bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEUTRINO MASS BOUNDS
Authors: KEUM YONG-YEON
Published: July 2011

We investigate the way how the total mass sum of neutrinos can be constrained from the neutrinoless double beta decay and cosmological probes with cosmic microwave background (WMAP 3-year results), large scale structures including 2dFGRS and SDSS data sets. First we discuss, in brief, on the current status of neutrino mass bounds from neutrino beta decays and cosmic constrain within the flat ΛCMD model. In addition, we explore the interacting neutrino dark-energy model, where the evolution of neutrino masses is determined by quintessence scalar filed, which is responsable for cosmic acceleration today. Assuming the flatness of the universe, the constraint we can derive from the current observation is ∑ mν < 0.87 eV at the 95 % confidence level, which is consistent with ∑ mν < 0.68 eV in the flat ΛCDM model. Finally we discuss the future prospect of the neutrino mass bound with weak-lensing effects.
MAGNEOWAVE INDUCED PLASMA WAKEFIELD ACCELERATION AS A MECHANISM FOR UHECR
Authors: CHANG FENG-YIN , CHEN PISIN , LIN GUEY-LIN , NOBLE ROBERT , SYDORA RICHARD
Published: July 2011

Magnetowave induced plasma wakefield acceleration (MPWA) in a relativistic astrophysical outflow has been proposed as a viable mechanism for the acceleration of cosmic particles to ultra high energies. In this paper we present the relativistic MPWA theory and confirm such a concept via the plasma simulation. Invoking Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) as the site, we show that MPWA production of ultra high energy cosmic rays (UHECR) beyond ZeV (1021 eV) is possible.
COSMOGENIC TAU NEUTRINO INDUCED RADIO EMISSION
Authors: LAI KWANG-CHANG , LIN GUEY-LIN , LIU TSUNG-CHE , NAM JIWOO , CHEN CHI-CHIN
Published: July 2011

Cosmogenic neutrinos1 are expected from ultrahigh energy cosmic rays undergoing the GZK process2,3 and anticipated to be observed by detection of the air showers from the decays of tau leptons. We use CORSIKA simulated shower structure to Calculate the coherent geosynchrotron radio emissions of the tau decay showers above 1017 eV. We present the pattern and spectrum of the radio waves and discuss their detections by radio antennae.
ONE- AND TWO-STEP PROCESSES ON THE NEUTRINO-NUCLEUS SCATTERING NEAR NUCLEON THRESHOLD REGION
Authors: CHEOUN M. K. , KIM K. S.
Published: July 2011

Neutrino (antineutrino) [Formula: see text] scattering off 12 C is one of key reactions for the ν-process in the nucleosysnthesis of light nuclei, which usually assumes indirect two-step processes within the energy range from a few to tens of MeV. We investigate the direct [Formula: see text] quasi-elastic scattering off 12 C around the energy region liberating one nucleon and evaluate effects of the direct processes in the abundances. The direct processes might be comparable to the indirect processes if the final state interactions between outgoing nucleons and residual nuclei are explicitly taken into account.
COSMOLOGICAL CONSTRAINT ON BRANS-DICKE THEORY
Authors: CHEN XUELEI , WU FENGQUAN
Published: July 2011

We develop the covariant formalism of the cosmological perturbation theory for the Brans-Dicke gravity, and use it to calculate the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy and large scale structure (LSS) power spectrum. We introduce a new parameter ζ which is related to the Brans-Dicke parameter ζ = ln (1/ω + 1), and use the Markov-Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method to explore the parameter space. Using the latest CMB data published by WMAP, ACBAR, CBI, Boomerang teams, and the LSS data from the SDSS survey DR4, we find that the the 2σ (95.5%) bound on ζ is about |ζ| > 10-2, or |ω| > 102, the precise limit depends somewhat on the prior used.
NON-GAUSSIANITY FROM THE BISPECTRUM IN GENERAL MULTIPLE FIELD INFLATION
Authors: MIZUNO SHUNTARO , ARROJA FREDERICO , KOYAMA KAZUYA
Published: July 2011

We study the non-gaussianity from the bispectrum in multi-field inflation models with a general kinetic term. The models include the multi-field K-inflation and the multi-field Dirac-Born-Infeld (DBI) inflation as special cases. We derive the three-point function for the curvature perturbation which depends on both adiabatic and entropy perturbations, in the small sound speed limit and at leading order in the slow-roll expansion. The contribution from the entropy perturbations has a different momentum dependence if the sound speed for the entropy perturbations is different from the adiabatic one, which provides a possibility to distinguish the multi-field models from single field models.
TUNNELING TRANSITIONS IN DE SITTER SPACETIME
Authors: LEE BUM-HOON , LEE WONWOO
Published: July 2011

We study tunneling transitions in de Sitter space. The self-gravitating scalar field with O(4) symmetry is taken into account. In this consideration the inherent property of Euclidean de Sitter geometry plays an important role in vacuum tunneling transitions. We extend Parke's results to other classes of true vacuum bubbles, false vacuum bubbles, and degenerate cases. We mention that the pair creation of black holes can be possible in the background of bubble solutions. This article is prepared for the proceedings of International Symposium on Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics(CosPA2008) in Korea, Oct 2008.
GROWTH INDEX AND MODIFIED GRAVITY
Authors: GONG YUNGUI
Published: July 2011

The growth rate of matter perturbation and the expansion rate of the Universe can be used to distinguish modified gravity and dark energy models. Remarkably, the growth rate can be approximated as Ωγ. We discuss the dependence of the growth index γ on the dimensionless matter energy density Ω for a more accurate approximation of the growth factor. The observational data are used to fit different models. The data strongly disfavor the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati model. For the ΛCDM model, we find that [Formula: see text]. For the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati model, we find that [Formula: see text].
CONSTRAINING DARK MATTER ANNIHILATION WITH NEUTRINOS AND GAMMA RAYS
Authors: BELL NICOLE F.
Published: July 2011

We examine dark matter annihilation in galaxy halos. By considering annihilation into all Standard Model particles we show that the least detectable final states, namely neutrinos, define a strong general upper bound on the total cross section. This limit is much stronger than the unitarity bound in the most interesting mass range and implies annihilation cannot significantly modify dark matter halo density profiles. We also calculate conservative upper limits on the self-annihilation cross section to monoenergetic gamma rays over a wide range of dark matter masses, using gamma-ray data from the Milky Way, Andromeda (M31), and the cosmic background. We compare gamma-ray-based and neutrino-based upper limits on the total cross section.
CONSTRAINTS ON SCALAR DARK MATTER FROM DIRECT EXPERIMENTAL SEARCHES
Authors: HE XIAO-GANG , LI TONG , LI XUE-QIAN , TANDEAN JUSAK , TSAI HO-CHIN
Published: July 2011

The standard model (SM) plus a real gauge-singlet scalar field dubbed darkon (SM+D) is the simplest model possessing a weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) dark-matter candidate. The upper limits for the WIMP-nucleon elastic cross-section as a function of WIMP mass from the recent XENON10 and CDMS II experiments rule out darkon mass ranges from 10 to (50, 70, 75) GeV for Higgs-boson masses of (120, 200, 350) GeV, respectively. This may exclude the possibility of the darkon providing an explanation for the gamma-ray excess observed in the EGRET data. We show that by extending the SM+D to a two-Higgs-doublet model plus a darkon the experimental constraints on the WIMP-nucleon interactions can be circumvented due to suppression occurring at some values of the product tan α tan β, with α being the neutral-Higgs mixing angle and tan β the ratio of vacuum expectation values of the Higgs doublets. We also comment on the implication of the darkon model for Higgs searches at the LHC.
DARK ENERGY AND EMERGENT SPACETIME
Authors: YANG HYUN SEOK
Published: July 2011

A natural geometric framework of noncommutative spacetime is symplectic geometry rather than Riemannian geometry. The Darboux theorem in symplectic geometry then admits a novel form of the equivalence principle such that the electromagnetism in noncommutative spacetime can be regarded as a theory of gravity. Remarkably the emergent gravity reveals a noble picture about the origin of spacetime, dubbed as emergent spacetime, which is radically different from any previous physical theory all of which describe what happens in a given spacetime. In particular, the emergent gravity naturally explains the dynamical origin of flat spacetime, which is absent in Einstein gravity: A flat spacetime is not free gratis but a result of Planck energy condensation in a vacuum. This emergent spacetime picture, if it is correct anyway, turns out to be essential to resolve the cosmological constant problem, to understand the nature of dark energy and to explain why gravity is so weak compared to other forces.
QUANTUM REMNANT AS DARK ENERGY AND DARK MATTER
Authors: KIM SANG PYO , KOH SEOKTAE
Published: July 2011

We study the quantum remnant of a scalar field protected by the uncertainty principle. The quantum remnant that survived the later stage of evolution of the universe may provide dark energy and dark matter depending on the potential. Though the quantum remnant shares some useful property of complex scalar field (spintessence) dark energy model, quantum fluctuations are still unstable to the linear perturbations for V ~ ϕq with q < 1 as in the spintessence model.
PAIR PRODUCTION DENSITY IN STRONG QED
Authors: KIM SANG PYO , LEE HYUN KYU , YOON YONGSUNG
Published: July 2011

The current status of the research on pair production in strong QED is briefly reviewed not only for strong electric fields but also for strong magnetic fields in magnetically dominated astrophysical environment. A particular attention is paid to the spectral production number in the in- and out-state formalism and a possible prescription of the momentum integration is proposed to obtain the production density.
REVIEWS AND PERSPECTIVES ON BLACK HOLE COMPLEMENTARITY
Authors: YEOM DONG-HAN
Published: July 2011

If black hole complementarity is the correct idea to resolve the information loss problem, it should apply to general black holes. We suggest two models: Frolov, Markov, and Mukhanov's regular black hole and a charged black hole. These models can work as counterexamples to black hole complementarity. It has been mentioned that a large number of massless fields is an important condition to justify these models. The invalidity of this principle may imply that the holographic principle must be re-interpreted; the information loss problem, as well, should be re-considered.
Melatonin exerts by an autocrine loop antiproliferative effects in cholangiocarcinoma; its synthesis is reduced favoring cholangiocarcinoma growth
Authors: Han Yuyan , DeMorrow Sharon , Invernizzi Pietro , Jing Qing , Glaser Shannon , Renzi Anastasia , Meng Fanyin , Venter Julie , Bernuzzi Francesca , White Mellanie , Francis Heather , Lleo Ana , Marzioni Marco , Onori Paolo , Alvaro Domenico , Torzilli Guido , Gaudio Eugenio , Alpini Gianfranco
Published: July 2011

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a devastating biliary cancer. Melatonin is synthesized in the pineal gland and peripheral organs from serotonin by two enzymes, serotonin N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) and acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (ASMT). Cholangiocytes secrete neuroendocrine factors, including serotonin-regulating CCA growth by autocrine mechanisms. Melatonin exerts its effects by interaction with melatonin receptor type 1A/1B (MT1/MT2) receptors. We propose that 1) in CCA, there is decreased expression of AANAT and ASMT and secretion of melatonin, changes that stimulate CCA growth; and 2) in vitro overexpression of AANAT decreases CCA growth. We evaluated the 1) expression of AANAT, ASMT, melatonin, and MT1/MT2 in human nonmalignant and CCA lines and control and CCA biopsy samples; 2) melatonin levels in nonmalignant and CCA lines, and bile and serum from controls and patients with intrahepatic CCA; 3) effect of melatonin on the growth and expression of AANAT/ASMT and MT1/MT2 in CCA lines implanted into nude mice; and 4) effect of AANAT overexpression on the proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of MT1/MT2 in Mz-ChA-1 cells. The expression of AANAT, ASMT, and melatonin decreased, whereas MT1/MT2 expression increased in CCA lines and biopsy samples. Melatonin secretion decreased in the supernatant of CCA lines and bile of CCA patients. Melatonin decreased xenograft CCA tumor growth in nude mice by increased AANAT/ASMT and melatonin, along with reduced MT1/MT2 expression. Overexpression of AANAT in Mz-ChA-1 cells inhibited proliferation and MT1/MT2 expression and increased apoptosis. There is dysregulation of the AANAT/ASMT/melatonin → melatonin receptor axis in CCA, which inhibited melatonin secretion and subsequently enhanced CCA growth.
A continuum of myofibers in adult rabbit extraocular muscle: force, shortening velocity, and patterns of myosin heavy chain colocalization
Authors: McLoon Linda K. , Park Han na , Kim Jong-Hee , Pedrosa-Domellöf Fatima , Thompson LaDora V.
Published: July 2011

Extraocular muscle (EOM) myofibers do not fit the traditional fiber typing classifications normally used in noncranial skeletal muscle, in part, due to the complexity of their individual myofibers. With single skinned myofibers isolated from rectus muscles of normal adult rabbits, force and shortening velocity were determined for 220 fibers. Each fiber was examined for myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform composition by densitometric analysis of electrophoresis gels. Rectus muscle serial sections were examined for coexpression of eight MyHC isoforms. A continuum was seen in single myofiber shortening velocities as well as force generation, both in absolute force (g) and specific tension (kN/m2). Shortening velocity correlated with MyHCIIB, IIA, and I content, the more abundant MyHC isoforms expressed within individual myofibers. Importantly, single fibers with similar or identical shortening velocities expressed significantly different ratios of MyHC isoforms. The vast majority of myofibers in both the orbital and global layers expressed more than one MyHC isoform, with up to six isoforms in single fiber segments. MyHC expression varied significantly and unpredictably along the length of single myofibers. Thus EOM myofibers represent a continuum in their histological and physiological characteristics. This continuum would facilitate fine motor control of eye position, speed, and direction of movement in all positions of gaze and with all types of eye movements—from slow vergence movements to fast saccades. To fully understand how the brain controls eye position and movements, it is critical that this significant EOM myofiber heterogeneity be integrated into hypotheses of oculomotor control.
Mechanics and energetics of myosin molecular motors from nonpregnant human myometrium
Authors: Lecarpentier Edouard R. , Claes Victor A. , Timbely Oumar , Arsalane Abdelilah , Wipff Jacques A. , Hébert Jean-Louis M. , Michel Francine Y. , Lecarpentier Yves C.
Published: July 2011

Mechanical properties of spontaneously contracting isolated nonpregnant human myometrium (NPHM) were investigated throughout the whole continuum of load from zero load up to isometry. This made it possible to assess the three-dimensional tension-velocity-length (T-V-L) relationship characterizing the level of contractility and to determine crossbridge (CB) kinetics of myosin molecular motors. Seventy-seven muscle strips were obtained from hysterectomy in 42 nonpregnant patients. Contraction and relaxation parameters were measured during spontaneous mechanical activity. The isotonic tension-peak velocity (T-V) relationship was hyperbolic in 30 cases and nonhyperbolic in 47 cases. When the T-V relationship was hyperbolic, the Huxley formalism could be used to calculate CB kinetics and CB unitary force. At the whole muscle level and for a given isotonic load level, part of the V-L phase plane showed a common pathway, so that a given instantaneous length corresponded to only one possible instantaneous velocity, independent of time and initial length. At the molecular level, rate constants for CB attachment and detachment were dramatically low, ∼100 times lower than those of striated muscles, and ∼5 to 10 times lower than those of other smooth muscles. The CB unitary force was ∼1.4 ± 0.1 pN. NPHM shared similar basic contractile properties with striated muscles, reflected in the three-dimensional T-V-L relationship characterizing the contractile level. Low CB attachment and detachment rate constants made it possible to generate normal CB unitary force and normal muscle tension in NPHM, even though it contracted extremely slowly compared with other muscles.
Angiopoietin-1 and -2 Exert Antagonistic Functions in Tumor Angiogenesis, yet Both Induce Lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Fagiani Ernesta , Lorentz Pascal , Kopfstein Lucie , Christofori Gerhard
Published: July 2011

Members of the Angiopoietin family regulate various aspects of physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. Although Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) decreases endothelial cell permeability and increases vascular stabilization via recruitment of pericytes and smooth muscle cells to growing blood vessels, Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) mediates angiogenic sprouting and vascular regression. In this study, we used the Rip1Tag2 transgenic mouse model of pancreatic β-cell carcinogenesis to investigate the roles of Ang-1 and Ang-2 in tumor angiogenesis and tumor progression. On their own, transgenic expression of human Ang-1 or Ang-2 in pancreatic β cells caused formation of peri-insular lymphatic vessels in the absence of effects on blood vessel density, islet morphology, or physiology. When crossed to Rip1Tag2 mice, both Ang-1–and Ang-2–expressing β-cell tumors showed increased peritumoral lymphangiogenesis in the absence of metastasis to local lymph nodes or distant organs. There was no alteration in tumor outgrowth, blood vessel density, or vessel maturation in Ang-1–expressing tumors. In contrast, Ang-2–expressing tumors exhibited diminished pericyte recruitment to blood vessels that were dilated, nonfunctional, and highly permeable. These tumors were hemorrhagic, highly infiltrated by leukocytes, and impaired in outgrowth. Together, our findings establish that Ang-2 antagonizes Ang-1 function, leading to excessive vessel sprouting with impaired pericyte recruitment and vessel stabilization. The poor perfusion of immature blood vessels results in retarded tumor growth, defining an important pathophysiologic pathway required for efficient tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 71(17); 5717–27. ©2011 AACR.
Cytological Analysis of Atypical Squamous Epithelial Cells of Undetermined Significance Using the World Wide Web
Authors: Washiya Kiyotada , Abe Ichinosuke , Ambo Junichi , Iwai Muneo , Okusawa Estuko , Asanuma Kyousuke , Watanabe Jun
Published: July 2011

Objective: The low-level consistency of the cytodiagnosis of uterine cervical atypical squamous epithelial cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) employing the Bethesda System has been reported, suggesting the necessity of a wide survey. We presented cases judged as ASC-US on the Web and analyzed the voting results to investigate ASC-US cytologically. Study Design: Cytology samples from 129 patients diagnosed with ASC-US were used. Images of several atypical cells observed in these cases were presented on the Web. The study, based on the voting results, was presented and opinions were exchanged at the meeting of the Japanese Society of Clinical Cytology. Results: The final diagnosis of ASC-US was benign lesions in 76 cases and low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in 44, but no definite diagnosis could be made for the remaining 9. The total number of votes was 17,884 with a 36.5% consistency of cases judged as ASC-US. Benign cases were divided into 6 categories. Four categories not corresponding to the features of koilocytosis and small abnormal keratinized cells were judged as negative for an intraepithelial lesion or malignancy at a high rate. Conclusion: A Web-based survey would be useful which could be viewed at any time and thereby facilitate the sharing of cases to increase consistency.
Evaluation of the Frequency of Micronuclei in Exfoliated Cells from Oral Lesions Previously Identified by Toluidine Blue
Authors: Francielli de Oliveira Pollyanna , Faria Andrade Augusto , Ferreira Malheiros Fernanda , Aparecida de Lacerda Suzie , Aparecida Campos Alessandra , Zaia José Eduardo , de Oliveira Cecchi Andréa
Published: July 2011

Objective: Patients using a removable prosthesis are susceptible to a variety of oral lesions that may progress to cancer. Toluidine blue (TB) staining is used to identify premalignant lesions, but the results are still controversial. Since micronuclei (MN) are a biomarker of genetic instability, the objective of this study was to determine the frequency of MN in white lesions of the oral mucosa and to compare the results with those of the TB test. Study Design: The study included 20 removable prosthesis users with white lesions that were previously classified as toluidine positive or negative. The frequency of MN was evaluated in exfoliated cells from lesions and normal mucosa. Nuclear anomalies were also registered. Results: A significant increase (p < 0.05) in the frequency of MN was observed in exfoliated cells from lesions compared to normal mucosal cells, and no relationship was seen with TB staining. Lifestyle factors or gender did not influence the results. Conclusions: The frequency of MN is a sensitive biomarker and can be used to predict genomic instability in white oral lesions. The MN assay may serve as a good parameter in the battery of tests used to identify high-risk individuals, contributing to the identification of the biological conditions of oral lesions.
The Language- Specific Interdependence of Tonal and Durational Cues in Perceived Rhythmicality
Authors: Cumming Ruth E.
Published: July 2011

This experiment investigated whether fundamental frequency (f0) and duration are interdependent cues for the perceived rhythmicality of sentences, and whether this depends on the native language of listeners. The task required a judgement of which stimulus sentence had the most natural- sounding rhythm. In the stimuli, duration and f0 were manipulated on a certain syllable to test whether a deviant duration results in a less natural- sounding rhythm than a deviant f0 movement, or vice versa. The listeners were native speakers of Swiss German (SG), Swiss French (SFr) or French (Fr). SG and Fr differ from each other in terms of prosodic properties involving f0 and duration; in particular, their rhythms sound different. The results demonstrate that duration and f0 are interdependent cues for perceived rhythmicality, and that the relative significance of a non-deviant duration and a non-deviant f0 excursion in the rhythmicality judgements of listeners depends on their native language. Importantly, these findings have implications for current research on speech rhythm.
Performance of the New INNO-LiPA HPV Extra to Genotype Human Papillomavirus in Cervical Cell Specimens
Authors: Galan-Sanchez Fátima , Hernández-Menendez Maite , De los Rios Hernandez María Angeles , Rodriguez-Iglesias Manuel
Published: July 2011

Objective: It was our aim to compare the INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping Extra (LiPA; Innogenetics) versus the Linear Array test (LA; Roche) in cervical samples. Study Design: One hundred cervical samples were selected, obtained from a cancer prevention center. All samples were human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA positive by Hybrid Capture 2 HPV test and genotyped by LA HPV genotyping test. All data were analyzed using Cohen’s ĸ tests. ĸ values ranged from poor, fair, moderate and good to very good agreement strength. Results: Detection of multiple infection and HPV genotypes per sample was higher by LA than by LiPA (61.5 vs. 52.1 and 2.2 vs. 1.7%, respectively). There were concordant results in 65 samples and compatible results in 33 samples. Only 2 samples were considered as discordant. In 21 samples, additional types were detected by LA, and in 13 samples, additional types were detected by LiPA. Analyzing the ĸ values, we have found very good agreement for 14 genotypes (6, 16, 26, 31, 33, 35, 45, 51, 52, 53, 58, 66, 68 and 70). Conclusions: We considered that the new LiPA is highly comparable with other methods and suitable for clinical and epidemiological studies.
Acute Respiratory Failure due to Unilateral Dorsolateral Bulbar Infarction
Authors: Kumral Emre , Uzunköprü Cihat , Çiftçi Şeyma , Demirci Tenzile
Published: July 2011

Background: Previous clinicopathological studies have reported central hypoventilation alongside unilateral infarcts in the caudal brainstem. As already known, the respiratory centers are located in the medullary and pontine centers. Methods: We sought patients with acute respiratory failure with brainstem involvement proved by MRI from 4,500 patients with first ischemic stroke consecutively admitted to our stroke unit over a period of 7 years. Results: We report six patients with a unilateral dorsolateral medulla oblongata lesion, completely sparing the corticospinal tract, who presented impairments in automatic and voluntary respiratory movements. Topographical analysis showed involvement of the nucleus and tractus solitarius,nucleus ambiguus and retroambiguus,nucleus reticularis medulla oblongata, and nucleus tractus solitarius. Conclusions: Our findings provide insight into the central organization of respiratory control in the dorsolateral medulla oblongata in humans, and the importance of critical respiratory management in these patients.
Vitrectomy Fluidics
Authors: Steel David H.W. , Charles Steve
Published: July 2011

The goal of all vitreous surgery is to perform the desired intraoperative intervention with minimum collateral damage in the most efficient way possible. An understanding of the principles of fluidics is of importance to all vitreoretinal surgeons to achieve these aims. Advances in technology mean that surgeons are being given increasing choice in the settings they are able to select for surgery. Manufacturers are marketing systems with aspiration driven by peristaltic, Venturi and hybrid pumps. Increasingly fast cut rates are offered with optimised, and in some cases surgeon-controlled, duty cycles. Function-specific cutters are becoming available and narrow-gauge instrumentation is evolving to meet surgeon demands with higher achievable flow rates. In parallel with the developments in outflow technology, infusion systems are advancing with lowering flow resistance and intraocular pressure control to improve fluidic stability during surgery. This review discusses the important aspects of fluidic technology so that surgeons can select the optimum machine parameters to carry out safe and effective surgery.
The Surgical Management of Vasoproliferative Tumours
Authors: Smith Jonathan , Steel David
Published: July 2011

Vasoproliferative tumours consist of glial and vascular proliferations, most commonly found in the inferotemporal quadrant. The need for surgery arises when there is diagnostic uncertainty or sight-threatening complications are present. A variety of surgical techniques have been used in the management of vasoproliferative tumours and are discussed in this review.
Retinal Folds following Retinal Detachment Surgery
Authors: Heimann Heinrich , Bopp Silvia
Published: July 2011

Purpose: To review the occurrence of macular retinal folds following retinal detachment surgery. Method: Review of the literature. Results: Macular folds have been reported in up to 3% of cases postoperatively. Risk factors are tamponading gas bubble, large exoplants, detachments with bullous configuration or running through the fovea, and incomplete drainage of subretinal fluid. Preventive measures include correct posturing and avoidance of modifiable risk factors. The natural history is variable. Complete resolution as well as persisting folds with permanent structural damage have been reported. Treatment indications and techniques remain controversial. Very few successful reports of surgical correction have been published to date. Conclusions: Macular folds are a serious but underreported complication of retinal detachment surgery that can be avoided in the majority of cases. Macular folds can be prevented by correct posture and avoiding large exoplants, large tamponade bubbles and incomplete drainage of subretinal fluid.
Three-Dimensional Nuclear Luminance Analysis in Well-Differentiated Adenocarcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Washiya Kiyotada , Kanno Toshiya , Tone Kiyoshi , Kojima Keiko , Kijima Hiroshi , Watanabe Jun
Published: July 2011

Objective: Well-differentiated papillary adenocarcinoma of the lung (G1 cancer cells) is difficult to distinguish from benign bronchial columnar epithelial cells with reactive atypia (benign cells) in many cases because nuclear atypia is mild. We focused on the 3-dimensional presence of nuclei in cell smears. Several images focused on the nucleus were acquired, and the nuclear luminance was measured and analyzed. Study Design: One hundred G1 cancer cells and benign cells (nuclei), respectively, were selected from those on a bronchial brushing preparation for cytology. Images of 41 layers were acquired at 0.25-µm intervals in each cell, and the nuclear luminance was measured (a total of 8,400 images). Results: There were more focus positions in the G1 cancer cell nuclei, showing a 3-dimensional nucleus, compared to benign cells, and the 3-dimensional variation in the coefficient of variation (CV) of nuclear luminance at the focus position was smaller in G1 cancer than in benign cells, showing a significant difference. Conclusion: The G1 cancer cells’ nuclear structure was more 3-dimensional, and the chromatin distribution was homogeneous. The three-dimensional variation in the nuclear luminance CV could be numerically presented, which might be an objective index for cancer diagnosis.
Production of a Catalan-Specific Vowel Contrast by Early Spanish-Catalan Bilinguals
Authors: Simonet Miquel
Published: July 2011

The present study investigates the acoustics (F1 × F2) of Catalan and Spanish mid-back vowels as produced by highly proficient, early Spanish-Catalan bilinguals residing on the island of Majorca, a bilingual speech community. Majorcan Catalan has two phonemic mid-back vowels in stressed positions (/o/ and /c/) while Spanish possesses only one (/o/). Two groups of bilinguals were recruited and asked to produce materials in both languages – one group of Spanishdominant and one of Catalan-dominant speakers. It was first found that Catalan and Spanish /o/ are virtually indistinguishable. Catalan /c/ is lower and more fronted than the other two vowels. Spanish-dominant bilinguals were found to differ from Catalan-dominant ones in that they did not produce the Catalan-specific /o/-/c/ contrast in their speech; that is, they produced a single, merged Catalan mid-back vowel. A within-subjects analysis of first- and second-language mid-back vowels further suggested, for Spanish-dominant bilinguals, that they had developed a separate vowel category to accommodate their single, merged Catalan mid-back vowel; that is, they possessed a two-category mid-back vowel system, i.e. one for their Spanish /o/ and one for their merged Catalan /o/ + /c/. Potential explanations and theoretical implications are discussed.
GSK1614343, a Novel Ghrelin Receptor Antagonist, Produces an Unexpected Increase of Food Intake and Body Weight in Rodents and Dogs
Authors: Costantini Vivian J.A. , Vicentini Elena , Sabbatini Fabio M. , Valerio Enzo , Lepore Stefano , Tessari Michela , Sartori Matteo , Michielin Francesca , Melotto Sergio , Merlo Pich Emilio , Corsi Mauro
Published: July 2011

Ghrelin is a 28-amino-acid polypeptide expressed in the stomach and hypothalamus that stimulates GH secretion, increases food intake (FI) and promotes body weight (BW) gain most likely via activation of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHSR1a). GSK1614343 is a novel selective and potent GHSR antagonist with no partial agonist properties, recently characterized as GH secretion inhibitor by Sabbatini et al. [Chem Med Chem 2010;5:1450–1455]. In the present study, GSK1614343 (10 mg/kg) was not able to antagonize ghrelin-induced food consumption in rat, but unexpectedly stimulated FI and BW gain in both rats and dogs, a profile associated with decreased ghrelin plasma level. Interestingly, GSK1614343 selectively reduced the pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA levels in rat hypothalami chronically treated with the compound. To better understand the observed effects, we administered GSK1614343 (30 mg/kg) to Ghsr null mice and measured body mass components (fat, lean and free fluid) by using a NMR spectrometer. The increases of FI and BW were abolished in Ghsr null mice, while fat and lean masses increased in wild-type mice. Taken together, these results indicate that the orexigenic effect of GSK1614343 is mediated by GHSR1a and that the weight gain could be attributed to the increase of both adiposity and muscle mass, but not to fluid retention. The observed dissociation between effects on GH secretion and effects on FI/BW is inconsistent with a simple hormone-receptor model, suggesting unknown underlying regulations of the ghrelin system whose understanding require further investigation.
Encoding and Decoding Photoperiod in the Mammalian Pars Tuberalis
Authors: Dupré Sandrine M.
Published: July 2011

In mammals, the nocturnal melatonin signal is well established as a key hormonal indicator of seasonal changes in day-length, providing the brain with an internal representation of the external photoperiod. The pars tuberalis (PT) of the pituitary gland is the major site of expression of the G-coupled receptor MT1 in the brain and is considered as the main site of integration of the photoperiodic melatonin signal. Recent studies have revealed how the photoperiodic melatonin signal is encoded and conveyed by the PT to the brain and the pituitary, but much remains to be resolved. The development of new animal models and techniques such as cDNA arrays or high throughput sequencing has recently shed the light onto the regulatory networks that might be involved. This review considers the current understanding of the mechanisms driving photoperiodism in the mammalian PT with a particular focus on the seasonal prolactin secretion.
Effects of Medial Temporal Atrophy and White Matter Hyperintensities on the Cognitive Functions in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Shim Yong S. , Youn Young Chul , Na Duk L. , Kim Seong Yoon , Cheong Hae-Kwan , Moon So Young , Park Kyung Won , Ku Bon D. , Lee Jun-Young , Jeong Jee H. , Kang Heeyoung , Kim Eun-Joo , Lee Jung-Sun , Go Seok Min , Kim Sook Hui , Cha Kyung R. , Seo Sang Won
Published: July 2011

Aims: We conducted this study to investigate the independent association of medial temporal atrophy (MTA) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) with cognitive impairments of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and the interaction between MTA and WMH. Methods: From 13 centers, a total of 216 AD patients were consecutively recruited and their MTA and WMH were visually rated. We evaluated the association of MTA and WMH with the various cognitive domains, and the interaction between MTA and WMH. Results: MTA independently correlated with scores of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating scale (CDR), delayed recalls of the Seoul Verbal Learning Test (SVLT), the Boston Naming Test (BNT), and Word Fluency. WMH independently correlated with MMSE, CDR, Digit Span, and Stroop word reading, but not with delayed recall. There were interactions of WMH and MTA on CDR (p = 0.004), SVLT (p = 0.023), BNT (p = 0.002) and the semantic Word Fluency (p = 0.007). Conclusion: MTA and WMH independently affected cognitive deficits in AD patients, with somewhat different patterns where MTA was associated mostly with memory and language, while WMH were associated with attention and frontal executive functions. This study also showed interactions between MTA and WMH on some cognitive deficits and dementia severity, suggesting that they synergistically contribute to cognitive impairment in AD.
Association Between Left and Right Atrial Remodeling With Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Pulmonary Vein Catheter Ablation in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Akutsu Yasushi , Kaneko Kyouichi , Kodama Yusuke , Suyama Jumpei , Li Hui-Ling , Hamazaki Yuji , Tanno Kaoru , Gokan Takehiko , Kobayashi Youichi
Published: July 2011

Background—

Left atrial (LA) remodeling is a factor in atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after pulmonary vein catheter ablation (CA), but right atrium (RA) remodeling has not been investigated for possible associations to AF recurrence.

Methods and Results—

Using 64-slice multidetector computed tomography, RA and LA volumes were measured 3-dimensionally before CA in 65 patients with initially proven idiopathic paroxysmal AF (mean age, 60±10 years, 81.5% men). The CA procedure was guided by CARTO Merge atrial electroanatomic mapping. Sixteen patients (24.6%) had AF recurrence within the 6-month period after the CA. The recurrence was associated with a large RA volume [odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02 to 1.07,
P
<0.0001], a large LA volume with 1.04 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.06,
P
=0.002], and low LA mean voltage with 1.03 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.05,
P
=0.002]. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, RA and LA volumes remained predictive of AF recurrence. Large atrial volumes (mL) (RA ≥87 or LA ≥99) predicted AF recurrence (sensitivity of RA volume: 81.3% in 13 of 16 patients with AF recurrence; specificity: 75.5% in 37 of 49 patients without AF recurrence; sensitivity of LA volume: 81.3% in 13 of 16 patients with AF recurrence; specificity: 69.4% in 34 of 49 patients without AF recurrence), and the combined estimate of both atrial volumes was incremental and additive prognostic power (sensitivity: 75% in 12 of 16 patients with AF recurrence; specificity: 93.9% in 46 of 49 patients without AF recurrence).

Conclusions—

Both LA and RA remodeling are equally associated with post-CA AF recurrence.
Aortic Aneurysm Generation in Mice With Targeted Deletion of Integrin-Linked Kinase in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Shen Dongxiao , Li Jian , Lepore John J. , Anderson Thomas J.T. , Sinha Sumita , Lin Alexander Y. , Cheng Lan , Cohen Ethan David , Roberts Jesse D. , Dedhar Shoukat , Parmacek Michael S. , Gerszten Robert E.
Published: July 2011

Rationale:

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is located at focal adhesions and links the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the actin cytoskeleton via β1- and β3-integrins. ILK plays a role in the activation of kinases including protein kinase B/Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3β and regulates cell proliferation, motility, and survival.

Objective:

To determine the function of ILK in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in vivo.

Methods and Results:

SM22Cre
+

Ilk
Fl/Fl

conditional mutant mice were generated in which the
Ilk
gene was selectively ablated in SMCs.
SM22Cre
+

Ilk
Fl/Fl

conditional mutant mice survive to birth but die in the perinatal period exhibiting multiple vascular pathologies including aneurysmal dilatation of the aorta and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Defects in morphogenetic development of the aorta were observed as early as E12.5 in

SM22Cre
+
Ilk

Fl/Fl
mutant embryos. By late gestation (E16.5 to 18.5), striking expansion of the thoracic aorta was observed in ILK mutant embryos. Histological analyses revealed that the structural organization of the arterial tunica media is severely disrupted with profound derangements in SMC morphology, cell-cell, and cell-matrix relationships, including disruption of the elastic lamellae. ILK deletion in primary aortic SMCs results in alterations of RhoA/cytoskeletal signaling transduced through aberrant localization of myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-A repressing the transcription and expression of SMC genes, which are required for the maintenance of the contractile SMC phenotype.

Conclusions:

These data identify a molecular pathway linking ILK signaling to the contractile SMC gene program. Activation of this pathway is required for morphogenetic development of the aorta and ductus arteriosus during embryonic and postnatal survival.
β-Myosin Heavy Chain Is Induced by Pressure Overload in a Minor Subpopulation of Smaller Mouse Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: López Javier E. , Myagmar Bat-Erdene , Swigart Philip M. , Montgomery Megan D. , Haynam Stephen , Bigos Marty , Rodrigo Manoj C. , Simpson Paul C.
Published: July 2011

Rationale:

Induction of the fetal hypertrophic marker gene β-myosin heavy chain (β-MyHC) is a signature feature of pressure overload hypertrophy in rodents. β-MyHC is assumed present in all or most enlarged myocytes.

Objective:

To quantify the number and size of myocytes expressing endogenous β-MyHC by a flow cytometry approach.

Methods and Results:

Myocytes were isolated from the left ventricle of male C57BL/6J mice after transverse aortic constriction (TAC), and the fraction of cells expressing endogenous β-MyHC was quantified by flow cytometry on 10 000 to 20 000 myocytes with use of a validated β-MyHC antibody. Side scatter by flow cytometry in the same cells was validated as an index of myocyte size. β-MyHC-positive myocytes constituted 3±1% of myocytes in control hearts (n=12), increasing to 25±10% at 3 days to 6 weeks after TAC (n=24,
P
<0.01). β-MyHC-positive myocytes did not enlarge with TAC and were smaller at all times than myocytes without β-MyHC (≈70% as large,
P
<0.001). β-MyHC-positive myocytes arose by addition of β-MyHC to α-MyHC and had more total MyHC after TAC than did the hypertrophied myocytes that had α-MyHC only. Myocytes positive for β-MyHC were found in discrete regions of the left ventricle in 3 patterns: perivascular, in areas with fibrosis, and in apparently normal myocardium.

Conclusions:

β-MyHC protein is induced by pressure overload in a minor subpopulation of smaller cardiac myocytes. The hypertrophied myocytes after TAC have α-MyHC only. These data challenge the current paradigm of the fetal hypertrophic gene program and identify a new subpopulation of smaller working ventricular myocytes with more myosin.
MicroRNA-23 Restricts Cardiac Valve Formation by Inhibiting
Has2
and Extracellular Hyaluronic Acid Production
Authors: Lagendijk Anne Karine , Goumans Marie Jose , Burkhard Silja Barbara , Bakkers Jeroen
Published: July 2011

Rationale:

Since their discovery almost 20 years ago, microRNAs have been shown to perform essential roles during tissue development and disease. Although roles for microRNAs in the myocardium during embryo development and cardiac disease have been demonstrated, very little is know about their role in the endocardium or during cardiac valve formation.

Objective:

To study the role of microRNAs in cardiac valve formation.

Methods and Results:

We show that zebrafish
dicer
mutant embryos, lacking mature miRNAs, form excessive endocardial cushions. By screening miRNAs expressed in the heart, we found that miR-23 is both necessary and sufficient for restricting the number of endocardial cells that differentiate into endocardial cushion cells. In addition, in mouse endothelial cells, miR-23 inhibited a transforming growth factor-β–induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. By in silico screening of expression data with predicted miR-23 target sites combined with in vivo testing, we identified hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (

Has2)

,

Icat

, and

Tmem2

as novel direct targets of miR-23. Finally, we demonstrate that the upregulation of

Has2

, an extracellular remodeling enzyme required for endocardial cushion and valve formation, is responsible for the excessive endocardial cushion cell differentiation in

dicer

mutants.

Conclusions:

MiR-23 in the embryonic heart is required to restrict endocardial cushion formation by inhibiting

Has2

expression and extracellular hyaluronic acid production.
Exome Sequencing Identifies
SMAD3
Mutations as a Cause of Familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection With Intracranial and Other Arterial Aneurysms
Authors: Regalado Ellen S. , Guo Dong-chuan , Villamizar Carlos , Avidan Nili , Gilchrist Dawna , McGillivray Barbara , Clarke Lorne , Bernier Francois , Santos-Cortez Regie L. , Leal Suzanne M. , Bertoli-Avella Aida M. , Shendure Jay , Rieder Mark J. , Nickerson Deborah A. ,   NHLBI GO Exome Sequencing Project, Milewicz Dianna M.
Published: July 2011

Rationale:

Thoracic aortic aneurysms leading to acute aortic dissections (TAAD) can be inherited in families in an autosomal dominant manner. As part of the spectrum of clinical heterogeneity of familial TAAD, we recently described families with multiple members that had TAAD and intracranial aneurysms or TAAD and intracranial and abdominal aortic aneurysms inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.

Objective:

To identify the causative mutation in a large family with autosomal dominant inheritance of TAAD with intracranial and abdominal aortic aneurysms by performing exome sequencing of 2 distantly related individuals with TAAD and identifying shared rare variants.

Methods and Results:

A novel frame shift mutation, p. N218fs (c.652delA), was identified in the
SMAD3
gene and segregated with the vascular diseases in this family with a logarithm of odds score of 2.52. Sequencing of 181 probands with familial TAAD identified 3 additional
SMAD3
mutations in 4 families, p.R279K (c.836G>A), p.E239K (c.715G>A), and p.A112V (c.235C>T), resulting in a combined logarithm of odds score of 5.21. These 4 mutations were notably absent in 2300 control exomes.
SMAD3
mutations were recently described in patients with aneurysms osteoarthritis syndrome and some of the features of this syndrome were identified in individuals in our cohort, but these features were notably absent in many
SMAD3
mutation carriers.

Conclusions:

SMAD3
mutations are responsible for 2% of familial TAAD. Mutations are found in families with TAAD alone, along with families with TAAD, intracranial aneurysms, abdominal aortic and bilateral iliac aneurysms segregating in an autosomal dominant manner.