E.
Published: December 2013

Americans are convinced that employment stability has declined in recent decades, but previous research on this question has led to mixed conclusions. A key challenge is that trends for men and women are in opposite directions and appear to cancel each other out. We clarify this situation by examining trends in employer tenure by sex, marital status, and parental status. We find that married mothers are behind the increase in women’s job tenure, but men and never-married women have seen declines in tenure. Furthermore, we show that the timing of tenure trends for women parallels periods of increased labor force attachment. Finally, we find that shifts in industry and occupation composition can account for the decline in tenure among men and never-married women before 1996 but not afterward. We situate these diverging trends in two broad shifts in expectations, norms, and behaviors in the labor market: the end-of-work discourse and the revolution in women’s identification with paid work. Our findings support the view that job tenure is declining for all groups, but women’s greater labor force attachment, especially their more continuous employment around childbirth, countered and masked this trend.
Local Ethnic Composition and Natives’ and Immigrants’ Geographic Mobility in France, 1982–1999
Authors: Rathelot Roland , Safi Mirna
Published: December 2013

This article provides empirical results on patterns of native and immigrant geographic mobility in France. Using longitudinal data, we measure mobility from one French municipality (commune) to another over time and estimate the effect of the initial municipality’s ethnic composition on the probability of moving out. These data allow us to use panel techniques to correct for biases related to selection based on geographic and individual unobservables. Our findings tend to discredit the hypothesis of a “white flight” pattern in residential mobility dynamics in France. Some evidence does show ethnic avoidance mechanisms in natives’ relocating. We also find a strong negative and highly robust effect of co-ethnics’ presence on immigrants’ geographic mobility.
Why Status Matters for Inequality
Authors: Ridgeway Cecilia L.
Published: December 2013

To understand the mechanisms behind social inequality, this address argues that we need to more thoroughly incorporate the effects of status—inequality based on differences in esteem and respect—alongside those based on resources and power. As a micro motive for behavior, status is as significant as money and power. At a macro level, status stabilizes resource and power inequality by transforming it into cultural status beliefs about group differences regarding who is “better” (esteemed and competent). But cultural status beliefs about which groups are “better” constitute group differences as independent dimensions of inequality that generate material advantages due to group membership itself. Acting through micro-level social relations in workplaces, schools, and elsewhere, status beliefs bias evaluations of competence and suitability for authority, bias associational preferences, and evoke resistance to status challenges from low-status group members. These effects accumulate to direct members of higher status groups toward positions of resources and power while holding back lower status group members. Through these processes, status writes group differences such as gender, race, and class-based life style into organizational structures of resources and power, creating durable inequality. Status is thus a central mechanism behind durable patterns of inequality based on social differences.
Clinical Predictors of Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia Who have Undergone Endovascular Therapy
Authors: Chang Shang-Hung , Tsai Yueh-Ju , Chou Hsin-Hua , Wu Tien-Yu , Hsieh Chien-An , Cheng Shih-Tsung , Huang Hsuan-Li
Published: December 2013

Clinical predictors of long-term outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) treated with endovascular therapy (EVT) remain unclear. In this study, clinical predictors of long-term outcomes in EVT-treated patients with CLI were investigated. In this prospective, observational study, we analyzed a total of 253 Taiwanese patients with CLI with 314 limbs who underwent EVT between 2005 and 2012. Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios of death, limb loss, and sustained clinical success (SCS). Multivariate analysis showed that age, atrial fibrillation (AF), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and albumin were significant predictors of mortality. Patients with coronary artery disease and low albumin levels had a significant risk of major limb amputation, while AF, ESRD, and albumin were significant, independent predictors of SCS. In addition to previously reported predictors, we showed that AF and malnutrition can be used to predict long-term outcome in EVT-treated patients with CLI.
Similar Students, Different Choices
Authors: Fleming David J. , Cowen Joshua M. , Witte John F. , Wolf Patrick J.
Published: December 2013

We examine what factors predict why some parents enroll their children in voucher schools while other parents with similar types of children and from similar neighborhoods do not. Furthermore, we investigate how aware parents are of their educational options, where they get their information, and what school characteristics they deem the most important. To answer these questions, we analyze the school choice patterns in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program. Using survey data, we compare responses from a representative sample of voucher parents and a matched sample of public school parents. While public school parents have higher incomes than voucher parents do, voucher parents have more years of education on average. We find that parents in both sectors rely heavily on their social networks to gain information about school options. Finally, we conclude that religion plays an important role in explaining why some parents use vouchers while others do not.